Therapy

Blogs are supposed to be therapeutic, right? Well, after one of the worst weeks ever, I could use some therapy, but I'm trying to spare my wallet and avoid retail. So, here we are.

Don't expect this post to get mopey because I fully intend on staying positive. As the week continued on (slowly, I might add), I came to realize just how loved I am. From the supportive/worried friends to the concerned and loving parents, I feel so blessed to have so many people rooting for me in all aspects of my life. 

So, thanks for the Oreos, smiles, prayers, words of encouragement, faith and patience. I love you, my friends and family. I am definitely learning what it means to keep a prayer of gratitude in your heart. I wouldn't be smiling today if it wasn't for what you did yesterday.

I WILL pull through. No doubt about it. 

In the meantime, here are some instas that have helped me:

This proves to be one of my biggest struggles in life.

You have no idea how grateful I am for this. Fewf.

This is so factual. It's not even funny. I was doing SO well. 

It appears as though there will be some changes occurring in my life, and I can't wait to share them with you, but the time is not yet right.

Anyway, I hope you had a wonderful week.

xox,

Miss Jones

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

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

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.

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

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 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

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

Reflections Part II

Two thousand and eleven has been a year of growth, change and learning.


Truths Learned In 2011:


-Sometimes, those whom you love the most, hurt you the worst.
-Family forgives.
-I make too many mistakes in my friendships.
-Spending countless hours in the library pays off.
-Apologizing is important, even when it's months after the fact.
-Taking chances helps you grow.
-Finding joy in the unknown is easy.
-I have worth.
-Choose quality over quantity. Always.
-Sometimes, friends have to move aside to make room for better, closer friendships.


I won a lot this year. I lost a lot this year.


Thanks to all who have been a part of 2011.


Life just keeps getting better. 


xox,


Miss Jones

Reflections

During this Christmas season, I find myself reflecting about the year. I am not a journaler, but Grandma Jones says it is important to at least record the highlights of each passing year, so here it goes (also, some of these "highlights" are a stretch, just go with me):


January: All of my mom's family got together to celebrate what would have been my Uncle Paul's 40th birthday. What a treat to see everyone. A relative made a slide show with photos of the big guy and there wasn't a dry eye afterwards. I laughed, I cried and I felt extremely blessed. We even rode horses for a minute.

February: I got a new hairstyle in February. I loved my bangs, but they were a ton of work and I eventually let them grow out.

March: In March, I spent my entire spring break babysitting and earning money for Spain. Good thing the kids are total sweethearts and I had a ton of fun.

April: Two of my girl friends and I attended the Brian Regan performance here at SUU. He is always hilarious. My parents, younger brother, youngest sister and I took a spur of the moment vacation to Disneyland. And I had my twentieth birthday. No more wise cracks from my dad about being a "teeny bopper," or so I thought.

May: I spent the month of May preparing for the month of June, but it was a great time. I had a lot of help preparing for my big adventure and I realized how much I'd miss my friends and family. The day this photo was taken, Mariah and I went on "The Zipper" three times, if I'm not mistaken.

June: Oh June... Where do I begin. I went to Spain. I've only written about it like 10 times. I became really close to my Cheri love. I learned a ton of Spanish. I fell in love with my host family and I made some huge life decisions. SUU has given me some pretty awesome experiences, but this particular experience takes the cake.

July: My older sister, Jenn, left on an LDS mission. Wow, she's incredible. Also, my younger sister Lexi turned 19! I spent 10 days in Phoenix with those two and I am so glad I did. It really helped us reconnect and get to know each other again. I am so lucky to have them. Aw, I love my family! (We all have very teary eyes in this picture. It was taken right after Jenn officially became a missionary. Also, the little girl is their sister, Anna.)

August: Samuel H. Taylor (one of my favorite people) turned 21. Two of his friends and I took him for a random and silly ride up Cedar canyon. I also introduced him to some crazy fun times with the Joneses when my sister Lexi brought three of her friends up for a visit. We all saw "The Music Man" done by the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Then Lexi, friends and I hiked Kanarraville falls, went on a lake trip and visited our family's mountain property.

September:Samuel H. Taylor, our friend Jessica and I went to Vegas to watch the SUU T-Birds beat UNLV in football. Really, we spanked them. On their field. Definitely memorable for me. I learned I get really into games... 

AND my beautiful niece Brooke Alexandria Mull was born. Oh, I love her and yes, she is my namesake. This was our first meeting.

October: I do not like Halloween, but Jessica's family was kind enough to take me to "Thriller" this year. I loved it and I was totally creeped by the costume people. Yuck! I definitely spent every night of October in the library.

November: Thanksgiving is always a fun event around the Joneses table. We eat (too much), laugh (equally as much) and watch (not enough) football. My aunt always turns off the game. I spent Black Friday in Vegas on the strip getting my shop on. I found some new things that I'm loving and still wearing. I am lacking photos from November, so here is a picture I snagged on campus.

December:Thank goodness the semester is over. Fewf. I have had some awesome experiences in December, but one of my favorites was when Jessica and I took a random night trip down to St George. We visited her family and friends and on the way back I learned just how considerate she really is. Snaps for Jessica who also turned 19 this month. Santa sent a little elf to visit me yesterday. And most importantly, my older brother returned home safely from his tour in Iraq. So happy to have him home.

Thank you to everyone that was a part of my 2011. I learned, grew and gained strength. 2011 was a year for the history books. I hope you are all well and finding yourselves happy, healthy and well this holiday season.

xoxo,

Miss Jones

Ray, as in Ray-Ban.

I believe whole heartedly that God places people in our lives for our benefit. Sometimes, I look at the people around me and my heart is overwhelmed by the love that I feel for these people. There is one person in particular that I look up to. We'll call him "Ray" for this post's purpose.

Ray and I have been friends for a while and good friends for a short minute. We met in the summer of 2009 and then were re-introduced and became friends in the summer of 2010. In our friendship's duration, not only has Ray trained me in my job, but I feel that his example is preparing me for life. Basically, he's shaping my life. He's strong. And supportive.

Ray is one of few people who have seen me in complete hysterics. Yeah, I was embarrassed, but Ray just stood up and gave me a hug. He looked passed my tears and gave me support and wonderful advice.

"Ray" is a selfless person. I learn so much from watching him give up things he wants and/or needs for other people.

He is open-minded and accepting.

He is driven. I would go as far as to say he is the most driven person I have ever encountered. He knows what he wants and he is going for it full force.

He is loyal to the 10th degree. He will stand by those he cares about in any situation. He takes "having your back" very seriously.

He is often critiqued for choices he's made by people who don't know him well. He stands strong in his convictions and presses forward regardless of how others perceive his decisions.

I feel very thankful for this person in my life. I feel increasingly blessed that I get to learn from him everyday.



xox,

Miss Jones

I guess I really just love me some quotes.

"No matter how busy a person's day might be,

if they really care,

they'll always find a time for you."

Sometimes, I struggle to realize who cares and who really cares. I feel so fortunate to have had so many people in my life who really care. Thanks to those who find time to really care.

xox,

Miss Jones

Phases

I go through these phases where I miss Spain immensely. Can I just move there and take the people I love the most with me? I don't see why that hasn't happened already. :)

My mother and I at El Generalife. Granda, Spain

Her first ever Paella. Madrid, Spain.

El Generalife. Granda, Spain.

A group shot in Ronda, Spain.

I came to appreciate and love so many of these people.

Mainly I just want to go back and visit my host mother and host sister. It is true, I fell in love in Spain. No, not with a man, but with my group, my family, and my city.

Mucho amor,

Miss Jones

Best Thing I Never Had

So, if you could apply Beyonce's song "Best Thing I Never Had" to a friendship--ended friendship--it would perfectly describe a friendship that I had.

I felt I needed to share. Remember, apply it solely in a friend way. You can read the lyrics here, if you want.

And no, I didn't end the friendship, but I am currently feeling that these lyrics are applicable to said friendship. It's hard when you care about someone so much and then they hurt you. Hurt you when you least expect it, but hey, I'm better off.

It's funny how new and/or stronger friendships emerge through hard times. HOLLA to the good folks! New and old. :)