8A
FEATURES
Feeling like a holiday Grinch
Dear Annie: For the past few
Dear Grinch: I commend your
years, my sister, her family, my charitable intentions, but we don’t
husband and I have been donating get to decide what gifts we receive.
at Christmastime to an animal shel- The most we can do is share our
ter in our area. We are old enough wishes, which you’ve already done
to really want nothing for Christ- several times. It seems this family
mas, so we donate to those who simply enjoys watching loved ones
unwrap presents.
aren’t so fortunate as we
DEAR
You do not have to
are. It makes our giving
reciprocate with mate-
complete.
ANNIE
rial gifts. But if you feel
For the past few years,
so uncomfortable show-
we have had Christmas at
ing up empty-handed that
my stepdaughter’s home
it spoils your time, it might
a few hours away. We tell
be worth it for your own
them in advance that we
peace of mind to bring a
will be donating to an ani-
little something. It doesn’t
mal shelter and ask that
Lane
have to be extravagant —
they do, too, instead of giv- Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
perhaps a small gift from a
ing us gifts.
company that donates pro-
But on Christmas Day,
there under the tree will be gifts ceeds to a charity you like.
Dear Annie: I live in the Mid-
from all of them to both of us, and
we bring nothing for them. It really west. A few months ago, I took a
makes us feel out of sorts. They part-time job as a valet at a nearby
don’t seem to understand when we casino hotel to help supplement my
say that the only thing we want as a regular income. I have consistently
gift is for them to donate to an ani- been courteous with the patrons.
mal shelter. Is there a way we could I have smiled, thanked them for
make ourselves feel more gracious coming and replied with a heart-
for receiving the gifts they get for warming “you’re welcome” at
us? Should we bring gifts for them? every opportunity. However, most
I know that after going through this drivers will not offer a tip.
I have gone to their parked cars
for a few years, we should get the
hint, but our hearts aren’t in it. — to retrieve forgotten cellphones,
cigarettes, wallets and various
Feel Like a Grinch
other personal items, yet I seldom
receive more than a “thank you.”
I am very grateful for the drivers
who do tip. Unfortunately, there are
not enough of these kind and gen-
erous people to make it worthwhile
for me to keep working here, given
the meager salary. I have given my
two-week notice because I have
found another part-time job.
I write this letter in the hope
that you will bring this to pub-
lic light. Maybe a few readers will
realize that valets are very depen-
dent on tips to provide a reasonable
income. I do not advocate tipping
for insufficient service, but when
excellent service is provided, I can-
not fathom why anyone would not
offer a tip. — Valet No More
Dear Valet: Perhaps it’s the
venue. When someone is leaving
a casino having just gambled away
three months’ worth of mortgage
payments, the last thing he wants
to do is hand over more money.
But that doesn’t make it OK to
stiff someone who is just trying to
make an honest living. Thanks for
the reminder that if you’re looking
to save money, cutting back on tips
isn’t a fair or even efficient method.
Instead, start by going out to bars
and restaurants (and definitely casi-
nos) less often.
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Among the
saddest things imaginable in your book is
unexpressed potential. You hate to see it in
others, and it’s physically painful when it’s
stored inside of you. So, what is keeping you
from expressing it?
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Just as food
becomes much more valuable after it’s being
denied, some values only become strongly
relevant when challenged. You’ll be inspired
to fight for ideas you thought everyone
shared. It turns out, everyone doesn’t.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). One way some
people deal with problems is to become skill-
ful at concealing the difficulty involved. Stay
aware of the person who wants you to think
that all is well or much better. This person
may really need your help.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). There are
those you need to experience for a while so
you can get used to the way they act. You
may never understand them, but if you can
predict them, then you’ll be more comfortable
and able to peaceably coexist.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Feeling in control
of your time is a key element of happiness.
Extremely practical steps toward better time
management will help you find your smile
again.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Rejection
implies previous acceptance. Therefore,
strangers cannot truly reject one another. If
it’s not a good fit, try to find this out early and
move on. Put all relevant information on the
table before you get too involved.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Everyone needs
a place to feel safe. Some are safe in small
places, some in wide-open spaces. People
can provide the emotional equivalent of this.
You recognize when people are uncomfort-
FRANK AND ERNEST
BLONDIE
THATABABY
SALLY FORTH
PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN
B.C.
LOLA
DILBERT
SIX CHIX
BIZARRO
MUTTS
NON SEQUITUR
BABY BLUES
WIZARD OF ID
ZITS
ROSE IS ROSE
able and try to help.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There are
etiquette rules for everything. You’ll lead with
your deep respect for the others around
you, and though you may not do things the
technically proper way, you’ll generate good
feelings. That’s what matters most.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Because
of your efforts to be a very clear and present
communicator, you will minimize misinter-
pretation and misunderstanding. All of your
energy is focused on problem-solving.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). At some
point, you tire of trying to figure out people’s
motivations. You’ll recharge in the natural
world, which has the power to calm you
while expecting nothing in return. AQUARI-
US (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The value you assign
yourself is just an opinion, and one that, like
all opinions, is subject to change. So why
rate yourself at all then? Give the judge the
day off, and see if you’re not a whole lot
happier.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Logical and
ethical behavior is the bare minimum for
getting along in civilized society. But when it
comes to making friends, social efforts must
reach much, much further into the realm of
emotional intelligence. Don’t worry; you’re a
pro.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 15). The
start of this year features your finding soft
places to land. You deserve some comfort
and lots of love, which you’ll soak in before
going to the next spot. Your aim toward
perfect professionalism will extend to and
enhance other parts of your life. May and
July feature romance and getting out of your
usual routine. Leo and Libra adore you. Your
lucky numbers are: 6, 12, 10, 45 and 20.