Life Fears

Posted on January 10, 2015 by Charlene Ann

It’s not often that I get super deep and personal on this blog. Nothing against anyone that reads my blog, but those conversations tend to be with the three people I trust most.

However, 2015 has me thinking.

And by thinking, I mean has me scared outta my mind about certain life fears.

The biggest being my absolute desire, need, want to have a baby. I’m hardly getting younger here (almost 32) and when my doctor laid it on me at the end of 2014 that getting pregnant, yet alone maintaining a pregnant, was going to be difficult, I started freaking out. (Thank you again thyroid cancer for continuing to be a real pain in my ass…five years after the fact.) Apparently when you have an unbalanced thyroid, that continues to fluctuate, that’s going to cause issues when I am ready to have a baby.

It’s weird…I never thought I wouldn’t be a mom. And the thought/realization that maybe I may not has me absolutely terrified. Ask Shaunte, Jess or Monina. These poor women have to hear it from me often but always reassure me I’m not as old as I think I am (thank goodness). And yes, I know there are other ways to have children and it’s not that I’ve closed those options off, but deep down I’ve always wanted to experience a pregnancy and actually give birth (more than likely with some pain meds).

Facebook tends to be a huge trigger for me. All of the babies and ultrasounds and cuteness. It’s way too much for me and my ovaries and clock at this point and time. Seeing friends who are so insanely happy can tend to bring out my jealousy and I need help keeping this in check.

So with that all said and with me being more vulnerable than usual, what’s your current life fear?

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Ringing in 2015

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Charlene Ann

As I mentioned, this year was the complete opposite as far as New Year’s Eve celebrations went. And I’m not complaining at all. I was able to spend the beginning of the year with some of my favorite people, relaxing, laughing and catching up.

Included:

Cavs game with Monina and her daughter, A. To quote Monina, “It’s the start of the New Year and of course, we’re going back to where it always starts for us – Hodge’s”. Mo and I have been going to Hodge’s for years for deep conversations, glasses of wine and many, many laughs. There are some days where I don’t know what I’d do without Mo in my life.

So the Cavs didn't win, but we had fun, that's all that matters.

So the Cavs didn’t win, but we had fun, that’s all that matters.

I watched T. Swift ring in the New Year and was happily in bed by 12:30. Like I said, opposite of last year and I am not complaining.

On the last day of holiday break, I spent the entire evening with a few people that mean the absolute most to me. My extended family if you will. We laughed, gave each other advice, watched the Buckeyes head to the National Championship and planned a summer vacation together (North Carolina 2015…here we come!) I can’t think of a better way to spend a night than with these people.

Can you tell we're best friends?

Can you tell we’re best friends?

Family.

Family.

Sistas!

Sistas!

Heading back to work on Friday was a bit difficult but I’m not going to lie – I need my routine back! I like waking up early and being in the office (#workaholic) and when your coworkers are more like family, it makes things much easier. We had team brunch together, cleaned up the office, listened to some T. Swift while preparing ADDY entries…all in all not a bad way to kick the New Year with the team off.

And to wrap up the weekend? A Lake Erie Monsters game with Jen (thanks J.G.!)

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No complaints as we’re starting off 2015!

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2015 Resolutions

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Charlene Ann

So I didn’t do awful on my 2014 resolutions so let’s see how 2015 goes.

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Here are a few things that I’m planning on for 2015:

1. Not go out as often and save money. Looking at my bank account, I realized I went out way too much this past year. And as a girl that’s looking to purchase a home in the next 2-3 years, that needs to slow down. Luckily I have some friends looking to do the same so hopefully we keep each other in check.

2.  Not look back on what could have been or what was. This is going to be a tough one. Especially with some recent changes but I think it’s the healthiest decision to make.

3. Disconnect once a month. I’m not going to lie – this one is going to be difficult. But I’m starting to realize how badly I need to  disconnect from work emails, social media, etc. Not just for a break, but also to help with my sleep habits. I know that my insomnia tends to be stress related so anything I can do to help with that is going to be important.

4. For real, work on that book that I want to write.

5. And seriously, plan a vacation. On my to visit list: Boston, Dallas, Seattle. If I can make one of these trips happen this year I’d be happy. Add NYC to see The Chew to this list too (though that one may take a little more work).

6. Continue to put experiences over things. Yes, I’m the girl that will drop $$ to go to the Cavs home opener, or a playoff game. But those experiences are memories that I’ll have forever. I’d like to continue to do that in the upcoming year (with the balance of saving money along the way).

7. Send handwritten notes. I know how much they mean to me when I get a thank you or when my mentor has sent me a “I’m proud of you” note. It can be time consuming but in 2015, I want to send one person a month a note. Totally possible.

8. Make spin class a priority. I feel a million times better after going to spin class yet still can always make excuses as to why not to go (Browns game, work, reality TV that I feel I need to live tweet along with).

9. Spend time with those that matter most. Even if it’s just a half hour for coffee or a dinner at home. I need to learn to say work can wait for a bit and make time with friends and family.

10. Avoid canoes. At all costs. It’s time to move on from that.

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What are you planning on doing in 2015 that maybe you haven’t before? Bring it on 2015…Bring. It. On.

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Resolutions From This Year

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Charlene Ann

So earlier in the year, I wrote about things that I wanted from 2014. Check those out here.

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Let’s see how I did:
1. Spend more time with people that bring out the best in me – check. Did this. But along the way, needed to realize people that didn’t bring out the best in me. That’s a tough lesson…not gonna lie.
2. Say yes to things that scare me – check! Took a job that I knew was going to be a challenge and have loved every minute.
3. Volunteer more – mostly check. I changed some priorities around and ended up on the Executive Committee for AAF CLE. Something I’ve super passionate about.
4. Read more – eh. I could have done better. I did finish a few books throughout the year but wish I would have spent more time curled up with a good book.
5. Disconnecting from electronics – not even close to a check. Insomnia was still present in 2014 and my phone probably doesn’t help. Eh.
6. Start writing a book – nope. Still on the bucket list but just not there yet.
7. Write more – I think this is a check. I’ve been writing more on my blog, as well as a few work related blog posts.
8. Put my phone away when with my friends – check. I think I’ve done a good job of staying focused, except when I knew there was something work related going on that I needed to be “on call” for. I think that’s reasonable though.
9. Take a vacation – no check here. But it’s on the 2015 to do list – I promise!
10. Start saving money – mostly check. Had a couple of things pop up that I didn’t plan on this year but for the most part I was able to be smart about finances. This will stay on the 2015 list.
11. Anna’s juice cleanse – eh….I only did it once. But I know I need to more. I do feel better post-cleanse. I just need to make it a priority.
12. CLE Events – check, check, check. Cleveland and I had another love affair to remember in 2014. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for us in 2015.

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Ringing in the New Year

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Charlene Ann

I think this year is one of the first years where I feel absolutely no desire or jealousy about going out on New Year’s Eve. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of things planned but unlike last year where I was out and about (and in fact, spending the night at the Aloft Downtown), this year will be very different.

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Plans so far: Cavs game with Monina and A. Probably watching T. Swift ring in the New Year on TV. I’ll be spending New Year’s Day, my last day of January where I’m allowed to drink (Shaunte and I are going sober the rest of the month), with Shaunte and her family cheering on the Buckeyes. And wrapping vacation up with the Lake Erie Monsters game. A complete weekend with some of my closest friends.

And honestly, I can’t think of anywhere else…or anyone else…I’d rather be.

How is everyone else ringing in the New Year?

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A Year In Review

Posted on December 28, 2014 by Charlene Ann

It’s sort of weird how quickly this year went, but to be honest, I’m ready for 2015. There were some good things that happened in 2014 (reconnecting with some great friends), some great things that happened (accepting a new position/promotion with a new ad agency in town) and some not so great things that happened (friends going through difficult times and removing toxic “friendships” from my life).

So in true end of the year fashion, let’s see where 2014 took me:

January:
Brunches, laughs with friends and girls nights in. 
1560725_597256387630_1564741105_nFebruary:
Jump Back Ball. Need I say more?
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March:
The usual shenanigans for St. Patrick’s Day.
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April:
Concerts. Birthday Celebrations. Spring brunches. And of course, Cleveland Indians baseball. 

Life of the Party (with great friends - Erin, Alex, Reshae and Kat)

Life of the Party (with great friends – Erin, Alex, Reshae and Kat)

May:
Dazzling the District. And a pretty big change.
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June:
Cleveland Events Galore. And the usual Country Summer. Cleveland Indians baseball.

This view doesn't suck.

This view doesn’t suck.

July:
More Indians baseball. Quality time with great friends. Lots of laughter. And some new lessons. 
IMG_9201August:
LeBron. Chef Symon. That is all.

My favorite!

My favorite!

September:
Browns. Quality time with coworkers.
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October:
All About LeBron and the Cavs. 
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November:
Cavs and Playhouse Square. Two of my favorite things.

We were ready to hop on stage at any moment

We were ready to hop on stage at any moment

December:
Some hard lessons in friendship. Spending quality time with quality friends, as well as coworkers who have become family. 
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All in all, not a bad year. Yes, some changes that were maybe difficult. But as my girl T. Swift says, “Shake It Off”! Time to look forward to 2015!

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A Merry Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2014 by Charlene Ann

The reason for the season:

Merry Christmas to friends near and far. Blessings this holiday!

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‘Tis The Season

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Charlene Ann

My calendar continues to be jam packed but I’ve gotta say, I’m having an absolute lovely holiday season. Between hanging out with friends and coworkers, to heading out to a few fundraisers, the season is in full swing.

For a couple weeks, I just wasn’t sure if I was going to get out of the slump that I was in, but some holiday music, great friends and parties have all reminded me how blessed I am to have such sincere people in my life now.

Just hanging with J.G. at his first annual fundraiser for Cleveland's homeless.

Just hanging with J.G. at his first annual fundraiser for Cleveland’s homeless.

Monina and Gabe provided plenty of entertainment on Thursday night.

Monina and Gabe provided plenty of entertainment on Thursday night.

I think it’s decided – next year I need Cavs season tickets…I mean, the Q has become my second home more or less.

 

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Every year my friend Melissa throws a fantastic birthday and holiday party. Every year, I tell myself to wear comfortable shoes. Every year, my feet hurt for two days straight because we are dancing nonstop. This year did not disappoint.

Why yes, we were the two girls dancing to Shake It Off with Melissa's hubby.

Why yes, we were the two girls dancing to Shake It Off with Melissa’s hubby.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

And now the countdown to the end of the work year begins. My to-do lists are made and if I’m able to pull everything off in less than two full days, it’s going to be a miracle. But I’m bound and determined.

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Office Jams

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Charlene Ann

Just a few new ones that I’ve been playing while finalizing the year and planning for 2015 for clients:

1. OMI – Cheerleader. So catchy and I keep catching myself humming along:

2. Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk. I sincerely hop no one catches me dancing to this in the office.

3. Fifth Harmony – Sledgehammer. Whatever, it’s catchy.

4. Walk the Moon – Shut up and Dance. Yes, I dance to it.

What are you playing these days? Beside holiday music?

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Personal Habits

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Charlene Ann

Saw this on the Backpage of Marie Claire while curled up with a glass (yes a glass, not a bottle) of wine and figured why not?

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1. Would always: drink a cup of coffee in the morning.
Would never: give up caffeine.

2. Picky about: friends.
Not so much about: beer.

3. I feel for: dependent people.
No sympathy: for those that don’t take responsibility for their decision-making.

4. Glad it’s ahead of me: parenthood.
Glad it’s behind me: my 20s.

5. Early for: meetings.
Late for: lunch dates.

6. Would pay good money for: a great experience with friends.
Wouldn’t take even if free: anything lacking quality.

7. Fear conquered: taking risks.
Not quite there yet: being alone.

8. Getting better at: not taking BS from people.
Getting worse at: being a workaholic.

9. Moment of triumph: winning an ADDY.
Epic fail: trusting someone that didn’t deserve that trust.

10. Skills mastered: being two steps ahead.
Can’t quite the hang of: work/life balance.

11. Risky when it comes to: work.
Plays it safe when it comes to: trust.

12. Always up for: a girls night out or in.
Never up for: clubbing.

13. Too much in my life: planning.
Not enough: spontaneity.

14. Worth the wait: falling in love.
No patience for: immaturity.

15. Better than I expected: my 30s.
Worse than I expected: adult decisions.

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