Tag Archives: Spokane Transit Authority

Couch-Less Thursday Rundown

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Have you treated yourself to anything pumpkin-flavored yet? If not, bravo! I think it is best to wait until the beginning of October to indulge. But something that shouldn’t be confined to a certain season or month (at least in my humble opinion) is the Thursday Rundown. So let’s get rolling with tonight’s five topics…

STA Experience – I mentioned earlier in the week that last Saturday’s EWU gameday experience included a bus ride for my kids. They got to journey on the new STA double decker bus and gave it high marks. Although Sloan battled some brief anxiety once the bus started to move and we hit the highway, her butterflies quickly dissipated. It was cool to let Sloan and Beau experience the same commute that I take often.

Sloan and Beau right the STA double decker bus on our way to the EWU football game in Cheney.

Bye Bye Couch – About four years ago, I made a big deal about us selling a couch. It followed us to four different houses and was the first joint purchase that Sid and I ever made. So, yeah, it held sentimental value and deserved its own blog post. Well, this past weekend we sold the couch that replaced our first one. This second couch provided a comfortable place to sit in three different houses over the course of five years (our first couch sat in storage for a year after we bought our second couch). However, it was time to move on. Facebook Marketplace once again helped us sell this second couch and now we are couch-less until our new piece of furniture is delivered on Saturday. Thanks to big blue for a memorable half decade!

Beau “helps” by assisting the buyer of our couch with loading his new furniture. It served us well!

Green Caterpillar – While on a neighborhood walk the other day, we came across a brightly colored green insect that stood out quite brilliantly on the curb. We spent plenty of time looking at it and admiring the red “horn” coming out at one end of its body. Sloan was especially interested to learn about the creature so we did a Google search and found out it was a tomato hornworm.

Beau looks at a tomato hornworm that we found while on a walk.

9/11 – Tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. This week I have been watching a show that reunites people who were at the World Trade Center during the attacks. In most instances, one individual saved the other and the show brings them together for the first time since that awful day. Since I have authored this blog, I have written about 9/11 no less than seven times. To view those entries you can tap here.

I am currently watching the “9/11 Reunited” documentary series.

National TV Dinner Day – I look back at what I put in my stomach when I was a kid and I can’t believe I ate the Kid Cuisine TV dinners. And it wasn’t like I was plugging my nose and swallowing either—I loved those frozen meals so much that I would opt for them over pizza delivery or fast food! To celebrate last year’s National TV Dinner Day, I wrote a blog post that goes into great depth about the “gourmet food” I thought I was eating and how I now realize how badly mistaken (or taste bud-challenged) I was. Happy 2026 National TV Dinner Day!

This box is a fond memory from my childhood. I loved Kid Cuisine TV dinners. Can’t say the same now.

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Thanks for reading. Make sure to take some time tomorrow to reflect on 9/11 and the lives that were lost. It is crazy to think that it was 25 years ago. Don’t Blink.

An Embarrassing Moment on Public Transit

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It has now been nearly 100 days since the embarrassing incident occurred so I think the humiliation has lessened just enough that I can tell the story…

I have mentioned before that I ride the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) bus system to work most days. I have also mentioned that I have a superpower for sleeping anywhere at any time…including sitting up while riding the bus.

My vantage point most mornings when I am on the STA bus. On a particular one of these mornings in early February 2026 I had a very embarrassing episode.

Okay, anyway, on Feb. 3 I was on the Route 6 bus like usual en route to Cheney. After we took the Four Lakes exit, I thought I would shut my eyes for 10 minutes before the bus pulled up to my stop on the EWU campus. I had done this countless times before and it had never failed: When the bus would stop at Cheney High School (usually the last stop before my own stop) I would usually automatically snap out of any state of unconsciousness I was in. My body and mind just simply knew it was time to open my eyes.

It must have been because of the routine 3 a.m. mornings and the recent late nights because I didn’t wake up when we reached Cheney High School. Rather, I woke up to the words, “Sir, sir” as the bus driver brought me to consciousness.

For the first several seconds, I was massively confused. I didn’t know where I was and who was talking to me. But then I realized I was on the bus and it was the driver who was looking at me. I scanned around. I was the only person besides the driver on board.

I was still confused where I was and asked the driver for clarification. He told me we were right off campus. I looked out the window and saw Roos Field so I immediately had a reference point. We were in some lot that the busses must use at the end of routes.

The driver and I started apologizing to each other at the same time. For whatever reason he felt at fault that he didn’t catch me snoozing away in my seat as he made the last campus stop. I apologized profusely knowing full well that a grown man shouldn’t need to be awakened like a toddler.

I jumped off the bus, still a tad bit disoriented, and made the long walk to my office. I thought about what the other passengers must have thought when they exited the bus and saw me in my seat sleeping. I thought about the moment the bus driver realized he had a rider on board after completing the route. I thought about how my reliable senses weren’t so reliable in this very rare instance. The longer-than-usual stroll didn’t cleanse the embarrassment I felt the rest of the day (nor for the next few months).

That incident was definitely a fluke. Over the past several weeks I have still taken a 10-minute power nap while on the homestretch to campus without any additional issues with oversleeping. However, I do close my eyes with a little more caution than I did prior to Feb. 3. Don’t Blink.

Double Decker Thursday Rundown

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Did you know that a week from today it will already be May? Guess it goes without saying that this is the last Thursday Rundown of April so I better get to it…

Surgery Anniversary – This past Tuesday marked the eighth anniversary of Sloan’s pyloric stenosis surgery that saved her life. Although we didn’t say anything about it for that first year after the operation, Sid and I have opened up more about the rare condition over time. Basically, food was unable to pass through Sloan’s small intestine. Since the food was unable to pass through her digestive system, it naturally went the way it came and she just threw it up. You can learn more by watching this video I made or by reading one of the several blog posts I have written about it. But for today, I just want to thank lead surgeon Dr. Robert Cina for his masterful skill and God for his grace.

During Sloan’s bout with Pyloric Stenosis and for over a year afterwards, we kept it between immediate family. Sidney and I are so thankful for the support of our parents. This photo shows our moms and dads with Sloan at the children’s hospital where the surgery took place (MUSC).

Double Decker Buses – Some of you might know that I ride the bus to work on a frequent basis. In fact, I have mentioned that my free bus pass (thanks, EWU!) is the best perk I have received from any college I have worked at. With all that said, you can imagine that I am pretty excited about what will soon be transporting me between Spokane and Cheney. On Tuesday, one of the new Spokane Transit Authority (STA) double decker buses was on campus for us to tour. I boarded the bus and went right to the top. These buses will ease overcrowding and provide quite a view! They will be in circulation come September 2025.

I am excited for the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) double decker buses to start servicing my route.

Passion/Easter Scenes – When I opened Sloan’s school folder this morning and saw her comic drawings of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, I was touched. The thought she put forth was so pure and it made me once again so thankful that they attend St. Mary. She sketched out multiple drawings but the one below stuck out to me.

Sloan recently drew this at school.

McDonald’s Secret Menu item – Nope, this “secret” menu item at McDonald’s is not for me. I don’t need my soft serve and Oreo cookies mixing with my potatoes. If someone gave me $20 to eat it, I would, but that is not something I would willingly order. Besides the disagreeable combination, I wouldn’t want anything to do with the sogginess that would result. One of the best parts about a McDonald’s hash brown is its crispiness. Let’s not ruin a good thing.

This doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest.

Easter Vigil – I gave a detailed rundown of our 2025 Easter Sunday but I didn’t mention the equally spectacular Easter Vigil. On Saturday night, Sloan and I attended the 8:30 p.m. Easter Vigil mass at St. Mary. The service ran for 2.5 hours as we welcomed a large group of people into the Catholic Church. It is such a rich and meaningful service! We started outside as the Paschal candle was lit from the Easter fire. We then all processed back into the church as our own personal candles were lit from the Paschal candle flame. It was beautiful! Congrats and welcome to all our new Catholics!

What a blessing to attend the St. Mary Easter Vigil.

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That will do it for tonight. Please continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, especially as his funeral is held on Saturday. Have a nice weekend, everyone. Don’t Blink.

Another One Rides The Bus

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Every university I have worked at has offered a special perk to its employees. At the University of Montana we received free football tickets, at Coastal Carolina University we enjoyed early release on summer Fridays, and at WSU I benefitted from a very liberal work-from-home schedule.

My favorite perk at Eastern Washington University? A bus pass.

I ride the 661 to the EWU campus a lot. I board the bus at the Jefferson Park and Ride in downtown Spokane.

My new employer provides faculty, staff, and students with a Spokane Transit Authority bus pass. With so many people living in Spokane and with EWU boasting a Spokane campus, it just makes sense for the university to encourage ridership on the STA routes that provide service to/from Cheney.

My vantage point most mornings when I am on the STA bus.

I have seized the opportunity. I try to take the bus 2-3 times per week as I capitalize on the dependability, sustainability, and, for the most part—comfort—that is offered. It serves as a happy arrangement in multiple respects…

First, it saves my vehicle from wear and tear. It is 27 miles from my home to my office. The bus stop where I board is 12 miles away at a park-and-ride in downtown Spokane. Thus, a normal 54-mile round trip for my Ford Escape is reduced to a 24-mile round trip. Sparing my car 30 miles per day adds up. It means less mileage, less gas, and less chance for an accident. It also eliminates driving for an extended time on I-90, my least favorite part of the commute.

Next, there is the convenience aspect. If you know anything about parking on a college campus, it can be scarce and expensive. Taking the bus has allowed me to bypass both those issues. When I use STA, I am dropped off at Eagle Station, the EWU-branded main campus bus plaza that is a convenient two-minute stroll to the building I work in. There is no stress, no driving around in circles, and no time drain.

The Eagle Station is the top bus stop on campus. It is a 2-minute walk to my office.

I also really appreciate the time I am given back that would otherwise be spent behind the wheel. A one-way trip from the park and ride to campus is 20 minutes. That means I have 40 minutes at my disposal on any given day I ride the bus. I use it to catch up on text messages, read the newspaper, check email, and format blog posts.

Finally, taking the bus just connects me better to EWU. Whether I am waiting at the stop or riding in my seat, I am surrounded by Eastern staff, faculty, and students. It has been a great way to solidify/build connections while reminding myself of the diverse EWU community.

It is hard not to smile when you are on the bus.

Thank you to Eastern Washington University for offering this option to all Eagles. Also, hats off to the bus drivers who are always so pleasant! Don’t Blink.

A Bloomsday Triumph

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My month of May started with Bloomsday, one of Spokane’s signature events. The road race draws at least 30,000 people annually who complete a 12K/7.5 mile course that begins and ends in downtown with scenic views of the Spokane River, historic neighborhoods, and other landmarks sandwiched in the middle. Growing up in Spokane I ran Bloomsday several times but it had been more than 20 years since I last participated.

On May 1, 2022, I ran Bloomsday after more than 20 years elapsed since I last participated in the event.

I joined my brother and sister-in-law to partake in this year’s race. We took advantage of the Bloomsday shuttle that allowed us to board a Spokane Transit Authority (STA) bus at Ferris High School for a stress-free drop off within blocks of the starting line.

Glen, Carrie, and I on the STA bus en route to Downtown Spokane for Bloomsday.

On Sunday I just couldn’t stop smiling. As I waited in the brilliant morning sunshine for the gun to sound, I felt so fortunate that the worst of the pandemic had passed and that community events could finally resume. It had been a long time coming.

To be honest, even before we got downtown I was already smiling ear to ear. Sloan and Beau wished me good luck before I headed out the door.

Trust me, I wasn’t the only one smiling. The enthusiasm and glee was infectious. Glen, Carrie, and I were filled with joy as we huddled with thousands of other bloomies at the starting line. Bloomsday was back!

As the three of us waited near the starting line, we couldn’t help but realize how far our world had come since the beginning of the pandemic.

There is nothing like that first Bloomsday mile. Running the initial 5,280 feet with the masses while injected with natural adrenaline is simply the best. As we ran by Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral during that opening stanza, Fr. Kyle Ratuiste gave us a quick blessing from the church steps. At that moment, I was at peak euphoria for the day and ready to tackle the course.

I took off on my own and simply enjoyed myself as I navigated the course. Bands, vendors, and spectators lined the streets as there was never a dull moment. At one point, someone on the curb extended a couple of PBR tall boys in my general vicinity.

“Sorry, I ran out of water,” the man said.

I declined but a braver soul who was running close to me graciously accepted the man’s offering. I gave him a nod of admiration.

Interactions like that made the race fun. To see everyone so spirited, runners and spectators alike, made for a fun morning. I crossed the finish line at 1 hour, 11 minutes—a little better than what I anticipated.

I approach the finish line during the 2022 Bloomsday.

Once I reunited with Glen and Carrie we picked up our coveted finisher t-shirts. Always the subject of intense scrutiny, this year’s color and design seemed to be lauded by fashion critics and social media users.

After we all crossed the finish line, Glen snapped this photo (photo bomber and all).

With t-shirts in hand, we headed to the next natural spot—the bar. A beer never tasted so good.

We felt like we owned the bar walking in with our Bloomsday shirts on. Seriously, the beer tasted so good.

Thanks to Glen and Carrie for letting me do Bloomsday with them, I had an absolute blast. And thank you, Spokane, for making such an awesome event possible. Until next time! Don’t Blink.