Born in the USA but Canada Was Nice

I travel. 

That may be an understatement.

I travel a lot.

Since the middle of May I have been to Italy, Jamaica, and Canada and that isn't even adding in the trips around the state and surrounding states. I might have missed my calling as a truck driver. My radio name could have been Diamonds and Diesel. These are the things going through my mind while burning up the highway.

Little Miss Small Town America
Top: Francesa's
Shoes: Madden Girl
Sunglasses: RayBan

After posting my last blog I realized I never posted anything about the Fourth of July and my family reunion. Fail. Way to go, Jones! So, since I just got back into the great Ole U.S of A, I thought this would be the perfect time to share some of the moments that make me proud I was Born in the USA but Canada was nice. 

Cheers,

C

GJ's turtle "Speedie" for the Terrapin Race at the Red Oak Independence Day Celebration

This gal is a beyond fabulous. She has only been in our family for a little over a year but I can tell you she fits right into our family of strong women. 

Love.

Wild Women

I wouldn't trade my family for the world.
 We take Kick Ass to another level.

Awkward Family Photo with Peyton and Shelley.

I love this picture for many reasons.
1) Reed's tongue hanging out while I cracked crab for him.
2) I didn't recognize myself at first.
3) My family knows how to eat.

What can I say about this young woman? Maggie might be the most kind hearted person I have ever and will ever know (with the exception of my mother). She radiates grace and beauty... with some witty remarks thrown in the mix. It still boggles my mind that she will be starting her sophomore year of college in a few weeks.
Delta Love.

This is what a Fourth of July Hangover looks like.
Until next year...

These are my grand littles, Madison and Heather. Let's just say the apple doesn't fall far from the fabulous tree.
Top: Gap
Shorts: J Crew

Bought the Dahlias at a Farmers Market in Tulsa.
They made Monday a little bit more tolerable.

Are these not perfection?
Brand: Seychelles
Not so much with these pants, but I can just see them paired with skinny jeans and a boyfriend blazer.
I am not sure if it is a sign, but I have been seeing poodles everywhere I go. I saw one in the Buffalo airport, all throughout my trip to Canada, in fashion and in my dreams. I know I do not need to have a pet right now, but this could be a sign of what is in my future.

 Super Prep. I can't help myself sometimes. It just happens. 
Oxford: Talbots
Pants: Lilly Pulitzer
Shoes: Gianni Binni
Watch: ToyWatch USA
Belt: Talbots (It is reversible)

What do we do while in Buffalo, New York?
EAT CHICKEN WINGS!
Anchor Bar is the originator of the chicken wing. Quincee is looking at Brian while he eats the suicidal wings on our first visit. Yes, we ate there more than once.

My brother's family take wings very seriously.

I love this picture.

You. Are. Welcome.

Queen's Clock

Love this kid.

Q and I Behind the Falls

Niagara Falls

Traditional English Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel
Top: Banana Republic
Shorts: Vineyard Vines

Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara on the Lake.
This was a ridiculously picture perfect town.

Starbucks and a Chandelier
Oxford: Banana Republic
Jeans: Banana Republic
Sunglasses: RayBan
Purse: Kate Spade

My family on the Hornblower right next to the falls.

Mom and I at the American Falls on the US side of Niagara Falls.

GJ was the bravest 4-year-old at the American Falls! There are about 5 different levels of decks at the base of the waterfall. After each level I would ask, "Do you want to go higher?" Each time he would say yes or no. Right before the last level, which is known as the Hurricane Deck because the water coming down is that of a level 1 hurricane, I said, "OK, GuyJack. This is the big on. Do you want to go up there?" He looked me straight in the eyes, smiled and just pointed up and said, "Let's do it!" He lasted about 3 minutes until the wind coming off the falls was a bit too much for he to keep his footing. My Aunt Kim took him to a walk way where the wind wasn't so intense. 

This is NOT the hurricane deck.

Buck and GJ at the American Falls.

My nephews are so freakin' cool. Oscar is about to start his first year of high school and GJ is going to Pre-K this year. 

When Mom and I got back to Tulsa we ate Thai food.
I can eat peanut sauce as my meal.
So good!

Today, July 30, 2014

I have to leave work early for a doctor's appointment in Tulsa and then I head to OKC for grant training. I basically came home just to unpack, do laundry and repack for my next adventure. 

Warning: I will be spending this weekend celebrating Sharry Mouss' Dirty Thirty. It will get a little wild.

Top: Gap

Skirt: Gap

Sandals: Kenneth Cole

We are on everyone's honeymoon.

My childhood best friend and I went on everyone's honeymoon this past weekend. No Lie. While all the couples around us were playing kissy kissy, Jonea and I were talking, drinking, reading, sleeping, eating, and tanning. 

We win. 

Jonea and I have been through a lot over the past 20+ years; however, the past year has been one of the hardest. We have both been through drastic changes in our lives. Relationships have ended, loved ones lost, emotional meltdowns, body meltdowns, and the list goes on and on. Through all of these life changing moments the first person we call is each other. When I suddenly lost my grandmother in January, she was the first person I called. When her marriage started crumble I was there to start the recovery process. As I looked around at all of these couple on their honeymoons, anniversary trips or whatever, I realized I met my soulmate before I was in kindergarten. Men will easily say their soulmate is their significant other, but it is different for women. Our girl friends are our soulmates and the greatest loves of our lives. 

Jonea will tell you the first thing I ever said to her was, "Don't worry, I will save you" as we were playing Rainbow Bright on the playground, but in reality she saved me. 

Our trip was fabulous and we are planning our next adventure. 

Thanks for 24 years of friendship, Nea. 

Here is to the next 24.

Cheers,

C

We has a 6am flight out of Tulsa. When we made it to Miami we were channeling Will Smith and in dire need of food and booze. 

Best part of the Miami layover was watching all of the people at the airport bar glued to the TV while ESPN broke down the Lebron James move to Cleveland. I immediately sent my cousin Lane a text asking if he had his BronBron jersey from Cleveland with him. 

This was our driver from the airport to our resort. He was wonderful and told us about the area we were staying in and the history of the island.
Dress: Old Navy
Scarf: Lilly Pulitzer
Sandals: Sanuk
Bag: Marley Lilly Weekender

First drink on the beach was a Bob Marley. It was filled with rum. I discovered many years ago that rum makes me hate life. This was no different. I am allergic to the stuff. 

This picture has no filter.
Sweet Baby Buddha it was beautiful.

Sunglasses: RayBan
Swimsuit: Old Navy

I felt like the Little Mermaid in this dress.
It is Lilly Pulitzer.
The necklace is from Dillard's. 

How CUTE is this!
Hat: Marley Lilly derby hat

People watching and working on tan lines.

I have some serious freckles.
I even have them on my knees!
Sunglasses: RayBan

This was at one of the resort bars, BARacuda.
The dress is from Ross. No idea of the brand. 

All gussied up for dinner and drinks!

Lilly was the perfect choice for the last night at the resort.
Dress: Lilly Pulitzer
Necklace: Pazza Bella

It is ridiculous. 

Not ready to leave.

Jonea's piggies.

I was mad about having to come home and we had a flight delay. I could stay on the beach forever.

I know it looks like we didn't do much while we were in Jamaica, but I lost a day of pictures. We went parasailing. Jonea gave herself an anxiety attack during that adventure. I laughed. We went to the spa and I ruined Jonea by this. She is addicted to the spa now. The food was amazing, the people wonderful and the weather top notch. 
We came back to the states through DFW in Dallas. Customs are usually a cinch for me. This time, not so much. Our paper work was filled out perfectly. We went through the kiosk separately and the moment my customs receipt was printed I knew I was going to have trouble. I usually get tagged at customs for some reason. Maybe it is because I have such a generic name. Jonea asked what she should do? I told her to go to the baggage claim and get our luggage. I would be there as soon as I was finished since we were trying to catch our connecting flight to Tulsa. I waited in line for 20 minutes and when I walked up to the customs agent he asked me the normal questions while looking at my passport. Where are you coming from? Where are you headed now? Then he looked me straight in the eye with a straight face and said, "Tell me whose passport this is?" I was startled. "Mine." He said, "No, whose picture is this?" That is when I said, "OH! That is me almost 10 years ago and I have lost 95 pounds!" He looked at me confused. I showed him my drivers license and he kept looking at me, my passport and my ID. Finally he said, "You look amazing. Maybe there is hope for me to drop weight too. Welcome back to the United States, Ms. Jones."
Mental Note: After Canada, renew passport. 



Today, July 17, 2014
It is cold and rainy outside. 
I left the beach to come home to what feels like football season. I am not complaining, but I still need one last day of summer.

Jeans: Old Navy
Polo: Lilly Pulitzer
Boots: Hunter wellies