Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/541550
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavea 19-year-old daughter whose bedroom is a total disaster. Clean and dirty clothes, garbage, and as- sorted other things cover her bedroom floor. She re- fuses to pick up anything. She works (sporadically) and has a social life. When she runs out of her own stuff she comes into my room and takes mine. I've had to start keeping my bedroom door locked. I'm at my wits' end; I've threatened, stopped cleaning her room, and even bagged up some of it and put it out with the trash. Nothing changes — one time she even filled her drawers with dirty clothes and garbage. How do I get her to realize she's becoming a hoarder? —DistraughtMom DEAR DISTRAUGHT » Hoarding is a serious but relatively rare disorder caused by underlying is- sues such as anxiety. It's possible that your daugh- ter filled her drawers with dirty garbage because this is how she "cleans up." Let's assume that she is neither a hoarder nor a "typical teenager," but an adult who can't be both- ered, with a mother who has been tolerating it. You should NOT have to lock your door in order to assure that she will respect your possessions. It's time to stop picking up for her, stop cleaning up after her, and stop letting her drive you crazy. If she starts trashing common areas, bag what- ever she has left and put it in the garbage. At 19, she should be working full time or attending school and working. If she has health issues, then one condi- tion of her living at home should be t hat she st art taking responsibility for her health. She should be evaluated for alcohol/ marijuana abuse. It sounds as if your daughter has few life skills. Give her a reason- able deadline to get her act together, after which her choices would be to show vast improve- ment and continue to live at home — or live elsewhere. DEAR AMY » Over a year ago, I applied to graduate school and was accepted. Unfortunately, I panicked and declined. The adviser said that if I changed my mind, I should contact him. I' m ready now, but I'm nervous about how to get back in touch with him. What can I say that will convince them that I am ready? — Mary DEAR MARY » Write an email to the adviser, re- mi nd in g h im o f wh o yo u are. Say, "Last year I was thrilled to be offered ad- mission. Unfortunately I wasn't able to join at that time, but you generously left the door open. Over the past year I have (pro- vide positive examples of what you've been doing), and am now ready, ex- cited, and hopeful to open the door again. I hope you will consider me as a candidate for admission now and would appreci- ate some direction on the steps I need to take to officially reactivate my application." Is daughter a hoarder, or an adult who needs some rules? 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 Cancer(June21-July22) — You will have disagreements with friends or colleagues if you aren't careful, leading to ongo- ing problems that will boost your blood pressure. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Someone will try to get you to do their dirty work for them. Don't pass along comments that could wound or intimidate others. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Stimulating ideas will spur creative projects that could help you in your professional career. Your progressive attitude will catch the eye of superiors. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — An older individual will try your patience. For best results, you should be accommodating without being a pushover. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — By getting back to your roots, you will gain perspective on where you are and where you are headed. Enlist the aid of relatives to help trace your fam- ily history. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You will be asked to me- diate an argument. Stick to the facts in order to avoid inflaming tempers and being blamed for interfering. Opt to go about your own business. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Before you consider a course of action, decide if it will be beneficial to you. Doing some- thing because it is expected or because others are doing it would not be wise. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You should be assertive if someone tries to make you do something against your will or beliefs. Make it clear that you are capable of forming your own decisions. Put your needs first. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You will have a chance to pursue something that you find quite interesting or intriguing. A younger family member will need your help and guidance to make a good decision. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Be careful when playing sports or participating in a physical endeavor. You risk injury if you take on too much. If you need help, ask those with experience and strength. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Put the past behind you. Car- rying a grudge or romanticizing a failed love affair will keep you from moving forward. Optimism and a confident attitude are the first steps. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't wait for someone else to sing your praises. Show oth- ers your true colors. Be honest about your cares and concerns, and don't be afraid to put your- self on the line. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2015 2 B