Exercise your Brain!

With extra time available the last few years I have taken some classes. You can take a class to pursue an interest, learn a new skill or make new friends. Two years ago I thought I would unleash my creative side and I signed up for a Ceramics class at the local Center for the Arts. The Center offers a variety of classes for adults including digital photography, painting, and ceramics. I had a good time working with the clay but my end results were so disappointing (misshapen mugs, imperfect platters and bowls that exploded in the kiln), I just couldn’t get myself to return for another class.

My most successful attempts at ongoing education have come through online classes. I took a fascinating History of the American West course through Stanford University. I also enjoyed a Great Works of Western Literature course offered through “The Great Courses” Their catalog is expansive and offers choices in a wide range of subjects. Courses are expensive but are produced well with good corresponding materials (reading supplements and DVDs) Great Courses send catalogs and e-mails on a regular basis and it seems like each of the courses is available ‘on-sale’ at least once during the year. So, if you see something you like but you don’t like the price, wait for a while and it just might go on sale.

This month, for example, you can order “Understanding the Universe” (list price $799.95) for $229.95 and it offers you 96 lectures (30 minutes each). It is not as entertaining as watching Family Guy or Dancing with the Stars, but it is arguably a better way to spend time in front of the television. And many of the classes don’t require the DVD – you can listen to the lectures from a CD or from your iPod.

I am thinking of taking “The American Civil War” but I am kind of busy with my new blogging course…

All the best,

Trish