6.15.2010

Life-Long Learning

So now that the kitchen remodel is well underway and I am not designing, planning and researching, I feel the urge to take on my next project.  The problem is there are just so many things I want to learn about I can't narrow it down.  I figure writing it all down will help me be able to prioritize!

Professionally, I want to get my PHR -Professional in Human Resources- Certification and eventually PMP - Project Management Professional - Certification.  So I need to jump in and actually order the study materials, crack open the books and set a test date.  Ahh deadlines and commitment...two of my very favorite things.


Personally, I have a few areas that I would like to focus on right away.  Taking a photography class and learning how to use my DSLR camera.  I know there are many options, I just can't decide the best path to take.  There are classes offered through the Smithsonian which I think would be totally amazing.  Also classes offered through NOVA Community College.  I'm sure there are also resources on the Internet.  Has anyone taken a actual class or found good tutorials online?  Let me know!

Also, I really want to take a knife skills class.  I can cut, dice and slice - at turtle speed.  We have an amazing set of Wusthofs, and I use them daily.  But I want to be better and faster!  In addition to being better and faster, I would like to not slice and dice my fingers at least once a week.  I will look into finding a class on this in the near future.  I know some are offered at Sur la Table from time to time, any recommendations?

I loved the gift wrapping class that I went to with Lacey at the Paper Source in December.  I will totally be going again this year, but they also have some fun classes this summer.  Both a Summertime Party Invitation Workshop and a Sassy Personal Stationary Girls Night Out in July - hummm decisions decisions.  Anyone want to come with me?

Jo-Ann's recently opened a new super center in Fair Lakes.  It is huge-and much nicer than their last place in Centerville.  They offer classes, and I think I will take the Basic Sewing Class - I know how to sew-just haven't done it in a few years.  I need to make some basic items with my little machine and then consider upgrading down the road.  My plan is to one day (soon) get an embroidery machine so I can monogram everything to high heaven.  But I feel like I need to be consistent with the basics before I go overboard. 

I also need to add some books to my summer reading list.  It may be a good thing for me to get a real library card.  I was so proud of myself for joining the Falls Church Library after going to the farmers market a few weeks ago only to learn that they are not associated with any other library's so I can't download books to my e-reader from them.  PS-did you know you can "check out" downloads for your e-reader and kindle from the library for free - pretty awesome!  

For now, I think I will open up The Lost Symbol.  It's only been sitting on my night stand table for a few months.  Usually covered by Better Homes and Gardens or Southern Living Magazines.  Josh has already read it and after I finish it we are going to go to all the places mentioned in the book-should be an adventure!

What's something that you want to learn more about?

8 comments:

VA Gal said...

Taking a photography class at Smithsonian sounds like it would be a lot of fun. I know that Ritz camera stores in my area offer photography classes, including DSLR-specific ones. I would imagine that the stores up closer to NoVA/DC would as well. One of my good friends here is taking their series of classes and has been raving about them.

Good luck on the remodel! I need to start planning our living room remodel and it's making me nervous.

Kerri said...

I took (and passed) the PHR test in '08. It's not an easy task, but if you put in the time and effort (and use the right study materials), it's certainly doable. And it really does help the resume!

Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle said...

Sounds like a lot of great ideas!!! I want to get into photography soooo bad!!! I took classes in high school and I love to take pictures but I still need me a nice camera and some classes. One day...

I just finished reading True Colors by Kristin Hannah and it was SOOO good!! You should check that out when you get a chance! :)

Laurie said...

Check out Williams-Sonoma. The location nearest me just had a "knife" class!

Whitney and the Preppy Puppies said...

I've heard the Sur La Table classes are very good. Last year I took a photog class with the Farifax County rec dept (it was at the rec center in Falls Church, very close to our house) and it was just meh. I already knew a lot of what was being taught and a few of the people were true beginners, which slowed the class down a lot. The instructor took her classes at Nova and raved about them. The Corcoran and USDA grad school also offer DSLR classes.

http://ce.corcoran.edu/courses/photo
http://graduateschool.edu/search.php?searchtype=simple&searchterm=photography&action=search

Jaime said...

I think photography classes are a great idea!! I think you should take them at the Smithsonian. What a cool experience it would be!

I Do Declare said...

I've been contemplating a sewing class..but I think I'm going to save it for a winter activity! The DC Ladies had a post recently on a local knife class instructor!

Unknown said...

You have so many fun things to do! :)
Williams Sonoma does knife classes as well. I've never taken any, but it sounds like a great idea!
I'd love to take a photography class! But first I'd like to have a better camera.
I LOVED LOVED Papersource. My office was right in Reston Town Center, so I was there at least once a week.... Now, if only I could find a store down here... If I were still up there, I totally would go with you in a heartbeat! You should go, even solo. I went to a workshop solo, and it was fun and felt like a one on one personal training.
XOXO
Vy

 
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