#WeAreArity Wednesday: Maryanne Polinovsky 

What do you do with the extra time working from home (WFH) that you wouldn’t get to do working in person?  

I can do some virtual yoga during lunch. And when the weather is nice, I can work on my patio and get outside or take a walk. This added time also allows for me to spend more time with family.  

I also like that working from home I can have more flexibility with cooking meals and not having to meal prep lunch every night.  

What is your hobby?  

I like painting when I get time and energy. I think it’s a great way to get off the technology screens that I’m always on and relax and be creative. I feel like I don’t do it much, but when I do, it’s so nice – but also challenging in a different way. 

I also love seeing other people’s art at different events. 

What do you like to paint? 

When I was younger, I used to do more art. This is something I’ve tried to get back into, and I try to paint canvases – smaller ones with acrylic paint. But there are some art studios near me that I want to go to sometime and learn different paint styles and art styles. 

You can only eat one food again for the rest of your life. What is it?  

Sushi. That’s my all-time favorite food. I love salmon, like rolls with salmon – or nigiri and sashimi.  

I love exploring different spots and love the small, local places, but also recently have splurged and tried some omakase places. 

Have you ever tried making your own sushi? 

Yeah, I actually have a while ago with my sister. I tried to make my own, and it was fun. I feel like I want to do it again though – sometime soon!  

What is an item on your bucket list that you haven’t done yet?  

I really want to visit countries in Asia like Japan, Thailand, India – so many to choose from. I love the food and culture, and I would love to learn more about it all.  

I have never been, but it’s definitely something that I want to do whenever I’m able to. 

What is your favorite season? Why?  

Summer. I really enjoy the longer days, warm weather, and being able to go outside – especially being in Chicago. We have a short summer, but it’s really amazing in those few months. 

Do you have a favorite summer activity in Chicago? 

I like going to the lakefront and hanging out there or bike riding on the lakefront trail. 

Do you know how to speak more than one language?  

I’m fluent in Russian. My family’s from there and it was my first language growing up. 

I was born in the U.S., but when I was growing up, we just spoke that at home. So, I was exposed to it first before English. 

I’ve also learned Spanish in school, but I don’t really practice it as much as I’d like. 

What is an easy way to do something nice for someone?  

I think showing gratitude and appreciation for the things people do. Everyone loves feeling appreciated, and I think it goes a long way even if it’s just for small things people do for you or just something you appreciate about the way they interact.  

What do you do in your free time to help you relax?  

I would say yoga and Pilates classes. I like using ClassPass since there are so many different studios and options in there, and I can try a new class or studio each time. There’s a ton of flexibility in there.