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Show wm W f -- 9 9 v i'"r" f Y pp1 fy Vf fr Hr-- T- The Salt Lake Tribune, Friday, January T-- y 17, 1986 A 13 Taking a week away from family is vacation for all self to such pandemonium for seven whole days. But I knew that I desperately needed a vacation and that I'd better accept this offer before he changed his mind. I'm glad that I did because the next day he called from the office to tell me The guys here think I am nuts for taking my vacation to tend kids. I told everyone that if I'm not back when I'm supposed to be, to check the obituaries. Not That Hard It wont be that hard," I assured him, even though I wasn't convinced. Still uncertain that Milton could cope with the children all by himself, I decided to visit a friend and have a quiet week to read, relax, write and make a trip to the canyon where I could let my words flow like the nearby stream. When the day finally arrived for me to leave, I frantically rattled off a list of instructions to the kids. "Remember to wash your hands before you eat. Make your beds every Ediior'i Not: The Lifetiyi deportmtnt of Soil Lok Tribuno welcome! moforijf from Uloh writori. Eoch Fridoy, on culumn will b xelected bated on icop of mlereit of iubtect monor ond writing obil-itMaterial should not exceed 750 words. Th Tribun will pay regular space rales for thos orticles selected for publication. If work has been published in Free-Lanc- e Corner, do not submit new work for six months. The views expressed in selected columns art not necessarily those of The Salt Loke Tribune. Pleas include address and telephone number on your story ond mail to: Free-Lanc- e Corner, Th Soil Lake Tribune, Box 067, Sott Lake City, Uloh 04110. Th By Pamela Taylor Why don't you take a week off, my husband Milton suggested. stay home with the kids." Ill I thought that sounded like a great idea, especially after the trying day I'd had. But, how could he manage. Had he forgotten that he had five children? Besides, men dont make good moms. Do they? All these questions ran through my mind. I couldnt believe he would be able to subject him By the time I reached my friend's house, my feelings had calmed 1 planned to make the most of my week morning Brush your teeth. Mind your dad. There's plenty of food in the fridge. Be careful when you play Say your prayers. Change your socks." I hoped they would survive. Dads sometimes forget details. When Milton said, Well. 1 guess it's tomato sand wiches for us this week," I wasn't at away. Often when I sat at the typewriter working on my article, I knew that my family was as near as the telephone. My daughter Dawn would call and complain, "Mother I cant find my green plaid pants. My son Paul called to ask, Mom, do you know where the peanut butter got put?" Numerous Calls Finally, after numerous calls, I told them, "Ask your dad for help. Dont call unless something important happens like someone gets his foot caught in the toilet. Then Milton called to ask about the fabric softener and I panicked. What if he had forgotten to sort the clothes? What if I returned home to all pink underwear? The week went on, and although my children continued to let me know about skinned knees and captured butterflies, the phone calls came less frequently. 1 started to enjoy my lei all sure they wouldn't starve before I got home. Goodbye Chorus Mrs- Taylor As I rode out of the driveway with my friend, I heaid a chorus of, "Good-bye- ! Well miss you!" from the kids and from Milton, If you decide not to come back, be sure to write! I couldn't help but smile, yet my throat tightened. My family was my life. A sense of loss overwhelmed me. What would I do for a week without my husband and children? - sure tune and freedom. It seemed such a change to do only as I pleased after 13 years of marriage. In one phone call, Milton confided, "I hope I survive until you come back. Computers are a lot easier to understand than these kids." Warmth filled me. I knew I was needed. I longed for Milton's companionship, but I was gaining the satisfaction of accomplishment. Without the activity Id been used to; where doors slammed, children yelled and television blared, I became lonely and after the seclusion of the day, looked forward to my friend's company at night. Week Ended When the week ended, I felt rejuvenated, and eager to see my loved ones. Yet I hesitated. Was I ready to plunge once again into the noise, clutters and responsibility of motherhood? Then, as I walked through the front door, and my children with their usual energy, gathered round me, I knew that I was where I belonged. We made it fine while you were gone," Milton teased me, but his tone told me he was relieved to see me. I think now I'll be more understanding if I come home at night, to find the house a wreck," he chuckled. You dont get much done with kids," he admitted. "Its work." i I agreed wholeheartedly and add- ed, "I was surprised to find the t ouse in one piece and the kids all well. I confessed. I didn't think you could fill in as mom, but you did a great job and I appreciated the time off. My daughter summed up everyone's feelings when she said, Dad, you dont yell as much as Mom does and you give us more of the things we want. Id like to have you be Mom again sometime!" Pam Taylor keeps busy with fqjn-ily- , church responsibilities, community work and writing. She loves .fife and people and hopes to give people something when she writes. Answer job -- application questions to best of your ability Am I wrong to think that it sounds like Im filling out papers to join the armed forces? How should people answer nosy questions without risking the job? Dear Ann Landers: I have been looking for a job, which I need awfully bad. A few days ago I filled out an application that offended me. In my opinion they asked a lot of questions that had nothing to do with the job. I managed to get an extra application because I wanted to ask you if these are proper questions. Here they are: Are you single, married, owed, separated, divorced? 1. I answered some of these, "not job related." Was that OK? I need your advice for the next time. Unemployed In Kansas 7. wid- Condition of health: excellent, Dear Unemployed: The only question on that list that I would consider was "color of eyes and not hair. If, for example, they had asked good, fair? Have you ever had trouble with heart, lungs, hernia? 9. Any defects in speech, sight, hearing? 10. Have you been in any accidents in the past five years on the job, or otherwise? 11. Date of last physical checkup? 12. Height, weight, color of eyes, hair? 8. 2. Do you own your home, rent, room, board, or live with parents? 3. Number of dependents, children, relatives, others? 4. Do you have life, accident, or hospitalization insurance? 5. List hobbies, sports. 6. Have you ever been arrested for other than traffic violations? d your race, religion or political party, you would have had a legitimate right to refuse to respond I doubt that youre going to land this one but for future job opportunities it would be wise to answer all the questions to the best of your ability. Dear Ann Landers: I've gone back to work after many years absence and I find something strange going on in the business world today. Has it always been this way, or is this something new? I alwavs sav Good morning." to my fellow workers when I come to work and they reply in kind. But what 1 find odd is when I meet them again in the halls, on the stairs or at the copy machine, they say, Hello, again. This goes on all day long. Is this the custom all over? Im Fort Lee, N.J. puzzled. Dear Lee: Do you believe if a person says, "Good morning, the greeting should last 24 hours? Most colleagues say "Hello or Hi to the same person several times a day and think nothing of it. Dear Ann Landers: I keep seeing TV commercials showing women Rising all sorts of expensive exerotse equipment which they buy or rfint. Don't these dummies know they could stay in shape cutting the grass, shoveling snow, chopping firewood, washing clothes by hand, turning mattresses or painting the house? The gal I marry is going to know these facts. Ed In Ontario ; Dear Ed: After you give her facts, please give her my ii K. " important nutrient provide bulk in the stomach. This can result in a feeling of fullness and, therefore, a decrease in appetite. Dear Dr. Solomon: I have read that people who live in countries where they eat a lot of fiber have less cancer of the colon. But I have also heard that there is no proof that fiber can protect a person from colon cancer. Can you make any sense out of this because there seems to be a contradiction between the two. Lottie, Decatur, 111. Dear Lottie: The diets of populations you cite not only differ in relation to the amount of fiber in their diets but in other respects as well. For example, they consume less fat and protein, which may also influence the development of colon cancer. Therefore, while the evidence of a protective effect is suggestive, there is no proof that an increase in dietary fiber protects against colon cancer. By Dr. Neil Solomon Dear Dr. Solomon: Every once in a while I read a story about different kinds of minerals that are needed for good health, but I dont remember seeing much about magnesium. Is it of any benefit? Connie, Charleston, W.Va. Dear Connie: Some researchers will tell you that magnesium is a very important nutrient. They say that it can be of benefit in such conditions as migraine headaches and high blood pressure, and can increase endurance. Dear Dr. Solomon: A lot is being written about how fiber is thought to be good for a lot of thigs, but I am more interested in facts than in thoughts. What can fiber actually help me with? Cappy, Minneapolis Dear Cappy: Possibly the most concrete indication of the value of fiber is in the relief of constipation. Among the foods most effective in this regard are vegetables and whole-grai- n products, which contain insoluble types of fibers. Fiber also appears to be of value in weight control. In the first place, foods such as celery are low in calories. In addition, foods generally take longer to eat and (If you hove o medical question, write to Neil Solomon, M.O., P.O. Box J1487, Pikes-villMd. 2 120B. Dr. Solomon cannot give personal replies but will answer as many questions as possible in his column.) Happy 90th Birthday Hortense Bowen Walker taken another price reduction on our entire stock of Pykettes brand fall pants, blouses, sweaters and skirts. We have Hortense Bowen Walker will celebrate her 90th Birthday on Jonuary 20, 1986. In her honor on Open House will be given by her children on Saturday, Jonuary 18, 1986 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at her home at 41 S3 South 1420 West. Friends ond relatives are cordioilv Invited to attend. She k the mother of six children; she has 17 grondchlldren, 68 ond 11 a variety of solids, prints and stripes. Now at only $10. In fiber-containi- caosuo PEHRSoNs.eeaaamnami2iLYE.RUA CLOSEOUT SALE! Misses Sizes 8-2- Womens Sizes 0 36-4- 6 A lull TORO SNOW THROWERS! J etP D Sells in fine stores for $21 to $40. Utahs Lowest Prices on TORO SNOW THROWERS! I We have 5 H P. Toro Snow Throwers 278-048- 7 Cottonwood Mall 4835 Highland Drive PIPE HRSON SI LEh EVERYTHING (Sale does not include Holiday group, knit denim coordinate group or basic group in black, brown, navy, white or red.' t GIFT t : & DECORATING ACCESSORIES QUITTING BUSINESS OFF ENTIRE STOCK i FACTORY OUTLET 1' t i Salt Lake City Midvalley The Family Center 1760 South Stale 5690 South Redwood Road 467-514- 1 968-771- 10 am to 6 through Saturday, Closed Sunday pm-Mo- 10 am to 7 through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm-Mo- Closed Sunday dny, V., 2354 I. 7000 So. Salt Lake City 943-341- i 1 ' MOUyi: VtSA M0N.-SA10-- ' the Magnesium beneficial as i VISAMASTER CARD PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED 6 ) J V I S3 ) |
