Theta (for C)

In case you hadn't noticed, I am using the Greek alphabet for my titles. Since "C" and a few other English letters don't match up, I am substituting... And I have no IWSG post this month - too busy with A to Z and too happy meeting new bloggers and learning from current friends. Lots of support! Thanks, you guys!


From the messy countertop of the Lazy Housewife...

Cleaning! I hate cleaning. It is so futile. Everything always gets dirty again. Immediately! And no one says thank you, but if something needs cleaning you sure hear the complaints!

Okay. Rant over. Exactly why I started collecting my tips, efficiency. I hate wasting time, and cleaning seems to be a waste of time. So here are a few TIPS for cleaning:

• lists - I <3 lists! Jot down some chores for the day and fit a few in. Crossing them off is accomplishment!
• get help! - You are not the only mess maker, your family must chip in. I hate nagging, but too bad, kiddos. Work before play - learn it now!
• music makes chores less dreary, crank that ipod!
• keep supplies handy - I have a stash of cleaners, paper towels, wipes, scrubbers, etc under every sink for convenient cleaning
• containers - Shoes in a bin (in garage is good), daily meds in a basket, bills in one drawer, recycling in another, etc. Containing clutter and clearing countertops gives a cleaner appearance.
• dusting - aaachooo! Someone asked about dusting (Gwen?) I love my Swiffer duster. I keep it in my back pocket while I vacuum - dust some stuff, vacuum some stuff, repeat... and for areas that you don't see/clean often (like the top of the fridge) you can put a cloth on it and just wash that once in a while. Sometimes I get really lazy and use the vacuum hose instead of dusting, but be careful! Don't want to suck up anything important! 

Other C TIPS:

• Coffee! a cup a day keeps cancer away, so they say. AND rubbing grounds on your cellulite can smooth it! (temporarily)
• Chocolate! great stress reliever, and dark chocolate has healthy qualities. Just don't overdo it

Editing Tips

Consistency - make a spreadsheet to keep track of names, descriptions, places, etc. also be consistent with phrases, spelling, and terms - this is important especially if you have a series or have created a new world.
Commas - when to use:

• between independent clauses, because you should
• in a series of three, four, or more items, and before the conjunction
• you know, like after an introductory word or phrase
• to set off, wait for it, interruptors
• to set off names, sweetie, or terms of endearment
• to show a, well, a natural pause
• between cute, bright adjectives
• for street, city, and state, in an address, and for the full date, April 3, 2013, yes, that's today! (and that's a lotta commas!)

commonly confused "C" words:
callous (emotionally hardened) / callus (hardened area on skin) / calloused (adjective)
clamor (make a persistent loud demand) / clambor (climb awkwardly)
compliment (praise, congratulation) / complement (complete or make up the whole)
conscience (n. a sense of right and wrong) / conscious (adj. awake, aware, intentional)
contagious (transferred by direct contact) / infectious (transferred indirectly)

Find more A to Z posts here, LOTS more!