MYSTIC MONA: There’s a Degree in my Drink

I am a 22-year old college student and cocktail waitress at a gentlemen's club. Last week, the club put me on call. One of the managers didn't like me. So they put me on call and never called. Three days later, I got another job at a different gentlemen's club, but I have to lie about where I work to some of my family and friends. They really look down on those kinds of places, but I shouldn't have to explain myself to everyone.

I'm just not sure I'm doing the right thing. I only have a year and a half left at UNLV, and then I can start my career, but until then, I need to make a lot of money. Any advice?

You are not only attractive, but also amazingly bright. Part of the reason your ex-manager didn't like you is because you won't allow yourself to become seduced by the environment. Men know pretty quickly who they can take advantage of and who they can't.

I would like you to resolve that you were smart enough to find something that pays well and still allows you to maintain your A/B average. When someone asks you where you work, I'd like you to smile really big and say, "I work cocktails at a gentleman's club, it pays well and allows me to continue my studies at UNLV." Simple as that. You'll get all the voyeuristic questions about what it's like, and all your responses will be ho-hum and somewhat bored. It's just a job, not your identity.

By the way, you'll meet a wonderful man around November, and he's a keeper.

Sleepless in Las Vegas

For some time I have been afraid of almost everything. I'm afraid to be in the house alone, especially at night. I panic when my son (age 20) goes out at night. I'm afraid of something happening to my children and I'll be left alone. I stay home because I'm afraid to go out, yet I'm afraid to stay home. I have trouble sleeping at night. I'm worried about finances, too. Could you please tell me if the cards show I should be concerned about these fears? I was never afraid of anything until my husband passed away and then my son, 14 months later.

We draw to us what we are afraid of. The most important and difficult emotion we tackle is fear. I equate love with good and fear with evil. If you allow fear to rule your life, then you allow evil to thrive. You have been so used to being sad and scared that even when something good happens, you don't recognize it because now you're in the habit of sorrow.

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and son. Please seek out a therapist to help you work through this depression, because that's why you're so afraid. You have been through two devastating losses in a very short time. Eventually, you'll help others deal with overwhelming personal loss, but for now, you need to allow someone to help you. After some individual sessions, your therapist can direct you to a group of people working through the same emotions and grief. It is very important that you connect with people again.

Do all the practical things in the meantime: Get an alarm system (or check the one you already own); double-check that you are safe; adopt a dog as a protector and companion; and do not assume each day represents something to fear. This is your biggest challenge, dealing with the loss of these two wonderful men. Neither of them would have wanted you to be unhappy.

It is your responsibility to find your way back to the adventure of life because your children are counting on you to do so.

Mona Van Joseph is a licensed professional in the psychic arts through the city of Las Vegas. Her live, local radio show, "Psychic Views," airs 10 a.m. Saturdays on Hot Talk 1140-AM, and she appears Thursdays at 7:45 a.m. on Fox-5 News. E-mail questions to [email protected].