Ponderings of a Scientist

So I got a new job!! I accepted a position teaching marine science at a high technology, innovative, aquarium/ fisheries research center.  Now I just have to figure out how to transition from my old position, fit in my part-time job that will be 10 hours/week for the next few weeks instead of the usual 5 hours/month, and convince my former graduate advisor that I have no time to rework some of my old experiments. 

The kicker is that I have nothing (literally!!) to do at my old job, but in two weeks they will be extremely busy and likely need my help.  So do I leave before then or do I stay, with absolutely nothing to do for at least a week, to help them out.  I really like the people I currently work for and I don't want to inconvenience them, but they knew this was coming.  They encouraged me to look for a new position, because of major reorganization in my current program, and they knew I was the top prospect at what is now my new employer.  My new employer understands the time thing and is so far being very flexible, but I also don't want to disappoint them!! Argh!

On a cooler note I have $2000, courtesy of the new gig, to purchase a computer for myself. Any thoughts?

NEW TRAIN OF THOUGHT:

Last night I saw a commercial on T.V. (I wouldn't say for what type of vehicle) with the catch phrase, “You don't have to give up anything to get everything.”  At this point I thought to myself, boy, isn't that the mentality of most American citizens.  We are so needy and we expect everything without working for it or making any sacrifices.  This is especially prominent in the generation of kids raised on the “let's grow their self-esteem” model instead of the “you get what you earn” model.  Search my previous blogs from more on this (I can't find it).  I think this idea of no sacrifice is extremely pertinent at the moment since we are in a war (READ: occupation).  Has society forgotten that wartime usually means sacrifice states-side?  Oh yes, we don't have to worry about it because we are middle class or above, most of us don't have family fighting in Iraq, and as long as we don't, we can ignore the whole thing!  Once again, I would like to say thank you to our soldiers and sorry about the politicians keeping you there.  VOTE in the fall, re-seat Congress.