Sometimes

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Charlene Ann

“Sometimes in life there really are bonds formed that can never be broken. Sometimes you really can find that one person who will stand by you no matter what; maybe you’ll find it in a spouse and celebrate it with your dream wedding…but there is also the chance that the one person you can count on for a lifetime – the one person who knows you, sometimes better than you know yourself – is the same person who’s been standing beside you all along.” (Bride Wars)

Watched this movie this past weekend and totally fell in love with this quote. Who’s the person that knows you – better than you know yourself – and has been standing beside you all along? I know I totally look forward to the day when The BFF is standing beside me at my wedding (or on the groom’s side), giving a toast and having a BFF dance. I’m a lucky girl.

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Jerseys, T’s and Accessories

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Charlene Ann

We are officially just two weeks away from the start of the 2011 NFL Season. Needless to say, I’m beyond excited. Though this summer has been one of the best, the Fall always makes me happy.

As promised, here are some fashion must-haves for Browns Season this year:

 My most favorite Browns T-shirt is from Cleveland’s own: The CLE Clothing Co. Typically, I bust this shirt out for pre-season games and also as my start-up shirt, before changing to head into the game. Usually for the beginning of the season when it’s not freezing cold yet, I wear cropped jeans or jeans, with flip flops. Not usually the best idea as Muni Lot tends to be disgusting but I go with comfort.

Once game time hits, it’s jersey time. This year, I’ll be rotating between Peyton and Joe, and hopefully Colt before the end of the season (ahem, Chris…are you listening….).

 

 

 

And ladies will understand this: accessories are important. I need to represent my team at all times and in all areas. So yes, last year I spent money and purchased this adorable purse. I love pulling this purse out of my Browns “tote”…yes I have enough Browns apparel to have a Browns “tote”.

Once late fall and winter hit, I know it’s time to bust out the “warm weather” clothes for Browns games. Because honestly, being that close to the Lake, makes me freeze my ass off. Here are my must haves (all available here):

 

 

 

 

Other items to not forget: ponchos, layers, boots, sweatshirts, leggings and hats.

And let the season begin! 

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A Plum

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Charlene Ann

In the midst of packing and moving, I have to post this article. See, even out of towners love the CLE.

WomanAroundTown

After all, If New York is a Big Apple, Cleveland is a Plum. 

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One of those days…

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Charlene Ann

Have you ever had one of those days where everything is going really well and then in seconds, your whole day totally takes a turn?

Yeah, that’s how the last few days have gone for me.

So…needless to say, haven’t really been in the mood to blog though I promise I have some good ones in the que, if you will. The stress of a lot of changes going on all at once I think has finally hit me (changes to be discussed at a later date).

Hopefully this time next week, things will be much better when I am living in my new place.

In the meantime, I leave you with this lovely fact: Joe Thomas will be a Cleveland Brown until 2018. And that gives all of us a reason to smile.

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Dear Me

Posted on August 21, 2011 by Charlene Ann

I saw this on a friend’s blog and loved it.

Dear 14-year-old Charlene,

Welcome to one of the best times of your life. No, seriously. High school is going to be amazing. Try not to stress over the little things in life. Enjoy the fact that you know the senior quarterback of the football team. Take full advantage of that friendship.

Enjoy the new friendships you are about to create. Try out for the soccer team. Yes, the boys soccer team. You will meet a couple of girls there that will be your closest friends throughout high school and you will be able a part of your high school’s history as a member of the first women’s soccer team.

Don’t be so scared about your future. You will change your career path more than once but eventually, you will have your dream job in your favorite city.

Write. And write some more. This will one day become a passion and your lifeline. Don’t stop and don’t doubt your ability.

Go to the Friday basketball games, Saturday football games and every high school dance. Make memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the basketball team’s trips to regionals and states. You will laugh a lot, get to know the upperclassmen and develop the biggest crush on the basketball star.

Don’t worry too much about relationships, but let your heart get broken. There will be some rough relationships ahead but you will come out a stronger, more independent person because of it. One day you will know exactly who and what you are looking for in someone.

This year, in a silly class called Keyboarding, you will meet the person that will change your life and make you a better person – and not in the romantic sense. Don’t judge him just because he’s a fancy speedskater that gets to live away from home most of the year. When he turns around and asks if you watch “Dawson’s Creek”, don’t roll your eyes…because he is being completely 100% serious. It starts off as just a simple friendship over a simple show but it will be so much more…you will be family. Know that he will teach you more about being a friend four years from now that you could ever imagine. You will need to be there for him in some dark days, but know that he will return the favor to you…9 years later. Trust his word and defend him when others tear him apart. Respect his decisions and be a shoulder for him to cry on. And don’t be so scared to trust him…he’s one of the good guys that will turn out to be your best friend and big brother.

Trust your gut. Tear down boundaries every once in a while – you will be glad you did. Ask for forgiveness and give it. Stop putting up walls. Be independent – that quality others will recognize one day and reward. Don’t be scared to speak up. And if along the way, you make a mistake…don’t worry because 14 years later, life is looking pretty good.

Sincerely,
Your 28-year-old self

p.s. Enjoy college – you will meet some people who will change your life for the good there too.

 

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Something Borrowed

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Charlene Ann

A new favorite with a new favorite quote/line:

“Tell him that when you are with him, everything makes sense, right? And he makes you giddy. And tell him that he makes you the person you want to be, instead of the person you are. And that, the idea of life without him is not only unbearable, it’s unimaginable.”

Sigh…

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Escapade

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Charlene Ann

A week late I know. But last week I went to the best concert I have ever been to. Janet Jackson – #1’s – Up Close and Personal

Jacob’s Pavillion, aka Nautica, is by far one of my favorite concert venues and I’ve been able to see two concerts (in two weeks) there. There is no bad seat at the Pavillion and both concerts this summer have been on the perfect summer night. Janet’s could not have been a better not.

Miss Jackson if you’re nasty. 

The crowd: the most diverse, amazing crowd I have ever been a part of. Seriously, every ethnicity and every age. There were 4/5 year olds that we saw and right next to them was a couple that probably were in their 70’s.

(photo from cleveland.com)

Janet: AMAZING. She sang and danced her way through so many of her number 1’s. I don’t think I sat much at all during the concert. She danced her booty off – much more so than some of the younger “stars” do (i.e. Britney – though I do love her too!) One of the things that I think I loved the most was how down and dirty this concert was. No elaborate pyro displays, simple videos (mostly shown while she went backstage) and a small stage. But I was bummed that she wore the same outfit throughout the entire concert – surprised too!

Concert of the summer. End of story.

Set List: The Pleasure Principle, Control, What Have You Done for Me Lately, Feedback, You Want This, Alright, Miss You Much, Nasty, Nothing, Come Back to Me, Let’s Wait Awhile, Again, Doesn’t Really Matter, Escapade, Love Will Never Do (Without You), When I Think of You, All for You, That’s the Way Love Goes, Black Cat, If, Scream,, Rhythm Nation, Encore: Diamonds, The Best Things in Life Are Free, Together Again

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The List

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Charlene Ann

First and foremost: I fully realize I’ve sucked at blogging lately. Moving, work, buying furniture and life in general have stressed me out. But hopefully I can stay focused enough the next few weeks to keep blogging away.

I seriously debated even blogging about “The List” but I figured why not. A few weeks ago my lovely coworkers and I were out at a Cleveland Indians game, enjoying the lovely weather and each others company. It was a perfect night with some great coworkers. We had some fantastic conversations and laughed a lot (how could I not though with my coworker Taco sitting next to me) and I managed to get a picture with Joe Haden from the Browns (yes, I got really excited and insisted on finding him).

Somewhere in the midst of these conversation, I somehow managed to mention my List. I have no idea how it came up now but two coworkers, at least, looked at me like I was insane when I explained how I have “The List” on my phone of husband qualities…like I explained to one coworker, “you never know when you need to remember those qualities”.

This, of course, led to a conversation of what was on “The List” (which has been modified and updated quite a few times). Some of my favorite qualities on “The List”: sense of humor, health insurance (seriously, this one is important), motivation and extra benefits would be if he was tall and athletic (and named Peyton Hillis).

 

Yesterday, while checking Yahoo to see what news stories were up, this story appeared “Is Love Staring You Right in Your Face“. I immediately had to read the article and LOVED it. I thought it made some fantastic points but my favorite was this one:

“Make a list of what you want in a partner
You probably already have a mental list of what you’re looking for in a partner, but as you write the list on paper, start to think of the ones in your life who already have those characteristics. Keep in mind that someone doesn’t have to fit every single one of those qualities, but should at least have the most important ones including that they’re honest, put a smile on your face, and support you. You may not even be aware that someone you already know matches the qualities on your list until you start taking a closer look.”

I was sooooo happy to see this in the article. I contemplated printed it out and taking it into a couple of coworkers but I already get made fun of enough by most of them (damn being gullible).

Anyone else have a “List”? If so, what’s on yours? How important is it to stick to the list? And seriously, I highly suggest reading that article for my singles out there. It was a great, well-written article.

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Moving On Up

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Charlene Ann

To the west side!

Yes, ladies and gentleman…I am officially a Cleveland resident again come September 1, 2011. The most stressful decision of the summer has come to a close and I’ve found an adorable new place to live, closer to work and where I’ve been spending more and more time.

Despite my three year suburban stay, I’ve always been a city girl and I’m excited to be back to the city and closer to some friends, to Browns stadium and to the city that I love so so much.

The stress of furniture shopping has totally set in but in the midst of it all I’m determining my own personal style for my place. I’m keeping some of the same things that I’ve had my place now (i.e. neutrals in my living room, bright colors in the bedroom and bathroom). I am changing a few things up though, such as adding to my kitchen (with grey, black and green – I have a slight obsession with the colors black and grey).

So Clevelanders, any suggestions of places to shop? What are the must haves for my new place? (pictures coming soon when I move in.)

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Two Weeks – Three Concerts

Posted on August 6, 2011 by Charlene Ann

This week was more or less a complete whirlwind. After my cousin left, the work week was absolutely insane, and included a quick 24 hour road trip with two colleagues.

Somewhere in the middle of this week I ended up going to two concerts. One being Journey at Blossom, which almost everyone at work made fun of me about but it was seriously such a great concert. I’m an 80’s music lover so seeing Journey along with Night Rider and Foreigner was fantastic.

After my quick road trip to Indiana (where I heard this Ke$ha’s song “Cannibal” more than once and learned that she’s one of our Creative Director’s favorites and managed to catch an August cold), Friday night I went out with my best girl friend Erin to see O.A.R. Again, I was made fun of about this but this was the 16th time I’ve seen them in concert and it was seriously one of the best. I think it ranks in the top 3 for me, as far as live performances. Their new cd is fantastic and I enjoyed every single song. Lyrically, the group has grown and it’s been awesome to see them evolve from 2001 to now.

One of my current favorites:

It was an absolutely gorgeous night in Cleveland with some fantastic friends (we met up with our friend Heather and her husband and had the BEST time dancing in the stands…yes, this was the first O.A.R. concert where I was not in the mass crowd by the stage…we took one look at the high school girls in teeny tiny skirts and the frat boys and made our way up to the stands).

Next up…Janet Jackson on Friday – singing her #1’s at Jacob’s Pavilion. Tickets are still available to be sure to grab them!

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