Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/266182
3B Tuesday, February 25, 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'm thrilled to be able to stay home and raise my three children full time, but as a former Washingtonian, I still dread being asked "What do you do?" and having to label myself a stay-at-home mother. Any suggestions about re- branding this title so these encounters don't feel so awkward? And yeah, I know my job is tough- er and more important than many, and that I'm projecting my own feelings onto other people — it's just a hang-up I've never been able to get past. — SAHM Shame DEAR SAHM SHAME » Please think of stay-at- home parenting (or work- ing full time, or working part time) as a modern re- telling of "The Sneetches." First it was the non-work- ing crowd that was fancy, then it was the working crowd that was fancy, then it was the I-can-afford-to- stay-home crowd again, then it was the crowd of people in enough control of their careers to swing part-time arrangements. At this point, so many stars have been on and off bellies that, from where I sit, it's pointless to try to determine who's fancy. You're a stay-at-home mom. You chose it. Own it. DEAR CAROLYN » For SAHM: Why can't she say, "I used to do XXX. Right now I'm fortunate to be able to take a break from the workforce to stay home with my children. Once they are in school, I hope to go back to (chosen field)"? That way she can own both her SAHMness and her previous occupa- tion/education. Also can't hurt in the networking department if/when she does eventually want to go back to work. — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » If someone said that to me, I'd hear, "If I twist any more to justify myself, I might snap." If someone wants to add the before and after career for networking purposes or just to stoke the conversation, then fine — "I'm a teacher/lawyer/ baker/shoe buyer, cur- rently home with my kids." But, really, stop focusing on other people's opinions. DEAR CAROLYN » I wrote to you about a man I was see- ing for four years who still had not gotten it together to finish up his separation/ divorce. After I read your column, and some com- ments from readers, I had a conversation with him. He has said that due to children and financial issues it was taking longer than expected. In that regard, he did not want to leave a train wreck behind. I can respect that, but I cannot wait forever. Thoughts? — Four Years Later, Part 2 DEAR FOUR YEARS » You, unlike his children — whom you omitted last time, along with the word "separation," meaning he's still with his wife! — helped create this. Prevent a wreck or serve as your own first responder. Stay-at-home mother would like to rebrand her job title 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 Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You should use discre- tion when dealing with others today. Many people respect your opinions and will look to you for guidance and advice. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Keep your opinions to yourself. A conversation with an old friend may provide inspiration for a new project. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Information you have recently received may have had a nega- tive effect on your life. Dwelling on the issue is not productive. Swallow your disappointment. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You may be tempted by an appealing investment offer. Do your research before you com- mit to anything. You have an innovative idea. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Have a heart-to-heart discussion with someone who concerns you. Take care to avoid criticism, and offer helpful ideas that will bring you closer to an agreement. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — There is opportunity for advancement if you exceed your employer's expectations. Being industrious and persistent will enable you to work toward fulfilling your career goals. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Be assertive, and direct your efforts into socializing and networking. Your personal and business relationships will im- prove if you make new acquain- tances that could have a posi- tive influence on your future. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Family and friends may not be totally honest with you. Find someone impartial to provide the answers to your questions. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Your commitment and determination will provide you the necessary ingredients to get ahead. Fulfill your obligations in a conscientious manner in order to realize your expectations. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You should consider previous outcomes before tak- ing action. If your tried-and-true methods have worked in the past, there's no need to change your approach. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Formulate a concrete plan for an important discussion. Have a clear idea of your own responsibilities, and consider the expectations of others. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your compassion and un- derstanding will help others ac- complish worthwhile goals. Your good deeds will be reciprocated in an unusual manner. Favorable changes to your personal life will occur. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol TUESDAY, FEB. 25