Apparently the library has lost a book that I returned three weeks ago. I hate it when they do that. I will have to go in to the library in person and tell them, and get the $2.00 or so in fines removed from the book. This is me screaming argh. *pulls out hair*

O, Wise Collective Known As Flist, what are service projects for first graders that involve 'old people?' The girls told me last year that they wanted to do service projects for animals, other kids, and old people. I have found good local ones for other kids, a very cool project for cats, plus some other possibilities that don't fit into any of those three categories, but nothing for old people. I thought maybe cards or something but one of the others I have found is making encouraging cards & banners for people doing the breast cancer three-day, so making cards is kind of similar. I just can't think of much else. It probably doesn't help that I was always the girl who didn't understand why we couldn't sing Christmas carols somewhere besides the nursing homes, because I hated going to nursing homes.

Even more importantly, how am I going to cook my pork chops for dinner tonight?

We went to the library today - I know, I know, stop the presses. They had a bunch of posters up about the summer reading program. So, especially since we were the only people there, I asked about going ahead and signing up Gillian while we were there. And we did.

Now, I remember summer reading programs at the library consisting of getting a reading log, wherein you recorded the books that you read. Also, the books that you read were, at least in theory, books that you hadn't previously read. No re-reading the same book for the 50th time and counting it. People were recognised for how many books they read during the summer reading program.

I agree that quantity isn't always a great determiner of quality, and that there isn't necessarily a reason for making a distinction between people who read ten books versus twenty-five versus fifty-five.

When we did the summer reading program a few years ago, I wrote down books that we read to Gillian. Although there was nothing said in the program materials, I still only wrote down books that she was hearing for the first time.

Today, the librarian was explaining to her that the summer reading sheet is 'like a game board.'

"You start here and when you do each activity, you write the number down on the star. And when you get to the finish, you bring it in and we give you a certificate!"

There are fifteen stars that must be filled in to get from start to finish, for reference.

Then she turned to me. "There are lots of activities on here. Storytime, singing, finding the fairytales section in the library... they don't have to read fifteen books."

This was delivered in a 'isn't that great? they don't have to read FIFTEEN ENTIRE BOOKS' sort of voice, like reading fifteen books during an eight week summer reading program is just more than any child could bear.

The list of activities under 'Young Readers Program' includes twenty-six different activities. Fourteen of them - over half - either don't involve books or say 'read or listen to.' In other words, they don't require reading from a book. (And, yes, there is a separate list for 'Future Readers Program.') The kicker is the one that suggests they read billboards, signs, and advertisements. That's what ALL kids need, to be told to pay MORE attention to advertising.

Would someone remind me again why I am hosting Thanksgiving for nine adults and two toddlers? *pauses* Oh, yes, because otherwise I have to drive two hours with one of those toddlers and rush around to three different celebrations. Now I remember. I have made: lime jello salad, orange jello salad, and pumpkin pie. Tomorrow I must make: sour cream pound cake and apple pie, incl. crust. Thursday I have to actually cook a turkey. I have never done this before.

*feels frightfully like the stereotypical '50s housewife for just a moment, and rather dislikes it*

I paid my library fines today. I owed the Cobb County Public Library System $49.50. This is mainly because books are not due back after one month, or even two weeks, but a most uneven number - three weeks. *shakes head* It's been two months since I've been able to check out books because of this and I'm looking forward to actually using the library again. *hugs the public library*

I haven't decided what I am going to request for the Armchair's Secret Santa Fic Exchange but I'm definitely going to participate. How fun! It could end up being many, many fics depending on how many people participate. *cheers*