Free/Cheap Stuff Rocks

One of the most excellent advantages* of funemployment is the mid- day weekday activities. Taking advantage of anything during this time can feel so leisurely. I find that the same activities, when enjoyed on the weekend, can sometimes feel rushed. Like you're participating in some Relaxation Race.

Break out the Red Bull Vodkas and start appreciating your time off, DAMN IT!

I've compiled here a (half assed) list of activities that can be especially enjoyed during sunlight hours, usually reserved for the gainfully employed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Grocery Shopping
There is practically NO ONE at the Trader Joe's on Masonic in San Francisco at 11am on Tuesdays! Total score!

Visiting Any Retail Location
According to a study I just made up in my head, retail employees are approximately 38 times more pleasant and willing to help you mid-day on a weekday than any other time of the week.

Coffee Shop Sitting
Join the ranks of the funemployed, the unemployed, the late night service industry and the "Mental Health Day" folks where a cup of coffee will cost you $1.25 (or $10.19 depending on the shop and the drink), WiFi is (often) free and the music is what you'd be listening to at home anyway. Make that cup last as long as you can, plug in, and waste a little time here.

Free Museum Days
Because as many times as you tell yourself that after work on a Tuesday is the perfect time to pop over to the MOMA to see what's new, especially 'cause it's free, let's be honest. You'll really end up working until 7:15pm, then deliriously dragging your sorry ass to the burrito shop two blocks from your apartment and plopping yourself in front of the television where you'll stop channel surfing for 5 minutes on the 20/20 story about Orgasmic Births and convince yourself that that's enough culture until the next Free Tuesday.

Links!
Now, go forth and free or cheap your way through the week!

• My favorite site for SF-specific activities is the aptly named funcheapSF.
• Flavorpill.com is great for event calendars in San Francisco, New York, LA and London. They have an easy filter for "All Free Events".

(And now for a bunch of sites I just browsed for a couple of minutes for cities I've never lived in...)

• NYC: FreeNYC
• Chicago: Metromix Chicago
  
• Philadelphia: PhillyFunGuide
  
• LA: Experience LA
  

*Vague Bill & Ted reference.
20 points if you got the reference before reading this.

Funemployment Tip of the Day:
This one time, in college, I gave away free hugs as a project for my Peace Communication class. Much like this guy, and this guy (yes, it's the guy from 30 Rock). I highly recommend it, unless you live somewhere that people might try to pick pocket you when you hug them- that would end up costing you money. It would kind of suck, actually.
You know what, never mind, just hug someone you trust. Really sink into it... hugs are GREAT!