It was just two years ago when I learned about the little arrow on the dash of most vehicles that indicates which side of the car the gas tank is on. It was but four months ago when I noticed that my car gas tank panel had a slot to hold the gas cap while fueling. It’s back to school time, and I wonder if there is a course on practical “life hacks” like these.
Since I appear to be on a gas and car theme, why didn’t anyone tell me that gasoline expands, and that you shouldn’t fill a jerry can to the top unless you want it to later overflow all over your car or garage?
(Perhaps you already knew all of these things.)
Maybe it is heredity that is the problem? My parents didn’t teach me these things, so by heredity I don’t know them either?
Regardless of why I am vehicle ignorant, I feel the need to learn, perhaps “fueled” in part by the fact that it is September.
Through continuing education classes and the regular university and college offerings there are a plethora of learning opportunities available. (There is probably even a course where you can learn words like plethora). And so I thought: “Why not get back into the joy of formal learning this September by registering for a course?”
I started fumbling through the continuing education course information to see if there was an automotive course for women, thinking this is clearly an area where I am lacking street smarts, but unfortunately there is no such course. (HINT, HINT..)
The closest I could find was the motorcycle training basics course; but I’ve already taken that, and it is for riding, not maintaining a motorcycle (again… HINT, HINT).
What I did find under the house and home category was: “BE A HANDYWOMAN – CED2189” at Sault College. It offers: “hands-on experience… how to do simple home repairs such as drywall installation, repair, and finishing; minor electrical repairs; minor plumbing repairs and applications; toilet, faucet, sink, and drain repairs; insulating and weather-proofing your home; fixing leaky roofs and installing roof ventilation; proper use and installation of insulation and vapour barrier; repairing and replacing interior doors, handles, and hinges; and other handy tricks of the trade.”
Sounds like an excellent course for a woman as new to home repairs as I am to vehicle knowledge and maintenance.
Even though I seem unable to find what I wanted to learn, now, in searching through all of these opportunities to expand my mind, I find myself hooked on the idea of signing up for something, anything. Maybe I could finally learn how to use all of my fancy kitchen knives? (Wait…Where did all of the cooking and culinary continuing education courses go?)
I did find a bunch of diverse courses including chainsaw safety, beginners crochet, Italian for travellers, and the law around being a landlord.
I also looked at Algoma University’s wares, and found that people can take music lessons for university credit. MUSC1420 is a 6-credit course (spanning two terms) that qualifies as an elective for non-music majors, and provides weekly, one-hour private lessons from September through April.
I also stumbled across one of Algoma University’s newer offerings: “The Path of the Warrior: History. Philosophy, Ethics & Practices in Eastern Martial Arts.” Taught by Istvan Imre, this course blends physical movement with philosophical thought. The course “will survey the beginning and historical evolution of eastern martial arts, with special emphasis on Japanese martial arts.” Topics include Zen Buddhism, and the code of the Samurai. “Through practical training sessions, students will be introduced to the philosophy, moral code, ethics and practice of Japanese martial arts by hands-on practice of one of the most widespread martial arts on Earth, Shotokan Karate.”
It all sounds so good, but this time, the College will get my money. Hopefully the course isn’t full already, but I’ve decided to register for the Firearms Safety Course.
While I may not know a lot about my car, at least if people decide to mock me or my lack of vehicular smarts, I’ll know how to get out my gun safely and clean it in front of them.