Respect

Respect

I respect, the values, taught by my parents.
I respect, another mans religion, or color or creed.
I respect, and follow, the will of my maker.
I respect, the truth, no matter how unpopular.

I respect, a good work ethic.
I respect, the values on which this country was founded.
I respect, those who would champion the under privileged.
I respect, those of differences, who seek common ground.

I respect, the concept of monogamy.
I respect, those faithful to principal.
I respect, change, that is for the better.
I respect, an honest days work.

I respect, the great talents of the entertainment world.
I respect, thought provoking works, of the written word.
I respect, the unquenchable thirst of creativity.
I respect, the farmers and workers that toil in the field.

I respect, the good in man.
I respect, the virtue in woman.
I respect, the innocence of children.
I respect, the generosity of mankind.

Most of all...I respect the maker of
life and the love, that each of us
have within us.

I Believe

I Believe

I believe that the sun shines after the rain
I believe if you don't get hurt you'll never gain
I believe in not doing things the easy way
I believe that being selfish doesn't pay

I believe in a second chance
I believe in a life long romance
I believe there is life after death
And standing up to a life of mess

I believe in love at first sight
I believe that revenge isn't right
I believe that first impressions last
And there is nothing better then a good laugh

I believe that dreams do come true
I believe there's destiny for me and you
I believe that good things come to those who wait
I believe love never arrives too late

I believe something good comes from something bad
I believe that for tears of happiness there are tears of sad
I believe everyone has a guardian angel
And the good you do will be rewarded well

I believe sometimes there is no explanation
I believe money can't buy people's affection
I believe you don't know what you've got until it's gone
I believe a new day arrives with every dawn

I believe a smile can be contagious
I believe in being very outrageous
I believe in living with no regrets
I believe that life is as good as it gets

I believe that God watches over us
I believe the little things are worth the fuss
I believe you have each friend for a reason
I believe you will get punished for treason

I believe that what comes first is family
I believe we should all live in harmony
I believe in making the most of a beautiful day
And it's not the end until everything's okay

I believe absence makes the heart grow fonder
I believe you will lose if you sit and wonder
I believe every experience teaches you a lesson
And nothing cures better then a drinking session

I believe everyone has one true love
I believe sometimes we need a little shove
I believe the whole world is a stage
I believe we only get better with age

I believe that to learn you have to live
I believe that to love someone you have to give
I believe one moment can change your life
And there's still help when you're in strife

I believe everyone has one true friend
I believe love helps a broken heart mend
I believe in the power of a song
And things will change before too long

I believe living is the best experience
I believe in not laughing at other people's expense
I believe it's hard to watch a lover leave
And when they're gone all you can do is breath

I believe to always look on the bright side
I believe that life is just one big ride
I believe when I die people will grieve
But it's ok because I believe

The Kiss

The Kiss :*

What's in a kiss; how many there-be...?
'So many, it boggles the mind's reality…'
A kiss can be a greeting- "of body and soul-! '
It's an unspoken language, telling more than "what's told."
It is sometimes "a spark-, " to light one's flame…
Or often "self-flattery" to play one's game.

There's the 'kiss of friendship-, '
The 'kiss of guile…, '
The 'kiss of SINCERITY, '
The 'kiss of style…, '
There's the 'kiss of Life" and the 'kiss of Death! '
There's the 'kiss that steals one's breath away…"
And one "that prays it will last all day! "
There's the 'kiss that frees the soul…'
Also one that 'detours from one's goal…! '
There's the kiss of a parent, the "kiss of a child…, "
The "kiss of curiosity- running wild…! "
The kiss of respect; and a kiss of shame…,
A kiss of honor- and "a kiss to tame…! "
There's a kiss of the reserved-, "perceived amorous- (the same): "
A kiss of 'the insecure-, ' to win their ball game!
There's a 'kiss of the stagnant; ' the 'kiss of the free…! "
Also a 'kiss of those secure-, " as the best there can be…

Yet what's in a kiss-, that's the question still…?
Maybe, it's how we perceive it to be-,
A reflection of "our state-of-mind…! "
But; there's the kiss of harmony…
A kiss that divides…
A kiss that is honest…
And a kiss that hides….
There's a kiss of the clever…
A kiss of the mundane…
There's "a kiss like a symphony-, " with rapturous refrain…!
There's a plane where "Mercy and Truth meet intimately in bliss; "
In the plumbline-address, where "Righteousness and Peace kiss! "
Yet 'still-in-all-, ' maybe the question should be-,
Not 'what's in a kiss" but "what's in the Kisser, ' you see…

Crackberry applications that are fun and easy to use

Hello all my fellow Crackberry users!!! After I had my first encounter with my Blackberry Curve (8310) I was more than ecstatic when I upgraded my line to a Blackberry Bold (9000) and could utilize so many new applications and everything was in color (including the icons) It was rather exciting!

I don't know about anyone else but I am beyond impressed with this phone! It does EVERYTHING that a phone could possibly need to do!!

I decided to start this thread with my Crackberry users in mind knowing you can optimize the use of your phone with a little help from some download-able apps! Now one more thing before I go further, The apps I have listed here are FREE unless I otherwise say so... I have only purchased one application (Berrybuzz) however I don not advise you buy an application unless you feel you can really use it!

So without further delay:

· Blackberry App World-You can download this application by visiting www.mobile.blackberry.com fro your BB browser. Once you get to the site, scroll down 3-4 lines and you should see a link that offers you the chance to download it. This Application is FREE so you don't have to worry about spending anything extra! Also, Many of the applications I have listed below can be found through this, so its probably a great idea to go ahead and download it.

· Pandora- I have to give credit for this where it is due to Lashi. We had a conversation about this application but I was a little scared that it may not run as well as it does on my PC. After the conversation ended, I decided to go for it! I'm so glad I did because it runs great!! Pandora is a personalized station for you based off of the artist(s) that you recommend! For example I started with Chrisette Michelle and it grew to Maxwell, Corinne Bailey Rae, Anthony Hamilton, P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Evanescence, Tony, Toni, Tone, and others... Give it a try and yes its FREE

· Facebook/Myspace- Alright these are probably the most popular social sites to date... Maybe I'm wrong but that's neither here nor there... Basically again these are FREE that you can download from the Blackberry app world site.

· ESPN- I'm not leaving out this FREE application either. You can get ESPN on your mobile and set up alerts through this for any upcoming games or have it alert you at the end of each game! I had to go directly to the ESPN site to be able to download this from your Blackberry browser.

· Blackberry Maps- This is an EXCELLENT alternative to the trial version of GPS maps that come with the blackberry and its.. that's right.. FREE!!! I got this through the Blackberry app world, played with it a bit and its pretty good (thumbs up)

· Vlingo- Another FREE application available for download through your app world. This will allow you to talk out your emails/text messages!! The more you use it the more it will get used to you and your way of talking! I had this application but had to let it go when I upgraded software :(

· Drive Safely- On the other side of that, you have this application that will read your messages out loud so you aren't fiddling with your phone while you're driving! Yes its FREE and through app world.

· Visual Voicemail- If you're like me and upgraded your software then this should have come installed on your phone after reboot. If not you can download this FREE app from app world and be able to hear your voicemails each time someone leaves one via your media player! With AT&T customers you will have to go to the AT&T site and select that you want this activated otherwise it won't work properly. AND no, this doesn't cost ANYTHING as long as you are a Blackberry customer =D

· Yellowpages.com Mobile- This is an application that was installed on the phone with the upgrade but I'm sure you can also download it for FREE at the yellow pages site when accessed through your BB browser. This application can also give directions, a function as a phone book for whatever you may need!

· Documents To Go- For the student or business oriented individual! This allows you to create, store and read Windows created documents! I warn you this comes as a trial and will prompt you to buy it once it runs out... NOT COMPLETELY FREE

· Berrybuzz- Okay so, as I stated before this app is NOT FREE however, it does offer a trial to see if you like it in case you do decide to buy it! I love this application simply because I can play with the light settings on the phone (yes that means you have more colors than blue, red, green, and yellow) your phone will actually vibrate while ringing and allow you to set different colors and tones for different messages and contacts!! If you'd like to see what you can do with this application, try it FIRST if you don't like it, delete it from your applications via advanced settings and that's all!

Also for any other techi-heads out there that would like to experiment with making your own themes for your BB, visit http://na.blackberry.com/eng/developers/themes/devtools.jsp. This is a link for Theme Studio v5.0 which is directly downloaded to your PC then allows you to alter the way you would like your main screen to look on your phone! As far as I know this is for all BB types and kinda fun to use! ;)

Whew!!! That's a lot!! Lol!! I know there's probably more and if so, feel free to add them!! These are just a few personal favorites!

OHHH!!! And please.. Please! PLEASE!! Don't pay for your ringtones!!! No matter what phone you have go to www.myxertones.com, and download some free ones!! You can upload your own music and alter the tone to fit the way YOU want to hear it!! Just don't pay $2,3,4 for something you can get for free... It's still a recession!

I hope everyone was able to get learned from this little thread! I had fun writing it! Hmm... Another thing, some of these applications can be used on other phones, Unless you have a web plan through your service provider DON'T attempt to download these.. I repeat DON'T attempt to download these unless you like having a massive phone bill... Also I don't recommend anyone with limited access to try this either... And again!! You WILL NEED a memory card!! They are NOT expensive!! I've seen 4GB in Wally World for $10 bucks!!! I'm all about a good deal!! One more thing.. If you do not have Blackberry service, you won't be able to access any of this. If you're attempting to run your Blackberry on a basic plan, you're going to get basic service i.e. Phone calls and text messages. THAT'S IT! You must have Blackberry service to get the web and multimedia messages. Depending on your provider it could run anywhere from $30-$40 bucks. I have mine for $30 through AT&T.

Well, Enjoy!! If you decide to try any please post a comment, any questions, need help with anything... even if it's not an application, leave a comment!! I can help and if not, I can point you in the right direction of someone who can! ♥ ya!! Be blessed =)

Why is it!??! Original Post May 5, 2008

Wow... I haven't written anything since Feb!!! Oh mee gosh!! Thats crucial.. Really it is. Oh my, the things I have to speak on are TREMENDOUS!

So, I appreciate the views, comments, kudos, etc. etc. They are much appreciated!! 855 views is pretty good if I do say so myself

For starters, I want to send congrats to my youngest sister who is to be wed May 21st 2008. We may have our differences, but in the end, we're still family. I wish you the best of luck and nothing but a lifetime of happiness.

Now for the nitty gritty... After many long conversations and deliberations these past few days, weeks, months; I've got a few questions that still leave me feeling a little confused. Again, any and all input is appreciated!

Ok ladies and gents... lets do this!

We're gonna start with the biggie first. Why is it guys always seem to underestimate what a female can accomplish? Fellas I'm telling you now, there isn't a thing a female can't or won't figure out. It may happen immediately or take some time but eventually, if you're up to no good... eventually she will find out. I can almost guarantee it. However on the flip side of things, why is it some females don't seem to learn their lesson? Why do women put themselves in a position where they can be hurt several times, by the same person but forgive everytime and still STAY in the same relationship? Yeah I can understand the 'second chance' rule but what about the third...fifth...seventh... If things are still the same after the 1st incident, you need to re-evaluate the situation. There isnt such a thing as a 'second, second chance' or a 'second, third chance'.. c'mon get with it!

Why is it some people are never satisfied? You're hot then you're cold. You're yes then you're no. You're wrong then you're right, its black then its white.. I know all about being indecisive but I am always completely satisfied with my outcome, good or bad.

Why is it people get married when they either A. Cant stop cheating or B. Know they'll be just another divorce statistic in about a month? Is this the new 'trend' for 2008 and beyond?

Why is it gas prices are so high? Yeah yeah I understand the politics of it all but why hasn't someone done something yet to help keep them from peaking at 4.00/gallon? Sure I could ride a bike or a scooter to work everyday to help conserve gas and contribute to the fight against global warming but... yeah I dont see that happening.

Ugh, I'm so sleepy I've lost my train of thought so once I get some much needed rest I shall return with more unanswered questions.

Friends!!

Wow.. well its been a while for me doing this. Hmm well, I need to start somewhere cuz my mind is racing and I need to clear it out so I can rest.

So, basically I'm dedicating this to all my lovely, friggin awesome friends out there.. You'll know who you are b/c you'll get that lovely tingly, warm sensation which means this really was meant for you or you really gotta go bathroom.

Anyway, its been a loonnggg road for me.. A few of you may or may not know what has and what hasn't happened this past year but I'm not getting into that cuz the past is indeed the past.. can't change it so we'll leave it alone and look to the future. I'm a completely different person today than I used to be. Alot of this change caused me to see things I didn't want to see and conquer things I knew were problems but didn't want to face. I not only got past my obsticles, I managed to find me.. A better, much happier me. I have you all to thank for that.

If I could I would propose a toast, it would probably go a lil something like this.. To anyone that stuck by me when I had no one left but friends..this is for you. To anyone I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know for any period of time.. this is also for you. To anyone that has seen me at my highest or at my lowest..this is for you. To anyone that I may have shared a memory with.. thats right, this is for you. To anyone that I've allowed myself to get close enough to open up to.. this is for you. From cocktails and smokes, to shopping and late night bowling.. this is for you.

I do believe people are brought into your life for a reason.. I also believe some people are brought into your life in seasons.. Just because they're here today, gone tomorrow, doesn't mean you should let them go completely, you never know when that could be the one that is left when everyone else has gone.

Everything happens for a reason. But I can honestly say, I don't have a single regret in my life.. its what helped make me who I am today.

Thank you :)
?-Katie

Why Nice Girls Finish Last

When the phrase "nice guys finish last" comes up, the usual response is followed with a nod of agreement. But what about all the nice girls out there who finish last as well?

That single saying for as long as I can remember always pertained to men and only men. Still, to mix things up, think about what happens to nice girls and how they are perceived in a relationship setting.

Starting off by stating the obvious rules of what a nice guy is will carry over into what a nice girl is. When a nice guy befriends a girl, he automatically establishes himself as a friend who will listen to her every care, worry or whatever else in the world she wants to talk about but right off the bat that might set him up for a disaster.

What do a lot of girls do when they have a bad day? They go and talk to their girl friends and explain almost every detail of what went wrong, all the way down to the color of the shoes someone is wearing. When a girl can find a boy's perspective on situations, she will use it to her advantage, especially if she sees him as only a friend. Then what happens to the guy? He's stuck in this limbo where he's nice enough to value his friendship, but at the same time he can't move any farther in relationship terms with his new friend who is a girl.

Nevertheless, girls get played like this as well. When trying to get a guy, she tries to dress all-cute and talks to him, but not in a way that she does to any other friend. On the male side of things, they see this sweet and innocent girl who is fun to talk to. But what happens when she's placed against a party girl or a girl who dresses just as cute, but then throws in a dash of hot? Then what's going to happen to that nice girl?

Of course, she is going to get pushed to the back burner and as a nice and understanding girl will be there for her guy friend to listen to all of his worries, cares and thoughts. Which of course aren't as in-depth but are still there. The girl who didn't want to sound pushy or desperate is now dropped like she's not hot and left in the friend territory and, even worse, looked upon as a sister figure.

When girls are aggressive toward boys that means they are desperate and needy, but then on the other side of the spectrum when it comes to a guy, he's smooth and confident. Though if pulled off correctly, a girl can come across as confident instead of desperate with the right wording and presentation. But how does a cute and trusting girl find a guy who appreciates all the attributes a girl like that can give? How does she stop being interested in a guy before he starts to lead her on?

When a nice girl is put into the friend zone it's kind of like the limbo nice guys fall into. As far as nice girls go, they are usually very trusting and believe this guy who is talking with them is going to end up being a good guy. Little does she know he is talking to her as just a friend and also as a cool girl to hang out with. Fortunately, there are some steps in avoiding this rut and it all comes down to attitude and wording.

If a woman is chatting up a guy who she could end up having feelings for, the conversation shouldn't turn into a ranting fest about your day. Sorry to spoil everyone's dreams, but most guys don't want to hear every detail of your day. Unless they are a nice guy and have the patience to sit there and listen to everything. The topic of conversation should be light and easygoing. The last thing she or he wants to hear is some speech on how President George W. Bush's tax breaks for the wealthy are wrong.

Keeping the conversation simple, light and not in too much depth will hopefully have them coming back for more. No life stories, if they are genuinely interested, it will come with time. So just remember boys, you aren't the only ones who get the "nice person" rap. Look around you, your closest friends who are girls could fall into this "nice girl" category. Maybe next time you see them you'll appreciate them more.