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camera ladies
Ok, I need some research. I have a Kodak EasyShare M381 and I hate it. It has an auto-setting select (so instead of taking the picture I want it to, the damn camera says to itself, "hmmm....let's take this photo in the close up mode even though you are 6 rows back at a wedding!!!") and it's awful. It's like the camera companies have made cameras so idiot-proof that people who actually know how to take pictures get crappy ones because the camera counteracts what you deem necessary. 
I am not ready for a DSLR yet, but I want something between DSLR and idiot-cam. I've had photography classes (with 35mm film and a SLR) but would want to take a newer class if I were to get a DSLR. Currently I don't have the money for the great camera or the classes, so I have to make due with a point and shoot for awhile. However the hate for my current camera runs so deep that I can't deal with it. Any suggestions?
Re: camera ladies
I have a Canon Powershot that I love. It actually has a manual mode where you can self select and edit settings, and it takes fantastic pictures all on its own. I've had it about 3 years, and because I got a Canon DSLR, it was more familiar.
My exact camera:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD1300IS-Stabilized-Blue/dp/B0035FZJKS/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1313985131&sr=1-4
Newer version of the same:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-ELPH-100-HS/dp/B004J3V7RO/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
Stand up for something you believe in.
What is your budget?
There are so many options out there that knowing your budget will help narrow it down. Mary already mentioned the Canon Powershot - I love those for point and shoot.
However, if you plan to upgrade to a DSLR at some point, you may want to consider saving up and just going for that. The Canon Rebel series at the lowest level is fairly inexpensive with a kit lens, you just need to shop around. While you may feel like you're not ready for it, it does have an Auto setting that you can use to get started. Then when you're more comfortable you can start shooting in other modes.
*Disclaimer: beginners may not mind it, but I loathe the Canon kit lens. But it is ok for someone learning or maybe a casual shooter, just be aware that you're going to need an upgrade once you really get into shooting.
There are a lot of free online courses that you can take to learn how to use a DSLR, I'll gladly point you in the direction of those if you'd like.
Ditto everything Mary said- I love my powershot!
Congrats to both my TTC buddies, Amberley18 and sb2006 on their beautiful babies!
My budget is negotiable, but nowhere near $600...I'm looking in the $150-$250 range. And I do drool over the Canon Rebel when I'm in electronics stores....like a dog with his nose on the edge of the coffee table, I want-want-want it but know I can't have it.
I probably won't be able to do a DSLR for another 2 years (minimum) and there is no way in the universe I can deal with my Kodak for that long. Let me give you an example of it's crappieness:
There is no focus whatsoever. My sister took this picture and on the screen it looks okay until you zoom in or put in on the computer, then you realize that the picture sucks. This is what the "smart" auto function does. Which is why I'm a little leery on the Canon PowerShot....I'm not sure I want another smart-auto function. If I take a picture (even this posed one) of anything breathing, it screws it up. ALL of my people pictures look like this. The only good ones I have are still life.
I'd love to just save up, but I know I can't--at least not right now. I'm hoping my mother will get me a new camera for Christmas (she spent almost $400 on me last year, so I'm hoping I can get away with just a camera this year).
I know I'm sounding whiny, but it drives me nuts that I can't get a DSLR....and makes me SOOOOOOOO mad when my camera develops AI and screws up my pictures. I used to have a Samsung that I absolutely LOVED (people always asked if I had a DSLR because of the quality of the pictures), but it runs on AA batteries and was killing me in costs. I even tried the rechargable AAs on the off chance that it would work, but it was dying and eating the battery life in under 30 minutes. So, that's when I started for this camera, which Danny got me for Christmas in '09.
And yes, I would love for you to light the way to the free courses. I'd feel much better about buying one, if I had some more insight on it. I have a hard time with change and upgrading to a DSLR is a HUGE change for me, so I want to be doubly prepared before I drop the green on it.
Thanks, Michelle, (for your help and putting up with my whiny novel here).