I feeel GOOD! Da na na na na na na!

My training show for my new jewelry business (Premier Designs) last night went GREAT!  I was surprised at the great results.  Lots of people came, some people were even interested in the business opportunity, and some people even bought stuff!  Everyone loved it, it was awesome!!  It totally got me so much more excited about doing this.  Yay!  =)

I feel like a really rotten person.

I guess some things just have to be learned the hard way.

I've made a resolve to try my best to not let it happen anymore.

I don't want to forget what's truly important.

*Cherish not only your life, but also the lives of those around you.*

I miss you Kuzz.

An apostrophe.

If we are so flustered with trying to help the world, we may miss the simple yet precious and life-impacting opportunities to help, comfort, support, the people close around us.

Those are the moments that really count.  Those are the ones we actually want.

The things you know but don't really KNOW

There is a very big difference in knowing something in your mind, and knowing something in your heart.

I've known this difference existed.  But for some reason it wasn't until tonight that I understood it at a deep level.

So many questions I wrote down for Conference have been answered already.  Sometimes in ways I never could have imagined.  Such as this.  I never would have thought that this would be an answer.  Or at least the beginning of one.

It's one thing to know something in your mind, and a completely different thing to know it in your heart.  It seems so obvious.  But I think it's a way deeper concept than we realize.  That's probably how everything in life is.  Everything has a purpose, and everything extends deeper than we can comprehend.  We know that about the big stuff like eternity and the Atonement..  But I think it applies to everything else as well.  The complexity of things is way beyond our comprehension.  It only makes sense.  Ironically.

There is no end.

Random, but not so random, thoughts from my day. (Which was really yesterday since it's morning again already.)

The trick is to learn to be happy with who you are, where you are, when you're there, and what you've got.

Yet ever still working on making the future better and brighter.

I so much love the fall.  I wish it was colder here.  I hate being cold.  But I love it when it's cold.

I need a job where I travel.

I love having real, adult conversations.

Keep looking and moving forward.

I need a bag of Dove chocolates with the happy messages inside.

I want to live somewhere where it's cold.

What is my purpose?  Everyone needs a purpose in everything they do.

I really need to learn to truly treasure each moment.

I've said this before but this morning the truthfulness of it hit me hard.  Sometimes I deal with things by not dealing with them.  I just ignore it in hopes that it will go away I guess.

This morning I learned of my cousin's passing (death is such a strong word..).  His name is Derek, although we called each other "Kuzz".  He has been living in Stockton, California for many years, near his parents.  He just turned 31 last month and has been fighting cancer for a couple months.  It started in his leg and spread quickly to his lungs and into his brain.

He passed at 4:30 this morning.  I was immediately hit with the reality of the situation.  Even through everything that has happened, it wasn't until this morning that I understood the brutal reality of death.  It just isn't the same when it's someone you don't know very well.  But when you do, it puts a hole in your heart.  You realize that you won't be able to talk to this person like you used to, won't see this person like you used to, won't be able to make more memories or continue the traditions already set in place.

I've realized some flaws of mine.  The things that have come to light are painful, as they normally are.  But I guess I should take this new information about myself and apply it where time has not expired, as every experience in life bears the fruit of something to be learned.  Overcoming our shortcomings isn't easy, but that's where the beautiful gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ comes in to play here.  I have resolved today again to become a better person from this day forward.  The how is usually the tricky part.  I'll be asking for much help, especially in that aspect.

I've also realized things regarding my family that make me very sad and at this point I only wish for them to understand my point of view, or not even that but at least to respect it and me.  I think family is supposed to be on the same page, and when you put on a fake face that seems a little facade-ous to me.  Unity ceases to exist on that level.

Live life while you have it; make memories while you still can.

It's not about how many people you can love, but learning how to love the ones who are harder to love.

Treasure each moment.

...especially when you don't feel like it.

Those times seem to be often for me.  I'm trying to learn to appreciate each moment and accept each unknown situation, however small.  I tend to not pick up the phone or respond to chat messages...

I'm sorry Kuzz.

You really were a good buddy of mine.

I wish I would have made more of the friendship while I could.

Now there's nothing I can do in this life with that relationship.  I'll have to wait.

Miss you Kuzz... but you're in a better place now.  <3

I'm so excited about life!

Sooo...

In December I'll get my Arizona General Education Certificate in Liberal Arts.  I'll finally be graduated!  But I'm still going after that...  Child Development!  The plan is to have that associates degree at the end of next next Spring.  Spring 2011.

Alsoooo, I'm going to sign up real soon here for NYIP - New York Institute of Photography.  It's completely home-based.  The main course there covers alllll sorts of photography stuff-- different kinds of photos, angles, portraits, sports shots, whatever; the business of photography; equipment; lots and lots of great info.  You have up to 3 years to complete the course, but I think most people finish between 8 months to a year.  It sounds great!

Annnnndddddd...  I just signed up to be a Premier Designs jeweler!  I'm so excited to do it.  The jewelry is beautiful, I can promote my "business" every day just by wearing the awesome stuff they have!  It's a great company and will be lots of fun, just hangin' out with the girls!  The company was founded on a religious and spiritual base, so they aren't out to get lots and lots of money for themselves but to help others!  I love the idea of being my own boss.  That's definitely something I would thrive on.  It's going to be great!  I'm so excited.  SO excited!

Oh my goodness.  And General Conference is this weekend.  We're taking the trip up there, me, my sister, Becky, Shaela, and Mandi.  It's going to be such a wonderful trip.  The Spirit is so great and so strong up there in Salt Lake City when everyone from everywhere gathers together to hear the voice of the prophet of the Lord, His mouthpiece!  And all the wonderful authorities and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who are equally inspired.  And wintertime is beautiful.  I can't believe it's already this weekend.  We leave in 2 days!!  Wow!  I love going to Conference!!  =)

You have to have a vision for your life before you can go anywhere.