my transmission/engine probs-sounds different and 2nd gear is bad

Hey all, for awhile(a few months or since last fall), 2nd gear has started to get some friction while shifting... thats still okay and all, and i can deal with it, but now the engine sounds like a weewacker, literally, when i let my rpms get high. Not sure how high tho cuz i havent an rpm gauge(honda 97 civic dx), and its right before i shift(like 15mph from 1st to 2nd, 30mph from 2nd to 3rd, etc.) Its really bad and gets me worried cuz i have college next year. The engine doesnt feel as its losing power tho...any help? thanks