Dance and exercises classes for new participants

I am a huge fan of Craigslist! I've had such success from finding roommates to a job, to even selling my Grandma's ancient juicer for 80 bucks; Craigslist has yet to let me down.

Over my winter break, between getting my celeb gossip on TheSuperficial.com and looking at my ever-so-low bank account funds, I browsed Craigslist more than usual and went to the Community section and limited the search to classes. Know what I found? Many dance and exercise studios offer a free class to first timers. I already took a boxing class for free online. Unfortunately it was too hardcore for me so I didn't go back, but I got a good workout that kept me aching for days.

Take advantage of free exercise and dance classes.

Check out the sea lions in Santa Cruz

My friend Ashley and I were in Santa Cruz this weekend for a concert and decided to stroll down the SC pier. What do we hear? Sea lions. A lot of sea lions. They're such funny creatures. They were all sleeping on top of each other and simply being lazy. Then, when one decided nap time was over, they'd shimmy over the top of the others. This did not fly with a select few who began barking and snapping at the one that disturbed their sleep. Very entertaining, at least for a few minutes.

To find out more about the wharf in Santa Cruz click here.

What's The Big Idea? Night Party

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in downtown San Francisco is having a big party on January 31st. Free admission, free pizza, free Honest Tea, live music, palm readings, tarot cards, cash cocktail bar, and more! The YBCA Grand Lobby and Galleries is located at 701 Mission Street. Party goes from 9-midnight.

RSVP to get in early by clicking here.

Check out the YBCA web site for more info.

The story behind the party:

YBCA looks to artists for compelling new works that pose questions and inspire exploration. As common themes arise between these works, YBCA then identifies the year’s Big Ideas. YBCA’s free What the Big Idea? Parties bring San Francisco together to celebrate artistic innovation through dancing, art making, music, food and drink. -- YBCA web site

Try yoga and pilates

Reformation Studio in San Jose is hosting their Community Week right now with free yoga and pilates classes through Saturday, January 24. This is a really good deal (the drop-in fee for a class is usually $18). Only 2 days left of the promotion; take advantage of it.

The studio has been voted "Best Pilates & Yoga Studio in Silicon Valley" by Metro Newspaper.

Reformation Studio is located at 33 Las Colinas Lane off of 85-S in south San Jose.

Donate blood

If you can handle needles and are physically healthy, giving blood is truly a gift that you can give to others.

I've gone twice now and have been rejected twice because I don't have enough iron. However, I am not going to give up! The Red Cross website says that most people that are turned down to donate blood are turned down because of temporary reasons, like not enough iron, sometimes due to what you've had to eat the last few days.

Giving blood is also VERY safe. The needles and bags are never re-used. The staff asks you questions but are all kept confidential.

Plus, I've noticed everyone is so friendly! If you're having a bad day and need to be around happy people, go give blood and chat it up with the receptionist. She'll probably ask if you'd like some water. They're so nice.

Go to Givelife.org to find a location near you.

Volunteer for something you feel passionately about

It's free for you, you help others, and it's one more thing to add to your resume. In this kind of economy, anything that sets you apart from other applicants will be your key to getting that interview.

When I was going to school in Santa Barbara, there was a volunteer organization called Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter (B.U.N.S.), which cares for abandoned rabbits that I worked at with a friend. I love animals, but there was no way I could have a pet, let alone a bunny in Isla Vista, a college party town. In order to get my pet 'fix', I helped out once a week and cleaned cages, let the bunnies out to play, feed them, and of course cuddle them! Not only did I LOVE hanging out with the bunnies, but I also helped for the sake of helping. Whether you want to find your own bunny shelter or maybe help at a local food bank, volunteers are almost always welcome.

Some suggestions:

• Craigslist has a volunteers section under 'Community'
• Second Harvest Foodbank
• Project Open Hand
• SPCA
• The Red Cross
• American Cancer Society
• Meals on Wheels
  
• Senior Centers
• Upcoming film festivals
• Libraries
• Hospitals
• Volunteer opportunities in San Jose
  

Hiking is free (Surprised?)

California has some amazing hiking spots, especially in the Bay Area. If you do a search on Google, you can find lists of hiking areas around the Bay and in the Santa Cruz mountains.

The last hike I went on was a few months ago on Montara Ridge in Pacifica, but I actually hope to get a hike in more often this spring and get a little adventurous on the trails I choose. Going to the gym and hitting the elliptical just doesn't compare to good old-fashioned hike.

In the great out doors, you can:

+ strengthen in your leg muscles
+ enjoy the scenery
+ it can be a fun date
+ have a relaxing day away from cars and work
+ get exercise
+ explore
+ take beautiful pictures

Did you know that there are hiking clubs and groups? Craigslist posts often offer hikers looking for hiking buddies so if you can't drag some of your friends along, try finding a club or group.

A fellow classmate in my fall new media class created a blog about hiking areas in the east bay. Feel free to visit his blog, Trailblazers.

Take your dog for a walk at Ocean Beach

Every Saturday at 10am, dog owners bring their furry friends to Ocean Beach in San Francisco to get some exercise and have some fun.

ForTheDogs.net is the online headquarter for the dog owners. They indicate their is no need to register or reply that you are coming, just show up and follow their rules.

The dog walkers ask that if you would like to come walk with them, that you follow the guidelines they've established:

* No commercial interests - no selling or promoting.

* Healthy dogs under 20 lbs. (if you also have a big dog, only bring the small one)
* any breed or mix of breeds
* dogs that go off-leash
* gentle dogs that are NEVER aggressive toward other dogs or people
* fixed and non-fixed dogs (but no females during their heat)
* dogs that don't bark incessantly at people or other dogs
* dogs that aren't obsessed with humping (other dogs or people)

* No aggressive behavior.
* No leashes (no exceptions!).
* No treats, balls, or toys.
* No poop left behind.
* Be considerate of people - especially kids (e.g., keep dogs away from picnics, off blankets & towels, and away from kids & sandcastles).
* Share the beach wisely with big dogs.
* Please keep walking.
* Keep an eye on your dog(s). We haven't lost any dogs, but they do get separated from their people in the big crowd, which makes them very uneasy... sometimes causes panic (for the dogs and the people).
* Keep an eye on all of our little creatures. Some are new at being off-leash or in a crowd and need extra attention.
* Just down-to-earth dog play. If you're a dog expert of some kind, please come but don't wear your "expert" hat.

It's always nice to have a change of scenery and walking your dog at Ocean Beach might be a little different to your normal route. You'll meet other dog lovers and get a walk in while your pet plays.

For more information, go to www.ForTheDogs.net

Does a good time require money?

Good question. Not necessarily. However, it takes two to tango, and that means I need your cooperation. If you want a completely FREE day of activities, unless you've got a great pair of tennis shoes, you'll be doing a lot of walking to get around. If you think smart, plan ahead, and think environmental, traveling will be the easy part. Examples:

• Take the bus. For San Jose State Students, we get a VTA sticker for our IDs to ride for free on the buses and Light Rail.
• In San Francisco, MUNI has transfers. The first ride will cost you, but the transfer is your golden ticket for a free ride.
  
• If you know a friend or family member that drives around the bay for work or family, maybe they'll give you a lift if it's on their way.
• Spare the Air was on June 18, 2008. Keep an eye out for 2009.
• Buy a bicycle! Now it's not likely you'll find a free bike, but if you invest in one now, think of all the sweet rides you'll be able to take: priceless.

I've thrown out some suggestions on transportation. Now it's time for me to do some FREE hunting.