Fun Can Be Free in NYC

I burned thru my spending money early this summer. After doing a little cash flow analysis, I have very little spending money.  I'm not starving, in debit, or worried about paying my bills. Summers are my favorite season in New York City.  There's so much to do and not enough time to do it. I had no idea when I moved here that in order to maximize all the good times to be had, before summer even began, I would have to carefully plan each weekend . There are only 15 good weather weekends so if you don't plan there's a strong chance you'll miss out on a fun adventure. Also, keep in mind at least two of those weekends will be rainy/stormy.  

Activities that are a must: hiking, volleyball, biking, fishing, and river fun. 

This summer is a bit different then the previous.  I'm broke.  My challenge is to have the most kick ass summer for as cheap as possible.  I'm going for fun FREE events for the next 37 days (7/24-8/30) 
Follow me on my journey as I experience the free side of NYC.

7/31 Work Day with a little Happy Hour

Nothing like a walk in the park.  Such a beautiful sight from Sunset Park. 
Hung with the Halsted peeps at Blue Room.  Alma shared with me the most wonderful quote: "I'm a little crazy here and there, if you can't handle me at my worst then you don't deserve me at my best." Absolutely love this on so many levels.  I hung with Lizzy Lin and we said our goodbyes.  Gonna miss that girl.  Her summer break went too fast.  

7/30 Work Day

At work Rubin gave me these free fries!! Awesome and delicious!  
On the commute home I saw a group of cyclists at the bottom of the manhattan bridge with a sign that said "free beer". I waved and they laughed at the little dog in the basket.  I wanted to stop but I had two evening appointments.  A bit bummed but I'm happy business is good :-)

7/28 Hiking Fun in Peekskill NYWoke up early super sore but rolled out to breakfast.  Josh was kind enough to purchase breakfast.  Thanks man for keeping the free dream alive!  After a yummy western omelette and coffee we headed for a three hour hike.  The weather called for thunderstorms but we caught a window of pleasant weather.  It was cool under the trees, a nice break from the scorchers we've been experiencing.
Headed home on the train, $11 to get home.  (Pre budgeted for)
I had a great weekend! Only spent $36 and that was budgeted in. Win!

7/27 Beacon Volleyball Tourney & Peekskill BBQ
The tournament was pre budgeted for.  The $25 entry fee could, with a lot of hard work, be refunded and then some with a first prize victory. Things do not always work out as planned.  It wasn't the best day for me or my partner.  Many ups and downs... Such a passion for the game includes a love-hate relationship.  I love that after 19 years of playing I'm still eager to play the next game.  I hate that I can still suck at this game! ha ha 
Oh well.... my friend Josh picked me up and we had BBQ and chillaxed.  Nothing makes me happier then sitting in a backyard, drinking a beer, and smelling BBQ.  Happy Girl

7/26 Last day of the conference

Even with a bad hangover I'm determined to have fun.  I hit all the remedies to settle my queazy tummy. Took the fun train ride in and prayed I wouldn't be the person that delayed everyone's commute.  After a couple of hours of troubleshooting work stuff I headed to the conference.  I was on the agenda to give a quick 10-minute presentation for the software we developed.  Funny I had technical problems and had to ask one of the many Apple Hardware techs in the room for help.  After a machine swap I ran thru the features and benefits of ShopInformer.  Great response from the crowd and the follow up conversations I had were fantastic.  I was still feeling hungover but I hammed it up and made some great new relationships. 

Lunch was provided and I slowly headed back to the office.  No one blamed me for ending my work day at 2.  In fact I was encouraged to go home early....one problem.... Still too queazy to take the train home.  So where else would I go?  Sids Bike Shop of course.  I sat in 'my' chair and chillaxed while chatting with the sids crew.  Everyone knew I was torn up from the floor up and whata know?  The new guy bought me a Tres Carne's Burrito.  After consuming the delicious brisket burrito I felt well enough to take the train home.  I had to pack for the Beacon Volleyball Tourney.  I planned a sleepover at the Zhu/Palace Casa to avoid taking a $30 car in the AM.  Always fun when zig hangs with his girlfriend Kalli.

7/25 all-day conference @ Broadway Millennium Hotel
FREE breakfast, snacks, lunch, and fancy dinner.
What a whirlwind of a day.  The conference was a blast: relationship building, informative, and fun! Highlight was dinner.  I went early with one of my vendors and business acquaintances.  We popped the yummy Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon and the drinking began.  We ate and drank for four hours.  The food poured out of the kitchen.  All the Italian goodies: arugula salad, calamari, stuffed sautéed mushrooms, chicken parm, spaghetti & meatballs, penne, sausage & peppers, shrimp, and cannoli.
The sangria pitchers were also coming from the bar with rapidity. Needless to say... I woke up with a hangover.  I spent zero dollars and had a blast! Oh and a vendor gave me $20 for cab fare! Sweet!

Ingram Micro Conference @ The Broadway Millennium Hotel 7/24
Cocktail Reception 
Why not kick this challenge off with champagne and fancy appetizers?
The opening event for the conference was a blast. I met new apple resellers and caught up with some old.  
After three glasses of bubbly and some yummy Beef Wellington I busted back to the office to grab Ziggy.  One of the drawbacks involving lack of cash is no dog walker, and my roommate is currently on crutches.  A quick fun FREE night.