According to Winston Churchill, “Perfection is the enemy of progress,” It’s the time of year when we try to do too much, change too quickly. Already expectations are lowering, and reality is setting in. The sky is gray, the temperatures cold, and I am coming to grips with the fact that I cannot eat toffee every day. (At least, not a lot of toffee every day.)
As the new year dawns, the American economy is in good shape. But the public is in a bad mood. That contradiction dominates our political life, and how voters untangle their feelings over the next 10 months could well decide the election in November.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I find myself in a difficult situation with a close friend I met when I moved to Minneapolis for my job two years ago. I need your advice on how to navigate this matter as I have only made a few friends in Minnesota, and I don’t want to lose one.
Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the monthly letters column. We hope your holiday season and celebrations were both fruitful and satisfying.
Bishop Martin Mtumbuka pulled no punches when passing judgment on the Vatican's declaration that Catholic clergy could bless couples living in 'irregular relationships,' such as same-sex unions.
Last week, a young woman who never thought she would make it to 40 years old, died at the age of 41. Her message to the world was about remembering that we are all mortal — and she meant it in an encouraging way. Use your time well and give thanks.
This year, I’ve requested a bill that will broaden the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP), better known as Oklahoma’s Promise, to include any child of an Oklahoma certified teacher that has taught at least 10 years and is a current fulltime employee at the time their child applies. The legislation will be eligible to be considered once session starts, Feb. 5. Oklahoma’s Promise allows students who meet certain income, academic and conduct requirements to earn a college or technology tuition scholarship. It was created in 1992 by the legislature to help more Oklahoma families send their children to college. The program is administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
• Shirts to be sold in commemoration of Martin Luther King Day were displayed by members of the Clinton High School Multicultural Club. Shown were members April Rivers, Toke Randle, Yolanda Trevino, Jennifer Cardenas and Camille Atkinson. The Multicultural Club was also sponsoring a banquet in the high school cafeteria that would kick off a threeday celebration.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Whenever I find myself in large gatherings or social events, I constantly feel like I’m dissociating. It’s as if I’m present physically, but mentally, I struggle to connect with others, and everything around me feels distant and surreal.
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