Back to SchoolFrom an auditorium in Philadelpha today, President Obama delivered his second annual Back to School speech. It was broadcast live and hopefully inspired a lot of students out there… and adults, too!

After all, Back to School isn’t just about a kids heading back onto the bus or decorating their college dorms. It isn’t even reserved necessarily for classroom activities. Like Obama said, “”Nobody gets to write your destiny but you.”

So, whether you’re suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome or just have some spare time you don’t know what to do with, Back to School can be for you, too.

It’s so natural, once we’ve made the grade and gotten our diplomas, to settle into what we know and go no further. I mean, yes, life is an endless series of lessons, but sometimes we need to take the time to think about those lost moments in which we’ve thought, “I’d love to learn how to [fill in the blank].”

With that in mind, I’ve started a short list of things I’ve always wanted to know how to do. Here’s how it looks so far.

  • Take S.C.U.B.A. lessons and explore the mysteries of the deep. (My friends have such incredible pictures to show and tales to tell!)
  • Learn how to crochet or knit like Grandma used to. (Best afghans ever!)
  • Invest in a language program and parlez-vous or habla internationally. (My college Español and high school Français are way pathetic!)
  • Hit up a local dojo and learn a martial art. (I’ve been pitched Karate, Brazilian Jujitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. But that show “Human Weapon” got me kinda interested in Krav Maga. Pretty hardcore!)

I’m starting slowly and simply. I’ve already hit an arts and crafts store and picked up instructions, yarn and needles. My friend at work is a master at crocheting. She’s agreed to give me a starter lesson.

And what about you? What have you been putting off? I’d love to see your Back to School list!

Hugs!

P.S. Live and learn!