The eagle's accent.

Hiya, guys! *waves incessantly*

I had a fantastic start to my work day... didn't even have to come in until 1:30. (Although, I came a little early.) I got to sleep in, take my time in the shower, actually put on make up, and had a muy delicioso lunch at Moes. Jealous aren't ya? ;)

I finally saw The Eagle last night. You know, the movie with Channing Tatum. *swoon* It was actually a really good movie, but there were several times Ash and I just couldn't help but laugh. First of all, the very first time Channing spoke, he had a deep British accent, which was funny because we know how he sounds normally. After a few minutes, we kind of got used to the idea. Second, the Romans had no accent at all... aren't they supposed to?! They sounded like Americans. Third, right before the first fight scene, Mr. Tatum lost his accent and sounded like his Step Up persona. He kept his normal American accent for pretty much the rest of the movie, except the one scene where he had a country twang. Finally, in one of the final scenes, he found his British accent again, just in time for his little speech. Fourth, the cows. If you have seen this movie and didn't notice them the first time, watch it again and notice the cows. They are hilarious. (walking through the water and in that large field... his horns are in his eyes and he is looking at the camera! haha) Fifth, as Channing and his slave are running through the woods, you hear dogs barking... that is when Ash turned to me and said, "Sounds like East Ridge!" Needless to say, I could have died from laughing so hard.

But don't get me wrong, we very much enjoyed the movie! It really was great, and Channing is definitely becoming stronger as an actor. I also very much liked the guy who played his slave... he wasn't too shabby on the eyes. :)

Speaking of movies, there are so many great films that are out or coming out that I can't wait to see: The Conspirator, Water for Elephants, Fast Five, Hangover Part II, Limitless, Rango, Source Code, Arthur, Soul Surfer, and Your Highness. I need to find someone that will help financially support my addiction. Movies are not cheap. If you would like to be that certain someone, message me... we could work something out. :P

New movies are not the only ones I am dying to see. I am starting to compile the list of movies I must see before I die with the help of a few resources:

If you have any suggestions of what should be on that list, please let me know! I need all the help I can get.

Hey, if you have a moment, I'd love for you to do this.

You guy are just lovely and I am so happy I got to see you today. :)

Movies seen in theaters: 14
DvDs bought: 52

That awkward moment when...

...you side-hug a person you have known for a while, but never planned on touching. Ever.

A few days ago, I was in a Walmart check out line when I heard some guy's voice ask a question, but it sounded far off and it was my turn to check out, so I kept going about my business. As I swipped my card, that same voice asked, "So are you just going to ignore me?" Obviously, it was meant for me, so I turned and saw this guy who I know, for the most part. The shock of the moment jumpstarted my body to take a step towards him while saying, "Hey! Sorry, I didn't know you were talking to me." The step towards him, unintentional as it was, quickly registered in my brain, so I tried to stop it and play it cool, but I suppose he noticed when I did it, so he stepped towards me in return. The motion was too advanced to stop so I, indeed, gave him a side hug that was the essence of awkward moments. The only bodily contact we have ever made is maybe a high-five or two... seeing as we don't know each other on a personal level. Also, he is married. I may have thrown the entire moment way out of proportion, but I couldn't get out of there fast enough. It may not have even been awkward for him, but in general, I am not a huggy person so to do so like this in this situation screams awkward in all aspects. #whitegirlproblems

Movies seen in theater: 13
DvDs bought: 52

The Wonder Years: Second Grade.

This was by far my favorite grade in elementary school. It was 1996 and I was 7 years old when I started second grade. I think this was my favorite because of my teacher, Mrs. Chapman. She was so sweet and made learning so much fun, and I wanted to be a second grade teacher because of her. The dream of being a teacher eventually ended before high school, but if I had to be one now, I'd still choose second grade... it was the best!

This was the year I learned how to write in cursive, which I loved. We used those really thin papers with the two solid lines, one about an inch above the other, and the dotted line in between them to learn. Those papers were the worst. If you messed up and had to erase, it would either smudge really badly or the paper would tear. Why couldn't the school invest in better paper?

Remember the kid who picked his nose and ate it on the school bus? Well, he was in my class again in second grade. One day when Mrs. Chapman was reading to us in the reading corner, that same kid sat behind me. I felt some kind of constant tugging on my very long blonde hair (it was literally down to my butt) so I turned around to see what was going on... what I found was this kid chewing on my hair. Do you understand what I just said? He was chewing on my hair! What in the world was he thinking?! 

That same kid also introduced me to the first bad word I had ever heard. I walked into the classroom one day and he was standing by my desk waiting on me. When I walked over to him and the small group that was forming, he put both of his hands on the name tag on my desk, one on the C and the other on the -ie and said, "Look, Cassie. Your name has a bad word in it." Then he proceeded to say the word. I was then very self conscious about my name. It made me feel like I was a bad person because I had a bad word in my name and was worried that three letter word stuck out to everyone who read or said my name.

I remember the Golden Shoe that acted as a trophy between each class, though I can't recall if it was only for the second graders or if it was a school wide thing. I feel like it had to do with the marbles that were put into the marble jar when the class as a whole did something commendable, so I think it was just second grade. Anyway, classes always wanted this makeshift trophy, so we always did what we could to be the best. When your class had that shoe for the week, it was as if you were far superior to your peers. The shoe was always placed in the window above the cubbies so the school could see. That was a great privilege to have.

I hope I am not confusing this with a different grade, but the second grade portion of the hall was called Polar Bear Parkway. I became really intrigued with polar bears because of this. We had to do some kind of project for the class, and I chose to do mine on polar bears. I was so proud of it, too... polars bears are boss.

For St. Patrick's Day, each of us had to make a leprechaun trap. I had so much fun building mine with my daddy. He always helped us with projects... and in my opinion, our projects far exceeded expectations and were so much better than everyone else's. Though, I may be biased. :)

I had this friend named Kimberly and for years, we played this secret game of tag. It wasn't tag like "run and if I get you, you're it" but it was whoever "tagged" the other one last wins. Most of the time, we stood one behind the other in line when our class went anywhere outside of the classroom. In line, of course, we always had to be quiet and couldn't talk, but we played anyway. If you were "it" all you had to do was touch some part of the other one and they would then be "it". It was a big deal to be able to go home without being it, but the game never really ended because whoever was "it" would just tag the other one the next morning. It probably sounds silly, but it was fun.

Around Christmas time, our class acted out a play. It wasn't for anyone outside of the class, but for ourselves. I don't remember a whole lot about the play except that there was a part that was on an airplane and that Poinsettias were a big part of the story. I am pretty sure I was the flight attendant.

I think I have legitimately summed up most of what I remember of second grade. The main thing I remember is loving every minute of it.

Movies seen in theater: 13
DvDs bought: 52

Happy Birthday, Bear Jew!

20 years ago today, Jonathan Cody Smartt was brought into this world. He entered into the family with the three most beautiful and amazing sisters any young boy could ask for. He spent most of his formative years striving to be as brilliant and incredible as these three sirens of the modern world. They cared for him, dressed him up, taunted him, taught him cheers, and teased him to no end... and he loved every minute of it. 


Every night was like magic: singing Barney songs, practicing cheers for the squad, painting our faces with makeup, and playing house or pageants... he was with us every step of the way. Without our guidance and critiques, he would not be the strapping young man he is today. So world, you are very welcome. :)

********

Bubby, you are

TWENTY YEARS OLD

today! I honestly can't 

believe it. Here are only

twenty reasons that you're

the best brother in the world:

(I could name many more, but

your head is big enough...) :P

1. Every time we talk on the phone, 90% of our conversation is filled with laughter.

2. You have always been my right hand with the projects I create. Wish you could be around for the more recent ones!

3. Our debates... you know what I'm talking about.

4. Cat... she made me like you a little bit more. ;)

5. Our Starbucks dates... whether we read or not.

6. Your Faith... I am so proud of the Godly man that you are.

7. Our shared sarcasm and humor.

8. Your taste in movies.

9. *with hair in your face* "Do you feel pretty?" HAHA.

10. We share the two greatest sisters in the world.

11. Harry Potter.

12. Our conversations in general... they're always spectacular and enlightening.

13. Your excitement over the small things... it always makes me excited, too.

14. That time you cut a chunk out of my hair... at the time, it was awful, but looking back, it was hilarious and well deserved. Bravo.

15. Your loyalty.

16. The videos we've made.

17. Your ability to persuade me... not many people have that talent.

18. Your protectiveness of your family and friends.

19. Our secrets... like with the tile I made you.

20. Your all around awesomeness... no one can beat it.

********

You and Jamie Lynn Spears have the exact same birthday... I'm glad we got you instead of her. Some others who share your birthday: Andy McKee (1979); Robert Downey Jr. (1965); and Heath Ledger (1979)...I miss him. 

Also, MLKing Jr. was assassinated on your birthday. How depressing.

********

Cody, I am so proud to be your sister. You have always been there for me, supported through everything, cheered me up, and inspired me. You are one of my most favorite people in the world and one of my very best friends. I love you so much and miss you every day. I can't believe my baby brother is now 20 years old... seems like only yesterday we were in your room building Lego houses and being Power Rangers. I am so grateful God blessed me with a brother like you. I love how you challenge and encourage me. Thank you for who you are and all that you have done. I love you so much!

Happy Birthday, Cody!

I love you.

Anniversaries.

Love has the power 

of making you believe 

what you would normally 

treat with the deepest suspicion. 

-Mirabeau

One year ago today I wrote my very first blog post! Time sure has flown since then. Thank you for putting up with me... I'm sure it wasn't easy. ;) So...

Happy Anniversary to me and all of you lovely people.

I love you all!

Also, Happy Anniversary to my sister and brother-in-law! They have been married two years today! They live all the way up in West Virginia so I miss them dearly! They are two of the greatest people I know and I am very blessed to have them in my family. I love you two very much!

Brandy & Mat Kennedy
4/3/09

At work yesterday, we had this older lady walk in with the bluest eyes I have ever seen. It frightened me a little because when she looked into my eyes with her expressionless face, it felt like she was looking into my soul. I guess it was sort of the innocence of the eyes mixed with the wrinkled, aged skin that made me feel that way. It was very unusual, like something you would see in a scary movie... I mean, it is always the children and the old people that are the scariest, and she had both qualities.


Exciting news, guys! Softball season has started again, meaning I am bringing back the inspirational texts that my brother writes to his team before every game. I know how excited you must be too... they are brilliant. :)

Inspirational Text #1:

"It begins. Sons of the mighty Shamgar, we have been called into battle once again and once again our thirst for blood and victory is unmatched among these mere mortals. Long is this road to eternal glory so let us litter it with the remains of our enemies." 

-jcs, Sons of Shamgar


Movies seen in theater: 13
DvDs bought: 52

Oddities.

The chains of habit are too weak to be felt

until they are too strong to be broken.

Samuel Johnson

These are the round glasses

that I was talking about...

awful, right?

Here is a more recent development with my work OCD. I have to have four paperclips lined up in the base of the computer monitor. If I pick one up to use and accidentally bump one to look like the picture on the right, my skin crawls. They must be lined up perfectly, as demonstrated in the left picture. Also, after a day off, I will come back to work with a handful of paperclips thrown in that space... that is the first thing I fix. That situation is not worse than the stapler thing, but it runs a close second. When I pick out which paperclips to put in that corner, they must be as close to the perfect paperclip shape as possible. I can't have them looking like one of these unless you want me to have a nervous breakdown:



I have recently become aware of my sleeping arrangement in my bed. When lying down, I get to as close to the right edge as humanly possible without falling off. That is how I sleep and how I watch movies. I don't know why I feel the need to be that far over. My pillows usually end up resting a little on my night stand because of this... kind of knocking things into the floor. My bed is queen sized and even though I have clothes and Mac on the bed with me, they do not take up the rest of the room available. There is no need for my positioning, but I just can't seem to move over.

One thing that I don't do often is watch the beginning of a movie that I've seen. There are a few movies that I watch from the beginning, but that is because the start of the movie is fun to watch (Easy A, Pride and Prejudice, Spice World, Wedding Planner, Legally Blonde, Clueless, Grease 2, Disney classics... I guess any really girly movie :P). For most movies, I skip the first few "chapters" on the DvD... I like to skip the unnecessary and get to the point.

I have this incredible need to be "even" on both the left and the right side of my body... as in if I touch something with my right side, I also have to let the same spot on my left side touch it; if I eat a purple and red skittle with the left side of my mouth, I must do the same with the right. The same goes for stepping on cracks on the sidewalk, the tightening of muscles, if I happen to bump into something, the number of blinks each eye takes... now that I think about it, it's pretty ridiculous... it gets even more technical than I have explained here. #INeedHelp

Movies seen in theater: 13

DvDs bought: 52

BEDA.

The most wasted of all days

is one without laughter.

E E. Cummings

BEDA: Blog Every Day in April

Woah woah woah, Cassie... you? blog every day? yes, every day of April. but, every day? *sigh* yes, I know I've been slacking, but I am ready and willing to take this challenge. (And this is not an April Fool's Day joke :P)


BEDA is a month long challenge taken by many people in the blogosphere, and seeing as I am in this for the long haul, I have decided to take the blog masters up on their offer. This will be tough trying to pour out quality posts everyday (not saying that all of my posts are gems) and trying to keep your attention without you getting bored of me (I hope that doesn't happen!) but we'll see what happens.


I guess this is as good a time as any to introduce you (if you haven't already discovered it through Facebook) to my new blog. I have begun to document my crafts/projects and turned it into a do it yourself type blog. I love to make things so it only made sense to start this endeavor. Please, visit the site, follow me if you'd like, and let me know what you think... I'd really appreciate it. :)


Right now, I am stuck at work while Ash and Jake are heading up to Gatlinburg to see B and Mat for their wedding anniversary weekend. I have to work today and tomorrow, so I won't be able to see them at all before they leave tomorrow night. This makes me very sad, I miss them so much! I'm so depressed that I can't even type anymore. :(

Movies seen in theaters: 13
DvDs bought: 52