Dreamin' Of Picket Fences

According to several economic indicators, things are finally starting to look up—mass layoffs have ceased, major corporations are back in the black, and essential industries, such as automotive and construction, are improving as well.  While this is, in general, positive news, it’s also the beginning of the end of the real estate buyer’s market that has existed as a result of low interest rates and incredible deals on houses, especially foreclosures and near-empty “planned” communities. 

For the time being, it’s still a great time to buy a house, but if you’re unsure of how to make the transition from long-term renter to first-time homebuyer, Consumer Credit Counseling Services invites you to a free workshop this Saturday at the.  From 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Regional Director of Education Manny Aguilar will provide information on: budgeting and credit use; obtaining a mortgage; shopping for a home; appraisal and inspection; mortgage closing; and life as a homeowner.  Additionally, participants who complete the course may qualify for federal, state, municipal or private mortgage program benefits.  For more information, call (619) 463-8277 or visit crediteducation.org/Education-Workshops.

Poetry Workshop

While modern poetry mainly exists in university-level study and sparsely-attended open mic events at late-night coffee shops, practitioners and fans of the genre are determined to keep it thriving in the 21st century.  Teacher, poet and playwright RegE Gaines is one such ambassador—not only does he write (published collections include “24/7/365”, “Head Rhyme Lines”, “The Original Buckwheat” and “2 B blk & wrt” among inclusions in various anthologies), but he guides and inspires others to create as well.  Gaines will lead a workshop for beginning and practiced poets from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Spacebar Internet Café, focusing on the craft and performance of poetry.  There is no charge to attend, but donations are welcome.  For more information, call (619) 461-7100 or (760) 802-2449.

“Easy” Riders

As we kick back on our patio furniture during a typical 75-degree winter day, it’s fun for Southern Californians to imagine what our brethren in the Midwest or East Coast are doing at the same moment.  Shoveling snow?  Ice skating on dangerous frozen ponds?  Fashioning snowmen with frozen fingers?  Whether you were lucky enough to be born here or smart enough to migrate, our possibilities for outdoor adventure throughout the year are endless—there’s no such thing as “seasonal” activities.  In the spirit of Southern California pride, join San Diego-based bicycle enthusiast club the Knickerbikers for an “easy” 25-mile ride starting and ending at Lake Murray.  The ride will wind around to Allied Gardens, Qualcomm Stadium and Mission Trails Regional Park before concluding at the Lake Murray Café for a much-deserved lunch.  The ride starts at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, and participants should meet at the Vons on Lake Murray Drive.  For more information, visit knickerbikers.com.

Ice Skating

Then again, sometimes it’s nice to participate in traditional winter-type activities, such as ice skating (although rinks might be preferable to natural bodies of water in which ice thickness is suspect).  The Kroc Center offers ice skating year-round in their NHL regulation-size arena.  Hours this weekend are: 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday; 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday; and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday.  Admission is $9 (Sunday Discount Day is $7).  For more information, call (619) 287-5762 or visit kroccenter.org.