Today

I've been to Scotland and back. There is much to say. But its a bit overwhelming at the moment to put thoughts, pictures and stories into any kind of coherent offering.

So... I would just like to say. That today. I stained E. coli in microbiology lab and looked at it under the microscope.

I'll call you!

Historically, I have been dragged into the cosmos of technology one microchip at a time and only then by very persistent and determined children. Not so with this iPhone. The minute I saw it, I was knocking and begging at the door of opportunity. I wanted one SO BAD that I had to have the "grown-up" talk with my heart (you know, the one about your money being committed elsewhere yadah, yadah, yadah....) When my family presented me with a box, just the right size and weight, my heart skipped out of its pocket and became erratic (another "grown-up" talk about being grateful so as not to be disappointed). But, there it was, sitting in my hand!!! Stunned and dazed. Then giggles, then tears and then a weird gripping and wringing of my hands (a gesture I have adopted when I am emotionally "over the top", I guess.)

I listened so hard to all the instructions so I would do everything right. I got my itunes loaded, all my phone numbers in, took a few pictures, surfed the internet, downloaded a really cool medical app and a princess app for Scarlet, checked my email and sent a couple of celebratory texts. It wasn't until this morning, when I realized I didn't know how to make a phone call! (True story)

THANK YOU FAMILY! I wanted it so much. So much. Thank you.

Haiku Two

Sleeping ok now

Still reach for the phone on the late night drives home.

Old habits always flicker with hope.

Still not in Hawaii

Soon, no longer in Iowa.

Hearts breaking. Hearts mending

Transitions. A messy concept.

I've been brave. Can I cry now?

She's being brave. She's definitely crying.

Touch down.

Touch back.

Still point, then

Back to the endless ocean

Heaven

Avocados.

Chocolate brownies.

God's gift to man.

Chirp didn't make it through the night. Sorry Chirp. I don't know what else I could have done. I'm glad we met. I loved your song.

Meet Chirp

Chirp fell from his rooftop nest on Friday. Kind of a scrawny little guy/girl (how do you tell?). I soaked some of Abby's food and mixed it with Gerber's Rice cereal. When he opens his throat and starts flinging his head around, I shove it in. He sleeps through the night and eats every hour or two all day long. Chirp is gonna have to go to work with me tomorrow. Abby offered to tend, but I said no. Abby is attentive enough, its just that when her big snout touches his beak, her breathe knocks Chirp over... and Abby's big, wild, misplaced paws are a bit dangerous. I've rescued hundreds of baby birds in my lifetime, never had one actually survive. I'm not quite sure what happens next....

Luck be a Lady

Sorry to be so obsessed with this PA thing, but its pretty much been the "giant monster shadow" in my life for the last 6 months. I really, really, really want this. Really. I finished the CASPA application (with a 4998 character narrative, thank you very much) and turned that in. Finished my chemistry lab class (this afternoon), and just completed the timed, on-line supplemental "tell us why we should choose you" application for U of U. Does close count? No.

I still have to finish the supplemental application for Anne Arundel in Maryland (multiple forms and verifications; no online, think-at-your-keyboard essays, thankfully) and take a microbiology lab in the fall. If (when) I get an interview with U of U, I have to take a physiology/anatomy test during the process, so I need to be studying for that. Gotta rock it.

Invitations for interviews won't come till the first of Fall. I've applied to University of Utah, University of California-Davis, Loma Linda University and Anne Arundel Community College. Only four. Not good odds, but the only odds I have. I only need one. Would someone blow on the dice please?