Rick,
Click the "item list" button (second from the right on the top tool bar) and select the object in question to see what it is. A parametric shape will have a yellow box around it when selected, and it will be named something like "cube01" in the object list unless you have changed the name. A mesh, subdivision, or group will have a white box when selected, and will also be appropriately named in the list. If the object is not already a mesh, you should be able to convert it by selecting the object and using the "convert to mesh" command from the "build" menu. Grouped objects remain grouped after being converted. A group can be a singular object or several objects. If the object is a group, you can select the object and press the letter "u" on the keyboard to ungroup it.
It has been a while since I have seen the eggplant tutorial, but I seem to recall that it involves working with subdivisions. Anyway, best of luck with your modeling.
Ron
