Simple Compassion

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On this date two years ago, I came across the below social media post. As was eloquently conveyed, the Reddit user who responded to the thread displayed commendable compassion and kindness.

I appreciated the perspective and message from this social media post.

Coincidentally, on this date 10 years ago, I wrote about a different sandwich franchise that implemented an anxiety-free ordering system. When I lived in the South, I always enjoyed picking up a sandwich at Which Wich. This particular place offered fresh, delicious food via a unique approach to ordering.

When you walked into Which Wich, you would arrive at a table that had brown sandwich bags in differing sizes. Based on the size of sandwich you wanted, you would select the appropriate bag and then pick up a Sharpie. You would then use the pen to make choices on the bag. By checking boxes, you would select your bread type, veggies, meats, condiments, etc. From there you would hand the bag to an employee and they would make your sandwich exactly how you specified it. No need to “go down the line” directing a “sandwich artist” on how you wanted your sub made.

This is what a Which Wich bag looks like.

Of course Which Wich’s ordering model is no longer as unique as it once was. Every restaurant chain, including Subway, now has online ordering where you can build your meal with extreme specificity that doesn’t require a single word to be uttered.

Still, I understand the Reddit poster’s apprehension at making a traditional in-person order at Subway. Sometimes processes and choices can be overwhelming, especially in an environment with lines and crowds. In college I had a friend who was discouraged from going to the gym because of the sometimes burdensome and anxiety-ridden process of swiping your student card and punching in an ID number.

We need to be understanding that things some of us think as simple–like ordering a Subway sandwich–can be challenging to others.

The point is that we should be understanding of those who suffer from anxiety and the societal processes that exasperate it. Refraining from judgment and streamlining should always be goals. Don’t Blink.

Manatee Memories

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When Sidney and I went on our honeymoon in Cancun, the item at the top of my wife’s to-do list was to swim with the dolphins. Sure enough, in the middle of our trip we found ourselves on an island many miles away from the resort swimming with a pod of dolphins. But believe it or not, it was another species of mammals that stole Sidney’s heart…

A photo of me with a dolphin while in Mexico.

The package we bought included more than just a dip with dolphins. After we finished that session, we jumped in some pretty murky waters with manatees. It was shortly before this encounter that I even knew what a manatee was and now I found myself swimming with the animals. To be honest, I wasn’t too impressed with these large, awkward “sea cows” but Sidney sure was. She thought they were super cute and gentle. Their underdog demeanor compared to the diva dolphins won her over.

Sidney’s dream to swim with the dolphins came true but a different animal would win her heart.

Last night, I read a book titled “Saving Manatees” with the kids. Although I characterized them as “sea cows” above, the opening paragraph of the book used different animals to describe a manatee: A manatee is like nothing you’ve ever seen. You may see it as a hodgepodge of animals, but a manatee is a unique creature. Close up, manatees have the whiskers of a walrus, the eyes of a mole, the wrinkles and toenails of an elephant, tail of a beaver, and the gentle nature of a sloth.

We read “Saving Manatees” by Stephen R. Swinburne last night.

After that description, Sloan was hooked!

We learned that manatees spend six to eight hours a day eating as they sometimes consume more than 100 pounds of water plants in a day. It was brought to our attention that Columbus believed manatees to be mermaids. The author explained that manatees can live to 60 but many die before they even turn 10. The reason? Of all manatee deaths in Florida, 30% are caused by watercraft collisions. Manatees grow quickly from starting off as a three-foot, 66-pound baby and ballooning to an eight-foot, 550-pound youngster in just two years.

With Sloan so amazed at these gentle giants of the sea, it was fun to tell her that Sid and I had actually swam with them before. We told her about petting them and feeding them lettuce. We described how they had algae growing on their backs and the funny sounds they made. It was nice to reminisce.

I am still not a huge manatee fun but I appreciated yet another example of a book opening up Sloan’s imagination and allowing me to relate the subject matter to a close-to-home real life example. Don’t Blink.

2024 Independence Day Weekend

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Let me catch my breath because it was a hot, fun, and memorable Fourth of July weekend. In fact, I am sure it packed more energy than even the craziest fireworks package you spent way too much money on. So, if you are interested, let me roll back the past four days for the Reser Fam…

We had an awesome Fourth of July weekend. This photo was taken inside River Park Square in Spokane as we made our way to Riverfront Park on July 4, 2024.

Explosive July 4 – I think it was the busiest Fourth of July I have ever been part of. We woke up on Thursday morning and drove out to Coeur d’Alene for the community’s Fourth of July parade. It was the first Independence Day parade I have ever witnessed in-person and it didn’t disappoint as it put us in an authentic red, white, and blue spirit for the rest of the day. We then left Idaho and drove back to Spokane where we visited Riverfront Park. A traveling carnival had set up shop near the Looff Carrousel that extended to the red wagon playground. I cringed at the ticket ride prices but because it was a holiday I allowed Sloan and Beau to have fun on several of the attractions.

We spent the Fourth of July morning at a parade and a carnival.

From Riverfront Park we headed out to my parents’ house in north Spokane for a Fourth of July cookout. In addition to my siblings and their families in attendance, our friends, Dylan and Fidela, also joined us. It was such a good vibe as we enjoyed each other’s company and celebrated America’s birthday the right way. After the cookout we drove to Pavillion Park for fireworks. We re-joined Dylan and Fidela and ate freeze pops as we waited for the show. At a little before 10 p.m. the pyrotechnic arrangement started as brilliant colors and effects filled the sky. The perfect way to cap an amazing Fourth of July!

Our Fourth of July afternoon/evening was a lot of fun. We had a cookout at my parents’ house and then we headed to Pavillion Park for fireworks.

Chill July 5 – Needing to recover just a bit after a jam-packed Fourth of July, we took it pretty easy. Our main event was spending the late morning/early afternoon at the Southside Aquatic Center. This place is our favorite pool/water park in our region and we enjoyed taking a few hours to just splash in the water and go down some slides. After we finished up we cooled off with a round of Italian sodas.

We spent time at the Southside Aquatic Center on July 5.

Wet July 6 – I have written before about the sparkling pool oasis owned by Ms. Kathy, the longtime next door neighbor of my parents. Well, on Saturday, we had her entire pool to ourselves as we visited for our own private swim session. Sloan had a blast jumping off the diving board and flying down the slide while Beau played with toys on the pool steps. We later ventured to Q’emlin State Park in Post Falls, Idaho. This beach area was great for the whole family. Sloan swam in the water, Beau built sand castles, I sipped refreshing beverages, and Sid relaxed in her beach chair. Afterwards we had a family dinner at Red Robin.

Our Saturday of the Fourth of July weekend was spent at a private pool and Q’emlin State Park.

Restful July 7 – After three days of sun, fun, and water, we tried to take it easy for the final day of our Fourth of July weekend. We attended our usual 9 a.m. mass at St. Mary and then came home and watched “Back to the Future.” I then took the kids to Browns Park where they had too much fun with the splash pad. They made friends with some other children and made a game out of soaking themselves and then zooming down the slides “slip ‘n slide” style. We then capped the night off with grilled burgers.

The kids playing at the Browns Park splash pad in Spokane Valley on Sunday night.

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I would say we had an all-American Fourth of July weekend. Thanks to my children and wife for going on such a fun four-day ride with me. Let the summer continue! Don’t Blink.

Starting Off the Independence Weekend Right

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Happy Fourth of July Eve, friends! I am a big sucker for Independence Day as I feel nothing quite screams “SUMMER” like it. For me, it also packs the same Americana vibes as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Super Bowl.

Happy Fourth of July!

In honor of tomorrow’s holiday, I will not publish a Thursday Rundown. This goes against the precedent I set in 2019 when the Fourth of July also fell on a Thursday and I threw together this rundown. I don’t know, I guess five years of additional blogging service later I feel more entitled to use my holiday time (😂).

But let me add one final anecdote to the “Fourth of July on a Thursday” thing: It’s great, isn’t it?!

I much rather my Fourth of July begin the holiday weekend as opposed to end it. Since Independence Day last fell on Thursday in 2019, it has either landed on the weekend or, like the past two years, on a Monday or Tuesday.

With the holiday landing at the very beginning of the week, working people usually pack all their fun into the preceding weekend. They then use the Fourth of July to perhaps take a small step back and celebrate the holiday knowing they have work tomorrow. If that isn’t the epitome of a firework dud, I don’t know what is!

Call me crazy, but I like opening my long weekend (because let’s face it, most everyone will take Friday off) with America’s big birthday party and then having the next three days to relax. So, I guess all I am trying to say is that I am really glad the Fourth of July is on a Thursday this year 😉.

Please enjoy an awesome and safe Independence Day. We are blessed to live in this country and should have every right to celebrate accordingly. Don’t Blink.

Continuing His Journey: Fr. Kevin Oiland

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It started with a text. Shortly after moving to Spokane, Sidney and I were looking for a way to find community. We got word that a Spokane Valley Catholic young adult group was starting so I didn’t hesitate to text the phone number listed on the bulletin advertisement. The person who the number belonged to, Fr. Kevin Oiland, responded immediately. That text would dramatically shape the next Reser chapter in our new corner of the country.

This text exchange with Fr. Kevin in September 2020 would lead to so much fruit.

When I think of Fr. Kevin, I immediately feel a debt of gratitude. His work with Fr. Jeff Lewis to create a Catholic young adult group came at the perfect moment for my wife and me. The people we met would become our best friends and companions in Christ. Although simply getting the group off the ground was noteworthy enough for Fr. Kevin to always remain in our prayers, we were spoiled enough to be in his consistent presence for nearly four years after I first exchanged texts with him.

A photo of my family with Fr. Kevin Oiland at a going-away party our young adult group hosted for him.

Fr. Kevin Oiland served as pastor at the Spokane Valley Catholic parishes of St. John Vianney and St. Paschal from July 1, 2018 up through this past Sunday. As is custom in the Roman Catholic Church, priests are given new assignments throughout their ministries. In Fr. Kevin’s case, he recently moved to Walla Walla to become pastor at St. Patrick and St. Francis of Assisi. All I can say is that those parishes landed an incredible priest.

I am sad to see Fr. Kevin go. I truly appreciated his demeanor, kindness, and talents. A soft-spoken priest who was humble to the core, Fr. Kevin made me feel at ease and secure in his presence. In fact, although I wasn’t a parishioner at his parishes, I would occasionally watch the livestreams of his masses just to hear his relatable and conversational homilies. I admired his approach to spiritual warfare in that it is better to make preemptive preparations instead of leaving it all up to the moment of attack. For those more connected to a traditional form of Catholicism, Fr. Kevin shared with the Spokane Valley community his reverent skill of offering the Latin mass at various different times. He also brought an unmatchable passion for/knowledge of G.K. Chesterton.

Fr. Kevin Oiland speaks to our Catholic young adult group at a special retreat in April 2023.

I have a couple of Fr. Kevin stories that will stay with me. A couple years ago, a group of us from our young adult group played flag football on Saturdays during the fall. My birthday fell on one of those Saturdays and Sidney helped coordinate a surprise party for me at the field. Besides the flag football players I expected to see, there was also a redhead in a cassock who joined the celebration. Yep, Fr. Kevin devoted part of his Saturday morning solely to show up in-person to wish me a happy birthday.

Fr. Kevin Oiland celebrated his 15th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood in June (graphic courtesy of the Diocese of Spokane).

Then there was the death of Fr. Kevin’s mom, Laura Oiland. Any words would fail to convey the closeness of that mother-son relationship. I had the opportunity to attend the rosary vigil and I won’t forget walking into Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral and seeing Fr. Kevin up front kneeling in front of his mom’s casket in deep prayer. I was immediately touched by a sense of sadness yet peace. Fr. Kevin would then lead a beautiful and profound rosary service for his mom. I walked out thinking, if only all of us could be commended to God in such a holy way.

Fr. Kevin Oiland (right), baptizes Eden, the daughter of one of the flagship couples of our young adult group. Although most of us weren’t parishioners of Fr. Kevin’s parishes, we still asked him to celebrate one-time sacraments such as baptisms and marriages for us.

Finally, I just want to relate how much Fr. Kevin cared for his flock. He sincerely considers the soul of everyone. Just this year he organized a local pilgrimage for our young adult group to visit St. Francis of Assisi in Spokane so we could obtain a special indulgence for praying at a creche run by Franciscans. Although not the parish priest for most of us in our group, he still presided over some of our marriages and baptisms of our children. He never ceased praying for us and our causes. When my aunt died (just a couple weeks after his mom died), he offered comfort.

Our Catholic young adult group poses inside St. Francis of Assisi in Spokane for a photo after praying at the parish’s creche. Fr. Kevin Oiland is on the left side of the photo in the top row.

Fr. Kevin once addressed our group about life. He likened it to a journey with the final destination hopefully being Heaven. I know his new assignment in Walla Walla is just the latest step on his own journey to eternal joy with God. Please make sure to pray for him. Don’t Blink.

Hoopfest 2024: All About Family

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It was a family-centered Hoopfest as we enjoyed a weekend in downtown Spokane both volunteering and having some fun.

Our 2024 Hoopfest experience started on the WSU Spokane campus as we caught the shuttle that took us to downtown. Sloan scoped out the brand new Cougar Pride statue.

Our main contribution to Hoopfest 2024 was running one of the 425 courts that comprised the event. After last serving as a court monitor in 2015, I was back to volunteer in the same capacity this year. Sidney returned as my scorekeeper and assisting her was someone who wasn’t even alive the last time we volunteered at Hoopfest—Sloan.

Saturday afternoon, we posed for a photo after we finished the games on our court.

The three of us worked together to provide a smooth experience for the adult male: over 40 years old/over six-foot competitive bracket we were assigned to. I was impressed with the caliber of play. The players who graced our court were there because they love the game and the opportunity to hoop it up with their teammates. It was genuinely fun to watch them play their hearts out while working with Sidney and Sloan to provide all players in our bracket the best experience possible.

Sloan got her photo taken with her favorite player from our bracket, Learon Mayes. Everyone at the court, but especially Learon, treated Sloan really well.

I have experienced several times the camaraderie and respect that develops between a court monitor and the teams in the bracket, but to allow Sidney and Sloan to get a taste for it was really special. The guys loved talking with Sidney and they treated Sloan like a princess. It was a pleasure going on the tournament journey with everyone placed on our court.

Sidney and Sloan pose for a photo during Saturday morning of Hoopfest 2024.

Now there was something a little quirky about our court. It was just an eight-team bracket. Because of this, we were done by 1 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. This allowed us to experience Hoopfest beyond our court assignment on Spokane Falls Boulevard. For example, both days we sat in the shade in Riverfront Park near the food vendors and ate lunch. It also allowed us to watch other people play basketball…

We had the opportunity to watch the re-configured team I was part of last year play a game. The St. Mary Squad became an all-male team after Amy and I decided to step down this year. Ryan and J.J. returned with newcomers Jacob and Reese filling our spots. We saw them come up just short during a game on Saturday afternoon. Although I was not part of the team in terms of the roster, it didn’t stop me from acting like it as I cheered my heart out and stood with whoever the player on the bench was. My boys ended up making the consolation championship!

I was happy I got to watch the St. Mary Squad play (from l-r: Reese Polen, Jacob Bambock, JJ Nazzaro, and Ryan Andrade).

Then there was my brother. Glen’s bracket got way behind so even though we arrived in time for his 3:30 p.m. game, it didn’t start until probably 75 minutes later. No matter, his court was conveniently located right next to David’s Pizza. We were able to pop inside and cool off. Let me tell you, those couple beers I had sure hit the spot. Making it even more convenient was the fact that a large open air window peered right onto my brother’s court so we could keep track of all the action. Unfortunately they would fall in that game as well as the consolation championship game I watched them play on Sunday afternoon. Man, am I bad luck or what?

Sloan and Glen pose for a photo. Sloan is inside David’s Pizza and Glen is right outside it, just feet away from his court.

Just a couple other things from Hoopfest 2024: Beau got to come with us on Sunday. My kids collected way too much swag from the various vendors throughout the weekend. There was a big downpour on Sunday afternoon while watching my brother play. We randomly ran into people we knew throughout the two days, resulting in some awesome conversations.

Beau and Sloan are all smiles at Hoopfest on Sunday morning.

What another great Hoopfest made even more special because of the people I had the pleasure of spending it with. Put it on your calendar, folks, Hoopfest 2025 will be held June 28-29. Don’t Blink.

Returning As a Court Monitor For Hoopfest 2024

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Alright, can we just get through the next 24 hours as quickly as possible? I have Hoopfest fever and am stoked to return as a court monitor to the best and biggest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world.

Last night I went downtown to pick up my court monitor gear and court assignment. The forest green t-shirts are nice and the purple basketball really pops. Although I am a little puzzled about why the shorts don’t have pockets, I am thankful for anything free. The coveted shoes are now handed out after the tournament to encourage volunteers to actually show up instead of swiping the shoes and sleeping in.

I am excited to return as a court monitor for Hoopfest 2024.

As for my court assignment? Ah man, you are going to love this: This Coug is on a University of Idaho-sponsored court 😂. But it’s all good because my court location is awesome—right in the middle of the action at Spokane Falls Boulevard and Howard. I am overseeing an adult male 8-team bracket. That means my Saturday will be over after the 12:30 p.m. game giving me time to catch afternoon action featuring my friends and family.

This year’s ball definitely pops!

Speaking of family, I will have my wife and daughter helping me this weekend. Sidney is my scorekeeper and Sloan is my assistant scorekeeper. This Reser trio will make sure our court is in good hands.

This is my bracket. Come see me!

There is nothing like Hoopfest weekend. If you have never experienced it before, make it happen tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous! If you do find yourself walking the downtown streets, don’t hesitate to stop by and say “hi.” Please pray for a safe and healthy event for all involved. Don’t Blink.

Blue Creme Thursday Rundown

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Ahhh sweet summer continues. I hope you have enjoyed a terrific June and are excited for the month that screams “summer” more than any other—July. Here we go with my latest Thursday Rundown…

Family Reunion – We spent last weekend in Walla Walla to celebrate my Aunt Patty’s 60th birthday. The main event took place on Saturday evening at Pioneer Park, a true gem of eastern Washington. Below is a photo of my dad (fourth from the left) with his siblings, including Aunt Patty (second from left). With them in spirit are my late Uncle Mike and late Aunt Nancy.

My aunts and uncles at Pioneer Park in Walla Walla.

Star Wars Oreos – Many of you know that I like to talk Oreos, so I wanted to show you what Sid and Sloan recently picked up. They purchased Dark Side or Light Side Star Wars limited edition Oreos. The gimmick is that when you open the package you either have “dark side” cookies with red crème or “light side” cookies with blue crème. We naturally discovered blue crème cookies in our pack! Oh, by the way, the crème of each option is infused with sugar crystals that provide a pretty satisfying consistency.

These Oreos were kind of fun.

Hoopfest Memory – On this date nine years ago, I volunteered as a Hoopfest court monitor for the seventh time in my life. Serving as my scorekeeper was my beautiful fiancé (😉). In fact, KXLY even did a news story on us traveling all the way from South Carolina to participate. Anyway, after nearly a decade since I last served as a court monitor, I will be volunteering in that same capacity this weekend. But more on that tomorrow.

All I can show you is a photo from the story because the link to the actual report is now broken.

Dave & Buster’s Anniversary – Sorry for another “on this date” topic, but on June 27, 2017, I wrote about my first couple of trips to Dave & Buster’s. Before June of 2017, I almost thought Dave & Buster’s was just a big legend. I would see so many television ads for the entertainment center but had never set foot in one. That all changed when a location opened up in Myrtle Beach. Sidney and I had a lot of fun going to Dave & Buster’s every now and then for games, food, and drinks. It was a sensory overload for sure but the atmosphere always gave me a jolt of energy. I really think Dave & Buster’s should move into the Players and Spectators location here in Spokane.

Sidney and I playing at Dave & Buster’s in 2017.

The Debate – I need to turn my focus away from the computer screen and to the TV screen because the presidential debate is about to start. Or, actually, is that even a good idea? I don’t know if I even want to watch Donald Trump and Joe Biden battle it out tonight because honestly, it is going to be uncomfortable. Get ready for the insults to fly, the yelling to begin, and the mud to be thrown. Although I am glad that there will be no studio audience and only one microphone turned on at a time, I think it will most likely still be a s*** show. Let the candidate with the fewest gaffes prevail!

Get ready for what will probably be a wild one tonight.

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Thanks for reading, friends! Can’t wish you all a good weekend (yet) because I will be back tomorrow with a short blog post. Until then, enjoy your Thursday evening. Don’t Blink.

Training to be Cathletes

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We are in the midst of that very special week that always comes around during the latter half of June: Catholic Summer Camp!

This year the theme at St. Mary is Cathletics: Training to be Champions of Christ. The goal of this year’s camp is to focus on the Commandments, Beatitudes, and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. As you can imagine, Sloan is working hard to be the best Cathlete that she can.

The theme for this year’s Catholic Summer Camp at St. Mary is Cathletics.

Because it just wouldn’t be right otherwise, this year’s Cathletics theme is playing off the Olympics. Walk in the gym and you will see the six rings everywhere. There is even an Olympics-inspired photo backdrop available.

Sloan wearing her Catholic Summer Camp “Cathletics” t-shirt.

But the Olympics angle was executed to perfection on Sunday evening. That was when the “opening ceremony” was held. Mass was said at 5 p.m. and then all campers and families converged in the gym for a pizza dinner followed by the parade of nations. The parade took the form of camp volunteers marching around the gym holding portraits of saints from all around the world. Then the really cool part occurred. Kevin Schultz, the 8th grade teacher at St. Mary Catholic School, constructed a gigantic monstrance that doubles as an Olympic cauldron. To conclude the opening ceremony on Sunday night, a “torch bearer” (aka random parent) performed the honor of “lighting” the monstrance/cauldron (the “flame” is fan-powered orange paper).

This monstrance was constructed by St. Mary Catholic School teacher Kevin Schultz.

The flame has shined brightly ever since. Over the past three days, Sloan and her fellow campers have made crafts, learned songs, danced their hearts out, watched skits, played games, and—most importantly—ate snacks. Oh wait, that has not been the most important part. Rather, it has been nurturing their relationship with God and becoming more familiar with the graces he has given us.

Volunteers parade around the gym with photos of the saints during the opening ceremony for the St. Mary Cathletics Catholic Summer Camp.

Perhaps the only aspect of camp that is more on fire than the cauldron itself is the enthusiasm of Marie Bricher. She is once again leading the week as she never ceases to amaze me by her creativity, attention to detail, gift for teaching, and love of Jesus. Thanks for all you do, Marie!

Please pray for the campers and volunteers as they finish out the last two days of camp. For the most of us not attending the St. Mary Catholic Summer Camp, we can still train to be champions of Christ. Don’t Blink.

Getting Organized

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Some sense of organization is finally returning to our lives. When we moved from Myrtle Beach in 2020, we simply couldn’t bring everything with us. One such casualty that didn’t make the trip across the country was our filing cabinet. It was clunky and, to be honest, it had seen better days.

Well, we have definitely missed it over the past four years. I adopted the “put everything in random pocket folders” method. Want to guess how that worked out? There was never a central spot for these folders as they ended up in drawers and baskets throughout the house. Storing birth certificates in one folder under the bed upstairs and passports in a folder in the corner of my office downstairs just didn’t make a lot of sense.

For the past few months, Sidney and I have been very cognizant about the fact that we needed to do something about our disorganization. We looked at a couple places and kept our eyes opened at a large garage sale but didn’t find anything to our liking…until a few weeks ago.

I didn’t include this in my Father’s Day gift post, but the project Sid recently completed was the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me to commemorate the special day. About a week before June 16, Sidney found a couple filing cabinets at Value Village. They were second-hand and in pretty bad shape, at least externally. After much debate on whether she wanted to buy them or just give up on the filing cabinet search, she chose the former.

Sidney did a really special think for Father’s Day by restoring these two filing cabinets.

When Sidney arrived home, she cleared our cars out of the garage and started the project. Over the course of several days, she sanded the cabinets, primed them, and painted them. I am kicking myself that I didn’t snap a “before” photo but if you can imagine the brown faded wood look you have a pretty good idea of what she was dealing with.

Last Tuesday she brought the finished products into our home. We have them both inside my office sandwiching my desk. The process of filling the cabinets up with contents from the folders is ongoing. Much gratitude to my wife for using her creativity and love to solve for a problem that I let fester for too long. Don’t Blink.