View Full Version : What would you like to learn how to do?
I've been signing my kids up for various activities and I started feeling a little envious of all of the awesome stuff they get to learn and do. Then I realized that there is no reason that I can't try some of these things too.
So I signed myself up for medieval combat fencing. :) I am so insanely excited. I am also considering taking up the mandolin, although that may have to wait a bit, since I have a new baby and I'm in a catechetical program at the seminary as well. Archery is on my list too. My kids and husband love it.
What have you always wanted to learn and never gotten around to doing?
That sounds awesome. I'm thinking of signing up for a stage fighting class, but suspect most people would be significantly younger than me and actually wanting to get into the industry. But that kind of thing only holds me back slightly.
So I signed myself up for medieval combat fencing. :) I am so insanely excited.
That is awesome, Stella! I took Fencing at RADA in London during my Junior Year Abroad and it was my FAVORITE class. I've often thought I'd love to take a fencing class again, but most of them are "fight" classes and not "acting" classes like mine was. Please let me know how yours worked out.
As for me, I would love to learn Portuguese because my DDIL is Brazilian. She has been here almost her whole life so she of course speaks English well, but her mother speaks no English and I'd love to learn Portuguese to be able to speak with her.
OMG - Medieval Combat Fencing? I have never heard of anything like that - it sounds so awesome (and yes I'm jealous :-)!). I'm not sure what kind of new class I'd sign up for right now. It would most likely be something physical that I've never tried as my blonde brain doesn't like to think to much for scholarly stuff ;-)!. Have to give it some thought but I have been looking for a new team sport to replace indoor volleyball as it's becoming a bit to hard on the old body (but still play beach doubles - soft sand for the endless face plants). Ice hockey would be fun (although I don't know how to even ice skate). But I like all the padding, the cold ice, the energy and speed and the comraderie. But then I also like all my teeth so maybe not!
Having just returned from a week-long Road Scholar trip to Puerto Rico, I would like to learn enough Spanish to return and immerse myself to become fluent while I paint some of the gorgeous scenery.
Of course, that is after I get up to speed and immerse myself in learning fluent French.
I also want to get my swimming skills back up so that I can take the snorkeling and kayaking Road Scholar trip to Key Largo sometime soon.
Did I mention that I must learn to play bridge as so many friends play this game and it seems such a wonderful way to meet and socialize. And these are just for starters.
Stella, this is a great thread!
IshbelRobertson
4-2-14, 8:57am
not a new skill, but I do want to take a couple of EG classes to improve my skills
http://www.embroiderersguild.com/index.php?page_no=125&page_menu=about-the-guild
Gardenarian
4-2-14, 11:48am
To speak Italian. DD and I took classes together but our teacher moved back to Italy, and we're having a hard time continuing on our own and haven't found a new teacher.
I'd also really like to learn rock climbing.
Things I would like to learn:
Advanced Spanish - I grew up in San Antonio and can get by but would like to be fluent.
Tailoring - fascinated by clothes construction; I think I must have been a tailor in another life
Recognizing birds by sound
I'd like to learn to be a good cook. Not just someone who can reliably follow a recipe, but someone who can create recipes on the fly, although never feel the need to write it down in order to do it exactly the same way again. I'd like to understand how flavors blend to create something unique. I'd like to be able to knowledgeably discuss subjects such as the intricacies of gluten creation or heat transfer and its effects on various ingredients.
I've got a long way to go. At this point, I'd be happy to know how to pronounce quinoa.
Bike Repair.
Out of necessity and because then I can help others less mechanically inclined (huh, though it's hard to imagine someone less mechanically-inclined then me).
I would like to learn about wild mushrooms but from somebody that knows what they are doing and not from a book.
awakenedsoul
4-2-14, 3:04pm
Great thread! I like hearing about everyone's ideas. I've signed up for a sight singing class that starts next week. Sometimes at auditions they will give you a difficult harmony line and expect you to sightread it. I'm a little nervous, but also excited.
I'd also love to learn piano....
I would love to take a course on how to take care of my golf cart. I'm no good with books. I would love to have a mechanic work with me for awhile so I could do lots more myself.
New2oregon.........I would like a private tutor for learning mushrooms too! Seems alot safer than just looking at pics!
I would also like to learn to play the pan flute.
ToomuchStuff
4-3-14, 11:40am
Bike Repair.
Out of necessity and because then I can help others less mechanically inclined (huh, though it's hard to imagine someone less mechanically-inclined then me).
Monty Python, in a world full of supermen, comes to mind.............
Cathy, for golf cart repair, is it gas or electric? I have found Youtube to be a really good tool for mechanical diagnosis and repair (people put up symptom video's and there are how to video's). Electrical repairs are the opposite of mechanical ones (takes a long time to find electrical problems and only a few minutes to repair) and seem to be harder to learn (at least for me).
Some of the learning is fairly easy. I'd like more practice, beside the learning (language tends to be forgotten if you don't use it). Even computer learning works that way (learning the Linux command line, but don't remember commands I don't use often).
Also Alan's cooking but with my restrictions (how to make things taste good avoiding allergins).
After 26 years of not singing (I even minored in voice in college) I recently joined our local chamber choir. It's been fun. 4 practices left before our spring concert.
I'm looking into local fly fishing lessons. I use to fly fish with my dad but that too was over 26 years ago. I do fish from my kayak but our trout around here are pretty sneaky. I see plenty of them within inches of my kayak....I should take some home for dinner.
I still YEARN to learn how to do stained glass art. At last, I've made contact with a couple who will be teaching a course in Acco (Acre) in the fall. On my trip to Washington in a couple of weeks (whee!) I will be visiting stained glass studios in Seattle and in Bellingham. (By the way, if anyone can recommend any stained glass studios between those two places, I'd love to hear your suggestions, as I want to visit as many as possible.)
I also would love to try my hand at comedy improvisation and stand-up comedy.
And of course, improve my Hebrew and start learning Arabic and Italian. And use my digital camera properly. And learn how to kite surf and hang-glide!
I'd like to be more computer savvy.
I would like to learn to sing. I sing all the time, like, really, all the time. But, I do it when I am all alone so that I do not scare sensitive people or enrage less sensitive people.
ApatheticNoMore
4-3-14, 10:09pm
i'd like to sing again, but I mostly see this thread and think "I have no time" (nor money - well that's just a bit tight and just right now but yea. Time has been a bigger problem)
I'd like to learn to make injera from teff and something else. Maybe millet
And I'd like to pick an art or craft, buckle down, and get good at it. Too many choices...
I recently learned how to crochet and I'm really enjoying it. I'd like to learn more about gardening.
This is such a fun thread! I knew you all would have some fun ideas.
I have decided that if I am still feeling a strong pull towards learning the mandolin on my birthday, in October, I will buy myself one. I've stopped myself from doing some of that kind of thing in the past because I hate spending money, but there is a balance, I think.
Stella, the mandolin has such a beautiful sound. I've been trying to get my DH to buy one (I like to listen not play) but he's already got 4 guitars and 30some Native American Style flutes. I need him to sell off a few flutes in order to buy a mandolin. I've played piano since I was 7 and I just don't have it in my heart anymore. I keep thinking I should just go ahead and try to sell the piano but then I feel guilty.
I want to learn how to make all kinds of healthy smoothies and granola bars. Studying now how to design my own exercise program. Have been studying physiology and fitness.
gimmethesimplelife
4-4-14, 9:28pm
I'd like to be able to grow bonsai plants - I just went to an exhibition of bonsai plants here in Phoenix at the art museum and they were so fascinating. Rob
awakenedsoul
4-4-14, 10:11pm
I'd like to be able to grow bonsai plants - I just went to an exhibition of bonsai plants here in Phoenix at the art museum and they were so fascinating. Rob
I think you'd be very good at this. I had a neighbor who cared for dozens of these...sent you a pm!
I too would like to learn more about wild mushrooms from a knowledgeable guide, learn how to sew with a machine (I am a competent mender, hemmer, etc. by hand), and become more MS Excel savvy (competent once again, but there are so many features).
I'd like to learn a 'trade'. I have way too much book learning and I so appreciate people who can actually 'do' something like car repair, paint a house with a LVP sprayer, fix a smashed car fender, etc..
Blackdog Lin
4-5-14, 9:17pm
Since I don't have a creative bone in my body, this section is usually one I skip completely. I'm so glad I took a look at this thread: it's wonderful to hear all the wish lists! (I wonder how many of us that haven't started yet, might, because of this thread. Thanks Stella!)
Mine:
(1) To dance. Any kind of dance, that I could learn to do well. Poetry and exercise and creativity, all in one.
(2) Architecture. I am very interested in it, and believe that done well it can uplift the human condition.
(3) Cooking. Better technical cooking skills, and the learning that would lead me to be more creative in my cooking.
(4) Computer skills. It would make my life easier, but I'm not sure I have enough of an interest to really pursue this one.
Fun thread!
I want to learn ASL - American Sign Language. I'm actually signed up for my second "beginner" class (long story, but I can't wait!). I have also recently started attending Skype lectures on Buddhism. Finally went to the temple located 15 minutes from my home! It was time and I was ready. Love that these new learning experiences have started. I'm having great fun!
I'd like to learn how to make cheese.
Watercolours (I start an adult class on 01 October!!). Additionally, I would like to learn beginner's Italian, Baking classes, Tennis (for overweight beginners!) and Vet Tech classes to help with medical issues at my local cat shelter!
Life is full of opportunities when we make up our minds to pursue them! I am so excited about participating in my own life ! :idea:
I am taking a Wood working class....starting in two weeks and I am so very excited about it! I would love to learn Spanish, how to crochet, and make my own furniture. I have started learning how to bake and learned how to make pizza dough.
Recently my sister taught me how to make fresh corn tortillas - a must for the gluten intolerant. It's not hard but she gave me that push I needed to get started. I think I'll make some now.
I have just taken Krav Maga lessons, I soon learnt how unfit I am! My first love is Sailing and I regularly race at our local club and we race at open meetings all over Europe. My next project is to bake my own Rye bread, from ground rye and also from sprouted rye, I have heard it is really good for you!
Woodworking is so rewarding, I would love to be better at it. I can do basic stuff there are no evening courses available in our area due to changes in funding.
I cam upon a cookbook at Barnes & Noble about Muffin Tim Cooking.... I am very interested in learning how to make appetizers and meals this way. The book looks great and the recipes seem pretty easy!
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