You're morphing.

Something you said made me realize how much you've changed. How much you've grown.
It's good to see you morphing into the person you're supposed to be.
You're doing good things.
I'm happy to see you making decisions for you.
Don't be ashamed.
Continue on.

xoxo,

Miss Jones

One Day

...when it's all said and done, I'm going to look back on these days and:

laugh--I'm going to laugh at all the late night "study" sessions in the library with good friends. I'm going to laugh at the fights, arguments, and time spent feeling aggravated. I see myself laughing at the mundane job I had, and my (sometimes) materialistic tendencies. I'm going to laugh at the love interests that never panned out (heck, they never even started).

smile--I'm going to smile at all the sweet time spent serving others and all the discomfort I felt when I received an act of service. I'm going to smile at the friendships that seemed to spring from nowhere, and other relationships that gracefully danced their way out of my life.

feel blessed--Southern Utah University has filled my life with opportunity, education, and experience. I will leave this incredible place with a Bachelor's and a beefy resume. I will feel blessed and grateful each time I have an interview based on a SUU contact or find other Thunderbirds who have also left this nest.

Although it continues, this chapter of my book of life is bursting at the seams with memories, knowledge, and experiences.

xoxo,

Miss Jones

This one's for the girls:

Okay, not like the country song.

I feel like there are a lot contradictions and expectations that women are expected to live up to. Please realize I understand that there are issues males have to deal with as well, but I am not a male, so I cannot write regarding these issues.

Strength: Women, be strong. Have the house clean, look beautiful, and have dinner on the table when your man gets home, but be careful to not make him feel less manly. Let him open the jar of pickles and use the screwdriver. 

Beauty: Women, use all these beauty products to make yourselves appear as beautiful as possible, but realize that if you go one step too far, you'll be seen as vain.

Money: Women, make enough money to support yourself, and possibly a family, but don't pay for your man or make him feel like less than the sole bread winner. It is also necessary for you to feel embarrassed if you make more than your man, so be shy about your success and lie about your salary.

Dating: Women, do enough eye-batting, touching, and flirting to let him know you're interested, but don't be too forward. Let the man make the first move. 

Independence: Be a strong, independent, self sufficient woman, but don't express your opinions in a robust way as to intimidate the men around you.

Well, I'm calling it. This is B.S.

I've had enough. Women get critiqued for being too independent or strong, but the media encourages it. Does the strong woman exist? Is there such a thing as a strong woman who can work, be successful, and happily in love? I would like to believe that it's not, but I've learned differently lately, and I'm frustrated by it. Things I value about myself and others are seen with such distaste, and I don't get it.

Help a sister out.

xoxo,

Miss Jones

Vulnerable

I allowed myself to be vulnerable.

Now what?

Day to day angels

Heavenly Father has blessed me with day to day angels. These angels don't always have to make grand gestures to make me feel loved, appreciated, and taken care of. Sometimes, it's the smallest act that means the most.

Today, I received a text from my long-time best friend, Mariah. She was just checking on my grandmother who has been experiencing some health struggles. Her simple text message showed me that she cares, and it meant a lot to me.

Another friend made me feel appreciated and loved today by inviting me to drink Cokes and catch up. He knew that there has been worry in my heart for a mutual friend, and he wanted to be there to support me.

Lastly, my younger brother, with whom I spend a lot of time fighting, saved me from an embarrassing moment with only a few joking remarks. His compassion saved me from feeling worse on a day where I spent much of my time worried.

I want to thank all of my angels because there are MANY more than I have written about, and they deserve recognition as well. You people make my life more full and more fun.

I love you all.

xoxo,

Miss Jones

A moment

There is a moment when the body has entered exhaustion, and there is so much left to do.  In this moment, I look around at the sea of people enjoying themselves thoroughly and relishing in the event I put so much time and effort into. 

For me, this is a moment of utter joy.

My feet ache. My eyes are tired. I feel elated.

Taking the Event Management course on SUU's campus offered me an opportunity to live a dream I never knew I had. And with my new job, I am getting paid to do something that I enjoy and that I'm good at. 

It's a blessing to work with such amazing people and learn from the best. Some things were said about me during the event and the next day that make me feel like I have been successful in my tasks thus far. I cannot wait to further explore events and continue learning. 

Here are some photos of the Forever Red Homecoming Celebration on September 28, 2012:

Lights and sound loading in.

Fireworks setting up.

Different angle of lights and sounds loading in.

Sound check.

Very beginning of event.

The sea of people.

Yay! People!

I love the #tbirdnation.

A quick shout out to all my sweet friends who came to the event:

Thank you! Thanks for the treats, diet cokes, and surprises. I love you all! You made it special for me.

xoxo,

Miss Jones

Catch up

So I haven't posted in ages, but I am alive and I've done some cool things this summer:

Planned the Opening Ceremonies of the Utah Summer Games.

Worked a lot. 

Made new friends.

Saw A LOT of the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Expanded my horizons.

Worked at a private event in SLC where some well known artists performed.

Got a new job. I am the new Event Assistant in the Alumni House at Southern Utah University. I have some big shoes to fill.

It's been pretty great.

Here's what I wore today to my friend's homecoming: 

Blouse: Forever 21 Skirt: Banana Republic Shoes: Payless (win!) Bag: H&M Jewelry: Forever 21/Spain

Mildly obsessed with Les Misérables. And cheesing for the iPhone.

Such a great friend. So glad I keep her around.
 

Not much else to say.

xoxo,

Miss Jones

HCs

And so begins the chapter I'd like to call, "Honest Conversations".


A wise man once told me, "there is something to be said about an 'honest conversation.'" Basically, just sitting down, hashing through the ugly in hopes of finding a solution.


I'm going to try to have these talks in all aspects of my life. Some experiences over the last 3 years have helped me to be comfortable with "honest conversations" in friendships, but work relationships and other parts of life are more difficult. On the bright side, I have found that these talks are very beneficial. They relieve stress and angst. 


So, I'm finally able to be direct and honest on my end and say {after a long talk with a good friend}, 

"Here I am. This is me; the good, the bad and the crazy." 

I know who I am and I'm done shrinking my quirks and steering away from vulnerability.

I'm 5'3", I have red hair, and I wheeze when I laugh.
I love to smile.
I work hard, but I play harder.
I'm stubborn, flawed and silly.
I'm loving, funny and selfless.
I live by the assumption that everyone wants to be my friend {don't worry, it's mutual}.
But consider yourself warned in the event that we become friends, I will care about you to a fault. And I will {quite literally} love you until it hurts.




xoxOxXo,


Miss Jones




P.s. This was a wordy post, but it's been biting at me for weeks and after a chat with a friend {^yeah, same friend} last night, I knew I needed to state this.

A venting moment

This will just take a second. 
I do a lot for people.
They don't like to acknowledge it often.
A "thank you" would suffice. 
When it is acknowledged, I appreciate it.
A lot.
Show gratitude, friends. 
Y por favor, ¡pare ignorarme!


Anyway, I'm worrying about my happiness now. 
Doing things for me.
I'm exhausted from doing things for you.


Speaking of Spanish, take me back here please:

Re-enter optimistic self.
Hi.
My birthday is in 10 days. 
I love my birthday.




xoxo,


Miss Jones






Also, a HUGE thank you and shout out to Jessica for accompanying me to get new debit/credit cards and a new license. You're the best, chica. Te amo mucho.

Barefoot in Stripes

Today's outfit:

Blazer: H&M
Blouse: Forever 21
Jeans: Big Star (strange, I know)

Today's accessories:

Necklace: Forever 21
Earrings: Paparazzi (purchased at a jewelry party today)
Ring: Spain

I stayed late up to register last night at 12:01 am. 
The server crashed.
No registration possible.


On the bright side, I am changing my attitude and being more positive.
Life really is beautiful.
There are blossoms on the trees.
My birthday is in 17 days (not that I'm counting).




xox,


Miss Jones




P.S. Please, forgive the awful photography. Last minute photo in my sister's bedroom. Holla.

Springing into Monday

I spent the weekend soaking up the heat in Phoenix {obviously, I got really tan...}.

Sadly, I only got to see a few of my Phoenician friends.

We did some shopping, bonding and definitely did some eating.

I found myself dreading the return to Cedar, but fortunately, the weather has been lovely.

Side note, totally obsessing over "Diva" by Beyonce. 

Jean Shirt (again): Charlotte Russe
Dress: H&M
Shoes: H&M
Jewelry: Spain

Hope you had a lovely Easter weekend.


xoxox,


Miss Jones

Print Making

Jessica, Me, Sam
Exhaustion

Today was wild. 

I spent 8 hours helping Sammy make his graduation announcements.

We were in the Silk Screen Print Making lab (something like that). 

I wasn't aware that SUU has such a lab.

I was whining for a minute and Sam said something out to me: "Well, you can check this off the list of major possibilities."

That is a great way to look at it.

So, I'm now going to be ruling out potential majors instead of trying to force myself into selecting one.

To you graphic design majors, you have powerful brains.

I couldn't do it.

xox,

Miss Jones

Hump Day

Happy Hump Day. 
I knew mine would be weird.
I woke up from a nightmare that included: a friend, my boss, a private school and a mortuary. 
Couldn't sleep after that.
So, I put on my coral pants (they have powers) and flipped my part.

Jean Button-Up: Charlotte Russe
Coral Pants, Gold Belt, Shoes: Target
Jewelry: Spain

Also, some junk hit the fan today.
That was fun. 




xoxo,


Miss Jones






p.s. I need a tan.

Awkward Sunday

Sunday morning, I woke up with a goose egg. 
And don't be confused, I didn't hit my head on Saturday. 
My best guess is that I had some crazy dream and whacked my head on my head board in my sleep?
It still hurts. 
If you see me, please don't stare. 




And now, the current things I'm coveting:

Aqua Skinny Ponte Pants {$26.90)

Jacquard Chiffon Peasant Dress {$29.80}

I'm just waiting to find my sugar daddy, so I can buy everything I want. Hook a sister up.


xoxo,


Miss Jones

Lost Puppy

Or should I say kitten? No, I shall never say kitten. 


Anyway, I often find myself stressing about the future: What should I be? What should I study? Will I ever graduate? Where should I go? 


But then, people like Emily Burt, Mindy Benson and Stuart Jones {Emily, you are in the coolest list right now!} remind me that stressing isn't the best way to go about deciding. Each has given me words of wisdom, inspiration and faith. I only wish I could find faith in myself to decide a pathway and find success.  


Thanks to each of them for reminding me that He cares. 


xoxo,


Miss Jones




P.S. Let me tell you something about Ms Burt. We weren't pals when she was a student here {ugh! so tragic}, but somehow, we're friends now. We skype/facetime {yeah, on our cool iPhones} or chat through other mediums and I have found her to be one the most optimistic, faithful and caring people I know. Snaps for Emily!

I wish

I wish I was one of those hip and fashionable people who post photos of their outfits. You know, and then, people love it and think they're fabulous. Unfortunately, I'm not. I would like to post a photo every now and then though. I sometimes like what I wear. Today is one of those days. It's okay to feel cool, right? Anyway, here's what I'm wearing:

Blouse: Victoria's Secret
 Cardigan: Forever 21
 Legging Jeans: Gap
 Shoes: H&M

Well, that was fun and it makes me feel vulnerable. Don't hate on my outfit, please.


xoxo,


Miss Jones

I like.

"All of God's angels come to us disguised."

Can I get an amen?




xox,


Miss Jones

Coveting these:

H&M is my favorite. 

I want these items.

And yeah, I would wear them together. 

Is that so bad?

Also, I loooove the prices.

Can't wait for their online shopping to open up.

Blazer $49.95

Top $5.95

Pants $14.95

Shoes $14.95

xoxo,


Miss Jones

I had to share this:

xoxo,


Miss Jones

Today was a good reminder.

You know those moments when you just realize that people love you? I like them.
I had several today:
My mama held my hair back while I emptied my stomach.
She went to the store a few different times for things I wanted or needed.
My father and his friend left their jobs to come check on me and give me a blessing.
I received flowers from a loving and concerned friend.
At least 10 people have offered to bring me soup or anything else I might need.


I love you all.
You truly are blessings in my life. 
Thanks for caring about me.
I hope to be in normal working condition again soon.

xxo,


Miss Jones

ABC's

Normally I don't participate in these, but because I'm on my death bed of illness, I decided to do this one. I found it on Running on Happiness.

Age: 20. Pushing 21.

Bed-size: Queen.

Chores that you hate: Vacuuming and dishes.

Dogs:  Maltese Pomeranian Cross named Link.

Essential start to your day: Watching Hulu while I get ready.  

Favorite color: Turquoise/Red/Navy/Black.

Gold or Silver:  Gold.

Height: 5 feet 3 inches.

Instruments you play: None.

Job title: Admissions Clerk.

Kids: In the future. Two sounds good.

Mother's Name: Michelle.

Nicknames: Jonesy, Alex, Meanie Meanie Butt Face.

Overnight hospital stays: None.

Pet peeves:  Your/You're mixups and other grammatical issues.

Quote from a movie or tv show:  "Harry, I took care of it!"

Righty or Lefty:  Righty.

Siblings: 5. Older brother, older sister, younger sister, younger brother, younger sister.

Time you wake up: On weekdays around 7:20,

Underwear:  Pro.

Vegetable you hate: Hmmm... I hate apples. I know they're fruit.

What makes you run late: Getting ready.

X-Rays You've Had:  Left arm when I was 6 years old and hip when I was 15.

Yummy food you make:  Brownies. Steak. Brussel Sprouts. 

Zoo Animal: Leopards.

xoxo,

Miss Jones

Pretty Preppy

I just want to go shopping.

I want to spend lots of money on new 

clothing items.

Colorblocked Linen Jacket

Sleeveless Pleated Dress

Crisscross Platform Wedges

Instead, I am saving my money.
But I could really love this look with some fun accessories and belt. Good ol' Forever 21.

Klout

Are you on Klout?
The whole thing is a tad bit confusing.
BUT it feels like online shopping, but I spend zero dollars.
In fact, they have their own currency.
Klout gives you a score depending on how influential you are to those on your social networks.

I feel like I'm constantly failing.
My score is either increasing too slowly or decreasing.
When it begins to decrease, I blog.
Gotta get them numbers up, right?

Anyway, if you're on Klout, lemme know because I'd love to shower you with +K.

xox,

Miss Jones

Heartbreak

It happened. 

I had my heart broken.

Yes, the 49ers' wide receiver, #10 Kyle Williams, shattered my heart.

I know, you were under a lot of pressure. Blah, blah, blah.

But a FUMBLE?! In the last bit of regulation play?

I suppose I'm being dramatic, but really, I was distraught after the Giants walked away with a W.

I'm still having some negative feelings towards Kyle, but I will survive. There is always next year.

Now, I don't even care who wins the Superbowl. I'll watch, but my heart won't be in it. I will be rooting for the Patriots. Only because the Giants beat the 49ers.

Basically, it was rough Sunday. And just for reference, there's nothing finer than a niner.

xox,

Miss Jones

Young Marrieds

Sometimes, I feel weird. People my age are getting married and having babies. I mean, c'mon guys, we're just kids. Then again, I might be the only one who isn't ready for marriage and babies. So to all my love bird friends (or to those consciously looking for someone to put a ring on {it}), best of luck to you. I'll miss you out here in single town. 


And just a heads up, if your wedding and/or invites share a theme with these photos, you might be tacky.

Thank you for sharing this little gem, Cheri Peacock. Nothing says forever like a little camouflage.

I hope she recycled her dress into some balloon animals.

Maybe it's wrong to share this one. I mean, this boy is in my Spanish class after all, but hey, I bet they loved their wedding. I just think their invite is so special. AND creative. Again, Cheri Peacock, thank you.

Anyway, I wish you well, young marrieds.

xox,

Miss Jones

Goodbyes can be fun.

All good things must come to an end, so goodbye, Droid.

I ordered an iPhone 4S.

It comes tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to hanging out with my new bestie, Siri.

I feel like a 6 year old on Christmas morning, but I don't actually know what time of the day Santa is going to come.

xoxo,

Miss Jones

Title-less

Hi, remember me? That goofy ginger with too many words? Yeah, that one. I'm just here to tell you that things are good. School is back in session. My first day of Spanish (this semester) was today. Yeah, I have {lots} of homework and fortunately I don't understand it. HOLLA. Please tell me you can read sarcasm. Tomorrow is Wednesday and that means only one class (besides institute), so things are looking up.


I hope you're all watching the Bachelor each week. Entertainment at it's finest. And just as a side note: I'm a closet Hulu addict. I watch way too many shows. If you ever want to discuss a popular show on Hulu, there's a good chance I watch it. Call me, beep me whenever you need a gossip sesh about the tele.


xoxox,


Miss Jones




And just for good measure, here's a thought I stole from someone. I can't remember who. Oops.