Boardash: Women for Wednesday September 30, 2009

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Women
For You
Wednesday September 30, 2009

Health and Beauty Tip -- Do You Have Bad Breath?
Anti-abortionists begin '40 Days for Life'
Annie's Mailbox
Quote of the Day
Free Pet Cartoons from the New Yorker

Health and Beauty Tip -- Do You Have Bad Breath?

Blowing into your hands to check your breath doesn't really do any good. Try this: lick the back of your hand and let it dry. Provided you haven't used any heavily-scented soap, this will let you know exactly how your breath smells.

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Anti-abortionists begin '40 Days for Life'

NASHVILLE (UPI) -- U.S. anti-abortion activists began prayer vigils Thursday at abortion clinics as they began a national protest against abortion called "40 Days for Life."

Shawn Carney, a co-founder of the group, said it the practice began in Bryan, Texas, in 2004 because local activists wanted to demonstrate their opposition to abortion.

"We wanted to insert a new sense of urgency, that we can have an impact on the people who are having abortions in our community," he told The Tennessean.

Carney said at least 200,000 people have participated.

In Nashville, local organizers said at least 60 volunteers have agreed to pray outside the Women's Center, keeping the vigil going at least 12 hours a day through Oct. 1.

"We'll be praying and fasting for 40 days to close that place down," Vonda Spain said.

Observers say the movement has conceded Roe vs. Wade is unlikely to be overturned and an amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning abortion is also a dim prospect, so they are focusing on issues like government funding for abortion and state laws.

William Saletan, who covers abortion issues for the online magazine Slate, said the anti-abortion movement is "playing defense."

"And they are actually energized by playing defense," he said. "And it's all around the issue of funding for abortions."

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Annie's Mailbox

Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: I am a normal 14-year-old teenager and can honestly say I'm no angel. I have a question. Do adults remember what it was like to be a teenager?

Whenever I make a mistake or get in trouble, first I get grounded for life, and then I'm told how they had never been so stupid or would never do that to their parents. Yet I've heard stories from my grandparents about things my parents did when they were my age, and by comparison, I am nearly perfect.

I know raising a teenager is hard on them, but so often it feels that adults simply don't understand what we're going through. They won't give an inch of slack because they've forgotten what it was like to feel this way and to need a sense of belonging, to "fit in." Instead, they think all teens are bad kids if we don't do every little thing asked of us. It's really annoying.

When I am an adult, I don't want to forget what it was like to be a teenager and do this to my kids. What do you think? -- Confused and Annoyed Teen

Dear Confused: We think your parents remember only too well what it was like when they were your age and don't want you to make the same mistakes. They look back on those years and realize how lucky they were to escape with all their necessary parts intact.

Those things that annoy you are your parents' way of protecting you and teaching you how to behave in the adult world. That's their job. You are expected to bristle at the restrictions and what you consider unrealistic expectations, and if your parents are overly protective, we agree it can be difficult. The best way to navigate these complicated years is to find a way to communicate honestly and respectfully with your parents so they will listen more closely and understand you better. Please try.

Dear Annie: My husband is the head of a company that employs 50 people. One of the wives has twice entertained large groups of employees from the office and later told me about it. My husband and I were not invited.

Why would someone do this? We have always been friendly with this couple. In fact, we get along well with everyone my husband works with. He is a well-respected and well-liked boss. I try to be kind and friendly to all his employees.

I'm feeling left out, and my husband and I are starting to feel some resentment toward this employee. What can I say to let her know how I feel when she tells me about these invitations? -- Left Out

Dear Left Out: Some employees feel uncomfortable entertaining the boss and his wife, although we can't fathom why this woman insists on telling you about events to which you were not invited. Have you entertained the employees in your home? If so, they are more likely to reciprocate. Otherwise, when this woman tells you about these occasions, simply say, "How lovely. So sorry we couldn't be there."

Dear Annie: I read the letter from "Missing Mom in Missouri," whose father wants to start dating even though Mom has been dead less than a month. I'd like to expand on something you briefly mentioned in your response.

When a person spends three years with a terminally ill spouse, he or she has spent that time grieving the loss and mourning their loved one even though that person is still alive. For the surviving spouse to start dating is not disrespectful to the deceased. Many people who've been through a terminal illness of a spouse do not know how to live alone and are starved for companionship, as they have spent the last several months or years being a caregiver. This can be a very lonely process.

Please do not find fault with this wonderful, loving husband for wanting to bring joy and happiness back into his life. -- Lived it in Indiana

Dear Indiana: Thank you for pointing out that everyone grieves in his or her own way.

Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie's Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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Quote of the Day

Edith Wharton (1862 - 1937)

If only we'd stop trying to be happy we'd have a pretty good time.

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Free Pet Cartoons from the New Yorker

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