Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for August 30, 2014

Rosa’s parents and uncle sure played their daughter and niece like a fiddle.

So, Rosa, you’ve finally learned the truth! Why not start at a Peruvian college, preferably in LIma? Gain some experience in your uncle’s Clinica then go back to the States and to Yale! Gunther will take care of himself! ;)

“Got Plan D Of Moxie”“Operation Cos-medic Salvage”“The New Lessen Plan”“A Taste For Lemonade”“You’ve Got To Roll With It, Baby” (♫)“Saving Face Among The Facelifts”“Saving Private Rosa”“Getting Down To Keeping Up Appearances”“Time To Teach The Teachers”“Big Wheels Keep On Turnin’….” (♫)“Deep In The Heart… Of Lima” (♫)or“I Could’ve Had A V8!”

Yale isn’t technically ‘home’ for Rosa, is it?

It’s probably not too late to make it to registration. Same for Gunther and Moony.

Yeah, they’d have to break up, but I think they both know that’s inevitable.

There’s nothing stopping you from finding an actual clinic or hospital in rural Peru that treats poor people and volunteering your services to them, Rosa. (Well, there’s nothing stopping you except money, of course.) And yes, there is a “Plan D”, which you most definitely should follow: **D**ump Gunther.

Okay, I got it. As Lamberger and others mentioned, Tio Leo is a rich plastic surgeon who donates time and money and free surgeries to poor people. Rosa must have heard about this from her parents talking about him and assumed what she assumed. Or she heard the plastic surgeon part when she was little and then forgot about it, remembering only stories of his admirable donations later on. That seems to make some sense.

Well…none of this can be laid on Gunther. He went for ‘adventure.’ If Adventure turned out to be a 9-5 job, hey, why not?

As so begins Rosa’s journey of understanding the world as it is, not as she imagined it to be.

We don’t get to grow up to be astronauts who cure homelessness.

We don’t all become ballerinas who become famous actresses and then retire to help starving children—unless you’re Audrey Hepburn.

For all but a tiny few, we live without making groundbreaking changes to the world.

It’s reality—what a concept.

Gunther talking about that plan “D”. DEEZ NUTZ!

Plan D:Don’t Disagree.

Sometimes, you find you are “where you are” when you’re there.Sometimes, it’s just how it is. Sometimes, you can take a mistake and maybe find a “serendipitous” alternative that turns out to be a good thing… that is, instead of complaining of how badly something turned out….

Yet another Evans rabbit-hole. One week, food truck blows up, then nothing. Next, mystery dorm-mate, then nothing. Then Peruvian clinic to the stars, so expect this to go nowhere too.

Gunther might have an idea. He said he knows the program the “clinic” uses.

@watmiwori“Many manuals are translations by persons whose native language is NOT that into which the translation was done.” @ JayBlue “Yes, true!”

So true; the Chinese mistranslations are the best. As an example, take this one for a device we just received from China:

—

1, Have no harm:Geniality all good reaction:2, the reaction of slack :After ending operation treatment, the living creature effect produced by tiny electricity will not disappear immediately, but through a period of time after just disappear.3, Living creature effect : The increment of the living creature tiny electricity, can cause some proliferation, come together or increment of the chemistry material reflect by going to change chemistry speed and mode in the body, For example after getting hurt of blaze sex a reflection, can accelerate wound to match more;The living creature tiny electricity anti-decrepitude, the protein synthesizes acceleration after the treatment, the gum increases at first, promote rivet water ability and flexibility of skin;

" . . . Rosa later finds out that he is a Lawyer that handles DUI cases."

Your scenario is hilarious!

My hub just found some code he used to write for IBM…unbelievable!. ;)

There’s a hint as to how Rosa will dump Gunther in what she said.

Rosa has become a giantess in that cubicle.

“Let me guess. You bought an electric gum – chewing machine.”

Haha! You did it again and made me laugh out loud! We actually bought a “Colour Photon & Ultrasonic beautiful skin instrument,” as they call it. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now (no thanks to the instructions) and I could swear I’m seeing a difference.

Well, the air has finally cooled down…perfect for sleeping! And so IS Katie and I are heading up the stairs… ‘Nite all! ;)-——————————————————————————————“Laws are like spider’s webs: if some poor weak creature come up against them, it is caught; but a bigger one can break through and get away."(Solon, c. 630-c. 555 B.C.)

I really don’t think Rosa “came all this way” (regardless of the circumstances of how) to just “throw it all away”….. that includes her feelings for Gunther… I’m sure she’ll note how he was so supportive of her, and it will win points in her book!

@seyleigh (from yesterday)“Very true. I finally gave up and just use Google translate.”@Dave53“the trouble with Google Translate tho is that it does poorly on some situational word translations.”

Yes, it’s very helpful, I use it too when writing in Spanish. However, if I’m not sure about something, I have one of my more fluent family members proofread it because it is often inaccurate, as Dave mentioned.

Psychologically abusive parents, indeed! Finally we find out a thing it might have been helpful to know a good while ago. “Gunther, your mother spoils you and mine neglects me. We really are opposites. Uh, is that good or bad?”

Yale will defer your admission after your overseas experience, if you talk to their admissions department. You’re not any less worthy now than you were then. Same for Gunther, so make the most of it and immerse in the language and the culture. And get some work done while you’re there,

All this time Rosa’s been leading Gunther. I think this is where Gunther gets to show his ability to plan and lead. Not as exciting as Rosa’s “lead from the heart” approach, perhaps, but I suspect Gunther will come up with a cool-headed solution that will save the day.

Rosa first got interested in Gunther when he made her a dress for a fashion show. Plan D will be to make clown outfits for Rosa and himself as they visit kids that might be ill, read stories to them, and entertain them with a clown act – Gunther’s library experience. Much like what the real Patch Adams does in real life for kids.

We may have to wait awhile for Plan D.

At the start of the week, Rosa told Luann over the phone that her time so far in Peru had been “boring”. Sorry, Gunther, but it’s all over between you and Rosa.

“Instructions for ‘Photon/Ultrasonic’ instrument: “To immediately disappear 180 pounds of ugly fat, aim at husband and press the ‘energize’ button. Since no residue is left, cleanup is a snap.”

I love it!

Plan D: Ditch this arc and get back to guessing about Dez.

About Sophia: connect the eyebrows; she reminds me of Frida Kahlo.

Expensive lesson for her parents, if not also for Rosa.

@brdshtBut at least Rosa is alive. More than can be said about the talking cardboard-figure she carries around and that is only concerned about his comfort.

As to “I won’t go back” – that shows extreme weakness. Greatness and strength would be to hop on the next flight, go to University and admit that there is no need for know-it-all-Youngsters with no education in the real world…. apart from answering phones and data entry that is.. and write a thank-you card to uncle-invisible and hug her parents.. oh and DUMP that dumpling… yes, I know every comic strip lives of loosers because people love to hate them, but please, I promise I will keep reading it without him.

Interesting that she still hasn’t met the uncle. So just spitballing here, but what if it is all a setup orchestrated by her parents? What if this isn’t his clinic at all?

Reality is a cruel, cruel mistress. Glad you finally figured that out Rosa.

Rosa and Gunther can make this a valuable and enjoyable experience still. Gunther’s simple reference to a “plan D” should prompt Rosa to stop the histrionics and start thinking how to make the most of being in Peru and, as it seems, supported by her rich Tio Leo. There is no reason for Rosa and Gunther to split up; quite the contrary!

It’s not like she even bothered asking her parents since she didn’t tell them about not going to Yale.So I don’t blame her parents not telling Rosa since Rosa as a young adult should’ve asked her uncle herself.She went head first without thinking, it’s her own fault.

Rosa needs to have a talk with her uncle…

Did anyone notice in P1 that Rosa kinda looks like Shannon?

“Maybe there’s a Plan D or Double D’s?”

Let’s not get carried away with D for Dump Gunther. I have a feeling he will come out of his shell in due time. And he is exactly the stability Rosa needs. Together they make a good couple if they work together as a team. As far as what should Rosa do, I don’t know but I see Gunther the clothes designer doing well in Peru.

No, No, No, Rosa Dear, “RUNNING” Back home is a Good Idea! You Should GET There in about 2017.

Meanwhile Gunther’s plan “D” is Flying back Home in time for the Fall Semester whilst Quietly VOWING to Himself to NEVER Again Following ANY Half-Baked, Ill-Advised, Hair-Brained Scheme from some Female He has Mixed Feelings about.

That made me laugh.

Gunth you idiot!! The perfect response is “let’s get married!” Ughhh.

I’m glad that I’m not the only one who thinks this way. This storyline is too incredible. Who in their right mind would give up university to work at a clinic in another country without knowing what kind of clinic it is and what they’d be doing? Absolutely ridiculous.

Plan D: Accept the decision you made as an adult and give it a try for a while.

Rosa, you can always reapply to Yale or any other school of your choice next year, and the year you spend here might actually even strengthen your application, especially if, as others have suggested here, you go out and seek your own opportunities to help people (initiative! leadership! decision-making skills!). It will actually strengthen your application. There are always future opportunities. It’s not all “18 or nothing.” I hope Greg knows that, as he’s probably already got three months of strips in the can by now.

part of being an adult is admitting you’re wrong…or yo can claim this as a medical internship, I’m sure Yale would be impressed with that.

Sounds more like Plan “F”

Still, its not the end of the world really. There are probably a dozen ways to turn these lemons into lemonade.

I sometimes find Greg’s work unbelievable. As in, not believable. No way on God’s green earth do two kids as intelligent as Rosa and Gunther get all the way to a foreign country without knowing what they will be doing? What are we to believe here? That Rosa or Gunther never asked any questions? That Rosa’s parents never sat her down and told her what to expect? That she never talked with this “uncle” and is completely clueless about who he is and what he does, yet, she still gets on an airplane based on only an assumption? Greg has great characters and several great story lines going that can carry him for years, but he needs to keep it real. This thread has simply just gone silly and therefore no longer interesting to me.

Yes, they aren’t made for each other from either side. If they were real people in our family, we might hope that they might realize it before marriage. But they are cartoon characters, so we get to feel their emotions vicariously, without having to pick up actual pieces.

“You want to work at my clinic? And bring that goofy gringo? Why, sure!”

DON"T DUMP GUNTHER!! I think this will be the time that he finds his courage. He needs to be there to be her support. Give her a minute to vent then clear her head. Her uncle send supplies to poor areas, then they should go with together.

Time to loose another post in the pile at Luann’s. Isn’t about time we got back to the Great Arson Case?

So people are still convinced her parents and uncle screwed her over? Apparently since she’s old enough to go to college, smart enough to get into Yale means she doesn’t have to be responsible for checking things out before she throws her life away.

As a general comment, I would recommend the following for plan “D:”

1) Chat with Tio Leo – Find out what he knows re: her parents discussions;

2) Plead your case with him and chat some more about “real:” options here;

3) Do your own research about the options and ask questions;

4) Be ready to go “on your own” and prepare financially.

I applaud her for not wanting to “go home,” but to make that decision, it’s going to take some work and some finances. Or some very good negotiating with the family elders. Best of Luck Rosa. I hope you stick it out at least for the year, and that Gunther sticks with you.

It is still possible that Rosa’s uncle has another ‘clinic’ that works with the poor. This clinic is the one that ‘pays’ for the other one.

wow. what a bunch of pessimists & wet blankets making comments.Rosa is a smart girl with noble motives, she will figure out a good plan “D”.Gunthroid benefits from hanging with her because it forces him to get outside the box. Will their relationship last? maybe, maybe not.It’s still a fun story to watch unfold.

But I’m starting to wonder what’s up with TJ and his potential insurance fraud subplot……..

Can’t believe all the Gunther haters out there..These two won’t bail on each other today over this..I feel this is a red herring, the uncle has something else planned for Rosa..Keep going Greg, it’s going to be fun ride.There are time I wish we could have spin off strips, so there is more than one story line to follow with faster updates.But I realize that is putting a lot more work on you.

Ah ha! Gunther is no dummy….he’ll come up with a Plan D that will knock Rosa’s socks off. I can hardly WAIT!

My 2 cents is this….i could see my parents doing to me exactly what Rosa’s parents did to her…allowing her to go off on a wild-goose chase without any proper research or questions…it isnt being mean or psychologically improper….it is called “OK, you want to do it your way….go for it.” And after the shock of unmet expectations wears off, they expected me to learn from what i did…sometimes you need to experience the real-life consequences of your rash choices to understand, and perhaps this will help Rosa understand this, and make wiser choices in the future. (That is why experience is the worst teacher you can have….first the test…THEN the lesson!)

Has it not occurred to anyone that Uncle Leo might do volunteer work for Operation Smile, or Doctors Without Borders? We may see him redeemed after all.

It could be that this clinic is what finances his charitable endeavors. Let’s watch it play out before we jump to conclusions.

I haven’t been following the comments on this strip recently, but the potential disagreement on outcomes and next steps caused me to read them today..It seems that the social mores of today’s young couples, married and unmarried, says if you don’t think you can work out your differences, just DUMP your partner and select another. This goes counter to my understanding of wisdom from scripture and experience – that the Lord God created woman to be a helpmate for man (and he for her). Woman should not be man’s clone, but should provide a supplement to enrich the lives of both..Therefore, we should perceive in life, and in this comic strip that one of the partners, takes the lead in visioning new and improved possibilities for life, while the other lends stability and support for when things go awry. Sometimes, the partners can changes roles, but often they maintain the same roles and help throughout their lives. It takes experience, wisdom, and maturity to understand this, and it often seems easier to just give up and move on. I BELIEVE that Greg and his daughter are trying to show that the Gunther/Rosa relationship can be strong and rewarding BECAUSE they are differently natured..Contributed by a person who is beginning his 56th year of marriage to the same woman

It’s really hard to know where this is going. Interesting. Rosa is very bright.

Finally!! At last Rosa shows some sense, some intelligence. “I am so dumb” is the smartest thing she has ever said.

Nice parents, not to be honest with their daughter. And if Rosa had visited Yale and done her research, she would have realized that there are many, many opportunities there to do the kind of work she wants to, while getting an education that will enable her to do more than assist an uncle in Peru.

What were Plan(s) “A” & “B” again?

Gunther is the story not Rosa..If they split, this series will not follow Rosa’s further adventures..She will disappear, unless she returns to Luann’s world in some way.

I think Rosa only drug Gunther along because she considers him one of the “poor that need her help”. She’s been trying to change him for as long as she has known him. He never asked to be changed, but she does not think Gunther is okay the way he is.

The poor you have always, poor noses, that is.

Plan D: Just wait and see what uncle’s plans are.

So again, people are blaming Rosa’s parents yet there has been nothing to suggest they had anything to do with it.

Now we know Rosa’s parents are jerks :~)

Rosa’s experience will likely end up being positive but, for now, I will enjoy seeing her Arrogance-by-Idealism countered.

Maybe Rose and Gunther can join the Shining Path guerrillas and lead a raid on Uncle Leo’s clinic; Rosa can will become a legend like Tanya. Gunther will become the successor to Che Guevara as “Comrade Commendante G.”…or maybe not….

I don’t know if her parents with held information or not. If Rosa wants to be an adult, this is the first step. If you want answers, it is best to figure out what questions to ask first. Do the research first, then ask questions, then make the decisions. FLYING BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS GIVES YOU THE WORST FLOOR BURNS ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU DO NOT MAKE IT OFF OF THE GROUND.

Well, in essence, he is helping the poor. Those unfortunate women that when they took a selfie and was told “Stop making duck faces!” And heard “I’m not making a duck face.” So Rosa, you missed College, but you’ll learn about Collagen. Thrill as Srta. Cucaracha enters being called Donald Duck, but leaves as Sofia Loren. Sra. Malaria comes in with Bug Eyes, and leaves with Bette Davis Eyes. I can’t wait to meet Tio Surgeon. Let’s all give Rosa some encouragement like I just did? Can I get a shout out?

Am I the only one who considers it HIGHLY unrealistic that Rosa’s parents would keep this information from her – just to spite her for defying them? In exchange for YALE? Really?

Rosa is finding out that experience can be an effective (although harsh) teacher!

I don’t know how many times people have to keep pointing this out – Rosa’s parents have no responsibility whatsoever for her getting into this situation. It’s 100% Rosa’s fault, for not getting all the information she needed to make her decision when she was talking directly with her uncle. Period. End of story.

remember cartoon cartoon its only a cartoon

“The horror! Uncle isn’t a socilista but a filthy capitalist!”.Or at least a selfles saint?definitely isn’t capitalism just to receive money for your skills in action.

There has been no indication whatsoever that Rosa’s parent or uncle misled her about how he earns his living. There is every indication that Rosa simply failed to ask, as unbelievable as that is. Such is life, in the Evansverse.

Mama Gunther’s plan D is to get the D

The parents won’t be a factor in this storyline. It’s all about Gunther and Rosa. One is idealistic and impulsive, the other is intelligent and methodical, but he’s too infatuated with Rosa to risk losing her. If she ever lets him sleep with her, his promising career will be at serious risk. He will follow her anywhere and do anything to support her dreams. Then some day he will have to think about what could have been, rather than what might be. This is a story of teens at the crossroads, and how personal choices can affect their lives.

The cooler heads here, I see, all say her parents aren’t as nefarious as I make them out to be. I wonder what I’m missing? I think parents who care about their kids want to protect their kids, 18 years old or not. Why assume that 18 year olds are fully formed adults? They really aren’t—that’s one of the reasons you have to be 21 years old before you can legally buy beer.

Here’s an idea,everybody: Before we pass judgement on Rosa and her family,let’s see how this plays out. We haven’t even met Tio yet. Just a thought.

As someone said and I could be wrong in the exact wording but, THIS IS A COMIC STRIP. NOT RUSH LIMBAUGH!!!

It reminds me of the old joke. Do you know how to get rid of 10 lbs. of ugly fat? Cut your head off!

Maybe Gunther can take advantage of job to get a “movie star” face. Then if things don’t work out with Rosa, Luann might fall for his new looks.

“Before and After”^I don’t think I’ll want to look in optical illusion books anymore…. thank you for curing me of my reading habit!

I suspect that Rosa, having confronted her uncle, is going to learn a sharp lesson about what it costs to help the poor and where a lot of the money comes from.

Seems like Rosa is topping stupidity with stupid pride and hubris. If this were a greek tragedy she would be ripe for the wrath of the Gods.

If her parents didn’t try to tell her the truth, then that is just plain mean!

If her parents didn’t try to tell her the truth, then that is just plain mean!

Ridiculous. She would have checked Google at least once about his clinic. Probably would have checked Google Earth, too. This is writing Rosa as a rather stupid character.

Plan D: Donate your free time, connections, medical resources to that poor village!

Doesn’t he have a website or at least a Facebook page she could’ve looked at?