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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Imarriedthe love of my life in June. I've known him for 10 years. He was in a serious relationship and ended up getting married to his now ex-wife. They were married for only six months. They were sepa- rated and she was already living with someone else when he and I decided to start our re- lationship. They had two young children together. I adore his chil- dren and they adore me. His ex-wife recognizes that I am good to the kids and that they love me. She once told me she thinks I am a blessing to her children. The problem is, despite all of this, she hates me and always finds a way to make life harder for us. She is always difficult and has even resorted to saying that the kids need to be picked up and dropped off at my mother-in-law's home so she doesn't even have to see me. My husband trav- els for work and often- times doesn't get home until after I've picked up the kids. Since I have no chil- dren of my own it's hard for me to understand how someone could be so hate- ful to someone who is try- ing to bring peace. It has gotten so bad that I had to go to my doctor to get anti-anxiety medication. I need advice on how to handle situations when she is being difficult. —NewStepmom DEAR STEPMOM » Wel- come, my friend, to the show that never ends. Stepparenting is very challenging — especially when stepparents end up as primary parents during stays. Contact with the ex can be stressful. Stop trying to un- derstand the mother's motives for her terrible behavior. This first year for a stepparent is an exercise in role-assignment and discomfort. Your husband should be the primary parent during this period of transition. He may need to get his lawyer involved to clarify arrangements. If your husband's ex wants to drop off the children at your mother- in-law's house before you transfer them to your household, and if it's convenient for you and best for the child ren (a nd if your mother-in-law is able to be supportive and/ or neutral), then fine. Otherwise sorry; no deal. A family counselor will help you and your hus- band cope. Never discuss this with — or in front of — the children. Also, read "The Happy Stepmother: Stay Sane, Empower Yourself, Thrive in Your New Family" by Rachelle Katz (2010, Harlequin). DEAR AMY » "Frustrated Dad's" daughter had tak- en money f rom him and his wife through loans that were never repaid — and some outright fraud. I thought you were too easy on all of them. They should have called the cops! — Disgusted DEAR DISGUSTED » That's one answer, though pressing charges would make her unemployable and thus unable to repay them. New stepmom struggles with behavior of husband's ex 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 Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov.22) — Your interest and willingness to try new things will pay off. Entertaining people who have something to contribute to your goals will bring results. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Too much, too fast will lead to trouble. Not everyone will be honest with you. Don't make a decision based on hearsay. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You will have no trouble drumming up business or get- ting others to join your cause. Present your plans to receive worthwhile suggestions. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Uncertainty must not be allowed to fester. If there is something you want to know, go to the source and ask. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your actions will make people realize you are serious about your endeavors. Gather those who show interest and include them in your plans. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Opportunities are heading your way. Don't sell yourself short when it comes to negoti- ating for what you want. Make any move worth your while. You have what it takes to advance. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Jump into action and make a decision that will improve your personal life. You are in a high cycle where partnerships, edu- cation and creative endeavors come into play. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Listen to and be mindful of those around you. If you don't exude patience and under- standing, you will end up looking bad. Delay making a personal change. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Decide what you want to do. Speak up and let your voice be heard. Put your best foot for- ward in order to become a leader in your community. Romance will bring big rewards. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Do something that will encourage change and spark enthusiasm. You need a bit of a boost or challenge to get you back on track. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You will have too many options. Consider all the pros and cons before you make a life-altering decision. Your personal life will be greatly affected by the choice you make. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Enjoy life and the people who mean the most to you. Get involved in something that chal- lenges you mentally or physi- cally in order to feel exhilarated and be motivated to set higher standards and goals. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, NOV. 12 THURSDAY,NOVEMBER12,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B