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Things to do
Jones
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Personal: 46 of Pittsford; married to Michael Jones, has a 15-year-old daughter, Samantha.
Occupation: Owner of MB Book-TIQUE in Fairport, which is an eclectic boutique combined with an old-fashioned used book shop. I’m so lucky, for the last six years, I’ve been able to live out many people's dream job.
Community activities: Currently I am working with and most committed to Volunteers of America Working Wardrobe Program. This program provides professional and business attire for job interviews and everyday work, to both men and women. They also provide guidance and tips on how to conduct oneself during interviews, tips about hair, makeup and accessorizing. Donations needed are: professional and dress casual clothing, dress shoes, jewelry, accessories (purses, belts, ties, etc.), make-up and personal hygiene items. I tell anyone who will listen, to just clean out your closet of all those items you never wear and bring them to me at the store and I’ll make sure they get to the Working Wardrobe Program. It is a form of giving that is so painless. But can help “Change Lives One “Piece” At A Time!”
My favorite thing to do in Rochester: Is to “play tourist” with my daughter for the day or half a day. The Rochester area has a plethora of options to explore. Our recent favorites include shopping the Monroe Avenue and South Wedge areas and taking a walk along the secret garden path in Charlotte. It’s not only fun to experience these things for myself, but I love expanding my daughter’s vision of the world around her. The very best part is that it’s in our own backyard!
Biggest challenge I’ve overcome and how I did it: Understanding that I can’t fix anyone but myself. I once read that, “you can’t be sick enough to heal someone or poor enough to make someone rich.” That was like a bullet between the eyes for me. As the oldest in my family, I was always trying to “fix it” — whatever “it” was. It left me exhausted and at times angry. Slowly I learned that I need to make different choices and the energy I put into trying to fix something or someone was better put into trying to be a good role model. The best I can do is try to role model better choices that bring an abundance of grace, joy, peace, love, health and even wealth. I try to live by that now.
One thing I’ve always wanted to do but never have: To live and work on a tropical island.
If I could change one thing about myself it would be: Procrastination. If it doesn’t interest me, I can find a thousand ways to avoid doing whatever it is. Paperwork and filing are my No. 1 number one dislike! It is my biggest character flaw. Just ask my husband!
The talent I would most like to have: In my dream world … to be able to sing or dance. I love how music can express your soul. In the real world … I wish I had an aptitude for technology. I could accomplish twice as much in half the time.
The one thing I can’t live without: Besides my family and friends, it is definitely chocolate and vanilla lattes. They are my addiction. While vacationing in Seattle, I had to taste-test every coffee shop I went by!
My favorite movie: Forrest Gump. This movie spoke to me of the potential we all have for a most extraordinary life when one is not burdened with societal beliefs that would tell us that “it is not possible.” Forrest didn’t know he wasn’t supposed to succeed in all that he attempted. May each of us be a little more like Forrest.
One of my favorite sayings is: When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
A person who has inspired me (and why): My younger sister, Amy. As a young adult, Amy was pursuing her dream career in television production when she started to lose her hearing to a genetic disorder. Simultaneously her marriage disintegrated which led to financial chaos. Divorced, bankrupt and functionally deaf, she refused to be a victim of life. She went back to school and changed career paths. Today she is a teacher in the City School District, re-married to a wonderful man and moving full steam ahead on achieving all of her life’s dreams. I have no doubts that she’ll achieve every last one of them!
