Too much time, too litte $$$

You would think that an unemployed person would have TONS of time to spare. But I've been incredibly busy!
I think this is the universe coming around to bite me in the ass after I had the aforementioned thought about another friend who is unemployed but 'didn't have the time' to attend a potentially helpful networking event.
Okay, it's not EXACTLY the same. Many of my activities are very soul-fulfilling, if not filling for my wallet. I've been involved in a number of research studies (okay, they do pay...and pretty well considering the time involved).
I've had 2 fMRIs in the past month and earned about $200 for them. A fMRI is a medical test that is similar to an X-ray except they don't use any radiation and they do use sound waves and magnets (so it's not dangerous).
Along with the fMRIs were a bunch of cognitive exams. Let's try one like the ones I did.
Read this list of words:
spinach
truck
giraffe
desk
motorcycle
cabinet
onion
subway
zebra
bookcase
boat
carrot
elephant
lamp

Okay, now close your eyes and try to repeat as many of those words as you can. No peeking!
Not so easy, is it? This was one of MANY cognitive exams I had to do. The tests were part of a study working with schizophrenic patients (but I was part of the control group). Interesting, huh?
I'm also involved with another group that studies the affects of pasta on women's diets and hormonal levels. Since I eat pasta at least 2-3 times per month, I could definitely get on-board with this study. And they pay to feed you!!!
Oh, I'm also the volunteer coordinator for a charity that I've been helping the last few years. We have a HUGE fundraiser coming up in July and I need to build an army of volunteers to make sure that everything runs well.
So far, I only have about 25 people (and I need about 70). Wish me luck!