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Career crises and workplace anxieties

Dear Annie: I'm feeling torn between pursuing my dream and maintaining my financial stability. I have a job as an accountant making six figures, but it's boring work -- so boring that I dread getting out of bed every morning. The days go by slowly, and I find myself living for the weekend. ...

Dad and the water shrew

ESCANABA- There I was, about 14 years old, on a summery day up along Hunter’s Brook near our camp. Beneath the cool canopy of trees, Dad sat quietly on a slab of limestone. We were waiting for our stubborn beagle to return when all a sudden a dark, greyish little creature skipped out from ...

Wringing out and drying clothes

Dear Heloise: People have written to you with tips on how to dry clothes that you have handwashed (usually while traveling), but there’s one step that most people don’t seem to know about. After you wash clothes (and I’ve read that using shampoo is generally better than soap for this ...

Drama at the gym

Dear Annie: I love the gym. It has really helped me gain confidence and strength. I have been going to the same gym in our small town for roughly 10 years. I know all the people there and enjoy my time there -- until lately. There is a woman who just started going to the gym who is toxic. ...

6-year estrangement is hurting whole family

Dear Annie: I don't know where to start. It has been six years since our youngest daughter, "Emily," has been close to us. The problem started when our oldest daughter and her cousin were in the kitchen talking about Emily when Emily walked by. She obviously was concerned that they were ...

Donating nonfood essentials

Dear Heloise: I have a suggestion for donations to food pantries. I usually donate nonfood necessities such as toilet paper, trial sizes or small sizes of shampoo, laundry detergent, feminine supplies, toothpaste, and more. Many people who use food pantries are living out of a backpack, so ...