I mentioned yesterday that I've started a new job.  This is great for a number of reasons:

• Money.  I can pay my bills now!  I should be able to pay my typical living expenses if I average around two days a week of work.  Things are really busy there right now, though, so I'm hoping to pull in three days a week until my homework load inevitably explodes.  That extra day of work can go toward those car repairs, upgrading some of my work clothes, and preparing for the expense of moving in May.
• Licensing.  To become a licensed engineer, you need to sit for the PE Exam.  In order to sit for the PE, you need a certain amount of time working under other licensed engineers in your field.  (I believe the exact amount varies based on your specific field of engineering and what state you're applying to be licensed in.)  Since I already have my undergraduate degree, the time I spend working at this job applies to the work experience I need to get licensed.
• Clothing.  That sounds weird, but I hate shopping and don't do it unless I need something.  Last summer I bought about a week's worth of work clothes for my internship, but because I didn't go shopping until late April all of the clothes out were short sleeved.  I get cold really easily, especially in office buildings where the air conditioner is being cranked.  Having a job that starts in January allowed me to go out and get a few sweaters and turtlenecks that were on sale (stores are trying to eliminate their winter clothing stock in preparation for spring) and I happened to go on a day when all sale items were an additional 40% off.  I'll definitely take 4 work tops for $40.  They fit much better and are higher quality than the Target and Walmart stuff I bought last summer, which means I can feel more confident wearing them and not be constantly distracting by the cold.
• It gives me something to do.  I feel bad saying it here given how much I ignored my blog last week, but without a job I don't have enough to do this semester.  I'm only taking two classes, and neither is giving very much homework so far.  My research is kind of at a stand still because I'm waiting on various professors to read through some papers I've written and get back to me.  Given the way my class schedule is, I can get all of my homework and research done between classes, giving me nothing much to do on days I don't have class.  If I'm able to get all of my blogging done on the weekends, that leaves my evenings free for reading other blogs, spending time with my fiance, and getting enough sleep.