Six Months a Temp

It's been little over six months since I started my current temp assignment. What began as a part-time position is now full-time. What was described as entering forms into a database has morphed into the same duties as the permanent admins.

The people remain lovely. And if I wanted to work there as a permanent employee, I could. But

It's not a good idea.

So the search continues for a potentially more satisfying job. I dissected what I enjoyed most in my previous positions, and concluded I should look for junior tech writer or business systems analyst openings. I seem to thrive in these roles.

Now, I don't think I misrepresent myself. But industry and I seem to have different understandings of what tech writers do. What would you call writing data entry reference guides for non-technical end users?

No, seriously. What would you call it? Because if I should to be looking for a different job title, I need to know.

I have had a couple of recruiters call. Encouraging – it's good to be wanted – but confusing. They seem to think it impossible to perform IT roles from outside of the IT department.

In the meantime, I've put everything (i.e., acting) on hold until I can get a better grip on the job front. Hopefully, I'll be able to do some sort of community theatre in the near-to-not-so-far future.

Ah, yes. The Joy of the Job Hunt.

Pom Juice Blends – A Review

There was a 50₵ off coupon for one of the new Pom Juice Blends. An open invitation for a taste test.

Pomegranate is the new cranberry, so it was only a matter of time before Pom (with its bubble bottle, arguably the most visible pomegranate juice maker) started mixing things up.

Regardless of which blend you drink, there is no doubt you are drinking pomegranate juice. The other flavors are discernible in varying degrees.

Pom Mango

40% Pom¹, 40% Mango Puree, according to the label. Based on the list of ingredients, the remaining 20% is 'pear juice and natural flavors'.

First thoughts after initial tasting: This could be good in a smoothie – chunks of mango, Pom Mango juice, yogurt, sugar. . .Hey, I wonder if it would taste different if I did one smoothie with regular Pom and the other with Pom Mango?

In small amounts, the mango is almost overpowered by the pomegranate. Drink more than a sake cup full, and eventually the mango flavor is lost to an acidic aftertaste that favors the pomegranate.

Pom Hula

50% Pom, 30% Pineapple Juice, according to the label. Based on the list of ingredients, the remaining 20% is 'apple juice and natural flavors'.

Was the word "pineapple" too long for the label? But, by calling it Hula, most expect there to be pineapple in it. Still counts as good marketing.

First thoughts after initial tasting: This might be good in a variation of a fruit punch – 7-up, Pom Hula, Rainbow Sherbet²

Huh. Sherbet only has one R. We've always pronounced it with two Rs (sher-bert). The things you learn from spell-check…

Though one can taste pineapple in a sake cup size sample, in larger quantities, it tastes like pomegranate with a sweet acidic nudge.

Pom Coconut

30% Pom, 60% Coconut Water, according to the label. Based on the list of ingredients, the remaining 10% is 'pineapple juice, natural flavors, and stevia extract'. Though, the ingredients also list 'pomegranate and pineapple juices', so I'm a little skeptical of the percentages.

First thoughts after initial tasting:  That's yummy coconut! What is that weird aftertaste?

Now, coconut water is the new açai which was the new pomegranate, so Pom's bringing it full circle with this one. The coconut flavor is strong, down to the nuttiness; I really liked it. But in small doses, the pineapple juice sneaks up and weirds out the flavor. (Makes me wonder why the pineapple's there.) However, in larger amounts, the aftertaste is primarily coconut.

Pom is 1:2 with these blends. Coconut nails it – the flavor is distinct, not masked by the pomegranate. Hula and Mango are disappointing. I wanted more than a hint of the respective flavors - especially mango, which is one of the major food groups³. Don't call it mango unless you mean it.

1. Pom is 100% Pomegranate Juice

2. The original fruit punch is 7-up, pineapple juice, and orange sherbet. And maraschino cherries in 7-up ice cubes. Of course, the variation should also have the 7-up ice cubes.

3. Other major food groups include ice cream, and bread