I've been neglecting my Smartt Designs blog for far too long. I think I am going to give another painting away soon (I worked on the sketch last night), so be on the lookout for that!
Leah and I have a new roommate for the week! His name is Gus, he belongs to Bubs and his family, and he is awesome. The Johnson's are on their way to a Florida beach until Sunday, so Gus and I get to hang out until then. To tell you the truth, I may not even give him back. ;) He is the type of dog that loves to be petted, in fact, 99% of the time, he has to be touching someone. I love it! Gus cuddled up beside me last night while he, Leah, and I watched a movie. I hope my future dog is just like him.
B, Cody, and Dad will be here two weeks from tomorrow! I can't wait!!! (I'm so excited that I actually used 3 exclamation points... that is a big deal.) It seems like I've been waiting for Smartt Sibling Staycation '11 for forever. But finally, the days are closing in and the beginning is in sight. :)
This post is kind of boring. Enjoy these from grouchyrabbit.com:
Definitions:
Due tomorrow (phrase)- Do tomorrow.
Cannibal (noun)- Someone who is fed up with people.
And you were there (phrase)- the only way to get someone to listen to your dream, whether they were actually there or not.
Unicorn (noun)- A single piece of corn.
Awkward (adjective)- Those first few minutes after slavery was abolished.
Duct tape (noun)- what muggles use in lieu of magic.
Caps lock (noun)- Billy Mays mode.
Steel wool (noun)- a robot's pubic hair.
Epicenter (noun)- The place where it is most epic.
Coffee (noun)- The person upon whom one coughs.
No (adverb)- Yes, with a challenge.
Conception (noun)- A person within a person.
Movies seen in theater: 37
DvDs bought: 70
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign.
I feel the need to dote on Elle Fanning for just a moment. She is the 13 year old sister of Dakota Fanning, who took her first role as the younger version of Dakota in I Am Sam. (And boy, they are eerily similar.) She co-starred in the new film Super 8, which I happened to see last night. The movie was amazing; definitely one of the best films I've seen so far this year. Aside from the movie, I was incredibly impressed by Elle. What an actress! (I guess it runs in the blood.) She seemed so comfortable in front of the camera and she played her role with such excellence. I really was blown away by her performance. Elle has a few movies in pre-production right now, so I am sure we can expect great things from this young actress.
While I've got you here in movie mode, I should probably discourage you from seeing Green Lantern. Nine dollars and two hours of my life wasted. Not even the handsome Ryan Reynolds could make up for the torture my brain went through. It was worse than Thor (which I didn't think would be possible). I don't know why the industry is leaning so much on CGI these days; it's overkill and drastically downgrades the quality of the film. Yes, there are some movies where the CGI is amazing (i.e. Avatar, Star Trek, and X-Men: First Class), but it seems as though every movie is using the technology to their disadvantage.
With that being said, I would like to see less new/remade superhero movies, less sequels (apart from HP/Twilight movies ;), and more... well... more originality. That may be asking a little too much, I know, but it would be a greatly appreciated change. And if the creative well is running a little dry, there are libraries full of ingenious novels waiting to be brought life.
Goodness, Hollywood needs to hire me.
Movies seen in theater: 35
DvDs bought: 62
While I've got you here in movie mode, I should probably discourage you from seeing Green Lantern. Nine dollars and two hours of my life wasted. Not even the handsome Ryan Reynolds could make up for the torture my brain went through. It was worse than Thor (which I didn't think would be possible). I don't know why the industry is leaning so much on CGI these days; it's overkill and drastically downgrades the quality of the film. Yes, there are some movies where the CGI is amazing (i.e. Avatar, Star Trek, and X-Men: First Class), but it seems as though every movie is using the technology to their disadvantage.
With that being said, I would like to see less new/remade superhero movies, less sequels (apart from HP/Twilight movies ;), and more... well... more originality. That may be asking a little too much, I know, but it would be a greatly appreciated change. And if the creative well is running a little dry, there are libraries full of ingenious novels waiting to be brought life.
Goodness, Hollywood needs to hire me.
Movies seen in theater: 35
DvDs bought: 62
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The Wonder Years: Fourth Grade.
To be honest, I don't remember much about fourth grade. It's like I blocked that entire school year from my mind.
Well, I do remember I had Mrs. Henderson (I think that was her name... that could be the name of a teacher I had in middle school... not sure) and that this was the year we started CCC Lab. I actually enjoyed it because we got to learn things on the computer. One lesson that sticks out in my mind is the use of levers when trying to hoist something into the air. Part of the lesson on the computer, I helped "build a pyramid."
This was the year that I started wearing a bra. I was so unhappy with my mom for making me wear one. She tricked me and Ash one day by taking us shopping for clothes, but she really planned to make us try on a buy our first bra. I was humiliated. I felt like everyone could tell I was wearing one and got so embarrassed. Eventually I got over it because all of my other friends started wearing them too. I suppose it was just awkward because it meant my body was changing and that meant that people would notice and I would be different. I just wanted to blend in.
I could be wrong, but this may also be the year I started shaving my legs. Mom would make Ash and I wear panty hose to church sometimes and I remember one day looking at my legs with those horrid things on them and seeing little blond hairs sticking through in a few random places. I didn't like how it did that and I didn't like that those awful tights made me itch because of the hair, so Mom finally taught me to shave. Well, I say taught me but she actually shaved my legs for me for a while.
That's about as much as I can remember from that year at school... guess I just wasn't too impressed about fourth grade.
Movies seen in theater: 34
DvDs bought: 62
Well, I do remember I had Mrs. Henderson (I think that was her name... that could be the name of a teacher I had in middle school... not sure) and that this was the year we started CCC Lab. I actually enjoyed it because we got to learn things on the computer. One lesson that sticks out in my mind is the use of levers when trying to hoist something into the air. Part of the lesson on the computer, I helped "build a pyramid."
This was the year that I started wearing a bra. I was so unhappy with my mom for making me wear one. She tricked me and Ash one day by taking us shopping for clothes, but she really planned to make us try on a buy our first bra. I was humiliated. I felt like everyone could tell I was wearing one and got so embarrassed. Eventually I got over it because all of my other friends started wearing them too. I suppose it was just awkward because it meant my body was changing and that meant that people would notice and I would be different. I just wanted to blend in.
I could be wrong, but this may also be the year I started shaving my legs. Mom would make Ash and I wear panty hose to church sometimes and I remember one day looking at my legs with those horrid things on them and seeing little blond hairs sticking through in a few random places. I didn't like how it did that and I didn't like that those awful tights made me itch because of the hair, so Mom finally taught me to shave. Well, I say taught me but she actually shaved my legs for me for a while.
That's about as much as I can remember from that year at school... guess I just wasn't too impressed about fourth grade.
Movies seen in theater: 34
DvDs bought: 62
Friday, June 10, 2011
Allergic to work.
Wednesday was my first day off in almost two weeks. I had planned on updating that day, but I really didn't even want to be on a computer, so I am here now. Did you miss me? ;)
Over a week ago, I started to notice the sting in my throat and my voice would go in and out. I thought maybe I was getting sick because of the stress work has been putting on me (because of the new tech, Lady). My ever amazing nurse sister, Brandy, said that it could be stress induced sickness but that it sounded like allergies. I highly doubted the latter because I have never had allergies before. So, every day seemed to get worse and added more symptoms: coughing like a smoker, coughing up phlegmy nastiness, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a nasally voice. I have finally accepted that I am, in fact, getting older (you know, into my mid-20's), my immune system is deteriorating, and I now have seasonal allergies. (The pity party is planned for this Saturday. I expect you all to be there, thanks.)
I work today and then I am off until Tuesday, thank God! I really need this weekend break to de-stress and have fun. And hopefully, I will get myself out in the sun (preferably near a pool) so I can get my initial burn over. I sure wish I had Cody, Brandy, and Dad's olive complexion that instantly tans when kissed by the sun. Even Mom tans easily, granted she is 1/4 Cherokee indian. Ash and I got the light eyes and pale skin, mine worse than hers. I have a pink undertone, dang it.
I know it is way overdue, but I finally got my hair trimmed. The stylist also put layers in it. I scrunched and slept on it last night, and it feels like I have really thin hair, pretty much like I have next to no hair left. It's weird. I need to straighten it and see if I can handle it. I'm scared to see the end result. *fingers crossed*
33 days until Smartt Sibling Staycation!
Movies seen in theaters: 32
DvDs bought: 62
Over a week ago, I started to notice the sting in my throat and my voice would go in and out. I thought maybe I was getting sick because of the stress work has been putting on me (because of the new tech, Lady). My ever amazing nurse sister, Brandy, said that it could be stress induced sickness but that it sounded like allergies. I highly doubted the latter because I have never had allergies before. So, every day seemed to get worse and added more symptoms: coughing like a smoker, coughing up phlegmy nastiness, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a nasally voice. I have finally accepted that I am, in fact, getting older (you know, into my mid-20's), my immune system is deteriorating, and I now have seasonal allergies. (The pity party is planned for this Saturday. I expect you all to be there, thanks.)
I work today and then I am off until Tuesday, thank God! I really need this weekend break to de-stress and have fun. And hopefully, I will get myself out in the sun (preferably near a pool) so I can get my initial burn over. I sure wish I had Cody, Brandy, and Dad's olive complexion that instantly tans when kissed by the sun. Even Mom tans easily, granted she is 1/4 Cherokee indian. Ash and I got the light eyes and pale skin, mine worse than hers. I have a pink undertone, dang it.
I know it is way overdue, but I finally got my hair trimmed. The stylist also put layers in it. I scrunched and slept on it last night, and it feels like I have really thin hair, pretty much like I have next to no hair left. It's weird. I need to straighten it and see if I can handle it. I'm scared to see the end result. *fingers crossed*
33 days until Smartt Sibling Staycation!
Movies seen in theaters: 32
DvDs bought: 62
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
God, according to YOU.
I wrote this for my church blog and wanted to extend the invitation to all of my readers!
Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.
As Christians, we know the stories of the love, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We take them to heart and share them with those we can. We lead by example, quote scripture, do His works, take part in ministries, preach the Word, and strive to be like Jesus. But, as we share these stories of the Bible to those lost souls, I can't help but think that they see it as just that: a story. We know the Truth and we go out of our way to share the Truth, but until we can make it relate to the audience or ourselves, I think there is a greater chance that your words won't fully reach them.
One of our biggest ministering tools is our personal testimony. I believe that is the start of winning a soul for Christ. If you can share what God has done for you, delivered you from, and what He continues to do for you everyday, others will long to recieve the same type of love; it will most likely get them to ask questions in which you can then answer through scripture.
A testimony doesn't have to be some great story of being rescued from some sinful conflict. A testimony is a recount of how God has changed a person's life no matter where they have come from and through any circumstance of that person's life. I have heard testimonies of a people hitting rock bottom and them finding salvation through Christ, turning their life around 180 degrees. That is what many people think a testimony needs to be, but it goes far beyond that. There is just as much inspiration and worth in a testimony of the person who found God as a child and grew up avoiding the many pitfalls that others go through. Each of our stories is unique and God created us in a way that we will be different from one another, yet equal in His image and transformed by His power. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." Our testimony tells of our reason for having faith in the One who created us.
What I would like to ask of you is for you to share your testimony through this internet outlet we have the advantage of using. I know it is a big thing to ask, but it is more necessary than you may realize. Not only can a personal testimony have a lasting effect on lost souls, but it can rejuvinate your church family's spirit and faith. It connects us on the spiritual level necessary for a church and helps us to understand one another. If you would like to share your testimony, please send it to my email when you can at cbsmartt@yahoo.com or you can give the typed/written copy to Pastor Shannon or myself (Cassie) at church. I will post it to our Inspiration blog on our church website (the page you are viewing right now).
To some (myself included), giving a testimony can seem like a daunting task, and maybe that is because we don't even know where to begin. Start by asking God to guide your thoughts and words.
There are three basic testimonies. (1) The Covenant Child has grown up being nurtured in the Word, in prayer, and in church. They are fully aware of their sinfulness and the necessity for their Savior. There is no radical change that took them from a life of sin to a life of following the Lord, their life is one lived of growth in grace. (2) The Consious Convert has tried in vain to fill the void they have in their life. This person may have grown up in church knowing the right words to say and things to do and yet still do not have a relationship with God, or they may have grown up in a non-God-fearing enviornment. What happens is that they hear the calling of the Lord and turn their lives over to Him. While the daily struggle is still there, they have recieved the grace of the Lord and their life is passionately turned to living for Him. (3) The Wandering Believer has grown up in the faith but for a season, they walk in the darkness and stray from their relationship with God. Things of this world wedge themselves between the wandering believer and their Father. They grow distant and falter, but in His time, God calls them back to faithfulness.
To help you write your testimony, you may use this basic outline:
1- Describe your life before your acceptance of Christ. This is not a biography per say, but an explanation of what you were looking for, what you sought/did to fill the void, the things you deemed important in your life and why.
2- Explain the circumstance that brought you to the foot of the cross and the steps you took to become a Christian.
3- Discuss the changes that occurred after you accepted Christ. This should relate, somewhat, to the before part of your testimony.
4- In conclusion, summarize the needs have been met by God and how has it impacted your own and others' lives.
This is such an amazing tool God has given us to help win souls for His glory. I hope each of you can contribute so that we can testify the way God wants us to and inspire those who read this.
Reference: http://www.scribd.com/doc/11593367/How-to-give-your-Testimony
Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.
As Christians, we know the stories of the love, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We take them to heart and share them with those we can. We lead by example, quote scripture, do His works, take part in ministries, preach the Word, and strive to be like Jesus. But, as we share these stories of the Bible to those lost souls, I can't help but think that they see it as just that: a story. We know the Truth and we go out of our way to share the Truth, but until we can make it relate to the audience or ourselves, I think there is a greater chance that your words won't fully reach them.
One of our biggest ministering tools is our personal testimony. I believe that is the start of winning a soul for Christ. If you can share what God has done for you, delivered you from, and what He continues to do for you everyday, others will long to recieve the same type of love; it will most likely get them to ask questions in which you can then answer through scripture.
A testimony doesn't have to be some great story of being rescued from some sinful conflict. A testimony is a recount of how God has changed a person's life no matter where they have come from and through any circumstance of that person's life. I have heard testimonies of a people hitting rock bottom and them finding salvation through Christ, turning their life around 180 degrees. That is what many people think a testimony needs to be, but it goes far beyond that. There is just as much inspiration and worth in a testimony of the person who found God as a child and grew up avoiding the many pitfalls that others go through. Each of our stories is unique and God created us in a way that we will be different from one another, yet equal in His image and transformed by His power. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." Our testimony tells of our reason for having faith in the One who created us.
What I would like to ask of you is for you to share your testimony through this internet outlet we have the advantage of using. I know it is a big thing to ask, but it is more necessary than you may realize. Not only can a personal testimony have a lasting effect on lost souls, but it can rejuvinate your church family's spirit and faith. It connects us on the spiritual level necessary for a church and helps us to understand one another. If you would like to share your testimony, please send it to my email when you can at cbsmartt@yahoo.com or you can give the typed/written copy to Pastor Shannon or myself (Cassie) at church. I will post it to our Inspiration blog on our church website (the page you are viewing right now).
To some (myself included), giving a testimony can seem like a daunting task, and maybe that is because we don't even know where to begin. Start by asking God to guide your thoughts and words.
There are three basic testimonies. (1) The Covenant Child has grown up being nurtured in the Word, in prayer, and in church. They are fully aware of their sinfulness and the necessity for their Savior. There is no radical change that took them from a life of sin to a life of following the Lord, their life is one lived of growth in grace. (2) The Consious Convert has tried in vain to fill the void they have in their life. This person may have grown up in church knowing the right words to say and things to do and yet still do not have a relationship with God, or they may have grown up in a non-God-fearing enviornment. What happens is that they hear the calling of the Lord and turn their lives over to Him. While the daily struggle is still there, they have recieved the grace of the Lord and their life is passionately turned to living for Him. (3) The Wandering Believer has grown up in the faith but for a season, they walk in the darkness and stray from their relationship with God. Things of this world wedge themselves between the wandering believer and their Father. They grow distant and falter, but in His time, God calls them back to faithfulness.
To help you write your testimony, you may use this basic outline:
1- Describe your life before your acceptance of Christ. This is not a biography per say, but an explanation of what you were looking for, what you sought/did to fill the void, the things you deemed important in your life and why.
2- Explain the circumstance that brought you to the foot of the cross and the steps you took to become a Christian.
3- Discuss the changes that occurred after you accepted Christ. This should relate, somewhat, to the before part of your testimony.
4- In conclusion, summarize the needs have been met by God and how has it impacted your own and others' lives.
This is such an amazing tool God has given us to help win souls for His glory. I hope each of you can contribute so that we can testify the way God wants us to and inspire those who read this.
Reference: http://www.scribd.com/doc/11593367/How-to-give-your-Testimony
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
New blood.
My boss filled the open position we had at work last week. We shall call the new blood "Lady". She is an older woman and as sweet as she can be, but I don't think she has had a lot of time with a computer. Training is slow-going, though she is eager to learn. This whole week, D is on vacation, leaving Lady and myself to work everyday. Lady just started last Friday so she can't do much other than make an appointment and dispense contact lens supplies; it's been so crazy for me and it is only Wednesday morning. I probably look like a chicken with its head cut off, but at least I will be making bank for the next pay check.
In times of high stress at work, there are several things that will calm my nerves:
(P.S. I am not a complete lazy bum, I make sure to do my work first, but that doesn't take too long...)
(1) I like to doodle. Did you know that? I am always doodling on post-its at work and even have a facebook album of the (better) drawings. Doing any kind of artsy thing helps me calm down. I suppose because I concentrate solely on the project at hand that I forget about the stressful event that is sucking the soul from my body.
I need a little help... what else should I try to draw?!
(2) Sudokuuu. This is one addiction in which there is no cure... even if there was, I would never want to be cured. I whip out my phone and play any chance I get. Again, when I play, I only think about the game, freeing me from the bondage of stress that my job (read: patients/coworkers) give me. I can finish a game in less than 2 minutes now.
I would have to thank my brudder for giving me my first taste of game; after that first win, I just couldn't stop. Every day, I would add one more win than the day before until I got to where I am now: playing whenever, wherever. I even use it to help me drift into sleep at night. Oh yeeeaah.
(3) I could seperate this next one, but it is more prudent to lump it as a whole: the internet. Yahoo is my news outlet choice as well as "celeb gossip" (on OMG!). I stumble like crazy on particularly slow days. And, of course, I use blogger for posting or reading other blogs.
Speaking of blogs, my friend Taylor is in Sweden for four months playing and coaching softball and she started a blog to tell of her daily life there. It's very interesting and fun to keep up with. You should check it out! (CLICK HERE to do so... and become a follower!) I would greatly appreciate it and I am sure she would love your support. :)
(4) Texting. What better way is there to calm your nerves than having a conversation with a friend and pretending like you're not even at work? (Answer: there's not one.)
Movies seen in theaters: 29
DvDs bought: 62
In times of high stress at work, there are several things that will calm my nerves:
(P.S. I am not a complete lazy bum, I make sure to do my work first, but that doesn't take too long...)
(1) I like to doodle. Did you know that? I am always doodling on post-its at work and even have a facebook album of the (better) drawings. Doing any kind of artsy thing helps me calm down. I suppose because I concentrate solely on the project at hand that I forget about the stressful event that is sucking the soul from my body.
I need a little help... what else should I try to draw?!
(2) Sudokuuu. This is one addiction in which there is no cure... even if there was, I would never want to be cured. I whip out my phone and play any chance I get. Again, when I play, I only think about the game, freeing me from the bondage of stress that my job (read: patients/coworkers) give me. I can finish a game in less than 2 minutes now.
I would have to thank my brudder for giving me my first taste of game; after that first win, I just couldn't stop. Every day, I would add one more win than the day before until I got to where I am now: playing whenever, wherever. I even use it to help me drift into sleep at night. Oh yeeeaah.
(3) I could seperate this next one, but it is more prudent to lump it as a whole: the internet. Yahoo is my news outlet choice as well as "celeb gossip" (on OMG!). I stumble like crazy on particularly slow days. And, of course, I use blogger for posting or reading other blogs.
Speaking of blogs, my friend Taylor is in Sweden for four months playing and coaching softball and she started a blog to tell of her daily life there. It's very interesting and fun to keep up with. You should check it out! (CLICK HERE to do so... and become a follower!) I would greatly appreciate it and I am sure she would love your support. :)
(4) Texting. What better way is there to calm your nerves than having a conversation with a friend and pretending like you're not even at work? (Answer: there's not one.)
Movies seen in theaters: 29
DvDs bought: 62
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