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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 6, 2015)
FEATURES 6A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015 Should graduate pay for party? Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: I had my high school graduation party at a local restaurant (because our house is too small). My father claimed he was unable to pay for it, and insist- ed I cover the bill, close to $1,100, saying he will pay me back later. I realize that my parents’ busi- ness sometimes goes through hard times, but Dad still manages to eat out frequently. He’s terrible with money, and I am not sure he will ever pay me back. I told him that I expect complete repayment by the middle of August and if I don’t get it, I’ll start selling his vast col- lection of unused musical instru- ments. He doesn’t believe me. I am paying for my first year of college through grants, scholar- ships, my savings and the money I earn from my job. I never ex- pected anything from my parents because I know they can’t afford much. But I had no idea I was go- ing to get stuck with the bill for the party. What do I do? — Farm- er’s Daughter Dear Daughter: Let’s not turn this into a major conflagration. Dad should not have stuck you with a bill for a party neither of you could afford. But selling his musical instruments isn’t the an- swer, either. Try to remain calm Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar and work out a payment plan with Dad, in writing, with the amount he needs to pay each week until an agreed-upon total is reached. It may take longer than mid-August, and you might also consider pay- ing for part of the bill because the party was for you. But it’s better than the all-out war you are con- templating. We also suggest you involve your mother in this trans- action since she, too, has a say in the family finances and may bring a more level head to the discus- sion. Dear Annie: My husband’s parents live several states away. They are both in poor health, one worse than the other. I fear that when one passes away, my hus- band will want us to move and take care of the other one. We have two young children and this would involve us leaving our jobs. When we visit, I am mis- erable the entire time and have no desire to move. We could not ask the remaining parent to move, ei- ther, because they both have jobs, as well. Our marriage is struggling right now, so living in separate states would not help us repair our prob- lems. And then there’s the fact that I would want my husband to do this for my parents. So how can I deny him this? — Unhappy Wife Dear Unhappy: In all fairness, you cannot. Taking care of one set of parents means a willingness to take care of both. But it doesn’t necessarily mean moving across the country. If the parents are near retirement age, it makes just as much sense for them to relocate where your jobs are, instead of vice versa, and where family is already established to help in their care. You and your husband should have this conversation now and talk about realistic alternatives, including retirement or assisted living communities nearby, and the type of medical facilities and senior assistance in the area. If the two of you cannot reach agree- ment, we recommend asking an unbiased, third party to act as a mediator. FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH STONE SOUP B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE ARIES (March 21-April 19). You don’t need to be confident to be effective. Some days you’re unsure of yourself, and it’s ac- tually appropriate for the situation. A lack of confidence can help you learn all you can from the situation. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Though a cynical view may be more intelligent and snark can be hilarious, kindness cannot be overrated. It’s connected to compassion, patience and, ultimately, love. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Some believe weakness should be rejected, stomped out, eliminated. Others think weakness can be turned into strength. You believe weakness must be turned into strength. It’s the only way to greatness. CANCER (June 22-July 22). There was a time when you didn’t feel you had a right to express yourself. Now you see that speaking your mind and asking for what you need are ultimately better for everyone. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Like oxygen fu- els a fire, what you lack fuels your ambition. Therefore, when you’re sad or angry about what you lack, it’s your choice. You could also apply another emotional tone to the situation — for instance, determination. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Most of the time you don’t find yourself in a horrible sit- uation you must endure. That’s why bore- dom is a bigger threat than any other these days and one you’ll stave off with the help of an Aquarius. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). When you look at something long enough, you start to unsee it. It’s the primary reason people don’t constantly celebrate the beauty of their hometown and family members take one another for granted. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The bigger obstacles need to be handled with a lever. Look around. What can you use to dis- lodge this? “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.” — Archimedes SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The day favors good habits. There’s one that’s quickly becoming part of your regular routine. Soon this will be deeply ingrained in your manner, and people will see it as “so you.” CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll soon make the effort to see someone, and that intention, plus the scheduling, travel, parking, etc., will be, in and of itself, a gift. And yet, you still need to bring a gift. You’ll find the perfect one today. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Usually, you’re the one who has to come up with a plan. Today, someone you trust will present you with ideas you would be wise to ac- cept. Excellent! PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You like to be liked, but you don’t need it. That’s why, when you catch yourself subconsciously working for the approval of an authority fig- ure, it bothers you on a deep level. Remem- ber that, ultimately, you are the boss of you. FRIDAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 7). Go for the long shot! Your bravery will be rewarded in many ways, starting with the companion- ship of a much-admired friend. September brings a landmark acquisition. You’ll sparkle and inspire others to be resourceful and cre- ative in October, a financial high. You’ll ink a new deal in January. Sagittarius and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 24, 41, 10 and 19.