Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/399988
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavebeen dating a father of three children for about six months. I love him and his children, and I am moving in with him this month. I really want to be involved in his children's lives. I get along with his kids, and I feel like they have ac- cepted me. I can't help feeling a little left out when it comes to certain things that are between him and his children, though. He has nightly routines that he goes through with his kids, and I would like to be a part of that, but I'm not sure if that's overstepping my bounds. There are PTA meet- ings that I would like to attend, but he goes with the kids' mother (understandably). I'm not sure how to approach these subjects or even if I have a right to ask to be a part of them. I know some matters are complicated because his relationship with his ex is rocky and although she may act civil at meetings with me, he usually gets angry calls afterward. What would you suggest? —EagertoSucceed DEAR EAGER » My main suggestion is for you to slow down. Integrating your life with this dad and his children should be a process that happens in stages. Your eagerness to dive into these child- centered routines will backfire unless the child- ren welcome you. After six months of dating you don't become an instant family. Be patient while everyone finds their way. It is challenging to conduct a gradual inte- gration while you are liv- ing in the household, and it is confusing for kids if you move in without get- ting married. There is an implied impermanence to living together that children perceive. Talk to your partner about this now. Realize that at the outset, your best role is to be your guy's advocate, sounding board and helpmate. He should make an ef- fort to fold you into some of these routines and you should develop new child- centered rituals together. Eventually, you will move into a co-parenting role as you take on more practical chores, such as picking the kids up after school and cooking meals. Don't dive into PTA meetings until his ex has a chance to adjust to your presence in the household, but do attend all games and events to cheer on the kids. DEAR AMY » Regarding the ongoing debate about having a television in the workplace break room, I empathize with an em- ployee who simply wants a quiet lunch. We see this function used often in waiting rooms and other public areas. Removing the noise removes the distraction. — Glad to be Retired DEAR RETIRED » Every day I hear from people who tell me they read and discuss my column in the break room at work. Television disrupts these round-table conversations — and it interferes with a hardworking person's right (and need) to ratchet down briefly. Woman wants to leap into blended family too soon 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)— Don't follow the crowd. Show off your unique abilities, per- sonality and assets. A charitable agency will benefit from your physical contribution. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Be cautious of what you say to whom. A remark that was meant for one person only may travel through the grapevine, causing you embarrassment. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Your capacity to learn will be magnified if you listen to ex- perienced individuals. Once you have done your research, you will make informed choices. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Be careful with your cash. Go over contracts or agreements to see if there is a way to pare down payments. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Now is the time for you to get together with someone spe- cial. Pull out all the stops, and find a place that has the right mood and music to make this a memorable evening. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you are attracted to someone in the workplace, be discreet. You must act profes- sionally at all times. Take things slowly until you can totally trust the person you are interested in. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Get out and about today. Your charm is skyrocketing, and you will attract all sorts of favorable attention from the people you encounter. Romance is high- lighted, so enjoy it. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't be too demanding today. Everyone has troubles, and no one is likely to be sympathetic toward you. Spend some quiet time reflecting upon and tweak- ing your next move. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You will be energized and ready to go. Make use of your enthusiasm and take on as many tasks as you can. You will make a new friend or romantic connection. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Financial gains are imminent. You will need to tread carefully with impatient family members. Remain calm and remember that no one is perfect, including you. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Set your generous nature free. Of- fer assistance to those around you or volunteer your time to a community group. By helping others, you will feel better about yourself. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't get caught up in someone else's relationship woes. If you take sides, you will end up los- ing two friends instead of one. Concentrate on self-awareness and self-improvement. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, OCT. 17 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014 8 B