Blog-Worthy News:

Ok, there have not been many updates here in some time. But between crazy sinuses issues, being dog-gone tired, and just feeling nothing important to share have not posted. So sorry…but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. Anyway, still nothing MAJOR going on here, other that the weather is totally fall-like, and I have a feeling summer has left New York. I beg to be wrong on this one, but we’ve had a major drop in temperature, high pollen and rag weed counts, and more rain than I care to look at. I guess my idea to move to Seattle has been nixed.

First off: I bought tickets this morning to see SuperNova on January 31! Tickets were moderately priced, and rather good. I could have gotten better tickets through Ticketmaster last week, but was concerned about paying bills. Anyway, Ida and I will be in the second orchestra, row ‘N’. Stage left (which is Gilby’s side of the stage. So I am psyched about that. Now my mission is to obtain tickets to see The Panic Channel. As for the Fall TV line-up, I am already hooked on a NEW tv show on Fox network (which kind of had me concerned.) Anyway, it airs on Wednesday nights, at 9pm-show title: JUSTICE, and just blew my mind. http://www.fox.com/justice/
Victor Garber, Kerr Smith, Eamonn Walker, and Rebecca Mader all play attorneys who handle high profile cases. Check it out!

Speaking of tv, that brings me to the RockStar: SuperNova portion of the entry. I have NO idea what I am going to do when this season finishes. I was impressed with a lot of the contestants, and even the ones I did not care for, talent-wise, made the show interesting. I enjoyed the banter from the judge panel too. I had thought that the show Tuesday night was killer, and the best of the season. I wasn’t sure who I wanted to see go, although I suspected it would have been Ryan, Storm, or due to her past antics, Dilana. I was not shocked with Ryan being voted off last night, and knew that between the three in elimination, it would be either him or Storm. Jason made it known that he felt Ryan lost something when he played piano on several occasions. And it seems none of the guys are big fans of using props…which Ryan used. I feel Storm will be the next to go, due to Gilby’s remarks last night. But who knows, the show isn’t over yet. I had enjoyed Toby’s performances this week, until he started sulking when he was listed in the bottom 5. And speaking of RockStar: SuperNova, voting, etc…I feel compelled to clip, copy and paste some of Dave Navarro’s entries on his own web site: www.6767.com This is a site I enjoy, and I have to agree with things he says. The comments below, I have reduced, so if you want to read the full content, see the site :-) :o) :-)

Dave Navarro snippets: Performances Tonight! August 29, 2006 at 05:38 PM
Damn there are some funny rumors around regarding the show. First of all, I don't know who Janet Charlton is, but I do know who she isn't. She aint no Perez Hilton, that's for sure. At least with Perez, you get humor and the rumors are at least based in SOME fact. Don't forget that no matter what happens, the band can throw out whoever they want for whatever reason they want. They can also save whoever they want. These guys are busy writing and rehearsing, not to mention that Tommy is still doing Crue stuff on our days off. They don't have time to come up with a "master plan".

August 30, 2006 at 11:38 AM Our Position Has Been Compromised
All I can say is, I stand behind everything I said. Dilana was awesome! So was Lukas and Ryan. My choice for the bottom three... Toby, Storm and Magni. There. I said it. Unapologetic. You got a problem with voting? Take it there. Write to them. I host this, pay for it and update it myself. As I said before... I don't know what the problem is. I'll know tomorrow and maybe I'll have an update about it. Also, I am so tired of all the conspiracy talk, that I am just going to say... Yes. It's all a conspiracy. All your worst fears are true. We are trying to control you and the world at large. It's all a ploy to learn how to manipulate votes. Phase one: Florida re-count. Phase two: Rockstar: Supernova. And the final phase... The 2008 Presidential Elections. Mark Burnett, Tommy Lee and I have started a secret covert black ops campaign to rig 2008 and putting our choice of who wins Rockstar is all a part of our master plan.

Simple Facts we need to know:

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are absolutely AWESOME when cooked on a b-b-q or grille. But I guess there are ‘right’ ways and ‘wrong’ ways to cook them. Case in point: a month ago, I wrapped sweet potatoes in tin foil and cooked them on the b-b-q along with some chicken for dinner. They cooked beautifully, coming piping hot, sweeter than sugar, and nice and moist. Mum, Ida and I all agreed they were the best sweet potatoes.

But last night I decided to slice and then grill the sweet potatoes, per a recipe I had found, spraying with Pam, and sprinkling with brown sugar before placing on grill, per directions. Cook 8 minutes per side. So I slap the steaks on the grill (marinated in Jack Daniels) and toss my ‘taters on the fire as well following instructions. MY POOR SWEET TATERS! Charred to a crisp, and I cooked them on a LOW flame. I was able to salvage some from the first batch and asked mom to scrap some of the black off as I cooked the second batch, hovering over the b-b-q. It didn’t matter; they still charred to some degree, or were under cooked in spots.

So what did we learn??? Slicing and grilling the sweet potatoes bad. Wrapping and cooking in tin foil GOOD.

Priorities of a vet’s office
Saturday I give my two little mushroom-noses breakfast which they enjoyed and then they went about playing the kitty-cat chasing games. Mum, Ida and I were watching TV and mom heard a noise and sees Cro`i slink out of the bathroom. Turned out my tabby had an upset tummy, and irked on the floor…her breakfast wasn’t digested. Saturday night dinner and yesterday’s feedings all were uneventful, and no more upset tummy for Cro`i.

But this morning when Ida called to check in with me, she told me Cro`i tossed her cookies again after she ate. So I give Ida the run down, check nose, eyes and body temperature of Cro`i. Make sure her and her brother have fresh water. Every time I check with Ida, it seems Cro`i is on the mend, and I’m glad. But then when I was talking with my friend Claire, she said maybe if Cro`i is drinking out of Snacks bowl, the bacteria from fish stuff is upsetting her tummy. *Ding-ding-ding* light bulb went off in my head, that seems like a valid point.

So I call a vet that we used when (our dog Scruffy) was alive. When I had gotten Pooka & Cro`i had switched vet’s because I wanted a change in pet care. Anyway, I call the (my old) vet’s office and ask: “If my cat drinks the water out of a fish bowl which does NOT have chemicals in it….can they still get sick? And if so, how much is an office visit?” (Because you just know how the vet tries to hose you on: shots, vitamins, expensive all-natural, non-processed food, and if you love your pet….you’ll buy them these things.) So the receptionist asks me if I have actually seen Cro`i drink the water, and I progress to say: “Well not her, but she does stick her little head in. Her brother on the other hand does manage to drink the water.” And in return I get: “Well that poor fish much be scared out of its wits with cats sticking their faces in its bowl.”

WOW! This then reminds me of why I opted to change vets after we had to put Scruffy down. Priorities. The receptionist then proceeds to tell me that an office visit is $45.00, and I proceed to tell her I’ll keep an eye on my cat to see if she is indeed drinking the water. But my goodness! Forget about my poor kitty who is feeling under the weather. How dare I allow my cats terrorize a 25 cent gold fish?

RockStar: SuperNova…..Zayra goes home!

*Sang to the tune of ‘Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead’*

Ding-dong Zayra is gone….
My ears are safe…the group can move on.
Ding-dong Zayra is really…really gone.

From episode one of this season’s RockStar, Zayra had done nothing for me. I did not care for her vocals, her outfits in my opinion were horrid, and the way she dances…well it made Dilana’s ‘Chicken-groove’ look like a waltz.

With all snarky comments aside, Zayra just was not the right person to front SuperNova. Each week the band told her what they needed from her to be considered…and yet they had been bewildered along with the rest of the viewers by her performances and song choices. At times she all but told them to kiss her butt…and for whatever reason felt she had a right to have the chip on her shoulder.

So last night, prior to the elimination there were 8 remaining and (no surprise here) Zayra was yet again in the bottom 3. I had gotten a little nervous when I saw Jason bopping his head to her song, and Tommy nod ‘yes’ to something one of the guys had said. I feared they liked her performance and would have kept her around for another week of twisted entertainment.

I knew under no circumstances were the guys going to get rid of Magni last night. In fact my call is it will come down to between Magni and Dilana. But when Patrice and Zayra were left on the chopping block, I was nervous. Because I don’t see Patrice being an option the guys would go with as a front-woman. SuperNova is looking for someone hard core. And after seeing Dilana hold her own with the hooch’s on stage, I have no doubt in my mind she would be a great person for them to pick. So as I sit here, repeat my little ditty to myself…..

Ding-dong Zayra is gone….
My ears are safe…the group can move on.
Ding-dong Zayra is really…really gone.

Office Outcast

Shunning
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Shunning is the act of deliberately avoiding association with, and habitually keeping away from an individual or group. It is a sanction against association often associated with religious groups and other tightly-knit organizations and communities. Shunning has a long history as a means of organizational influence and control. Extreme forms of shunning and related practices have rendered the general practice controversial in some circles.

Sunday and Monday mornings, I woke up congested and realized the sinuses were getting stuffed up. But other than a stuffy nose, felt fine. Then after I had lunch on Monday, began to feel really icky. Had the chills, was dizzy and jittery, and very icky feeling…almost to the point where I wanted to go home. But I braved it out, and found I began to feel better. (My bad), because I went home, played an hour’s worth of PS2, and then went to see what Ida wanted to do for dinner. That was it…Monday evening, me and the toilet began best friends. So yesterday morning I called my boss (‘The Chief’) and asked if it would be ok to take ½ sick day, going in at 12 which he said not a problem. I wound up taking the whole day because although I didn’t need to hug my toilet anymore still had other sinus symptoms and was very dizzy. I called in and told them I wouldn’t be making it in, and ok…let’s face it. I DIDN’T REALLY WANT TO GO IN TO THE OFFICE. ESPECIALLY WHEN I SAW MY WEEKLY MEETING HAD BEEN CANCELED. Why push myself, get sicker, get aggravated, and have to deal with my annoying co-workers?

So here we are; back in my office having to deal with the childish antics of ‘Big Bad’. It is sad to have to recognize the fact that a 40-something year old man, who has a title of director resorts to tactics such as shunning. He waltz’s through my office, I say ‘good morning’ and barely get a hello from him. He has been in and out several times today, talking with ‘It’, and other people around my cube but ignoring me. ‘Big Bad’ is known for this. If he feels that you have not lived up to his expectations…he gives you the silent treatment. If he feels you didn’t fulfill your work obligations, he will not talk to you. On a truly personal note, he is on his second marriage…and if how he acts in the office is any indication as to how he treated wife #1, it’s no wonder he is on wife # 2. I won’t even go into detail how he acts if you were to not acknowledge him. Oh, the horror…how he pouts and goes out of his way for you to realize how slighted he felt.

But WHATEVER. Because what goes around comes around. And if he wants to shun me…I am quite content being shunned and not having to deal with him. Ultimately he is one of my bosses, but I am so relieved to not have to work directly for him. Because I think if that was still the case, and I didn’t have to answer to ‘The Chief’ either I’d have had gone postal or quit, or lost my marbles completely. The more I think of it…being shunned rocks!

Photos-palooza comes to an end

Ok, ok...I never post three entries in one day. But Blogger seems not to want me put ALL photos in on entry. I promise these are the last ones for a VERY long time.


This is Boston Marina, from my first trip, back in May. They say Gemini is an air sign...but for some reason, I just love being near the water.


This is Ida and I at an AWESOME restaurant in Boston called The Kinsale. The first time I ate there, felt like I was in Middle Earth...spending time in the Shire. The pub part has casks as bar tables, all kinds of iron work, and Celtic artwork, as you can see on the wall behind us. The dining room is just as beautiful, with furniture and what-not shipped directly from Kinsale, Ireland. The food is out of this world, and the staff is ever so friendly and can't do enough to help. I look forward to my next trip back, as I plan on making mom eat there too.


This is NYC, The Village on my birthday. SOme tourists were kind enough to take a picture of Ida and I as we wrapped up my birthday. In the background, you can make out the red neon sign that says Wines. I have no idea why we always get drinks or liquor stores in photos with us. Maybe I should have start getting a complex.

The End!

Promised Photos part 2

This is a photo of Boston in twilight. Granted it is a tad grainy...but I still think this is a really cool shot. Also for a disposable camera, and it being overcast, don't think it's too shabby.


This shop here is reportedly the oldest candy shop in North America. I believe I bought mum some peanut brittle here, just to say I bought something. But the candy was way expensive, and nothing uber spectacular. However tons of patron's were eating the fudge by the fist full. Oh yeah, this shop is in Salem, MA.

This was actually in NYC, on my birthday. Ida and I had spent the day shopping my 30th away, and I had wanted to go to Jacques Torres's choclate factory. Well! You can imagine our surprise when we saw him there amungst visitors, chatting away. Meeting him on my ACTUAL b-day totally made turning 30 years old something special!

Promised photos

Various times through out the blog, I have mentioned vacations and special events that took place during the summer of 2006. Now is time I finally share them. Hope you enjoy!

This is my (Aunt) Ida and me, on Pickering Warf, in Salem MA. To borrow a line from Austin Power's, 'We're sexy bitches, yeah baby! Yeah!'

Here is a photo of mum and me at a Pig Roast. I have no clue what I drank that night.

This is Yankee Stadium. Yep, the seats were in the bleecher-creature section but at least we got to see a live game!

Here is my honey, Pooka. As promised I am sharing a picture of him, as months ago I had his sister Cro`i's up here. He normally is NEVER allowed on the table. (That is just him being a bad kitty, and walking the 'cat walk'.) But he DOES look SO-SO-SO cute!

GUESS WHAT I HAVE!!!!!!

I am so psyched! Yesterday I bought myself Sony PlayStation 2. Granted PlayStation 3 is on the verge of being released. But I am behind the times. I admit this. Growing up, I never had Atari or Commodore 64. I didn’t get Genesis until I was home sick with the chicken pox….mind you I was 18. (Stuck home with the chicken pox, flu, and bronchitis all at once) and missing a month of school. Uncle Frank overruled mom’s ‘no video game’ rule and the whole family was hooked.

For years I have wanted Sony PS2, but was always finding other and ‘better’ things to spend my cash on. However Wal-Mart (yes I know how evil the chain is) had Sony PS2 on sale for $129. and I just couldn’t refuse. Sony yesterday I bought it, along with the POTC game and can’t wait to bust out of the office to go home and play again.
I am itching to get my hands on the X-Men game and also LOTR games. If anyone else knows of any other good PS2 games, please give me a shout out.

Talk about a disfunctional family!

MSNBC.com
Teen arrested after mom found in freezer
Utah police seek return of slain woman’s 18-year-old son from Montana

The Associated Press

BOUNTIFUL, Utah - An 18-year-old wanted for questioning in the death of his mother, whose body was found stuffed in a freezer, has been taken into custody in Montana, police said Thursday.
Jeremy Hauck was arrested without incident by Missoula police at a motel on Wednesday night, said Bountiful police Detective Randy Pickett.
Hauck was arrested for investigation of automobile theft, Pickett said. His mother's blue 2001 Toyota was found at the motel.
Detectives from the Bountiful Police Department traveled to Missoula to interview the teenager, but he declined to speak to police on the advice of an attorney.
Hauck is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Missoula's 4th District Court, said the Missoula County attorney's office.
Bountiful police will be seeking Hauck's extradition back to Utah, Pickett said. An arrest warrant for Hauck for investigation of first-degree murder was issued Thursday, Pickett said. He said search warrants were also obtained for the motel and the car.
The body of Laura Hauck, 52, was found Monday in a chest-style freezer at the Bountiful condominium where she lived with her son. It took two days for the body to be identified because it had to be thawed to be removed from the freezer.
The Haucks had not been seen since last Friday. Police were called by relatives to check on the family Monday. When officers entered the Hauck home they found a bloody mattress, shells from a .22-caliber rifle and the body.
Police had been looking for Jeremy Hauck and the blue Toyota Corolla since Tuesday.
People close to the family described the teenager as very quiet and a good student, with no history of violent behavior.

© 2006
URL: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14272001/?GT1=8404

Fire Island rescue and play time.

Every year the (hellish) company I work for has a corporate picnic, changing the location of the park, to give each of our locations a break on traveling. This year, they held the picnic in New Jersey, in the land of far far away giving employees the option of being bussed, My friend Claire and I both opted not to go, feeling we needed a break from all the kooks that work with us, and for the company. Instead we decided to go to Fire Island for some much needed sun & sand time.
Fire Island, for those below the Mason Dixon line, Fire Island is 15 minutes (by ferry) off the coast of Long Island, and gets most of its notoriety due to a large homosexual population…but there are various beaches, a nature park, and it is family friendly as well. So being that I hadn’t been there since I was 9 years old decided it would be fun to check out.
So we headed off to F.I. and had the option of either cutting through the Sunken Forest (nature trail) or just hitting the beach. Finally deciding to do the Nature Trail (‘NATURE…it’s all over me!’ a`la Madagascar) went walking through and chatting away about the horrors of the company. About ¼ of the way through we hear a woman calling for help as her daughter stood by crying. Long story short, the woman had fallen off the boardwalk, and broken her ankle. We didn’t think we’d be able to call 9-1-1, so instead I ran aaaaalllllllll the way back to the ranger station for help. Then we ran aaaaalllll the way back. Sure enough once the emt’s got there they established she did in deed break her ankle. If it wasn’t for Claire and me wandering through, who knows how long the woman and her daughter would have been there.
After that, we hit the beach and spent several hours soaking up the sun, drinking some adult cocktails, and floating in the ocean. The only thing that stunk was the flies kept biting, and it hurt…but it was a great day. Around 3-ish Claire noticed that yours truly was turning into a tomato…and we decided we have had enough. So once again we board the ferry to go home, and my Aerosmith tattoo is poking out of the tankini. Not that I knew it at the moment. But as I sat talking to Claire felt a timid little poke-poke-poke in my arm. I turn, and there’s the cutest little boy and he mouth’s something. So I cock my head and ask him ‘what?’ and in a very soft voice, he say’s ‘Aerosmith’. Obviously spotting my tattoo. So I stuck up a conversation with him, and found out he was 11 years old, and LOVES Aerosmith…even going to go to the same concert I am going to. So to cap the day, not only was I sunburned, but picked up by an 11 year old. I don’t know if I should feel flattered or scared.

Job Woes

I.Hate. My. Job. Or most days I should say: I. HATE. My. Job. When I had started here, had every intention of making this place my stick-to, and building up the 401k, making a name for myself with the company. I can’t say where I work because the company is an International well known corporation. The position I had landed wasn’t a rocket science one, but I would be the pioneer as it was a brand new position. Basically it was plugged to me as a ‘customer service for in-house employee’s’ but that I would be able to put my stamp on it. Originally I adored my boss, who expected nothing but greatness from me and Claire, but he was not above getting dirty….and by that I mean, no job was too small for him.

Then around the holidays, there were some structural changes, and I was shifted from my boss who I refer to as ‘Big Bad’ to another man, whom I refer to as ‘The Chief’. I was scared out of my drawers, because I was taking on more responsibility. Or so I was told. Instead I was stuck with having to deal with and work with Frick and Frack (you all have heard about them from past posts.) There have been good times, and bad times between me and the co-workers. Basically because ‘Duh 1’ is as dumb as a bag or rocks, and she only wants to socialize. http://sarcasm--cynicismviews--spews.blogspot.com/2006_03_01_sarcasm--cynicismviews--spews_archive.html‘Duh 2’ I can tolerate better, but he wants to be in charge, he ‘knows it all’ and has ‘done it all.’ If you listened to ‘Duh 2’ he is the only employee ‘The Chief’ needs. More or less, I sit in my cube, do my work, and am supposed to be keeping an eye on the others. One who doesn’t want to go out of her way to help, and the other who….I can’t even explain it other than my boss actually shuts his door to not listen to them all day.

When I was given more duties, I was given the headache of processing payroll. That was taken from me, and given to ‘Duh 2’. I used to file certain reports, ‘that too has been taken from me. Basically my job has now been reduced to taking messages and data entry. ‘Big Bad’ expect me to drive the number of open work orders down to below an 80 count. But due to monthly PM’s (preventive maintenance), lack of staffing, and parts being on order it is virtually impossible. When I ask ‘The Chief’ how can I get these numbers down, he tells me ‘not to worry, it’s not my problem’ and fluffs it off. GREAT…that solves NOTHING. We are supposed to communicate via walkie talkies’ but sometimes they don’t work. Certain people have Nextel’s so they can communicate via two-way. Months ago I had asked for one, and it was shot down. But it is the most practical because I need to be in touch with janitorial, mechanical and supervisors. (ARGH!!!) At all times.

On top of that, there are reports I must scan to different departments, which is fine. But if the chief isn’t around for me to get them from…I have nothing to do. Because where as I used to open AND close tickets, I am NOW only to OPEN them. ‘Duh 1’ is to close them. She’s a damn file clerk…who can’t even file, why are you giving her my work?!? So today ‘The Chief’ wasn’t in the office. His mechanical supervisor wasn’t in either. So basically that left me with the two thorn’s in my side and a list the size of Virginia of things that could be wrong. What may you ask? Oh let’s see, an assistant supervisor who refuses to carry his walkie, because he feels he shouldn’t have to…so no way to get in touch there. No mechanic’s in my building after 3pm, so God forbid something go amuck because we’d have no one. ‘Duh 2’ telling me I shouldn’t answer my phone, and that being that I can’t get in touch with anyone I shouldn’t sweat it. But it is my problem, and I do sweat it. Because if these employees do not get what they want, it’s my ass on the line. Because it’s my position which is supposed to be the answer solver, and service provider. So I cracked today. I went outside, called my aunt and cried. Because things here will not get better. Nothing will change, and I have no desire to jump to yet another job yet again.

Oh, the good news? Yeah they finally granted me a use of a brand spankin’ new Nex-tel.

Weekend Mélange

The baby has arrived!

We have a new (REAL) addition in our family. My cousin Jack and his wife are parents once again as of 8:18 this morning. They have been blessed with a little bugger of a boy named Michael Joseph. I know they named him Michael (after Jack’s dad) and Joseph (I am all but positive is for his wife’s father.) Everyone is doing well, and this is so exciting. We don’t have any little boys in our family…and now Jack has both a little girl and a son. My best wishes go out to them all. Still need all the warm wishes and prayers for my cousin Frank and his wife who are expecting another wee one in February.

Wacky Orelinde:

Saturday I had attended my cousin’s annual block party. The weather was hot, yet there was a nice breeze and it was not humid. Anywho…my cousin’s son had his entire friend’s over, and they decided to play beer pong, and they jerry-rigged a slip-n-slide. So guess who acted like a wacky kid? And really enjoyed herself??? Orelinde! Granted by the end of the night I was comparing slip-n-slide injuries with a bunch of 19 year olds…but it was the most fun I’ve had in weeks. I also found out from my cousin’s 15 ½ year old that they have a body piercing jewelry for those whose bodies reject the metal. So once again I will be getting my belly pierced. I can’t wait for this one…and hope not to have any problems this time round. My one friend thinks I am really wacky with that decision.

Pooka & Cro`i-kittens extraordinaire:

My poor mc-kittens! They are down to one gold fish left. Snack. For a day I was wondering if I was the gold fish killer. You see: the night before Captain Jack Sparrow bought the farm, I plunked an ice cube in the bowl to cool down the water as it was so hot. Next morning he was a goner, and there was no foul play. Then this past Saturday when I woke up, fed the fish as they seemed hungry. Well about 15 minutes later Cro`i tracks me down in the bathroom, as I brushed my teeth giving a pitiful little meow. When I went back down, found Lunch belly-up in the bowl. I was horror stricken as I realized the two times I interacted with the cats’ pets one of them died. Mom predicted that Snack would be the remaining fish. And she was right, because when we got home from the block party, Will Turner was dead as a door nail. So now all Pooka and Cro`i have is Snack…and I watch with trepidation as I am afraid he will croak and leave them petless.

On another note though, last night mom, Ida and I were watching Scarface, and the room was dark. All of a sudden I heard this odd noise *fffttt-ffffttt-ffffttt* and a HUGE beetle went flying over my head and landed on the floor. All of a sudden, Pooka flies (FLIES) over the couch, out of no where, and Cro`i goes tearing around the couch and the two of them corner this massive insect that had just traumatized me. After batting it with their paws, my mother gave the final, killing blow and disposed of the carcass. But my kittens (who will be 3 on September 5th) are wonderful! Stupendous! Magnificent!

1 Down...3 to go

*Sing to the tune of Poor Jed is Dead from Oklahoma*

Poor Captain Jack Sparrow is dead....he was floating on top of the water.

In an earlier post, I had shared with everyone that Pooka and Cro`i (the cats) had pet goldfish, compliments of me winning them at the church festival. Pooka and Cro`i much to our surprise did not attempt to eat any of the goldfish...but loved to watch them swimming. When it was feeding time for the Fish, that was even more spectacular for the cats to watch. On occassion, Pooka would take little drinks from the bowl, but never did he attempt to catch any live treats.

This morning when we woke up, Captain Jack Sparrow was floating on top of the bowl. (There were NO traces of foul play.) I don't know if it is the heat that did him in, or if he just kicked the bucket...but we had to give him the 'royal flush', and now Captain Jack Sparrow is at the bottom of Davey Jones Locker...or our septic tank...you decide. Or perhaps I bumped him off by throwing an ice cube in to cool them down? Can ice cubes kill gold fish? If so, I am a murderer of the fishies!

So alas, Pooka and Cro`i are down to 3 pets: Lunch, Snack, and Will Turner. Let's see how longer these guys make it.

Job Burn Out or just Tired? Test and Symptoms

Quiz: Are You Burned Out on Your Job?
Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor
It's been awhile since you've felt the exhilaration that comes with starting a new job. And you're wondering: "Has that professional spark been extinguished or is it flickering faintly, waiting to be reignited?" Take this quiz to help you identify if what you're feeling is a temporary heat wave or the telltale signs of total burnout.
1. Are you burned out or just exhausted? "Take a real vacation to find out," says Rena Lewis, senior vice president for Lee Hecht Harrison, a job search, consulting and career management firm. Burnout: If you dread returning to work, you may be burned out.Temporary Heat Wave: If you come back rested and recharged, you just needed a well-deserved break.
2. Are you reacting to a passing moment or an entire movement?Burnout: Your company recently underwent a major restructuring, doubling your responsibilities, and there's no end in sight.Temporary Heat Wave: You're buried in work because it's your "busy season." But you do see light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Are the demands of your job weighing too heavily on you?Burnout: Your supervisor is too demanding and you just can't keep your head above water. You know you'll never get her to change.Temporary Heat Wave: You're too demanding on yourself and it's causing you undue stress, not only at work but most likely in other aspects of your life as well. Time to let a few things go, like the perfectly clean house or some volunteer responsibilities.
4. Do you find it difficult to focus on your job?Burnout: You face your projects with total apathy and feel you have nothing left to give.Temporary Heat Wave: Your lack of focus is rooted in the nebulous mess you call a workspace. Get organized and get rejuvenated!
5. Have you got the urge to find greener pastures?Burnout: You're feeling more and more detached at work and catch yourself fantasizing about walking out the door to find that "dream job" and leaving these "little minds" behind.Temporary Heat Wave: You're in a rut and ready to venture past the usual lunch crowd and meet some new peers.
So You're Burned Out ...If your situation is illustrated by more "Burnout" descriptions, it's likely time to start down a new career path or follow a new opportunity to professional happiness. Get your resume together and begin your search.
Temper the Warming EffectsIf you saw more of yourself in the "Temporary Heat Wave" scenarios, then you might need a new focus and new challenges to recharge your professional energy. "You don't have to leave your employer to energize yourself," Lewis advises.
Lewis offers these suggestions for putting the spark back in your career:
"Look for a new position within your organization," she says. Network internally -- try to catch key people in the break room to get the scoop on a position or new project team being assembled.
Examine your current position to identify a new responsibility or element you could include that would refresh your focus.
Assess what aspects of the job you really like and do well and then concentrate on expanding those activities.
Make sure you get meaningful feedback from your supervisor. Without clear feedback, Lewis warns, you are apt to burn out faster because you will not have clear goals or accurate measurement.
Read relevant trade publications to stay up on the latest issues and trends. Find ways to incorporate these into your job.
Delegate or eliminate nonessential tasks. Sometimes we get mired down with minutia and lose sight of what we really need to be doing.
Investigate opportunities to transfer to a new city. Working in completely new surroundings with different peers could get your professional juices flowing again.