when I started this blog five years ago, I was a pet sitter and the name animal-crackers made sense. now I'm a stay-at-home-dad and freelance writer, but rather than confuse everyone by getting a different blog, it's just easier to keep posting things here.

You know what really freakin rocks? I'm writing this on a new laptop, in the living room.

Our previous notebook computer was about 10 years old. I had bought it used from work some six years ago. Now, the battery is shot, the CD-ROM is broke and it still runs Win95.

So we figured it was time to give it a well-deserved retirement. Besides, Andrea is going to need a laptop when she travels to Atlanta next month or when she's working long hours at the hospital on her Carter story.

Josh has been pretty good about it. Of course he wants to constantly touch it and play with the mouse pad. But so far he has not tried to step on it, throw it, eat it or otherwise abuse it.

Speaking of Josh, we need to figure out what to do with him now that summer camp is over. He's become accustomed to the high-energy activities and generally high level of chaos. I can't keep up with him any more.

And Dylan's birthday is coming up soon. Nothing big planned, actually. Just a couple of friends over for a cupcake, maybe an ice cream sandwich.