B11
COMICS
Friday, October 20, 2023
Harrisonburg, Va.
GARFIELD
BY JIM DAVIS
BLONDIE
BY DEAN YOUNG
Had It With Office’s Lack Dear of Hiring Annie Dear Annie: I’ve dated a man for five years. He used to work, prior to the pandemic, but he hasn’t really actively applied to jobs. My biggest issue is the fact that I’m paying all the expenses for the household we share together, and he doesn’t need to do anything to assist me. At the same time, he’s starting to treat me like a servant in my own house. He controls the TV. Foods that I like, he throws away, since he doesn’t eat them. He has outbursts and tantrums when I tell him to get a job. I’m fed up with supporting a grown man. What should I do? -- Frustrated Dear Frustrated: He can complain all he wants, but numbers don’t lie. Sit down with your boyfriend and a financial planner so you can review all your finances together. He will be forced to confront the fact that he is not contributing to the household. Then, make a plan. A good couples counselor can help you two communicate. If that doesn’t work, be prepared to kick him out.
Horoscopes By Holiday Holiday Mathis ARIES (March 21-April 19). Try and see the beauty and poetry in your immediate environment to whatever extent you can. The more you appreciate, the more you’ll find to appreciate. The magic you seek is also desperate to find you. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). While it’s nice to be treated like someone special, you also don’t want people to think you’re showing off or feeling superior in any way. So, order up special treatment for everyone -problem solved. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). A critical voice may chime in your head, but you can quiet it easily by taking hold of your thoughts. Internally saying “shhh” may be enough. It’s like stopping a ringing bell. With one swift gesture the resonance ends. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your impact is real. After you’ve left, people consider and discuss what you’ve presented. Don’t worry about their impressions, as you have no control over it. What matters is that you’re being taken seriously and you’re making a difference. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re amongst smart, capable individuals. You don’t set out to flatter, but it’s what happens because you’re fascinated by what you learn about people. The quality of attention you give is a compliment in and of itself. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The ego lives by the energy of its own requirements and demands. It generally thinks more things are necessary than really are. To keep the ego from running things, ask your higher self frequently, “Is this necessary?” LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’re well-liked. Today that translates into invitations, conversations and interesting developments. You can be counted on to pick up the social slack and keep the good vibes circulating. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your confidence comes from a wellspring of integrity. You know what you’ve done, what you have, and who you are. You don’t require constant reminders of your greatness or tons of reinforcement to feel good. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Native American wisdom states, “The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.” You’ll deeply appreciate the colors that arch through your world today because you’ve weathered a dark night of the soul. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your imagination is aglow. Keep track of as many of these ideas as you possibly can. While there are too many to possibly follow through on them all, there will be one or two obvious standouts worth acting on now. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). No one is born knowing. Ignorance is acceptable when it is naive, but you’re feeling too sophisticated to go on without knowledge of certain topics. You’ll pursue them now with an open heart and mind. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll truly feel the equality of all people and you’ve an affinity for everyone. That’s why your choice will be a real dilemma. Someone has to stay, and someone has to go. Don’t vacillate. Choose fast.
Dear Annie Lane Annie Annie Lane Dear Annie: I have a job where I work for a doctor. He has two offices. He has four people working at one office, and I work alone at the other. On clinic days, which is when the doctor sees patients, I am supposed to have help. The other staff that come from the other office either take the day off or, when they are there, they don’t help me. They just sit in the break room and talk, and I run the show by myself. I have gone to the manager, and even the manager above her, and they are hiring someone but are not sure when she is starting. I went to the doctor recently and told him that I was tired of working by myself and that his staff should come help with the clinic. He called me inappropriate for say-
ing that and said I need to just continue to do my job. I asked him, “So it’s OK for me to be alone then?” He said nothing. I am not sure what to do. -- Losing Patience Dear Losing: You’re in a frustrating predicament. While the doctor’s reply was less than helpful, I can’t blame him: You’re more likely to have luck speaking with the manager again or another supervisor who assists with staffing and personnel decisions. Arrange a meeting with one of your higher-ups to calmly and rationally explain your side. Ultimately, without proper staffing, the patients are the ones who suffer the most. If your managers are not serious about hiring extra hands, it’d be prudent to start looking for other job opportunities, where you feel not only set up for success but like your needs are heard and valued.
FOR BETTER OR WORSE
BY LYNN JOHNSTON
CLASSIC PEANUTS
BY CHARLES SCHULZ
Puzzles
DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES Here’s how to work it:
PICKLES
SHOE
PEARLS BEFORE SWINE
© 2018 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
BY BRIAN CRANE
BY CASSAT AND BROOKINS
BY STEPHAN PASTIS
NON SEQUITUR
BY WILEY
BEETLE BAILEY
BY GREG, BRIAN AND NEAL WALKER
SNUFFY SMITH
BY JOHN ROSE