Awesome free stuff

In a previous blog post I have suggested some methods of getting free stuff. My plan for this blog post is to describe how I have received some pretty awesome stuff through those methods that I have subscribed.

I'm not going to make a list of everything that I have received, but of some items to demonstrate the different strategies and how they had worked for me.

1. U-Loop T-shirt
I think one of the first things that I received through twitter was a U-loop t-shirt. I was following U-loop and one day I noticed that a tweet mentioning that there was a chance of winning a t-shirt if a tweet was retweeted. I retweeted the tweet and was later notified that I had won the giveaway. I think it might have been because there wasn't a lot of people who retweeted that tweet.

2. AfterschoolSpecial, Imaginary Zebra T-Shirt
 I met the band, AfterschoolSpecial at UC Davis for a event. I added them on Facebook and follow on twitter. One day, I noticed a Facebook status from there and they were having a contest for a few of the people who liked their page. I can't remember whether it was about liking a status or posting a comment, but it definitely was through Facebook.

3. Hershey's Chocolates
One day, I was looking at the trends on twitter and I noticed one for Hershey's. I clicked on it and discovered that a giveaway was going on. I RSVP for the event and participated. I was also the winner of some chocolate goodies!

4. Tube socks
During my freshmen year, I went to a few football games. Partially because I wanted to do something and go to a game. Another reason was getting the Aggie Pack t-shirt. They also gave away free stuff during the games. One of the most sought out free stuff of the football games is tube sock. During one of the football events, they were throwing tube socks. I really wanted one. One was coming my way. Everyone else around me was reaching for it. One second I thought I had it, but I fell, but I got the tube socks. yes!

5. Carry the One book
From one of the people I follow on twitter, I noticed someone was going to give out a copy of Carry the One to the first 10 people who sent an email. I knew it was already too late to send the email, but I did it anyways. I got an email back and they said they were giving out a book to everyone. I was thrilled and glad that they made that choice!

6. Revlon makeup
One day, I noticed that Modelinia was having a giveaway during the month of December for a couple of weeks. Each day they had a different item to giveaway. They gave away so pretty awesome stuff.

7. Gunnarolla prize pack
I'm a fan of Gunnarolla, who is a youtuber. I'm also a fan of him on Facebook and follow him on twitter. One day he had a Facebook contest, in which, I had to share his Teabagging video. I was chosen by one of his friends and I won a fan pack. I really like the prize because he handwritten something and I always admired his work. 

I can go on with even more examples, but my goal of this blog is to prove that it is possible to get free stuff. I have achieved it through facebook, twitter, and through events. I think the main thing is be open to opportunities. Try different methods of winning free stuff. Just because you didn't one that one time doesn't mean you won't win the second time, next hour, or month. There are many more opportunities, so just be open to your interests and notice those opportunities.

My guide to getting free stuff

I didn't think about it much until I entered university, but I love getting free stuff. I really do. It's fun. I learned about more ways to get free stuff through my years and I have some recommendations. I will elaborate more on free stuff I have gained and how that happened on a blog post that is currently in work in progress.

College

1) Attend events on campus
-I have received free stuff from the different fairs on the quad, sport games, The Buzz, and so on.

2) Be involved in a club, program, or organization
-Once in a while, there will be potlucks, so free food. Some clubs might offer free stuff, such as stickers, blue books, or pens.

3) Whenever there's a line, check it out!
-If there is a line for something, it's worth the wait. Sometimes it's free stuff or something awesome.
-Also, it's the same situation in which you see a lot of people with the same item around campus during the same time period.

Social Media

What I didn't expect, however, was that I can get free stuff through social media websites. I have gotten free stuff from both Facebook and Twitter. But, how did this happen?

1) Follow/Like companies or celebrities of interest.
-Sometimes they feel like rewarding their followers and it's nice to receive stuff from companies or celebrities, especially if you are fan.

2) Follow/Like hosts of twitter parties/chats
-@Resourcefulmom, @busymommymedia are just a couple of twitter hosts of twitter parties, which usually include awesome free stuff! You can check out their website to see if they have any other giveaways coming up or in their blogs.

3) Pay attention to the tweet timeline or updated statuses!
 -Know about opportunities, so you can participate and receive!
 -You find about about most contests, twitter parties, or promotions through tweets.

4) Check out the latest trends!
-A lot of the times, the trends on twitter may just be random fan stuff or about the latest news, but it could also be about winning a prize. Some companies promote themselves and they might have a top or promoted tweet of a giveaway.
-Also, if you check out some hashtags or trends, you might notice opportunities for popular twitter hosts or giveways.

Other Tips:

1) Do those surveys!
-There's Harris Poll and other survey sites, in which, you can receive free stuff after accumulating enough points for a certain prize.
-You might get a notice from emails asking you to participate and they might offer a gift card to a place you like.
-Some businesses online may have a survey you can take online or a link to it on your receipt and it might be to get something free!

2) Check your email!
-Your listservs, colleagues, or friends may know of a great opportunity for you. They might provide you information about events or surveys that might provide something free.

3) Apply for those samples!
Sometimes companies provide free samples of their products. So, if you ever feel that you want to try a product, check out their website or whatever and ask for a sample.

Volunteering

I have volunteered at several places. I was really active in doing so during my sophomore year of university. I had one summer in which my intent was to volunteer and offer my services to as many volunteer places as possible. But, as I started to take on other opportunities and fulfilled more coursework, I found less time and room to volunteer. I am glad that I had the opportunity to volunteer at various places.There's something you can learn from each volunteer place, from what you do, through mentoring, and with those you interact with.

When I first started volunteering I didnt know much volunteer opportunities besides what I heard from other people. During that one summer I was serious about volunteering I decided to find out more information about volunteering and applied to a couple of places. I started by searching in Google with something along with lines of "volunteer in Sacramento". I am looking at it right now and there is already some locations that are popular and are in need of volunteers. Among the volunteer places are Loaves and Fishes, City of Sacramento, and Kaiser. If I were to think of places that are in need of volunteers off the top of my head it would be food banks, hospitals, parks, and schools.

I discovered the Volunteer Center of Sacramento website during my volunteer search. The website offers a search engine for volunteer opportunities in Sacramento that can be broken down by region, ongoing or one time opportunities, and under age 18. I actually had a lot of fun with it. Usually, I would find out about volunteer opportunities through word of mouth or through a first page look at Google. I believed that I applied to about 15 volunteer places through Volunteer Center of Sacramento. One of them might have included walking around with seniors. One of them is a volunteer place I still volunteer at today. I received less than 5 responses. And, not all the responses came by too quickly either.
 
Now that I think about it, applying to volunteer for places sounds like applying for jobs. But, there is a difference. When you apply for volunteering you usually fill out a application, go through fingerprinting, and/or attend an orientation. That is, that's all you really need to do to be accepted into most volunteer positions. There's no debating about whether you are best for the job or who the other candidates are. Anyone can do it. You can volunteer at many places. You dont have to do it part-time or full-time. There are places that you can volunteer at for about 2 hours a week or even once in your lifetime. I look at job applications now and think I really dont know how to do some of the stuff. Through volunteering you are expected to provide your time (once you have given it) and not always expected to know everything off the bat and they dont mind teaching you something you dont have experience in.

It was through volunteering that I learned more about myself. I like to be more committed in one position and not just do something once and not ever go back to it again. That's why I dont like those positions where you go help out runs, food banks, or such for one day and its over with. There's not much room for making connections if its just a day or two. You cant work on a project that you are passionate about. There is not enough time to learn something you dont know and be able to provide service for some place that you want to volunteer for. There is not much time to enjoy the volunteer opportunity since one day volunteering are usually busy. Another thing is that I want to broaden more of what I want to know and do, which would eventually be beneficial for members of my community.

Although I volunteered for many places I am going to list a few volunteer opportunities.

1) Botanical Conservatory

I found out about the Botanical Conservatory through Davis Wiki. I wanted to volunteer there because I wanted to work at a greenhouse. My major coming into university was Environmental Horticulture and Urban Forestry, but I quickly found out it was not for me. I really do like just going into a greenhouse pruning, transplanting, taking out dead leaves or whatever because it makes me feel good and smile. Its an environment that has helped to release stress during hard times of the quarter. Also, I got to see and learn more about the plants. Ernesto and the rest of the people who work and volunteer there are pretty cool.

2) Women's Resources and Research Center (WRRC)

I like the WRRC. I am glad that we have it on campus and the other centers. I also volunteered for two other centers, SAFE program as part of the Student Recruitment and Retention Center and the LGBTRC. I like the small library that you can sleep and eat in. I like that you can buy books and read in the reading room since there are comfy chairs in there. I like the people there. I totally support the WRRC, which is why I volunteered here for over a year. It was through my involvement with the WRRC that I learned more about the center. I also made friends with people involved in the center. I was able to help in the office or library.

3) Thumbs up! Thumbs Down! (TUTD)

TUTD is the only place that I still volunteer at and wont be able to do so for much longer. Only youth up to the age of 22 can volunteer. I found this wonderful opportunity through one of the volunteer search engines.Through this volunteer opportunity I became more aware of the presence of tobacco in films and how it influences my peers. Before volunteering at TUTD I wouldnt watch movies, but now I am growing close to watching 100 movies in my life and the majority of them are in theaters. I also like that we get to vote for the Thumbs up and Thumbs down movie/actresses for the Hackademy and volunteer to make it happen. I use to take the bus for 1 hour just to attend the monthly meetings and I am still glad to be a volunteer for TUTD.

4) Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS)

SFBFS is one of those places that I have only volunteered at for one summer and want to volunteer at longer. This place actually feeds there volunteers and I really like the food that they provide for us. It was through volunteering at SFBFS that I learned about services that are provided for the needy or homeless community. I am glad that a place this exists for those in need. I remembered that during my orientation for SFBFS, Robin said that we were one of the biggest groups of volunteer to come by and she asked some of us why we volunteered. I remembered someone saying it was because of Michelle Obama and I thought of how influential she was to encourage people to volunteer.

2011 is Memorable

There are many reasons why 2011 are memorable for me. I am going to list a few.

1. Back to blogging more actively.

2. I had my first internship!

3. I began my first job!

4. I had my first exciting Spring break in the SoCal area.

5. I interacted so much more on twitter.

6. I began a google+ account.

7. It was this year that I learned how to drive on the freeway.

8. I made a Stumbleupon account and it has introduced me to some good reads or websites of interest.

9. I realized that I like editing movies, audio, or writing. And, want to gain more experience in final cut pro, HTML, and all those other good stuff.

10.I had Shingles.

11. I was so close to getting a Iphone. But, glad that I bought a new phone with much less limitations than the one I had before.

12. I believe I finished my major in Asian American Studies and my minor in Native American Studies. Now, I just have my History major to finish during the summer :)!

My favorite snacks

I am a university student. There have been times in my university career that I have snacked too often. Sometimes a snack was my meal. But, usually when I do snack, I snack on my favorites.

In no particular order, my favorite snacks include:

1. CHEEZ-IT
I love these crackers not because they taste like cheese, but also its fun to eat. I think my favorite flavor of CHEEZ-IT is Parmesan. 

2. Sunflower seeds
Its healthy. I like opening up sunflower seeds. The ones that are already open do not taste the same and certainly does not provide you the same experience. The only problem with it is that I sometimes make a mess because the seeds occasionally end up on the ground instead of the bowl.

3. Chips
I often have a hard time choosing between Lays or Ruffles. I usually base my decision on my craving or whichever is on sale. I like the flavors sour cream & onion and ranch. Pringles have always been fun to eat since its less messy and heyy its eating chips that are organized in a can! Ever since I was young I loved the pizza flavor.

4. Cookies
Instead of buying coffee at Starbucks or whatever coffee shop I happened to stop buy at I buy desserts, newspapers, or hot chocolate. Cookie is the most likely item I would get for dessert. My favorite flavors are chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, and shortbread. I like those cookies that are the same size as the Uncle Jr. Cookies and those usually end up tasting better for some reason. Cookies are usually a dollar or over. I think the best cheapest cookie that I found was a $1 at Village Bakery. Years ago, I remembered this coffee shop sold the most delicious shortbread cookies and I loved them and they stopped selling them :(.

5. Apples
I prefer apples that are a solid color--either red or green. I think those taste better although I am finding myself to like the mixed colors more. Eating a apple is a fun experience because I usually start with the intention of finishing the whole thing. While I am biting into them I think "hmmm or ommm" and plan out my next bites. 

6. Oranges
Those small oranges that you can easily peel are great. Their easy to open and oranges allows you to do something with your hands. And, oranges are a yummy substitute for water when you feel thirsty and want to bite on something instead.

7. Pretzels
I like both the soft and hard ones. I have the hard, small ones the most because they are the ones that are usually sold in stores.This year, I found out that they sell the soft pretzels inside one of the mini shops in the MU and I became very excited. The hard, small ones are pretty fun to eat because I look at it and think which part I should bite first, next, and repeat.

8. Candy
Snickers, Twix and Dove bars are candies that I have bought when I felt hungry in between classes. Those bars have provided me with energy and with good chocolate and unique taste that each bar is made for. They also have chocolate in those bars.

9. Peanuts
The small size easily makes it snackable and its a healthy selection. I like the flavor of it and I do not mind tasting it over and over.

10. Muffins
I just find it nurturing to have a muffin with milk every once in a while. Since I like chocolate, I would most likely choose that flavor. During my second year of university, one of my housemates introduced me to poppy seed muffins and because of that I try those every once in a while.

Top Ten Reasons for My Procastination

Finals week is coming up. Yet, I havent moved out of my chair out to be academically productive. So, I am just going to list reasons why I am procrastinating. Some of them are damn right silly. Others make sense. In other words, its my excuses.

1. I dont have a exam until Tuesday.
2. Its Saturday morning.
3. Im too full.
4. I still have time to do it.
5. Im not in the studying mood.
6. It doesnt look too appealing.
7. When you save room to relax, you will think better later.
8. You have to do other things in life, rather than school.
9. I already handled 10 weeks of the quarter. Why not relax for a day?
10. I am getting sleepy. Really sleepy.

I know I am making these excuses now. But, I will get studying and work done before finals. This is just to humor myself and encourage myself to get work done sooner than usual.

If I dont find a job right after college.

Ever since I learned that I am living in a time period where jobs are hard to go by, I am thinking of ways to make myself more competitive and secure once I graduate. Although I will still apply for jobs, my status as unemployed allows room for me to expand my resume and go on with other tasks.

If I dont get a job I will...

1.Learn how to be a bartender.
2.Take classes at community college or maybe even online?
3.Take on a internship.
4.Find a graduate program of interest and apply.
5.Apply to get on a reality show!
6.Go on a vacation.
7.Learn how to play the piano or other instrument.
8.Develop a weirdly useful hobby.
9.Write and finish a book!
10.Volunteer more in the community
11.Be part a advisory or local board.
12. Learn CPR.
13. Learn how to work Adobe Creative Suite.
14. Learn how to navigate Final Cut Pro.
15. Learn HTML, CSS.

I think more will be added once I think of them.

Bon appétit

I was been previewing a couple of restaurants, bakery, and other food places in Sacramento that are reviewed by people on Yelp. I would like to visit the popular ones that seem very appetizing to me and I plan to visit all of them by the end of my summer break. Ah, summer is going to be so fun and yummy. Although I am numbering the places that I want to go they are not marked in priority or how they could fulfill my appetite. I also think that going to these different restaurants in my area will help me be more familiar with what Sacramento or Elk Grove can offer.

1. Ettore's European Bakery & Restaurant (went!)
2. French Toast at Tower Cafe (tried!)
3. Java Time Donuts (not yet!)
4. Le Croissant Factory (not yet!)
5. Five Guys (been there!)

LA/Irvine Plans

So, My friend sent me this list (in bold) that she had planned since I was coming down to La. She is very well organized and I am glad she thought of wonderful things for us to do while I was there. She definitely made my time there enjoyable and memorable. I also made some comments on what had actually happened.

Thursday, March 17
- Alice Arrives @ 440
I arrived a little later than that since my flight was delayed, but still ended up in LAX before 5pm.
 - Get to UCLA around 530. 
I actually arrived around 6pm because of the traffic.
- Eat with Alice (swipe her at dining hall)
I am glad that I had the opportunity to visit the dining halls. It was similar to the ones in Davis in some many ways. It was buffet style and had similar menu selections. Oh, and they offer mint or candies on the way out along with dessert.
- Walk around Westwood if not too tired or UCLA campus
We walked around and there were more people around the campus at night then I thought it would be. I also recorded parts of my tour around the campus, but I think it is too dark to show.

Friday, March 18
- Take bus to Koreatown (should be ~35 cents one way)
We ended up by the daily pass for $6 to go to Castle BBQ. I think it was about a 45 minute ride.

- Go eat Korean BBQ ($10)
We waited a long time to get inside. There was a selection of the 9.99 deal, 12.99?, and 14.99?. We choose the 14.99 one because it had more selections. I also learned that I do not like bbq chicken as much as bbq beef.
- Green Tea Shaved Ice @ Mr. Coffee's
Yes, and it was good. But, it was too much for me to handle. I usually ordered myself a mini or tiny portion of yogurt. And, I devour my sweets slowly for satisfaction.
- Walk around K-town & explore
We did this while walking to Mr. Coffee's and to the bus stop.



Saturday, March 19
- Go to Santa Monica Pier/beach (must get funnel cake, ride on ferris wheel if enough time $5, or roller coaster $5 or water ride $5--choose one)
We did go to the Pier and beach. We ended up eating McDonalds. Afterwards, we walked around the Promenade. Ended up watching The Lincoln Lawyer. We also ate at Wolfgang Puck Express and had Pinkberry for dessert.
- Shopping area
@ the Promenade there were many different shops and restaurants

- Venice Beach
did not end up going because there was not enough time



Sunday, March 20
- Go to Hollywood to walk around
-It rained the entire day, so we ended up ordering pizza at La Monica's. It was pepproni and sausage flavor.

- Pack for Irvine
Yes.


Monday, March 21
- Head to Irvine ($0.35 one bus, transfer to another bus $0.35, then $11 train to irvine + $2.50 for bus to UCI)
Nope, Crystal was nice of us to drive us. She also took us to Half&Half and a restaurant.
- Meet Shan
Yes.

- Walk around UCI area?
Yes.


Tuesday, March 22
- Beach
visited a portion of the beach, and fashion island, a plaza
- What is there to do in Irvine Shan?? Take over from here


Wednesday, March 23
-played ping pong, table hockey and explore the campus

-tried Le Dip, which was delicious.


Thursday, March 24
 -helped Shan pack up and she left for LV

-met Karissa, Diana, and Meagan. toured around UCI and went to 85C bakery and took sticky pics. also, had lunch at tofu house.

-went back to LA


Friday, March 25
- Head back to LA
Already back at LA. Ended up going to Hollywood. Came back and checked out the supermarkets in the area for cup noodles. Bought dinner and drinks for later so we dont have to go out in case it rained.


Saturday, March 26
- Alice leaves

Yes.

Things to do during the Summer

This is a list of things I can do during the summer if I ever find myself bored or wanting to do something fulfilling.

1.Choose atleast one written type of source to document what your summer experience. It could be through online blogsites, journal, diary, or a saved document. In addition, be sure to take a picture of anything and write about it or make a note even if it is the most random thing. Make a Summer Scrapbook & collage.
2. Look at pictures taken from the digital camera and old cameras and do something with them. Do a collage, poster, or something creative.
3. Choose one of the summer challenge/wellness goals.
4. Post atleast one freelance writing.
5. Pick 5 careers you see yourself doing. Eliminate three and describe why you sticked with those. Start looking for jobs that lead to those careers and how to prepare for them after graduation.
6. Apply or start working/interning.
7. Pick a topic that you are interested and become a master in it.
8. Learn how to play any kind of instrument.
9. Go see a play.
10. Visit a museum.

11. Try to go to a festival or a concert.

12. Watch the sunrise and sunset.
13. Go to a midnight screening of a movie.
14. Sketch something that you randomly admire.
15. Read a book that a friend recommends.
16. Learn how to put make up on and to not fear it.
17. Participate or make a scavenger hunt.
18. Do a Marathon of some sort. Game, Movies, etc.
19. Have a bubble bath.
20. Write a thank you letter or "thing" to atleast 3 people or organizations you appreciate in life.
21. Do something you have always underminded yourself in and prove yourself wrong.
22. Make a portfolio for college freshman, sophomore, and junior year!!