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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myhusband and I have been foster parents to a sibling group of three young children for the past year and a half. We recently found out that despite our hopes of adoption, the children will be leaving us soon, which is absolutely heartbreak- ing. We live in a small town where everyone pretty much knows one another's business, and I am dreading the inevi- table questions we will be asked about the kids' dep- arture everywhere we go. We are not "career" foster parents and only became licensed to take in these children, so I've never had to deal with this sort of thing before. Any suggestions on how to deal with the nosy but well-meaning masses? I don't want to come off as rude but really have no desire to give anyone the play by play. —SadFoster DEAR SAD » You are to be commended for your ef- fort to make life better for these three children. It would help if you keep in mind that these children were also present in others' lives — whether neighbors, shopkeepers or the mail carrier. A simple non-nosy question: "Hey, where are the kids today?" could plunge you into a complicated grief state. You don't mention the specifics, but you should prepare a simple, truth- ful answer, such as: "The court made a decision, and they have been placed back with their birth mother." It's usually the second, third and fourth question after a loss that provide the biggest challenge. Prepare yourself with this: "We're struggling right now, and I'm not ready to talk about it." The agency that chose you to be foster parents can point you toward support. There are also many online discussion boards devoted to foster parenting, and you would benefit from connecting with other parents. DEAR AMY » My mother never went to college, because she had my brother and me when she was quite young. When we were around age 12, she went back to school to become a nurse. Her example makes me want to go to college right after high school. This year I am taking pre- AP English and a chal- lenging foreign language. I want to join clubs too, but with the hard classes, my mom and I are worried that I may not be able to keep up. I am worried about never being good enough to get where I want to be in life. Do you have any advice for me? — As Much as I Wish DEAR AS MUCH » Colleges definitely look at the quality and difficulty of classes you choose to take, so it's a good idea to challenge yourself. This might seem coun- terintuitive, but joining clubs, playing sports, etc., can enhance your acade- mic performance because being busy and active is good for you in every way. It's about balance. Foster parents struggle with handling questions after loss You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribune.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Virgo(Aug.23-Sept.22)— Think outside the box. You will be pleasantly surprised by a new or unusual venture presented to you. Don't be afraid to try something new. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Slow and steady will be best. You will be frustrated if you take on too many projects. Noth- ing will be accomplished if you don't pay attention to detail. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — An unexpected change will result in an exciting venture. Find a way to incorporate the old and the new into your plans. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Take care of financial matters. A venture will have an unfavorable outcome. An in- depth look at records will ensure nothing has been overlooked. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A personal relationship will cause dissatisfaction. Don't get sidetracked from your profes- sional duties. Once you are outside the workplace, you will have time to do soul-searching. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Social activities, love and ro- mance are all highlighted. Don't be afraid to show your roman- tic side. An escape from your regular routine will contribute to a happier personal life. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your compassion will shine in dealings with those you care about. Feel confident to enable beneficial changes to take place. Make a difference by reaching out to those in need. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You are always ahead of the crowd. Don't be too hard on people who can't keep up. Showing patience and under- standing will result in apprecia- tion and admiration. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Aim high. Take an active role and see your commitments through to completion. A leader- ship position will be offered and will help get you where you want to go. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't be dissuaded if others don't see things your way. Keep on top of your professional responsibilities. Maintain your focus, be diligent and accept the changes that lie ahead. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Keep busy and avoid trouble. If you are too idle, you will end up stressing over personal prob- lems that you cannot fix. Avoid emotional scenes by pursuing your own projects. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You can show generosity with- out opening your wallet. Offer your time and advice rather than money. Your financial situation will deteriorate if you are too free with your cash. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, SEPT. 18 THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER18,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B