OK, I’ve tried to avoid writing anything that could be considered cute or whimsical. I’ve relegated animal tales to my dog’s blog, MidlifeDog.com

So feel feel to skip this entry. I just couldn’t resist,

My new cat, Ophelia, looks like a big fuzzy basketball. At nine years and 17 pounds, she’s the oldest of my furry family and not exactly a lightweight. She moved in with us three weeks ago and she hasn’t lost any time taking charge..

Ophelia has decided she should be the dominant cat. She scarfs down her dinner. Then she pushes Creampuff, the resident cat, out of the way. And she eats Creampuff’s dinner.

I’m reminded of newcomers to a company who don’t hold back — those who come in and…um, throw their weight around. When I was being a maverick in corporate life, I always had a hard time holding back. Sure, I knew better, but hey, I wasn’t all about fitting in.

Ophelia got her comeuppance. Creampuff chased her around the apartment and some shrieking was heard. Now Ophelia’s retreated to her special spot in the closet, a luxury you don’t have when you’re a corporate newcomer (although you probably wish you did).