In the process, this year I looked up older records, up to 10 years ago (2008-2018).
Professionally, around 2008, I just started working in OUHSC Department of Medicine, newly working on "genomic instability in the body" research theme with mouse models.
Since 2008, I published 16 papers. Although the more might have been better, the number should be decent enough, considering impact factors of the journals and citations and all. Working on a few more manuscripts now. Probably I can increase the number of collaborative works?
A few outside grants got funded during the time, including ones from the NCI and private colon cancer foundation, in addition to some internal grants. We filed an intellectual property claim (aka patent) as well.
The US economy and stock market was hitting the bottom during the time. DOW Jones Industrial Average (DJI) was 6507 around March 2009. The DJI was pretty low on 8/1/2008 at 11326. [FYI DJI=25414 (8/1/2018)]
I'm tracking my investments and managing them. It's kind of like gardening. Only occasional attention and re-balancing is sufficient. Thanks to the bull run in the past 8 years, it is up. But I'm cautious considering upcoming midterm election and long term effects of fiscal irresponsibility on national budget by recent GOP and the administration.
In a good economy, the rich with capital make money easier than the poor depending only on wages. In other words, the rich get richer and the difference between haves and have-nots widens faster in a good economy. They say a third of Americans are broke. How sustainable current economy would be, is something you can question.
How correct my forecast will be? I have general idea about my own success rate in economic and other predictions by studying my past personal record. Guess I feel no need to disclose it here, though.
Personally, I was single in 2008. Got married in 2011, and divorced in 2014. Got a cat (2013). Moved once (2012). Published a book on Tango dancing (2012) and have piled up materials for another. Lost my father (2015) and inherited a Rolex that I've hardly worn so far. Traveled to Japan four times (2011, 2015, 2015, 2016). Replaced my car once (2017).
etc. etc.
I saw things that are working, and some that are not. I'll keep doing what works, and change things that are not working as planned.
I wonder what comes in next 10 years. Some will be the things that I plan and make happen. Others will be the things beyond my control, the god business (thus I don't worry about them. Just forecast and act accordingly).
My best wishes to upcoming 10 years.
