Ah yes...that lovely time is upon us again...
No, not the beginning of spring or the blossoming of flowers...I'm not that optimistic!
No, no...it's tax season, baby! Yep. Tax season. It's kinda one of those things you either really hate, or you really love. You either get money or you don't. I generally don't mind tax season, except for one little thing...you see, we provide tax forms here at the library. Key word: provide. This does not mean that I know what they are for or what they mean. There is a good reason I pay for mine to be done. I am numerically challenged. I admit it. I'm okay with it. I've accepted the fact that I still need to count numbers above 10 using my fingers. It's all good. If I could kiss the guy who invented the calculator, I would!
But, this "challenge" of mine, also leads to an aversion of anything even remotely dealing with numbers...including tax forms. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to get on the IRS website to look up and print off a form that you may need. But don't ask me what the heck you need it for, or even if it's the right one...because I'm clueless. Clueless! And please, please don't get upset with me when I tell you that I have absolutely no idea what form your sister's, aunt's, grandfather's, cat's, cousin needs for a form. Trust me, I am thee last person you would want any kind of tax advice from! I can't even balance my checkbook...wait, I've never balanced my checkbook...see what I mean?! You don't want my tax advice!!
But if you do need help with your taxes, we have some wonderful gentlemen from the AARP that do taxes for free. You need to set up an appointment with them by dialing 211, which will connect you with the United Way and they will hook you up.
Again...we provide forms here at the library...but we are clueless as to what the heck they are for! Leave that to the professionals...again...not us!
Happy taxing!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Children Reading to Dogs
Okay...so normally I use this space to rant and whine, but today I'm not going to...that's right you can let out a sigh of relief...I had the priviledge last night to snoop in on a program that Alicia has been doing for a little while now called "Children Reading to Dogs."
The program is sponsored by Therapy Dogs International. The purpose behind this program is to help encourage children who may be struggling with reading or feel uncomfortable reading out loud. The program allows children a safe and comfortable place to practice reading, while also allowing them to interact with the dogs. Who doesn't love a friendly puppy?!
During a session, specially trained therapy dogs and their handlers will come in and spread out around the room. Children are assigned times and come in and sit down to read to the dogs and their handlers.
It was such a joy to watch these children with the dogs and the handlers. You could see not only how happy it made the children to be there, but how excited the dogs were too! The children seemed to respond very well to the dogs and their handlers.
The dogs are specially trained to be calm and almost submissive to the children. We had a little show and tell session afterwards and it was amazing to see the dogs follow commands! (Especially since I have a dog who will follow commands *only* with a treat in plain sight!) They all were so unique in their personalities and yet as gentle as could be. I had the distinctive opportunity to meet them all before the program actually began and it was wonderful! I even got a few kisses from some of the dogs (not the handlers...ha!).
If you haven't had the opportunity to check out this very unique and wonderful program, I certainly urge you to. It is truly fantastic!
If you would like more information about this program check out:
http://www.tdi-dog.org/childrenreadingtodogs.htm
The program is sponsored by Therapy Dogs International. The purpose behind this program is to help encourage children who may be struggling with reading or feel uncomfortable reading out loud. The program allows children a safe and comfortable place to practice reading, while also allowing them to interact with the dogs. Who doesn't love a friendly puppy?!
During a session, specially trained therapy dogs and their handlers will come in and spread out around the room. Children are assigned times and come in and sit down to read to the dogs and their handlers.
It was such a joy to watch these children with the dogs and the handlers. You could see not only how happy it made the children to be there, but how excited the dogs were too! The children seemed to respond very well to the dogs and their handlers.The dogs are specially trained to be calm and almost submissive to the children. We had a little show and tell session afterwards and it was amazing to see the dogs follow commands! (Especially since I have a dog who will follow commands *only* with a treat in plain sight!) They all were so unique in their personalities and yet as gentle as could be. I had the distinctive opportunity to meet them all before the program actually began and it was wonderful! I even got a few kisses from some of the dogs (not the handlers...ha!).
If you haven't had the opportunity to check out this very unique and wonderful program, I certainly urge you to. It is truly fantastic!
If you would like more information about this program check out:
http://www.tdi-dog.org/childrenreadingtodogs.htm
Monday, February 11, 2008
I refuse...
I refuse to get out of bed until spring...that's it...I've made up my mind...you can't make me!
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