gistfile1.js

// This design pattern allows you to wait without hogging up resources like
// setInterval, nor giving you an errand like clearInterval() after it's done

function doStuff(){
    if ( !something.isReady ) {
        setTimeout( doStuff, 50 );
        return;
    }
    
    // Actually do the stuff you need to wait for
}

setTimeout( doStuff, 1000 );