Wrigley Tour

Last Sunday, Bob, my Dad, Jandy, Matt, Jack and I all went to Wrigley for the Wrigley Tour. I had gotten the tickets as a father's day present for my dad way back in June, but this was the first Sunday available that worked for everyone. Unfortunately for us, it was the second day of massive rains for Chicago. We got over 7 inches!

Luckily (?) the tour still went on so we headed over to Wrigley to see all of the places that are usually off-limits to fans.

The 90-minute tour started with a little background on the stadium (very interesting!) and then we headed inside for the tour.

We got to go in the press box, see the organ that's played at every game, go into the visitor's locker room (unfortunately we couldn't go into the Cub's locker room because there was personnel in there), and finally we got to go into the Cub's dugout and (kind of) on the field.

It was a great tour and we had a lot of fun--even if we got a little wet in the process!

The field, with the rain tarp:

Visitor's Locker Room:
Cub's Dugout:
Jack in the Press

The Glass Experience

Last Sunday Bob and I decided to head out and actually DO something instead of sitting at home and watching TV all day :)

We first headed out to Oak Park for an art fair, but once we got there, uh...there were about 5 booths with art. There were some food vendors and the Avon lady, but other than that? Not much. So we decided on our second choice--The Glass Experience at the Museum of Science and Industry.

We had talked about getting a membership to the museum since we've already been there twice in the last 6 months so when we got there (after parking on the street for free! Hurrah!) we went to check out the costs. And lucky for us, it was 25% off that day! So we got a year's membership plus free tickets to every upcoming exhibit and free IMAX ticket for $6 more than if we had paid for one day. Total score! And on top of that? We stumbled onto a "member's only" lounge (more like a room with couches, coffee, and a bathroom) and got a free t-shirt as well. Bonus.

After getting our membership, we headed up to the exhibit to check out the glass. Since Bob is a glass artist, the exhibit was even more interesting since he could give even more insight to all of the things we were seeing. They had a "hot glass" presentation where the two artists made a sculpture-like piece, showing how you blow into the tubes, make gathers, add color, and sculpt the glass into shape. Very cool. Every once in a while Bob would lean over and give me a little more info about what they were doing. While he works primarily in stained glass, he's blown some pieces and I could see that he was getting the itch to try the hot glass again.

There were also a number of piece up from Frank Lloyd Wright, Chihuly, and other famous glass artists. There was even an area showing fiberglass, how glass can transform how you view things, and bullet-proof glass. Overall, it was a really neat exhibit.

After the glass exhibit (you should go. Really. It's only until September 1 so hurry) I made Bob go check out the baby chicks with me to see if the monster was still in the case with them. He wasn't--it must have just been a star wars thing.

And now, a couple pictures. I should have gotten the camera out during the hot glass presentation, but...I didn't. Maybe I can convince Bob to rent some studio time and I can take his picture while he crafts something. :)

Smoke the Bone 2008

Yesterday was the annual Smoke the Bone rib cookoff at Lemmings (well, not technically at lemmings since it's not allowed, but kind of at lemmings anyway.)

The weather was perfect for once and everyone gathered out back with their grills and smokers to cook up some ribs. For those of us that didn't cook ribs, it was also a pot-luck of other goodies. My empanadas turned out really well and were gone quickly! Hurrah! They went over much better than the broccoli salad I made once. I guess meat pastries will always win over veggies at a rib cooking event...

The general rule is that if you don't cook ribs you don't get to sample ribs (not enough to go around), but lucky for me I have some wonderful friends that let me have a taste. They were all really good. Tender and flavorful and all-around awesome.
The winner this year was Sherry. It was great to see a girl win again! Congratulations!!
More pictures on Flickr!

Yoga

Yoga in Millennium Park
Originally uploaded by hak123

On Saturday my mom came down early to pick me up and we went out to Millennium Park to try out the free Yoga they offer every week at 8am.

We got there just in time to grab a free bottle of water and find a spot in the grass before the class started. It was a good class! I haven't done any yoga for AT LEAST a year so I was a little worried that I'd have a hard time with it, but the instructor was great and didn't do anything too difficult, but didn't make it too easy either. It's pretty cool to do a downward facing dog and seeing about 75 other people doing the same thing. Outside. In a big grassy area.

Afterward we walked around the park for a bit and I took a bunch of pictures of the bean and the walkway. Millennium Park is really pretty.

It was a great day! :)

Oh, and atkins is over. As of Saturday evening and the pizza we ordered. It's just not worth it for 3 pounds and the struggle to find things to eat. I'd rather eat healthier and have the option to have bread. Besides...atkins made me really tired.

Museum of Modern Ice

Liz and I went to the Museum of Modern Ice yesterday after work. While it only takes about 5 minutes to see the whole thing, it was really neat. I kind of wish it was a warm day--I'd love to see how it would change if was melting.

Pretty cool. It ends tomorrow so high-tail it over to Millennium Park to check it out before it's gone.