Still getting used to the idea

I'm still getting used to the idea that my job is secure for the next year. It comes with the caveat that I need to do something (besides wishing for it) to get ready for whatever I'm going to be doing next. But still, I have to remind myself that this thing that contributes hugely to my feelings of security in this world is in place.

Not only that, but I will share a story here because I feel like I'm flaunting my good fortune if I actually spoke these words to anyone out loud in these tough times. When I went in to speak to my boss about where I was with my current projects and to discuss what I'd be doing for the next year, I mentioned that I had been hired on five years ago at a certain level. This level is actually one below the one people are often hired when they have a Ph.D. So I said that it had been my plan that, if I made it past five years, I would ask for an increase so that I'd be working at a rate corresponding to the next level up the food chain.

My boss agreed that I should be working at this other level, but didn't know if the money was there. He said, and I heartily agreed, that he was just glad to see the money so that I could get renewed, he didn't know if there was enough for a raise. So I emailed him the next day about it, and long story short, I got a raise. I got a raise that, when I read the email, my jaw literally dropped (funny how that does happen, but I was trying to keep my expectations low) and I said (to myself, as there were other people around) "Oh, my god" about 14 times.

I'm going to put some money into this old house. I still want someone to build me a deck that I can get to through my living room, and the kitchen needs to be updated. I feel so very fortunate.