Whole Foods Kailua Ready for Lane
Preparations for the oncoming Hurricane Lane continue, but it looks like Whole Foods in Kailua is ready. Boarded up windows and sandbags are in place, and they’re still open for the time being.
Life
My Nike Wishlist Haul
Well, my chance at getting my Nike Wishlist came true. But first, I gotta say thanks to the No Ka Oi connection for a dream come true. I thought visiting the Nike Company Store in Beaverton, Oregon was a long shot, but the Nike gods were with me.
Let’s rewind to a Thursday morning in July when I was in line at the Company Store before its opening at 10am. It was game time, and I knew my first target was the “back wall” of shoe odds and ends. You just never know what you’ll find (and find I did).
But what was I looking for? Read up on my Wishlist series with version 4 looking like this:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- Kobe 1 Protro ($175)
- React Element 87 ($160)
What I ended up with, looked like this.
If you recall my original list, I had the LeBron 15 but then changed to the LeBron 15 Low in Update 1. But as fate would have it, the colorway I randomly used in my original Wishlist is the exact colorway I found on the back wall in my size! Yeah, I did say the LeBrons didn’t fit my feet well so I did try them on again in the Company Store and even wandered the aisles finding other shoes to try on while wearing the BattleKnit LeBrons. And that’s when I changed my mind. The overall feet of the LeBron 15 was top-notch. The support, the feel of the materials, the colors. I couldn’t put these back to the back wall.
Then there’s those crazy Perry the Platypus colored Air Max 98. Truth be told I coveted these shoes when they released on Nike’s SNKRS app. Truth be told I passed on them and regretted it. Truth be told I have a watch on GOAT for these shoes going for around $180. Truth be told I was amazed to see a few of these on the back wall. Truth be told they’re a little big at size 10.5, but truth be told, I wasn’t putting these back. So that’s two from the back wall.
So what about my Wishlist? I did try on the VaporMax 97, and they were okay. Plenty were in stock in different colorways, and I even tried on a variety of VaporMax models. The Utility model wasn’t bad but overall, none of them were keepers.
The same goes for the Air Max 270. So many colorways. Some nice ones on the back wall as well, but none stood out. I tested out the Air Force 270 line for a change on the 270 bubble, but none of them resonated with me.
The Odyssey and Epic Reacts were really the most disappointing for me. I was fully commited to buying one of these React models to run in. But they just didn’t feel right. Super snug, going up half a size made the fit better. But the arches on both models felt problematic, and I really didn’t want to buy running shoes that would either be non-supportive or chafe too much.
Kobe 1 Protros had lots in stock. I even found a few Lakers gold and purple colorways on the back wall, but these shoes are super stiff. I didn’t like them as soon as I put them on.
The React Element 87 that released that week was a long shot to find, and I was correct in that assumption. But the React Vapor Street Flyknit was there, and they felt great. Surprisingly great. I was super close to buying a pair.
But right next to these were the brand new EXP-X14 that released the week prior. The colorways were neutral with either white/wolf grey or mountain blue, but of course, I had to try the on since they were right there. I’m glad I did. Super comfortable and an overall different feel and vibe to this shoe. I put back the Vapor Street in favor of a white pair of EXP-X14 which was also my substitute for missing out on the Element 87. While looking for my size, another shopper asks if I wanted the X14 in the Just Do It colorway. I don’t know where he found this special colorway since I didn’t see any others. And can you believe they were in my size too?!? Was meant to be…
While I tried on many more models and also helped family members pick out kicks (Epic React and Pegasus were popular), in the end, my Nike Wishlist was this:
- LeBron 15 Black/Sail/Bright Crimson
- EXP-X14 JDI
- Air Max 98 QS Cone/Tour Yellow-Hyper Grape
Summertime Sadness
Yes, this is a song from Lana Del Rey that I just heard, but really this song title reminded me that my loose clothes are now snug after all that eating in Oregon and Seattle.
Nike Wishlist Update 4
From my (hopefully discounted) Nike Wishlist, I have to sadly remove the LeBrons. Although now a Laker, the King has his same feet that aren’t like mine. Therefore, the LeBron signature shoes just don’t fit me well. Getting into the hightop version was tough, but my eye was on the low top version.
To get some early recon, I tried on a pair of LeBron 15 Lows. My usual size was too tight so I sized up. While this helped the overall fit of the Battleknit upper, the arch of any LeBrons has been and continues to be a problem for me. Just not enough support for my flat feet, and I can feel my arches collapsing when taking a step. This won’t be good if using these for performance purposes.
So the list of seven needs some changes:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)- React Element 87 ($160)
Air Force I “JDI” ($130)
I’m also striking the AF1 JDI – just don’t need it. Although I didn’t try on the Air Max 97 VaporMax version, they do have a hardened foot bridge-like structure at the midfoot. That typically feels good for my feet. But I’m also worrying about the support of the React models. The simplicity of the minimal Element 87 concerns me. From the images, the shoe base looks wide, offering midfoot support.
Oh look… Protros (terrible name but loving the older look infused with new tech).
If these are miraculously available then of course, I’d need to consider them. So revision 4 of my Nike Wishlist looks like:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- Kobe 1 Protro ($175)
- React Element 87 ($160)
Remembering Pizza Hut Pearl City
If memory serves me, this building was once a Pizza Hut in Pearl City off of Kamehameha Highway.
Nike Wishlist Update 3
This wishlist update is a fast turnaround. Since I removed shoes from the list in Update 2, of course, I need to fill those positions with other desires. Currently, the wishlist stands at:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
The first addition is the upcoming Nike React Element 87. Funky name, funky look – distinctive. But being new, I doubt these will yet be available at a discounted price.
My next addition is a whim. Taking it back to the old school, I think I’ve owned one pair of classic Air Force I, and this JDI “Just Do It” pack looks intriguing. Not sure if I can handle all that orange though.
So just to keep the wishlist at seven (just a random number), here’s how it now looks:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
- React Element 87 ($160)
- Air Force I “JDI” ($130)
When it comes to decision time (aka time to pay), I’d say I’d go with the LeBron (for badminton and to honor his past season) and the Odyssey React (since I want to try Nike’s new running foam). A third pair would have to be something deliciously good.
Nike Wishlist Update 2
It’s time for another Nike Wishlist update. Update 1 ended looking like this:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- LeBron 15 Low ($150)
- Air Jordan 1 ($145)
- ACG Dog Mountain ($110)
Thanks to Nordstrom’s redemption, I can strike out #6, the Air Jordan I. But however, I always reserve the right to reverse my choice if a super fresh or rare colorway is lucked upon.
Looking at #7, the ACG Dog Mountain, I think I’ll also strike this outdoors-theme shoe from the list. Why? Because I found the Nike Air Zoom Albis 16 at Ross. While I would have loved that Concord purple colorway, the black and wolf grey makeup is just fine with me.
At #5, a refinement if available. This Flight Pack colorway of the LeBron 15 Low is too good featuring the Teal Tint and Sunset Pulse, but it’s not yet released.
So I’ll end Update 2 of my wishlist like this:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
Air Jordan 1 ($145)ACG Dog Mountain ($110)
A Day of Working to Work
Sadly, today was a day of working in order to get work done. Instead of doing productive work, I had to do work that would eventually enable productive work. I completed a few mandatory online training sessions, and I filled out several justifications why I needed “non-standard” apps.
Why do I need Pixelmator instead of Photoshop? Well, to edit pictures, Pixelmator is good enough and the price is much more affordable. Why do I need SharePoint Designer? Well, at work we have this thing called SharePoint and sometimes, we need to design lists, workflows, and more for SharePoint. The best way to design these customizations is with this application called SharePoint Designer.
To make matters worse, I’m not convinced that anyone really looks at these forms and the information contained with them. Some of my justifications are sprinkled with creative reasons, yet I haven’t gotten any rejections or clarifications requested. It almost feels like the effort of filling out the form is sufficient justification that you need the app. Otherwise why would you bother? Of course, I’m sure that’s not how it works, right?
Overall, this day brought back a memory from years back when I was the admin for Windows NT workstations. When doing troublecalls and fixes, the users would inevitably ask what kind of computer I had at home since I knew how to fix Windows computers. I told them that I had a Mac and explained that I would rather get work done on my computer rather than work on my computer in order to get work done.
Anyways, enought complaining. Whatever.
Nordstrom Redemption and Air Jordan Color-blindness
Nordstrom has redeemed itself, partially at least. Last you remember, Nordstrom cancelled my discounted order for a pair of Air Jordan 1 mid, in a shadow-like colorway (I’ve since learned that these are not THE premium Shadow AJ1 highs). They just couldn’t fulfill the order.
But seeing the here-now-gone-tomorrow nature of these shoes, I persisted, checking the site’s inventory every now and then. And it paid off. One day, an AJ1 in an obsidian, game royal colorway appearend on-site. Not a premium model but still discounted, last pair, and my size. So I ordered it, expecting to get yet another cancellation.
Then redemption…
Thanks Nordstrom!
Oh, about that Air Jordan color-blindness. From the pictures above, you can see the shoes are a mix of dark blue and royal blue. On the Nordstrom site, I had thought these shoes were black and royal blue (see the image below).
If you remember, I had also bought a pair of Air Jordan 31 on clearance from Nike. I thought these were black and white when really they were dark blue and white.
I guess I’m just color-blind when it comes to Air Jordans? But really, I can’t complain after getting both at reduced prices.
Deleting Bulk Email from Gmail
With thousands of unread email in Gmail, it was time to clean house. But just how do you select more than one screen worth of email at a time in Gmail?
As a product from Google, I should have known better – you use search. Yup, in the Gmail search bar, you do something like this:
older_than:1y
After the search is done, you can select all those emails using that checkbox above the email tabs then mass delete them.
eBay Tip: Too New Isn’t Good
By now you know you can find completely random items at Ross. Most items are from last season or even older. But once in awhile, you find some newer items. In fact, some items are still being sold by retailers.
Take these Air Jordan Trainer 2 Flyknits for example. While this model is still available at Nike, Footlocker, and other shoe stores, this specific black, cool grey, and jade colorway is one of the originals. So seemingly a steal finding a pair at Ross, reseling them is too tough. You can still easily find inventory of the same shoe at a discount with free shipping included, and that price is very hard to compete with.
If you find a pair for yourself then great. Otherwise, it’s almost better if you found these shoes a few months later, or you have the patience and hold on to them until the online clearance inventory is cleared out with shoppers still looking.
I’m not sure what I’m going to do with this pair…
Lychee Monitoring at Target
First off, who knew Target stores in Hawaii sold lychee? Must be quite a few people knew since Target is now monitoring lychee sales upon checkout. Yes, Target cashiers watch how much lychee you’re buying.
And don’t think you can outsmart the system by going to self check-out. The POS systems are programmed to halt your checkout until the on-duty clerk checks and approves your lychee purchase. Simply put, don’t hoard the lychee.