New Hybrids, Why Not?

I currently drive a VW Golf which is an acceptable car for a really lucky high school or college student.  Although I am usually carting around my two children in the back seat, I have turned down more than a few street race challenges.  I could afford a larger and fancier car but I really don't need more and overall I like my car.  It is much roomier than it would seem from the outside, almost like a Narnia armoire.  

But, I need start shopping for a new car.  I would love to get a hybrid but they are so expensive. It does come down to simple affordability at some point.  Gas isn't going to get cheaper and CA's license fees and taxes are out of control.   I also want a car with some personality and hybrids are so "blah!" to look at, my only other option would be an SUV - both options aren't acceptable.  

I would love a Mini Cooper but my daughter is 14 and my son is 10 (in addition to being the offspring of my husband who is a baby giant).  Mini Coopers have great front seat leg room but only have room for two torsos in the in back, legs aren't allowed.  I don't want a mini van and I believe I need turbo.  I don't think that my need for speed should be ignored any longer.  

VW has a turbo diesel that is a clean burning vehicle and according to VW is easier on the environment than hybrids.  The only model that I would be interested in is the Jetta Wagon - a boring and least attractive model.  Why don't some of the American Automotive manufacturers bring back some of the cute personality styled cars, not just muscle cars?  Make those into hybrids?  

My suggested starting point would be the Nash Metropolitan.  I love it.  It is itty bitty but I am sure that advances in technology and our understanding of space and time would make it possible to maximize leg room. It could be the American version of the Mini Cooper or VW Beetle.  Just a thought.

Vacations with Purpose and Fun?

I heard about these vacations a while ago and thought they were interesting.  Basically, you book a vacation to a place to test out a trade or job.  Maybe your dream job is to be a brew master,voiceover artist, organic farmer or who knows.  You can test out quite a few different options through www.vocationvacations.com.    I always thought that being a voice over artist would be fun but after hearing myself on my voicemail I have decided that a twelve year old nasally voice wouldn't be in high demand.  That is what all the Disney kids are for.  But there are others that would be interesting to try out.  Pastry chef, flyfishing outfitter, jewelry designer,  I obviously need to give this more thought.  Maybe when I get a better idea of what direction I want to move in I will give it a go.