There have been a few silver linings this week to break-up the general gloom of late.
First, I received this year's Teaching Award in my department. It won't do anything to save my job if I don't get funded, but at least I feel appreciated by the students. Although I have always loved teaching, I really haven't done that much science teaching until this past year, so it has been really fulfilling to get the chance to that this year. Also very time consuming. So a pat on the back feels very nice right now.
The other good news came yesterday in that one of the three pilot grants my lab submitted to various University centers was funded. While these pilot grants aren't a lot of money, it is enough money to pay about half of a post-doc salary for one year, (since post-doc salaries are so low), so I should be able to keep one person working in my lab when my major grant money runs out in August. So that was cheering news.
And last month I received an award from the local bike advocacy group that I had been an officer or board member for nearly a decade, but have had to leave the board since I just don't have time with work, church, and family obligations. I admit I pretty touched and greatly appreciated the recognition.
And one night this week, when I was pedaling home from work late at night, I saw the year's first fireflies.
Hard to be sad when there are fireflies again.
