A little pool of cash

It’s a little absurd, but this year our college gave us $300 each in “professional development” funds. There are a few restrictions – no travel, no salary or stipends or wages for anybody. No food, either.

This isn’t even really enough to buy basic supplies or reagents, and I’m covered in that department at the moment anyway. I could buy half of an iPad for the lab (which has been handy for online identifications). It would have been nice to take the lab out to a nice dinner.

I’ve got two thoughts so far. The first is to not spend it out of spite – it could be turned over to someone who needs $600. The second is just to buy a bunch of books that I’ve been wanting to read, some new and some old.  Suggestions? What would you do with $300 bucks burning in your pocket?