take a class

Yesterday I took a Creative Cards class at my local scrapbook store. Hubby gave me a gift certificate to take a class there for my birthday last year, and I kept waiting for the right chance to use it. I had hoped for something technique-oriented – especially on chalking or inking – but they just didn’t offer those classes on weekends when I was available. The other options (besides the monthly card class) were all scrapbook-related… and while I’m sure I could learn interesting things there, I’m just not into scrapbooking. And I really don’t want to be either—seems too involved and time-consuming. Finally I decided the store was gonna go out of business before I used the gift certificate, so I’d try out the card class.

I’m glad I did. The cards we made weren’t necessary my style, but they did go over chalking and had some interesting products I hadn’t used before… gel pens, dimensional laquer, and some really nice markers. I also liked a couple of the non-standard cards we did – one “matchbox” card that had a notepad inside, and one folder that had room for cards and envelopes inside. I’d like to do these types of classes regularly – at least a couple of times a year – so I can try out some of the new gadgets and get some new ideas.

We signed up for the local Citizen’s Police Academy, and have attended two class sessions so far. I guess it’s partly intended to be community relations on the police department’s side (we’re all in this together, etc.)... but what’s cool is that if we continue through the end, we can become certified as part of the local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). So far, we’ve met the police chief and seen the drug dogs in action. Coming up are sessions on drugs, gangs, CPR, and gun safety. It’s a neat class—and best of all, it’s free!

I’d like to take 3-4 classes in 2005. Haven’t done any so far—I signed up for one last week, but it was cancelled at the last minute.