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!

Beta

From the messy countertop of the Lazy Housewife...

 

Believe! Faith is the basis of our existence. We have faith the sun will rise in the morning. We have faith time will continue. We have faith our car will get us to where we need to go, usually, faith the bus will get our kids to school, and faith we will be paid for our job - and when something goes wrong, many of us pray for a happy outcome.

The Lazy Housewife has a purpose. Personally, I believe in God as our Father and Jesus His Son. I also believe that all people are inherently good-natured and want what's best all around, but we all have our faults. Without faith, life is random and pointless. I know I risk controversial comments talking about faith, but it's an important part of life - to me, THE most important part of life - so be it.

(Tomorrow I get down and dirty with Cleaning Tips!)

Some B TIPS: 

• Breathe! When you are stressed, stop what you are doing and breathe deeply. It really calms you down.
• Believe in yourself, too. You're stronger than you think you are! And pass it on!
• Blessings - count them. There is always someone worse off than you.

Editing Tips

Began to - another passive phrase. Don't use it. Have your character just do it!
Bold - do not use bold in your MS, period. Emphasize with ALL CAPS or italics.

commonly confused "B" words:
blond (male) / blonde (female)
baited (v. teased, lured) / bated (adj. restrained or held back)
born (v. to have a child) / borne (v. to carry)

Find more A to Z posts here, LOTS more!

Alpha to Omega!

No April Fools today! It's time for the A to Z Blog Challenge - An annual event of international proportions! And happy Arlee Bird day!

For those who did not see my theme revealed during the Big Reveal Hop, here is what I am going for this month: I had two goals in mind when I started this blog...

To improve my writing for publication - which comes to fruition this summer!

and

To pass on my Lazy Housewife advice
Note the irony! (wait, irony? groan)

This year I am going to share what I've learned from both of those areas...

From the messy countertop of the Lazy Housewife...

Attitude! This is a great place to start. The Lazy Housewife is anything buy lazy - she/he does it all and has to wear a smile doing it, right? Well, ever notice when things are running smoothly, whether at home or at work or anywhere, it's quiet. No one jumps for joy when things go as expected. But when something goes wrong, boy, we hear about it then! It's like the Evening News - doom and gloom get all the attention. We need more good news! (thank goodness for Facebook!)

"Chill, dude. It's not that bad."

If we want a more positive society, we have to start with ourselves. And it can be as simple as a smile. Smiles are contagious and it's been medically proven that smiling makes you feel better! If you aren't comfortable, especially depending on what part of the country you live in, (I used to live in Mass and Mich, not a lot of smiling - what happened to cold hands, warm heart?) you will be healthier for it! Give it a try! Think of this picture, or an image that makes you happy. You should get smiles in return (disclaimer, you might also get weird looks, but that's fun too)


Editing Tips

About to, Almost - telling, vague, and passive words. Avoid them. Expand on the event, not what the character almost did.

commonly confused "A" words:
affect (v. to influence) / effect (n. result; less common v. to bring about)
allude (refer to indirectly) / elude (avoid, escape)
assure (state with confidence, promise) / ensure (bring about, guarantee) / insure (provide insurance)