While the temperatures are certainly heating up, my productivity is definitely down. I started the week with a scratched cornea, the result of gardening. Who knew blinking could be so painful! Just another reason I've been trying to keep my eyes open. Anyway, that left me with only have my target merit and promotion reviews completed for the weekend. But I'm back to clear vision (almost) so I can pick up again in the evenings – about 30 to 35 left to review.
Today I meet with the California Leafy Greens Research board. They are meeting in Davis and asked me to stop by. It will be the end of what may have been a long meeting for them. I am sure we will be discussing the 2018 Position Call process and the recently posted positions (scroll to bottom) as the Advisors in the central coast area are key to their businesses. Research needs and costs, indirect cost rate, and the UC ANR budget are other likely topics. The Board is a strong supporter of UC ANR so it is good that I am able to spend some time with the group and brainstorm a bit.
Tomorrow is the Star Awards ceremony, beginning at 2 PM. In case you can't make it to Davis, here's the Zoom info: https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/5307501239 or call 669/900-6833 with meeting ID 530 750 1239. Please join in to celebrate our awardees!
Thursday I am off with the 2 Marks to visit Janine and the Yuba/Sutter UCCE offices. This will be my first time in those offices. Then Friday we are in Butte County. I'm close to wrapping up my first visit to every county; I think only Santa Clara County is not scheduled or in the process of being scheduled. Then it's time to go around again. Given our hirings and departures, as well as changing goals and challenges, I don't plan to visit counties just once. Rather, my goal is to be in every county at least once every other year, pending invitations to visit. I find this helps as I am reading the merit and promotion documents because I can put the work into context and names to faces and conversations. I find it very rewarding as well as educational. I use the conversations to find common themes around the state and keep my eyes open to opportunities. Offices put considerable time and effort into the visits; hopefully they find it well worth their time.
Next time, I'll be able to share some of my journey with you!