refreshing life and living refreshed

Getting-By-Gig: Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 

In a nutshell…  Hundreds of people packed into Union Square to listen to local artists sing holiday cheer and watch the lighting of the Union Square Christmas Tree.

What did I do? Transported a local youth chorus group on and off stage. 

End result? $100 and a behind the scenes view of a mass holiday production. And according to the chorus group that I managed, I now have a small fan club in the East Bay.

So upon moving here, I knew cash was going to be a little tight (if only I could say this about my abs…). With this in mind, I set out seeking all volunteer or freebie opps so that my flow of fun wouldn’t stop with my cash flow.

In the next couple of weeks, look for different articles titles “Freebie ‘Frisco Fun” for ideas of ways to get your fun on without breaking (or tapping into) your bank.

Cheers ‘Frisco!

Getting-By-Gig: Fredericks of Hollywood Grand Opening

In a nutshell… Lingerie looks better (and may sell better) on the mannequins than humans. I’m beginning to think mute visuals sell better than conservatively dressed girls handing out flyers.

What did I do? “Hi, come into Fredericks of Hollywood for happy hour and receive complimentary bootie shorts and cocktails from 5-8 tonight!” One women shot a demeaning stare at the mannequin, preceded by a guy eying the mannequin for his dreams later that night. G-L-A-M-O-R-OUS. Yes, just like Ferggie.

End result? $100 for 3 ½ hrs of handing out flyers. (Again, glamorous.)  However, I scored a pack of high-end shampoos and conditions from a grand opening at Pure Essentials which was…purely erotic.

Foreshadowing Photo: Correct spelling of my name without actually spelling it to the barista.

Sign?

…I think so…

After many walk-in application drops, I finally found a consistent part-time job.

Where?

Starbucks.  

Besides drinking all the coffee I want during work (plus 30 min before and after my shift) I also get a 30% discount on products at anytime. As a girl who’s caffeinated in love with life, this job is a golden. Plus there’s tons of opportunities to strike up conversation with customers who may own a company or be looking to hire someone with your skill set. Cha ching!

Extra bonus? Starbucks’ medical and dental benefits kick in after 240 hrs (or at least two months working), discounts at other corporations ($19 monthly gym pass vs. $35!), 30% discount on all products when not working, and all the drinks I want during plus 30 min before and after) work.

SF street running: Jay Leno - maybe switch to street signs instead of newspaper clippings for your move back to late hour?

Getting-By-Gig: Nike Women’s Marathon 

In a nutshell… one of the most inspiring and fun events that I’ve ever worked at, surrounded runners motivating me one coversation at time.

What did I do? Handed out tennis balls and stretching pamphlets and wiped down yoga mats for seven hours in the Safeway Stretching Tent.

 End result? $150. Plus, my roommate and I walked away with free yoga mats and a foam roller (perfect for stretching the IT band!). Extra bonus? I met Jen, an awesome event coordinator who invited me to work at other events this week.

Getting-By-Gig: Fifty Cent Power Promotion at Macy’s

In a nutshell…“Because every man who feels good…should smell good” Thank you Fifty, (phonetically pronounced fid-dee by Fifty himself) for the insight. Note to weaning fans: he was definitely digging Asian girls – three numbers in 2 hrs.

What did I do? Title: Bag Girl. I carried adoring fan’s items stored in Macy’s bags while they met Mr. Fifty.

End result? Paid $100… And I’m pretty sure Fiddee looked at me. No number, but there was a definite gaze. However, I met some really cool people from Macy’s and went out to a cute wine bar afterward.

Getting-By-Gig: Wicked Week at Macy’s

In a nutshell… Street Marketing 101: Don’t take yourself (or others) too seriously or you’ll never end your day feeling happy.

What did I do? Recruit as many people as I possibly could to come into Macy’s for the Macy and Wicked Halloween Weekend Celebration. How? Here a few of the many callouts I used to attract Union Square pedestrians:

“Hi! Would you like to have a free *Wicked* makeover at Macy’s today?”

“Want to look *Wicked* cool? Check out Macy’s FREE Halloween Face Painting today 10-12!

Afterward I helped the Macy’s girls hand out Wicked goodie bags (Note: majority of Macy’s Public Relations team is female, not sure if this is due to supply or demand.).

End result? Paid $100 for four hours, but only had to work for three. Plus I received three autographed Wicked Playbills to give to friends. Wicked cool, right?

Staying Fit: 24 Hour Fitness Zumba

Ready to sweat? As a girl with no rhythm or stability, I was a tad hesitant going to this class. Yes, I’m a true “white girl”. Sad, but true. Even so, this class taught moves that made even ME feel like I could dance. The upbeat instructor and music selection (hip hop, Latin, salsa) was easy to follow. For the few moments you might now be able follow the instructor’s steps, you still could easily make up your own and work up a sweat! 

Staying Fit: 24 Hour Fitness Yoga

Needing to chill out? The class mostly involves numerous downward facing dogs at long intervals. The instructor had little interaction with participants, leading me to wonder whether or not I was doing the correct position. Also, the timing was a bit off – stretching more of one side that the other. Bring your own mat to class – the mats provided are really hard to use. However, between the stretches and the soothing music, you will leave class feeling more refreshed and alive.