Over the past 18 months I have been helping to prepare for the American Planning Association's 2009 national planning conference in Minneapolis. The conference, after 5 days ended today. It was a lot of work, but so much fun during it. I spent most of the past week up at the Minneapolis convention center, preparing for and the attending the conference.

It's amazing what 4,500 professionals in the city planning field look like in one spot. It's an amazing amount of knowledge and synergy. I met collegues from at least 13 other states, and had the opportunity to hear what is working in other places around the country.

In my professional career I have attended many conferences...but this one tops it all. While I am exhausted and am on information overload, I am glad that I not only had the opportunity to attend, but also to participate in the behind the scenes preparation.

GO BSU BEAVER HOCKEY!!!

In case you didn't know, the Bemidji State University men's hockey team is in the Frozen Four (yes, it's like the Final Four, but for hockey).

GO BEAVERS!!!!

Potholes

In Minnesota there are two seasons...winter and road construction. While the road construction season hasn't started yet, I think of many roads which could be done...mainly in the city that I live in.

I was coming home this afternoon from work and it just amazed me what horrible condition the roads are in where I live. No where else I have really seen it this bad. It's not only local streets but also county owned roads.

Maybe...someday once the state gets out of it's $6 billion deficit we may have better roads. Until then, I just hope the shocks on my car keep on working.