True Life: I'm a Professional Radio Contest Winner

I don't know if winning radio contests is considered a profession, but if it were, I would totally win a gold medal.

In the past 2 years, I have won 12 radio contests.  I listen to the radio a lot since I'm in my car roughly 3 hours a day commuting to and from work.  The prizes I have won have ranged from small things like a t-shirt to bigger things like front-row concert tickets and even an emerald ring!

The key is: timing. Usually, radio DJs will announce beforehand what time a contest is scheduled, so I usually start dialing a few minutes before the scheduled time. There is 45-second to 2-minute delay on the radio (longer if you're listening to the station online), so it definitely gives you the upper hand if you start calling earlier. Also, I have the phone number to 5 different radio stations programmed into my phone (all part of my speed dials), and that totally helps because I don't have to manually dial or search through my contacts each time I'm ready to call.

I was really into winning prizes last year, but after winning front row seats to a Brad Paisley concert that he eventually cancelled, I was bummed and decided to take a break from entering contests.

Until today!

Our local Top 40 station, Movin' 99.7, has been giving out tickets for Lady Gaga's concert all week long.  Ever morning they have a "celebrity trash" segment where they discuss the latest news about our favorite stars, but this time, they announced that after the break they would be giving out tickets to the Lady Gaga concert to the first listener able to correctly answer a trivia question based on the celebrity trash they just went over. 

After the break, they went straight into a song, so I waited until the last chorus before dialing the number.  The phone started ringing, but I didn't even know what the trivia question was at this point!! I was super nervous that they would answer and I wouldn't have anything to say.  Then, the DJs came back on the air at the same time as someone picked up my line!  I had to say something before they hung up on me, so I said, "Hello! I'd like to answer the trivia question" as slowly as I possibly could while simutaneously trying to listen to the radio.  The DJ on the radio finally said, "Which reality star makes $250,000 an epis...." and that's all I needed to know the answer:

KATE GOSSELIN!

The lady on the line told me I was right and that I won the tickets!!! Woohooo!!! 

source

I'm not a huge Gaga fan, but I do like her super catchy songs and think her concert will be ah-maz-ing!

What was the latest thing you won?

Genentech Gives Back

The hubs works at a great company - actually, a FANTASTIC company.

They've been on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work list for 12 consecutive years and even made the #1 spot in 2006. Most importantly though, Genentech makes breakthrough medicines that has helped millions of patients worldwide. They truly care about helping people and appreciating the people and employees who have helped make Genentech the company they are today.

Hubs has been working at Genentech since he graduated college 5 years ago, so I have been very priviledged to reap the benefits of being his +1 at every event. They throw these awesome holiday parties every year complete with casinos, ice skating rink, ferris wheel, unlimited food and drinks, multiple live bands, and fantabulous themed decor... every year they seem to find ways to outdo themselves. If that isn't enough, from time to time, they throw concerts for employees and guests, to show their appreciation for the hard work they put in. Previous performers include: Sir Elton John, The Eagles, Mary J Blige, Matchbox 20, and Black Eyed Peas.

So, it was no surprise when Matthew told me about an upcoming concert Genentech was putting together, that we were in for another amazing time.

The concert was held at the home of the San Francisco Giants, AT&T Ballpark. The entire ballpark was shut down just for their company. When they have their holiday parties there, it's so awesome. Some people only dream about getting to walk on the field and hang out in the bullpen -- I've had the privilege of doing that 3 times!

This concert was no exception. There were free concessions everywhere!! Matthew and I felt like little kids in a candy store:

Yes, that's me with beer in my right hand, wine hanging from my mouth, cotton candy, licorice rope and a hot dog in my left hand! What can I say - I'm a lady. Hey, if they say something is FREE I am going to take advantage.

Unlimited alcohol, chicken fingers, garlic fries, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream sandwiches, and anything else you can think of. I was too busy chowing down, I almost forgot there were actual performances scheduled...

First up: Natasha Beddingfield:


She was great and super beautiful in person.

It got way too crowded standing in the front. People kept pusing and shoving to get closer to the stage, so we moved to a more spacious location for The Fray and The Counting Crows:

We had a fab time that day... Thanks, Genentech!