You don't need money, don't take fame

The good news is that I did just fine on the test. I keep thinking of the episode of "Full House" where D.J. is anticipating taking the SAT.

"It's no big deal, it's just a test."

After sitting in traffic and fretting that I was late and would not be let in (only to find out that there is a 30 minute period to arrive after 8 AM), I was insulted by a stranger then I yelled something not so nice back. I rarely use such vitriolic language to strangers (well people in general, except for this and scary steakhouse man) and I shed some tears a few moments later. In retrospect, I probably looked completely ridiculous. However, the guy working the front of the test center looked completely calm and handed me a glass of water. It's probably not the first time he has seen tears in the testing center.

I will get the official scores by November but I have a rough estimate of my verbal and quantitative scores. The results are satisfactory and a vast improvement from my previous scores. My verbal score is apparently between the 65-80 percentile, which is awesome for me. It means that my score was better than 65-80% of all test takers' scores. Woot! And the best news is, I don't have to take it ever again!!

I am working on finishing my application materials for PhD programs. I have been blessed by the Universe to have a few great opportunities. Just putting my best foot forward. Some readers who are close friends of mine may know the schools that I am applying to, but I'll wait until I know more to reveal anything too detailed here. If I get into more than one program, it will be very difficult to choose.

My data collection is coming to a close but it has been successful and enlightening. I saw two American kestrels and five loggerhead shrikes today. I have driven this route three times before and this is the first time that I have seen shrikes (and kestrels, but they don't breed here). I suspect that some or maybe all of the shrikes I saw today are wintering visitors. I feel lucky every time I see one. There are still scissor-tailed flycatchers, but fewer. Also, the stfc's that I am seeing now may be migrants coming from KS and OK on their way to central America. Although it is still hot here, the harbingers of the season change have arrived. I have spotted a few northern breeding birds on their way to the wintering grounds. The first kestrels have appeared.

One more month until my visit to Minnesota! I miss everyone and I can't wait to come. I hope the weather is nice. I am ready to wear sweaters in October again. I still can't stand even the thought of wearing jeans or long sleeves in a Texas September.

Thanks Netflix for your sub-par customer service but your selection of movies on streaming is satisfactory. I just watched Lo. Not a horror film as advertised, but worth a watch. I recently watched SmileyFace. Every time I watch Anna Farris in a movie, I like her more and more.

Alternet (if you have never visited, check it out. But if your a teapublican living in la la land or believe that the super rich are "job creators", well it will probably make your skin crawl) was a powerhouse of awesomeness yesterday. This piece was my favorite. But there were some other great ones, here, here and here.

Another story that surfaced yesterday is worth sharing again (I even shared this one on fb, even though I am cooling it on the fb posting).

To wonder!

It is estimated that there are 100-500 billion galaxies in the Universe. Not just stars, but galaxies. The vastness is incomprehensible.

"For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love." - Carl Sagan (of course)

Dr. Lopes, who teaches a seminar that I am taking, greeted me with a big smile and said "Erin, the Carl Sagan  reader!"