Asked by a LJ Friend:

[amberlee17]

>> How are the slug of classes going now?

Whoo Boy. Where to start? Hmm.

Classes that are over:The Kaiser Permanente course on dealing with Chronic Conditions: I enjoyed the readings and homework/exercises, but the instructors really left a lot to be desired. I'd signed up for this one with my mother: we mutually agreed to drop out midway

Comments

[belleaire]

Holy cats! When you said "slug of classes", you certainly meant it.

I had no idea there was such a thing as prep class for operas. Is this a common thing? There are two things musical that I've always drawn the line at, and opera has been first (the other is rap music.) Just learning there is such a thing has given me a thwap that I haven't been fair about that opinion. Where did you take that class? Where does one look for local availability? Why did you choose Rigoletto?

I'm glad you are enjoying your medicinal herbs class. I know you were looking forward to it. The homework sounds really involved. Does it take a long time to prepare those tinctures? What are you going to make, and what are they good for?

It's a shame the alternative healing instructor isn't keeping the total class's needs in mind. If those late joiners had been completely interested, wouldn't they have joined in time for the first class?

I can't imagine how disappointing the chronic conditions class was. I've never heard of a dropout rate that high. Yikes.

I can crochet pretty fairly, but I have to count every row. If I don't, things don't work out well at all. I made a scarf and hat for myself last year out of this yarn that has 2" fuzzy bits sticking straight out, plus little furry pompons. I could hardly find my stitches! It's ridiculous stuff and the scarf looks more like a feather boa, but boy is it soft and warm.

I can help with your diabetes class -- at least as much as it applies to cats. It's a very confusing but interesting subject.

[amberlee17]

Hi!

I'm not sure how common the prep classes are. They are pretty common with symphonies and I've come to appreciate how much more I get out of performances when I attend them. The local university put together the program linking with a local opera company -- focusing on two of their performances. The class includes the prep class, a bus ride to the town with the opera, and the actual performance. I'm not sure why the coordinator picked Rigoletto and Cosi Fan Tutti.

I'm loving the herb class, but have been a smidge intimidated to do a tincture on my own. The ones we've done in the class have a half dozen of us chopping, pounding, simmering. Those to date have taken between a half an hour and an hour and a half or so. Which is part of my indicision for picking which ones I'm going to tackle on my own. I'd like something really useful that isn't too hard and not too time consuming. Hmmm, I'm picky, aren't I?

The alternative healing class got a burst of publicity just before the 3rd class in the series. These classes are part of the community outreach department of the local hospital; those of us who have been on their mailing list started when the series first began. I guess it's great that newcomers are getting to learn about the programs, but I wish the newspaper gave the publicity earlier.

I'm not completely clear what the instructors were going for in the chronic conditions class. So much felt wasted with the instructors going over the minutia of their day-to-day lives. I suspect they'd given the classes too often and were in burn out or something. They didn't seem interested which is a poor prognosis for success.

What color is your scarf? It does sound nice and warm. I love the look of these new 'fancy' yarns, but they sure are hard to work on. I just finished a scarf for my mom and my niece fell in love with it. With the extra yarns left, I'm doing one for her. A new friend from the geography class taught me a new-to-me way of doing a shawl. Just finished one earlier tonight for mom: it's acrylic yarn in varigated pinks and violets -- some of her favorite colors. It's cute how excited she is about it.

I've taken a lot of classes on the subject of diabetes in humans, so am not expecting too many surprises. At least I'm hoping it's not too taxing. Do you have a diabetic cat? Some friends have dealt with that challenge: it seems overwhelming to me. How do you cope? How is your cat's health doing?

Thanks for your interest. {{{hugs}}}

[belleaire]

Thanks for the info about the opera prep class. One of these days when I get real brave (because I'd have to go alone, I can assure you!), I will check it out. There are several junior colleges and satellite university campuses around here.

I can understand your reluctance to get started on a tincture. I had no idea it was such a major undertaking. I'd hate to work on something for hours and then have it not turn out right! That would give me a hard time choosing, too. I guess that's why I stick with cooking, or making bath salts!

Here are some pics of my scarf:







It's completely ridiculous, but it's oh so warm and soft! I'd like to see your shawl.

I did have a diabetic cat, Aloysius (aka Wishy.) He was diagnosed at age 16, and with testing and twice daily insulin shots, I had his company for another three years. I've had healthy cats who didn't last to age 19! My vet is just the best, and we worked well together to keep him comfortable and as healthy as possible for a long time. Overwhelming? Maybe, in the beginning, but his companionship far outweighed the work. It was worth every minute of it, to me.

Yannow, this is the most I've ever seen you write, and I feel like I know you much better now. Thank you!

[amberlee17]

>> Yannow, this is the most I've ever seen you write, and I feel like I know you much better now. Thank you!

Thank YOU for asking. I'm feeling a lot better for not being able to keep on top of the Muir lectures. I hadn't realized quite how carried away I'd gotten signing up for classes.