WHAT the hell Wellington? Why you do this to me?? I am trying to convince the world you're a good egg and then you pull a Summer like this!?
Ranting at the invisible pixies that determine Wellington weather aside, we are TRULY having a horrendous run of weather this year in Wellington. In fact, I am surprised it hasn't been in more of the headlines of the newspaper (seriously Stuff.co.nz - this is real hardcore news).
All jokes aside, it is actually starting to make me feel quite down. I haven't seen the sun for more than half a day in what feels like months. I never believed Seasonal Affective Disorder was a thing but I am convinced of it now. I don't want to exercise because it is always raining. I feel lacking in energy. I just am generally quite pissed.
So what is a girl or guy to do when things in life get out of control? Well, let's be honest we're all going to have to get more used to it with Donald running America, so we might as well sit tight and make a plan, Residents. We are not gonna let this crappy weather beat us. No siree bob.
The trick is when the weather gets better on that half day of Saturday, as predicted by the Metservice, whatever you do - DO NOT SQUANDER IT! As Gandalf said "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us" (except what we change is 'time' for 'vitamin D').
So here are my top 5 tips to make the most of Saturday sunshine which is apparently happening tomorrow:
1. Avoid procrastination & do your sun-reliant chores - STAT!
"Lucy!" I hear you cry "are you on crack? Why would I waste this nice day by doing jobs around the home??" Well, dear reader, the truth is ain't no time like a summers day to DRY THE SH*T OUT OF YOUR LAUNDRY and GET THE GARDENING DONE MUTHERF**KERS. Do not put anything off or procrastinate in the hope there will be another Summers day where you might be able to do it. Unlike death and taxes, it is not guaranteed! You may still have that smelly pile of washing in the spare room 6 months from now because you 'assumed' that the bad weather would pass and you'd have another chance to do the laundry. BUT YOU MAY NOT! YOU MIGHT HAVE TO WEAR THAT JUMPER WITH THE EGG STAIN ON IT FOREVER. SO SORT IT! NOW!
Last Saturday when we had the best day - sunny, still and warm - I got so excited because I did five loads of washing and dried it all - for the first time in months. I nearly cried with joy. You see, I live in a house with no electric clothes-dryer - so sun is essential to keeping on top of things. The fact I knew that the sun was possibly fleeting caused me to 'Make hay while the sun (literally) shines' and get those socks on the line. I would also suggest getting down and planting your veggies. There may not be another chance to get in the garden until November. Don't put it off.
2. Go have brunch outside at lots of different Wellington hot spots, take as many of photos of yourself eating in as many different outfits as you can to future proof your Instagram game 2017
With this crazy weather, I fear the worst. Yes, the rumours are true Wellington: Saturday brunch is under threat. Which means by proxy - the death of epic Instagram content. Should the weather be good this Saturday, this may be the only chance you have to make a good backlog of content for your Instagram game, showing off your joyous #brunch. So why not pack a few outfit changes and try and work in advance? Yes, people may think you are insane if you come out in a different set of clothes each time you go to the toilet. But trust me, you'll have the perfect set of photos to use for the rest of 2017. While others are having to hide their hangovers in bad weather for future brunch selfies, you will have a great brunch photo, ready to use every Saturday with perfect weather and can ACTUALLY stay in bed, listening to the wind outside and watch endless Lisa Eldridge makeup videos on YouTube. WIN!
3. Hit the beach early
This is the time to literally strike while the iron is hot. Run - don't walk - to Oriental Parade and nab yourself a spot on the beach early in the day. If you wait until the afternoon, every man and his dog will be there and they'll be no carparks whatsoever. Last Saturday, I deeply regret not heading onto the beach to get that vitamin D hit ASAP. I underestimated how important it is for me to get a little sunshine. FYI Vitamin D refers to a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc (thank you Wikipedia). Right now, I feel Ricketts coming on. I want to plonk myself on a towel, book in hand, and a small horn I can blast at anyone who gets too close to my spot. Let me soak it all in. You could also try Scorching Bay, Lyall Bay, Days Bay or Island Bay just to mix up the Wellington beach scene.
4. Wear some bright colours
It just doesn't feel right to dress in bright colours unless the weather is bright too. Set aside on Friday evening your brightest best clothes and on Saturday head into town and rock those brights around the shops.
I love wearing block colours like these Topshop Pink Pants (similar here) with my Grass Green Minnie Cooper cardigan with an AS Colour striped Tee and Nike Trainers. It feels fun and fresh - and those clothes finally get some Summer lovin'! Whenever the weather comes out to play, it is worth going mad on colour. MAD, I tell you! You know you'll be wearing blue or black for much of the rest of the year so make the most of it ya'll.
5. Forget work and go and have fun
We all work so hard all year round that a good sunny day, especially when it is rare, should be a welcome reminder that there are some more important things in life than smashing out some documents at work. Sometimes you SHOULD put off what you can do today until tomorrow. Do that family picnic! Go and take the kiddies to the park! Borrow your parent's dog and take it for a walk. When things are scarce we tend to appreciate them more (how annoying is the human condition). There is no point in winding yourself up about your normal routine when you could just go and make the most of today. Most importantly, take advantage of this Summer day to be with family and friends. Like a sunny day, you never can know for sure when they'll be around. So prioritise your relationships and thank Wellington for a lucky sunny day.
Surrealism at Te Papa is where it’s at this winter with these wonderful events…!