Real success comes to those who plan ahead. Why else would my kitchen counter be covered with notes reminding me to go to the bank, return the video and buy lemon-pepper seasoning?
It doesn't help that the notes are still on the counter as I drive off down the road. If you've ever baked sourdough bread, you'll know that the note I left behind is like "starter" for the next day's list of errands.
If you're an Anne Arundel Community College student planning ahead to the fall, put Monday on your calendar.
The school will be holding Spring Transfer Day from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to give students who intend to transfer credits next fall the opportunity to talk with representatives from more than 45 colleges and universities.
For a list of the schools being represented, call 541-2307.
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The public's first opportunity to register for the fall term of the Severna Park United Methodist Church preschool is at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The snow date is Feb. 16.
Information: 987-1537.
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Shopping takes preparation, too. Get in shape for Presidents' Day bargain hunting by limbering up in the Washington's Birthday 5K at 10 a.m. on Feb. 18 at the Bay Hills Community Center.
The race, sponsored by that indefatigable bunch the Annapolis Striders, will follow a 3.1-mile course through residential streets.
An awards ceremony at 11 a.m. will honor overall winners, master's male and female winners and runners-up, as well as the top three finishers in 13 age groups.
Enter by mail or on race day. Information: 410-268-1165.
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The annual Clown Show, sponsored by the Old Mill High School Patriot Band Boosters, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb. 25 at 600 Patriots Lane.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for circus games and food: cotton candy, hot dogs, popcorn, meatball subs, nachos, baked goods and more.
Proceeds will help the band finance a trip to Atlanta for a competition. Tickets, at the door or in advance, are $4.50 for adults and $2.50 for children; group discounts are available.
Information: 761-4613.
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It may be February, but life goes on. Anne Arundel Community College offers some great noncredit continuing education classes.
Tuesday nights at Archbishop Spalding High School, dancers may pick one class or stay for three: Creative Movement, Lindy-style Swing (that's jitterbug) and a Great Dance Sampler featuring waltz, slow dance, Texas two-step and zydeco.
There's Ballroom Dance I on Thursday evenings at Spalding and Country Western Line Dances on Friday at the Arnold campus. Each is six to eight sessions, and no experience and no partners needed.
Call 541-2325.
* The Nature Photography class develops skills in taking pictures of plants and landscapes. Class will meet 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, from April 25 to May 2. Information: 541-2325.
* Paint your own pictures. The college is offering Oil Painting for Beginners, Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 28; Watercolors, Wednesdays, beginning March 1; Calligraphy, Mondays, beginning March 6; and Woodcarving, Thursdays, beginning March 2. Courses will be at Spalding High School.
Information: 541-2325.