With kids back in school, it's time for adults to learn new things, too

After a few days that relief may wear off, and you may find yourself looking for a new challenge -- or at least a way to give yourself the "me" time you deserve.

Saline County Career Center's fall schedule is out. It's filled with classes and activities from learning Windows 07 to Couples Dancing and assembling radio-controlled airplanes.

For those interested in visual storytelling, take a course in digital photography. The course is available online. Twelve sessions in six weeks allow beginner and experienced students to learn new tricks in the "digital darkroom", what they can expect to invest and enjoy interactive discussion times. New sessions begin monthly.

"We are still offering computer and business classes," said Michelle Hanson, adult education coordinator.

This fall will be the second semester that a Facebook course will be offered. Taught by Jamie Riggs, students will learn the ins, outs, ups and downs of the social networking site. The registration deadline is Sept. 22 for a two-hour session on Sept. 27.

There are some new classes that anyone can jump in on this fall. Go Green with Online Banking will provide the basics for saving money and paper by teaching students how to manage bank accounts online, pay and receive bills and review online statements. This one-and-a-half hour session costs $5 and is offered Nov. 9.

Get in touch with your natural side with another course new to the schedule. Introduction to Healing Stones and Their Healing Qualities will guide you through seven chakras in the human body and how balancing them with stones can assist with a feeling of better health.

If the smell of sawdust and woodchips is more your style, Basic Woodworking is back on the agenda. Carter Fawkes has returned with a course designed for beginning woodworkers. You will focus on small projects and gain knowledge of power tools.

Some enjoy the art of creation, but in the kitchen, rather than the shop.

"Cooking classes are always fun," Hanson said.

With course names like Farm-Fresh French and Resurrecting the Crock Pot, you're sure to enjoy your time chopping, warming and eating. There is also a class designed to have dinner and dessert on the table in 30 minutes. The courses change every semester and run $24 each or $60 for all three.

Sign up to get your hands dirty with Creating Fall and Winter Pots. Incorporate peppers and grasses, among other items, and decorate a winter planter. This class will be held at Springwater Greenhouse and provides an opportunity to rid yourself of the same old pots.

Other courses Hanson is excited about are Get to Know Missouri Birds and Conservation of Missouri Birds.

"Dana Ripper works with birds and may be offering a bird-watching and banding field trip," Hanson said.

Get to know and identify regional birds by plumage, vocalization and behavior, and how to attract them to your property. You can also gain insight about endangered Missouri birds as well as more exotic species.

Get out of the house, take a glass jewelry-making course or take your spouse on a date to learn how to line dance. Class schedules are available at the career center or by visiting www.marshallschools.com/sccc. You may also call to enroll at 660-886-6958.

Contact Sarah Reed at sreed@marshallnews.com