Been working at such a fever pitch that i've had little chance to convey my first week with the enemy ... ahem, Stanford. It's been a week lived at a breakneck speed, and just when i think i'm beginning to get a handle on it, someone pops in my office door and drops another bombshell. But it's very exciting to be at the outset of the development of a molecular imaging program in radiation oncology.

First off, the practical issues. I do indeed at last have an office. And it's freakin' huge! I'm not talking Gordon Gecko, corner-office Manhattan huge, but for someone who's been crammed in with 2-8 other people for the last seven years, it's big for me. I moved in all my textbooks and papers from home along with assorted photos and toys, and the place still looks empty. Also, i've got a window, a concept only dreamed of during my time in the basement of the parking garage at UCSF. And it actually looks out on a nice little courtyard. From the pic you can also spot my dated by still fully-functional air conditioner. But i'd better not get too attached, as the whole department will be moving to a brand new building early next year.

In addition to the office, i've been getting showered with all the other marks of responsiblity ... pager, lab coat, secretary, discretionary funds, yadda³. I keep wondering how i got here. As for work, it's been a lot of me listening to people as i try to piece together my role here. I'm making progress though, and hope to have my first seed grant proposal done by next week. I've also had to reject my first postdoc applicant, another sobering experience that has me wondering how i ever came into possession of any form of authority.

Everyone here has been incredibly friendly so far though. I got an unexpected department breakfast in my honor on my first day last Friday, and have been introduced to so many people it makes my head hurt.

Zooming along on the expressway to adulthood ...