I like to take a night school course once or twice a year. I’ve been taking courses through Humber College and the Toronto District School Board Continuing Education for a few years now. It is great. It is a concrete outside of work piece of learning. I’ve actually learned some fun things. They usually only last 8-10 weeks, so it isn’t a huge commitment. However, I’ve mostly been taking arts related courses like creative writing and music. I think it is time to branch out and learn something different. Maybe a personal finance course. Maybe a language. I’ll have to look through the guides to see what’s on when I’m available.
February 22
So, I haven’t actually done this yet, but I’ve take a giant step forward. The goal here, is to take an evening class on a topic that is outside of my usual comfort zone of arts and writing related topics. I’ve now registered for just such a class! Beginning April 4, 2011, I will be enrolled in an 8 week course called “Home Maintenance and Renovation for Beginners”.
This is the write-up:
This course is designed to teach you the basics of maintaining and improving your home. Learn to do a variety of common repairs. Topics include: essential tools and how to use and maintain them; fix a leaky tap; repair your driveway; install flooring or suspended ceilings; fundamentals of dry-walling; upgrade indoor and outdoor lighting; concrete work and; so much more. Learn about building codes and which renovations give you the best return for your money.
I’m excited. The new house isn’t exactly a fixer-upper, but there are some updates and upgrades I’d like to have happen. If I am able to safely do some of them myself, that will be even better. Plus, how big a sense of accomplishment would there be in being able to do that?! This feels like a great course for me to take right now.
Updated
So, this Spring I fulfilled this particular challenge by taking a class called Home Maintenance and Renovation for Beginners. This was an eight week evening class offered by Toronto District School Board. I learned how to cut and install drywall, tape and plaster the wall, and repair holes. I also learned how to install, grout, and finish tile work. We had some brief introduction to fixing a few minor plumbing problems and changing electrical outlets or light switches, as well as fixing cement and driveway pavement. On the last class we looked at installing a drop ceiling.
The class was kind of terrible, but I did get to learn some skills that were valuable for a new homeowner. I think I might look at some of the free workshops Home Depot puts on to learn more specific skills.
Does a sign language class appeal at all?
That actually might be a really cool thing to learn! I’m not taking the class this term, as it is tough to get home and to a class in time if the driving is bad, but that might be something fun to try in the Spring.
Have you heard about baby signing? It seemed to be all the rage a couple years ago. Kids can learn to sign that they are hungry, or want more food, etc., when they are still pre-verbal. I’ve seen it in action, and it is pretty amazing.
Yes, my friend’s baby does it and it’s so cool! We’ve started doing it with H and it’s really fun. If nothing else, it keeps me entertained and learning something new.
Last week I inquired at the Canadian Hearing Society here in Ktown and they offer ASL courses, 3 hour night class for 10 weeks, and they have a ‘no talking policy’ so you really have to work at it. I decided that right now I can get by on just the basics for baby stuff, but maybe in the future. It’s definitely different & an interesting skill.