Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/260878
5B Saturday, February 15, 2014 – Daily News DILBERT Scott Adams PEARLS BEFORE SWINE Stephan Pastis PICKLES Brian Crane BABY BLUES Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman GET FUZZY Darby Conley ZITS Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman SHERMAN'S LAGOON Jim Toomey ARGYLE SWEATER Scott Hilburn BIZARRO Dan Piraro DEAR CAROLYN » I have identical twin girls, age 2. My husband and I really try to encourage them to become their own people (no matching outfits, although sometimes we do variations on the same theme) and are planning to make sure they're always in different classes at school, etc. On my wedding day, my mother- in-law gave me a family heirloom — a piece of jewelry worth thousands of dollars, given to her by her mother. She has no daughters of her own and I'm the wife of her eldest son. I wore it in my wedding. I will wear it to whatever other fancy events I attend through- out my life, but otherwise it will remain in a safe deposit box till it's time to pass it along. For the first time the other day, I thought about the fact that I have two "firstborn" girls and only one special necklace to give. This totally freaked me out. Right now, they are both girly girls who like dress-up and things that glitter. Who knows whether that will be true 50 years from now, but if it is, I dread the idea of having to choose between them. When I have only one of something important to give — whether it's a necklace, the last cookie, my lap on a train ride — how on earth do moms of twins, or just two kids, make those decisions? — Tough Choices DEAR TOUGH CHOICES » You split the cookie, do shifts on your lap, and hope the cosmos burps out another, comparable heirloom so you have two of them to give. When that doesn't work out, you take the long view. It's not as if this train ride is the only train ride, or lap space is the only measure of affec- tion, or family jewelry is the only gift of value, or giving it to a daughter is the only proper use for a gem. Think of it all as going into one big pot, from which you feed each daughter carefully and fairly. Also keep in mind that "fairly" doesn't always mean all 50-50, all the time. There are going to be times when one of your children needs you so much more than the other does, and you will rightly pay the needier child the extra attention — and it will break your heart for the other child regardless, but less so for your knowing that when it's her turn to need more, you will provide it. And the other child will know this is true, both by witness- ing it and by hearing your decisions explained as needed. Apply that attitude consistently and you'll get a more workable answer to these individual who-gets-what questions than "split it down the middle." By the way, the whole firstborn-gets-the-heir- loom thing reeks of unfair- ness anyway — though I suppose the firstborn also gets the rookie parents, so maybe there's fairness to be found here, too. One heirloom plus two kids equals a tough decision Carolyn Hax Ask Carolyn Email Carolyn Hax at tellme@washpost.com, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ carolyn.hax or chat with her online at noon Eastern time each Friday at www.washingtonpost.com. Sudoku Instructions: The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the number only once. Answer to Previous Puzzle Celebrity Cipher By Luis Campos Instructions: Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. NEA Crossword Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Financial limitations are apparent if you aren't careful with your cash. Hard work will be required to maintain your position. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Focus on children, creative projects or getting out and socializing. An older relative may be a burden. Offer help, but don't let anyone take you for granted. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't become too chummy with a colleague. You will be disap- pointed if this person doesn't respond in the way you hoped. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Take on creative projects that you may have been afraid to attempt in the past. It's time to move forward with your dreams. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — If you limit yourself, you will have regrets later on. Don't take what others say too seriously, and keep a steady watch on events transpiring in your work and home lives. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't be shy; take part in activities that are happening in your community. Don't address matters that require legal, financial or medical input until you have more information. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Work by yourself and at your own speed. Someone influential may try to hold you back. Do whatever it takes to complete your planned endeavors. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You will want to express yourself today, so don't hold back. It would be best to say what's on your mind and let others respond in whatever way they see fit. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Problems while traveling or dealing with authority figures can be expected. Make sure your documents are up to date before you venture out. Some- one may have a hidden agenda. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You can make a difference if you get involved in an organi- zation that helps the under- privileged. You are likely to meet someone special who shares your concerns. Together, you will make a contribution. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Watch what you say. Someone may use your words against you. Emotional matters will surface if you try to skirt issues. Be honest. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Get involved in talks that challenge you mentally. You will learn from a good debate. You have much to offer and much to gain if you just speak up and share your ideas. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol SATURDAY, FEB. 15