Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/661087
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iama 27-year-old recent Ph.D. graduate who has moved back into my parents' home (temporarily) and looking for my first job. With today's economy and the glut of Ph.D. holders in my field, it hasn't been an easy process. My mother has been con- stantly both- ering me about career prospects over the two months since I've moved home. My mother is impa- tient for me to get my adult life started, especial- ly as many of our family friends' children (some younger than me) have been working for years, started their own families, bought their first house, and she's worried that I'm falling behind. I'm becoming frustrated over my unemployment status, and my mother's nagging is making it worse. Do you have any sug- gestions on how to cope with both the unemploy- ment and my mother's pestering? —Frustrated DEAR FRUSTRATED » The best way to cope with unemployment is to stay busy, nurture yourself and to approach a job search as if it is your job. Because you face pressure from family it might be best for you to get a part-time job while looking for a professional job. Working part time is better than being unem- ployed while you wait for the perfect job. Volunteering is also a great way to stay busy and stimulated during your job search. It may not be possible for you to stop your mother's nagging. Remember this, though — nagging is a reaction from someone who feels she is not being listened to. If you could respond to your mother by saying, "Mom, let's sit down and you tell me everything that's on your mind." After she unloads, answer her questions and then ask her to do you a favor and lighten up, be- cause her anxiety is com- ing across as pressure. You might want to read, "I'm Still Your Mother: How to Get Along with Your Grown-Up Children for the Rest of Your Life" by Jane Adams (2001, iUniverse). DEAR AMY » I need your opinion on a holiday is- sue. My 42-year-old son, who lives out of state, insists that on holidays I should be the one to call him because I'm the parent. I say that he should call me first, out of re- spect. What do you think? — Karen DEAR KAREN » I think you two need to work on yo u r re l at i o ns hi p. Th is is a petty standoff that reflects the views of two people who are keeping score when they could be communicating. I believe that once offspring get to be in their 40s, there is no longer a need to baby them by lavishing atten- tion upon them. You should not make your own choices based on proving something or keeping score. If you act like a mature adult and call your son without regard to the balance of power, it might inspire him to be more grown up. Ph.D. holder is frustrated by mom's nagging over job search You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.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 Aries(March21-April19)— Take part in a cause you believe in. Be the driving force behind a project. You can bring about change and make a difference. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't let your emotions get in the way of practical thought and application. Gather informa- tion and make a concentrated effort to act based on facts instead of assumptions. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Make a personal change that will boost your confidence. Sign up for a course or check out dif- ferent philosophies or cultures. Trust your own judgment. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Check out an innovative way to cut your overhead, but don't be fooled by a scheme that prom- ises the impossible. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your emotions will lead to personal change. Follow your heart and take action based on what you discover. Put your needs first. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Get to better know and un- derstand the people who mean the most to you. You will gain a lot if you are sensitive to the needs of others. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If you explore your feelings, you will come to realize what you need in your life or recognize the changes you must make in order to find happiness. The truth lies within. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — An emotional dilemma will pass quickly if you are compas- sionate. A romantic gesture will bring you closer to a loved one. Home improvements will add to your comfort. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Get involved in activities that put your energy to good use. You'll avoid an emotional altercation with someone look- ing for answers if you are too busy to discuss such matters. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Memories will push you to reconnect with someone you used to enjoy spending time with. Attending a reunion will help put your life in perspec- tive and allow you to appreciate what you have. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — A home improvement project will add to your popularity. Put your plans in motion using your skills and talents. Make your good idea a vibrant reality. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Put in a call to someone who can shed light on a situation you don't fully understand. Knowing what's expected of you will help you make a decision. Personal growth will transpire. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, APRIL 2 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2016 4 B