Monday, March 1, 2010

Required for 3/8: laudry list

In Louis Erdrich's poem "Advise to myself" the lyrical voice makes a list of things she doesn't want herself to worry about. Re-read the poem. What does she say IS important (may show up on the exam)?

My laundry list of things that I advise myself not to worry about is:
finding kids' socks
trying to keep people with wet shoes from walking in the house with them on
making sure my kids eat 5 to 7 servings of veggies a day (won't happen)
trying to get my daughter to wear her hair in a way I like

What is important: enjoy life--what else am I here for?

What's your laundry list? (Be specific, as is Erdrich, and focus on little things that are not worth worrying about). Write one sentence about what IS important.

49 comments:

  1. My laundry list is to:

    Not care so much about what other people want and focus more on what i want
    Not stress about the small things
    Don't let minor things ruin my day


    It is important to be happy.

    Kelsey Nichols

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  2. My laundry list:
    Don't fret over things you can't change.
    People weren't put on this earth to please me.
    Image isn't everything.
    To not get impatient when there are no washers/dryers available.

    It is important to be true to yourself.

    Courtney Dennis

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  3. What Louis Erdrich does say is important is not not really worry about the small stuff. To let things go, that you normally would not let go. And to care about the things in life that really matter, not all of the things that we spend our time worrying about that really have no affect on the happiness or quality of life that we live.

    My laundry list:
    -to not get upset about other people's messes when I have no control over it
    -to not sweat the small stuff
    -to make a decision based on my own wants/needs instead of always trying to please others

    -Heather Gaulke

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  4. What Louis Erdrich says is important, is to not sweat the small stuff. It is time to let go of things that you may always worry about. you need to focus on the stuff that is really important in life. She thinks you should not worry about stuff you have no contol over.

    my laundry list is:
    =to focus on my happiness
    =not worry about what others think or say about what Iwant to do in life
    =to fix something I may not like about myself instead of complaining
    =and start remembering to be grateful for what I do have because somebody would love to be in my shoes
    (Erica Jones)

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  5. My laundry list:

    To not put much focus into what others think of me.

    Not complain so much about what I don't like about myself but instead fix what I can within me.

    Don't let people's comments about the economy and my major change my mind about what I want to achieve in life.

    Not get mad when I can't match my socks (mismatched socks aren't all that bad)

    Try to not get impatient when waiting in line in the cafeteria (Although I'm hungry)

    Like people stated above me it is imparitive to be true to one's self and be happy in the skin your in!!!

    --Monica Mickel <3

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  6. As stated before by my peers, Erdrich's point of her poem - her advice to herself - is to live. She finds most of the "necessities" of our lives are filled with simple worthless material things. She wants to live a life worth living, not one worrying about if dinner is ready and if the house is clean.


    My Laundry List:

    Hold my head up high, no matter the consequences.
    Never be ashamed of what you are or believe that your past defines you.
    Be strong for yourself and those that you love.
    Eat chocolate, screw the scale.

    What's important in my life, for once, I will say it, it's me.

    -Kelly Keating-

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  7. In " Advice to Myself" Louise Erdrich is conveying the message of not fretting over the small things. Do not worry about all of those small insignificant tasks because all they do is serve as distractions and take away from the essence of life. She wants us to live in the moment more by opening our minds and hearts to new experiences.

    My Laundry List:

    -Learn to care less of what others think of me ( Don't allow others perceptions of me become my reality)
    -Stop worrying so much about things that I have no control over
    - Realize that I can not save people from themselves. I can only help those that want my help
    -Realize how amazing I really am
    -Truly love and accept myself in every capacity
    -Stop being so hard on myself about everything

    - Krystal James

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  8. Louise Erdrich is trying to say is don't worry so much about everything going on around you that takes time out of your life that you can be living. Don't be to anal about the little things because life is worth living and not cleaning. People should live their life as it is and not try to clean it up because it is perfect as it is.

    My Laundry List:
    -learn to let the little things go
    -not everything is perfect so don't try to make it so
    -not everyone will make you happy so you don't have to try so hard to make everyone happy
    -trying your best is the best you can do so don't be mad when it doesn't turn out the way you wished
    -live life to the fullest as if your last day was tomorrow because life is for the living and greeving is for the dead
    -be happy and proud of yourself everyday for doing everything that you do in just one single day

    -Kristin Frondal

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  9. My personal Laundry List:
    -Stop trying to over plan my life, and enjoy living it more
    -Don't sweat the small stuff
    -Enjoy the good people I have around me and don't worry about the bad ones
    -Tell the people I appreciate the way I feel
    -Just laugh!

    Kara Flower

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  11. She makes the good point of not worrying about the small stuff that usually stresses people out. it's not worth it.

    My laundry list:
    -overworking myself
    -being too organized
    -homework/stuff to do on weekends
    -spending money
    -missing a workout
    -taking out the garbage
    -being a couple minutes late for class

    What is important to me is not getting sick of things I'm involved in (school,homework,working out, reading, going out)

    -Jesica Perrone

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  12. Good posts. I still haven't seen anyone refer to what they lyrical voice says is really important to her. Make sure you find this out before the exam. You're welcome to ask in class.

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  14. If I had to guess what is important to the lyrical voice in Erdrich's poem, it would have to be the section regarding the heart and deciding what is authentic.

    What is important is to find something that is real and then go after it with all your heart. If is something you truly care about then you need to stop worrying about the little things, like dishes, cracked bowls and reading mail and pursue the "authentic" things.

    My laundry list (similar to the posts above)
    - Stressing over what people think
    - Spending money
    - Leaving a dirty dish
    - Making the bed
    - Checking my phone every 5 minutes

    The things that ARE important to me is spending time to look for a job, graduating, and spend more time with my friends.
    -Cara DeMarlie

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  15. Cara is getting very close to what is important to Erdrich--the authentic. But what, for Erdrich is the "authentic"? You're so close. A hint: Erdrich is a writer

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  16. mY laundry list is:

    - not worry how bad of a mess the dog will make when I leave him in the kitchen to long (hes a puppy)
    - to not worry whose going to unload the dishwasher
    - not having to worry about the bathroom getting cleaned
    - not having to worry about whether or not I have to make food that night or spend money eating out.

    The things that are important to me is reaching my goals in life and also having fun and making memories on the way.

    - Jenny Nicol-

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  17. In " Advice to Myself" Louise Erdrich definitely makes it clear that we should not worry about the small things in life as much as we tend to do on a daily basis. There are so many other important things in life but as human beings, we tend to make little things into big deals. Certain things in life should not be as stressful as they seem to be. I loved this poem because it made me realize that I tend to worry about things that don't really matter.
    My laundry list:

    -Don't worry about cleaning my room before class.
    - Stop stressing out about the future so much, things will all fall into place.
    - It's okay to make mistakes.
    -Don't stress over my schedule so much, make more time for myself.
    - Don't stress if I miss a work out class or just a simple work out at the gym.

    The things that are important to me and always will be is making sure I am happy and content with myself as a person. Always treat others how I would like to be treated. Have a positive attitude. :)

    - Taylor McDonald

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  18. In the poem "Adiceto Myself" Louise Erdrich, is stating to not sweat the little stuff that we normally do as individuals on a daily basis. There is more to life then stressing over the little things that comes our way. We as a people make NOTHING into SOMETHING!

    My laundry list:

    -Try to not live my life around making EVERYBODY happy! (its impossible)
    -Stop making a BIG deal out of NOTHING
    -Stop stressing PERIOD
    -Start praying and spending more time with GOD!
    -Don't wait the LAST MINUTE to handle my business

    --------> Denisha L. Price

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  19. I think Louis was saying that it's important for you to be true to yourself,no matter what,and remember to protect and value your friends,family,etc, those clsoe to your heart,as opposed to investing your time and energy into worrying about things that will be and dont really matter.
    My laundry list:
    -Keep an open mind
    -Learn to manage time more efficiently and money as well
    -Take care of those who've earned my friendship
    -Take care of my own needs
    -Focus on the future as opposed to the past.

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  20. Authenticity and the heart seems to be the key to Erdrich. The heart is that place "you don't even think of cleaning out." Also, children seem to be very important: "Talk to them. Tell them..."

    My laundry list - don't worry about:
    . the dog hair on my black clothes
    . staying up too late
    . getting my roommate to help evenly with chores
    . becoming famous
    . matching my clothes

    Kelsey Yoder

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  21. In Louise Erdrich's poem she says that it is important for us to decide what is right for us and what we want, then we need to go after it with everything that we have. For Erdrich, I think "authentic" is to be able to write about what she wants and how she feels.

    My laundry list that I don't worry about:
    -my room being neat and clean
    -getting a full 8 hours of sleep
    -what other people think of me(way I dress, my hair)
    -getting my homework done as soon as I get the assignment
    -my cell phone dying
    -what my plans are for every hour of the day

    What is important is that I make myself happy, enjoy life by spending it with people that I love and doing what I enjoy the most, and having fun!
    -Mary Buss

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  22. Laundry list:
    -Keeping customers happy where I work
    -Making sure everything is kept neat and tidy
    -Still being respectful when respect is not given
    -Caring what others may think about me
    -Answering my cell phone everytime it rings

    It is important to live your life in the present. Not in the future or the past. Nothing can be changed and it's the way of life.
    -Molly McWard

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  23. My Laundry List:
    Having my day planned without interruptions (sometimes those interruptions are the best moments in life)
    Making sure the laundry is always done
    Doing the dishes as soon as the meal is over
    Trying to please others all the time (you can't please everyone)
    Keeping my house clean all the time (the wet shoes get to me too, but I try not to let it)

    I believe what she says is important is to be true to yourself and your heart. Decide what is most important to yourself and go with that. I also think she is talking about children being important when she says "Talk to them. Tell them they are welcome." I think in todays society it is such a fast paced world that we forget to listen and talk to children the way we should. Ashley Kimbro

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  24. I think what Louis Erdrich is trying to say in her poem is that it doesn’t matter what you do or don’t do what matters is that your heart is in what you truly have a passion for and that is what you should spend your time worrying about. For her that would be writing and she doesn’t want anything else distracting her from that.

    My Laundry List:
    ~ Not to worry about what others think of me, but rather what I think of me.
    ~ Don't worry about the apartment being so clean ALL of the time.
    ~ Trying not to get so annoyed every time my boyfriend doesn't help me with the mess or makes more of a mess.
    ~ Trying not to control the little things that I know I have no control over anyways.
    ~ Not letting minor bumps in the road get in my way.

    To me the most important things in life are to enjoy the small things, to laugh often, to learn as much as you can about anything & everything -& not just school stuff- and to love much.

    ~ Rebecca Dudzinski

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  25. WRITING! Yes--that, with Authenticity, is what's important to her.

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  26. Ashley,
    I'll have to re-read the part about the children.

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  27. Kelsey,
    Good point about the heart.
    And, while it's fun to match sometimes, it'd be nice not to worry about it all of the time.

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  28. Erdrich's says what is important is letting everything flow naturally and not worry about anything that you usually worry about. Some things she mentions is "...pursing the authentic...". She talks about going after something that you have a passion for, or something that is really worth your time.

    My laundry list that I advise myself to NOT worry about is:
    Being perfect at everything
    Catching on to things really quickly
    Making many friends, or having many friends
    Caring who looks prettier than me
    Worrying about not receiving ALL the answers to all my questions. (Sometimes not knowing could save my heart from breaking)
    Worry about people around me and what may happen to them (In a bad way).

    However, what is important is living my life the way God intended...through faith and perseverance.

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  29. I agree with Cara, Louis Erdrich in her poem "Advice To Myself" is saying that the heart is the most important advice she could give herself. What matters is what she thinks and what she feels is authentic. And she believes writing is her heart.

    My Laundry List:
    -making sure I get all my homework done.
    -knowing what I am going to wear the night before.
    -knowing what the weather is going to be the night before.
    -worrying about my family.
    -worrying about how I present myself and how others will view me, as a person.

    What IS Important:
    My faith, family and friends!

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  30. I agree with the previous comments in that the goal of Louis Erdrich's poem is to not worry about the small worries and chores in life, but to enjoy each moment and to cherish the little things.
    My laundry list of little things that ultimately do not mean much. I need to try not to not worry about:
    -working out everyday
    -eating after 9, it is unhealthy
    -napping after 2
    -looking cute for class
    -wearing matching socks
    -pleasing everyone
    -holes in my pants & lint on my shirt

    It's better to live a life happy and carefree than to live life stressing and worrying all of the time. What is important in life is who you spend your time with and enjoying every moment of it.
    -Vickie Wilkin

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  32. I believe what Louise Erdrich is saying is important is to not let the little things bother you. We have so much to enjoy in our life and worrying about the little things. If we focus too much on little things we miss the best things in life.

    My laundry is of things to not worry about are:
    What other people think of me.
    Pleasing other people.
    What I might have forgotten.
    Things that cannot be unsaid.
    My room being a mess.
    Where my cell phone is.
    What mistakes I've made.(because I can't fix them now)

    It's hard to just let go and have fun. What is important in my life is who I'm spending most of my time with whether it's my family or my friends. I don't want to miss something because I'm too worried about something little, We all need to have fun and enjoy our life.

    Samantha Cale

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  33. I feel that she's trying to say that life is supposed to enjoyed and not something you dwell on.

    My laundry list is:
    Stop worrying about what other people think.
    Pleasing other people.
    Worrying whether my fiance still loves me the same.

    What is important?
    - Living everyday as it were your last

    Jackie Hund

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  34. My laundry list of things not to worry about is:
    - not worrying so much about everything that could've been
    - stop stressing about what needs to get done
    - stop setting unrealistic goals (doing my laundry once a week is just not going to happen)

    what's important is just living to the best of my abilities. Being myself, and changing if and only when I want to.

    I think what she is trying to say is that people set unrealistic standards for themselves, and cause themselves to get overwhelmed and stressed out. We only have one life to live, and if we can't enjoy it what's the point of even living it?

    -Emily Ridyard

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  35. In the poem "Advice to Myself", author Louise Erdrich is trying to convey, not to worry about the things with insignificant value, but to worry about those things that serve a purpose and have authentic meaning. What she presumes to be authentic to her is her heart, thoughts, and writings that bring her comfort, indiviuality and peace of mind!

    My laundry list consist of:

    ~Stop trying to please others
    ~Dont sweat issues I cannot change
    ~Eating 4 times a day
    ~Make sure every hair is intact
    ~Lip gloss is accurate
    ~Daily serving of veggies
    ~Emerging myself in other people problems
    ~Competing

    What is important?

    ~Life is to short to be anything but happy! **Live & Love LIFE!**

    >Croshana Floyd<

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  36. In this poem, the one thing that is important to her is living life. It is something so simple yet the one thing that A LOT of people take for granted.

    My Laundry List:

    -losing weight
    -wearing clothes that cover my body
    -my skin(acne)

    *What is important, is appreciating everything that I have without taking things for granted. :)

    -Briana Hund

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  37. My laundry list is:

    -I don't have to please anyone but myself
    -Don't take everything so personal
    -Quit judging people
    -Lose weight
    -Knowing that I don't need a man to make me happy

    What really is important is living life and having fun and everything will be ok if I don't have everything planned out perfectly, because life is supposed to be unpedictable.

    ~Jaleesa Burton

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  38. Things that aren't important to me..
    -Watching what I eat
    -If my socks match or not
    -What other people think
    What is important to me,
    living each day to it's fullest and making myself happy.
    -Rachel Sitter

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  39. my laundry list is

    -its ok to fail a test
    -not to worry about what people think
    -always being a good role modle for my little brother
    -eating healthy
    -folding all the clothes when i pack

    but the thing that i do care about is just to be me....live love and laugh, that all you need to have a GREAT life
    -Ashley Merchant

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  40. I think what Louise Erdrich is trying to say in her poem is that we need to simplify our lives and focus on what is actually important rather than what society might think is important.

    My laundry list:
    -to live my life they way I want to, without influence from anybody else.
    -to push through the next 4 years to get my Masters in Psychology and work as a successful clinical psychologist.
    -to slow down my pace and appreciate the people in my life
    -to clear out the people who are toxic in my life

    -lindsay hummel

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  41. Like what my peers had said before, I think Louis Erdrich's poem is saying just to live life to the fullest, don't worry about frivolous stuff, accept change and what is to be, and let your life and the world take its course.
    My laundry list:
    -Stop worrying about what people say or think, they will say and think what they want regardless.
    -You can't please everyone
    -Not everyone is going to like me
    -It's ok to have french fries once in awhile

    It is important to be happy and enjoy life because we are only here once.

    Elizabeth Leonard

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  43. my laundry list:
    ~trying to please everyone around you
    ~dwelling on small problems
    ~being organized all the time
    ~regrets. everything happens for a reason!

    Things that are important to me:
    appreciating everything i have, the opportunties that i have been given, and the amazing people in my life. Stopping to realizing what you have is so important because it really brings true happiness.
    ~Rosie Oberth~

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  44. In Louise Erdrich’s poem “Advise to Myself,” she is basically saying to not sweat the small stuff in life. She is saying that you should live your life and do things that make yourself happy.

    My Laundry List:
    *Worrying about things I have no control over
    *Trying to please everyone(it's not realistic)
    *Stop over analyzing things
    *Folding and putting away every piece of laundry(its okay if my socks aren’t paired up)
    *Stop letting other people’s opinions bother me
    *Not getting impatient when stopping at every floor when riding the elevator

    What Is Important:
    *Enjoying every minute of my life with those that matter most (my family and friends) because life is too short.

    --Brittney Sallis--

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  45. My laundry list consists of:

    Don't beat myself up when I fail to meet a personal goal.

    Don't try to force myself to like someone/something because everybody else does.

    Don't allow my future to be determined by someone else's perception of who I am.

    Don't pick up the tiny scrap of paper.

    And finally, don't worry that my two white socks don't have the same edging.

    Louise Eldrich says that what is important is to pursue authentic, and go after it with all of your heart.

    One thing that IS important? Read between the lines. Things are often not what they appear to be.

    Angie Petersen

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  46. I agree with not worrying about the small stuff. But unfortunately it is easier said than done. Everybody tends to fret over things they simply can not change but would do anything to.

    My laundry list is...

    - Stop worrying about things that I can't control in my life.
    - Remembering that everything happens for a reason. Even if I am going through a hard time.
    - Stop over analyzing everything.
    - Keep with a workout plan.
    - Start focusing on my own happiness instead of trying to please others.
    - Stop procrastinating and to get my stuff done earlier.. I won't be so stressed!

    *I agree with the comment that said life is to short to be anything but happy. Everyone goes through some bumps on the road, but I really do believe that is what creates a persons character. Without those bumps people wouldn't learn to appreciate the great things in their lives.

    - Christine Lowe

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  47. I also agree with this all because I have always been pretty laid back and try not to worry about things that are out of my control. I try not to get myself to stressed out about little things.

    My laundry list

    - Put school first before my social life
    - dont worry so much about pleasing everyone
    - spend more time with my family
    - focus on what I want to do with my life
    - work hard with football training
    -help others out with things they might need


    These are some things that I need and want to work on in my life.

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