DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter dropped out during her freshman year of college. She struggled academically her first semester, and she has decided not to go back. I’m terrified for her future because I’ve always believed that in order to have a stable and successful career, a college degree is essential. I know that not everyone takes a traditional path, but without any sort of plan or direction, I worry she’s setting herself up for failure or hardship.
Dear Doctor: My husband and I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. I prefer red wine, but it always gives me a bad headache. It happens from even half a glass, so I know it’s not a hangover. I thought it was the sulfites, but I hear there’s a new theory. Do you know what that is?
(AP) — In this Damascus suburb, the handful of remaining Jews in Syria can again make pilgrimages to one of the world's oldest synagogues where people from throughout the region once came to pray.
(AP) – The Native American Church is considered the most widespread religious movement among the Indigenous people of North America. It holds sacred the peyote cactus, which grows naturally only in some parts of southern Texas and northern Mexico. Peyote has been used spiritually in ceremonies, and as a medicine by Native American people for millennia.
• Christmas favors for the local nursing home residents were made by the Clinton Senior 4-H Club members at their December meeting. Nine members created wreaths, Santas and reindeer. After the workshop, the members enjoyed a gift exchange and snack supper. Shown working on the Christmas favors were Christie Crawford, Leslie Keeton, Melita Bowman, Stephanie Keil, Monica Ruyle, Christina Shepherd, Jeretta Stehr, Justin Stehr and Walker Moore.
Dear Editor: Eastside Academy students and staff want to thank Terry Garner and InterBank staff for providing students with a hot meal on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.
DEAR HARRIETTE: After passing the job final interview at one of the biggest companies in the United States, I’ve been struggling with imposter syndrome. Although I was chosen for this role because of my experience and skills, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not good enough. I worry about making mistakes or being “found out.” To address this, I’m trying to focus on small wins – like completing tasks ahead of schedule or receiving positive feedback from my team. I’m also reminding myself that no one is perfect and everyone has a learning curve. That said, I’ve noticed that my boss occasionally gets irritated when certain aspects of my work fall short, especially as he’s relying on me to carry forward an important project. This has added to my self-doubt, but I’m determined to improve. Any advice would be a great help. – Imposter Syndrome DEAR IMPOSTER SYNDROME: Give yourself a timeline to learn new tasks and build a rapport with your boss. When things don’t go right, be the first to admit it, and ask for guidance to help you understand your mistakes. Everyone messes up on occasion. A sign that you are capable and learning is that you pay close attention and figure out how not to make the same mistake twice.
This year had a lot of ups and downs for me.
Donald Trump is escalating his long-running vendetta against the media. “It costs a lot of money to do it, but we have to straighten out the press,” he declared recently.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My younger sister is getting married to a man with a significant number of financial issues, and I’m really worried about her future. He has $300,000 in combined credit card debt and student loans, and to make matters worse, he’s earning only $40,000 a year. Meanwhile, my sister is much more successful; she has no debt and a stable career and earns a sixfigure salary. She’s worked hard to get where she is, and I’m proud of her, but I can’t help feeling like she’s stepping into a financial disaster by marrying this man. I fear that once they’re married, he’s going to rely on her not only to cover their bills, but also to pay off his debt. I know marriage is about partnership, and everyone comes with their own baggage, but this feels different. It seems like he’s bringing an overwhelming financial burden to the relationship, and I don’t think my sister fully understands the long-term implications of this. I’ve tried hinting at my concerns, but she brushes me off and says she loves him and they’ll figure it out. I don’t want to overstep or come across as judgmental, but I’m genuinely scared for her financial stability and independence. Should I say something more directly, or is it better to let her learn the hard way? – On the Plank