Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/714660
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mychildren are friends with a set of siblings. The kids enjoy spending time together, and their mother has even baby-sat for me on occasion. She publicly an- nounced on social media that my husband and I were great parents and my kids were very well be- haved. Her daughter had a birth- day party a couple weeks ago. My kids spent the night. My son, who is 10, had his older brother's phone with him that night. I guess at some point my son showed to the other children a video of me in a drunken state. I had no idea that the video existed, and I was completely embarrassed that my older son had taken this video and was taunting me in it. I am not mad at my child for being a kid and thinking that the video was funny, yet the mother of the other children thought that it was a huge deal. I have a tendency to overindulge in alcohol at times. I admit that. But this woman has complete- ly cut off contact with us and will not allow even our daughters (who had nothing to do with this) to be friends any longer. I am having the hard- est time letting this go, because I feel she is being petty and unfair to our children. I also cannot stop feeling embarrassed and self-critical because the taping occurred right in front of my face, but I cannot remember it. I am a hardworking mother of three with a lot of stress, and yes I do drink to unwind after a long day at work. How can I get past this emotionally for my well- being, and how do I ex- plain to my children that th ey c an n o lo ng er h an g with their best buds? —Upset DEAR UPSET » Alcohol makes it harder, not easier, for you to cope with stress. Your claim that you drink to "un- wind" because you're such a hardworking and busy mom is nothing more than an excuse to paper over your drinking problem. This episode is a gift, wrapped in a crisis. You are focused on your own embarrassment, but you should also consider how confusing and embar- rassing this is for your children. Start untangling this by owning your drinking problem and working hard, starting now, to do something about it. Al- coholism is a progressive disease. You have prob- ably spent years working up to this moment. There are a number of techniques to try, includ- ing yoga, meditation, nutrition, and 12-step programs; if you cannot control this on your own, a counselor could mentor you. This other mother seems to be punishing your children because of your behavior, but surely you understand that she would not be comfort- ab l e ha vi ng h e r ch il d r e n at your house. I hope you can communicate calmly with her to work this out, so your kids can continue to be friends. Mother's drinking causes some problems for her kids 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 Leo(July23-Aug.22)— Take part in activities that will help you grow personally and emotionally. Don't indulge in someone else's dream when you should be following your own. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You may feel compelled to lash out, but in the end, the great- est satisfaction will come from what you do to help others. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Learn from the company you keep. Get involved in a cause or event you believe in. It will change your life if you do your best to make a difference. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You are in a winning position. You will form lasting relation- ships with people heading in the same direction as you. A change in attitude will lead to prosperity. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — There will be no time for rest. Stay alert and keep on top of whatever is being done or said in your general vicinity. Take notes and be prepared for whatever comes your way. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You are in the driver's seat. You can turn a goal into real- ity. Your insight and ability to get things done will encourage others to support your effort. Romance is encouraged. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your humanitarian outlook will attract positive attention. Put your ideas to work and don't be afraid to do things different- ly. Your experimental nature is what will bring the best results. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You will face travel delays. Don't overreact, or a mishap will turn into an impossible task. Avoid negative or abusive people. Refuse to argue, and offer love and romance. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your drive and enthusiasm will help you settle matters that have caused uncertainty in the past. Put your plans in motion and invest in yourself and new beginnings. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You'll attract a lot of attention. Don't feel that you have to dole out cash for something or to someone looking for a donation or handout. Make love, family and friends your priorities. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Emotional situations will esca- late, putting you in an awkward position. Honesty will help you avoid being used by someone looking for an easy way to get out of a sticky situation. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Making alterations to your home or living arrangements can disrupt your professional goals. You must be creative and use your imagination to come up with viable financial options. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, AUG. 13 SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 7 B