an even number of socks in a load of laundry

[wowenglish1]

I would like to know the meaning of the next sentence.
Now I'd settle for coming out with an even number of socks in a load of laundry.


When I was a little girl, I used to dream I'd be the first woman on the moon.
Then later I thought I might want to make great scientific discoveries.
It's amazing how your goals change over the years.
Now I'd settle for coming out with an even number of socks in a load of laundry.

[birdeen's call]

Socks have the lamentable tendency to get dispaired (is there a more common word for it?) and disappear, which makes coming out with an even number of socks in a load of laundry quite a feat.

The person used to have big ambitions and is now amazed at how it has changed. She'd just be happy if her socks stayed paired -- she does not want to land on the Moon anymore.

[freezeframe]

The above is correct.


I'll just add that socks mysteriously disappearing in washing machines is a common joke, at least in North America. People like to humorously speculate on what happens in the washing machine -- black holes, etc.

[Rover_KE]

I'll just add that socks mysteriously disappearing in washing machines is a common joke, at least in North America.

. . .and everywhere else in the world.

Rover

[birdeen's call]

. . .and everywhere else in the world.

...where they wear socks.

[freezeframe]

...where they wear socks.

... and have washing machines.

[JTRiff]

not taecher

Its just a comment about getting older - lowered expectations - with a bit of a wry twist. )