Comments (16)

By kilax, February 17, 2014 8:46 am

Are you more likely to flock to social media to rave about something… or rant about something? Do you have a personal policy about it?

On my blog, I will get in to a rant from time to time – I even have “rants” and “raves” as post categories. I currently have a rant post drafted, titled “Why do I have to chase companies down to give them my money?!” Ha ha. And you may remember my rant about the Texas Half Marathon.

But I purposefully keep rants off of Facebook, because I think of Facebook as a place to share a glimpse as to what is going on in my life, and since I personally find most* rants to be negative and annoying, I don’t want to create that perception of myself there. I would rather write a longer post, here, to get the full rant out, than a short little “woe is me” blip on Facebook. Ha ha. I know, to each their own and everyone has a right to post what they want, and I don’t have to read it! I “hide” those super negative posts on Facebook.

I thought of this because I was reading an article in SELF called “Reel in That Social Media Rant“** (pdf here). The article says that ranting is “on the rise” because of how easy it is to storm over to Facebook or Twitter to complain about things after something happens (and get validation in the form of “likes” and comments). But the article warns that that is not a good way of dealing with your issues:

But using social media to have a public tantrum triggers others to join in with more negativity, which only adds to the frustration and contributes to an inability to face your issues head-on — and that’s a skill you need to navigate your career and life,” warns Margalis Fjelstad, Ph.D., author of Stop Caretaking the Borderline or Narcissist. Meaning you have to learn to communicate, not foot-stomp and tantrum-throw. Most of the time venting ends up making everything worse.

Ha ha. I thought that was interesting because I am normally thinking about how annoying these posts are (when there are a ton of them, anyway), NOT the fact that they do nothing toward solving the actual issue, other than make someone feel momentarily better as others relate and join in on the bitching. The article suggested three steps to help break the social media rant cycle, which I think are actually useful when reacting to any issue, whether or not you are going to put it online.

The article basically said to see the issue for what it is (don’t make it even worse), calm the eff down, and if you need to vent, make it productive. I should really follow these tips, as I tend to stress the heck out as soon as most “issues” come my way. I usually vent to Steven or my close friends though… I don’t want everything online!

Oh! And while this is not what I had in mind (I was thinking life rants, not product rants) I have heard that ranting about product issues online can be an effective way to get something fixed. I try to contact the company via phone or email, first. Just thinking about that one from a small business perspective… 

*Of course, really awful stuff happens to people and they should share as they please! I’m thinking about the small stuff, here.
**It is interesting to me that the title of the article in the hard copy of the magazine was “Reel in Your Rant.”

Comments (21)

By kilax, February 16, 2014 11:33 am

Highlight of the Week: Making run dates with friends to ensure I still got a workout in on my crazy busy downtown work days! Also… working out 6 days a week and getting 5 runs in. I miss the way my old exercise schedule makes me feel. 

Monday | February 10, 2014: 4 m run + teaching strength class
Loc: hood, Temp: 4°/6°, Time: 39:20, Pace: 9:50 avg, Difficulty: medium, Felt: good in the beginning then meh at the end
Strength: Ankle Resistance Bands & Body Bars + Step, Difficulty: easy/medium, Felt: good
Tuesday | February 11, 2014: 4.5 m run (w/xaarlin)
Loc: Chicago Lakefront Trail, Temp: 0°/0°, No time or pace stats – Garmin died, Difficulty: easy, Felt: good
Wednesday | February 12, 2014: rest
Thursday | February 13, 2014: 4 m run (w/Anne)
Loc: Vernon Hills, Temp: 29°/30°, Time: 52:13, Pace: 13:03, Difficulty: easy, Felt: good
Friday | February 14, 2014: teaching strength class + 4 m run (incl. 4×400 @ 7:45mm)
Strength: Ankle Resistance Bands & Body Bars + Step, Difficulty: easy/medium, Felt: okay… tired.. zzzz
Loc: hood, Temp: 22°/20°, Time: 38:46, Pace: 9:42, Difficulty: hard, Felt: happy to actually challenge myself
Saturday | February 15, 2014: 3.5 m run (w/Efit)
Loc: Grayslake, Temp: 18°/21°, Time: 38:45, Pace: 11:05 avg, Difficulty: easy, Felt: too warm/tired
Sunday | February 16, 2014: 30 mins cycling intervals
Time: 30:00, Set: 5×1:00 and 5×00:30, Difficulty: medium/hard, Felt: like I should get on the bike more!

Notes:

• I don’t post these things when I don’t do much – hence no posts the past two weeks (despite those weeks including a half marathon and a 10 miler, ha ha!). I think these recaps are boring enough, and not having much going on makes them even worse. Hopefully I won’t skip too many more this year. 
• As you guys know, I went to Dallas two weekends ago to run with Gina and Steve for their first half, and the course was short. Well, Gina had her redemption race yesterday! She ran a 2:02:43 and got third in her age group, and on a hilly course! Woo hoo! That time aligns with what she would have run had the first half been the right distance. I am very proud of her, and happy she was able to do another half so soon! Steve will have his redemption race at the Dallas RnR at the end of March. 
• You may notice something odd on my training plan… speedwork. I helped my friend Kelly put together a training plan for the Wisconsin Half Marathon, and will be pacing her, so I figured I should do the speedwork she is doing, too! If you are interested in the Wisconsin Half or Full, you can use my code KIMSCODE for $5 off registration! This is the first half marathon I’ve ever done and still my favorite one. This will be my sixth year running it! 
• I think I will be upping my mileage more than half marathon level, though. I just signed up for Rachel‘s The Longest Day team to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. On The Longest Day (the day of the summer solstice, June 21) teams join together to do an activity from sunrise to sunset (from their site) “to honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing Alzheimer’s.” Rachel’s team’s event is running, so I would like to participate as much as possible, along with fundraising (more on that to come)! This event is important to me as it recognizes all dementias, and my paternal grandfather had Lewy Body Dementia. 
• One last thing. I thought this article (pdf here) in SELF Magazine encouraging you to be cold when exercising outside to burn more calories was odd. The “science” is saying your body uses more energy to keep you warm, which is true… but it calls it “brown fat,” which I have never heard of. And how about this tip from the article – “Think of a warm kiss to keep you warm”?! Ha ha ha! I do like the tip of using a neck gaiter, but how about this tip? Dress however makes you comfortable outside, and don’t worry about wearing less/covering less to burn a few more calories. So. Odd. Of course, I write all that and have another post drafted about a SELF article I actually like (just need to have my proof reader read it)… these magazines are so hit and miss for me!

Link to Training Week 223

Comments (14)

By kilax, February 15, 2014 6:42 pm

When you’re sick/ill/recovering from something, who is the family “nurse” that takes care of you at home? Or maybe it’s a friend? Or maybe it’s you?

On Thursday Anne was telling me that her husband’s dentist has advised he gets his wisdom teeth removed, and it reminded me that I owe my sister, big time. 

See, I got my six wisdom teeth removed the summer after my freshman year of college, and I was a bit of a mess afterward. Probably just the typical after effects of getting them removed, but a bit more, um, drainage, because I had a couple extra teeth. 

Aren’t you happy I scanned this post operation pic for you?! So, my mom and sister gave me a pad of paper to write on after the operation, since I couldn’t talk. I was all drugged up, and the notes were pretty funny. I only recycled those a few years ago. Dang, should have scanned them! I bet there was some brilliant stuff in there!

I was staying with my Grandma at the time, and my mom and sister were over to take care of me. Who did I expect to help me out? My mom? Who was completely grossed out by me? My mom! Who helped me out? My sister! My thirteen-year-old sister took care of me. Thanks, Snistina!

She (Christina aka Snistina) is due to get her wisdom teeth out this summer, after her wedding. I will totally take time off from work and go take care of her, if she wants me to. Of course, she might prefer her husband do it, ha ha! Steven is my current nurse, after all… but writing this makes me think of all the ways my snister helps me out. Like doing my hair for a wedding… and helping me with unmentionable things at my own wedding! Aww, snister love! There are some things I could only ask her to do! 

Comments (20)

By kilax, February 14, 2014 12:52 pm

For years I have been sending my paternal grandma inappropriate animal-themed cards. Often it’s a dog card with a joke about a “bitch,” or maybe a squirrel card with a joke about nuts. She gets a kick out of it, and often takes them to the veterinarian to share with them as well. 

I felt it was a bit risky sending this one… but it had to be done.

Seriously, something must be wrong with me for sending this card to my grandma, but she said she loved it and it made her laugh. Win! 

I love that both of my grandmas have such great senses of humor. Because I joke and tease about a lot of things. Being able to share that with them makes me feel closer, and more open to talk about everything – even the non-joking stuff. I don’t think I would have done well with one of those serious grandmas!

What is/was your relationship with your grandparents like? Would you send this card to a grandparent?

Comments (16)

By kilax, February 13, 2014 4:39 pm

Yesterday I talked about things I don’t want to promote… so today ill talk about things that I do want to promote? Ha ha, this is just a chance for me to share a funny story from today and see if anyone relates.

Do you think anyone associates a brand or store/restaurant/etc. with you? What is it? Something you talk about or love so much they can’t help but think of you when they see it?

For example, I have a few friends that loooooooove Nike stuff. So I think of them whenever I see something Nike. I guess it works the other way too – my brothers both dislike Subway so I think of them whenever I’m there.

I thought of this today because I was leaving my office and ran in to a coworker I hadn’t seen in awhile. She said to me (among other things) “Kim! I think of you whenever I hear about Red Robin! You taught me about bottomless fries!!!”

I had to laugh. I bet a lot of people associate me with Red Robin. And the conversation made me wonder what else people may associate me with… (brands/places, not descriptive adjectives, ha ha).

Comments (24)

By kilax, February 13, 2014 6:38 am

If you had the chance to go to the Olympics as a spectator, but didn’t have much choice over which event to see, and still had to pay your way… would you go? You know, just to “experience” it!

Ha ha, loaded question. 

I’ve just been thinking about this, as I watch the 2014 Winter Olympics. When I lived in Rome in 2006, the Torino Winter Olympics were going on. A few of my classmates decided to go, and I think curling was the only event they could get in to see. They went, and loved it. It was crazy-crowded (getting there and back) and quite an adventure, but they had a blast. 

I think now… why didn’t I go? Oh, because I’ve never been in to big group things and crowds. And I was in Sicily:

However, I think if I had the opportunity to go to the Olympics now, I would love to with Steven, or maybe Steven and a few friends. 

Comments (44)

By kilax, February 12, 2014 5:14 pm

NO.

Alright bloggers, tell me, when you see those emails in your inbox like “XYZ product on [your blog name]!!!” or “Let’s collaborate, [your blog name]!!!” or “Event for [your blog name] readers!!!” do you feel…
a. excitement?
b. cautious optimism?
c. humor?
d. trepidation?
e. annoyance?
f. combo of the above?
g. none of the above?

I have to say, I’m a combo (f) of humor, trepidation and annoyance. I get so many goofy requests (as I’m sure you all do!) that most things coming in get an eye roll before they’re opened.

My policy is similar to my reaction when asked to allow guest posts on random topics from random strangers… I also don’t want to promote things here that I have no interest in, or have no intention of using/doing. Promoting it would make me feel fake, and like I’m being used. Which I would be. Promoting something I believe in makes me feel good. But… that’s not what we’re talking about here.

Sometimes I feel like an ass when someone contacts me and asks me to write about their race, because they’re nice about it, and it’s a legit thing. The race is for running – I run! The race is in Chicago – I live near Chicago! It makes so much sense!

No, not really. Even though it’s simple information sharing, that doesn’t mean I have to do that here – ilaxSTUDIO is not a public bulletin board. And that’s the thing. I get to say what I want here (and yes – anyone can also email me anything they want) and I highly value that. I am in a lot of situations where I am made to do something I don’t want to do.* And that just eats away at me. This is the place where I get to do whatever I want, and I’m going to keep it that way.

And besides, they always email these requests** to more than one person and get their word out through someone!

What do you guys think? Am I missing opportunities? Or do you have a similar mindset? (Of course, keep in mind I’m not trying to grow my blog, make money off it, or build a “brand”).

Thank you to all those silly email requests for inspiring this post!

*I really struggle with being told what to do, in some instances.
**And I’m talking ALL requests, not just “mention our race,” but for example, the one I got to write about the “perfect Valentine’s Day gift” with links, of course. No effin’ way. The garbage you see here is completely my own, not what someone else told me to write.

Comments (38)

By kilax, February 12, 2014 6:53 am

Have you ever brought an idea from a dream in to the awake portion of your life?

Ha ha. I have. And I probably shouldn’t much, lately, as my dreams have been completely WHACK. But I thought this one had some merit…

When I sleep on the train ride to work, I normally dream about riding the train. I have a recurring dream that Data rides the train with me downtown, to keep me company. Only, this morning was the first time ever during the dream that I wondered how Data gets back home. Because he doesn’t come with me to the office (that would be ridic!), he rides the train back home (isn’t he so nice to keep me company on the train just to go back home?!). But in my dream, I was all worried that Steven wouldn’t know when to pick him up at the train station, and that Data wouldn’t be able to get off the train, because he was in his carrier. He would be stuck on the train forever. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I woke up this morning, in a complete panic. Ha ha. 

So what is the idea I am bringing in to the awake portion of my life? Duh! Bring Data on my train rides for company! Judging by how well it went when we took him to the train station once, I bet it will be great. Not. 

I am completely kidding. But I was thinking, it would be cute to have a little children’s book, about a cat who rides the train. And maybe wears a tie. Or has a top hat. Someone should write it. Not me. But I can help with ideas. 

Yes, this post is completely ridiculous. This is what you get, instead of all the half-written snarky posts I have in my draft box. Unless you want to see a bullet point list of those…

Wow! I was surprised how many people entered the BlackStrap Neck Gaiter Giveaway! I really appreciate my readers, and I give away products that I like (not some random thing I was offered to giveaway) funded with my own money, to share the product AND say thank you. So, thank you, readers!

I selected TWO winners since so many entered. Funny, both winners like Corona Blue. The winners are Meghan and Heather! Meghan and Heather, please email me (kilax@ilaxstudio.com) your mailing address and confirm the neck gaiter you want, and I will send it your way!

Comments (42)

By kilax, February 10, 2014 6:13 am

In the 2013 running season I discovered two things:

1. I prefer a neck gaiter with a hat, instead of using a balaclava. I feel like I have more adjustability, with the two item combo, than just using the all-in-one balaclava.  Bonus – if the portion of it covering my mouth gets too damp from breathing through it, I can rotate it, instead of being stuck using that part, like with the balaclava. 
2. A neck gaiter is absolutely necessary for me for really cold runs (breathing through it warms up the air I breathe) and really windy runs (so I don’t get wind burn on my face/get as annoyed with the wind). 

When people ask me for winter running tips, this is actually the one I always share – use a neck gaiter. I mean, along with “layer up everywhere else.” I think that the comfort of your face is highly important. I actually use a neck gaiter when I am walking more than a block, in the winter, too. 

I was using a regular ole black Asics neck gaiter, but when I was searching for shoe gaiters for a gift this holiday season, I actually ran across these schweeeeeet neck gaiters from BlackStrap! Schweet as in, holy cow, cool designs (note: I also tried their dual layer tube which also has way schweet designs, but it feels too thick to me)! 

I bought one for me (the orange one, duh) and ended up loving it so much I bought several for friends for the holidays (and another for myself, ha ha). And as I mentioned… I was waiting for one last holiday gift exchange so I could do a giveaway for one! That exchange is over (and Rachel is no longer here, sniff sniff) so time for the giveaway!

Rachel and me using our neck gaiters (I use mine to cover my mouth but pull it down for pics, ha ha). 

Xaarlin and hers! Now I am just missing a pic of Valerie wearing hers… get outside, Valerie (just kidding, don’t, if you don’t want to)! Updated: Valerie sent me a pic wearing hers! 

BlackStrap Neck Gaiter Giveaway Rules

1. One reader will win a BlackStrap neck gaiter. This is funded by me, and not by BlackStrap. 
2. REQUIRED to enter the giveaway: tell me which neck gaiter, of the six above, you like the most. 
3. This giveaway is open until 5:00 PM CST on Tuesday February 11. I will announce the winner on Wednesday February 12.
4. This giveaway is open to all US readers.
5. Random.org will pick the winner. 
6. As always, I will announce the winner in a post and you have to email me to claim the prize, if you win! If the winner does not email me to claim the prize in two business days, I will select a new winner. 

Also, if you are looking for this neck gaiter (pic below), here is where that one is from!

That one is actually thinner that the BlackStrap ones and not meant for outdoor activities, I think, but! Can still be made useful in the winter!

Comments (35)

By kilax, February 6, 2014 6:23 am

• Is anyone else trying to see some of Oscar nominated films for Best Picture before the Oscars (on March 2)? It seems like we typically see the Oscar nominated films after the Oscars (and never really care for them that much!). But we are having an Oscars get-together this year, so I thought maybe I should see more than one! So far, we’ve seen Gravity and American Hustle. I’d like to see Wolf of Wall Street, Dallas Buyers Club, 12 Years a Slave, Her, and Captain Phillips, too. Luckily our theater has $5 movie tickets on Tuesday nights!

• Have you ever funded a Kickstarter? What was it? I just participated in my first one – Otters! A kid-friendly card game. Gina‘s husband’s cousin came up with the game, it sounds cute, and I love games and otters… so it was a no-brainer to “back” the project. 

• For some reason, it fascinates me to hear about athletes who have switched over from their main sport to bobsledding. So I thought this article (pdf here), that talks about bobsledding training, was interesting. 
• I don’t usually carry a purse (or even my wallet, if I am with Steven – bad habit) but Steven got me a purse for Christmas, so I have been using it. And it’s nice not to have everything in my pockets… but now I stress if something is still in my purse, after I put it in there, and am constantly checking to make sure things are in there. Ha ha.
• What is everyone keeping their house temp at this winter? Ours is around 66°F. Steven and I like to keep it cool, and wear layers (we’d rather be too cold than hot) but I don’t think Data cares for it…

• Do you send long emails back and forth with your friends, to keep in touch? Or are you more likely to text, call, FaceTime, real face time!, or something else?

Link to Random Thoughts Thursday 55