Networkin'

I finally got my neural network piece on my 25th birthday this year.

Two neurons connected by an axon. It's even got a synaptic gap!
3 meanings from this symbol in reductionist terms:
1) Neurons are part of a network, they all have to communicate with each other and work as a unit ("The whole is greater than the sum of its parts"), much like a community.
2) Represents my brain maturing and critical understanding of young children and inevitably myself and others through neurobiology/temperament
3) Synaptic gap=leap of faith. No synapses actually touch, electro-chemicals must jump the gap to deliver message.
Also, note the thick myelin (repetition/experience strengthens the axon)

I'm looking forward to this year like no other. I feel mid-20's will be like a toddler/teenager stage of human development where I can feel the power of my autonomy and impact in my micro and macro system, but I've still got a lot of learning to do. Though my mileage is racking up, with each year passing, I feel my spirit staying the same or becoming "younger."

Extracurricular

Active
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San Francisco Gem and Mineral Society (http://www.sfgms.org)
Next dig is in Nevada for turquoise (perhaps some rare white buffalo turquoise) and variscite.

CALPIRG (www.calpirg.org)

The Brain and Learning Society (http://www.edupr.com/):
Applying cutting-edge neuroscience research to educational practices.

The Long Now Foundation (http://www.longnow.org):
Going to their museum in the Presido and learning about their Rosetta Stone Language project is what began my process of thinking about language, as portrayed in my "Late Night on Gems TV" post a year or so ago.

Asian Art Museum in San Francisco (http://www.asianart.org):
The AsiaAlive program is interactive! Hands-on needs to happen more often in museums.

Other Avenues Co-op Food Store (http://otheravenues.coop):
Co-op run bulk goods, local products, etc. in the Sunset neighborhood.

Early Childhood Education Leaders of Today and Tomorrow:
A San Francisco grassroots society of professionals in the ECE field seeking to advocate for the work force of ECE professionals and to be involved in the process of early childhood educational practices and policies.

Connect Early Club for early childhood education professionals:
Professionals in the ECE field seeking resources for work opportunities and networking among other professionals. Meets one 1-2 days a month on the main campus of City College of San Francisco

Literacy for Environmental Justice (http://www.lej.org):
Originally focued on environmental issues in the industrial Bayview/Hunter's Point LEJ's approach expanded into a vital community supporter by empowering local youth into advocating for their community and being involved in issues concerning the BVHP neighborhood, especially for the current "redevelopment" plans looming over the community. 1-2-3 DISPLACE!

San Francisco Public Library System (reppin Ortega Branch in the Sunset, shakaaaas!)

Sloat Garden-A local garden center that I visited because I wanted to take care of my cyclamen that was given to me upon my welcome into the Early Childhood Education Leaders of Today and Tomorrow. I never had a green thumb before, but ever since this plant entered my home, it helps to remind me of my connection to the ECE field. Relationships/emotion really help with the learning!

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I find it loads of fun to learn/do something new everyday, especially if it challenges my proprioceptive sensory modality.

But then it gets challenging keeping track of all the new things i've done/am doing/will do.

ORANGE COOKIES AND CREAM ICE COCONUT MILK CREAM

Solitaire-The Notwist

Essentially, humans need guidance.

What I have found with Jehovah's god is that we are given many rules, things to hate, what is "dirty", the misuse of blood, things that will be approved of, etc. However, it advocates that your thoughts are heard by the universe at any given moment. Even though it clearly states that pagan rituals are satanic, paganism distinctly lives through acts such as saying "amen" at the end of your prayer or meditation, a symbol which seals intention. Is that so bad?

Because I am in the field of child development, not psychology, we approach individuals in early childhood open-endedly. Though discipline is not developmentally appropriate for children, developmentalists fiercely abide by firm, but kind guidance, pre-emptively and creatively providing the environment which decreases opportunities for "BAD BEHAVIOR". Of course this is for those with a predetermined temperament and no sensory disorders. Time spent working with children is rich with intention and the responsiveness needed to develop the central nervous system up to the highest part of your brain, the neo cortex, of an individual.

Some people find their guidance through religion or ritual. If you are fortunate, you can find it within yourself. If you are blessed, you will find hope, too.