• 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 Tuesday

1. Why do engineering firms show photos and discuss their wastewater plant projects when replying to an RFP for a street project? Are they subliminally trying to tell me my project is sh!t?
2. We converted an arterial to two way today. I geeked out and recorded my drive into work on it for the last time as one way this morning. Looking forward to driving it as two way on the way home tonight.
3. I love the few times a year I have two whole weeks without a single night meeting.
4. Zoning code replacement is on schedule. Which means the politicians will start poking their noses into it very soon. I think I know who the sh!t stirrers are going to be, but you never really know till the shouting dies down.
5. It took some creative thinking, and a few tries that were more miss than hit, but I got a project done that makes me very happy. That's a nice feeling.:D
 
1) Boss found an error in a document after I'd reviewed it and declared it good.:-x

2) Leaving early today for dr appointment. With this weather, I wish I was leaving for something fun.

3) I feel bad that I'm glad that Hurricane Harvey didn't pound my house. Houston - where I used to leave - is heartbreaking to see.

4) Leftovers for lunch. Yum!

5) Tomorrow is a long day - have an event right after work. But the upcoming weekend will be a long one!
 
1. They're cutting down 2 (diseased) maples outside of my office. Buzz Buzz Buzz goes the chain saw.
2. Having a 'wonderful' time (again) with a special downtown merchant snowflake. UGH!
3. Dog food. I can't forget to pick up dog food on the way home this evening.
4. The Girl is signing up for driver's ed today. I wish she would wait until the spring when her schedule isn't as crowded.
5. My ankle is sore from playing soccer this weekend. It couldn't be that it was kicked or anything like that, right?
 
1. Our maples have the blight too. :(
2. First exam of the semester is tomorrow.
3. So of course I am here.
4. Can you still call it a hell week if it happens every other week or so?
5. I need chocolate.
 
1. I believe my appetite may have diminished
2. Junior is doing well one week into middle school band.
3. Gotta get those 2016 taxes filed soon (got an extension)
4. General anxiety level is about a 6 today on a 10 point scale
5. Be sure to wish HomerJ a happy birthday today
 
1) We are getting rain from the hurricane today. Nothing major and I feel fortunate that it did not cause issues here.
2) Still getting settled into the new gig. It is going well so far.
3) I read 2 books over the weekend. Good downtime while waiting at the airport and while in the air.
4) I bought a salad for lunch today... but I am feeling like something more substantial would be better. Just not sure what yet...
5) The planner's uniform is what I decided to wear today.
 
1. I received an email inquiry from a person whose job title is "Subject Matter Expert" - WTF!
2. I wanted to sleep in today. The Girl got to because there was a 2 hour school delay for potential Irma impacts.
3. I got my truck back from the shop and have been driving it most of the week for a change.
4. I keep telling the CM a project he keeps asking me about is in Public Works court. I've done all I can do with it at this time.
5. I'm sorry dear citizen that the proposed fast food restaurant decided not to build here due to franchise agreement. Call corporate.
 
1. Somebody in the office made toast this morning. I love the smell of toast.
2. I had ricotta cheese and berries for breakfast, which is just as good.
3. This evening's bike ride will end after dark. It's pretty cool riding on the trail using lights.
4. It's time to start finding reasons to use vacation days. I'm always stingy with them early in the year.
5. The firemen next door installed two very bright lights that shine on my house. I don't need nightlights in the hallway, nor do I have to turn on the storage room light when I put my bike away at night.
 
1. Junior is academically off to a rough start in middle school. It is as I anticipated
2. I guess the French are okay.
3. No skunk sightings/smellings today
4. This coffee tastes harsher than usual. Could it be something other than Maxwell House?
5. Two nights in a row with substandard sleep
 
1. Bad Mexican food on Saturday took me out of action for the last 2 days
2. I still feel like crap today & it's council meeting night
3. Mom is leaving today to return to (post-Irma) FLA
4. I have a realtor that keeps calling me about issues he's having with the city I worked for 12 years ago
5. The Girl started Driver's Ed this week - it seems I know the teacher fairly well, we used to play golf together
 
1. Been moved into the new house for two weeks now.
2. Just one box left to unpack...okay, technically two boxes are still unpacked, but I'm in zero rush to unpack the other one.
3. It's about a 10 minute walk from here to the MARTA station; will be less than that when the mixed-use development across the street finishes construction.
4. Part of that development is some "private" greenspace that we'll have access to.
5. New neighbor lady publishes a local food and wind magazine that sponsors a lot of the good intown food festivals/events - my current mission in life is to not piss her off. :p


The Girl started Driver's Ed this week...

Oh good grief...
 
1) I need a freaking vacation where I can fully unplug from everything.
2) New gig is going great, but I have been attending every possible meeting lately to meet the players. I am missing events with my kids which is kind of the reason I took this job.
3) I am praying for a rainy weekend but it is also the last weekend the pool is open. I can't 'unplug' when there is the chaos of a neighborhood pool around me.
4) I need to figure out how to change some of my investment contributions.
5) Still pondering a trip to Philly and Gettysburg this fall.
 
1. Back to eating salads after a week of not
2. I shouldn't complain since I lost weight since doing it.
3. I have a Don't Panic towel in my car.
4. The person who tinted my windows commented on it.
5. Always good to meet a fellow Guide fan.
 
1. Mrs. Maister is sick again. This right before surgery. The concern is they may postpone the surgery now.
2. I filled up my gas tank this morning. It was not particularly expensive
3. I like Ed Sheeran's music
4. Lots and lots of work on my desk
5. I will be gone Weds and Thurs this week
 
1. I was told an hour ago I have to give a presentation at lunch today - good thing I know the material.
2. The Girl's soccer team won both matches this weekend.
3. I found out a friend of mine is diabetic. I feel bad for her.
4. Premium conference swag included a fidget spinner & a portable power battery for the phone.
5. I grilled steaks last night for dinner.
 
1) Long meeting today and I'm still fighting this cold. Going to be a long day overall.

2) Good friend and former coworker got a great offer and is on his way to better things!

3) Sister had foot surgery - and the two screws they removed from the previous surgery are longer than my fingers! Ouch!

4) Rain today and tomorrow. Good - gets the pollen out of the air.

5) Because I wake up during the night coughing, I haven't had a good night's sleep in over a week. I'm exhausted. I need a nap.
 
1. It is really foggy here this morning.
2. Meeting a friend for lunch today; I'm leaving the restaurant choice up to him - I hope he chooses wisely.
3. My beloved Dawgs kept on rolling.
4. Had neighbors from both sides of the new house wander over to chat while we were working in the yard Saturday morning - that was nice.
5. There was also a wild turkey walking around near the house while we were out in the yard Saturday - that was weird...
 
1) It is October 10th, and it was 75 degrees and super humid when I got up this morning. Strange thing is I don't mind it knowing that I have shoveled snow on October 10th before...
2) My oldest has his last Baseball game for the fall season tonight. Next spring it will be both him, and my youngest playing.
3) I am excited for the new season of This Old House. Mike Rowe is going to be on the show all season and they have 3 apprentices. Each of the sub contractors also have apprentices working on the show at various times as well. It is great to see such efforts going into getting people interested in the trades again.
4) Has anyone used nespresso coffee machine. Wife asked what I wanted for Christmas. We have a Kurig, but it has been acting up on occasion.
5) One downfall with the new job is the shorter commutes results in less podcast time. But I think I can deal with that.
 
1. Hi. I didn't have to take the rest of the week off after all
2. Dr. Blake Mysteries has some good writing. Almost as good as Foyle's War
3. Mrs. Maister has managed to turn me on to the genre of mystery and suspense fiction.
4. The cooler and wetter weather recently has resulted in a slight reduction of back yard grilling
5. The leaves are changing colors
 
1. Feels like Monday, but it's Tuesday.
2. I went to a neighbor's party Saturday evening and had a nice time.
3. It was 66 and humid when I wok up this morning; I'm going to miss warm weather.
4. I'm a little concerned about Erie weather and my son's inexperience dealing with harsh weather conditions.
5. One of my son's roommates and his helicopter mother are creating problems by using more than his share of common space in the apartment.
 
1. Cooked a pot of chili this weekend. It was so good.
2. The Girl does not like waking up in the morning. Nor does she like going to bed at night. Coincidence maybe?
3. Only one night meeting this week & its not even council.
4. Evaluations are due this Friday. I hate doing evaluations.
5. This entire NFL anthem thing has gotten out of hand.
 
1. I now own a Volvo 240!
2. I now own a Volvo 240!!
3. It's OBD I diagnostic system, so clearing check engine light will be as easy as completing a circuit in the diagnostic port and counting pulses (of course I could have bought a newer car with OBDII but that wouldnt be fun now would it?)
4. I now own a Volvo 240!!!
5. Its a pre-1992 model so no emissions inspection
 
1. I'm trying a new recipe for chicken enchilada chili. I put it in the crockpot and it will be ready when I get home. Fingers crossed it'll be good!
2. I just got seriously car sick riding along with a building inspector on a site visit.
3. Apparently I have to get approval from the finance director before I can buy dinner for our Planning Commission work session tomorrow evening. I should've thought about that before this morning.
4. I have a site plan review committee meeting tomorrow and I haven't looked at a single site plan yet.
5. I had to go to the dentist this morning. Apparently I don't floss aggressively enough. And I have TMJ and my jaw has been sore all day from having to keep my mouth open.
 
1. I fight The Girl to go to bed at night & get up in the morning. There's something wrong with that.
2. I need to clean my desk piles. They're starting to stack up - or I could leave them and work on the desk fort.
3. Only 5 more orthodontist payments left. I guess he'll be able to purchase his 3rd vacation house then.
4. I think the new Polestar 1 car looks awesome & wish I could afford it.
5. I can't complain but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far.
 
1. I just got home from work. Zzzzzzz
2. Sometimes I say “aint” just because I like how it sounds.
3. I’m attending a USACE tour tomorrow. I’m skipping out on a tour of a sewage treatment plant on Thursday. I can see that any time.
4. I don’t care for these shorter days.
5. I had to scrape frost from my car this morning.
 
1. It never rains but it pours
2. I wish I could convince Mrs Maister that Junior won't shrivel up and blow away if he walks to school
3. Mercator is NOT my favorite-looking projection; I really don't do that much navigation
4. I was going to say life's too short to drink bad coffee but that's just not true
5. I criticize others for putting up too many Halloween decorations, but it seems our house is gradually acquiring more of them over time
 
1. Storms yesterday took out a couple of hangers and planes at the regional airport & the A-ball team lost the outfield fence.
2. I found the thing that went "bump in the night" a few nights ago. It was a ceiling light fixture that came off and being held by the wires, so it was hard to tell.
3. Of course I washed the car Sunday only to have to rain on Monday.
4. I went for my wellness annual physical yesterday morning. The doctor said I was normal. I laughed and told him my wife questions that daily.
5. Happy Game 1 day !!! (insert baseball emoji here)
 
1. Truck inspection was "failed" due to a burned out high beam indicator (the blue light on the dash). Crap, labor for that will be $$$.
2. Right now The Girl waits until the last minute to do things. I told her that she's the daughter of a planner so she knows better.
3. Mrs. P is not enjoying work right now. The new company president is changing everything including personnel forms.
4. Band is occupying way too much time, but marching season will be over very soon.
5. Fall soccer is over this weekend. Weekends will be returned (to raking leaves & yard work).
 
1) Halloween at the office - low key. This is my first Halloween here, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

2) Halloween in the neighborhood - crazy. And the "kids parade" for our small subdivision starts about the time I come home, which means LOTS OF SMALL PERSONS IN THE STREET!

3) St. Arnold's Pumpkinator is out, and I have 3 bottles!

4) Dog was not thrilled with the cold temps. She looked pitiful before going out to do her business.

5) It might rain tonight early enough to disrupt ToT. If it does, there will be lots of whiny kids in my neighborhood.
 
1. Found a card from my grandma in a place I had forgotten
2. Kinda nice to see it
3. A forgotten treasure
4. Found once more
5. Made sweeter by the memory of it
 
1) It is sad to hear about the attack in NYC today. I think it will cause me to rethink the way I design some bike paths in an effort to prevent things like this from happening.
2) Taking the kids Trick or Treating tonight... but I am freaking exhausted.
3) Some new houses being built near my house. I am going to change my route home because of it. Although it will be nice to have this phase of my neighborhood built out.
4) Tomorrow is November. I am not ready for that.
5) My youngest had crazy hair day yesterday. He did not realize it until he got to preschool and looked in the mirror. It freaked him out apparently.
 
1. Finally broke down and watched Spider man- Homecoming
2. I am now officially too old for a movie.
3. Glad it's a 4 day week for us.
4. Going to take part of the day and see Thor-Ragnorok
5. Vacation in two weeks and one day
 
1. Local HS football and soccer teams advance in the state playoffs.
2. Ever had an applicant tell you one thing and the property owner, who is wants to rent the place to said applicant, tell you something different? Yep. Me too.
3. The Girl and I are watching Stranger Things, but she is ahead of me by 4 episodes.
4. Leaf season has begun in earnest. Swept the deck on Sunday and yesterday it was completely cover again.
5. Taking a mental health day on Friday. Looking forward to driving some twisty roads.
 
1. Historically, the Tuesday after the Autumn time change is really bad for me. Today is no different, and I'm struggling to stay awake.
2. I was going to take some sick time and go home early to crash, but a board member wants to talk at 2. It's urgent, but I'm sleepy.
3. I had poblano and potato tacos for lunch.
4. A glass of chocolate milk would taste good right now.
5. A big chunk of the county where I work is under boil water advisory.
 
1. Historically, the Tuesday after the Autumn time change is really bad for me. Today is no different, and I'm struggling to stay awake.
.

Yeah, it's hard to adjust to those early sunsets. At my latitude and distance from the time zone, the sun sets about 5:25PM and will continue to set earlier and earlier until mid-December when it sets about 5:04 PM. Then ever so slowly, beginning in late December it will start setting later again. Civil Twilight ads almost a half an hour, so there is still light in the sky past 6:00 for now, but nevertheless it's hard to adjust to the darkness coming on so suddenly.

I wish they would just extend DST. Push it back a couple of more weeks into November than then have it start earlier in March, or even Late February.
 
1. Got my CM credits in, finally!
2. Thanks to the NY conference offering the sessions on the APA website
3. Speaking of which, NOLA next year
4. The next three weeks are going to short weeks
5. Tough to watch the weight this time of year.
 
1. I took a week off and upon return was SHOCKED to find some items had been addressed in my absence!
2. I'm actually doing kinda okay with my weight at the moment considering the time of year
3. I don't know what to do with my old stamp collection. Haven't touched it in ~40 years. Should I sell 'em?
4. Lots of responsibilities at home need to be taken care of
5. For once it feels like things are tipping too far in the direction of home in the whole work-life balance thing.
 
1. Golfed with my brother and beat him by 6 strokes on his home course. I hadn't played since July & he plays 2 or 3 times a week. He was not happy.
2. USA is not going to Russia for the 2018 World Cup...but neither is Italy now. Beaten by Sweden in the Qualifiers.
3. It's chilly today - even inside as I hadn't switched over to heat yet. The thermostat said it was 64 in my office.
4. Mrs. P worries too much about things that are extremely unlikely to happen.
5. I find it humorous when I tell The Girl something & she doesn't believe me, only to be told the same thing by someone else who she believes (& then it happens). But I'm Dad so...
 
3. I don't know what to do with my old stamp collection. Haven't touched it in ~40 years. Should I sell 'em?.
Unless you have some super rarities, the collection is likely worth very little...like almost nothing. The bottom dropped out of the market in the last 10 years and is unlikely to ever recover.

What you have there is simply a collection of cultural ephemera.
 
1) Yesterday and today have not been good days. I've had worse, but still . . .

2) I hate it when people lie.

3) What's the best way to get a bit of peace and quiet around here???

4) I survived my MIL's long weekend visit. She is fine in small doses.

5) My dog sneezed a lot whenever my MIL was close to her. I think it's the excessive scented stuff - lotion, powder, perfume, etc.
 
1. I used to really look forward to Thanksgiving when I was a kid. Nowadays not really.
2. Yesterday it is 18 years of marriage this time.
3. Tonight's council meeting will be a long one as the incumbent that wasn't re-elected will get on his soapbox.
4. I don't like LaVar or tRump - but this is kinda funny (& sad).
5. Another big windy day and the vast majority of leaves will be down off the trees.
 
1. I’m finishing my work day close to home and am off tomorrow, which means that I’m officially off the highway until Monday.
2. Speaking of highways, I really enjoy inspecting heavy highway jobs.
3. Hot chocolate from Panera is sickening sweet.
4. If I didn’t have to work, I’d be playing outside today.
5. Well, sometimes working is like playing outside.
 
1. T-18 hours and counting
2. Windriver is a great movie
3. Going through that war/cold/warm phase again
4. Looking to get in some reading during the holiday
5. Will switch my Pandora station Christmas music on December 1st.
 
1. I'm listening to Chuck Berry songs first thing as I work and get organized.
2. It's nice and quiet working on the first two days of deer season.
3. We're enjoying some warm weather today.
4. One of my sister agency coworkers got mad about my response to a complaint.
5. I've set up a Santa's workshop and am sewing some gifts.
 
1. whatever happened to the age of bold exploration?
2. code enforcement is in a temporary lull
3. Wallander is a dark show
4. I still enjoy 'driving around' random places on google earth streetview
5. I have never been to Arkansas, New Mexico, or Hawaii
 
1. T-giving leftovers are officially gone as of last night.
2. A city PW storage building was set on fire Sunday & we lost 4 pieces of equipment. The building can not be rebuilt as it's in the floodplain.
3. I saw a bunch of blue lights yesterday after work at the top of the hill near my house. I decided to walk the dog to see and found an Escalade was being searched.
4. Speaking of the dog, he gets really excited when he figures out we're going for a walk.
5. If you're a waitress/server in a pub-style restaurant, you should know which flippin' beers you have on tap!
 
1. Today is my oldest brother's birthday. He's the one we accuse of stealing the growth/height genes from us younger ones.
2. Successfully changed spark plugs and ignition coils in my car (&it still runs). Thinking of adding a cold air intake.
3. Customer Service sent a lady with a form saying "Please Return to the Police Department" to Planning. I have no idea why except it was easier that way & that's how they roll.
4. I hate having to talk with Charter (Spectrum) about billing and other cable issues. I'm not at home. I can't turn on the box, or check a channel, or check signal strength, or anything close since I'm at work.
5. Council should be interesting tonight, both in a good and potential not so good way.
 
1. I got a new job
2. I got a NEW JOB!!
3. I got A NEW JOB!!
4. I got A NEW JOB!!!
5. I drive a SICK VOLVO and it makes me very happy
 
1. A long term friendship ended over politics
2. Amongst other issues
3. Supposed to turn off cold the next couple of days
4. It will be good sleeping weather
5. Odd listening to Christmas carols about snow in a place it rarely snows.
 
1- oral surgery this morning - dental implant - drilling into the jaw bone & setting what looks like a ultra fine micro screw.
2 - post oral surgery - not much pain - just a throbbing sensation.
3 - Secret Santa shopping - work in progress
4 - it is getting cold around here.
5 - congrats to TT on getting the job.
 
Back
Top