Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 25, 2017)
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017 FEATURES Trying to be an adult at 24 Dear Annie: I’m 24 years old end up feeling as if I’ve missed out and trying to get a better handle on on bonding time with friends. Plus, my life. A year ago, I was unem- I know that when I’m older, I won’t ployed for a few months. During feel like going out dancing the night that period, I blew through most of away, and I’ll probably have a fam- my checking and savings accounts ily to stay in with. Maybe what it comes down to is to pay rent and my credit card for I’m scared of growing up things such as groceries DEAR and not being able to be and utilities. That quickly so carefree. Do you have grew into a mountain of ANNIE any wisdom for 20-some- debt. Brutal interest rates things trying to seize the haven’t helped. I guess I day without losing their needed to learn that lesson savings? — Trying to Be the hard way. an Adult I have a full-time job Dear Trying to Be an now, but after rent, util- Adult: It’s not the bars ities, insurance, student Lane or brunches that make loan payments and my Annie Creators Syndicate Inc. the memories. It’s the monthly credit card pay- friends. You live in a city ments, there’s not much left with beautiful parks, free museums for savings. I’ve been looking at areas in that people travel from all over the my life where I could cut spending. world to visit and public transporta- I go out to eat a couple of times a tion. Grab a friend and explore one week — whether picking up some- of the many costless and priceless thing on my lunch break during the things your town has to offer, or just workweek or getting brunch with a stay in and host a movie night. Pop- friend over the weekend. I also go corn is cheaper and more healthful out to happy hours with co-workers than a cocktail. Face down your debt and make or concerts with friends occasion- ally. I live in Washington, D.C., and a realistic repayment plan. Draw up even two drinks at a bar (with tip) a budget and stick to it. Don’t make can end up costing $30, so it really impulse purchases. When you’re does add up quickly. However, about to buy something, wait and whenever I stay in to save money, I see whether you still want it in 24 hours; it’s not going anywhere. (And if it does, that’s just as well. You probably shouldn’t have been buying it in the first place.) Consider meeting with a financial adviser for more personalized guidance. If you take care of your body and your finances now, “growing up” won’t be such a scary prospect. You may even enjoy it. Dear Annie: This is in response to “Speak Up or Put Up,” who is tired of having friends bring out their smartphones while they are all out to eat together. You said phones have no place on the table during a meal, and you should have left it there. Instead, you said it is accept- able when sharing photos of grand- children. You have now given per- mission for cellphones to be on the table and utilized during every meal in America henceforth. Everyone already knows that just about no one wants to see pic- tures of other people’s grandchil- dren, but they won’t say so. You need to say it for them. You blew it. You need to take this one back. — Ed From Vermont Dear Ed: I’m sorry you feel that way. I love seeing photos of grand- children almost as much as I love seeing the pride on the faces of the grandparents sharing them. 3C TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ve built up an idea of what you can accomplish and, frankly, so have they. Now you’re both expect- ing that you’ll meet it, which you won’t. With invisible forces at your back, you’ll surpass it. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). An eager tourist can get to know a city better than those who call it home. Thinking you know is the enemy of actually finding out. Go to a place where you’re new, or be new in an old place. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Reasonable fluc- tuations of income, affection, mood, etc. are a natural part of life. You’ll be unflappable in the face of such fluctuations, which is impressive. And those with similar strong characters will take notice. CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s said that you shouldn’t sell yourself on someone based on potential alone. This applies to yourself as well. Believe that you’re capable of more, but demand proof, too. It’s time to get a little tough on yourself. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Steer clear of the slippery slope. It comes in the form of a person who is irresistibly needy. One small thing will lead to another until you’ve sunk deep into the drama. The whole thing can be avoided from the get-go. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The sun in your sign is like a gas card handed from doting parents to children in college. It’s assistance. It’s fuel. It will help out. It can’t be used for much else than the intended purpose and that’s the beauty of it. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Don’t be more concerned with upholding an image of your- self than you are with growing. How you look to the world will change with the times. So go 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 on and risk appearing foolish. Dare to be a newbie for the sake of learning. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ve different standards, hopes, dreams and expectations than anyone else around you. It’s why you really won’t be happy if you conform to the norm. Go your own way. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re in charge of making time for all those special things you like you to do. Don’t let others pressure you into scheduling what suits them but not you. Put yourself on the books first. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your per- sonal energy is high and your creative wheels are turning. You will give of yourself and let others need you rather than needing them or concerning yourself with their approval. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Fear keeps you safe. It’s your friend. You can feel bal- anced, alive, in love, productive and at the same time fearful, because nothing in life is certain. The fear is a healthy sign that this is real and you’re not delusional. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Emotion that flows naturally out of a situation is the stuff of life. However, beware of those who use emotion as a tool to attract attention or make themselves more important. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 26). The word that describes your spirit this solar return is decisiveness. You stop asking ques- tions and decide. The energy of life will carry you spontaneously to new places. Money comes to your family in November and May. You’ll close deals, support causes and love deeply. March brings a bright star to your personal life. Aries and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 30, 2, 28 and 40.
