Chronicle Times LIGHTER SIDE Friday, January 25, 2019 9 Pardon My Planet by Vic Lee Ask Annie DEALING WITH THE EX WHEN A KID IS INVOLVED Dear Annie: There is bathroom. Any bodily an issue that has been functions should be per- going on for quite some formed away from the time now, and I don’t dinner table. That most know what to do. I have definitely includes blow- a child who is 2, and his ing your nose or even father treats me as if I discussing it. Pull your were the biggest piece friend aside and tell her of garbage. So we split that you realize she may up. The good news is have some sinus issues that I have a fiance who but you’d appreciate it if treats me and my son she could refrain from like gold. The problem is that I blowing her nose at the table. Let don’t speak to the father of my her know that this rule applies to child because of the way he treats all guests and not just her. It’s not me and because my fiance has an only more polite but also more san- issue with it. My ex’s mother has itary for all parties involved. my son, and I am currently fighting Dear Annie: This is in response for custody. Should I be speaking to to “Shortchanged,” the woman Baby Blues by Kirkman only her about my child, or should I annoyed by one roommate short- be speaking to the father, as well? changing her when paying a share Please help me out with this. -- of the utility bills. She should Confused Mom report to her roommates an amount Dear Confused Mom: Congrat- that is rounded up on even-num- ulations on finding someone who bered months and rounded down on treats you and your son like gold. odd-numbered months. That way, What a blessing. Still, your ex-hus- people wouldn’t have to type the band is your son’s father. Assuming pennies, and it should average out there is no physical threat or dan- over time. -- Adam J. ger, try to be as civil to your ex as Dear Adam: Wish I’d thought of possible. He gave you the gift of a this handy, simple and drama-free beautiful child. If your fiance has a solution for “Shortchanged” in the problem with that, just explain to first place. Thanks for writing. him that your son and his well-be- Dear Annie: This is in response Between Friends by Sandra Bell-Lundy ing come first and that being polite to “Bummed-Out Bibliophile,” to his father will help you and your whose shelves are full of unread fiance get closer to your son. books. Another option for this per- Dear Annie: We have a close son is to make a list of the books, friend who always blows her nose donate them to the local library vehemently at the dinner table at and check them out as needed. That least several times while we are way, the public library would be eating. Is this appropriate dinner helped, and others could also enjoy behavior, or should we ask her nice- the books. Our public libraries are ly to excuse herself when she needs a treasure. Sharing is caring! -- to clean her sinuses? Rhea L. in Illinois We really need your advice, as Dear Rhea: Indeed it is. What a other guests are also repulsed. -- brilliant and practical suggestion. Handkerchief Mary Thanks for writing. Blondie by Bruce Young Dear Handkerchief Mary: First off, I’m assuming your dinner “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice guest has her own handkerchief, From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie because if she doesn’t and is using a Lane’s debut book -- featuring favorite napkin that was designed to lightly columns on love, friendship, family and wipe one’s mouth on her nose, you etiquette -- is available as a paperback have even bigger problems. Assum- and e-book. Visit http://www.creators- ing she has her own handkerchief publishing.com for more information. or tissues, it is truly not too much Send your questions for Annie Lane to to ask that she excuse herself for [email protected]. a moment to blow her nose in the COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM Deflocked by Mark Tatulli Horoscope

ARIES LEO SAGITTARIUS MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 JULY 23 - AUGUST 22 NOVEMBER 22 -DECEMBER 20 You can make finan- Set the ball in motion Be prepared to make cial gains through your and be relentless until changes to your personal unique and creative you complete the project. documents. People who approach to business. Home improvement proj- try to persuade you to You may find yourself ects will run smoothly. do things their way will mixed up in a triangle Tone down and put some annoy you. You can ask Mutts by Patrick McDowell of sorts. You need to of that hard earned cash for favors or run your get down to basics with into a safe, long-term ideas by those who will regard to yourself. investment. be able to support your objectives. TAURUS VIRGO APRIL 21 - MAY 20 AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22 CAPRICORN Implement your ideas Take time to make DECEMBER 21 -JANUARY 19 into your projects at physical improvements Take the time to close work. Leave your check- that will enhance your deals that have been up book and credit cards at appearance. You will be in the air. Your added home. Spend time with able to make favorable discipline will help you your lover today. changes in your living complete the impossible quarters. Later in the at work. Don’t fall for GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 21 week your boss will pat damaging rumors, and you on the back for a job refuse to get involved in Sally Forth by Greg Howard Don’t get involved in well done. gossip. expensive entertain- ment that involves gam- LIBRA AQUARIUS bling. Don’t let the cat SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22 JANUARY 20 -FEBRUARY 18 out of the bag. Make For best results get out Try not to attempt to changes that will height- of the office and do your do something unless you en your appeal. job en route. Sudden are fully intent on fol- changes regarding your lowing through with the CANCER circle of friends could plans. Your desire for JUNE 22 - JULY 22 prove interesting and excitement and adven- Travel should open stimulating. Use your ture may be expensive. doors that lead to excit- high energy and dynam- You will get great satis- ing new adventures. ic approach to win favors faction from your efforts. Don’t let your mate bully from superiors. Retail by Norman Feuti you into thinking that you owe them your time PISCES SCORPIO FEBRUARY 19 -MARCH 20

and your life. Don’t get OCTOBER 23 -NOVEMBER 21 involved in secret affairs Socially, you need a or underhanded involve- Put your efforts into fast paced form of enter- ments. moneymaking ventures. tainment. You should Empty promises are socialize with clients or Put a evident; therefore, get it upper echelons of your newspaper in writing, to be safe. industry if possible. in the Don’t agree to make any You may have been too of those cosmetic alter- agreeable to someone classroom. ations you’ve been con- who just wanted to use sidering. you.