Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/586605
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'mthe youngest of four grown children. I'm currently trying to care for our aging parents by myself. I hold a full-time job and I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Once a week, I will spend the day cleaning my par- ents' house, mowing their lawn, bathing my mother and doing their laundry. I've asked my siblings on numerous occasions to help, only to receive empty promises. They leave it to me, knowing that my body is weak and sore. What breaks my heart is that they can't take the time to help our parents, but they are eager to get their hands on their as- sets after they pass. How do you think I should handle this situation? —Overwhelmed DEAR OVERWHELMED » The stress and physical work involved in your housecleaning and lawn care for your folks is bad for your own health. If you aren't well, you will not be able to help your parents. Assume that your siblings will simply not step up, so explore all alternatives to you doing this yourself. Start by contacting your local Office on Aging for elder care resources in your community. If your parents have enough money in the bank to leave their children money after their deaths, then they should pay for these services now. Schedule a conference call with your siblings to discuss your parents' practical needs — and the alternatives and resources available to them. If you decide to con- tinue to provide this care yourself, The Family Care- giver Alliance (caregiver. org) offers recommen- dations for drawing up a "personal care agree- ment" with your parents; this is a contract outlin- ing specific duties you will perform for them, as well as compensation at- tached to these duties. As it is, you should keep track of the hours you spend doing these caretaking jobs for your parents. You can make a claim to the executor of your parents' estate for reimbursement. DEAR AMY » I just wanted to offer one more note of support to "Upset Engi- neer" and let this young female chemical engineer know that the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is another great resource for early career advice and help. Chemical engineering is a great career choice, and it can serve a lot of industries, including aerospace, pharmaceuti- cals and cosmetics, along with more traditional petroleum or chemical industries. It has served me well for 28 years, and I, too, got a slow start in finding my first engineer- ing job. — Wendy, Staf f Engineer, Honeywell DEAR WENDY » The outpouring of support from women engineers for this young "Upset Engineer" is so hearten- ing. I hope she's paying attention. Ailing daughter struggles to take care of aging parents You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.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)— Love is on the rise. Participation in a philanthropic or charitable event will bring you recognition and respect from an influential individual. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Unanticipated alterations to your home will be beneficial in the long run. A former friend will want to reconnect. Sagittarius (Nov. 23- Dec. 21) — Resist the urge to make hasty decisions or unreasonable promises, or you will find yourself in a vulnerable position. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Completing your current plans will show everyone that you mean business, and leave you free to take advantage of new opportunities. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Advance preparation will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by your responsi- bilities. Helping others through community assistance programs or fundraising will introduce you to a diverse group of people. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your reputation will grow if you make personal changes. Expand your profile and touch up your resume in order to give your confidence a boost. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Fun and entertainment will highlight your day. A close friend or relative will entice you to try something adventurous. Have a great time, but avoid taking unnecessary risks. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You must be clear about how much you are willing to do for others. Embarrassment or hurt feelings could result if those around you expect more than you can give. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Holding a grudge is pointless and stressful. You will cause more harm internally if you har- bor ill will toward others. Treat the issue as a painful lesson and move on. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Timely information will accompany a chance for a new beginning. Hesitation will lead to a missed opportunity. Be prepared to act quickly when the occasion calls for it. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your competitive spirit will give you an advantage over your ri- vals. Others will be impressed by your skills, enabling you to gain support and gather good advice. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You may feel generous, but overindulgence will cause serious problems when your bills arrive. Offer your time or suggestions, not money, when someone comes to you for assistance. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, OCT. 15 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B