Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/559046
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Backin1999, I shared a house with a friend. She was going through a rough time, using drugs and staying up all night . Sh e had a boyfriend who was a ter- rible influence. When I moved out, what had been a solid friendship was severely damaged. She has since cleaned up her act, but she has never apolo- gized. I still wish she would. She is planning a 50th birthday party for herself. Another of our good friends is going, and this makes me remember how much I cherished these women — before. The unresolved past with the first friend makes me balk about at- tending the party. Should I ask the birthday girl to call me to discuss the past and ask her to acknowledge how bad things were or should I not attend the party and go see the second friend at another time? —Rehash? DEAR REHASH» This gath- ering is an ideal opportu- nity for you, and I hope you will take it. It is always a good idea to ask for what you want/ need, as long as you don't attach specific expectations. You should call her. Tell her you still think about how badly things went when you cohab- ited. Say, "Some things are unresolved for me and I'd like to talk about them." Make an effort to forgive her. Communicat- ing about this before the gathering could go a long way toward kick-starting your friendship. DEAR AMY » I am 22 and just received my degree. When I was in college, I taught English abroad for a summer in a develop- ing country. I recently received my dream job of a nine-month teaching assignment as an English teacher in the city that I taught while in college. I am thrilled to have this opportunity, and my parents and long-term boyfriend are all equally excited for me. My one concern is that my grandparents, who are in their early 90s, are very upset that I'll be leaving for nine months. They are not in good health, and I completely understand why they feel so upset. They keep begging me to come home for Christ- mas. I will have time off for the holidays, but I would prefer to travel to neighboring countries. How do I explain my rea- sons for not coming home to my grandparents? Also, how do I deal with my own guilt about leaving my grandparents? — Excited but Guilty DEAR EXCITED » One way to deal with your own guilt over leaving would be to leaven it in advance by planning to come home over Christmas. I don't want to jump on the guilt wagon — but, while this might seem like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel, it is not. Portugal will always be there. Nana? Not so much. Promising to see your grandparents might seem like a drag to you, but if this makes things easier for them, then why not? Should a friend address her old grievance, or let it go? 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 Leo(July23-Aug.22)— Cultivate friendships with co- workers. Seminars and meetings will be excellent opportunities to find potential allies. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't be afraid to try something different. A new approach will result in a significant change. You can raise your earning power if you use your skills diversely. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will feel emotionally chal- lenged. Use your energy wisely and put your effort into creative outlets that bring you joy. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Question the motives of someone who is trying very hard to get on your good side. It's likely that this person is trying to undermine your position. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You can make a differ- ence. Donate your time and energy to helping those in need. You will receive positive recognition and make lifelong friendships. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Maintain a balance between your personal and professional responsibilities. Divide your time and attention wisely. Only focusing on one area of life will leave you feeling dissatisfied. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You can get a lot done if you start early. Rank your tasks in order of importance to avoid wasting time. Don't bother ask- ing others for help. You will do better on your own. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Rather than complain about a situation, figure out a way to change it. You have the power to make improvements. Avoid blaming others or waiting for someone else to take charge. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Keep your comments to yourself, regardless of how hard that might be. You will end up in a compromising posi- tion if you step in the middle of something that doesn't concern you. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Focus on finances. A new project or a side business will turn out to be profitable. Work hard and do your best. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Romance is evident. Make plans for a special rendezvous. If single, you will meet some- one intriguing. Get your work out of the way to clear the passage for an enchanting evening. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't let anyone emotion- ally blackmail you. You will be respected if you stand up for yourself and your principles. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, AUG. 20 THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B