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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ilostbothof my parents this fall. I am an only child, and my parents were a huge part of my life. I inherited a large estate and I'm employed as an administrator at a high school. Dealing with the loss of my parents, rais- ing a young family with a supporting wife, dealing with probate and juggling my work responsi- bilities have been over- whelming at times. My question is, should I step down from my ad- ministration job and just go back to teaching in the classroom in order to focus on the other aspects of my life? What makes this deci- sion difficult is that my administration job is my passion, and I was just notified that I will be honored as the admin- istrator of the year for my region. Should I wait while the dust settles from the fallout of the loss of my parents before making a decision? —Strugglingin California DEAR STRUGGLING » I am so sorry for your loss. This terrible series of events happened some months ago; immediately after losses there is a lot of tension, and the adrena- line of getting through these shocking days can keep you moving forward. When things slow down, the stress can hit hard. My instinct is that you should not make a huge change right now. The general guideline is to wait a year before making big decisions after a life- changing loss. You should seek im- mediate relief, perhaps in the form of a shorter-term respite from your job during which you could either take a leave or cut your hours way down. While I can imagine that contact with young people can be energizing and positive, the class- room might not be the best place for a stressed and grieving educator. Seek professional grief counseling, look into meditation practices, read (if you can), exercise outside every day and hold your wife and chil- dren close. It can be very challenging for giving and generous people to learn self-care, but treating yourself with kindness will help you heal. DEAR AMY » I thought your response to "Look- ing to Move On" (the young professional who wondered whether to tell her boss that she eventu- ally wanted to move to another job in another location) was spot on. I have supervised many young professionals in a fast-paced environ- ment and have noticed that a surprising number have a tendency toward "overtransparency" re- garding their work goals. My advice to millen- nials: Your boss almost certainly knows that you will consider other jobs. Do not share with him/her every time you apply for another job or think about some new direction. You may think you're being honest, but it will likely come across as immature and unfocused. — Been There, Seen It DEAR BEEN THERE » Excel- lent advice. Thank you. Monumental loss causes man to question his profession 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 Capricorn(Dec.22-Jan. 19) — Relax and enjoy what you have worked so hard to acquire. Don't let anyone guilt you into donating to something that isn't your problem or concern. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — If you try your best, success will find you. Love is on the rise, and mixing business with plea- sure is favored. Generosity will result in positive change. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Favors will be granted. Speak up in order to grab the atten- tion of someone who can offer practical solutions. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Keep a low profile. The less said, the easier it will be to fix what- ever problems arise. Don't let your emotions get the better of you. Focus on personal change. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Share your thoughts and collaborate with people who are as engaging and forward- thinking as you are. An offer will tempt you, but look at the fine print before you accept it. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't be taken advantage of by someone else. If someone is asking too much of you, back away. Plan to make personal changes that will help improve your emotional well-being. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't let unexpected changes spoil your day or plans. If you stick with like-minded people and maintain your focus, you will reach your goals. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Speak from the heart and share your plans. Someone will be eager to help you if you offer a little incentive. Romance is on the rise and a celebration is favored. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Step outside your comfort zone and find out what life has to offer. You will have more fun mingling with people who share your interests rather than sitting at home with those who don't. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Get out and discover what's going on in your community. Participating in events that are enlightening will change the way you handle people who are giving you a hard time. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Engage in talks with people who have a different perspec- tive or philosophy in order to find some sensible ideas to incorporate into your own life. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Stick close to home and nurture the relationships that are most important to you. A joint effort can turn your envi- ronment into a place of comfort and joy. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JAN. 15, 2016 FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B