S4@ — Wednesday, June 24, 1992 - North Shore News Dread making plans with copycat friend | DEAR MISS MANNERS — I purchased a very uice, unnsual-looking down jacket, and after seeing it on me, a good friend went out and herseli. When she revezled this to me, I suggested that she not wear this jacket when I wore mine, because two people in this coat would be a bit much, and J never was into the Bobbsey Twins look, anyway. She agreed at the time, but now she wears the jacket whenever she pleases without giving a though! to my feelings. When I warn her that Pil be wearing the jacket, she seems verv put out and acts as though she is making a huge sacrifice by not wearing her ‘‘best coat.’’ As you might imagine, this real- ly annoys me. Since I had, the coat first, I feel that she shouldn't wear hers at all when she knows ske is going to be out in public with me. I'm starting to dread making plans with this woman. GENTLE READER Miss Manners always thought that humor about the horror of two ladies finding themselves similarly costumed was nasty propaganda from gentlemen who all dress alike. Even two ladies in the same ball dress look different; two ladies in the same down jacket can hardiy be considered 2 laughing stock. There are only two ways to en- sure uriiqueness of costume -— one hideously expensive and oe thrif- ty. Order it from a couturier items from their regular collec- tions that cost more than your car are not exclusive), or make it yourself. : If you really feel terrible about dressing like anyone else, you should choose whichever of those methods suits your budget. But Miss Manners is efraid that she cannot countenance a rule that requires one lady to obtain the permission of another before she gets dressed. DEAR MISS MANNERS We went to a celebration for which the invitation said ‘Black tie.” My husband wore a tuxedo and I wore a black dress with a corsage. I was the only guest fo appear with a corsage. Neediess to say, ! felt a little awkward. =: What is a general rule for wear- ing corsages to social functions? How caa you tell from the inviia- bought the same jacket for Judith MISS MANNERS tion? Does the time of year have any effect? GENTLE READER Miss” Manners, who has finicky opi- nions about formal dress, is delighted to have an opportunity. to make a declaration of freedom — you can wear flowers to any social event at any time. Whoopeee! This is because flowers, whether or not they are gathered into the badgelike corsage, are merely decoration. Miss Manners is aware that young gentlemen are suppos- ed to give them to young ladies whom they escort (or who escort them) to -proms, that they are sometimes added to the wedding flower bill as a ‘‘requirement’’ for certain female ‘relatives, and that those honored at birthdays or meetings may have flowers bestowed upon them. However, wearing flowers is still not like wearing medals. Giv- ing them remains merely a charm- ing gesture, and if your husband was the only one at the celebra- tion to think of doing so, you should merely reflect how sweet he is, and not worry about the other ladies’ costumes. DEAR MISS MANNERS — At the small community church we attend each Sunday, with 70 to 80 people, a trend we find offensive has recently been started. For graduations and weddings, one iavitation is sent, addressed to Pursues passion without worry From page $3 nally settled down to two careers. Prior to meeting Caron, he was juggling at least three jobs and taking fine arts at Capilano Col- lege. “If I could stop and do it all over again I'd just do one thing. | wish I'd come to that conclusion {Q years ago. It took getting mar- ried for it to happen.”’ Where does he plan to go from here? “I'm into graphite now, but I TOTEMCOLOR | | JUNE SPECIAL DEVELOP & PRINT 3x5 12 exp. 6.28 24 exp. 9.96 36 exp. 13.59 986-2271 1g East ist Si. think it’s temporary,” he says, as if anything could be permanent. “ft have a feeling Ml get into acrylic next.’’ THE PARENTING RESOURCE CENTRE Childbirth, Newbom Care, Parenting Education Jorkshops. series, one day seminars and individual instruction offered. For more information and a free brochure call 922-8470 WS - 659 Clyde Avenue ‘West Varcouver, 8.C., V7T 1C9 . the church congregation. It is read aloud from the pulpit to those in attendance, and then posted at the back of the church. No one who attends our church is sent «. ger- sonal invitation. This is even being done by our pastor’s children. What do you make of this, cad what should vur response be? We realize that invitations are expen- sive, but it doesn’t seem like 2 good way to cut back cn ex- penses. GENTLE READER — Always looking for a kindly interpreta- tion, Miss Manners is assuming that these invitations are not in- tended to replace individual ones sent to friends. Rather, she hopes, they are there to reinforce the traditional notion that public ceremonies are — well, public. Anyone in a con- gregation is therefore welcome to attend weddings or other ceremo- nies held in the church. It wouid be not only rude, but unwise in the extreme, to use this procedure for a private social event, such as a wedding reception or graduation party. Bulletin- board invitations do not obligate unnamed people to observe the usual conventions such as replying to invitations and sending pres- ents. Nor should they entitle those ancnymous people to attend any- thing but the ceremony itself, in their capacity as members of the same congregatica. Miss Manners would have very little sympathy for anyone who omitted the individual invitations to related festivities. She wouldn’t quite snicker at the empty — or overcrowded receptions that are likely co result, because she doesn’t enjoy other people’s discomfort even when it is deserv- ed. But she would rejoice that for once. the failure of anyone to perform the duties of invited guests would be no fault of the guests. _ : Get ready for a breath of fresh air... _ On September Ist, Lower Mainland residents will start taking better care of the air, thanks to AirCare. AirCare is the first vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program in Canada, and one of the most technologically advanced environmental programs of its kind in North America. it's also part of the provincial government's initiatives to improve the air quality in the Lower Mainland. The program will cover the area from Lions Bay to Chilliwack, and will be operated from #2 specially built and conveniently located AirCare Centres dedicated exclusively to emission inspections. Preatrea ns ot Brmist: Coshari ing * Most passenger vehicles, motor homes and light trucks (5,000 kg GVW and under) — except electric powered vehicles or those with vintage or coliector plates — are included in the program. You. must pass the inspection before you can renew your licence and insurance. The inspection costs $15.00. A key aspect of the inspection is to make sure that all emission control components installed at the factory have not been removed, damuged or tampered with. Before you buy a used vehicle, be sure that the emission control system is in good working order. If you're not sure what to Ieok for, ask a qualified service technician. FOR INFORMATION, PHONE 433-5633 Inspection & Maintenance Program Manet of Atoma General Motor Seale Branch IN CHILLIWACK, CALL 795-4546