GM's Thread About Everything/GM's Thread About Nothing (12 Viewers)

[SWC]

Posted this on FB today, figured I'd repost in here. Hope this doesn't get the thread locked and happy to delete it if it crosses bounds. Here we go:

Our neighbor across the street listed her house for sale and asked me to come over yesterday to discuss something. Went over, sat down and she says to me - "As you know, we are selling our house. I'd like you to consider taking down your Gay Pride flag."

I was flabbergasted by this. It's been proudly hanging on our garage for a few years now. To us, it's a very personal matter and we will be proud allies of the LGBQT+ community as long as we are both breathing oxygen. It's not going anywhere.

I asked her this once I reattached my jaw from the floor: "You want me to take the flag down because it will help you sell your house?" She said "No, I want you to take it down because it offends me". Nevermind the fact that this termagant festoons her yard with the signs of the grosses political candidates who never do win any elections - never once have I complained about those. But she's offended by the "T" part of the flag.

So, after I told her that I wouldn't be removing our flag and that I found her request to be ridiculous, I raced over to the house, pulled the flag off the garage and hung it up on a flagpole right in front of our house, directly across from her large, front windows so she can get a better view.

Her behavior was obnoxious, but why escalate the conflict?

Also, thanks for the new vocabulary word.

not a damn thing wrong with standing up for yours and whats right and i want to add that devils flee when good men stand up take that to the bank brohan

 

[Rustoleum]

Posted this on FB today, figured I'd repost in here. Hope this doesn't get the thread locked and happy to delete it if it crosses bounds. Here we go:

Our neighbor across the street listed her house for sale and asked me to come over yesterday to discuss something. Went over, sat down and she says to me - "As you know, we are selling our house. I'd like you to consider taking down your Gay Pride flag."

I was flabbergasted by this. It's been proudly hanging on our garage for a few years now. To us, it's a very personal matter and we will be proud allies of the LGBQT+ community as long as we are both breathing oxygen. It's not going anywhere.

I asked her this once I reattached my jaw from the floor: "You want me to take the flag down because it will help you sell your house?" She said "No, I want you to take it down because it offends me". Nevermind the fact that this termagant festoons her yard with the signs of the grosses political candidates who never do win any elections - never once have I complained about those. But she's offended by the "T" part of the flag.

So, after I told her that I wouldn't be removing our flag and that I found her request to be ridiculous, I raced over to the house, pulled the flag off the garage and hung it up on a flagpole right in front of our house, directly across from her large, front windows so she can get a better view.

Her behavior was obnoxious, but why escalate the conflict?

Also, thanks for the new vocabulary word.

I think it was an admirable show of restraint to what could be construed as coming into his yard with a personal attack on one of his kids. I probably would’ve engaged in a much more vocal manner.

I think he went to her house. And while her behavior was clearly obnoxious and ignorant, it's a giant leap to consider it an attack on his kid imo.

As the parent of a gay child, I respectfully disagree. I struggle with my own friend group sharing truly insensitive memes in the name of “humor” (not what happened here to be sure, but I feel that we should’ve moved on from what was acceptable in junior high in the 80’s ) and with my own kids having friendship bonds with trans kids and with my own observations of the struggles some of these kids face during my career in an urban, high poverty public school system, I feel a clear signal that the neighborks behavior is not acceptable nor will be tolerated, is totally in line.

I loathe confrontation and probably don’t speak up nearly as much as I should. I will shrug off a lot and try to soldier through (probably prolonged my marriage at least 5 years longer than it should have because of that….), but this would’ve been a hot button for me.

There is so much hate and intolerance out there that kids need to know they always have a safe space (even if he doesn’t tell his kids about this).

So to me, at least, the doubling down by saying it is just the ‘t’ part is equivalent to telling a black neighbor they are “one of the good ones”.

Anyway, I totally see your view towards not escalating and recognize we really are on the same side here, but I am totally on board with GM’s response.

Also, my daughter literally just walked in and asked me what I was typing. I told her and she asked “Would you do that for me?” Damn straight I would.

 

[Rustoleum]

Kwik Trip is one of the best-run businesses on earth. Ever need a clean bathroom, I guarantee Kwik Trip will provide one. They stand so far alone in the industry, they actually restore my faith in America and humanity.

Yep. They’ve always been solid

On the surface, Kwik Trip is outstanding. Back in Kansas City we had Quik Trip, which I have considered the gold standard in terms of convenience stores/gas stations. I had high hopes moving to Wisconsin that Kwik Trip could meet or exceed what Quik Trip provides.

However, after being here since April, I've been to Kwik Trip enough to present what I feel is a professional opinion of the operations of both.

1. Food: Kwik Trip is a slight bit favorite here. Every time I walk into a Kwik Trip there seems to be something new I've never seen before. Edge: Kwik Trip.

2. Straws. This one is not even close. Quik Trip in Kansas City provides a proper straw with the proper circumference for ease of drinkage. Kwik Trip has a straw that is damn near the size of a swizzle stick. I have to suck on this thing so hard I feel like I'm going to burst my ears. Edge: Quik Trip.

3. Napkins: Another one that is not even close. Quik trip in KC has a nice, stout napkin that holds up well in every scenario. You eating BBQ? No problem. Using them for kleenex later? No problem? You wanna strain oil before you put it into your car? No problem. The ones at Kwik Trip are reminiscent of those dainty napkins that Dairy Queen used to have where you'd need 3 or 4 to clean the face of your kid after he eats a soft serve. Edge: Quik Trip.

4. Parking Lots: OH MY GOD WHY IS THIS SUCH A PROBLEM IN WISCONSIN????!!!!! Do they not realize EVERYONE up here has a boat or an RV or a boat AND RV or an ATV trailer? Kwik Trip designs their stores like they are living in Japan. Getting in and out of here is a major PIA. And if a FIB gets in there with a boat or RV?

WATCH OUT!!! Hide your children because they are gonna get run over. And they aren't the only culprits. Every store in Wisconsin is like this. Edge: Quik Trip.

5. Rewards Program: On the surface this idea sounds great. You buy stuff - you get rewards points. BUT - you have to accumulate a certain number of visits to qualify for a reward. Now, I stop and get a fountain coke every day on my way to work. Their refill price is $1.42. BUT - I have to have 15 visits to get my reward, which is that I get .05 off per gallon of gas (up to 30 gallons of gas, and the reward expires in 30 days, so you can't stack them). Except the math doesn't add up:

15 x $1.42 = $21.30 spent
.05 x 30 gallons of gas: $1.50

WTF is this?

Edge: Quik Trip.

6. Check Out Procedure: So, at the Quik Trip in KC, their checkout procedure is lightning fast. If there are more than 3 people in line they are calling out for more troops to get their asses up there and get people on their way. At the Kwik Trip up here, it's soooooooooo slooooooooooooow. People are buying their groceries in there. Then the cashier has to ask for the Rewards card, which people then have to dig out of their purse or wallet, swipe that card, and then present their payment. Edge: Quik Trip.

Now, lucky for me I have realized that things just move at a slower pace up here. So these things don't really affect me at this point. I just stand there and chill and get what I need and just take my time. So all in all life is good up here.

Kwik Trip is good, but it's not the best.

A+ for a very complete review.

I had to read it twice because, having neither of those chains around, I couldn’t distinguish Kwik from Quick.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Kwik Trip is one of the best-run businesses on earth. Ever need a clean bathroom, I guarantee Kwik Trip will provide one. They stand so far alone in the industry, they actually restore my faith in America and humanity.

Yep. They’ve always been solid

On the surface, Kwik Trip is outstanding. Back in Kansas City we had Quik Trip, which I have considered the gold standard in terms of convenience stores/gas stations. I had high hopes moving to Wisconsin that Kwik Trip could meet or exceed what Quik Trip provides.

However, after being here since April, I've been to Kwik Trip enough to present what I feel is a professional opinion of the operations of both.

1. Food: Kwik Trip is a slight bit favorite here. Every time I walk into a Kwik Trip there seems to be something new I've never seen before. Edge: Kwik Trip.

2. Straws. This one is not even close. Quik Trip in Kansas City provides a proper straw with the proper circumference for ease of drinkage. Kwik Trip has a straw that is damn near the size of a swizzle stick. I have to suck on this thing so hard I feel like I'm going to burst my ears. Edge: Quik Trip.

3. Napkins: Another one that is not even close. Quik trip in KC has a nice, stout napkin that holds up well in every scenario. You eating BBQ? No problem. Using them for kleenex later? No problem? You wanna strain oil before you put it into your car? No problem. The ones at Kwik Trip are reminiscent of those dainty napkins that Dairy Queen used to have where you'd need 3 or 4 to clean the face of your kid after he eats a soft serve. Edge: Quik Trip.

4. Parking Lots: OH MY GOD WHY IS THIS SUCH A PROBLEM IN WISCONSIN????!!!!! Do they not realize EVERYONE up here has a boat or an RV or a boat AND RV or an ATV trailer? Kwik Trip designs their stores like they are living in Japan. Getting in and out of here is a major PIA. And if a FIB gets in there with a boat or RV?

WATCH OUT!!! Hide your children because they are gonna get run over. And they aren't the only culprits. Every store in Wisconsin is like this. Edge: Quik Trip.

5. Rewards Program: On the surface this idea sounds great. You buy stuff - you get rewards points. BUT - you have to accumulate a certain number of visits to qualify for a reward. Now, I stop and get a fountain coke every day on my way to work. Their refill price is $1.42. BUT - I have to have 15 visits to get my reward, which is that I get .05 off per gallon of gas (up to 30 gallons of gas, and the reward expires in 30 days, so you can't stack them). Except the math doesn't add up:

15 x $1.42 = $21.30 spent
.05 x 30 gallons of gas: $1.50

WTF is this?

Edge: Quik Trip.

6. Check Out Procedure: So, at the Quik Trip in KC, their checkout procedure is lightning fast. If there are more than 3 people in line they are calling out for more troops to get their asses up there and get people on their way. At the Kwik Trip up here, it's soooooooooo slooooooooooooow. People are buying their groceries in there. Then the cashier has to ask for the Rewards card, which people then have to dig out of their purse or wallet, swipe that card, and then present their payment. Edge: Quik Trip.

Now, lucky for me I have realized that things just move at a slower pace up here. So these things don't really affect me at this point. I just stand there and chill and get what I need and just take my time. So all in all life is good up here.

Kwik Trip is good, but it's not the best.

A+ for a very complete review.

I had to read it twice because, having neither of those chains around, I couldn’t distinguish Kwik from Quick.

i was so confused

 

[psychobillies]

Happy to share that I got into graduate school (again) this time at LSU starting in September

Welcome to the Bayou State. We don't have bars in grocery stores, but you can walk around almost anywhere with a beer in your hand. Let me know if you need anything, I'm about an hour from BR.

When is the best time to visit Louisiana? Hoping to catch an LSU football and or basketball game!

In Baton Rouge? Definitely a football game in the fall when it cools down a little. Make sure it's a night game. There's nothing like it.

 

[kevzilla]

Friday afternoon email from the EVP and COO of the physicians group. He wanted us to know that management had listed to the employee survey and its concerns about lack of community. As a result, almost everyone will be back working in the office by the day after Labor Day.

I've been home for seven years. At 63, it would be a tremendous grind to commute and wear pants again.

 

[AAABatteries]

I've been home for seven years. At 63, it would be a tremendous grind to commute and wear pants again.

Tell them you are willing to do one or the other but not both.

 

[Mr.Pack]

I've been home for seven years. At 63, it would be a tremendous grind to commute and wear pants again.

Tell them you are willing to do one or the other but not both.

Ask for a compromise, make pants optional.

 

[Drunken knight]

I've been home for seven years. At 63, it would be a tremendous grind to commute and wear pants again.

Tell them you are willing to do one or the other but not both.

Ask for a compromise, make pants optional.

Freestyle Fridays!

 

[belljr]

Literally taxi to runway. Stop. Pilot said he received message we need to delay because of weather. Now all of sudden going back to gate. This can't be good

 

[Hawks64]

Literally taxi to runway. Stop. Pilot said he received message we need to delay because of weather. Now all of sudden going back to gate. This can't be good

That is the absolute worst when you're traveling. Hopefully, you're able to take off shortly!

 

[GroveDiesel]

Literally taxi to runway. Stop. Pilot said he received message we need to delay because of weather. Now all of sudden going back to gate. This can't be good

Pretty bad storm coming through came up pretty quickly. Though I’m guessing they knew the storm was coming and just failed to beat it. Hopefully you’ll still be up next in the queue to take off as it passes through,

 

[Snoopy]

Literally taxi to runway. Stop. Pilot said he received message we need to delay because of weather. Now all of sudden going back to gate. This can't be good

Once that happened, but the plane remained on the taxiway just short of the runway stop line for about an hour before returning to the gate.

 

[belljr]

Literally taxi to runway. Stop. Pilot said he received message we need to delay because of weather. Now all of sudden going back to gate. This can't be good

Pretty bad storm coming through came up pretty quickly. Though I’m guessing they knew the storm was coming and just failed to beat it. Hopefully you’ll still be up next in the queue to take off as it passes through,

I'm leaving from PBI

 

[belljr]

Now we're pushing FAA time regs. We are getting cancelled I can feel it in my bones.

I guess I should be grateful that this would be the first time ever for me

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Flying is the worst

 

[belljr]

Just deplaned. Said to wait 45 minutes or can rebook. Just checked no flights tomorrow and a tropical storm is coming

Sigh. Looks like a Monday landing

 

[mr. furley]

Kwik Trip is one of the best-run businesses on earth. Ever need a clean bathroom, I guarantee Kwik Trip will provide one. They stand so far alone in the industry, they actually restore my faith in America and humanity.

Yep. They’ve always been solid

On the surface, Kwik Trip is outstanding. Back in Kansas City we had Quik Trip, which I have considered the gold standard in terms of convenience stores/gas stations. I had high hopes moving to Wisconsin that Kwik Trip could meet or exceed what Quik Trip provides.

However, after being here since April, I've been to Kwik Trip enough to present what I feel is a professional opinion of the operations of both.

1. Food: Kwik Trip is a slight bit favorite here. Every time I walk into a Kwik Trip there seems to be something new I've never seen before. Edge: Kwik Trip.

2. Straws. This one is not even close. Quik Trip in Kansas City provides a proper straw with the proper circumference for ease of drinkage. Kwik Trip has a straw that is damn near the size of a swizzle stick. I have to suck on this thing so hard I feel like I'm going to burst my ears. Edge: Quik Trip.

3. Napkins: Another one that is not even close. Quik trip in KC has a nice, stout napkin that holds up well in every scenario. You eating BBQ? No problem. Using them for kleenex later? No problem? You wanna strain oil before you put it into your car? No problem. The ones at Kwik Trip are reminiscent of those dainty napkins that Dairy Queen used to have where you'd need 3 or 4 to clean the face of your kid after he eats a soft serve. Edge: Quik Trip.

4. Parking Lots: OH MY GOD WHY IS THIS SUCH A PROBLEM IN WISCONSIN????!!!!! Do they not realize EVERYONE up here has a boat or an RV or a boat AND RV or an ATV trailer? Kwik Trip designs their stores like they are living in Japan. Getting in and out of here is a major PIA. And if a FIB gets in there with a boat or RV?

WATCH OUT!!! Hide your children because they are gonna get run over. And they aren't the only culprits. Every store in Wisconsin is like this. Edge: Quik Trip.

5. Rewards Program: On the surface this idea sounds great. You buy stuff - you get rewards points. BUT - you have to accumulate a certain number of visits to qualify for a reward. Now, I stop and get a fountain coke every day on my way to work. Their refill price is $1.42. BUT - I have to have 15 visits to get my reward, which is that I get .05 off per gallon of gas (up to 30 gallons of gas, and the reward expires in 30 days, so you can't stack them). Except the math doesn't add up:

15 x $1.42 = $21.30 spent
.05 x 30 gallons of gas: $1.50

WTF is this?

Edge: Quik Trip.

6. Check Out Procedure: So, at the Quik Trip in KC, their checkout procedure is lightning fast. If there are more than 3 people in line they are calling out for more troops to get their asses up there and get people on their way. At the Kwik Trip up here, it's soooooooooo slooooooooooooow. People are buying their groceries in there. Then the cashier has to ask for the Rewards card, which people then have to dig out of their purse or wallet, swipe that card, and then present their payment. Edge: Quik Trip.

Now, lucky for me I have realized that things just move at a slower pace up here. So these things don't really affect me at this point. I just stand there and chill and get what I need and just take my time. So all in all life is good up here.

Kwik Trip is good, but it's not the best.

You shut your dirty ##### mouth!

I'll give you the napkins. They're not as bad as you say, but point taken.

The parking lots, that's probably a Wisconsin thing because You Guys are idiots. All the newer ones in Minnesota are huge. No issues.

And checkouts are sublime. Can go through a person if you want, but they also have multiple self-checkout stations at many now.

You should've moved to Minnesota instead of that backwater hillbilly cheese curd of a drunken state.

stern but fair

 

[belljr]

Driving to MCO for 6am yay

 

[coopersdad]

Friday afternoon email from the EVP and COO of the physicians group. He wanted us to know that management had listed to the employee survey and its concerns about lack of community. As a result, almost everyone will be back working in the office by the day after Labor Day.

I've been home for seven years. At 63, it would be a tremendous grind to commute and wear pants again.

I'm in mid finance managment so I see the issues above and below.

About a month ago all our brands were told that our "flex" schedule of 2 days in the office would now be 3 days, and those days would be Tue/Wed/Thur. Then a week later they informed us that our Friday afternoon freeday (if you don't have anything pressing, take the afternoon off after 2) is going away.

Both due to the fact that they believe that we need to be able to see each other and commuicate. This is all mandatory. Only thing that they forgot is that during COVID we hired a lot of people that were TOTALLY remote, and these new rules are going to apply to them also..............so they either need to relocate them, or they'll need to replace them at each brand headquarters (think 15 brands with 10 base offices in the US). Seems as if this was not well thought out.

Then last week they say that our shared services group (IT, Customer Services, Accounting, Credit) is going to a work from home model, because they are selling their building and there is not a building that they can relocate to that is big enough in that town in midwest.............So what is it, we need to see each other, or we need to save money. I know "yes" is the answer.

 

[belljr]

Driving to MCO for 6am yay

So that was cancelled lmao. Luckily I haven't left yet. Earliest flight is Monday sigh. Fml

I blame my wife she had to stay the extra day

Seriously considered driving

 

[belljr]

Because I know you care... .. this is the first time anything like this has happened. It sucks lol.

I'm lucky to have family in the area to stay with.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Because I know you care... .. this is the first time anything like this has happened. It sucks lol.

I'm lucky to have family in the area to stay with.

It really sucks. Our flight to Glacier last year got pushed back, pushed back, and then cancelled. Was able to re-book and gamble that we could make the new transfer flight with just a 20 minute layover to only arrive 12 hours later than originally planned, but it still messed up our first couple days of plans pretty good and cost us an extra $300 to book a different hotel the first night.

I can’t even imagine how frustrating it was the weekend the internet crashed around the world.

 

[belljr]

Because I know you care... .. this is the first time anything like this has happened. It sucks lol.

I'm lucky to have family in the area to stay with.

It really sucks. Our flight to Glacier last year got pushed back, pushed back, and then cancelled. Was able to re-book and gamble that we could make the new transfer flight with just a 20 minute layover to only arrive 12 hours later than originally planned, but it still messed up our first couple days of plans pretty good and cost us an extra $300 to book a different hotel the first night.

I can’t even imagine how frustrating it was the weekend the internet crashed around the world.

I'm at least on my way home so vacation is over. That's a positive. Have to take a day off work though

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Friday afternoon email from the EVP and COO of the physicians group. He wanted us to know that management had listed to the employee survey and its concerns about lack of community. As a result, almost everyone will be back working in the office by the day after Labor Day.

I've been home for seven years. At 63, it would be a tremendous grind to commute and wear pants again.

I'm in mid finance managment so I see the issues above and below.

About a month ago all our brands were told that our "flex" schedule of 2 days in the office would now be 3 days, and those days would be Tue/Wed/Thur. Then a week later they informed us that our Friday afternoon freeday (if you don't have anything pressing, take the afternoon off after 2) is going away.

Both due to the fact that they believe that we need to be able to see each other and commuicate. This is all mandatory. Only thing that they forgot is that during COVID we hired a lot of people that were TOTALLY remote, and these new rules are going to apply to them also..............so they either need to relocate them, or they'll need to replace them at each brand headquarters (think 15 brands with 10 base offices in the US). Seems as if this was not well thought out.

Then last week they say that our shared services group (IT, Customer Services, Accounting, Credit) is going to a work from home model, because they are selling their building and there is not a building that they can relocate to that is big enough in that town in midwest.............So what is it, we need to see each other, or we need to save money. I know "yes" is the answer.

This guy corporates. I’m not in finance but we always review the group financials in our weekly staff call

Just lost our best guy, sucks but he was young and got a great offer.

That’s a good thing about finance though is it travels to other industries. I always recommend that to my kids as a career path but i don’t think any of them are good enough at the maths. A little bit of a worry for AI replacement too but there’s always a bit of storytelling that goes along with the numbers

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

Friday afternoon email from the EVP and COO of the physicians group. He wanted us to know that management had listed to the employee survey and its concerns about lack of community. As a result, almost everyone will be back working in the office by the day after Labor Day.

I've been home for seven years. At 63, it would be a tremendous grind to commute and wear pants again.

I'm in mid finance managment so I see the issues above and below.

About a month ago all our brands were told that our "flex" schedule of 2 days in the office would now be 3 days, and those days would be Tue/Wed/Thur. Then a week later they informed us that our Friday afternoon freeday (if you don't have anything pressing, take the afternoon off after 2) is going away.

Both due to the fact that they believe that we need to be able to see each other and commuicate. This is all mandatory. Only thing that they forgot is that during COVID we hired a lot of people that were TOTALLY remote, and these new rules are going to apply to them also..............so they either need to relocate them, or they'll need to replace them at each brand headquarters (think 15 brands with 10 base offices in the US). Seems as if this was not well thought out.

Then last week they say that our shared services group (IT, Customer Services, Accounting, Credit) is going to a work from home model, because they are selling their building and there is not a building that they can relocate to that is big enough in that town in midwest.............So what is it, we need to see each other, or we need to save money. I know "yes" is the answer.

This guy corporates. I’m not in finance but we always review the group financials in our weekly staff call

Just lost our best guy, sucks but he was young and got a great offer.

That’s a good thing about finance though is it travels to other industries. I always recommend that to my kids as a career path but i don’t think any of them are good enough at the maths. A little bit of a worry for AI replacement too but there’s always a bit of storytelling that goes along with the numbers

wait ...wut?

in a non-premium TE scoring fantasy football league, the guy (you) that insisted on taking a rookie year Eric Ebron in the 3rd rd is a numbers guy???

holy ****

 

[belljr]

3rd attempt to get home. On plane ready to taxi and now delayed

Heavy sigh

 

[belljr]

And we finally got out of Florida!!!!

 

[DA RAIDERS]

 

[Osaurus]

And we finally got out of Florida!!!!

Lucky

 

[berndog]

Looking for a little vacation help from PNW folks and anyone familiar with the area.
My wife is working in Seattle and we’re going to extend the trip by a few days. We usually head to Cannon Beach but are looking to change things up.
Any areas you would suggest within a couple hours drive of Seattle?
Looking to rent a house on or near the water with access to hiking and ideally within 20 minutes of bars/restaurants. I kind of feel I can’t go wrong no matter where I end up but welcome input from folks familiar with the area.
TIA

 

[General Malaise]

Looking for a little vacation help from PNW folks and anyone familiar with the area.
My wife is working in Seattle and we’re going to extend the trip by a few days. We usually head to Cannon Beach but are looking to change things up.
Any areas you would suggest within a couple hours drive of Seattle?
Looking to rent a house on or near the water with access to hiking and ideally within 20 minutes of bars/restaurants. I kind of feel I can’t go wrong no matter where I end up but welcome input from folks familiar with the area.
TIA

I am assuming that you DO NOT want to remain in Seattle? Because if you did, you could check out Whidbey Island or something like that which is just a short ferry ride from Seattle and a really cool place to relax and chill. We had a rental house that overlooked the Puget Sound with access to the water and close to a beach called "Double Bluff" which is a neat spot. But what was really cool was seeing all the massive cruise ships heading out from Seattle for Alaskan Cruises (or maybe something else)? around 4:45pm in the late afternoon. They also make their returns in the morning. Pretty neat.

They have some nice restaurants, wineries, farmer's market, cool places to hike around. You could do a lot worse than a couple of nights on Whidbey. If you do this, I'd also recommend a trip up north on the island to Deception Pass State Park which is absolutely breathtaking.

Another suggestion would be to check out the town of Bellingham, which is about 90 minutes by car from Seattle heading north on I5. Neat little city that has a cool, vibrant downtown and sits on the Bellingham Bay. I'd actually recommend getting off of I5 at the Chuckanut Junction and take Chuckanut up to Bellingham. Very scenic with hikes all around you. Fresh oysters/muscles can be found on that route and in Bellingham which has some very good restaurants, IMO. Also, they've got some excellent breweries and if you're a cider guy, check out this place.

You'll get better info from Rover/Fish and K4 if they see this, but thought I'd leave my 2 cents. Love Cannon Beach, so you've set a high bar.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I was going to suggest Whidbey too

 

[berndog]

@General Malaise @BeTheMatch

I’m looking to get out of the city. Was looking at Camano Island and will check out Whidbey.

 

[-fish-]

@General Malaise @BeTheMatch

I’m looking to get out of the city. Was looking at Camano Island and will check out Whidbey.

Check out Bainbridge Island and Gig Harbor. Bainbridge is just a short ferry ride from Seattle. Type of place that typically gets described as a "quaint coastal town."

Gig Harbor has a few VRBO yachts that you can rent for a few days for about the same price as renting a house. I've had friends do that that loved it. Sleep on the boat and walk to downtown shops/bars/restaurants. They may be booked for the summer, but last time I checked for someone there were a few openings. There are also some B&B's on the water, and of course Air B&B/VRBO type houses. Farmer's markets, a couple good local microbreweries and a distillery all within walking distance if you're near downtown.

All sorts of hiking within a short drive, paddleboard/kayak rentals on the water. Pt. Defiance state park just across the Narrows bridge, which has good hiking trails and a decent beach. Tacoma Rainiers AAA baseball if you like that sort of thing. Cheap, fun minor league park.

Added bonus is if you do Gig Harbor I'll meet you at my local dive bar and buy you a cocktail.

 

[General Malaise]

@General Malaise @BeTheMatch

I’m looking to get out of the city. Was looking at Camano Island and will check out Whidbey.

Yeah, if you go to Whidbey, you will think you're out in the country. It's a quiet, sleepy spot which I think is perfect for folks who want to retire but also be close to a big city for healthcare access.

 

[nirad3]

I guess I could post this in the "Pet Peeve" thread, but I think pretty much anyone would be peeved by entitled pr!cks.

My Mom lives on a pretty quiet residential street in suburban Orange County, CA. It's not a cul-de-sac, but has many of those qualities as you wouldn't be driving on said street unless you live there...

For the record I was raised in the same house, spent many days riding my bike up and down the street, playing in front yards, you name it.

Well, there's this family about 10-12 houses down that ALWAYS has a gaggle of kids outside, riding their bikes, running around, etc. And usually right in the middle of the street, with total disregard for cars. Hell, they even took it upon themselves to paint a pickleball court in the middle of the public street and of course, if you happen to be driving down the street you have to wait for them to move the nets and get out of the way in order to get past them.

So last night I was going over to my Mom's, as I was set to spend the night over there as we had a super-early wakeup call to get her to the hospital (fairly simple outpatient surgery this morning) and turned onto the street... I was going MAYBE 15 MPH as it was dark and I never speed on residential streets. As I come around the bend I see that there's a group of people standing outside, kids on bikes, etc. Mind you, it's well past sundown... completely dark.

I slow down (to probably less than 10MPH) to pass them all and this a-hole walks up to my car and looks like he wants to say something to me. So I stop and roll my window down... and this jackhole has the audacity to say (in an Aussie accent, I think): hey, you're probably not from this neighborhood (we live across the street from the OC Fairgrounds and we get a LOT of illegal parkers, etc.), but as you can see there's a bunch of kids out here, can you slow down?

I kind of scoff and say "first of all, buddy, I've lived here way longer than you and my Mom lives down the street, maybe you should get your tiny kids out of the street at 8:30PM?"

He goes to say something else but I just rolled up the window and went on my way.

This has been grating at me since last night. Am I the jerk here? We have been dealing with these jerks and their wild kids in the street for a few years now. If I were a real jerk I'd report them defacing public property but... I'm not a jerk. Just want to be able to drive down a residential street without the fear of some dumb kid swerving his bike in front of me.

 

[-fish-]

I guess I could post this in the "Pet Peeve" thread, but I think pretty much anyone would be peeved by entitled pr!cks.

My Mom lives on a pretty quiet residential street in suburban Orange County, CA. It's not a cul-de-sac, but has many of those qualities as you wouldn't be driving on said street unless you live there...

For the record I was raised in the same house, spent many days riding my bike up and down the street, playing in front yards, you name it.

Well, there's this family about 10-12 houses down that ALWAYS has a gaggle of kids outside, riding their bikes, running around, etc. And usually right in the middle of the street, with total disregard for cars. Hell, they even took it upon themselves to paint a pickleball court in the middle of the public street and of course, if you happen to be driving down the street you have to wait for them to move the nets and get out of the way in order to get past them.

So last night I was going over to my Mom's, as I was set to spend the night over there as we had a super-early wakeup call to get her to the hospital (fairly simple outpatient surgery this morning) and turned onto the street... I was going MAYBE 15 MPH as it was dark and I never speed on residential streets. As I come around the bend I see that there's a group of people standing outside, kids on bikes, etc. Mind you, it's well past sundown... completely dark.

I slow down (to probably less than 10MPH) to pass them all and this a-hole walks up to my car and looks like he wants to say something to me. So I stop and roll my window down... and this jackhole has the audacity to say (in an Aussie accent, I think): hey, you're probably not from this neighborhood (we live across the street from the OC Fairgrounds and we get a LOT of illegal parkers, etc.), but as you can see there's a bunch of kids out here, can you slow down?

I kind of scoff and say "first of all, buddy, I've lived here way longer than you and my Mom lives down the street, maybe you should get your tiny kids out of the street at 8:30PM?"

He goes to say something else but I just rolled up the window and went on my way.

This has been grating at me since last night. Am I the jerk here? We have been dealing with these jerks and their wild kids in the street for a few years now. If I were a real jerk I'd report them defacing public property but... I'm not a jerk. Just want to be able to drive down a residential street without the fear of some dumb kid swerving his bike in front of me.

Hate to say it, but you've got a real "get off my lawn" vibe here. They're kids playing in a street in the summertime.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I guess I could post this in the "Pet Peeve" thread, but I think pretty much anyone would be peeved by entitled pr!cks.

My Mom lives on a pretty quiet residential street in suburban Orange County, CA. It's not a cul-de-sac, but has many of those qualities as you wouldn't be driving on said street unless you live there...

For the record I was raised in the same house, spent many days riding my bike up and down the street, playing in front yards, you name it.

Well, there's this family about 10-12 houses down that ALWAYS has a gaggle of kids outside, riding their bikes, running around, etc. And usually right in the middle of the street, with total disregard for cars. Hell, they even took it upon themselves to paint a pickleball court in the middle of the public street and of course, if you happen to be driving down the street you have to wait for them to move the nets and get out of the way in order to get past them.

So last night I was going over to my Mom's, as I was set to spend the night over there as we had a super-early wakeup call to get her to the hospital (fairly simple outpatient surgery this morning) and turned onto the street... I was going MAYBE 15 MPH as it was dark and I never speed on residential streets. As I come around the bend I see that there's a group of people standing outside, kids on bikes, etc. Mind you, it's well past sundown... completely dark.

I slow down (to probably less than 10MPH) to pass them all and this a-hole walks up to my car and looks like he wants to say something to me. So I stop and roll my window down... and this jackhole has the audacity to say (in an Aussie accent, I think): hey, you're probably not from this neighborhood (we live across the street from the OC Fairgrounds and we get a LOT of illegal parkers, etc.), but as you can see there's a bunch of kids out here, can you slow down?

I kind of scoff and say "first of all, buddy, I've lived here way longer than you and my Mom lives down the street, maybe you should get your tiny kids out of the street at 8:30PM?"

He goes to say something else but I just rolled up the window and went on my way.

This has been grating at me since last night. Am I the jerk here? We have been dealing with these jerks and their wild kids in the street for a few years now. If I were a real jerk I'd report them defacing public property but... I'm not a jerk. Just want to be able to drive down a residential street without the fear of some dumb kid swerving his bike in front of me.

A can of black paint solves a lot of problems

 

[BeTheMatch]

I guess I could post this in the "Pet Peeve" thread, but I think pretty much anyone would be peeved by entitled pr!cks.

My Mom lives on a pretty quiet residential street in suburban Orange County, CA. It's not a cul-de-sac, but has many of those qualities as you wouldn't be driving on said street unless you live there...

For the record I was raised in the same house, spent many days riding my bike up and down the street, playing in front yards, you name it.

Well, there's this family about 10-12 houses down that ALWAYS has a gaggle of kids outside, riding their bikes, running around, etc. And usually right in the middle of the street, with total disregard for cars. Hell, they even took it upon themselves to paint a pickleball court in the middle of the public street and of course, if you happen to be driving down the street you have to wait for them to move the nets and get out of the way in order to get past them.

So last night I was going over to my Mom's, as I was set to spend the night over there as we had a super-early wakeup call to get her to the hospital (fairly simple outpatient surgery this morning) and turned onto the street... I was going MAYBE 15 MPH as it was dark and I never speed on residential streets. As I come around the bend I see that there's a group of people standing outside, kids on bikes, etc. Mind you, it's well past sundown... completely dark.

I slow down (to probably less than 10MPH) to pass them all and this a-hole walks up to my car and looks like he wants to say something to me. So I stop and roll my window down... and this jackhole has the audacity to say (in an Aussie accent, I think): hey, you're probably not from this neighborhood (we live across the street from the OC Fairgrounds and we get a LOT of illegal parkers, etc.), but as you can see there's a bunch of kids out here, can you slow down?

I kind of scoff and say "first of all, buddy, I've lived here way longer than you and my Mom lives down the street, maybe you should get your tiny kids out of the street at 8:30PM?"

He goes to say something else but I just rolled up the window and went on my way.

This has been grating at me since last night. Am I the jerk here? We have been dealing with these jerks and their wild kids in the street for a few years now. If I were a real jerk I'd report them defacing public property but... I'm not a jerk. Just want to be able to drive down a residential street without the fear of some dumb kid swerving his bike in front of me.

Hate to say it, but you've got a real "get off my lawn" vibe here. They're kids playing in a street in the summertime.

For what???? He didn't do anything.

 

[-fish-]

I guess I could post this in the "Pet Peeve" thread, but I think pretty much anyone would be peeved by entitled pr!cks.

My Mom lives on a pretty quiet residential street in suburban Orange County, CA. It's not a cul-de-sac, but has many of those qualities as you wouldn't be driving on said street unless you live there...

For the record I was raised in the same house, spent many days riding my bike up and down the street, playing in front yards, you name it.

Well, there's this family about 10-12 houses down that ALWAYS has a gaggle of kids outside, riding their bikes, running around, etc. And usually right in the middle of the street, with total disregard for cars. Hell, they even took it upon themselves to paint a pickleball court in the middle of the public street and of course, if you happen to be driving down the street you have to wait for them to move the nets and get out of the way in order to get past them.

So last night I was going over to my Mom's, as I was set to spend the night over there as we had a super-early wakeup call to get her to the hospital (fairly simple outpatient surgery this morning) and turned onto the street... I was going MAYBE 15 MPH as it was dark and I never speed on residential streets. As I come around the bend I see that there's a group of people standing outside, kids on bikes, etc. Mind you, it's well past sundown... completely dark.

I slow down (to probably less than 10MPH) to pass them all and this a-hole walks up to my car and looks like he wants to say something to me. So I stop and roll my window down... and this jackhole has the audacity to say (in an Aussie accent, I think): hey, you're probably not from this neighborhood (we live across the street from the OC Fairgrounds and we get a LOT of illegal parkers, etc.), but as you can see there's a bunch of kids out here, can you slow down?

I kind of scoff and say "first of all, buddy, I've lived here way longer than you and my Mom lives down the street, maybe you should get your tiny kids out of the street at 8:30PM?"

He goes to say something else but I just rolled up the window and went on my way.

This has been grating at me since last night. Am I the jerk here? We have been dealing with these jerks and their wild kids in the street for a few years now. If I were a real jerk I'd report them defacing public property but... I'm not a jerk. Just want to be able to drive down a residential street without the fear of some dumb kid swerving his bike in front of me.

Hate to say it, but you've got a real "get off my lawn" vibe here. They're kids playing in a street in the summertime.

For what???? He didn't do anything.

let's see...for one, it's not "dark" at 8:30 in the middle of summer in socal. it's kids playing in a street. he's going to report them for "defacing public property" for drawing lines on the street?

He got asked to slow down. Oh, the horror.

 

[nirad3]

I guess I could post this in the "Pet Peeve" thread, but I think pretty much anyone would be peeved by entitled pr!cks.

My Mom lives on a pretty quiet residential street in suburban Orange County, CA. It's not a cul-de-sac, but has many of those qualities as you wouldn't be driving on said street unless you live there...

For the record I was raised in the same house, spent many days riding my bike up and down the street, playing in front yards, you name it.

Well, there's this family about 10-12 houses down that ALWAYS has a gaggle of kids outside, riding their bikes, running around, etc. And usually right in the middle of the street, with total disregard for cars. Hell, they even took it upon themselves to paint a pickleball court in the middle of the public street and of course, if you happen to be driving down the street you have to wait for them to move the nets and get out of the way in order to get past them.

So last night I was going over to my Mom's, as I was set to spend the night over there as we had a super-early wakeup call to get her to the hospital (fairly simple outpatient surgery this morning) and turned onto the street... I was going MAYBE 15 MPH as it was dark and I never speed on residential streets. As I come around the bend I see that there's a group of people standing outside, kids on bikes, etc. Mind you, it's well past sundown... completely dark.

I slow down (to probably less than 10MPH) to pass them all and this a-hole walks up to my car and looks like he wants to say something to me. So I stop and roll my window down... and this jackhole has the audacity to say (in an Aussie accent, I think): hey, you're probably not from this neighborhood (we live across the street from the OC Fairgrounds and we get a LOT of illegal parkers, etc.), but as you can see there's a bunch of kids out here, can you slow down?

I kind of scoff and say "first of all, buddy, I've lived here way longer than you and my Mom lives down the street, maybe you should get your tiny kids out of the street at 8:30PM?"

He goes to say something else but I just rolled up the window and went on my way.

This has been grating at me since last night. Am I the jerk here? We have been dealing with these jerks and their wild kids in the street for a few years now. If I were a real jerk I'd report them defacing public property but... I'm not a jerk. Just want to be able to drive down a residential street without the fear of some dumb kid swerving his bike in front of me.

Hate to say it, but you've got a real "get off my lawn" vibe here. They're kids playing in a street in the summertime.

For what???? He didn't do anything.

let's see...for one, it's not "dark" at 8:30 in the middle of summer in socal. it's kids playing in a street. he's going to report them for "defacing public property" for drawing lines on the street?

He got asked to slow down. Oh, the horror.

I was already going incredibly slow. It woulda been one thing if I was zipping down the street.

I think the guy was drunk and just wanted to yell at someone for being in "his neighborhood".

 

[BeTheMatch]

I guess I could post this in the "Pet Peeve" thread, but I think pretty much anyone would be peeved by entitled pr!cks.

My Mom lives on a pretty quiet residential street in suburban Orange County, CA. It's not a cul-de-sac, but has many of those qualities as you wouldn't be driving on said street unless you live there...

For the record I was raised in the same house, spent many days riding my bike up and down the street, playing in front yards, you name it.

Well, there's this family about 10-12 houses down that ALWAYS has a gaggle of kids outside, riding their bikes, running around, etc. And usually right in the middle of the street, with total disregard for cars. Hell, they even took it upon themselves to paint a pickleball court in the middle of the public street and of course, if you happen to be driving down the street you have to wait for them to move the nets and get out of the way in order to get past them.

So last night I was going over to my Mom's, as I was set to spend the night over there as we had a super-early wakeup call to get her to the hospital (fairly simple outpatient surgery this morning) and turned onto the street... I was going MAYBE 15 MPH as it was dark and I never speed on residential streets. As I come around the bend I see that there's a group of people standing outside, kids on bikes, etc. Mind you, it's well past sundown... completely dark.

I slow down (to probably less than 10MPH) to pass them all and this a-hole walks up to my car and looks like he wants to say something to me. So I stop and roll my window down... and this jackhole has the audacity to say (in an Aussie accent, I think): hey, you're probably not from this neighborhood (we live across the street from the OC Fairgrounds and we get a LOT of illegal parkers, etc.), but as you can see there's a bunch of kids out here, can you slow down?

I kind of scoff and say "first of all, buddy, I've lived here way longer than you and my Mom lives down the street, maybe you should get your tiny kids out of the street at 8:30PM?"

He goes to say something else but I just rolled up the window and went on my way.

This has been grating at me since last night. Am I the jerk here? We have been dealing with these jerks and their wild kids in the street for a few years now. If I were a real jerk I'd report them defacing public property but... I'm not a jerk. Just want to be able to drive down a residential street without the fear of some dumb kid swerving his bike in front of me.

Hate to say it, but you've got a real "get off my lawn" vibe here. They're kids playing in a street in the summertime.

For what???? He didn't do anything.

let's see...for one, it's not "dark" at 8:30 in the middle of summer in socal. it's kids playing in a street. he's going to report them for "defacing public property" for drawing lines on the street?

He got asked to slow down. Oh, the horror.

Actually he specifically said he's not reporting them. And using the street as your own private driveway to the point that people have to sit and wait for them to take down nets, etc. to get past is hardly just "kids playing in the street."

 

[nirad3]

I guess I could post this in the "Pet Peeve" thread, but I think pretty much anyone would be peeved by entitled pr!cks.

My Mom lives on a pretty quiet residential street in suburban Orange County, CA. It's not a cul-de-sac, but has many of those qualities as you wouldn't be driving on said street unless you live there...

For the record I was raised in the same house, spent many days riding my bike up and down the street, playing in front yards, you name it.

Well, there's this family about 10-12 houses down that ALWAYS has a gaggle of kids outside, riding their bikes, running around, etc. And usually right in the middle of the street, with total disregard for cars. Hell, they even took it upon themselves to paint a pickleball court in the middle of the public street and of course, if you happen to be driving down the street you have to wait for them to move the nets and get out of the way in order to get past them.

So last night I was going over to my Mom's, as I was set to spend the night over there as we had a super-early wakeup call to get her to the hospital (fairly simple outpatient surgery this morning) and turned onto the street... I was going MAYBE 15 MPH as it was dark and I never speed on residential streets. As I come around the bend I see that there's a group of people standing outside, kids on bikes, etc. Mind you, it's well past sundown... completely dark.

I slow down (to probably less than 10MPH) to pass them all and this a-hole walks up to my car and looks like he wants to say something to me. So I stop and roll my window down... and this jackhole has the audacity to say (in an Aussie accent, I think): hey, you're probably not from this neighborhood (we live across the street from the OC Fairgrounds and we get a LOT of illegal parkers, etc.), but as you can see there's a bunch of kids out here, can you slow down?

I kind of scoff and say "first of all, buddy, I've lived here way longer than you and my Mom lives down the street, maybe you should get your tiny kids out of the street at 8:30PM?"

He goes to say something else but I just rolled up the window and went on my way.

This has been grating at me since last night. Am I the jerk here? We have been dealing with these jerks and their wild kids in the street for a few years now. If I were a real jerk I'd report them defacing public property but... I'm not a jerk. Just want to be able to drive down a residential street without the fear of some dumb kid swerving his bike in front of me.

Hate to say it, but you've got a real "get off my lawn" vibe here. They're kids playing in a street in the summertime.

For what???? He didn't do anything.

let's see...for one, it's not "dark" at 8:30 in the middle of summer in socal. it's kids playing in a street. he's going to report them for "defacing public property" for drawing lines on the street?

He got asked to slow down. Oh, the horror.

It was dark.

And I'm not going to report them... but after this jackhole pulled this, I feel like doing it.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I guess I could post this in the "Pet Peeve" thread, but I think pretty much anyone would be peeved by entitled pr!cks.

My Mom lives on a pretty quiet residential street in suburban Orange County, CA. It's not a cul-de-sac, but has many of those qualities as you wouldn't be driving on said street unless you live there...

For the record I was raised in the same house, spent many days riding my bike up and down the street, playing in front yards, you name it.

Well, there's this family about 10-12 houses down that ALWAYS has a gaggle of kids outside, riding their bikes, running around, etc. And usually right in the middle of the street, with total disregard for cars. Hell, they even took it upon themselves to paint a pickleball court in the middle of the public street and of course, if you happen to be driving down the street you have to wait for them to move the nets and get out of the way in order to get past them.

So last night I was going over to my Mom's, as I was set to spend the night over there as we had a super-early wakeup call to get her to the hospital (fairly simple outpatient surgery this morning) and turned onto the street... I was going MAYBE 15 MPH as it was dark and I never speed on residential streets. As I come around the bend I see that there's a group of people standing outside, kids on bikes, etc. Mind you, it's well past sundown... completely dark.

I slow down (to probably less than 10MPH) to pass them all and this a-hole walks up to my car and looks like he wants to say something to me. So I stop and roll my window down... and this jackhole has the audacity to say (in an Aussie accent, I think): hey, you're probably not from this neighborhood (we live across the street from the OC Fairgrounds and we get a LOT of illegal parkers, etc.), but as you can see there's a bunch of kids out here, can you slow down?

I kind of scoff and say "first of all, buddy, I've lived here way longer than you and my Mom lives down the street, maybe you should get your tiny kids out of the street at 8:30PM?"

He goes to say something else but I just rolled up the window and went on my way.

This has been grating at me since last night. Am I the jerk here? We have been dealing with these jerks and their wild kids in the street for a few years now. If I were a real jerk I'd report them defacing public property but... I'm not a jerk. Just want to be able to drive down a residential street without the fear of some dumb kid swerving his bike in front of me.

Hate to say it, but you've got a real "get off my lawn" vibe here. They're kids playing in a street in the summertime.

For what???? He didn't do anything.

let's see...for one, it's not "dark" at 8:30 in the middle of summer in socal. it's kids playing in a street. he's going to report them for "defacing public property" for drawing lines on the street?

He got asked to slow down. Oh, the horror.

Agreed. And I am one of the speed police in my neighborhood.

Similar situation in my hood. Neighborhood is a circle with one entrance. Their are a bunch dead end off shoots towards the middle. There are a bunch of little kids under 10 right at the main entrance. There is a dead end offshoot right at the entrance. 2 of their houses are on either side of the dead end entrance. Do they play in the dead end street.? No. They’re always right in the middle of the main road. Horrible parenting.

Go home Shelby…go home.

 

[SWC]

the trick with an australian is you have to throw a boomerang before he approaches you without him seeing then when he starts to get heated up the boomerang comes back and hits him in the back of the head instantly killing him without him ever knowing its called the adelaide doublecross and we used to do it in the outback all the time take that to the bank bromigo

 

[Lomez]

@General Malaise @BeTheMatch

I’m looking to get out of the city. Was looking at Camano Island and will check out Whidbey.

Check out Bainbridge Island and Gig Harbor. Bainbridge is just a short ferry ride from Seattle. Type of place that typically gets described as a "quaint coastal town."

Gig Harbor has a few VRBO yachts that you can rent for a few days for about the same price as renting a house. I've had friends do that that loved it. Sleep on the boat and walk to downtown shops/bars/restaurants. They may be booked for the summer, but last time I checked for someone there were a few openings. There are also some B&B's on the water, and of course Air B&B/VRBO type houses. Farmer's markets, a couple good local microbreweries and a distillery all within walking distance if you're near downtown.

All sorts of hiking within a short drive, paddleboard/kayak rentals on the water. Pt. Defiance state park just across the Narrows bridge, which has good hiking trails and a decent beach. Tacoma Rainiers AAA baseball if you like that sort of thing. Cheap, fun minor league park.

Added bonus is if you do Gig Harbor I'll meet you at my local dive bar and buy you a cocktail.

Just hit Bainbridge last year. It was a quaint little coastal town. WAY BETTER than Lincoln City .

If you like wine, there are some wineries worth checking out on island. Definitely a place or 10 to grab a drink for such a small place. We did not stay there, however. Just a day trip.

Also spent some time in Woodinville for the same reason. Drove out to Snoqualmie and "hiked" it. Nice area imo.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

I guess I could post this in the "Pet Peeve" thread, but I think pretty much anyone would be peeved by entitled pr!cks.

My Mom lives on a pretty quiet residential street in suburban Orange County, CA. It's not a cul-de-sac, but has many of those qualities as you wouldn't be driving on said street unless you live there...

For the record I was raised in the same house, spent many days riding my bike up and down the street, playing in front yards, you name it.

Well, there's this family about 10-12 houses down that ALWAYS has a gaggle of kids outside, riding their bikes, running around, etc. And usually right in the middle of the street, with total disregard for cars. Hell, they even took it upon themselves to paint a pickleball court in the middle of the public street and of course, if you happen to be driving down the street you have to wait for them to move the nets and get out of the way in order to get past them.

So last night I was going over to my Mom's, as I was set to spend the night over there as we had a super-early wakeup call to get her to the hospital (fairly simple outpatient surgery this morning) and turned onto the street... I was going MAYBE 15 MPH as it was dark and I never speed on residential streets. As I come around the bend I see that there's a group of people standing outside, kids on bikes, etc. Mind you, it's well past sundown... completely dark.

I slow down (to probably less than 10MPH) to pass them all and this a-hole walks up to my car and looks like he wants to say something to me. So I stop and roll my window down... and this jackhole has the audacity to say (in an Aussie accent, I think): hey, you're probably not from this neighborhood (we live across the street from the OC Fairgrounds and we get a LOT of illegal parkers, etc.), but as you can see there's a bunch of kids out here, can you slow down?

I kind of scoff and say "first of all, buddy, I've lived here way longer than you and my Mom lives down the street, maybe you should get your tiny kids out of the street at 8:30PM?"

He goes to say something else but I just rolled up the window and went on my way.

This has been grating at me since last night. Am I the jerk here? We have been dealing with these jerks and their wild kids in the street for a few years now. If I were a real jerk I'd report them defacing public property but... I'm not a jerk. Just want to be able to drive down a residential street without the fear of some dumb kid swerving his bike in front of me.

reaction.

 

[-fish-]

I have about 6 little kids that play on my street. They're outside every day during the summer. Sometimes I have to wait 15 seconds for one of them to move a bike or something. I seem to remember doing exactly the same thing as a kid, so I don't go all Karen about it. Glad they aren't sitting inside with their eyes glued to a screen.

 

[Lomez]

"Game off"

"Game on"