I am extending the

GIVEAWAY!!!

You now have until Sunday at midnight!

Blog about it, tweet about it, FB about it...

come on, I know we are all secretly social media junkies.

P.S. I can't wait to tell you about my night last night!

JAM SESSION, for sure!!!

Zach Deputy absolutely ROCKED The Plaza Live last night.

And he even sang a little Janis Joplin.

It was definitely "my night" - and I had a cutie patootie flowerdance partner!

peace and love

BAI

EMPLOYED!!! :)

GUESS WHAT?!?

I started my new part-time job today!

Yesterday I said I was "unemployed" but today I am the newest administrative assistant and customer service representative at

VISION ELECTRONICS, INC.

a company that repairs electronic technology (mostly televisions) and is a technical service company for manufacturer's warranties and store's extended warranties. 

where I am assigned to:

- assist walk-in customers

- answer the phones (that ring off of the hook)

-create claims for new repairs, update existing repairs

- update the QSS system for warranty cases and repair claims

- call customers who are awaiting parts, whose claims are completed, and call customers to set appointments

- customer service duties. call customers after completion for follow-up

-check manufacturers websites 3 times a day for dispatches

- update the manufacturers website w/status of repairs

-complete store inventory (once a month)

- tend to voicemails, faxes, emails, and messages

So basically, what I do, is sit at this computer

with this screen in my face...

But luckily, I get little cheat sheets like this to help me out until I get it down pat...

and I deal with customers who call, usually in utter aggravation do they call, to claim a repair or installation that is needed on their t.v.  Or, I call them and let them know the status of their repairs if they have already claimed it.  I update the system for any work done, any changes in the account activity, etc. and I correspond with the customers and the technicians. 

I have to ask the basic information about the t.v. and then I have to figure out if they have a manufacturer's warranty (that came with the t.v.) or an extended warranty (that the Best Buy - or wherever - sales associate sold them when they bought the t.v.) or if they have one at all.  Then, I must file the claim with the appropriate company (manufacturer... like, Samsung or Sony & extended... like, Best Buy or Circuit City).  Then, I make sure everything is handled paper-work wise and I encourage the technical support team members to handle the claim promptly so that when I make my 'customer service follow-up call', the inconvenienced client will hopefully be in a much better mood with a successfully repaired television. 

The person training me warned me that most people

do not like to be without their t.v. so to get ready for some atypical phone conversations.  I asked her about what the protocol was for customers who are jerks and she basically said it was three strikes and you're out.

  "If someone cusses at you, tell them the language is not needed and that you are there to help them.  If they do it again, tell them you are not going to be treated that way for merely doing your job and everything that is in your power to help them.  If they do it again, hang the damn phone up."

I think this co-worker/trainer Mary and I are going to get along juuuust fine!!!

So, yay!!! I am so happy to have this job and be a part of the work-force.  I know it is not my particular dream career but my fantasy job was not what I was pursuing in my efforts to get a job right now.  I knew that a perfect fit for me would be something along these lines, so I am relishing in joy, thanksgiving, and a newfound confidence.  I think it is going to work out great for me.  I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who knew this was a desire of my heart - to have a part-time job that could help me "get back out there", earn some extra cash, build-up my innocent little resume, and give me the opportunity to prove to myself and others that I am not a quitter, that I do not give up just because things get hard, and that I am capable of making an impact by being a hard-worker who excels at her job. 

It may not seem like a BIG deal to you, but I am the feet that have walked this bumpy, rocky, long & winding road for quite some time and I know that it is up to me to make sure that the WORST IS OVER and the BEST IS YET TO COME.  That applies to everything for me...

 love, career, adventure, opportunities, self-discovery, etc.

I can't wait to tell you more about it as I learn more and experience new things at "the office."  Again, thanks for your support!

Oh, P.S. Why did I blog on Monday about job-hunting and Wednesday about being unemployed if on Thursday I got up and went to work?!?

Well, I didn't actually KNOW I had this job until one hour before I clocked in! 

My dad had found out about the opening from one of his friends at the YMCA that he works out with.  My dad seems to be a local celebrity at the neighborhood YMCA.  Friends and acquaintances inform me, on the reg, that my dad is "ripped" and a "badass" on the weights. 

We are SO NOT "like-father like-daughter" in that department ;)

Anyways, he came home from the gym today and told me that his buddy (the owner of the company) wants me to start tomorrow and begin working Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  Then, about 15 minutes later he received a text ("like-father like-daughter") saying that I could come in at 11:00AM.

 

And it was "hi ho, hi ho, off to work I go..."

 

Well hello there, eye-bag lady!

I definitely forgot the eye-liner today... which, for me, is a major "no-no!"

P.P.S.  I know you are secretly wondering if I have another shirt other than this denim button-down - - I DO, I promise! 

It is pretty funny that I seem to be wearing this top when I post self-pics a lot of the time.  I guess you can tell that I like it, then! :)

I'm off to meet Momma at her store (Ann Taylor LOFT) to look at some clothes that I can rock to work!

NOW, TELL ME...

 WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING!?!

I am in the spirit of getting to know all of you better!

And if you don't totally LOVE your job or you don't even LIKE it that much just remember that it could be worse!!! 

  

PEACE AND LOVE

BAILY J. JONES

the new administrative assistant

A...B...C...

THE ABC'S OF THIS FREEBIRD

because who doesn't dig a survey every now and then?!?

I got my hair done today, by the way...

A. Age: 23
B. Bed size: I'm a QUEEN!!!
C. Chore you hate: Vaccuuming!! Hate is an understatement.
D. Dogs: Millie :)

E. Essential start to your day: Caffeine - (Coffee or a Mello Yello or a Coke)
F. Favorite color: TURQUOISE!
G. Gold or silver: Depends on what it is. I'm a David Yurman girl so I dig the two-tone, but my future husband will know that I want a white-gold/platinum band for my bling! ;)
H. Height: 5'3
I. Instruments you play: Air guitar & I'm a pretty mean drummer on the dashboard!
J. Job title: Unemployed... I'm trying, y'all!
K. Kids: Someday...  But I have a little baby niece or nephew on the way!!!
L. Live: The Sunshine State
M. Mom’s name: Cheryl
N. Nicknames: Bear, Bob, B-Bop, Bee, and Queen Bee
O. Overnight hospital stays: When I was little, a few...
P. Pet peeve: Being ignored; people clicking pens/tapping feet when others are trying to concentrate; KICKING MY CHAIR AT THE MOVIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Q. Quote from a movie/show: 
"I know you think those guys are your friends. You wanna be a true friend to them? Be honest, and be unmerciful." -Lester Bangs, Almost Famous
R. Righty or Lefty: Righty! (But soccer-wise, I can strike the ball with both feet, just better with my natural right side!)
S. Siblings: I am the Little Sissy out of us two girls. Just the two of us. Spoiled rotten :)

But she married a super-cool guy named Tyler and gave me an awesome brother!
T. Time you wake up: I'm in the process of getting on a stricter sleep schedule and waking up earlier (so that when I do get that job I'll be able to be up and at it) so I'm trying for 8:30 but it's been 9 here lately.
U. Underwear: Victoria's Secret PINK collection.  I'm a boyshorts fan!
V. Vegetables you dislike: PEAS! Ewwwww.
W. What makes you run late: My Attention Deficit Disorder ;)
X. X-rays you’ve had: Teeth, MRI on my knee, endoscopys, CAT Scan.  I mean, come on... just check "all that apply"
Y. Yummy food you make: I'm the Queen of "dips" and "spreads" amongst my friends!

Z. Zoo animal favorite: ELEPHANTS! Roll Tide!  

Well that was fun! And way less annoying than the 200-question ones that used to go around AOL and Hotmail and all my other middle school email engines! Ha.

I love answering questions and writing down lists!

Is there anything you'd like to ask me?  I'm OPEN BOOK, so ask away!!!

CAN I ASK YOU SOMETHING?

Do you know how harmful it is to use the R-Word?

If you knew it hurt the feelings of so many creative & loving souls would you still use the word?  Or would you try to remove it from your vocabulary - like I have?

If you know me in "real life" then you knew how passionate I am about this campaign:

SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD

at http://www.r-word.org/

would you help support this cause?

stop using the r-word & pledge!

today is national awareness day

THANKS, lovelies!!!

If you take the pledge you get

THREE (3) EXTRA ENTRIES

into my giveaway!!!!

PEACE AND LOVE

ALWAYS

BAILY  

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oh ya...

P.S.

I recently became obsessed with the creative rachel from rachel is a dreamer.

She is full of peace, love, and that magical kind of happiness.

I promise you will fall in love with her and her blog like I did!

She creates these groovy little prints:

So head on over to her Etsy Shop

and check out her prints of peace & love!!!

*the winner of the giveaway receives the print of their choice!!!!

giveaway will end at noon on Friday!

Winner will be announced this weekend!

to enter the giveaway:

visit rachel's etsy shop & leave me a comment telling me what you liked best!

for extra entries:

• BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG
•  'like' the FB page for "peace owls and other lovely things"
• Tweet about the giveaway! (include @bailyjones)
• Blog about the giveaway!  

FOR THREE EXTRA ENTRIES!!!!

visit www.r-word.org and take the pledge to Spread the Word to End the Word!

Post the web link to your pledge and you will receive THREE extra entries!!!



an "ABOUT ME"

I have met so many new friends in the blog-world lately and I think it is time that I have another "about me" post so that my new readers can get to know me a little more.  The amount of love and support that I receive from my "followers" continues to overwhelm me in the most positive way and I just want to say thank you to everyone who cares for me - and I know so many of you do!  It is the most fantastic feeling to know that I am loved, adored, and thought of - but most of all, I open up this blog post with such thanksgiving for all the prayer and spiritual support I have received!  I know that the power of prayer is the reason that I smile and I know that God's love is why I can shine even in times of hardship.  Know that I pray for all of you, old friends and new friends alike, and that I am grateful for all of your inspiration!!!

So... here we go.

I'm Baily.  I'm 23. 

I was born in Asheville, NC.

I grew up in a suburb of Orlando, FL and graduated high school in 2005.  I was a sports columnist for my high school newspaper, a varsity cross-country runner, and a varsity soccer player.  I also strutted my stuf as the baseball team's bat girl - which helped me earn my superlative as Class of 2005's Biggest Flirt.

What??? Momma got it for her class of '79! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! ;)

I am obsessed with Ray Bans. 

I went to the University of Alabama where I studied Journalism and Child Development for the past five years.  I am currently on a break.

Because, life happens.

Like this:

Last April 13th I lost everything I owned in a housefire in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  It has been a journey of recovery, rebuilding, and reinvention and every day has been a new discovery since. 

So, life through me off course a little bit but I believe in chasing my dreams and I know that I will make everyone proud one day.  I have been restored with hope and I have been redeemed in a rejuvenated faith. 

The fire didn't take away ALL that was precious to me.... meet my best friend.  Mildred Jean Jones.

She will be 2 years old in April.  I got her in June 2009 and she has warmed my heart each and every day!  I got her one week to the day prior to Michael Jackson's death but had already decided to name her "Millie Jean" because of my favorite MJ song, "Billie Jean."  It just so happened that we were a week early to tributing his death.  See?  She's freaking SPECIAL! :)

Anyways, I like to wear flowers in my hair...

And I'm a HUGE fan of

and even though some assholes have made me want to give up, I still believe in LOVE, too.  

I'm obsessed with CAROLINA Basketball and ALABAMA Football.

Go Heels & Roll Tide!  

I am infatuated with Forrest Gump.

I dig Phish, Widespread Panic, and The Grateful Dead... their music does nothing but free me. But I am sort've a music junkie so the list is muuuuuch longer than that.  I like country, folk, rock 'n roll, psychadelic, and jam music.  I am a supporter of indie music and I collect vinyl records! :)

I'm a little girl.  I'm about 5'3 and 100 lbs.

But I've got a fiesty attitude and can "hold my own" with anyone! ;)

Speaking of being itty-bitty, my mom's bank teller didn't think I was 23 I guess...

I'm a guys' girl... I've always had more guy friends than girl friends.

But, as I grow up I have learned the bittersweet truths about friendships and I know I have amazing friends - both ladies and gents!  I am so grateful for them ALL! 

I have a Sissy who is my best friend.

....and preggers!!!

So stoked!

Umm... what else?

I dig accessories. 

Scarves, bracelets, funky jewelry, and boots!

I'm not a HUGE fan of talking on the phone... but I will. 

I am just more text-savvy!!

Above all else, I am a DREAMER.

I'm a free-spirit.  A music lover.  A wildflower.

And when things get bad... this passage (which I've dubbed as "my fire passage") is what gets me through and allows me to 'Be still, and know that He is God.'

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you wil leat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the gradss of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you - oh you of little faith? 

So do not worry, saying 'What sall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25-34

Hope you enjoyed getting to know me!

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWERS!

now, fill me in on YOU!

peace and love

bai

what a great weekend

Probably the smartest thing Gaga has ever said...

So here's to finding a job!!!

(and I think I may have found one!)

Do you think I'd make a cute little secretary maybe? ;)

Anyways, Happy Monday!!!

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend.

Mine was amaaaazing!!!!

On Friday night, Michelle and I met a friend named Jenny at Wine Room on the cobblestoned Park in Winter Park.  It felt good to get some "girl talk" in and taste some wine, wear high heels, and nibble on some fudge... (and a margherita flatbread but who's counting the calories?!?)

On Saturday, Michelle and I went to the Orlando Chili Cook-Off in Baldwin Park and even though there was barely any CHILI left by the time we got there... we we were still able to check out some pretty groovy bands.  One of my favs - "Big Sam's Funky Nation" was playing and that was a delightful surprise for me! (Don't you just love that?!)  And we got to see Plain Jane Automobile and get to know them a little bit because our friend Heather is in a relationship with the lead singer.  It was a fun day!  Glorious Central Florida weather, good friends, a tiny bit of chili, and groovy jams! 

I got some snug time in with Millie, Jackson, and Lola too! 

And I heard an AWESOME sermon on pro-life/anti-abortion and I really just love the sanctity of life.  I feel like I am so blessed to have had the Lord lay it on my heart many years ago to be a future-adoptive Mommy and I loooooove when He reminds me that He is still preparing my heart.

Aaahh.. He indeed is preparing it!

I tell myself this all day long:

Be still.

I also tell myself this all day long (because my therapist told me to and it works!):::

I am empowered.

I have self-will.

And I will not let anything overwhelm me.

Hope you have an amazing day!

Feel free to use my self-chants to get you through the week ;)

peace and love

baily