We’re Becoming Labbies

During last year’s Chicago Innovation Awards, I learned of the Makers Lab– a space in the Chicago Public Library (Harold Washington branch) featuring new technology and workshops. The best part? It’s all free. I’ve been trying to get in to classes since November.

And I finally did.

Two weeks ago, Amanda and I (and her baby bump) headed to the lab to create 3D cuff bracelets. After placing together shapes in TinkerCAD software, we picked our plastic color and watched a printer create crazy designs. I had no idea how insanely cool and efficient 3D printing is. Seeing other objects the team put together, I was completely mesmerized by this animal figurine with moveable legs, and the fact it was all built on the same plane. No assembly required.

Last week, a few of us from work went over to try the Laser Cutter printer during the Name Plate workshop. Using a program similar to Illustrator, we created our words and phrases. I went with “Write On” as a not-so subtle reminder/encouragement for the desk.

Below are photos from the first visit making bracelets. My bracelet printed in a boxed printer, so you couldn’t really see what was going on. Thankfully, Amanda printed in the open space!

Creating the raft (base) of the bracelet

Beginning the outline/edges of the bracelet on top of the raft.

The printer continues to go over this pattern until the bracelet is at the desired thickness

Finished pieces!

No Place Like Home

This past weekend, Lisa, Baby B and I headed back to Kansas for a much-needed reunion. And even though we didn’t get to see stars up in the sky, we still had our Mi Ranchito, Mama/Papa Z day, and surviving on Peanut Butter M&Ms traditions.

“Oh, you’re the best friends anybody ever had. And it’s funny, but I feel as if I’d known you all the time, but I couldn’t have, could I?” — Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

Rockin’ a new Spring ‘do at Kati’e Belated Birthday Celebrations

Baby B getting her Jayhawk shopping on

Driving Away the Worries

It was above 60ºF. It was a Monday. The motto was: just make contact.

The roommate and I took advantage of a twilight session at the driving range last night. Despite living within one block from this place, I had yet to head over there. We could find no excuse not to go after a hard day at the office and beautiful evening weather.

The last time I picked up clubs was a few years ago when Mom, Grandpa and I were together. Despite the fact Grammy and Grandpa gave me golf lessons (either for my 13th or 16th birthday), I still have much to improve in the way of my game.

Needless to say a tradition is set. Though today it’s 30ºF, so we may have to wait a bit for our next venture.

#STPSochi2014

For her birthday party this year, gal pal Amanda took full advantage of Olympic fever and hosted a shindig complete with Olympic activities and a firm dress code. #STPSochi2014 took place this past weekend at Fat Pour and with three events (Cross Country Pong, Figure Pinning and Chubby Bunny Biathlon), there were many opportunities to land on the podium.

I went back and forth on my costume. Do I wear all denim and go as a Canadian Tuxedo? Do I curl my hair, wear crazy pants and go as a curler? Finally, I took a cue and inspiration from the opening ceremonies.

Remember as a country enters the arena, they have a flag holder? And next to that flag holder is a gal announcing the country names? They looked straight out of Hunger Games. And were exactly what I would mimic.

Using a white dress, silver pipe cleaners, a headband, a hula hoop and some paper, I created my outfit for the day. Needless to say, didn’t really think through the whole commuting to the bar, but thankfully Melissa threw me in the backseat of her car. The party was total fun and I took home a silver in the Cross Country Pong event. We all were still riding that thrilling Hockey game in the morning, so nothing was dampening our spirits.

When we left, we decided to hit up Smoke Daddy’s for dinner. I cut myself free of my hula hoop and realized with the white dress and silver medal, I looked like one Nancy Kerrigan á la Lillehammer Olympics.

Should the Summer Games ever hit right with my birthday, I clearly know the winning theme.

Preparing for the Cross Country Pong event while not breaking character

Medal Biting Ceremony

Let the Games Begin

Roomies. Co-workers. Teammates. #SOCHIcago2014

Disclaimer: These tie-dyed wonder pieces actually belong in Melissa’s closet.

Meet and Greets

Between the holidays, the never ending Polar Vortex and a busy work schedule, life as gotten the best of me. As I sit here hyped up on some Alka-Seltzer on yet another Work From Home day (thanks to those tundra temperatures), I figured I should take some time to update.

Within the past two months, I met two people I’ve been waiting to meet since 2004. And three weeks ago, I got to meet a tiny little lass I’ve been waiting to see and hold since August.

First up, the Bernings. Fate dealt us one sweet card when Matthias and his parents ventured down to Chicago the same weekend Mom was in town. We’ve heard a lot about Matthias’s parents over the years, but we’ve never met, as they don’t come to the States all that often. This meeting/reunion of sorts was my absolute favorite part of the holiday season. We all easily fit into conversations with each other, though Matthias had to jump in every now and then and wow us with his seamless German-English-German speech. The weather wasn’t the best, though I spent the whole day in fits of giggles and smiles. A Christmas miracle? Nah, just much overdue.

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After some time Facetiming with Lisa and Baby Beckett, I ended up having a work trip out to Colorado. Lucky for me, the presentation was on a Friday, which meant I could take the weekend with the Watsons down in Colorado Springs and finally meet Baby B. I was pretty excited and anxious as well as a little more than nervous. I cannot tell you the last time I held a baby. After a drive (and gossip sesh) from Denver to the Springs with just Lisa, I arrived to Watson Manor ready to meet Baby B. We both played coy. And during the Kansas game the next day we moved into the “hold me” phase. Thankfully, there’s one thing Baby B and I cannot get enough of…books.

Sharing some book love while dressed in Rock Chalk attire

Even with the mood swings of Old Man Winter, it’s hard to complain too much. Especially since Restaurant Week is going on and Sundance U.S.A. is this Thursday. Needless to say, there’s not much meandering around the city though enjoying the quiet, downtime of “too-cold-for-tourists” season.

Fill the Silence

I’ve noticed dinner parties/rooftop gatherings/patio meet-ups are quickly becoming more favorable than heading to nights out at bars for drinks and cocktails among friends. So naturally, we have to be nearing adulthood right?? Adulthood or not, I will say the conversation topics have shifted. Talk that surrounding pop culture and trips of nostalgia, has now become “Guess what I learned this week?” and “You’ll never believe this, but …” Maybe chalk it up to Buzzfeed with the endless lists of things you never knew about your favorite films, bands, TV shows, etc. Whatever it is, I walk away from these nights with new facts for trivia nights, perfect since that season is right around the corner.

During my daily blog run down, I came across Fill the Silence. It’s a fun Tumblr with random facts sure to spice up conversation at the next dinner table. There are only a few pages, so feel free to go back through the archives, you won’t get lost in a never-ending hole for the next 2 hours (like most Tumblrs). Two of my favorite findings below from the site.

Via A Cup of Jo

The High Notes

I love me some karaoke. It’s why I look forward to Thursday night outings after Softball because we’ll end up at Four Farthings. I’ll let people think it’s because of the popcorn. Or the drinks. Or the staff. Or another chance to make some memories with co-workers.

But it’s all about the karaoke.

My friend Sarah passed along this karaoke gem. I’ve really got to step up my game.

In the Middle of the Pouring Rain

Well it’s time to officially get in the Summer mentality with a music fest. We’re heading down to the land of the Delta Blues…Memphis for Beale Street Music Festival. Last year it was 100+ degrees with a sun just punishing you all day. This year, it’s supposed to rain with temps in the 60s, but with bands like The Wallflowers, Hall & Oates, The Roots, Mavis Staples, Phoenix and The Smashing Pumpkins, our spirits will be hard to dampen.

Oh, and this Missouri gal’s showing up too:

One for the Books

Yesterday was World Book Night. A day/night where thousands of volunteers pass out 20 copies of a book across 6,000 cities and towns resulting in 500,000 books out to light and non readers. My co-worker Amanda and I signed up to volunteer as Book Givers. The process was pretty simple. You filled out an application and if selected, decided where you wanted to pick up your books (We went to After-Words which just might be my new favorite place in all the land). Then, you hand out your copies.

Amanda handed out Bossypants and I dished out Moneyball. We did a few handouts on our way into work and decided that during lunch we’d stop by the Chicago Fire House nearby and then continue to hand out books around the Loop.

Walking up to the Fire House, we didn’t know what to expect. It was raining, so the doors were all closed. Unsure of our next move, we walked in to Mister Firefighter Chris greeting us. The interaction went a little something like this:

FF Chris: Good afternoon, how can I help you?
Hanna/Amanda: We have books. Here are some books. Thanks!
FF Chris: Oh awesome, come on in. Do you guys want some coffee? How about some pictures?
Hanna/Amanda: Yeapictureswouldbegreatofcourseuhhuh
FF Chris: Here, let me grab some guys we’ll get you helmets.
Hanna/Amanda: start sweating and turning red

Firefighters Reuben and Brian join us and Amanda and I suit up in fireman garb. Amanda’s wearing a jacket, a helmet (Captain’s nonetheless) and carrying hoses on her shoulders. I’m given boots, pants, a helmet and yes, even an ax. We stand around chatting in our attire, take a photoshoot and leave the firehouse huge fans of the Chicago Fire Department.

A little book drop turned into an afternoon pick-me-up neither of us saw coming. Needless to say, the rest of the day’s giving was fun, but didn’t include dress up time.

 

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