welcome to the human brain

When you are starting a new job in less than a week, you’re dealing with at least two lists. There’s the long errand and shopping and chore-focused to-do list (get dress tailored, do laundry, buy black boots, sew buttons on cardigan…), and then there’s the more abstract list of things that would be fun or smart or healthy for you to do while you have the time, so you can at least tell yourself that you took advantage of the last few days of this period that gets dramatically and not entirely accurately referred to as “freedom.” If you live in New York, topping the list of things you always want and mean to do, but rarely manage is: Go to a museum. Miraculously, Alice had free passes to the Museum of Natural History. Even better, she was willing to play hooky from work to go with me.

In the special exhibit about the brain, I learned that if neurons were marbles, each of us would have enough to fill the New York Public Library. Some of the text in the exhibit was hilariously matter-of-fact, like, “Just when you’re trying your best to be reasonable, your emotions can lead you astray.” There was also this: “By the time you reach your twenties, your brain is functioning at its peak. After that, little by little, the number of neural connections declines.” We played games designed to test your memory and reaction time and various other things we all hope to be good at: trying to trace a shape while looking in a mirror, reading names of colors printed in other colors, attempting to learn the Braille alphabet in a couple of minutes. Then we went to the museum café and each had an $11 panini.

Since it was snowing and a weekday, there was hardly anyone in the butterfly conservatory, so we got to walk around in the humid little tank for as long as we wanted, pointing and exclaiming at the butterflies flying around (The giant shiny blue one! The lacy orange and white one! The one with transparent wings!) and getting a little delirious from the sudden heat. Being in that place is perfect therapy for wintertime; it makes you giddy and melt-y and prone to hugging your friend and telling her how happy you are to be right there with her.

Later, we listened to Whoopi Goldberg narrate a “journey” into space. We watched a strange IMAX movie about aquatic dinosaurs. We went up to the fourth floor and walked through room after room (or “hall” after “hall”) of those dinosaurs and their relatives, skeletons and reconstructions and missing pieces. We went to the Hall of Ocean Life and looked up at the giant whale and at the dioramas that are my favorite, favorite thing—so carefully staged and gently glowing—and then traipsed through the North American Forests and New York State Environment sections, clearly the least loved and restored parts of the museum, with their dated signage and general quaintness, on our way to the hall of minerals and gems, where we wanted to go because we are girls and we like sparkly things. Or really, because I used to be obsessed with rocks.

I used to be obsessed with lots of the things the museum is preoccupied with, which is maybe why I have more affection for it than I do for the Met. The Natural History Museum feels more personal, making me think about how fiercely I used to love dinosaurs—how all kids love dinosaurs, and always will, and how mind-bendingly cool they are to people of all ages, whether or not they want to admit it (the array of dino-themed merch in the giftshop testifies to this, and while I’m on board with a dinosaur-shaped ladle and an ice-cube tray that makes ice in the shape of dinosaur bones, I could do without the pink kiddie t-shirt emblazoned with a sparkly dinosaur and the words “Prehistoric Princess”). All these dinosaurs remind me that, at one early point, I vaguely wanted to be a paleontologist (who didn’t?). The oddly straightforward and therefore semi-uncomfortable histories of various peoples remind me that I wanted to be an archaeologist. The meteors and big hunks of crazily colored rock remind me that for a little while, I really, really wanted to be a geologist. Or an environmentalist or some kind, testing rain with little ph strips to find out its acid content. Or some other profession that involved catching salamanders and subjecting them to a series of random, gentle tests. The trappings of science have always been a real stimulant for me, probably more than art, even though art is technically where my loyalties lie. Science sucks me in with its taxonomies and patient explanations (even if I don’t understand them; Whoopi’s narration in the planetarium was enthusiastic, but it didn’t make it any easier to process the idea of space or dark matter or how a star is born), its objects lined up and labeled behind glass.

My various science-y aspirations pretty much ended when I got to middle school and realized I couldn’t wrap my brain around carbon dating or isotopes or even fractions. It’s a little sad, mostly in retrospect, and mostly because it lines up so neatly and misleadingly with the abilities girls are and aren’t supposed to be confident about at that age. It’s depressing to think about how I much I used to love experiments, until I had to do them in a classroom with an accompanying worksheet or lab report, and grades. But I don’t think I was ever really going to be a scientist. The way I love all this stuff now is the same way I loved it as a kid, based on emotions and aesthetics. I’m romanced by it in a way that doesn’t require real understanding or expertise, and in some ways depends on the lack of exactly those things. It’s enough for me to look at everything laid out so carefully, the volume and detail of it overwhelming, and to let myself be amazed by big things like time and extinction, and little things like the birds painted into the background of a diorama, and the way stars looked on the curved ceiling of the planetarium. There’s the memory of a field trip here to see “Dinosaurs Alive” when I was in second grade, two Rainforest Alliance galas held in the shadow of the giant whale, tumbled rocks in the gift shop that my fingers are still drawn to. And now this quiet, perfect, snowy day in a museum with a good friend, right before things change again.

25,089 responses to “welcome to the human brain”

  1. ChrisRab

    Perform the following actions to read the PrimeXBT https://fb.snsmodoo.com/comprehensive-overview-about-primexbt/ deposit money to/deposit funds to deposit. The design of primexbt is amazing, it’s dark, it looks modern and stylish, which is very important to me when you spend long hours in front of device, in comparison with the gray style of bitmex, as if this is platform 2005 dates graduation. The initial placement of cov tokens took place in November and December of the seventeenth year. The platform is suitable for a significant audience, from novice traders to experienced veterans.

  2. azino777 ??????????? ????

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get
    bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the
    following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you
    shield this hike.

  3. MicolaToila

    Looking for something hot and steamy? Check out our latest collection on AdultPicsZone.info! ??

    Visit
    https://hotpornphotos.info and we’re having a blast together! Highly recommend this site!

  4. Mathewevevy
  5. cost of cheap lincocin without insurance
  6. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at HotPornPhotos.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love Porn. ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://adultpicszone.info to join our vibrant community!

  7. https://www.samuisecondhome.com/forum/messages/forum1/topic2057/message2680/?result=new#message2680

    https://www.samuisecondhome.com/forum/messages/forum1/topic2057/message2680/?result=new#message2680 ???????: ???????, ?????? ? ?????? «????? ? ?????? ??? ??????»? ?? ?????, ??? ?????????? ??????? ? ??????? ? ???? ???????? ???????. ??????? ?????? ????, ????????? ????? ? ?????? — ?????? ??????? ?????. ?????? ????????? ??? ???????? ???????!

  8. MicolaToila

    At EroticGallery.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://naughtysnapshots.info to check out our featured content!

  9. Rolandves

    The CoinsBar resource offers one of the most favorable exchange rates on the market ?????????????? ????

  10. Cliftonjes
  11. Scotttar

    An article that really stood out to me??”hope you like it http://cristian.5nx.ru/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=379

  12. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at LustyPhotos.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love Porn. ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://intimateshots.info to check out our featured content!

  13. ?????? ?????? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ?????

    obviously like your website however you need to check
    the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very troublesome to tell the reality on the other hand I
    will certainly come again again.

  14. where can i buy generic inderal no prescription

    can you get generic inderal prices how to buy cheap inderal price where can i get inderal for sale
    can you get inderal without rx how to buy generic inderal for sale cost of cheap inderal pills
    can i buy cheap inderal prices
    can you buy generic inderal without rx where can i buy generic inderal without prescription how can i get inderal online
    can i order inderal pill cost inderal online can i purchase generic inderal without dr prescription

  15. MicolaToila

    At SensualPhotoHub.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://explicitimages.info and we’re having a blast together! Highly recommend this site!

  16. MicolaToila

    At LustyPhotos.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    Visit https://eroticgallery.info to explore our secure platform!

  17. WallaceSlono
  18. MicolaToila

    At ExplicitImages.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://seductiveimages.info and we’re having a blast together! Highly recommend this site!

  19. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at AdultPicsZone.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love XXX. ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://explicitimages.info to check out our featured content!

  20. Thomastrusa
  21. can you get cheap chloromycetin without prescription
  22. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at IntimateShots.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love XXX. ??

    Visit
    https://intimateshots.info to check out our featured content!

  23. dating

    If some one desires to be updated with hottest technologies afterward he must be go to
    see this site and be up to date everyday.

  24. EleanorSoult

    ?? ????? ?????? ?? ?????????? ??????. ???? ???????? ???? ???????. ?????? ??? ? PM, ???????.
    ??? ????????????? ?? ?????? ???? ??????????, http://astana.forum24.ru/?1-6-0-00001282-000-0-0 ?? ? ????????? ????????? ???????????? ????????? ??????????? ??????? ????????? ? ???????? ?????? ????????. ? ?????????? ?? ??????? ?????????? ?????, ???????? ?????? ? ???????? ?????? ??? ????????????? ?????? ??????? ? ????????.

  25. SandraNaics

    ? ?????, ??? ?? ?? ?????. ? ??????. ????????? ??? ????????. ?????? ??? ? PM, ??????????.
    ??????, ?????? ???????? ????????? ??????????????? ??????????? ??????????? ? ???????? ???????? ?????????. ????????????? ?????? ??? ?????????????? ??? ????????????? ???? ? ????? ????????, ?????????, ?????, ????????? ???????? ???????????? ? ?.?.

  26. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at LustyPhotos.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love XXX. ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://sensualphotohub.info to check out our featured content!

  27. MicolaToila

    At ExplicitImages.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    Visit
    https://sensualphotohub.info to join our vibrant community!

  28. Melvinhusia

    Enter the 1xBet promo code: 1XWAP. In the special field during registration, enter your unique promo code. Confirm activation https://www.atoallinks.com/2025/1xbet-promo-code-2025-welcome-bonus-up-to-e-130/

  29. picture of lisinopril hydrochlorothiazide

    lisinopril dosage for heart failure can you buy lisinopril online lisinopril generic drug
    lisinopril 5mg cost can you get cheap lisinopril pill brand names for lisinopril
    where buy generic lisinopril without dr prescription
    lisinopril overdose death can i get lisinopril without rx buy lisinopril from india without prescription
    where to buy generic lisinopril pill uy lisinopril no prescription lisinopril dosage 2.5

  30. ??? ????? ???????? ??????

    ??? ????? ???????? ??????

  31. MicolaToila

    Explore Our Featured Content!

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://adultpicszone.info for more content!

  32. E2Bet

    E2Bet Indonesia, situs judi online terbesar
    di Indonesia, aman, terpercaya, dan inovatif, bonus menarik dan layanan pelanggan 24/7.
    #E2Bet #E2BetIndonesia #Indonesia

  33. Sheriddor

    Maintaining a [url=https://myhealthoverviews.com/products/doxycycline/]doxycycline[/url] is essential for overall well-being, helping you stay energized and balanced in daily life. By making informed choices, you can improve your physical and mental state while boosting long-term vitality. Whether you’re exploring new wellness strategies, adopting nutritious eating habits, or discovering the benefits of exotic superfoods, prioritizing health leads to a more fulfilling lifestyle. Stay informed with expert insights and evidence-based recommendations to make the best decisions for your body and mind.

  34. MicolaToila

    At PassionatePix.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://intimateshots.info to check out our featured content!

  35. JesseRon

    ? ?????????, ??, ??-?????, ?? ?? ?????. ? ??????. ???? ??? ????????. ?????? ??? ? PM, ?????????.
    Thank you 1win, https://www.paragonesdp.com/1winios/discover-the-thrills-of-online-betting-with-1win-2/, with us you are for me almost best bookmakers and casinos. 500% on the player’s inexperienced deposit.

  36. http://artrp.5nx.ru/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16300

    http://artrp.5nx.ru/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16300 ??? ???? ????????? ? 2025? ??? ??????? ?????? ?? ???????? ? ???????? ???????? ???????? ??????

  37. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at IntimateShots.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love Sex. ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://lustyphotos.info to check out our featured content!

  38. MicolaToila

    At SeductiveImages.info, we prioritize your privacy and safety. Our platform is designed to protect you while offering the hottest content available online! ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://naughtysnapshots.info to join our vibrant community!

  39. RETARD

    And each service can have a different copay/coinsurance; for example, some types of common prescription drugs might
    have a $5 copay, while less common ones might have
    a $50 copay.

  40. can you get cheap lamictal without a prescription
  41. Melvinhusia

    Enter the 1xBet promo code: 1XWAP. In the special field during registration, enter your unique promo code. Confirm activation https://www.soft-clouds.com/blogs/182059/1xBet-Promo-Code-Free-Top-Offers-Today

  42. hotnicheporn.top

    I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as
    well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme
    or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog
    like this one today.

  43. ? ?????

    ?????potto×?????? ???????????

    Description:
    ???????????????potto×?????? ????????????????????????????????1????????????3????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

    Keyword:
    ? ?????

    Address:
    ?591-8008 ????????????4?1-12 ?????????? 3F

    Phone:
    0722459123

    GoogleMap URL:
    https://maps.app.goo.gl/3eNdchukgvk8U31L9

    Category:
    ?????

  44. MicolaToila

    Looking for something hot and steamy? Check out our latest collection on HotPornPhotos.info! ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://seductiveimages.info and we’re having a blast together! Highly recommend this site!

  45. MicolaToila

    Looking for something hot and steamy? Check out our latest collection on PassionatePix.info! ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://sensualphotohub.info to explore our secure platform!

  46. can you buy celexa prices

    buy cheap celexa without rx where can i buy cheap celexa price can i order celexa online
    can i get generic celexa without a prescription where to buy celexa price how to buy generic celexa pills
    where can i get cheap celexa without dr prescription
    where can i buy generic celexa can you get generic celexa pills generic celexa without prescription
    can i purchase celexa for sale where can i buy celexa without a prescription how to buy cheap celexa without a prescription

  47. MicolaToila

    Looking for something hot and steamy? Check out our latest collection on NaughtySnapshots.info! ??

    We have the hottest content available for your viewing pleasure! ??
    https://naughtysnapshots.info to join our vibrant community!

  48. MicolaToila

    Looking for something hot and steamy? Check out our latest collection on LustyPhotos.info! ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://adultpicszone.info for more content!

  49. buying cheap floxin tablets
  50. MicolaToila

    Are you tired of boring adult sites? Try our community at ExplicitImages.info where you can share your interests and connect with others who love Sex. ??

    Check out our latest uploads on
    https://adultpicszone.info for more content!

Leave a Reply