Short update on my life

I've recently started thinking more intensively about jobs. I found a really cool 6 month SCA position somewhere on Florida's panhandle. The following is a description for the position, taken straight from SCA's website: "Conduct gopher-tortoise/indigo snake and flatwood salamander surveys and associated data entry; assist with red-cockaded woodpecker management, amphibian monitoring, GIS analysis and prescribed burning (possible). This position is perfect for you if you are self-motivated and enthusiastic and wants to pursue your own research interests, within the scope of assigned duties."

Is that not perfect for me? Well, I guess Florida isn't the most ideal location, but that's not too big of a deal I guess. I've also found a promising position as a research assistant for a professor at the University of Rhode Island. He's studying various aspects of the ecology of hemlock wooly adelgid. So while I technically don't have as much research experience as he's looking for, I'm going to sell the fact that I spent all summer treating hemlocks for this damn insect! I also found an awesome position as a research assistant in KENYA!!!! Yes, Kenya. And the best part is that room, board, a roundtrip airline ticket, and a monthly stipend (amount not specified) are provided!! The position is looking at host behavior and parasite infection in Grant's gazelles. So I'll get some animal behavior field experience, and of course I'll be in KENYA for 6-9 months! Obviously that position offers the most unique and exciting opportunity, but my mom is really not very happy about it at all. So everybody cross your fingers that I get one of these :)

Another thing that's been stressing me out is the fact that I need a car. I resisted for a very long time, but it's finally come to a point where not having one is a severe inconvenience that will effectively cut off a good amount of my options for the next few years. My highest criteria are good fuel efficiency, small, and reliable (oh, and relatively cheap, of course). So far the top candidate is a Honda Civic, but I'm having issues determining whether I should go for a new car and struggle financially, or go for a used car and struggle financially if it breaks down, plus not have as many choices. Oh, and a lot of the used Civics that Honda dealers in my area have a more expensive than the damn new ones. Granted, I'm looking at bare bones packages in new cars, and I'll go for a manual and learn how to drive it if at all possible, but come on now! When you get a new car they have to MAKE A NEW CAR!!!!! That's resources expended!! Used cars should be way cheaper! What a rip-off. Damn greedy bastards. But whatevs, I guess there's nothing I can do about it. The search continues...