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.