Museum Of Science

I can't recall the last time I visited a museum. The last one I can remember visiting was the Reina Sofia Art Museum in Madrid- which was many years ago.

A science museum is completely different. There are many hands-on experiences-- meaning you can touch things, play with things, climb on things-very kid-friendly. It brings out the kid in me! Also because there are plenty of children around "going" and "awwing"... reminding you how much wonder there truly is around science.

I went with two of the closest friends I have met while in grad school. One, from Southern California, the other from Chile-- the country. Here are some images that capture our day at the Boston Museum of Science.

Tanya and Isa building things and playing with block puzzles.

Me playing with an archeology kit.

Isa playing with a paleontology kit.

YES! These are actual butterflies in the
Butterfly Garden.

 Geckos from the Gecko Exhibit.

A museum trip was on my list of things to do in Boston. It was fun, educational ,and a great way to spend the day with new good friends.

Cambridge in the Winter

Winter didn't really hit Boston... At least that's what the locals keep telling me. There was one snow storm, I guess you could say and possible two or three COLD days.

Here are some of the wintery things I have experienced so far.

Ice skating rink in Harvard Yard. Free for all and $5 skate rentals.

The first night it snowed. View from my front door.

Below are pictures of my walks to school in the mornings. The final image is of Cambridge Commons, the park I pass on my way home in the evenings.

Revisiting THE LIST

Happy 2012. January marks the beginning of a new year and also serves as reminder that I am half way through my masters program here at Harvard.

I am currently sitting at Gutman Library, one of so many libraries on campus. I think my I phone App lists 37 libraries total. But here is an article that explains why that isn't even true (Harvard Library ARTICLE).
I've only been to three!

But the point of this is, while I sit in this library, I am reflecting on the fact that the majority of my time here has been spent indoors, inside the walls of libraries and classrooms. I know that I am here for school, but I did make the list to help me get outdoors and exploring the town.

SO, I propose a fresh new perspective on THE LIST I created some months ago. Let's see what can be adjusted and what still needs to be completed. A self assessment on ones goals is needed every once in awhile.

~~~THE LIST Revisted~~~

01. Ace a class at Harvard

DONE!

02. Take a class at the Harvard Law School

Hmm, I was hoping to take the course this winter but did not make it past the waiting list. I will sign up for one in Spring semester if it fits my schedule. Perhaps I can take a weekend seminar or visit a guest lecture/seminar series.

03. Take a class at the Kennedy School of Government

Same evaluation as above.

04. Write a masters thesis

Okay, this is still possible. Many of my final papers for courses have the potential to be turned into this, so I will take a look at the papers I've written and look at which one I am most proud of. If not an official thesis, there are plenty of opportunities here to present them as posters, presentations or at colloquiums/conferences. I will submit one at least!

05. Find a mentor 

DONE! My faculty advisor is awesome.

06. Row Crew on the Charles River

Coming this SPRING

07. Go to a Red Sox game

DONE

08. Make snow angels on Harvard yard

When it snows. This one is so close to being crossed off!

09. Buy my professor a drink at a bar while having a brilliant conversation

Invitation has been sent. Waiting to hear back.

10. Go to New York

Done

11. Go to Washington DC

     a. Visit the White House    

     b. Visit the Lincoln Memorial

Um... so this trip may have to wait until after graduation. It is difficult to plan a trip during the school session.

12. Go to a museum (free admission with my student ID)

This one is coming up this month. I have a trip scheduled in two weeks!

13. Go to a Harvard football game

Done

14. Cook and host a Mexican fiesta in my new apt

Okay, I have cooked for friends, cooked Mexican food at my apartment and hosted a fiesta. I'm officially crossing this one off.

15. Walk the beach of cape cod

We shall see. Same measure as #11

16. Visit Martha’s Vineyard

We shall see. Same measure as above

17. Go ice skating

Next week. Scheduled.

18. Have a picnic in the park

I've done this plenty of times. On campus mostly.

19. Buy fresh produce and flowers at a farmers market

Done

20. Keep up with this blog! Post at least twice a month (Yes I changed it)

 Been keeping up!

Well this post was mostly for me. But if you're still reading, I hope you re-evaluate your lists and goals every now and again. It's good to remember what you once wanted and to ask yourself if you still do. When you are done with goals, whether accomplished or not, it means its time for new ones!