Recently, I decided to commit to a skill path.  I love technology and have been intending to become a creator of it for a while.  So far, I have completed many courses on Team Tree House and it has been a great experience, however; it hasn't lead to much creation due to not having delved to a deep level of mastery.  This online school is great and I will continue to use it, although I believe it is time to take it to the next level.

In order to learn a language, to the point of fluency, immersion is needed.  High intensity of exposure is the best way.  I have heard this from several reputable sources, like Tim Ferris for example.  So after going to Meetups and perusing programming, I have decided on a starting platform, to immerse myself in.  Enter iOS development at Code Fellows.

My commitment starts with $1500, for a month long class, called iOS Foundations II.  Two nights a week, starting tomorrow, to prepare me for what will be the greatest academic challenge I have ever undertaken.  Next, I take the plunge and leave my job, to learn full time, which is terrifying because it also costs $10,000.

This section is called the iOS Development Accelerator and to make sure there is no turning back, I have already put in notice with my current employer.  There is a bright light at the end of this tunnel that I am launching myself down it.  Code Fellows guarantees a job at the end with at least $60k a year in salary.  When I get there, the money will be a bonus.  The real reward is having a skill that I enjoy utilizing to conjure my dreams into reality.  Wish me a little luck and a lot of perseverance! 

One of my learning obsessions has to do with the human body.  I want to know how it works and what its history has been in order to better understand it.  Understanding is the key to greater cooperation and/or control.

My quest has led me to a fascinating idea.  The way I understand it is that, historically, most people's bodies were more regularly exposed to cold temperatures than we currently are in our domesticated environments.  Well, of course, but what else could that mean?

It turns out that internal temperature is controlled by metabolism; in this case, the consumption of body fat and hormone production.  The idea proposes that because of our near constant exposure to warmth, our nervous systems have had reduced efficiency in these processes.  It is like a muscle that is used in a very short range of motion for a very long time.  It becomes weak and stiff outside of that range.

Enter Cold Thermogenesis:

How do we regain our "range of motion" -- our ability to quickly adapt body temperature internally, burn fat and increase hormone production?  Get really, really, really, dangerously cold.  Being curious, of course I experimented with this.  After a few times of severe shivering, my body + 20lbs of ice + bathtub = trauma, I decided on a more sustainable route.

I now take cold showers, a habit that was difficult to build.  It does seem to have benefits even though it is significantly less of a drop in temperature.  I think it may raise my metabolism, although a high fat diet and adequate water consumption do that as well. It also seems to keep my skin tighter.  When you get goose bumps from cold, those are muscles in the skin contracting and the harder they flex, the stronger they become, keeping skin tight. Not to mention the consequent increase in blood flow.  

Finally, mind over water.  When I step up to that shower head, every part of me wants to avoid discomfort and go warm.  Each time I do not give in, my mental toughness gets a little stronger.  Seems like a good trade off for something that can't hurt me and it is my favorite thing about this practice.