It appears that my column has hit a bit of a dry spell. No telling how long this may last, so if you don't want to hear me rant about random things that annoy me or dole out advice about inconsequential nothings, please write me a letter.
In the meantime, I'm guessing that with students' busy schedules, all of our dorm rooms, apartments and homes are suffering just a bit.
I once had a roommate whose floor remained buried under layers of clothes, papers, books and other miscellaneous scary things the entire week of midterms and finals. If you all suffer from a similar predicament then heed these words of advice that follow.
It may be helpful to designate one corner of your room as the "landfill" area. Tape it off, grab a moving box or trash can and just toss all your stuff right in it. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
None of us really have time to vacuum, dust, wash dishes or do laundry. But if we have enough money, we can hire maid and laundry services to do our work for us (that is, unless we're already lucky enough to have Mommy and Daddy paying for the concierge service in the dorms). Have a fundraiser to rake in the dough for these important services.
All it takes is a bikini and a couple "car wash" signs to get the guys in their Hummers to make a donation.
And there's always the corner lemonade-stand idea. Why let all the 5-year-olds rake in the dough? Set up a stand right next to theirs and sell some premium lemonade and cookies that'll knock those kids out of the competition. Selling cupcakes is also a good option. Use the cash to hire some "help."
Living in the desert, there is always the problem of dust. Notice dust on your television? There are these great things called "dust cloths" or "Swiffer wipes." They have these amazing microfibers that just grab onto those little particles of dust and suck em' right off the screen.
Walking around your abode, you may happen upon some piles of dust on the floor, too. Two words: vacuum cleaner, or if you can't afford one, a broom and dustpan will work just fine.
And make sure to also give all your cushions and sheets a good washing. Chances are you'll find yourself a whole meal of crumbs in there.
If the dust outside bothers you, buy a dust blower and have at it. If that excites you, try using canned air for an indoor dust blower effect as well.
With so many things to do, it's almost understandable that we live in pigsties at this point. So if you don't have time to clean the place, at least make sure it smells good.
Air fresheners and candles have come a long way, my friends. It's sort of the domestic equivalent of not showering and layering on the deodorant or cologne. Trust me, your guests will appreciate it.
So, toss a sheet over your mess, light a couple candles, put on some soothing tunes and no one will notice that you are living in your own filth. You may even forget yourself. Use some of that extra lemonade cash to but yourself something nice - like a beer.
- Lisa
Lisa needs your letters or she gets sad, and sad Lisa equals a Lisa that isn't funny. So please, please send Lisa your advice queries to lisa.przystup@asu.edu, and along with advice, we'll give you a big, fat "thank you."
