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DILBERT Scott Adams PEARLS BEFORE SWINE Stephan Pastis PICKLES Brian Crane BABY BLUES Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman GET FUZZY Darby Conley ZITS Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman SHERMAN'S LAGOON Jim Toomey ARGYLE SWEATER Scott Hilburn BIZARRO Dan Piraro While I'm away, read- ers give the advice. ON THE AGONY OF THE BOMBSHELL » My mother was movie-star gorgeous and let me know she was disappointed that I didn't measure up. Eventually, I realized she was indeed both blessed and cursed. I had good women friends where she did not. When she turned about 50, she decided she was losing her looks (she wasn't). Although she was smart, funny, capable and talented, she saw herself only as beautiful and pined away. Her life was lived in one dimension. — Bombshell's Daughter ON GOING TO REUNIONS DE- SPITE A PAINFUL SCHOOL EXPERIENCE (OR: BOMB- SHELL AGONY, CONTINUED) » I have been to all of my reunions. The 10th was awful — very competitive, still playing the old games. By 20, everyone had seen some hardship and trag- edy and was much more forgiving and willing to share the people they had become. By 25, the mellowness was just delicious. Keep in mind that "it's not over until it's over." One of our "Senior Beau- ties" came up to me, the class nerd, at a reunion and said, "I always envied you in school." (ME?) "You were admired for your brain, and I was just a pretty face." Healing is possible, but you have to decide to be a part of it. — R. ON SHOWING CONCERN WITHOUT DWELLING ON DIFFICULT TOPICS » Over the years, various mem- bers of my extended family have been in counseling for one reason or another. Our code is simple. All parties are in on it ahead of time. The caring family member says to the counselee, "How did it go?" This is code for: "I care about you. I know you are doing something difficult and challenging. If you want to talk about it I'm here." Any answer is ac- ceptable, from a one-word "fine" or "terrible" to a blow-by-blow account of the whole session and the issues addressed. — C. ON COMPLAINING ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT AROUND OTHERS » I struggled with eating disorders for a really long time and I still kind of do. However, I learned real fast at a young age not to comment on weight outside of the therapist's office. Not my own, not anyone else's, and certainly not children's. I want to write a book called "How to Have an Eating Disorder With- out Being a Total Jerk" because, judging from the Internet, a lot of people don't know how. It's the height of insensitivity to say, "Ughhh I'm so fat" because people ultimately compare themselves to you and then you're dragging them down with you and everyone feels bad. — K. Mom who focuses on beauty lives a one-dimensional life Carolyn Hax Ask Carolyn Email Carolyn Hax at tellme@washpost.com, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ carolyn.hax or chat with her online at noon Eastern time each Friday at www.washingtonpost.com. Sudoku Instructions: The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the number only once. Answer to Previous Puzzle Celebrity Cipher By Luis Campos Instructions: Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. NEA Crossword Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Deal with problems at home before they intensify. You could be in for a nasty surprise if you ignore the warning signs. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't allow self-doubt to deter you from achieving progress. Diversifying your interests will increase the flow of opportuni- ties coming your way. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Be receptive to suggestions regarding your employment prospects. Enthusiasm and re- sourcefulness will heighten your appeal. A change in your career could boost your income. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — There are many interesting events happening around you. Broaden your horizons and make new friends. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You will be offered interest- ing investment advice. Carry out the due diligence, but don't miss out on a great opportunity through unwonted hesitation. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You will have no problem con- vincing others to participate in a new venture. Your enthusiasm and energy will draw plenty of partners with wonderful, original ideas in tow. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Someone with a grievance may be saying things behind your back. Refuse to get drawn into a trivial disagreement. Let your actions speak for themselves, and the matter will fix itself. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Now is a favorable time to step into the spotlight. Demonstrate your expertise in a factual, knowledgeable and inspiring manner, and some appealing offers will come your way. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — You can reduce your expenses if you take a look at your budget. Factor in the amount you spend on transit, coffee or lunches. Point-of-sale purchases can leave you broke. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Don't make assumptions. Being demanding or pushy will aggravate the people around you. If you're thoughtful and sensitive, you will manage to get your way in the end. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You can make valuable connections if you accentuate your positive qualities to the right people. Take good care of your health to avoid exhaustion or a minor illness. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Rekindle your connections with loved ones. Make plans that are sure to win favor. Be willing to compromise and work toward a common goal. Show tolerance and good will. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol FRIDAY, MARCH 7 | YOUR DAILY BREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCh 7, 2014 4 B