• Cyburbia is a friendly big tent, where we share our experiences and thoughts about urban planning practice, the built environment, planning adjacent topics, and anything else that comes to mind. No ads, no spam, and it's free. It's easy to join!

Daily things 5️⃣ Five Things Friday

1) I am just dragging today. I even took a 15 minute nap at the end of my lunch break, but hasn't helped much. Perhaps an early cup of afternoon coffee is in order.
2) Family is going out to dinner tonight since it is Friday. Odds are we will be going to some place that serves hot wings. There is one place that is a tiki bar like atmosphere that I enjoy. Great customer service and the food is good too.
3) I have come to the conclusion that development builders don't build the type of house I am looking for (detached 2-story traditional looking 1500 sq 3 bed 2 1/2 bath with at least a small yard) They are all over 2000 square feet or a townhouse. Found some plans from a custom builder and the base price is within my price range, but I fear the cost of buying a vacant lot somewhere within a 30 minute drive of my wife's work.
4) I watched a documentary on Churchill and the 1st world war. At an young age, he was an interesting guy that seemed to have a lot of gumption but lacked common sense.
5) I have been going through this mental debate if I should buy the module to change the onstar on my truck over to blue tooth. I am very torn by this because the module is not cheap, and I question how often I will need to use it. I have noticed that I don't spend much time on my phone here, and most of what I listen to is CD's.
 
1. AIB Maister, I now want to go fishing this weekend.
2. I don't get angry when kids cross my lines but I rarely fish where other people are fishing.
3. A local guy just caught a 58 lb. flathead catfish in Lake that isn't known for it's flathead catfish. The fish's age was estimated at ~25 years old.
4. He released the fish after taking pictures, which is what I do.
5. I would like to experience hooking a fish that size while fishing from my kayak.
 
1. T minus 2 hours and counting before vacation
2. Of course as we are trying to get ready to leave the air conditioning at the house freezes up
3. I'll deal with that when we get home
4. Our sidewalk project might be shot all to hell thanks to state and federal requirements
5. In 24 hours, I'll be on the beach!!!
 
1. Two-day work week, and I'm ready for the weekend.
2. A woman from small town Virginia found out I was headed to Pittsburgh, and asked if I knew the Reeds.
3. A woman from small town NC asked if I attend church. Instead of feeling offended, I sat down and talked to her. She was interesting and kind.
4. All of my back road NC routes are sporting future interstate designation signs. :not:
5. I'm trying to learn to play mandolin using internet lessons.
 
1. More drama and conflict going on at home than is right. I am getting mortally tired of it.
2. 60 year old Warner Bros. cartoons are way funnier than anything out there today. That's sad when you think about it
3. I'll bet cultures where polytheism is popular are more tolerant about everything in general than cultures where monotheistic religions prevail
4. I saw an interesting thing on MSN this morning about what's wrong with the home designs of several popular sitcoms
5. I just ate a donut. Probably shouldn't have.
 
1) I was late to work this morning - turned the alarm off rather than hit snooze.
2) Staff report from hell finally submitted.
3) Have a personal holiday day to burn by the end of Sept. Now to decide when/where/which weekend to make a long weekend.
4) Need to go clothes shopping, but just don't feel like taking the time.
5) Any good movies out now? - it's better inside the movie theater than in the 100 degree heat.
 
1) Received my custom licence plate yesterday, however this morning there is no sound in my truck. I think the amp fuse is blown because there is nothing, no chime, nothing.
2) They are doing construction in the department to create another office. It is not as loud as I thought it would be, but it is enough to be annoying even with the door closed. Scratch that... it just got real loud.
3) My buddy from GR arrived last night. It is awesome that he came down to visit. Since his wife left him, he is picking up and going where he wants to go, when he wants to go. In October he decided to go to Egypt with some other friends.
4) We are going to the ocean tomorrow.(Tide's old stomping grounds) It will be the first time my kids will swim in salt water. We hope that we will not feed the sharks at any point in time.
5) My buddy and I watched the Robin Williams Inside the Actors Studio last night on Youtube and Driving for Coffee with Comedians. I think laughter is really good for him right now.
 
1. Yesterday brought about some potential relief from a work issue. It should be a very good thing.
2. This has felt like a long week because of vacation hangover.
3. Our weekend plans have fizzled out, so looking at options now.
4. I am ready for school to start. I think The Girl is too, but she's not admitting it.
5. Draft Beer jelly bellies - who'd a thunk it







mskis - I don't know where you're going on the coast, but just keep an eye on the rip currents. Some place have stronger ones than others, but with your wee ones, just keep an eye out (more than the sharks)
 
1. Lots to do this weekend.
2. Weather should be nice, but my wife won't be around, which sucks.
3. Traffic engineering is mind numbing. Good for them though.
4. Journey. What a band. Man do we need a sarcastic emoticon...
5. Omelets don't make themselves.
 
1. If you have time to text me and ask me to call you, just call me.
2. I still love cherry Kool-Aid.
3. Taking care of my son post-op is tiring.
4. Someone who used to be family has a problem with boundaries.
5. I'll say it again, it would be nice to have a thug at my disposal. ;)
 
[ot]
mskis - I don't know where you're going on the coast, but just keep an eye on the rip currents. Some place have stronger ones than others, but with your wee ones, just keep an eye out (more than the sharks)


We did. We had to deal with them to a lesser degree on Lake Michigan, anticipated such. One thing that we didn't anticipate was the tide. The little ones were not happy when their sandcastle 20 feet from the water, became an island, then nothing... all in the matter of 30 minutes.

[/ot]
 
1) Have Happy Hour plans after work - Yeah!
2) Move-in day at the state U in the town-next-door. I won't be heading that direction today - no way, no how!
3) Slept well last night, but now that I'm at work I just want to turn around and head home for a nap. Must be the grey, overcast, dreary morning drive.
4) I want a dog. However, our work schedules are not good for a dog (long hours alone). Hubby won't even consider getting a cat.
5) Need to find local dentist that takes my insurance. I think I'll start asking coworkers where they go.
 
2) Move-in day at the state U in the town-next-door. I won't be heading that direction today - no way, no how!

1) Ours was last week. The traffic is still sorting itself out.:-c Plus our normal come to town and provision up, go to one of the restaurants and see a movie Saturday traffic has gotten worse as well.
2) The joys of living in a regional center as well as being home to several universities.
3) It's down right steamy outside
4) All our windows are fogged over
5) I need to read more
 
1. Having a good Friday
2. Gave some guy good news about his patio project. People do like me despite what my commissioner says
3. Approve my guys tuition reimbursement. I like doing that stuff
4. I want a dog, but the wife hates dogs so we have three cats
5. State U is down the road tipping cows so no traffic for me.
 
1. There is a house for sale in our current neighborhood that I really want.
2. Unfortunately it is juuuuuuuuuuust out of our price range.
3. We can't afford to selose our house.
4. Too many ideas zooming around my brain.
5. Bahrain or Djibouti. 8-!
 
1) I have been surprisingly busy and productive today. I am even watching a planning webcast today.
2) My boss and I both thought that I made an error, but found out that there was a missing regulation in the master plan.
3) Beach day tomorrow! Very excited about the surf and sand.
4) I am thinking about buying better AR-15. The new ones are lighter if not overloaded with accessories.
5) I am still looking for a place that can repair my truck rim. It has a slight crack at the edge.
 
1. It's [STRIKEOUT]hot [/STRIKEOUT]humid as hell out there today and I've been outside on a sidewalk project & downtown issue.
2. I woke up The Girl at 11:30 this morning when I went to pick her up for lunch
3. Going to ride some rollercoasters this weekend
4. I parked in the Asst. City Managers space today because he's out-of-town - waiting for someone to call me out
5. Isn't it beer-30 yet?
 
Having a problem with militant NIMBYs? :D

There is no good way to respond without ending up on someones watch list. :-c

(Thinking about driving to SC in the fall for a training event, and it realized that it would be simpler with a lighter weapon)
 
1. The humidity is awful, where do you get that dry heat?
2. My iphone crashed earlier this week.
3. My phone carrier tried to get me to upgrade to a new phone, but Apple replaced it as it was under warranty.
4. I enjoyed dealing with Apple, the phone company not so much.
5. To expedite getting a phone in had, I had to take it to the Apple store that was an hour away. I could spend a lot of money at the apple store.

4) I am thinking about buying better AR-15. The new ones are lighter if not overloaded with accessories.

A guy at the local gun shop had one that was right at five pounds. It was lighter than most single shot shotguns. I was impressed but I am not generally interested in AR-15's so I didn't pay attention to brand or price. Although I would imagine that it was a custom built job with off the shelf components picked to reduce weight. The ability to customize with out being a gunsmith and low cost of .223/5.56 ammo is intriguing. My varmint rifle is chambered 223/5.56 because of the ability to shot it cheaply. Its more accurate than most AR's that were two/three times the price. I get one in heartbeat if I won the lottery or if the groundhogs started shooting back.
 
1. I feel like I don't pee enough in a day. Is that normal?
2. I cut my thumb. That is the worst cut.
3. Wine party tonight. Boom.
4. Lots of soccer this weekend. But the weather should be great.
5. I would probably eat the crap out of green eggs and ham.
 
1. My son gave me a great/funny birthday card yesterday. He has a good sense of humor
2. Better freeze the chili I made on Weds.
3. Hope to take Junior out to race his r.c. car this evening
4. I have lots and lots and lots and lots of beer at the house currently
5. Cheer up the weekend is almost here
 
1) I am not sure who is more excited about miniskis joining boy scouts... me or him. We are going to ROCK the pinewood derby. I might build a few test models to test in micro wind tunnels. But he will have the final say on the design. I will just do what I can to make it stupid fast.
2) The sun is pouring into my office, the windows and sunroof were open on my drive into work this morning, it is Friday, and I am going to get 1.5 ethics credits this afternoon thanks to a webcast by the Delaware Planning Thespians.
3) I am going to make baked Tilapia for dinner tonight.
4) My wife hates her job right now. She is looking to transfer to another division in a new location. This would be a great thing because it would open up better housing possibilities for us. It might increase my commute to work a little bit, but we could move a lot closer to our church.
5) Next summer, I think we are going to unplug for a full week when we are on vacation. We can set our phones so it rings for parents, but otherwise we are going to go dark as we travel around the midwest. We will load up the photos when we get back home.
 
1) Have a date tomorrow night with my spouse. Dinner and a show!
2) I had to put windshield wiper fluid in my car last night, and this morning the low tire pressure light came on. What's the third thing going to be?:-{
3) All anyone in the office can talk about is school stuff (this was the first week for all levels) and upcoming football season - both school and pro. Can we talk about something else? How 'bout them Rangers??
4) I really want a day off to sleep and be a slug. I was thinking that Labor Day would be that day, but now hubby's talking about a mini-vacation. We'll see what happens, but I really want to recharge my batteries and not think for a long period.
5) Already thinking about purging seasonal clothes.
 
1. The Girl's lunch time at school is 10:30 am. I told her that's brunch. Really is a bit early and she is starving when she gets home.
2. I confess I've knocked out an entire tube of Pringles in one sitting (cheddar). We won't talk about the oreos...
3. Actually saw a man wearing a kilt this week. It was at Academy Sports and I couldn't think of any relevant events happening in the area.
5. Sometimes I think this town would be great if it wasn't for the citizens
4. Baseball & fireworks tonight!
 
1. Sore throat.
2. Tired.
3. Old.
4. I was going to run, but I am just too tired.
5. Man I am old...
 
1. I have seldom been so keyed about a three day weekend. This one's arrival is well-timed!
2. I suppose I should do a few chores around the house and in the yard but it's time to play!
3. I'm so keyed about the upcoming weekend I don't even mind doing this stupid zoning verification letter for the Planning & Zoning Resource Company
4. I have a fridge full of Aecht Schlenkerla (Marzen) and Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
5. Dang, I love stout
 
1) Feeling rather passive-aggressive today. You're playing your radio loud enough for me to hear? Fine, I'm playing my ipod with no earphones to drown you out!
2) Want a donut, but can't justify it with my weight loss goal.
3) Made a mistake in a pre-app meeting, so now I have to contact the applicant and let them know. Not fun.
4) Looking forward to the long weekend; I think I'll get in an extra nap.
5) Finished a crochet project, but now I have to weave in the ends. That's the least favorite part for me.
 
1) My dad complained that it may reach the upper 80's today where he lives
2) I reminded him of where I live
3) We haven't seen the 80's on a consistent basis since May
4) A counting the hours sort of day
5) Has anyone seen Ant Man?
6) Is it any good?
 
  1. My youngest is 6 today.
  2. We've had about 10 hours of solid rain today...
  3. Sump pumps are trying, but there's likely too much 'traffic' downstream
  4. Building the portable b-ball hoop this evening for the 6 yr old
  5. Optometrist appt at 11:30a
 
1) For the second time since 9/11/01 I am going to be flying on 9/11. I few to Philly on the one year anniversary and today I fly to Green Bay WI. I hope I get a flag pin like I did last time. I just realize that today is the first time since my honeymoon that I am going to be on an airplane.
2) I have one developer who is being a jerk about getting me elevation drawings as part of his PUD application. I finally said, hey, if you want a favorable recommendation to the Planning Commission and the City Council, we will have elevation drawings.
3) There is a Chic-fil-a opening up within walking distance of my apartment. Only downfall is there are no sidewalks or cross walks for a busy state highway.
4) My kids like to pretend that they are sharing their food with their favorite stuffed animals. It is funny to see a stuffed frog drinking a juice.
5) TWC cranked up my internet speed at home. The ISP's are trying to make their services more desirable for when Google Fiber flips the on switch in my area.
 
1) Half day today! But that is only if I get all my crap done that has to be done today.
2) My car has 5K miles on it, and I've already had to repair a tire (nail!) and remove scraped paint off the door handles. Turns out I also have a scrape in the paint :-@
3) Heading to the parentals this weekend. Some of it will be fun, but there's always the potential for fireworks.
4) Anyone else ready for fall? I've already pulled out some non-summer clothes and have started the closet content switch.
5) Friday! Friday! Friday! But when I blink, it'll be Sunday night.
 
1. A mere 47 minutes into it, and 5:00 can't get here quick enough!
2. I don't respond well to coercion (unless your name is Ilsa or LP;))
3. Have made no plans whatsoever for the weekend. How is that possible?
4. Thinking about my garden this year makes me sad.
5. I laughed out loud when I heard someone compare pandas to "regular bears" (oh look, see the regular bear over there in the woods...?)
 
1. I realized last night I've been doing this planning thing for 31 years now
2. Meeting with WalMart people today about a temporary location for the job resource center (place for applicants to fill out applications and initial screening). They want to have a downtown location & I've got 4 to show them
3. Small claims court is moving to the old courthouse in about a month which means lots of new people coming into downtown
4. Local Minor League baseball team has a playoff game tonight
5. Kiddie soccer first match this season is tomorrow @ noon
 
1. I had two unsolicited apologies in less than 4 hours this morning.
2. The first was a co-worker who apologized for being snarky yesterday.
3. I didn't think she was any more snarky than usual but evidently she felt otherwise.
4. The second was a contractor that felt that he misled me. He did but It wasn't intentional and didn't really matter.
5. I am not use to people apologizing until they get in trouble.
 
1. I have a friend who will call me several times in a short time span because she thinks I'll eventually answer. It makes me not want to talk to her at all. :not:
2. I checked the state's unclaimed funds web page. Nothing there for me, but something there for my daughter.
3. Claiming unclaimed money would be a welcome thing.
4. The days are getting shorter.
5. I have a basket of socks in good shape, many unworn, and no one will take them.
 
1. Please don't murder me
2. I have a sudden urge to be 25 once again and attend a Grateful Dead show
3. I would also settle for a trip to Tahquamenon Falls instead
4. Does anyone else think a fast food joint that specialized in BLT's could work?
5. Lots of inspections to do but it's raining.:(
 
1) Made my lunch reservations for Thanksgiving! Early enough to be done and home for the Cowboys game, but late enough to not be brunch.
2) Feeling good today - a change from the last few days.
3) Really want to be a generally happy person, but my natural state is more pessamistic/snarky/worrisome/nervous. Staying content is a major milestone.
4) I dread Monday mornings at the office during football season. Loud recap of all level of games - high school through pro - dominates the cube farm until lunch.
5) I need to lose weight.
 
1) Wife is on call this weekend and I fear that we don't have enough pizza and beer for me and frozen chicken nuggets and juice for the kids.
2) I think we are going to go and check out Charlotte next weekend. I have some friends from college with kids of similar age as mine who live there. I have not seen them since I graduated college and it would be great to catch up.
3) Some friends back in GR sold their house and bought a 500 square foot condo in a recently renovated historic building in downtown. It has a Murphy-bed, a great view of a historic theater, and will be perfect for them.
4) My friends want to sign up for another tough mudder... but I need to figure out the transportation thing. 12-14 hour drive or $450 plane ticket. Might be less depending on where it is. The other factor is lodging.
5) I want a banana tree for my office.
 
1. Nice cheesesteak for lunch and I wanted a milkshake for dessert, but passed on it. Probably should have had the milkshake and passed on the cheesesteak.
2. Too pretty of a day outside, I should RJ
3. Some members of another department aren't playing well with each other and at least one side keeps coming to me. Please don't involve me.
4. There's a project I want to do and has the backing form upstairs...but not until after the election
5. The local minor league baseball team just won the SAL Championship in a 3-game sweep!!!
 
1. I feel oddly drunk from the rash of 80's YouTube videos I was searching, listening/watching and posting
2. I hate doing my monthly report
3. I have way too many construction projects on my plate now
4. I am so tired from this week
5. I am frustrated I could not locate Thomas Dolby's "She Blinded Me With Science" original MTV video
 
1) Morning in the office, afternoon in a "How to make Presentations" training session. After a decade in Toastmasters, I don't need the session, but they might have some city-specific rule I need to know. And it gets me out of the office!
2) Had to use milk as creamer in my coffee this morning. Not the same!
3) What's the deal with the front desk not looking at the dept. calendar when scheduling, then complaining that they didn't know something? If you looked, then you would see that half the dept. will be out on a certain day.
4) Checking out a new-to-me nature trail this weekend. My regular morning walk area is getting stale.
5) State Fair (of Texas) opens today! :tx::tx::tx:
 
1) It is profoundly difficult not to complain about any of the 100 things that I could complain about.
2) I wonder if things of 'fine quality' like fine wine, expensive coffee, rare whiskey, hand built furniture, or similar items are that much better than anything else.
3) My wife ordered new running shoes last night. I can't bring my self to order shoes on line. I need to wear them and get a good fit, and if a sales person is going to spend the time assisting me, I will buy from them. (unless the service sucks or the shoes are not what I am looking for).
4) I think that were on the cusp of so many phenomenal advancements in technology and society but equally on the verge of civic collapse.
5) I have been thinking about how much fun wood working was. I don't have a place to build furniture right now and all my big tools are in storage in Michigan.
 
1. Decorum has been thrown out the window and seems to be a thing of the past
2. Starring_XXX - just shake my head and walk away
3. Weekend rain washes out golf, soccer, mowing the grass - but not grilling one evening
4. I like a 3 pedal car, except in a traffic jam
5. Tough People Last Longer Than Tough Times – Tampa Bay Rays Clubhouse Sign
 
1. My commute would be so different if McDonald's was on the inbound side of the road.
2. There has to be a good way to enjoy the flavor of everything bagels.
3. Today's inspection included a walk on a lakeside trail.
4. I'm beginning to understand rj's disdain of personnel matters.
5. Sometimes you have to let people know that they can't control your schedule.
 
4. I'm beginning to understand rj's disdain of personnel matters.

It's not just personnel matters, but personal matters as well. I don't want to hear about my employees' personal issues. Talk to your psychologist about your issues, not me. Or leave it in your car. :not:
 
1. With all the rain outs, looks like kiddie soccer will be going on until T-giving
2. It's election season so no rockin the boat until afterwards
3. Friends of ours were having an anniversary cookout Saturday night - well plans are being revised now
4. The Girl is off from school today due to the end of the reporting session - I'm taking her to lunch, her choice
5. +23 now
 
Back
Top