Hahahaha .... Oooops!!

Most "normal" people with "networks" discuss their ideas and results with their peers before going to their supervisors. This technique saves time and trouble for the busy supervisor, and, more importantly, saves a potential world of embarrassment for the junior. Not so with me, apparently.

I do have a "network", and I am starting to "use" it a lot more now, but I am essentially a loner. My ideas, when they happen, are usually my own. Coming from my past experience, it has not been easy to open up about new things to anyone. I am always nervous that I will be ridiculed, the way I was earlier. Recently, though, the combination of more knowledge and skills, more reading of the literature, and a lot more confidence has resulted in more ideas and input into what I will describe as the general body of research in the lab. My excitement at being able to contribute intellectually battles with my reticence --- and excitement has been winning a lot these days. Indiscriminately, I'm afraid!

Can't say more, but today I made a blooper in the funniest --- and most embarrassing --- manner! The only redeeming point was that I also had some really superb results (on a different project) which may lead to another patent application ... so I was more amused at myself than embarrassed. For the moment, that is.

Note to self: THINK before you talk. Or show anyone any results that you think are "super-cool"!