50 Shades

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Charlene Ann

In another episode of the A & C Show (seriously, I should try and sell this…between our hilarious memories and our conversations that typically cause me to cry from laughing so hard, we could make some extra cash)…

This actually started on Sunday evening when A called and made me cry – not on purpose. He was practicing telling his “life story” for a speech he’s going to start giving around the nation (at least I think it’ll be around the nation) and as usual, the story makes me cry. Yes, I’ve heard it many times before…and was there during it. One day I may write about said story, but not today or anytime soon…it makes me too sad and caused me to not be able to sleep on Sunday night.

Needless to say, we needed to lighten the mood. So A asked what I was doing and I said reading, he responded, without missing a beat, with “50 Shades of Grey?”

Julie’s reading material on the left…mine on the right.

I seriously had been trying to avoid the book. Really. But then I had an afternoon at the pool and needed reading material. And I certainty wasn’t going to tell The BFF that I was reading the book but he did inquire.

And now I can’t put the damn thing down.

On Tuesday when The BFF called for our usual Tuesday evening chat, after about 15 minutes of teasing each other and catching up, he asked what part of 50 Shades of Grey I was on. The best part? He actually knew the story line. Turns out his wife is also reading the book (and we both finished tonight). Unfortunately, I don’t have book 2 yet (his wife made him pick up book 2 and 3 tonight on his way home….I tried to do the same but he wouldn’t drive the book out to me).

Who else is reading 50 Shades? Anyone on Book 2 – what do I have to look forward to?

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It’s the Final Countdown

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Charlene Ann

We’re officially less than one week away from the First Annual Blondes v. Brunettes showdown for the Alzheimer’s Association.

And Team Blonde is ready. We had a great practice this week, followed up with a great dinner and evening of drinking. One of the best parts of BvBCLE – meeting new Cleveland young professionals and making new friends. In fact, I’m hoping to keep playing with some of our team in the fall in a co-ed league. How much fun will that be?

Team Blonde Coaches

Some of Team Blonde

Friday, both the Blondes and the Brunettes joined forces with our coaches to raise additional funds for the Alzheimer’s Association at Barley House. After a long week, I headed over to Barley House, met up with some coworkers and some teammates, enjoyed drinks and got to hang out with friends. Not only that, but Team Blonde had a serious huddle at the bar and we have something big up our sleeve for Saturday’s game. Just you wait. (p.s. Make sure to check out Julie’s awesome recap from Friday night).

Teammate and friend @LMeggas makes me laugh so hard!

Team Blonde!

Sunday’s practice was filled with more plays, laughter and of course, making sure our outfits and TD dances are set and ready to go!

Speaking of the game…we need some fans for Team Blonde. $20 gets you into the game plus a drink ticket for the after-game Victory Party at Becky’s Bar. So come out, make some signs in support of our team and enjoy an afternoon of football in the Summer.

Remember – this is all for a good cause. Most of us probably have a family member or friend who has a loved one that has had or current has Alzheimer’s. The funds we raise will help to fund important research to help find a cure for this heartbreaking disease.

Disclaimer: I’m an official BvBCLE Blogger and participating on Team Blonde (my natural and current hair color). As part of Team Blonde, I’m required to attend four practice (check) and raise $250 (check) toward our goal of $25,000. While I’ve reached my goal, I’d love for you to continue to support me in the fight against Alzheimer’s Association. All opinions are 100% my own. 

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Sunday Funday

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Charlene Ann


This is all I need this summer. Pool. Lake Erie. And friends that I can talk to for hours about pretty much everything. Thank you Julie for a fantastic Sunday Funday!

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Summertime Country

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Charlene Ann

With the number of country concerts I go to in the summer, it’s no surprise that I have a “Summertime Country” playlist on Spotify.

Here my top five favorites right now that are more or less on repeat:

1. Shinin’ On Me – Jerrod Niemann. Laid back. Just sounds like country music. And I love it.

2. Springsteen – Eric Church. I adore Eric Church and this song reminds me of all the songs that remind me of my favorite memories. You know what I mean, right?

3. Somethin’ Bout a Truck – Kip Moore. Just pure fun and summer. And do you see this man….the v-neck…the hat…and scruff…yes, please!

4. Come Over – Kenny Chesney. Of course there has to be a K. Ches song on my playlist. He’s my summertime favorite and I just love him in his tight jeans and cowboy hat 😉

5. Pontoon – Little Big Town. The first time I heard this song I just wasn’t sure. But now I can’t get enough. I love everything about this song and even this video (especially her adorable fedora which I just bought).

Honorable Mention: Feel Like a Rock Star – K. Ches and Tim McGraw. All that country cuteness in one place. I can’t stand it!

What are your favorite, go-to, summertime jams?

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Blondes Do It Better

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Charlene Ann

We’re only 10 short days away from the epic battle – the Blondes vs. the Brunettes. All in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. I think I can speak for all the ladies (both blondes and brunettes, as well as our redheads) when I say we’re all enjoying ourselves. Raising money, practicing and coordinating our game day gear (don’t even act surprised).

We’re still taking donations though and I’d love for you to support me and the rest of Team Blonde. We’re almost to our goal of $25,000 and are hopeful that we are going to surpass that goal by the 16th. Plus if you donate $20, you receive two tickets to our game on the 16th and can attend the post-game party at Becky’s (where you also receive a drink ticket). You don’t want to miss this epic battle!

Join Team Blonde and Team Brunette and our awesome coaches this Friday at Barley House on West Sixth to help us reach our goal. This is our official pregame event to prep for next Saturday. Also, 20% of your check will get donated back to BvBCLE! Enjoy the patio, your favorite team (Team Blonde) and help tackle Alzheimer’s disease! 

Disclaimer: I’m an official BvBCLE Blogger and participating on Team Blonde (my natural and current hair color). As part of Team Blonde, I’m required to attend four practice (check) and raise $250 (check) toward our goal of $25,000. While I’ve reached my goal, I’d love for you to continue to support me in the fight against Alzheimer’s Association. All opinions are 100% my own. 

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Drinks, Laughter and More Drinks

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I love a night with great girl friends and Friday night I was able to have a perfect, wonderful night. And after a very long (yet short) week at work, this was definitely needed.

And since I still need to finish packing for a quick overnight trip for work (and leaving in about an hour), onto the pictures:

Birthday Dinner for Shaunte

Heart her!

Laughs with Shaunte’s mom

This. Is. Happiness.

 

By the way – how much do I love this…my coworker Morgan and I…both shopped at Yellowcake Shop the same day (yet didn’t know it) and somehow both ended up wearing similar dresses on the exact same day. Loved it!

 

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Makin’ My Way Back

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I took a day off of work. Like completely off. As in turned off my push notifications for my work email. I only had one text that was work related that I needed to respond to.

And it was glorious.

I spent the entire weekend doing some serious relaxing and destressing and pampering. Including a mani/pedi, a new Yellowcake Shop dress (adore!), time with friends and some patio cocktails (my favorite). I decided I really need to do this more often. Knowing my schedule for work for the next couple of months, I also knew that I had to take a day off now so I could recharge a little bit. And good thing I did – cause it’s full speed ahead.

Monday Funday View

I even spent some time with KTOinCLE and Julie sitting poolside, next to Lake Erie doing some serious girl chatting and laying out (it also included Katie reading some of 50 Shades of Grey to me – racy!) It was glorious. I love that these two ladies live right down the street from me (within walking distance even). It’s going to make for a very fun summer.

The Supplies: Beer, Wine, Umbrellas and Sunscreen. All needed for a Monday Funday.

Coming back to work today was a little difficult but I managed through…with the help of Skinnygirl Margarita this evening, as well as a very hilarious and needed conversation with The BFF. He’s been missing in this blog but tonight he provided a much needed conversation, with tons of laughter, some really funny stories and the kind of love that only he could provide me. I hope everyone has someone like The BFF in their life (cause seriously, I was on the verge of tears tonight and he slowly worked me off the ledge with some stories of speedskating, marriage, funny weddings and the speech he wants to give when he’s my Man of Honor).

The quote from tonight’s conversation:
Charlene – “I want a puppy, a husband and a baby.”
The BFF – “Eh…you really only want one of those things, promise.”
Charlene – “The husband?”
The BFF- “No! The puppy, you moron!”
Adore him.

How did you spend your Memorial Day weekend? Was anyone else struggling when they returned to work like I was?

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Long Weekends Make My Life

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Charlene Ann

And due to that, I don’t have much energy to blog. But I promise more will be coming this week.

But until then – thanks to all the soldiers and veterans that have given so much and made many sacrifices so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have as Americans today. I’m so fortunate to know quite a few vets and current Green Berets and am proud of their service and sacrifice.

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A Little Thankfulness

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Charlene Ann

In the midst of the craziness, time to pause and remember how good life is.

1. A fun job with fun coworkers who can always make me laugh (whether it’s through accents, singing or dancing).

2. Friends who work in the same industry that I do. They understand that the phone is on the table, email may come through, a call may occur and I may need to blow them off for a week during a project, proposal or pitch.

3. A weekend without the work laptop.

4. Days off to relax, catch up with The BFF, get a facial and some pampering.

5. Long weekends.

6. The West Side Market.

7. Open windows, sunshine, fresh air and a good book.

8. The ability to multitask, prioritize and take a step back occasionally. It’s a skill and I’m thankful to have it.

9. Happy pop music that my coworkers make fun of but secretly I know they enjoy. Plus it makes work go by faster, makes me smile and occasionally includes a dance party.

10. Health. Every day that I look in the mirror and see my stupid scar (which apparently most people can’t see), I’m reminded how lucky I was to catch that stupid cancer early. Seeing Stefani Schaefer and Roger remind me that every day is a gift and to be thankful.

What are you thankful for this week ?

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Crazy Life

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I sense that this summer is going to be the same as the past two months. Busy, hectic, crazy…but also wonderful. The last week was again a crazy one filled with meetings upon meetings, early morning client meetings, lots of Starbucks trips, lots of laughs, an AAF Cleveland Young Professional Event, a trip to the new Horseshoe Casino (a must visit), the Indians game in some fantastic suite seats, a million errands and a wonderful weekend with some wonderful girl friends.

My dear friend Monina and I usually chat everyday. Due to the pure insanity of my work week last week we didn’t and we had a lot of catching up to do. Enter drinks and lunch at Crocker Park on the patio of B Spot. Laughs, analyzing our lives and advice giving is always one of my favorite ways to spend a gorgeous day outside. Post-lunch, my mom and I took a trip to the West Side Market. It always shocks me how little I spend and how much I get at WSM. Fresh fruit, veggies, chicken, bakery…all for less than $40. Amazing.

Sunday included a BvBCLE practice, where the girls and I perfected a few more plays, learned our defensive stance and more or less got ready to kick some Team Brunette butt. Don’t forget – I’m still looking for donations and would love for you to join us on June 16th!

Sunday evening was one of the better nights I’ve had. Julie, Nidhi and Kimberly joined me for drinks and dinner on the patio of Hodge’s Cleveland (yes I was back again) and then for “Come Fly Away” at Playhouse Square (remember – I won the tickets back at Jump Back Ball). We had loge seats which I’m now spoiled by. The play was fantastic. The dancers were amazing. And Frank Sinatra music to end the weekend? Perfection. I really could not have asked for better dates for the evening.

And now onto another insane week filled with more meetings, hopefully a catch up session with my friend Ryan from college who is in town, a girls night out with Caroline and Kelly and more prep for BvBCLE! Onto another week, kids!

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