Jobs, grants, and the next generation

Several things to cover in this post.

First, Kathy and I are expecting a baby! She is 12 weeks along now. Her due date is July 28, 2007. We are very excited about our potential offspring, but we're just taking it all one day at a time right now. It was fun to tell our familes at Christmas time.

Second, and not unrelated: I am still looking around Chicago for academic jobs (professorships). I have applied in several places, but not been called for an interview yet. Honestly, it's probably a year too early, but it's been good practice. I'm getting more used to the idea of not hearing anything, so it's fine to keep sending out applications (CV, research and teaching statements). I am funded in my current position until 4/08, but I decided to try for these jobs while they are open. Every day I hear rumors of new jobs opening at my current University, so I'll keep trying for those.

Third, and not unrelated: My research is going along well, but I need to keep pushing hard to get everything done. My findings are good, I think, but it may be tough to make the paper stress the importance of the data. I hope to get this paper out soon, but with impending grant deadlines (2 due to NIH in March; which seems a waste of time, as they are only funding the top 5% right now - Haliburton is getting the rest of the $$$) I may not get it done. Here's hoping.

Mostly, I'm just happy about the baby right now, and I'll let the rest of the details work themselves out.