No words of wisdom from me I am afraid. Being a Gnome and unwise is SUCH a drag sometimes... Oh well, I guess your problems are worse than mine.

Anyhow, genuine story that always tickles me, and has two aspects of your tale. Man in a garage complaining how his car is loosing power. Says to the apprentice mechanic "It is almost like the clutch is depressed all the time."

Apprentice mechanic responds (yes - you've guessed it) "Well I never perform at my best when I'm depressed either..."

Lots of love and hugs from the Gnome. No kisses - my beard will bring on skin problems...

DtG