What to do with myself? I have a few more months to live in this town (unless I get bumped to the class of 2013 - which could happen). I want to do some tutoring or hospital volunteer work. Is it wrong to do something like that so short term? It's not just for me that I want to volunteer, but also for the people with whom I would work.

My new job is going well. I have not breathed a word about medical school. There have also been some changes made that will hopefully improve things. Right now my work load is absolutely insane. It's making me a bit edgy too. I hate being that busy. I hate thinking about work when I'm home. Ach, hopefully things will lighten up soon.

About Conservation International - Not only did they respond to my question about the giant rat found in Indonesia, but here is what they actually said -

Thank you for submitting an inquiry to Conservation International. Your

interest is greatly appreciated!

I understand you are interested in CI's expedition to the Foja Mountains

in Indonesia, specifically the species found there. For this 2007

expedition CI neither collected nor harmed any animals. However, the

Bogor museum scientist who traveled with us did collect and preserve

specimens of mammals that are new to science, in order to describe these

new species for the museum.

CI's policy regarding collecting specimens of species is to always be

respectful of the wishes of local communities when on expeditions, as

well as considering the health of the ecosystem. For example, in the

2004 marine survey of New Caledonia's coral reefs, no collections were

made, in keeping with local tribes' wishes.

If you would like more information about CI's policies or about any

particular expedition please feel free to reply to this message or write

to community@conservation.org. I'd be happy to send any specific

questions you have to the scientists who were in the field. Thank you

again for your interest is Conservation International and your concern

for the environment!

Cheers,

Lindsay Walter-Cox

Online Promotion Coordinator

Conservation International

A bit of rare honesty. I need to write them back and thank them. I'm glad they left it alone. I wish research groups would do that more often.

And still my house sits on the market. I think today will be another double post day. I have other thoughts tumbling through my head.