Still settling in

Week 2 of new lab job begins. I finally have a phone line, but still no benefits, and no idea when I'll get paid.

In a lot of ways this is a familar environment. Staff Ph.D. scientists hiding in their office, the clinical ward just down the hall, and a separation of about 50 feet from my culture lab to my office lab.

The biggest differences are that this is a much smaller place. The second one is the amount of brass here. It was explained to me that since this is a federal hospital, military medical personnel work here. I wasn't sure if I should shake their hand or salute during introduction. For the most part, they just say "hi", but I had one approach me because he knew who I was, and his hand was outstretched for a handshake.

I know it'll all work out in the end. I finally am getting more "yes" than "no" (even if it's an unexpected result). My first cell line didn't grow, but my second one was much more successful.