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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 living in our apartment for the past three years and gen- erally enjoy it. However, th e co up l e th at li ve s i n the apartment directly above us have custody of the husband's two children (elementary age) every other weekend. I know this not because they have told me, but because without fail on these mornings we wake up to the shrill screams of the daughter while the son antagonizes her. This quickly leads to the father bellowing and general chaos for several minutes. If we do manage to fall back asleep we will be awakened again when the children come barrel- ing down the staircase, yelling and pushing one another. I am a teacher; I truly and honestly understand that children are not and should not be placid all the time. Is there any way that I can leave a self-help book about parenting while sharing custody at their front door without look- ing passive-aggressive? —Sleeplessin Baltimore DEAR SLEEPLESS » You could definitely ponder your self-help options at the bookstore, wrestle with the proper wording of a note to go with your book choice, and find a way to sneak it against your neighbor's door. Or you could use your words in a straight- forward and matter-of- fact way, and speak to them. Your neighbors are (very) part-time parents. Assume that they don't actually realize that the noise the children make carries so far into your apartment — or that they are a little overwhelmed and simply are not think- ing about their children's impact on you. DEAR AMY » I am a single divorced woman who is currently dating a wonderful (also divorced) man. He is kind, gener- ous, supportive and emo- tionally stable. When my son died, this man gave me the strength I needed to get through that emo- tional time. While I have also struggled with a weight problem most of my life, I am consciously aware of healthy eating and at- tempt to keep my weight down. He, on the other hand, is proud of his large girth. We have discussed the issue several times and he has assured me he will try to make some changes, but there is no real improvement. He has regular doctor visits and there are no serious health issues at this time. Am I wrong to be bothered by his lack of caring about the serious consequences of obesity in the future? — Concerned Girlfriend DEAR CONCERNED » I wouldn't characterize your concerns as "wrong" as much as futile. Moreover, it is disre- spectful to take a wonder- ful guy who seems to feel pretty good about himself and knock him down in order to get him to com- ply with your lifestyle. Apartment life comes with unwanted stomp of little feet 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 Capricorn(Dec.22-Jan.19) — Focus on personal relation- ships. Your serious demeanor will intimidate someone younger with less experience than you. Participate in activities. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — A partnership will be in jeopardy. Uncertainty and emo- tional discord will leave you in a vulnerable position. Clear the air with a discussion. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Keep your mind on the job. Emotional or relationship is- sues will hurt your professional productivity. Deal with personal problems quickly. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't waste time brooding over matters that you can't change. Increase your knowledge through study or travel. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — A compromise or diplomatic agreement will be necessary before you can move ahead with your plans. Forming an alliance with a more experienced individ- ual will open your eyes. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — It's important to spend time with people you care about. A get-together or vacation will bring you together. Involve ev- eryone in making arrangements so no one feels left out. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't let anyone persuade you to do something against your wishes. Investments must be carefully researched before you make a commitment. Hasty decisions will result in a loss. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Give love and partnerships top priority. It's time to rid yourself of people or things that have been holding you back. Taking control will bring you closer to your goal. Vi rgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Relationship woes will escalate if you cannot keep a secret. Someone trying to discredit you will be deceptive. Don't believe or repeat information without researching the facts first. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Your mind is wandering, but before you aimlessly follow your dreams, it's vital that you fulfill your responsibilities. Neglecting your duties or career commit- ments will lead to complaints. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You can ease your stress and reduce tension if you speak openly about your feelings. Try- ing to hide your emotions will cause a rift that will escalate if not addressed swiftly. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Spend quality time with someone dear to your heart. A fun outing will revive your feel- ings and abolish any uncertain- ties you may be harboring. Don't ignore minor health issues. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, JAN. 8 THURSDAY,JANUARY8,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B