This week I decided to get an Education (well, more of one, anyway)...

     When I started this blog, one of the things I really wanted to do was to take a class in something I knew nothing about.  Well it just so happens, that last week the AACC course catalog book came and gave me lots of ideas.  So instead of taking 1 class, I'm taking 3!  As some of you know, I've been pondering a career change (for about forever!).  And lately I've gotten really interested in Non-profit organizations.  My goal was to always have a job that helped people.  In my current situation, (when I'm actually working) I don't feel that I do much more than make them money.  Don't get me wrong, Money is a GOOD thing! (coming from someone who likes to shop as much as I do : ) But I'm not making a difference.  So I started looking into Non-profits which I always knew about, but I never knew about the opportunities that were available with them.  And I really like what I see!  So when I received the course catalog, I couldn't resist the course called "Careers with Nonprofits".  This is supposed to be a panel discussion on "the various careers available in nonprofit organizations".  I'm hoping that someone with a Nonprofit currently, will meet me and decide that I am the perfect person to hire right there on the spot! But if that doesn't happen, at least I'll know what I'm looking for. And the really cool thing is that in looking at the courses AACC offers, I realized that they also have a certificate program in Nonprofit leadership.  So if I do like what I see, I might be able to go into the certificate program, which should really help my chances.
     The next 2 classes I decided to take were purely for fun.  However, they are still in subjects I know nothing about.  The first one is "Secrets of Better Photography". I like taking pictures (just ask my friends, they kinda hate me sometimes : ) but I know nothing about taking a proper photograph.  This class was partially a fun thing for me to take and partially a way to get into the class I really want to take. (It's a pre-requisite for "Travel Photography").  The last class is "Travel Writing".  So I fgure this class paired with the Travel Photos class will get me that "Bourdain-esque" job with the Travel channel and allow me to travel around the world eating amazing food on someone else's dime : ) (That is if the Nonprofit class doesn't get me an amazing job first ; )  The classes don't start until February and March so I can't share how they were until then.  But when I start them I promise to give updates on how they are going. 
     This week I also took the chance to actually read a "Classic" for actual fun (instead of perusing it for a class).  I may be a little odd but I have a fascination with a British author/commentator/actor/comedian/all around good person Stephen Fry.  (He also has a job that allows him to travel around the world on someone else's dime so you can see why I like him : ) He's spoken a great deal about his love of words.  That love of words drew him to Oscar Wilde so I decided if it was good enough for him, it was good enough for me.  So I'm currently reading "The Importance of Being Earnest".  And it's actually quite funny.  Not nearly as hard to read as other "classics" I've attempted to read (Chaucer I'm looking at you ; ).  I haven't finished it yet but I'm looking forward to doing so. Can't wait to see how it ends.  If anyone else has any classics  that they think I'd like let me know.  I'm always looking for a good book to read.  However, next up on my reading list is apparently "A Thousand Splendid Suns", courtesy of Jen, who I believe is using this new adventure of mine to torture me every chance she gets!

Happy Thanksgiving!