what a year!
Nine Days Old
- I recently (fiscal year - October 1) took over a project as Lead Scientist. I have control over the program, "Advanced Bio-based Materials," and nominal control of the resources (3 scientists, 3+ technical staff, labs, $0.8M budget) assigned to the project. We've just re-submitted it for a new 5 year plan.
- I am seeking more external "soft" money to extend my postdoc's contract. He's done phenomenal work. I noted to our Center Staff and my acting Research Leader that we will have salary-lapse money from the vacant RL position which we lose if not used and it can not be used for other things (like equipment). It seems logical and the best choice to use it for my postdoc which would then free my time up to work on the vacant position's milestones. I have no idea what will happen.
- I accepted an "acting" research leader position for 120 days in another group (40 staff including 13 scientists on 4 projects with $6M budget). We had our first group meeting on Friday. Despite the grapevine, about half the people were surprised (pleasantly, I hope) that I was there. The experience is a great opportunity. I will definitely learn whether I want to apply for one of the 4 vacant research leader positions in the Center. It will also help me determine which "book smart" tools will actually work out on the street; hopefully without damaging too many people. I'll also learn whether I can support the new management as an RL. As a scientist, I can always disengage and find solace in my research.
- I am attending the Leadership Conference in February in St. Louis. We are being required to formulate a strategic business plan with/after a s.w.o.t analysis. Say what? I thought our research plan (5 years with attendant objectives, approaches, milestones, products) WAS the strategic plan...*see "book smart" comment above*
- I have two meetings this year: San Francisco in March and Boston in August.
- Hawai'i is in December (the 2011 fiscal year).
Financial - I rebalanced my portfolio in the TSP and IRAs. I still need to look at a budget this year as some things have changed financially. I can probably get rid of land line phone service with the reliability of my new crackberry.
- My calculations say that I could retire "at full benefits" and comfortably at 58. That's 15 years. Maybe I will retire and sail the world.
- I need to figure out if I can send a bit more $$ to the parental unit's health savings account.
- With all this change in the air, I realized that I have accomplished my salary goal of making six figures.
Goals for 2010 - Still have not articulated any goals. I'm not sure I need them. Life is on automatic right now. Good things just happen. Good things. Good things. Good things, Yeah! I'm doing what I love at work. I have time for friends and family and hobbies. My house is comfortable. My health is steadily improving. I am still losing weight and gaining mobility. My energy levels are steady. My spiritual practice is calm and serene.
- Is this a goal? I am looking at seed catalogs and planning my garden for spring.