Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 31, 2017)
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017 FEATURES He refuses to pay car damage Dear Annie: I am finding the situation might have happened, myself in a predicament. Currently, but he said that there is no way he my sister-in-law baby-sits my 3- did it and that he isn’t paying for it. and 5-year-old children two days I am sure he hit my car, and I told a week while I am at work. Last him that. He told me he had gone to week, when I went to pick them up, my workplace to look at my vehi- I parked behind her fiance’s truck. cle and gone to the body shop and asked to see pictures of Her fiance, “Brad,” was DEAR the damage. I thought that getting ready to leave at the was disturbing. The con- same time I was. Instead ANNIE versation ended with him of waiting for me to move swearing at me and hang- from behind his vehicle, he ing up. The next day, Brad squeezed around my car called my husband to also between other vehicles in tell him he isn’t paying and the driveway. When I got offered no apologies for home, I noticed that his tire his behavior toward me. had rubbed against my car Lane The problem I now and put several scratches in Annie Creators Syndicate Inc. have is how to handle the the paint. baby-sitting situation. Brad Well, I called my sister- in-law, as I don’t know Brad very lives at my sister-in-law’s home, well, and explained to her what had and I really don’t want to have any happened. I said I think Brad needs more confrontations with him. My to pay for damages. She said she sister-in-law loves my children and doesn’t want to be in the middle would be heartbroken if I got a dif- of things and would give him my ferent sitter. But I really don’t think I am comfortable taking them to her number. Several days went by, and I house with Brad around. Should I didn’t hear from Brad. In the mean- follow my gut feeling and stop tak- time, I got an estimate for repairs. I ing them there and further divide talked to my sister-in-law again, and my family’s relationship? Or should she said she would have Brad call I try to get past the vehicle damage? me. Well, he finally did that eve- I am also worried about how any ning, and he gave me about a dozen possible repercussions against me different scenarios of how he thinks by Brad would affect my children. How do you think I should proceed from here? — Scuffed Dear Scuffed: The answer to the question “Should I follow my gut?” is always yes. And if you’re a mom, the answer is yes with three exclamation points. A moth- er’s intuition is a tool more reliable and precious than any piece of tech- nology. So if you feel uncomfort- able leaving your children around this man, then don’t. Invite your sister-in-law over for coffee so she can still visit with the kids. Given Brad’s lousy attitude, I have a feel- ing she’ll be looking for excuses to get out of the house as often as pos- sible anyway. Dear Annie: I know that peo- ple often write to you about how hurt they are when they don’t receive a thank-you note. On the next gift-giving occasion, I know what I’ll be giving those who don’t understand the importance of acknowledging gifts and show- ing appreciation: a very nice set of thank-you notes and a book of “for- ever” stamps. Anyone who doesn’t write me a note after that will be off my gift list! — C.J. Dear C.J.: Now there’s a cre- ative solution for a tired old prob- lem. I give you my stamp of approval. 5A TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Trying to do everything possible will only deplete you. Hit the top priority. Make a trade-off, then make another. If you only get one thing done, but it’s your primary source of satisfaction, you’ve won. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re not the same as you were yesterday. What’s different about you? This doesn’t have an easy an- swer, and that’s what’s so compelling about it. The mystery of you is ever-unfolding. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Teenage life is typically wrought with drama, as the skills of emotional coping are in early development. Most outgrow the allure of perpetual drama, opting to apply energy to more necessary adult pursuits. Most. Not all. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Time proves that even the greatest innovations, inventions and solutions are but temporary answers. There’s not one right explanation or one correct method that will hold forever. The best answers beg more questions. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Would you believe there are people who are daunted by pres- sures of “having fun,” unsure exactly how (or even why) such a thing should be accom- plished? These people need you! Go help! VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). As sure as rain makes you wet and food makes you full, perfection makes you miserable. Don’t strive for superior results today. Don’t strive, period. Put your head down, work humbly, and happiness will creep up on you. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Since you’re confident in your ability and secure in your knowledge, you’re not overly concerned about appearing smart or correct or cool. 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 Your nonchalance only makes you smarter, more correct and way cooler. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Some people ask questions to make a point — a move that says, “I’m so right I can even manipu- late you to say I’m right.” Be wary of these people, and don’t use the tactic yourself. Ask questions out of curiosity, not arrogance. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Conflict is more interesting than peace, but most people who are living purposefully find that it’s not worth the energy it takes to witness or take part in it. You’re right to be protective of your precious energy reserves. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A little mys- tery doesn’t scare you off. You’re not like the ones who need all to be certain. You realize that it will never be. The constant is change. The essence of life is surprise. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Options may be added and taken away. But the ability to make a choice will always be yours. When you start feeling closed in by the circum- stances, just remember that you can choose. You’re in control. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Questions and answers do not a conversation make. Con- nections are forged with twists, surprises, a sense of play and true and honest sharing. You can achieve it by listening better. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 1). There’s much about your current life that you can relax into, and yet specific needs and wants will have you leveraging your current situation into a new adventure. Win a prize in April. May features hearts and flowers. Cancer and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 4, 38, 22 and 17.
