Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): By definition, work is harder than doing nothing at all. At least it should be. Then why doesn’t it feel as if that is true? You’ll find idleness to be an irritant and gladly take on more than your share to stay busy. Taurus (April 20-May 20): One of the more difficult character challenges of the day will be in the practice of nonjudgment. To take things at face value is difficult for one with the indepth knowledge that you have, but you won’t be sorry. Gemini (May 21-June 21): Get going on a project. It doesn’t matter where you start; it just matters that you do. Wrong choices lead to right ones; bad plans lead to better ones. Cancer (June 22-July 22): You’re the unofficial coach of your group. You won’t let anyone perform at a subpar level without taking it upon yourself to investigate the problem, fix it and motivate improvement. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): This is a time to keep as much of the project under your control and jurisdiction as you can. If you delegate too much, you’ll just have to do it over yourself. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You don’t like to put people out, but if they want to make a sacrifice on your behalf, let them. You are important to your people. They want you to know this. Let them show you. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Who should be fulfilling your expectation? Whose expectation should you be filling? If the answers to those questions are “nobody” and “nobody’s,” then you’ll have an excellent day indeed. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Things will not stay the way they are. They never have, and they never will. With this in mind, you’ll continue to look for the present opportunities, which are as unusual as they are rare. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In most things, the lows and highs will expand at the same time. In a related story, you’ll be reminded that the way to intelligent things is often found through silly things. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’re edgy; the pressure is on. Embrace it. Some top performance coaches suggest that relaxation techniques only diminish your ability to connect. It’s more compelling to stay in the moment and use the energy. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Overplanning leads to a boring outcome. But how do you know when you’ve planned too much? If your plans are prohibiting you from taking advantage of the pop-up opportunities of the moment, abandon them. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll be at your absolute best in a safe environment where you’re not worried about being scored or judged. You can have that peace even if you (SET ITAL) are (END ITAL) being judged, by the way. The trick is in not worrying about it.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators. com/author/holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY >> I am a new mom to a sweet baby boy. I am (or was) very career-oriented and never in a million years thought I would want to be a stay-at-home mom. I will have to return to work shortly, and I’m really struggling.

I have a hard time putting my little one in day care, but I don’t have a choice. I have no idea where to begin, how to select the right day care or what questions to ask. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. — New mom in

California

DEAR NEW MOM >> Start by talking to your friends and family, asking if they know of a day care that’s good, then make sure that any facility you’re considering is licensed. Spend a little time there to see how the caregivers interact with the children.

Go to babycenter.com and search on “daycare.” You will find a section on day care centers that will give you the information you need. You should also check with your state’s department of social services to be sure no complaints have been filed. I wish you luck in your search.

DEAR ABBY >> Over the years the people closest to me (immediate family, friends and a few ex-boyfriends) have given me every reason not to trust anyone much.

About a year ago I found the courage to date again and met a man who gives me every reason to trust him to the fullest. The problem is, because of my past, I’m having problems doing it. How do I move past my issues and give the relationship I’m in a fair chance before I destroy it? — Gun-shy in Maine

DEAR GUN-SHY >> Considering your history, it makes sense that you are afraid of being hurt or taken advantage of. However, not all people are alike. Allow the relationship more time to develop. Don’t be afraid to talk things out with him rather than react by jumping to conclusions and/or making accusations.

Listen to what he says and watch what he does. If the two don’t match, regard it as a red flag. However, if they do match, then count your blessings because you may have finally found a winner.

DEAR ABBY >> For years I’ve gone to a neighborhood bar every Friday night for a few hours during cocktail hour. I have recently started using oxygen due to COPD from smoking.

My doctor says I can do anything I feel I’m up to. Well, I’m up to going out to the bar like I used to do. Trouble is, I’m self-conscious about the carrier. It doesn’t bother me to go out to stores, etc., but this does. Should I stay home, bored out of my mind, or get on with the life I used to have?

— Wants to get on with life

DEAR WANTS >> Your doctor has said you can do what you want. I see nothing to be gained by sitting home alone and becoming depressed. My only concern is that the bar you frequent may be smoky and be problematic for your already-damaged lungs. If the bar is smoke-free, go. But if it isn’t, then I’m suggesting you find one that is.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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