from: today

(Written last week)

I'm still getting used to my new phone but at least I could take this picture.

I skipped work to attend the conference. It was the best decision I've made in a while. registration was free. I found street parking and probably spent $2. And that was it.

I got to hear Mayim Bialik speak and be surrounded by engineers that care about the science education of their children as well as watch Big Bang Theory. I miss discussion on how to make Society a better place.

Last week when I checked my email I saw a notice- the first 25 people who responded would get to attend the VIP meet and greet. I was 2 weeks late but emailed the coordinator anyway. This morning I saw her response that was sent two days ago saying some people dropped out so I had a spot.

Sometimes it pays to ask even if it seems like a long shot.

REFRESH. I spent $2 and got to sit front row to hear someone I greatly admire speak about things she is passionate about, I received a free DVD of season 4 of big bang theory, asked her my question, and took a picture with her. What a great morning.

What do I do with this high?

Things I learned. Despite being on a tech geekish show she is old fashioned and doesn't allow her children to watch much tv. Before the rise of nerd culture she associated herself with goth culture and liked the acceptance of everyone. She played Blossom when she was 14-19 and was inspired by her biology tutor to pursue a science education despite a family that was more humanities focused. Science did not come naturally to her and she spent a lot of time studying and getting help. She wants to inspire other girls to pursue the sciences like how her tutor inspired her. She is devoutly Jewish. She is a product of the public school system and attended UCLA for undergrad and grad school but homeschools her two young children. She is part of a homeschool network and has developed science curriculum for them. When she auditioned for Big Bang Theory, her PhD in neuroscience was listed in the miscellaneous section of her resume. Originally, she intended to become a research professor but made the difficult decision to focus on her children when the first soon was born. Her original PI left the school in the middle of her time in grad school and she switched her focus to neuroendocrinology.  She is now a spokesperson for Texas Instruments. She knows people who are similar to the different characters on Big Bang Theory and the demeanor of her character is based of some people she knows. Neuroscience is superior to physics even off the show. Mayim thinks the relationship between Sheldon and Amy is sweet. The two characters will confront the physical aspect of their relationship in the second to last episode this season.She likes comic books.

Brain dump complete. Time for bed.