well, I wrote an outline and a couple of paragraphs, but I'm getting too sidetracked by reading papers to continue this attempt at a draft.  tomorrow, after reading more of these articles on peri-urbanization and ecologic footprints of urban areas,  I'm hoping to do better at framing some of my thoughts...

...but, for the first time all semester I'm feeling like I will actually, definitely be able to complete my specific qualifying exam which feels super great!