Q: What have you been up to since you left Channel 3?Carole: Packing and Unpacking. Last May, I moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan to be with my husband who was coaching at Western Michigan University. Then, when the "coaching rotation" time came (the off season time when coaches leave and take other jobs), we learned we had a chance to return to Cleveland. So we moved back this past March. But October was our most welcomed change. Baby Patrick Sullivan arrived, looking as Irish as his name. He's a little love and it's fun to experience why parents gush about their own kids. What a trip!
Q: Was it a tough decision to come back to Cleveland after moving to Michigan?
Carole: The only tough part was saying goodbye to new friends in Michigan, but we couldn't wait to return. Cleveland is home.
Q: Would you still prefer getting up early (like you did when anchoring the morning show) or do you prefer working the day shift?
Carole: The Morning Show. I love absolutely everything about it, except the hours. The people. The show format. The audience. But it's a marathon of a job. Dayside, it's a sprint to get items on the air. Then, you go home. You relax with the rest of the living. The morning show is a marathon, in that, everyday your stamina is challenged. You leave work and your entire life revolves around the fact that you work on during those early morning hours. Everything is affected. Family time, personal time. When will you sleep? Every decision is based on how it will effect your ability to be "fresh" for work. Much of that can be positive, because your days are finished when others are working, but it's a balancing act. I like to think I did a decent job finding that balance, but it is something you work at everyday of the week. FYI - Morning Show people arrive at 3am and leave at 11am which means waking up @ 1:30am. Some work 10pm-7am. Some 1am-9am. Not complaining just stating for those who aren't familiar.
Q: How has having Patrick changed your life?
Carole: I smile more, which I didn't think was possible. Family life just opens you up to a variety of new emotions and perspectives. Oh! Getting ready to go anywhere is a total crap shoot. Be kind if you see me out and I'm a mess. Hey! I'm just glad I made it out!! :) Which brings me to this... How do you moms of multiples do it? I have gained more respect for the "art" of parenting.
Q: Does your husband Mike think we have a better Browns teams this year?
Carole: This is going to be an exciting season. There has been no "off season" in Berea. The coaches and players are working so hard to make things happen this year. I think the fans will be energized watching this new offense by Coach Chudzinski and the hard work of Coach Crennel and his staff. We all know Cleveland deserves it. It would have been nice if we had an easier schedule... But right out of the gates we are playing hard ball! All good things to come!
Q: Who do you like to watch anchor the national news (on network or cable)?
Carole: Matt Lauer - Today Show; Brian Williams - Nightly News; Sheppard Smith - Fox News; Neil Cavuto - Biz News on Fox; Meredith Vieria - Today Show. I wish there was a stronger female showing in my list, but it is what it is.
Q: What do we find in your CD player in the car?
Carole: Gwen Stefani, Green Day, Dean Martin, "How to learn Spanish" - played a handful of times and no longer than 2 minutes. Just painful. But get in my car and you'll likely hear Sirius Satellite radio.
Q: What's your favorite local watering hole?
Carole: The Barking Spider ( http://www.blogger.com/www.barkingspidertavern.com ) on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Nestled behind the Arabica Coffee house at Case Western, it is always a terrific experience. Local musicians play. The windows to this cabin like place are wide open and you can sit outside on the benches and enjoy tap beer in a plastic cup. Not the tastiest way to have beer, but the atmosphere can be so tremendous. I also think everyone should experience the Slovenian Country House ( http://www.blogger.com/www.sterlescountryhouse.com ) on polka night. The old fashioned bar is nice and the show of older Clevelanders enjoying a nice polka makes you believe long term love and laughter is possible. But my favorite watering hole is at home with Mike.
Q: What's your favorite TV show?
Carole: Network TV: The Office; Cable TV: The Hills & Runs House; Yes, MTV - total guilty pleasure and completely ridiculous for someone my age. But there are more of "us" out there watching than you would believe.
Q: What's your favorite tourist attraction in Northeast Ohio to visit with the family?
Carole: You know, I just got this family within the past 2 years. So family trips around Ohio haven't kicked in, yet. I'm going to guess Cedar Point on a day when hardly anyone is there must be the absolute best! Patrick is too short right now, but not for long.
Feel free to email Carole: csullivan@wkyc.com
