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By kilax, February 28, 2009 8:21 am

I love Target for inexpensive “I’m in between sizes” clothing. A lot of my work pants are too big now (and the one pair that fits has a hole that needs to be fixed) and some tops are as well. I would love to go drop the cash at Banana Republic and buy the pants I really want (hello, Martin fit), but what is the point when I am losing weight?

I noticed something funny yesterday when I was trying on tops – everything I tried on was either teal or a ruby shade! I guess jewel tones are in!

Has anyone else noticed this? An abundance of emerald green, amethyst purple, ruby red, topaz yellow, sapphire blue, turquoise blue, and tourmaline green (color descriptions taken from here)? It seems that I read about these shades in one of my magazines… of course now, I don’t recall which.

These photos don’t do the tops justice – trust me, they’re cute. And what is the deal with the Target models? Are they not allowed a full head?

Is anyone else trying out the jewel tones?

I sure am! I just hope I can still wear my plum and mustard clothing. I invested quite a bit in plum, and have even been rockin’ a mustard top (although a timid one) lately.

Click here to read about another blogger who loves jewel tones! Oh, and after watching Star Trek: The Next Generation with Steven last night, I realized their uniforms are jewel-toned as well. Ha ha.

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By kilax, February 27, 2009 7:16 am

Has your favorite store ever stopped carrying one of your favorite items? What was the item? What did you do when they stopped carrying it?

I ask, because this seems to happen to us ALL THE TIME. We do the bulk of our grocery and non-grocery shopping at Target, and they seem to be a bit inconsistent with the items they stock. We’ll try something new, fall in love with it, buy it for 6 months or so… then it’s just gone one day.

They’ve gotten a little better, but I think what we have been dreading is true – they are no longer carrying the Nueva Cocina Mexican Rice Mix – something that has become a staple in our “Mexican” dinner nights.

At first, the shelf for the rice was empty, but the tag was still there. So we figured they just needed to stock it. But then, we kept checking for a month or two, and it was never stocked. Then last time, the tag was gone.

We’re pretty upset..

How silly, right? Why don’t we try something else, or even try to make it ourselves? I’m sure we will resort to that if we must. It’s just that when you buy a product, and you really start to love it, you hate to replace it.

For now, we’ll probably search a few other grocery stores, or maybe even buy it on amazon (which seems very, very strange to me).

Update: I just got back from shopping at Target, and guess what? They stopped carrying our favorite stick margarine, Imperial. I wonder what Steven will say about this… Oh, and P.S. I stopped at two other grocery stores and didn’t find our rice mix. Wah!

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By kilax, February 26, 2009 6:25 pm

I was at the office print center this morning, and they had a glass candy bowl filled with yummy treats.

I looked down at it, and my eyes fixated on the one piece of chocolate in it – a Milky Way Midnight Mini.

I picked it up and held it in my hand. I thought, “I will go put this in my desk drawer – then I can have it as a small treat this afternoon!”

Then I remembered. Was it not just yesterday that I said I would try to cut back on sugar?

Jeez. This may be harder than I thought.

Luckily, I remembered my new goal, and put it back in the bowl. Then I felt something strange – a sense of relief. Relief that I can now walk around the office and ignore ALL of the candy bowls, because I am going to try not to eat any sugary treats.

The relief feels pretty good.

Comments (13)

By kilax, February 25, 2009 5:53 pm

I religiously (ha) avoid discussing religion on my blog. But, on a day like Ash Wednesday, it’s something that’s hard to ignore. Even if you know nothing about the meaning of the day, you are bound to bump into someone on the street with ashes and wonder a little bit.

I don’t feel like I have a strong religious background. I was baptized in a Catholic Church and attended mass quite a bit with my family when I was younger. I went to “CCD” on Wednesday nights through most of my childhood. But after I started high school, I lessened my attendance of organized religious services. I had a few bouts here and there where I attended mass, but it never stuck. I usually enjoyed the message, but felt out of place. As I’ve learned more about religion as I gotten older, I think I can closely relate to many religion’s principles, but maybe Buddhism the most.

Anyway. I’ve always admired the concept of Lent. Traditional practices during Lent include prayer, fasting (food and festivities), and goodwill towards neighbors (volunteering, etc.) The fast reflects on “the forty days Jesus spent in the desert, during which he endured temptation by Satan.” Fasting begins on Ash Wednesday (today), and lasts until Easter Sunday (April 12th). The six Sundays in Lent are not counted towards the forty days, as they represent a “Mini-Easter.” (Thanks for all the info wikipedia!)

I truly believe that the practice of fasting, along with giving up other non-food luxuries, can be a healthy reminder of our good fortune and blessings. It can be used as a time to reflect upon who we really want to be – as an individual, spouse, friend, neighbor, coworker, citizen, etc. Ideally, we would focus on these things ALL YEAR LONG, but the truth is, we don’t. We get comfortable and we take things for granted – whether that be our supply of food, a good friend’s companionship, job security, our health, etc.

I suspect that now, with the state of the economy, people are reflecting on their fortune and luxuries a bit more than they had before. People are naturally cutting back. I feel like we are. The “bad” economy has not affected us directly, but we are conscious of it. So why not use that as a start to fully engage in a self-examination? What luxuries do we have in our lives? Which could we give up, or cut back on?

I think many of the tangible things I take for granted on a daily basis could be considered luxuries – owning our own home, owning two (running) cars, owning a treadmill, owning multiple high-priced electronic items, owning a laptop, having enough food in the house that I can overeat, and so on.

And there are non-tangible things I take for granted – having a full-time well-paying job, the physical ability to work out, my marriage, my relationship with my family, the right to speak my mind, the good will of my neighbors, and so on.

What actions can I take to be more appreciative? What could I cut back on in my life, that would allow me to be a better person to myself, and also to my friends/family and community?

Realistically, I could give up:

• Sugary Treats. Kevin is giving up sugar – but has the same partial reasoning behind it as me – it might boost some weight loss. Would giving up sugary sweets be a real sacrifice to me, or would it be selfish? I have a definite sweet tooth that causes me to seek out a sweet treat almost once a day… how would refusing that urge better me? Would it teach me to be grateful?
• Swearing/Gossip/Negative Talk. I don’t think this is always 100% possible, but I think I could be making a lot greater effort than I am.
• Spending money on frivolous items. Every once in awhile, I get the urge to read a new book, or magazine, even though I have plenty of them at home. It’s an indulgence and a waste of money.
• Dining out. Cut back to 2 nights a week (one being Subway before fencing) and 1 lunch throughout the week. This one may be difficult. I would have to be prepared by always having something to eat with me.
• Blogging. I wouldn’t stop blogging, but cut back on the amount of time I spend reading blogs and possibly, writing for mine. Would this be beneficial, or detrimental? I find blogging and reading blogs therapeutic and an aid to my well-being. I can at least monitor the hours spent on it.

Actions to better myself, my relationships, and my impact on society:

• Be a better listener
• Volunteer
• Have more patience
• Call family/friends more often
• Focus on meaningful communication

(What am I missing, from either list?)

I think I would like to give this a try. I think I could use some betterment, and reflection right now, especially when it comes to the second list. I spend a lot of time thinking about my own goals… about my life. I feel that I am a thoughtful and considerate person, but I could MAKE THE EFFORT to become more involved with other people.

Maybe I will end up writing some progress reports on this experiment. Or at least a summary in the end.

I hope I conveyed all of this in the most respectful manner possible.

Side note: Jen has some interesting input on the topic.

Comments (12)

By kilax, February 25, 2009 12:30 pm

Awhile ago, I wrote about how happy I was to see a happy animal story in the paper.

This is the kind of article that made me say that. Toni Fedor had her boyfriend watch her dog while she went to work in 2007. When she came home, her dog was so severely beaten that he lost an eye. On Monday, the ex-boyfriend was sentenced to 10 days in jail, along with a two year probation, a psychological evaluation, and 150 hours of community service. He also had to pay $1500 to cover veterinary expenses.

Ten days in jail seems like a very lenient sentence to me (And oh, why is this being settled over a year later?). But Fedor is quoted in the story as saying, “I feel like it’s a punishment that fits the crime.” Does that mean she is satisfied with this minimal sentence?

Think if that was YOUR pet. YOUR dog. YOUR cat. YOUR bird. YOUR ferret. YOUR rabbit. YOUR whatever. I know animals are not the same as people. I am not crazy. But when you have a pet, they FEEL like family.

Ten days in jail is not the appropriate sentence for hurting a family member like that. Especially a small, defenseless family member.

People who hurt animals are likely to go on and hurt PEOPLE. Many studies back this up. I think the boyfriend deserves a bit more time in jail, and a little bit more than a psychological evaluation.

And this guy (scroll to bottom), who kicked a cat so hard that it had to be euthanized? I hope he does get the full three years in prison.

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By kilax, February 25, 2009 5:50 am

• I’m awake on the train ride to work and read the paper
• No one gets in my way on the walk to work
• I ride the elevator alone on the way up to my floor
• There’s no wait at the microwave to make my oatmeal
• No emails/phone messages at my desk
• My pants and shirt are hole-free (unlike yesterday…)

Hmm, makes me seem a bit anti-social, but that’s how like I like to start my day.

What’s your perfect start to the day?

I have a lot on my mind lately. There are some other things I want to post about, but I am going to split the topics up into two scheduled posts later today. I hate to bombard your reader, but I don’t want my topics to get lost in a “bullet list of topics” post.

Comments (11)

By kilax, February 24, 2009 5:28 am

Now I match my husband.

Battle wounds! I love bruises!!!

The giggling instigator was absent from fencing, and Steven was with a group of guys with smaller egos, giving actual constructive criticism to one another, so this week went much better.

I was in a group with three other women, and Tony, one of the experienced players. He beat everyone, 5-0. All along, I’ve been wondering why people are apologizing to one another when they stab them. I mean, that’s the game, right? How much could it hurt? Well, Tony hit me so hard on my right arm that he immediately apologized, and I immediately felt a stinging pain, like I couldn’t keep going. But he had to score one more point to beat me. Ha. He lunged so hard at me when he hit me, his sword bent into a huge curve. There was so much force behind the hit… I want to hit like that!

I almost redeemed myself against Tony in the final match, 5-4, but that was definitely luck. I felt a bit off tonight. I want to spend more time practicing the basics, but our instructor just wants us to fence in little tournaments against one another. And I didn’t see the instructor giving any feedback last night. I am not sure what he was doing. Tony gave me some good pointers though – protect my arm behind my bell guard, keep my right foot pointed forward, always have your sword straight out in front of you, etc.

Are you sick of reading about fencing? Well, you’re in luck – we don’t have fencing class next Monday! So you all get a break. Sorry, no break from running posts though. That is just my life.

Since we don’t have class, I am going to practice with Data next week. Maybe that will help him release some of his pent-up energy.

En garde Data! Muah ha ha!

Comments (14)

By kilax, February 23, 2009 5:30 am

Yesterday was my first 5K of the year – the Round Lake Frosty Footrace. Proceeds from the race benefit future senior fitness programs at the Round Lake Area Sports Center.

It was under 20° F so I wore my silly Under Armour Hood.

My running partner had a 6-mile run later in the day, so I ran with Christina (Aguilera) and Fergie (from her BEP days) instead. Running with music really keep me pumped up, but I had to be careful of singing out loud along with the songs – not because of my awful singing voice, but because it would get me out of breath!

It was fun to get back out and do a race with the running community. I forgot how exhilarating it is. I hope I can fit a few more races in before the half marathon.

Doing the robot as I sprint to the finish line.

My finish time was 27:53. Apparently, that was good enough to get me first place for my age group (19-24). I remembered to stay for the awards ceremony this time.

My makeup was a bit runny at that point.

When I ran my first 5K, it was a very big deal for me (link at the very bottom of this page). I felt like I trained forever. I even made my parents and sister come watch us race.  Afterward, we went out to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant – El Famous Burrito. I ate a huge burrito and a big plate of chips, thinking “I deserve this! I worked my butt off!”

I laugh when I think about that now. It WAS a big deal, but I did not deserve the feast I gave myself. Let me explain – I thought running a 5K meant I could go eat whatever I wanted for the rest of the day. But now, 3 miles is a low mileage run for me. I run it, then go to bed, without eating anything to “re-fuel.” I don’t need to! I guess what I am trying to say is, it’s neat that I’ve gained some endurance. That doesn’t mean the race today was super easy, but it definitely was on the light side.

Funny side note: we saw two people from our fencing class at the race! Now I will know their excuse if they are sluggish tonight! Hee hee.

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By kilax, February 22, 2009 8:04 am

(See previous versions of Data’s World on the “Photos” page – 1, 2, 3 and 4.)

Data’s been a little sh!tbox since we arrive home from Colorado on Monday.

We walked in the door and he didn’t even say hello. Now, I know this is typical for many cats, but not for Data. He is always purry and happy to see us when we get home (i.e. he wants to be fed).

Since then, he’s been running around like he OWNS the house. Like we just happen to be people who stay here from time to time.

Every night, he waits until I am walking away from him, then he runs up behind me and jumps on my bare legs to bite me.

On Friday night, I was laying in the bed taking photos of Steven’s awesome bruises (that’s just how weird I am), when Data jumped up onto the bed, bit my arm, then grabbed the camera cord with his teeth and ran away with it. I had to laugh, but also wondered what his deal was. And of course, this was after he got in trouble for getting into Steven’s closet and knocking everything down off of his shelves.

And as always, he always wants me to be awake. Besides waking me up early in the morning, he tries to wake me up even if I am taking a nap. Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to have the free time to take a nap, but couldn’t enjoy it, because someone (not Steven) was purring and meowing in my ear the whole time.

Conclusion: My neighbors are too nice. They visited Data at least 5 times while we were gone for 4 days. THEY are the ones spoiling him. (Ha ha).

No, really. We always miss Data when we travel and look forward to how sweet he is when we come home (sweet because he misses us so much). But now that people are coming over to take care of him, it’s not such a big deal for him anymore. I am happy our neighbors are generous enough to come over and fed him, play with him, leave us notes about how he was doing.. and leave us cookies too! I just need to understand that he won’t be as sweet when we get home, because he wasn’t as lonely.

And yeah, and probably wouldn’t kill me to play with him a bit more each night so he isn’t runing up after me and attacking  me, in his attempt to play.

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By kilax, February 21, 2009 11:25 pm

We had our fourth fencing class last Monday. The professor was gone, so we just did a full hour and a half of open fencing. We were split into two groups – men and women.

Steven and I both noticed distinct characteristics about our groups that annoyed us a bit. Of the 6 women in my group, 3 were not taking the class very seriously. Yes, I am there to have fun, but they were giggling and calling out at each other while they were fencing. Then, when they would judge, they wouldn’t really pay attention to what was going on. When one fencer hits the other, the judge is supposed to say “halt.” Well, if you are screwing around, you might forget to do that. And as amateur fencers, we are just going to keep going, because we are not sure if we are getting direct hits or not. So… that was frustrating.

But, while fencing the other giggling women, I was able to pick up on some things I need to improve on – mainly my focus. A lot of people are still just blindly jabbing at one another, not strategizing much, or even paying attention to the opponent’s moves. I realized this early on, and spent the rest of the night really focusing on what my opponent was doing, rather than just trying to move in fast and stab them.

Steven had a different annoyance than I did. Apparently, some of this fellow male fencers have an inflated ego, and spent all of their time between matches talking up their “skills” and “style.” These students are at the same level as us – beginners, only four classes. So the only word that could describe their style would be “sloppy.” Of course, that is just talk, but it was still annoying Steven a bit (I know it would bother ME).

And apparently, some of the men are being very competitive, and making it a lot less fun. Fencing is a “gentleman’s sport” – you’re expected to show courtesy to your fellow fencer – saluting them with your sword, shaking their hand, etc. Well, everyone is doing that (I think), but some people are letting the wining get to their heads. Steven said one advanced player beat another advanced player and was doing fist pumps in the air for almost a minute. Just being around him made Steven feel uncomfortable because he knew this guy was so full of himself.

I understand competition. I understand wanting to win. I do have a tendency to turn into a competitive ass from time to time. But some people just take it TOO FAR. They make EVERYTHING into a competition. Everything in life. You know these people. You’re talking to them about a goal or accomplishment you made, and all of a sudden, it becomes a competition about how they compare to you. I find this petty. And pointless.

Anyway, on Monday night, Steven wasn’t really feeling up to fencing class because he was so sore from skiing (he still has bruises covering most of his legs!). I tried to be encouraging, telling him just to take it easy and focus on the footwork and moves the professor taught us.

After class, he came up to me and showed me this:

A photo of Steven’s arm the night he got hit.

So, besides the bruises from skiing, he now has some new ones from fencing – this huge scrape on his arm, as well as another inside his elbow, and more bruises on his legs. He looks like he got into a serious fight. Or something.