My Own Personal Holiday

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Charlene Ann

This is the day I wait for…it’s the day Clevelanders pray for….it’s Draft Day!

One of my coworkers and I daily discuss Cleveland sports and it really did feel like a holiday today as we discussed draft picks.

Add to that, the Indians winning streak…annnnnddd…

My man, My love…Peyton Hillis on the COVER of Madden 12.

Yes, I know, but what about the curse? Here’s the thing. I’m a Clevelander. Forget the Madden curse, we’ve been cursed with just about everything else when it comes to Cleveland sports. The fumble. The shot. The decision. The Madden curse means nothing to us. Especially when it comes to Cleveland.

How can I not be proud of my fellow Cleveland Browns fans? 67% of the vote…against Michael Vick. Cleveland fans were not messing around. There were tweets left and right. Blogs. Campaigns on Facebook. It was a proud moment yesterday hearing that our very own Cleveland Brown on the cover of Madden.

My list of the things I love about Cleveland keep adding up.

Now, I need to head off to bed, well before the Browns make their draft selection (as
we traded down) in order to watch some of the Royal Wedding in the a.m. If there’s one thing that this girl loves besides Cleveland and the Browns, it’s a fabulous wedding!

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My Bucket List

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Charlene Ann

Many people have one: A Bucket List. In other words: The what I want to do before I die list. I never put much thought into one before but have decided to start keeping track of things I want to do. Some things I’d like to accomplish before I turn 30, others 40 and others are long-term goals. I’m looking to constantly update this list and also will be taking suggestions so send ’em my way!

1. Skydive
2. Figure out what I want to “do” the rest of my life (advertising and PR related obviously)
3. Donate a large sum of money to the MS Society
4. Pay off all bills and have a great credit score
5. Own a home (condo/townhome until I get married because I’m just not the type of girl who wants to worry about mowing the lawn and shoveling)
6. Own/Lease a Lexus or Benz

7. Go on a mission trip as a non-chaperone.
8. Get Married.
9. Have babies
10. Ask out a crush
11. Continue to follow up on my health and not be paranoid/annoyed by it
12. Let down some walls
13. Have my BFF be my “Man of Honor” (HA, I kid, I kid)
14. Travel Abroad, specifically to Ireland
15. Attend a winter Olympics event (speedskating)
16. Tell my BFF exactly what he’s meant to me
17.  Get a job I love (Check!!! Yay!!!)
18. Spend at least 10 hours a month volunteering in some capacity
19. Fly in a helicopter (over somewhere like wine country)
20. Visit wine country in Cali
21. Enjoy fabulous meals in my city and in other cities
22. Not stress over silly things
23. Watch a Browns game on the sideline (anyone wanna hook me up? I’d like to accomplish this before 30)
24. Become a freelance writer
25. Learn how to drive stick sift (the last time this was attempted I was 17 and it didn’t end well)
26. Learn how to sew
27. Read more often and a variety of books
28. Meet Laura Bush
29. Start waking up earlier and sleeping enough hours a day
30. Go back and take additional classes in PR/Marketing/Advertising
31. Take a photography class
32. Write a children’s book
33. Learn to trust people more easily
34. Forgive those that I haven’t
35. Own a bar/restaurant (or co-own) (this is a far-fetched dream)
36. Adopt a baby
37. Forgive myself for past mistakes
38. Build my dream home
39. See the Browns in a SuperBowl
40. See the Indians back in the World Series
41. See the Cavs back in the Championship game
42. Spend time at all the Cleveland museums (No I have not been to all of them despite growing up here)
43.  Continue to learn how to cook
44. Bake more often for the ones I love
45. Attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans
46. Learn how to shoot a gun (without being afraid and freaking out)
47. Vacation with close friends
48. Get one more tattoo (small and matching with my cousins)
49. Experience a sunrise/sunset with someone I’m madly, crazy in love with
50. Volunteer with children who have cancer

Okay there’s 50.
What am I missing?
What should I add?
What one should I focus on this month?!

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Happy Easter!

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Charlene Ann

Hope you have a blessed Easter Holiday and remember the real reason for the season!
(and no, not Robert the Easter Intern)

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The Easter Intern

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Charlene Ann

You know, just a typical day in the office. We gave him bunny ears, a cottontail made from Kleenex and a Duck Tape bowtie. And he was off, spreading Easter cheer.

First stop: The Creative Department
Second stop: The Hanna Building Elevator Lobby
Third stop: Visiting our Starbucks Friends
Little trip across Euclid
Final stop: Otto’s to visit some coworkers, enjoying lunch

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My City, My Love

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Charlene Ann

It’s no secret that there’s not much more I love in life than Cleveland. I can’t see myself living anywhere else. I love so much about this city and in the past year my love has grown even more with all the positive changes and new plans.

So when I saw this article and corresponding picture, I got beyond excited.

Honestly, how gorgeous would that be on the Lakefront? As a girl who spends most of her fall/winter down at the Lakefront, I would love to see it used more and have more people heading downtown (and out of the suburbs). (Yes, I know, I’m currently a suburbs girl (key word: currently). But I love my city. I grew up in West Park.)

Not to mention, it means creation of jobs and an increase in our economy. Yay!

And I am so proud of my Browns for becoming involved. When I read the article and saw what Holmgren said “This is my city“, I seriously almost teared up (insert laugh here). As a girl who has cried, laughed, been furious and happy for my Browns it’s so fantastic to see a general manager who really cares. And not just for the team but also for our city. It’s what we need as a city.

I love this man.

Keep up the good work, Cleveland!

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Sweet Summertime

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Charlene Ann

Okay, not quite summertime yet. And this sun in Cleveland is such a tease. I walk out my door thinking I’d be getting at least 50 degree weather…instead, we’re still in the 40’s. But nonetheless, I can feel summer coming.

And along with summer comes my ridiculous spending habit on summer concerts. I have the longest list started for summer concerts I want to attend. My first concert of the season is going to be Sugarland in less than 2 weeks (so I guess it’s a spring concert) at Blossom. I cannot wait.

Sugarland, Matt Nathanson, Blossom, Beer and Cowboys…what could be better?

Also on the list this year (note: not all are confirmed as I would go broke but I do need help prioritizing): Kenny Chesney, New Kids on the Block and BSB (no I’m not even kidding you), Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Josh Groban (again, not kidding), Katy Perry and Journey. As you can tell from this list: I’m a country girl through and through.

Now the concert I’d love to attend: Britney. But seriously Brit-Brit: $100 for upper level tickets? And $300 for decent seats at the Q? I just can’t think of spending that much on tickets for a concert. And current Brit-Brit is not nearly the same as old school Britney.

My all-time favorite concerts have been a mix of music to be honest with you. One of my favorites was the Kenny Chesney concert at my home away from home (Browns
 Stadium). First of all, this became an all-day event. Not to mention it was not just Kenny. It was also: Sugarland, Sara Evans and Brooks & Dunn.I was in country heaven.

I mean look at him: he screams summer, beer and music.

Second favorite concert: Justin Timberlake. Now, this was unique as it was in winter but it was well worth me literally freezing my butt off. Because yes, they did have us wait outside to get in. And yes, I paid the extra money to have floor seats. And yes, I didn’t want to wear a coat because where would I put it. But Justin….completely and totally worth it.

Collectively ladies…Ahh…

I’m hopeful that this summer will have concerts that far exceed my favorites in the past. Be looking for Sugarland pictures from Blossom in the very near future (especially if we end up getting the pit seats which I would DIE for).

I wish Jennifer Nettles was my best friend.

So, what do you think? What are the MUST attends of this concert season?

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The year of 28

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Charlene Ann

So, last week I turned 28. It wasn’t the best birthday ever, but not the worst. Plans changed so things weren’t exactly as I was hoping for but such is life. And in typical fashion, the BFF forgot my birthday (again). Seriously, in the 15 years we’ve been friends, he’s never remembered. It just makes me laugh now. Like when he calls on April 14th, all excited saying “Hey it’s your birthday!!!” and I have to remind him, it was actually the 13th…exactly 5 months to the day after his. One of these years he’ll get it right.

A & C circa 2001 (end of May 2001 to be exact. 10 freaking years ago – we are so old)

The upside to birthdays…the shopping! I love all my birthday coupons I received. Free Sephora gift, $10 off Victoria’s secret, World Market coupon…life was good in the shopping world for me this week.

My favorite buy though was this adorable tank from Express (you can’t tell but it has sparkles) along with a cute summer cardigan. Love, Love, Love.

I managed to somehow get my suburban bound friends out downtown on Friday night and it did not disappoint. We went to Chinato’s for dinner…TO DIE FOR. The wait staff was incredible and the food was seriously orgasmic. I cannot wait to go back again. We also managed to make it to Greenhouse Tavern for a drink, Battery Park Wine Bar and XYZ the Tavern. I want to go to all three places for food in the very very near future.

Saturday my lovely friend Jenna married her very best friend Justin. Talk about a match made in heaven. These two are made for each other. The happy couple was just adorable. And while at the wedding, I received a text from one of my closest friends, Mo, announcing that she was engaged! So so so excited for her. She’s one of the sweetest, most caring people that you will ever meet. Another perfect pair!

Jenna was a gorgeous bride.

To top off the weekend, my Indians won again! A sweep of the Orioles! I’m totally loving this season so far and cannot wait to get down to Jacob’s Field…or Progressive Field…call it what you want. Plus my man Grady is back and hit a homer. Perfect Sunday in the CLE.

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Lovely Weekend in the CLE

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Charlene Ann

Seriously…spring fever has hit the CLE! Today was absolutely wonderful. The sun, the warmth…it made me so excited for the week and weekend ahead.

But let’s just review the last few weeks. Apparently the Indians are back ladies and gentleman. Seven game winning streak. Got to love that! And this makes me so so so ready for summer and sitting in in the bleachers (or hopefully one game in the social suite) cheering on my team. Honestly, I don’t know many of the players names so I need to start working on that. That’ll be the goal for the next few weeks.

Another thing that I love is my car. My gorgeous Scion tc. Named Delonte. After winter I always take Delonte for a detailing job, interior and exterior. I took him to a new place this week and absolutely loved the service! Andy’s North Olmsted–fabulous service and great prices. I seriously saved over $70 by going there rather than my dealership.

Now while I complain at times about being a girl and having to pay to have so many things done. But this weekend I’ve been totally pampered. Thursday I had my eyebrows waxed and a facial (which was fantastic). Friday I went and had a mani and pedi. And this Thursday I’m going to have a spray tan done in anticipation for my lovely friend Jenna’s wedding (pictures will be posted sometime next week). Being pampered was just what I needed to put everything in perspective and go back to being my usual optimistic self.

More to come this week. I just need to find a few moments to sit and write. And I turn 28 this week! Yay!

 

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Lazy Sunday

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Charlene Ann

There’s nothing I love more than a chill Sunday. Seriously, I feel like I did nothing today but I loved every minute of it. I got things done around the house, scheduled my
car detailing appointment (Delonte is going to be looking like brand new), schedule my eyebrow wax and scheduled my mani and pedi for next weekend…all in anticipation of what may be one of the most wonderful, fantastic, and epic weekends I’ve had in a while.

But on another note, I’m in love with the new ABC show, The Secret Millionaire. Seriously, every week I end up in tears (and not just a couple) by the end of the show. The whole idea of the show is that a millionaire gives up their life for a few days and volunteers his/her time to some non profit organizations in a different city. They literally are given like $25 for a week and are given an apartment to live in (if you want to call some of these places that). At the end of the week, they decide how much money they would like to give to these non profits (their own money by the way). By the time they start writing their checks, I’m nearly sobbing.

The show makes me every week want to get out there and start volunteering more of my time. I’ve been pretty dedicated to the National MS Society, for the obvious reasons. However, I do plan on getting more involved in working with kids specifically. So I’ve narrowed down places I’d like to get involved with to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House. I just need to figure out what exactly I want to do and what capacity.

The other reason I’m bringing this up is because April is the month of a the National MS Society Walks. So, if you feel so led: please check out the NMSS and consider making a donation. Or better yet, take some of that tax return you may have just received and consider donating some to a charity that means a lot to you.

Giving does really make you feel better.

 

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Tomorrow, Tomorrow…

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Charlene Ann

Can I just say I am so glad tomorrow is Friday? For a number of reasons though, not just because that means it’s the weekend.

Tomorrow is also Opening Day for the Cleveland Indians. And while it may not look like spring outside, (with snow still on the ground) this symbolizes the start of Spring for me. However, I really would not want to go to tomorrow’s game, as it will be way too much like sitting through a cold Browns game…and I can barely handle those.

I’m also excited for a weekend with no plans at all. Except for a trip to the mall. Being birthday month, I’ve been getting coupons left and right for all my favorite stores so I feel like I should go take advantage of those.

I also plan on taking advantage of my bed this weekend. As in sleep. And lots of it.

And that’s all I have the energy to write about right now, as Grey’s Anatomy Musical Event is starting in an hour and I need to get ready for that.

More this weekend…

p.s. Check out this Amazing Commercial for the Indians…What If?

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