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.
I think this is one of the most significant info for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The site style is perfect,
the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
Also visit my webpage; onlyfans leaks
??? ?????? ????????????? ?????
I {wants| wants|is going|dreams|would like|plans |considers it necessary|should} {tell|tell} you about {the results | results} that I {have | already} received about #file_linksC:\Users\Admin\Desktop\file\gsa+en+30kGeorgiy2504253URLBB.txt”,1,N] {in|about} 2 {months | month} after {the beginning of treatment.
I seriously love your website.. Great colors & theme.
Did you build this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking
to create my own personal site and would like to learn where you got
this from or what the theme is called. Appreciate it!
If you would like to increase your know-how
only keep visiting this site and be updated with the newest gossip
posted here.
Actually when someone doesn’t know then its up to other
viewers that they will help, so here it occurs.
My web page – onlyfans leaked
I simply couldn’t leave your web site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the usual info a
person supply in your visitors? Is gonna be back regularly in order to
investigate cross-check new posts
Also visit my page – onlyfans leak
It’s very effortless to find out any matter on web as compared to books, as I found this article at this web
site.
Here is my web site onlyfans leaked
That is really fascinating, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and sit up for in quest
of more of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks
Wonderful article! We are linking to this particularly great post on our website.
Keep up the good writing.
my web site; onlyfans leaked
First of all I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question in which
I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested
to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing.
I have had trouble clearing my mind in getting my ideas out.
I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first
10 to 15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or
hints? Thanks!
Feel free to surf to my blog post onlyfans leaked
Can I simply just say what a comfort to find someone that truly knows what they’re discussing online.
You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make
it important. A lot more people ought to read this and understand this side of the story.
I can’t believe you aren’t more popular since you
surely have the gift.
my web-site: onlyfans leaks
This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!!
Finally I have found something that helped me. Kudos!
Stop by my page :: onlyfans leak
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe that this site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the advice!
Look into my web page … onlyfans leaks
Supplier Sinar Baja Medan – Agen BESI WIREMESH Terbaik dikota medan, Supplier BESI HOLLOW Termurah
di medan, Supplier PIPA BAJA Termurah
di medan , Distributor PLAT RAIL Terbaik di medan – Sinar Baja
Thanks for finally talking about > welcome
to the human brain < Liked it!
Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?
My blog addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!
Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
My blog; MPOJAYA daftar
Melbet isn’t just a betting site—it’s a global leader trusted by millions of players worldwide https://israelafrica.mn.co/posts/83335446/comments/129375468?utm_source=manual
Active players can earn promotional points through gameplay and exchange them for additional codes, offering further opportunities for bonuses https://www.producthunt.com/@xbetindia1
Hi this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if
blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get guidance from
someone with experience. Any help would be
greatly appreciated!
in progress this therapeutic https://autismhealingcenter.com are borrowed from blood, bone marrow or other sources, and after are cultured and keep in controlled conditions.
? ??? ???????????,?????????.
launchpads is a fantastic option for retail traders to get early contact with projects before they are publicly available, an advantage that was previously provided to venture capital companies, primexbt traders https://jaybabani.com/star-wp-admin/?p=10285, either people who have big pockets and high-ranking friends.
continuously i used to read smaller articles which also clear their
motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph
which I am reading now.
Supplier Sinar Baja Medan – Distributor PIPA BAJA
Termurah di medan, Agen BESI SIKU Terlengkap
dikota medan, Agen BESI HOLLOW Terlengkap dikota medan ,Jual PLAT HAIR LINE Terbaik dikota medan –
Sinar Baja
What’s up everyone, it’s my first pay a visit at this site, and paragraph is
truly fruitful in support of me, keep up posting these articles or reviews.
cost cheap tadora for sale
Have you ever thought about writing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?
I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would value your work.
If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.
It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
I’ve learn this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few attention-grabbing
things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring
to this article. I want to learn even more things approximately it!
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
where can i buy augmentin price
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know
a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home
a bit, but other than that, this is great blog.
A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.
Also visit my web site: ???? ?? ????
Hello, i feel that i saw you visited my web site so i got here to go back the favor?.I’m attempting to to find issues
to improve my website!I assume its adequate to use a few
of your ideas!!
Also visit my site ???? ?? ????
Howdy I am so happy I found your webpage, I really found you by accident,
while I was searching onn Bing for something else, Regardless I am
here noow and would juyst like to say kudoks foor a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t havfe time to read it all at the moment buut I have bookmarked iit and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back
to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the fantastic
job.
????? ??????? ??????????? ???????? ???????
in progress this therapeutic https://autismhealingcenter.com taken from blood, bone marrow or other sources, and at the end are cultured and keep in controlled conditions.
? ?????, ??? ?? ?????????? ??????. ?????? ??? ? PM, ???????.
this information helps users make informed responses about which primexbt https://demo2.systeminteriorsolution.com/2025/04/02/exploring-the-benefits-of-primexbt-spot-trading/ use for traders. Futures trading in sector of cryptocurrencies gives a chance to speculate on future quotations for digital assets without the need direct ownership of them.
?????… ?? ????
For travelers who are intrigued by the potential of https://italystemcellinfo.com and wish to explore options of therapy, consider the possibility of applications to the Central Areas in Huntsville, Alabama.
Medicine information for patients. What side effects can this medication cause?
can you buy generic rizatriptan without dr prescription
Some trends of meds. Get information here.
where buy sinemet online
https://t.me/PRIVETKIZS ??? ????????????? ???????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ?? ??????.
is diltiazem a controlled substance
going on a picnic,watching movies or simply enjoying each other’s company.?? ??
that now always reminds you of that day even when you’re just wearing it to drink your morning coffee.sexy velma cosplayOr maybe you turn to one of our silk bralettes any time you want to feel invincible under your everyday clothes.
A good and thoughtful posting, can we see more along these lines?
{generous|rich|excellent|magnificent} {Welcome|Congratulatory|Starter} Bonus: {Inexperienced|new|beginners} {participants|players} receive a high {bonus|encouragement|bonus} {in the amount of/in the amount of} up to 800 Canadian dollars, which {is|will|will be|will|it will turn out to be {excellent|excellent|wonderful| ideal} {incentive |motivation| motivator| motive} {first | to start} #file_linksC:\Users\Admin\Desktop\file\gsa+en+10kseobas51506275URLBB.txt”,1,N] path.
er soll an uns denken! Wir werden die Ehrenbeleidigung,obschonsie sonnenklar ist,????? ??
Hi! This post could not be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my old room
mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this post to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for
sharing!
Kraken — ??? ????????? ????????? ??? safe transactions ? ????????. ???? ?? ?????? ????? services, ??????? ?? ???????? ? ??????? ????, ??? ????? ???????? ???????? ?? ???? ??????. ??? ????? ?? ????????? ?? ?????? ???????????? working mirrors, ??????? ???????????? secure connection. ?? Kraken ??????????? ??????? ?????? ??????? ? ?????, ??????? ????? ?????? ? ?????? ??????????? ??????????????????. ???????????? ????? ??????????? ? ???, ??? ?? ?????????? ease of use ? ????????????, ??? ?????? ??? ????????? ??????? ??? ???, ??? ???? reliable ?????? ?????????? ?????? ? ????.
?????? onion Kraken
????? ?????????? ?? ??? ????, ??? ?? ??????? ???????????? ? ?????????????? ??????????? ?????????????.
???? ??????????? ?????? ??????????
??? ???????????????? ????????????
? ?????? ? ?????? ???????????? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????.
??? – ????? ??? ????? ? ??????????
NewStart Nutrition: Fuel Your Wellness Journey Discover
NewStart Nutrition, where we craft revitalizing shakes, energizing teas, and nourishing
protein coffees to support your health and energy goals.
Enjoy our world-famous Combos or customize your perfect drink with a variety of à la carte options and wellness boosters.
Whether you’re starting your day, recharging midday, or staying hydrated,
our delicious beverages are designed to invigorate your body and mind.
Embrace a healthier lifestyle, one sip at a time,
with NewStart Nutrition.