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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»Iam"old school" when it comes to this particular situation, and I am sure I will get flamed by other readers if you publish this letter. Marijuana is a deal breaker for me in friend- ships and family rela- tionships. I have seen it become a gateway drug in the lives of rela- tives, and I have seen it change personalities of people I love — and not for the better. In my experience, habitual pot smokers lose motivation and become irritable until they have a toke. Commu- nication with them seems warped. I am aware that there are some people who can smoke occasionally with- out ill effect. I just don't know them. I am actually in favor of legalization because I think it should be decriminalized and put into a category with liquor. I smoked a lot of pot in high school, and stopped because I felt paranoid. I would like to gain some balance on this. Thanks for your help. —Sober DEAR SOBER » If you have pot users in your life and you feel increasingly un- able or unwilling to toler- ate being around them when they are using, you can say, "No smoking in my home. If you're at my house and I believe you're high, I'm going to ask you to leave. If I'm around you when you're high, I'm going to leave." You have a right to draw a line around be- havior you aren't willing to tolerate. The trick to doing this is not to judge or infringe on someone else's freedom (outside your home). Your attitude should be, "You can make whatever choice you want. My ch oice is no t to be around it." DEAR AMY » I used to be friends with "John" and "Jane." They are mar- ried to each other and we all work for the same company, but in differ- ent departments. Our friendship was not a deep friendship, as we never hung out together outside of work, but we joked around and had a great time when we worked together. We also sat together at the company holiday party and gave each other l ittle gifts. John and I used to text during the weekend, mai- nly about our workouts. Jane was also friendly and I would occasionally have lunch with her and other women from her department. A few months ago John stopped answering my texts. He barely says hello to me now. Jane un- friended me on Facebook and also barely greets me. Yesterday I sent John a text asking him to let me know what I did to upset them so that I can fix it. He did not reply. Should I just let it go, or is there something else I could do? — Confused Co-Worker DEAR CONFUSED » One possible scenario is that "John" or "Jane" emo- tionally took an office relationship (yours, or another one) too far and thus have chosen to draw a firm line. There is nothing here for you to fix. Former pot user goes 'old school' on stance of smoking 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 Libra(Sept.23-Oct.23) — Your schedule will be hectic and overflowing. Rely on trusted colleagues to help you manage your tasks. Focus on getting things done. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Make sure that you ask for any current deals to be put in writing. Don't be taken in by unrealistic promises of money. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Your vision may be cloud- ed regarding a heated encoun- ter. Don't make a commitment until you have taken an honest look at circumstances. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your generosity and eager- ness to help others will cause you to neglect your own duties. It will be difficult, but you will be relieved once you say no. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Keep things moving smoothly and continue to stick to the schedule and routine that got you where you are. If you are too nonchalant, an opportunity may pass you by. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Changes to a current rela- tionship will puzzle you. Tackle legal, financial or health matters if you are involved in a joint ven- ture. Falling behind with these important issues will be costly. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Do your best to get to know people who share your interests and values. A travel experience will provide the motivation and inspiration to initiate positive personal changes. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial if you intend to pursue your personal and professional goals. Keep up to date with medical appointments, good nutrition and exercise. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Expect to face friction when working on a project with someone who thinks differently. Don't let anyone undermine you, but don't ignore quality advice or a good suggestion. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — It's time for some truthful introspection. Ask yourself if you've been fair to those around you, and, if not, admit your shortcomings and clear the air. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Remember to have fun. It's possible to get so caught up in day-to-day drama that time flies by. Spend quality time with family and close friends when- ever you can. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Have faith in your abilities. Your intuition can be a powerful tool. Trust your instincts regarding professional strategies. Focus on forward motion, not rehash- ing the past. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24 WEDNESDAY,SEPTEMBER24,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B