Remember the college conversation we had about becoming independent contractors? Well, apparently our calculations were off. It seems that the maximum going rate is about 12k a year--pre-tax. (You're actually issued a 1099; offices are located in Ca and Cambridge, Mass.)

Tangentially, we've spent tons of time here at the local zoo. So much so, that we've actually gotten to know the animals on a bit of a personal level--or at least it feels that way. Perhaps a little too personal... We've also seen more animal sex than I ever thought possible; I don't know if it's the time of year or maybe it's just the randy atmosphere of the place--but dang. They just don't stop it. Donkeys, turtles, monkeys, birds, ducks, rabbits, camels--the list goes on and on... Suffice it to say that it's been an education for me and my daughter alike; I even learned about forms of alternate payment...