Taking Classes

          I apologize for not getting out the information on money saving tips, but the Research Department (that would be me) is somewhat distracted by the upcoming convergence of my 30^th high school reunion with my 42 inch hips (as reported to me yesterday by my counselor and new best friend at Jenny Craig).

          I've also been taking a class online through UCLA extension.  It's called "Writing the Short Humor Column" and it's taught by the great humorist, Howard Leff (who I hope is reading this and will keep this favorable mention in mind when he reviews my next piece).

          Even if you don't aspire to be the next Dave Barry or Erma Bombeck (which I don't-I've been reading a lot of Tolstoy lately and hope to write the American version of War and Peace instead), there is probably some subject out there that you haven't tackled yet that would interest you.

          I think the great thing about taking time off from that job you or your parents thought you'd really like someday when you signed up for Accounting through the Ages in college is that you now have the opportunity to explore areas that interest you today.  Taking the time to learn something new can have big payoffs later when you need or decide to return to work.

          When JC and I wrote Comeback Moms, we met women who did just that. One woman loved to cook, took a few classes from professionals, and wound up opening her own catering business. Another woman we interviewed discovered through some portal of her brain that I clearly don't possess that she enjoys teaching kids math.  Now she's back at school (when time allows with four kids) to study math so that she can teach in high school someday.

          I'm not saying every class will land you that perfect job.  A skydiving course may be exciting and appeal to your sense of adventure, but it most likely will amount to nothing more than an interesting hobby that you can share with the other moms at Bunco.  Then again, you never know, a local news station might just spot The Flying Mom, and run a feature on you.  Next thing you know, you're a contestant on The Amazing Race. From there, the sky's (no pun intended-sorry Howard), the limit.  You're sitting between Barbara Walters and Whoopi Goldberg co-hosting The View.

          Give it a try.  There are lots of great classes out there.  Best case scenario-it leads you to the job you've always wanted when you're ready to go back in that direction.  Worst outcome-you decide that fly-fishing is boring after all.