Monthly Archives: May 2024

Golden Giveaway Thursday Rundown

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Savor this time, friends. Mid-May is always fun. The weather is heating up, end-of-school excitement is building, and outdoor events are starting to take place. Here we go with my latest Thursday Rundown…

Surprise Ticket – This is pretty wild. On Saturday at Sloan’s soccer match, my dad peeled away the label on his 20 oz Pepsi bottle (something he never does). When he did, it revealed another label that said he had won a free ticket to Silverwood. Here is the crazy thing: there was no marketing at all on the bottle indicating any sort of giveaway or cross promotion with Silverwood. The bottle just included regular Pepsi branding. My dad purchased the bottle from one of those sliding door coolers at the checkout stand so we don’t know if perhaps the packaging said something about it. But the other weird thing is that when I did a Google search for “Silverwood Golden Giveaway” and other combinations (i.e. “Pepsi Silverwood”) nothing came up whatsoever. Considering a Silverwood ticket at the gate is $84, this sure was an awesome—and mysterious—surprise.

This is the winning bottle. I can’t find any info about this promotion online.

13th Anniversary of Don’t Blink – As I mentioned this week, Don’t Blink turned 13 on Tuesday. Since 2011, I have written more than 2,520 blog posts. I started blogging as a cocky young 20-something who wanted to spout off his “insightful” hot takes. As my ego lessened (but just a bit) I started writing more to maintain a personal brand, strategically grow my digital footprint, and increase my professional prospects. These days, I am no longer writing solely for me. Rather, I put forth such an effort with this blog to chronicle memories. My posts have become dramatically more family-centered over the last several years. It is less about my opinion and more about lifestyle. My hope is that my writings will forever remind my family about these precious years and be something that my children will value decades down the road. This post summarizes the history of my blog.

Don’t Blink is now 13

Oppenheimer – To go from “Unfrosted” to “Oppenheimer” is quite the contrast. But all joking aside, I finally had the chance to watch “Oppenheimer” as I streamed it on Peacock. Wow, it wasn’t awarded the Best Picture Oscar for nothing. The film is smart, complex, and extremely well-done. To get that glimpse into the life of Dr. Oppenheimer and the battles he faced was fascinating and worth every minute of the three-hour movie. After going in-depth with the Manhattan Project when I watched the Turning Point documentary, it was interesting to see it covered via this film. I strongly recommend “Oppenheimer.”

“Oppenheimer” was a very impressive movie.

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Battle – Yesterday marked eight years since I conducted one of the most scientific and important experiments of our generation: I conducted a blind cookie dough ice cream taste test. I twisted Sidney’s arm to sample FIVE different cookie dough ice cream brands and rank them. To this day, I am still shocked at the results. My wife didn’t rate powerhouses like Ben & Jerry’s or Blue Bunny her favorite. Instead, she selected the Walmart Great Value option as her top choice. Can you believe that?! For all the details and photos from that day, you can read the post here.

Believe it or not, the Walmart Great Value brand ended up winning the blind taste test.

Google Search Changes – On Tuesday, Google kicked off its I/O 2024 Developer Conference and it was all about AI. What stood out to me the most, especially as a marketer, is the complete revamp of its search capabilities. Pretty soon—like within the week—AI will handle all of our Google search queries. Instead of the prominent display of web links based on what we typed, AI technology will simply provide us with the info we requested right at the top of the page…no links needed. Of course this poses many questions for those of us who rely on SEO to promote our businesses (or universities OR silly blogs) as web links will now be regulated to the bottom of the page. However, as my very smart and talented web colleague told me, these changes will actually present opportunity as well. Stay tuned for more and a get ready for an entirely different Google experience.

Buckle up, the Google search process is going to be transformed like never before.

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As I wrap up this Thursday Rundown that corresponds to my 13th blogging anniversary, I want to thank everyone for their support and readership over the years. I appreciate you! If possible, please pray for Sid and me this weekend as we will preside over another retreat for engaged couples. Don’t Blink.

The 13th Anniversary of Don’t Blink

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My wife and I have a tradition whenever I hit a blogging anniversary. She will commemorate the milestone by making a quick, handheld sign. She will then take a photo of me holding it as I smile like the Cheshire Cat.

Some of the signs that Sidney has made me over the years.

For my most recent blogging anniversary, Sidney outdid herself. I celebrated 13 years of Don’t Blink on Tuesday and my wife brought the creativity. Not only did she work in a Taylor Swift reference but she also got kind of personal.

The sign that Sidney made me this year to commemorate my 13th blogging anniversary.

My wife pulled 14 blog posts I have written, symbolizing the 14 calendar years Don’t Blink has been in existence (2011-2024), and wrote the titles/dates within the sign. What fun it was for me to see the ones she included!

Celebrating my 13th blogging anniversary with the kids!

And now, I want to give you the option to see the posts she included as well. Going in chronological order, here are the Don’t Blink entries she included on my 13th anniversary sign…

The $25,000 Man (Oct. 19, 2011) – My brother won a whole bunch of money on one hand of Paigow poker. My writing was so bad/immature.

My Insanely Long Hair (Feb. 13, 2014) – You haven’t seen ugly until you have seen my hair in 2003.

Celebrating Accents (June 24, 2014) – Whenever people ask what initially attracted me to Sidney, I always say her accent.

Making the Cut: My Cameo in Darius Rucker’s Music Video (Sept. 29, 2014) – NBD, just messed around and found myself holding a solo cup in my pal Darius’ “Homegrown Honey” video.

The Pros and Cons of Living in Myrtle Beach (May 3, 2015) – A person who I didn’t know who happened to stumble onto my blog would later tell me that this post convinced her to move from the northeast to Myrtle Beach.

Back as a Married Man (July 19, 2016) – Nothing like the feeling of being freshly married.

Our Fierce Fighter (April 25, 2018) – A year after Sloan overcame a very serious medical issue, I wrote about it.

We Are Lucky (Jan. 16, 2019) – And don’t ever forget it.

Beau Meets World (Feb. 12, 2020) – My top Don’t Blink blog post of all time.

Farewells (February 19, 2020) – I have written a few of these posts as I have left for new adventures throughout my life but I will link to the most recent one.

They’re Here (May 12, 2020) – One of the happiest days of my life was when my wife and children were finally able to join me in Washington after COVID disrupted our plans.

Hey Southern Belle: What Have You Learned After a Year? (May 12, 2021) – Still amazed at my wife’s bravery and how she made the 3,000-mile transition look so easy.

Losing Our Rock (Jan. 24, 2022) – The first big loss that Sid and I had to face together was when my Aunt Nancy passed away.

Donut or Doughnut (Sept. 19, 2023) – Of course Sidney had to conclude with the most important question ever.

Thanks, Sidney, for marking my 13th blogging anniversary in such a thoughtful way. Don’t Blink.

The Snack Racket

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In the past, I have written a couple times about the single-most important aspect of youth sports: the snacks.

I have highlighted how this post-game ritual is no longer about just some Goldfish crackers and a Capri Sun. These days, “snacks” almost qualify as multi-course meals as parents pack several treats and a sports drink into themed boxes. In my three years as a youth sports dad, I have even witnessed non-edible add-ins such as toys crammed into these packs. What’s next? A $20 bill taped to the Gatorade bottle?

Sloan received this box full of goodies after a t-ball game a couple years ago.

But as the snacks themselves change, an age-old phenomenon associated with them has not: the mad rush by siblings of the players to obtain one.

I knew the racket quite well as a kid myself. Hover around the spot that the snack is distributed, allow all team members to grab one, and then ask nicely if there are any extras. The jockeying can get quite competitive, especially if there are a lot of other siblings that have the same idea as you. Well, fast forward 25-30 years later and I am not the one scheming for an extra snack anymore. Rather, I am the adult trying to navigate who gets what.

While on snack duty, it is a good rule of thumb to purchase a few extra treats beyond the roster size. This will allow you to provide snacks to the coach and hopefully cover stray siblings. But what do you do when there is a major influx of brothers and sisters? It is reasonable to provide for a handful of siblings but the burden shouldn’t fall on parents to buy treats to cover double the initial roster size, right?

This past weekend we were on snack duty for Sloan’s soccer team. We had prepared 12 snack bags for Sloan’s team of nine girls. The whole team showed up so that left me with three extras (the coach didn’t take one). But it was a major conundrum on who to give the three remaining bags to. You see, before the team was even finished with its post-game huddle, I already had a handful of kids crowded around me. I had to fend them off so I could make sure each member of Sloan’s team actually received their coveted snack.

Sloan put a label on each snack bag with the name of her team (the Inky Squids).

After that, I had to make some major decisions. Did I give the extra bags to the three kids who crowded me first? Or the last three who respected my space? The youngest? The one who gave me the desperate face?

Well, besides the one who disqualified himself by trying to swipe a bag, I didn’t really know what protocol called for. Do you?

For those who have been in a similar situation as I was on Saturday, what is your best advice? Who should the extra snacks go to when there simply aren’t enough for every family member at the match? Or should I simply bring even more extras? But again, I must ask, at what point does it stop? Oh yeah, my son is probably the worst of them all when it comes to scoring extra snacks from the parents of his sister’s team. Don’t Blink.

2024 Homemade Mother’s Day Gifts

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My mom has always said “homemade Mother’s Day gifts are the best” and I think that rings especially true this year. Sloan and Beau worked hard the couple weeks leading up to Mother’s Day at school to create some truly heartfelt and unique gifts.

In the first grade class at St. Mary Catholic School, the children made portraits of their moms surrounded by characteristics describing them. Vibrant colors and jaded shapes were infused to make the standalone piece of art almost Picasso-esque…well, that might be a stretch 😂. But what isn’t an exaggeration is that this gift came straight from the heart of Sloan and her love shines through. Her dad might be slightly embarrassed that she can already draw better than him.

The Mother’s Day gift that Sloan made in Emily Lunsford’s St. Mary Catholic School first grade class.

Beau’s gift looked somewhat similar to something Sidney received about three years ago. Oh that’s right! Sloan made the same oven mitt present when she was in Mrs. Shaurette’s Pre-K3 class for Mother’s Day 2021. Well, if we use Beau’s version as much as we use Sloan’s, it will be an immensely useful gift.

Beau holds the Mother’s Day gift he made in Mrs. Leanne Shaurette’s St. Mary Catholic School Pre-K3 class.

But of course it isn’t the practicality that makes homemade Mother’s Day gifts so special (although it is an added bonus). Rather, it is the personality, love, and memories tucked into each one. Beau’s oven mitt is stamped on the top with his own personal mitt…err…hand. It also came with a bookmark containing a cute poem and a “recipe” straight from Beau’s imaginary cookbook. For those who can’t zoom in on the “Pasta” recipe card, it says: She cooks the pasta in a pan in the oven. Then she puts blue raspberry syrup on it (she likes that). Then we eat it at my Grandma’s. I love you. – Beau

A close up look at the gift Beau gave Sid.

Like I said, it is all about the memories 😂.

Much gratitude to St. Mary for pushing their students to make meaningful Mother’s Day gifts. I can’t wait to see what they come up with for Father’s Day 😉. Don’t Blink.

Turning Point Thursday Rundown

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Okay, the soreness from Bloomsday is starting to fade away. Thankfully, that discomfort never infiltrated these fingertips because they are hitting the keys at a rapid rate. While I am still in top notch typing form, let’s get to the rundown.

509 Day – Happy 509 Day, friends! As a born and raised Spokanite who now resides here once again after a 15-year hiatus, I have a genuine pride for those three numbers. Did that pride burn intensely in my soul when I left the state as an 18-year-old? To be honest, probably not. But after all those years of being away and noticing from afar that I didn’t live in such an awful place, the digits started to mean a little more to me. I wrote this post on 509 Day two years ago.

I took this photo from my seat window as we flew over Spokane in Nov. 2022. I love the 509!

Crowning – It is the Month of Mary and one way to honor our Blessed Mother is by crownings. Sloan and Beau had their Mary crowning at school earlier this week. Every student was invited to bring flowers to lay at the feet of the school’s Marian statue. Sidney made sure our children were prepared by purchasing flowers at our local grocery store florist and then arranging them into two bouquets. You can view Sloan placing the flowers with her classmate, Mariano, at the 2:10 mark of this video. St. Mary, pray for us!

Beau and Sloan hold their flowers that they used for the crowning of Mary at the St. Mary School (Spokane Valley) 2023-24 crowning.

Kids vs. Parents – Earlier this week, an unfortunate miscommunication between coaches left Beau’s t-ball team without an opponent. Since the miscommunication didn’t become apparent until a few minutes before game time, Team Navy had already traveled to the ball field. Thankfully, we made the best of it. Moms and dads joined forces to play the kids. Although I wish Beau’s team had players their own age to compete against, I had a great time squaring off against my son and his teammates on a gorgeous early May evening. Oh yeah, the kids won.

We weren’t going to let a beautiful, sunny evening go to waste so us parents played them. My son is up to bat and that is me at short stop.

Turning Point – I recently finished up a pretty deep historical documentary series titled Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War. The Netflix series is comprised of nine installments and begins with the rise of Stalin and ends with Putin’s rule and the current conflict in Ukraine. In between those two events you have 100 years of history! The show chronicles Russia vs. USA relations with a particular emphasis on the Cold War. It is quite the investment time-wise but if you are a history buff like me, you will appreciate (and be alarmed by) it. The footage is superb and the commentary on-point. If you want much better context on what is happening in Ukraine today, I highly recommend.

“Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War” was well done.

Blonde Brownie Ode – I kid you not, today is National Butterscotch Brownie Day. Not trying to brag but yours truly can make a pretty mean batch of blonde brownies. Don’t believe me? I made this video of me baking them a couple years ago. If learning off TikTok isn’t your thing, you can reference my top secret recipe (😂) by tapping here. Come on people, who doesn’t love a warm, gooey blonde brownie?! Chef’s kiss.

A pan of blonde brownies I made a couple years ago.

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I can’t wait for the weekend! It is going to be gorgeous and busy as usual. Let’s pray for the innocent people in Ukraine who continue to suffer devastation. Don’t Blink.

Unfrosted

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I had the debut of “Unfrosted” circled on my calendar for a month. I bugged Sidney to clear her Friday evening so we could watch it on premiere night. I took up time in a Zoom meeting to tell some colleagues that they needed to be as excited as me about the film. Basically, I was all-in for Jerry Seinfeld’s movie about the origin of Pop-Tarts.

“Unfrosted” is a dive into complete absurdity.

Did it live up to expectations? Did a movie about Pop-Tarts resonate with a nerdy blogger who is semi-obsessed with the toaster pastry?

Well, if I was looking for a film determined to reach new heights of absurdity then this film would have crushed my expectations. Don’t get me wrong, I love myself some ridiculousness but the sheer craziness and tomfoolery of “Unfrosted” even crossed a line for me.

Here’s the thing: I think “Unfrosted” flirted the line between being too funny and trying too hard. Wait, you are critiquing a movie for being too funny? Believe it or not, I have raised this issue before. Way back in 2016 I mentioned how “Fuller House” wore me out because that first episode was just joke after joke after joke. It gets to the point of being overwhelming. I think there is an art to telling a joke, letting it marinate for a bit, and then returning with another well-placed joke. In “Unfrosted,” I feel the joke pace was just too fast.

Seinfeld was relentless on the pace of the jokes. It was a little “much” for me.

I found myself a little caught off guard by the narrative spun in “Unfrosted.” I wasn’t expecting a drama that followed the true story to a “T” of how Pop-Tarts were invented. I prepared myself for a healthy dose of embellishment and satire…perhaps in similar vein to “Flamin’ Hot” which I reviewed almost a year ago. What I didn’t foresee was a complete fantasy tale of hijinks and impossibility. The fact that nothing in that movie honored the true spirit of the conception of Pop-Tarts was disappointing.

But look, I don’t want to go on and on about the finer points of “Unfrosted.” To be honest, I don’t think the film deserves a lot of my time and that is really saying something because people often tell me that I must have a lot of it. All I can convey to you is that this movie is ABSURD (have I told you that yet? 😉). Let me just leave you with the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Good – The joke that is based on the title of the movie is saved for the very end. I give Seinfeld points for his patience. The quip actually made me laugh pretty hard but I still don’t know if it was a genuine laugh or a “SMH this movie is finally over” relieved type of laugh.

Bad – This movie is simply all over the place. Quite simply a train wreck with so many side plots and unnecessary gags. One ploy that seemed especially unhelpful was the decision to introduce a “dream team” of pop culture icons from the 1960s to help produce a superior toaster pastry. This squad included Chef Boyardee, Jack LaLanne, and Tom Carvel. It was so random and distracting. Perhaps the most annoying/least funny product of these characters was the living sea monkey ravioli that was nothing short of problematic and stupid.

Ugly – Oh man, have I mentioned yet that this movie is OUTRAGEOUS? Just wait until you see the funeral scene. Yes, I will admit that I laughed, but it was U-G-L-Y. The jokes, the imagery, the audacity…it is something that you have to see to believe. If you truly want a WTF moment, watch the flippin’ funeral scene.

The funeral scene in “Unfrosted” is something else.

You want to know how I planned to judge this movie? I was going to grade it a success if I was inspired to open my pantry and grab a Pop-Tart upon finishing it. Well, guess what? I haven’t eaten one of those things since watching “Unfrosted.” Don’t Blink.

Bloomsday 2024: A Bit Damp

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Perhaps this year’s Bloomsday experience was dampened a bit. Why do I write this? Well, it was literally damp—like really damp. For the seven days leading up to the race, the forecast called for cold temperatures and a constant rain. Unfortunately, for once, the weather people got it right. The rain started by the time we made it downtown and continued throughout the race.

Despite pleas from Sloan and Beau, they couldn’t get KREM 2 meteorologist Jeremy LaGoo to change his rainy forecast for Bloomsday. My kids talked to Jeremy at the Bloomsday Trade Show.

My experience was also dampened in a more figurative sense because I failed to PR this year. I hoped to run faster than my personal course record of 1:09:34. Instead, I ran 86 seconds slower than last year, crossing the finish line at 1:11:00. Although I still beat my 2022 time of 1:11:27, I wanted to be under the 70-minute mark and notch another PR.

A look at me as I near the finish line. Wish I would have ran a little faster!

But enough of the complaining, I still had fun! With my sister-in-law pregnant, it was just my brother and me this year. We hopped on the STA shuttle at Ferris High School and rode the bus downtown. To avoid standing in the rain for an extended period of time, we arrived at our starting line a little later this year. Although we always enjoy passing time by spiking beach balls and listening to the pre-race music, the enjoyment lessens under heavy rain.

My brother and I wear our ponchos at the Bloomsday starting line as we wait for the race to start.

When we crossed the starting line, that unmistakable first mile Bloomsday adrenaline kicked in. My boss calls it “race energy” and there really isn’t anything like it. As the contagious excitement engulfed us and we ran shoulder-to-shoulder with the masses, Glen and I veered to the side as we came upon Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral. By pulling over, we were able to receive a blessing from Fr. David Gaines who was on-hand to minister to Bloomies. After receiving God’s protection, we were set to cover the next seven miles.

My brother and I receive a blessing from Fr. David Gaines right outside of Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral during Bloomsday 2024.

Glen and I soon separated as we ran our own races. By this time, the steady precipitation didn’t matter anymore. With my focus fixed on putting one foot in front of the other combined with the sense of community that was ever present, the wet weather didn’t register with me. I was cruising.

Even though my final time suggests otherwise, Bloomsday didn’t seem as taxing this year. I didn’t battle cramps like I did in 2023 and Doomsday Hill didn’t seem as daunting. When I crossed the finish line, I wasn’t gasping for air.

A photo of me just about to cross the finish line (I am far right).

After the race, my bro and I continued a now three-year tradition of hitting up Flatstick Pub (which is super close to the finish line) for a celebratory beer. Once we downed those brews, we boarded the shuttle and headed back to Ferris High School and extended the second half of our post-Bloomsday tradition of finding a random dive to eat a greasy lunch and drink another round of beers. I then went home to rest on the couch.

Cheers! Glen and I share a celebratory beer at Flatstick Pub after Bloomsday 2024.

Race energy. I go back to that term from my boss. Although I wish I ran a couple minutes faster, I wasn’t deprived of the community excitement that was so abundant on Sunday morning. In the end, getting a heavy dose of race energy and crossing the finish line is all that matters. And when you experience both of those things, nothing can rain on your parade. Don’t Blink.

My Participation Shirts

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It took until this past weekend for my wife to realize the significance of the Bloomsday finisher t-shirt. The color prediction contest in my family’s text thread, the media coverage, and the tradition of secrecy seemed to rub off on her this year. Last night she told me, “I didn’t know until this Bloomsday what a big deal the t-shirt is.”

You are becoming a true Spokanite, Sid!

With all that said, while I do get excited for that first glimpse of the t-shirt once I cross the finish line, I don’t get too enthusiastic about actually wearing it—at least in the long term. But right after the race? You bet! I throw that thing on and blend in with the thousands of other people who slip it on after receiving theirs from the army of Bloomsday volunteers. I truly enjoy admiring the throngs of Bloomies sporting their shirts by late morning in downtown Spokane. In my opinion, there isn’t a better sense of community.

A candid shot my brother took of me wearing my 2024 Bloomsday finisher t-shirt that I proudly wore as we drank a post-race beer.

After wearing my Bloomsday shirt post-race on Sunday, I might wear it the next day as well. Growing up in Spokane, it was a badge of honor to wear your Bloomsday shirt to school on Monday. In fact, I had to mess around and wear this year’s shirt to my son’s t-ball game tonight.

And that might be the last time I wear it.

I don’t have a very sustainable record with participation shirts I have received. Whether for a race, camp, or event I don’t usually wear them for “everyday living” beyond maybe once. But I have my reasons…

– For whatever reason the shirts don’t fit me well

– After one washing they shrink and their appearance deteriorates

– Usually they are 100% cotton and the material isn’t the best…and it shows

Even for shirts earned for accomplishing something–like the finalist t-shirt our team received for Hoopfest last year–it is usually one-and-done when it comes to how much I wear it.

I admire the crafty people who gather the t-shirts their kids accumulate throughout a childhood of many activities and stitch them into a quilt. I could never dream of doing something like that. However, although I don’t wear them as part of my daily attire, I do try to re-purpose my participation shirts in different ways such as…

– Night shirt

– Layering up an outfit

– Ripping into smaller pieces to create rags

What do you do with your participation shirts? Do you proudly wear them as part of your normal wardrobe? Do you only wear the ones of particular significance? Do you donate them? Let me know. Don’t Blink.

Sour Patch Thursday Rundown

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Hopefully your month started off with plenty of May flowers. If not, hang in there, we still have four weeks left. But while you might have to wait for flowers, there is no delay with my latest Thursday Rundown. Let’s get started with tonight’s five topics…

Anyone But You – Sidney and I recently watched a romantic comedy called “Anyone But You.” We couldn’t resist as the film was #1 on Netflix and the leading female role was played by Spokane native Sydney Sweeney. There has been a big buzz about Sweeney lately and we wanted to give her our support. Well, the film wasn’t anything special. I did laugh throughout the 1 hour, 44 minute runtime but I found it predictable and corny. Definitely not something I would watch twice.

I was pretty indifferent to “Anyone But You.”

Sour Patch Oreos – It has been a recurring topic to analyze different Oreo flavors with some special colleagues from work. So, when I learned yesterday that Nabisco plans to release a Sour Patch Kids cookie I naturally sent them the link. I am not a “sour” person so I don’t think the treat will be my thing but I will still gladly try them because let’s get real—this blogger isn’t going to say “no” to the most audacious Oreo flavor he has ever heard of to date. The cookie hits shelves May 6.

Doesn’t sound good, but I would definitely try a Sour Patch Oreo cookie.

Kong vs. Godzilla – Last night, we read a book called “King Kong’s Cousin.” It told the story of Junior, a meeker ape who lived in the shadow of his celebrity cousin. But as I was reading it, I realized I should have found a book about Godzilla. Why? Even though I will take King Kong over the lizard all day, this year marks the 70th anniversary of Godzilla. I have fond memories of checking out books in my elementary school library about Godzilla and after so much anticipation I remember watching the 1998 film.

“King Kong’s Cousin” by Mark Teague was a pretty simple book.

Random Throwback – This photo was taken three years ago on May 2, 2021. It made me think, my kids are growing up too fast! The image was captured in my parents’ front lawn after the ice cream truck made a stop through the neighborhood. Beau appears to be working on his basketball skills. Although you can’t see the hoop, I plan to write about it during the summer as it is celebrating a milestone year. I bet you are all so excited for an entire blog post dedicated to my parents’ basketball hoop.

Beau and Sloan hanging out on May 2, 2021.

Costco Top Items – Yesterday was the 10-year anniversary of my Top Five Things I Buy At Costco blog post. I was very intrigued to read it and compare the items to what Sidney and I buy in present day. Well, the one item that hasn’t changed one bit from my 2014 list is the Costco muffin. I am semi-obsessed with Coscto muffins and I know for a fact that the item will be on my list in 2034 too. I laughed at my final item on the list—a hot dog from the food stand. At the time of the post, I remarked on how affordable a Costco dog was at only $1.50. It is good to know that some things don’t change. Despite inflation and prices going up on seemingly everything, a Costco dog on May 2, 2024, is still just $1.50.

Me with Costco Apple Crumb muffins in 2014.

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That will wrap things up for tonight. Wishing all WSU students a wonderful commencement weekend! Don’t Blink.

The Separation of Time

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A thought came upon me yesterday for the first time. It occurred to me that I had now lived more of my life on my own than under the roof of my parents. Kind of a random thought, but it did give me pause. As is normal for many American children, I moved out at 18 to navigate this crazy world myself.

In the years that would follow, if I experienced either an accomplishment or pitfall of being an adult under my own roof, I would think back to the not-so-distant past and compare it to when I lived with my mom and dad. Well, it doesn’t really seem as appropriate to do that now.

My brother and I stand in my parents’ driveway during a simpler time.

Then this morning another related thought hit me. It won’t be too long until I have lived more of my life with no grandparents alive than with any of them still on this earth. My grandma (and last living grandparent) passed away when I was a 19-year-old college freshman.

Again, I don’t know why over the past 24 hours these thoughts have registered with me. But I guess I can glean two things from them. One, I am old. And two, as I continue to log more and more time of separation from eras and events, I hope I never forget about them.

No matter how much time passes, may I always pleasantly remember the comfort of living home and the kindness of my grandparents. Don’t Blink.