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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 8, 2018)
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2018 FEATURES TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE Parents who are grateful Dear Readers: Several weeks again. Tomorrow we’ll hear from the ago, someone requested that I pose next group. a question to my readers that Ann Grandmama Janet: Although Landers asked in 1975: “If you had raising children wasn’t always easy, to do it all over again, would you the joy they have brought into my life have kids?” I received an overwhelm- has been immeasurable, and my hus- ing response to this unscientific poll. band feels the same way. And now we The largest group of respon- have been blessed with two DEAR dents (77 percent) consisted precious little grandchildren. of parents who would gladly It’s wonderful to be part of ANNIE have children if they had to the circle of life. do it all over again. The sec- Robin In Vermont: If we ond-most common respon- had it to do over again, would dents were people who didn’t we have kids — SEVEN have kids and didn’t regret it kids? Would we choose all (12 percent). Next, at 9 per- the sleepless nights, the seem- ingly unending trips to pedi- cent, were parents who said Lane atricians, dentists, optom- that no, if they had to do it Annie Creators Syndicate Inc. etrists? Would we pass on all over again, they would going to “grown-up” movies, not have children. And lastly, 2 percent of people who responded plays and concerts with friends and didn’t have children but wish they had. instead attend Little League games One of my takeaways: By and large, and school plays? Yes. In a heartbeat. most people are happy with their deci- Our children have filled our lives with sion about whether to have children. so much joy. One more advantage: It seems that, as with so many things Because my husband and I have had in life, it really all comes down to atti- to work extra hard to carve out time tude. Those who embrace their paths together, we seem to treasure each and practice gratitude live full lives other’s company even more. After 40 no matter what their lives are full of. years of marriage, we still love danc- Throughout this week, I’ll be sharing ing in the kitchen and stealing a kiss letters from people who responded when we can (to the horror of grand- to the survey, starting today with the children who catch us in the act — first group — parents who would still just like their parents before them). Connecticut Mom: A resounding be parents if they had to do it all over 5A By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. yes! The best thing I ever did. They’re both in college now, and I still wish I had more time with them. One of the greatest blessings in my life is that my kids have always gotten along. I have friends whose kids can barely be in a room together without bickering and others whose kids have no ambition or direction. Their answers might be different. But me? Oh, yes, I’d do it all over again. (I might not get mar- ried, but that’s another story!) Ditto: Yes, I would have my kids, but I would not marry my husband again, so I’m not sure where that leaves me. M.Y.: Absolutely! But I would try to worry less about perfection and enjoy the little things. And I would definitely place more empha- sis on their parents. We were a team in raising them, but we got lost in the shuffle. Forever Grateful: My par- ents were emotionally absent, and I wasn’t sure I had what it took to be a good, supportive parent. But I lived in Israel, where not having chil- dren is almost unheard of, so we had two — a boy and a girl. I am forever thankful for the opportunity to watch them grow and become wonderful adults. I know it is not for everyone, but sometimes jumping in and learn- ing to swim can prove exhilarating. ARIES (March 21-April 19). The success formula is pretty straightforward today: Think positive, stay strong and take action. This will require that you focus well, steering clear of certain trains of thought. Put your mental blinders on. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Everyone is different, but some of the differences seem just too vast to be worth the time it will take to create a cohesive bond. And yet, somehow, you’ll do it. You’ll do it in the name of peace, in the name of tolerance. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). To count on un- controllable circumstances is unwise and sets up a precarious dynamic where not getting what you want leads to unhappiness. If you must attach your well-being to something, at least make it something inside you. CANCER (June 22-July 22). To the naive eye, acting out may seem to be a display of power when in actuality it’s often a display of powerlessness. The cool, calm and collected individual is the one to be respected and feared. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The best thing you can do for your soul today is to keep your re- quirements to a minimum. Let things be what they are. Trying to control life will only restrict its abundant generosity and dim its vibrant affection for you. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Though there are obviously many healthy and beneficial as- pects to society, this is no time to follow blindly. Resist the group mind. What the world needs most from you is your unique point of view. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). For thousands of years, the natural habitat of man has been nature. It’s proven that people who live without greenery mentally fatigue faster than those who regularly see plants. Today, a natural 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 environment puts you at your best. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). If you make a mistake today, it’s an excellent omen — a sign that you’re really going for it. You deserve a little credit for that, right? Maybe even a non-ironic pat on the back. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll find yourself once again in a position where what you want will be different from what others want. However, you’re also mighty persuasive in your own quiet way, so this shouldn’t stop you for long. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). While it’s great to be kind to yourself every once in a while, how much greater would it be if you made a habit of it? This has less to do with spending money as it does an overall attitude of self-acceptance. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Frustration will only diffuse your power. It may be unavoid- able, and if you lose your patience, definitely forgive yourself. Then consider where your expectation may have been incorrect and adjust accordingly. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your inde- pendent spirit will be highlighted and you’ll be most attracted to endeavors you can do without outside reassurance, encourage- ment, opinions, advice, money or support of any kind. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 9). You’ll assemble star teams this year, whether it’s fantasy sports picks, work groups, domestic helpers, friendship squad ... you’re like an Academy Award-winning casting director when it comes to picking the right people. You’ll hit pay dirt in the first quarter of 2019, and next comes the relationship equivalent. Aquarius and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 7, 22, 1 and 3.
