Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about...

So we made our pilgrimage to Little Rock to meet my sister half way between Texas and Tennessee.

The trip turned out pretty well. The kids (niece and nephews) behaved really well the entire 7 hours it took to get back to Tennessee. Thanks to Ms. Molly’s van, everyone had plenty space.

My mother is in full Nanny effect.

Matt is in full Uncle Matt effect.

We went over last night to bring a cake for my nephew’s birthday and to give the kids their Christmas presents from us. There was jumping, there was tickling, there were Nerf darts flying around.

On the way home I began my normal gripe with Matt about all the rough housing and playing, and the blurred limits and boundaries that could cause problems. He agreed, waited a while and then he responded something like this:

“Maybe I like to tickle them. Maybe that is just how boys play. Maybe that is one of the things I look forward to the most. And maybe you should just leave me alone and let me play with my niece and nephews.”

Of course I’m completely smiling at Matt who is smiling back. Both points were made. Uncle Matt will return for round two tomorrow night.

His favorite time of year.

Matt got me a slightly used obese cat for Christmas this year!


And not to be out done and to keep the title as "cutest animal in the Silvey household". Biscuit dressed up like the missing member of Santa's team of reindeer.

You have to love Tennessee winter weather.

Monday my HUGE exam was canceled because of an impending ICE STORM. Well the storm part was disappointing because, basically all we got was a glaze early Tuesday morning. But that was enough for me to seriously bust my butt on our front porch. I’m talking major soreness and bruising folks.

Today is Friday and it is 66 degrees! People are wearing t-shirts for goodness sakes. Oh… and the gale force winds that blew this warm weather in ripped a piece of metal flashing off our roof, which made a terrible racket all morning. Good thing I was already up due to roaring and whistling that was already going on.

I’m sure next weekend when Matt and I make our pilgrimage to meet my sister half way in between Texas and Tennessee, the weather will again be a toss up.

Other happenings: my test will loom over my head for yet another weekend. I was thoroughly amazed when the dry cleaner was able to remove a spot from the brand new silk shirt I love. And things have been looking up around the Silvey household. Matt got wonderful grades and so far I’ve done well this semester too.

Hope every one is planning on having a wonderful Christmas!

Matt's Second Birthday

It’s a little early but I wanted to wish my husband a happy 2 year birthday!

It’s been two years since my husband smelled of cigarette smoke.

Two years since his kisses have been smoky kisses.

Two years since I’ve hugged him and inhaled the stale cigarette smoke in his clothes.

Two years since he’s had to dart outside of any indoor event (weddings, dinners out, concerts, family gatherings, etc.) because he’s needed to smoke.

Two years since we’ve had to crack the window in the car to suck the smoke out of the cabin.

Two years since I’ve been agitated at him for trying to sneak a smoke in the bathroom with the fan on.

Two years of enjoyable plane rides and airports.

Two years of saving boo coos of dollars on cigarettes.

Two years of the wonderful color that has returned to his skin.

Two years since I’ve noticed dark circles looming around his beautiful eyes.

Two years since I’ve been worried that our future children would grow up being exposed to constant cigarette smoke.

CONGRATULATIONS hubby! I’m VERY proud of you and your liberation from the grasp of nicotine!

Every year I buy Matt and I Christmas ornaments. I started this because we needed to build our tree as a married couple. I have also made my nieces and nephews ornaments every year.

Through this, I have discovered many reasons why I do not like ornaments that can break. I love cloth ornaments that look old fashioned and cozy. I also really like that they make shatter proof Christmas balls now. Here is a good example of why. The first Christmas I had Hans (my cat child) I was really nervous about him knocking over the tree. He was younger, lighter, and more agile back then. Well, he knocked the tree over multiple times as expected, but his next fascination was the kicker. I had purchased clear glass Christmas balls that had blue tinsel in side of them. Hans loved them. He would sweetly bat them around, so I moved them higher up the tree. This did not help. He figured out ways to get them down or he would just resort back to knocking the whole tree over. Next he discovered that if he knocked them down the stairs the fragile glass would break all over the wooden stairs of the apartment and he could freely gnaw on the tinsel till his heart was content. I’ve never bought anything other than the shatterproof ornaments since then. I figure if my cat was this bad, actual children are going to be much worse. So slowly, I’ve been building a collection of ornaments that will not leave tiny glass splinters and shards. As for Hans, he has outgrown this and does not behavior so badly anymore. He big fatty just loves to lay under the tree and sleep, or roll on his back and look up into the lights. Occasionally we’ll catch him or little Sister (Cat number 2) chewing on a low branch, but other than that we haven’t had any complaints.

Here are our ornaments for this year. I like to call them Little Matt and Little Shelby.

Gobble Gobble

Matt and I had a really nice Thanksgiving break together. We had a house guest. Biscuit was spayed on Wednesday morning so she got to be pampered and stay in the house with Matt and I. She loved it. She snuggled, and romped and played and kept pushing the limits to see just how close she could get to the Cats before they protested. She’s back outside with her sister now, and she seems thrilled to be back with her.

We ate breakfast with my grandparents on Thanksgiving morning at Cracker Barrel in Clarksville. Then we spent the day with the Silveys. Friday we put up the Christmas tree, and ate Mexican food. Saturday we studied/worked on lesson plans; and then went to my parents and grandparents in Cheatham Co. Sunday we went to the 144^th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin with my Mom and Dad. It was cold, it was wet, and it wasn’t what we expected, but it was something different we had never done before. We parked in a Domino’s pizza parking lot, and got some evil eyes from the employees there. We kept joking that our car was going to be filled with pizza boxes when we got back to it. And after a few minutes of standing in the drizzling rain and cold, my mom said that if we didn’t leave soon she was going to throw herself face first on the ground and kick and scream like a child till we left.

Here are some links to a little more info about the 144^th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin

Tennessean Photos

It's a Biltmore Birthday

Matt and I went to Pigeon Forge and Asheville for the weekend to celebrate my birthday.

We did some holiday and personal shopping at the outlet mall in Pigeon Forge on Friday. Matt got some fancy duds to wear while he does his student teaching. He dressed up in some of them this week, and I have to say, “My husband is Hot!” We topped the day off with dinner at the Apple Barn. We ate till we were stuffed. Then we headed on to Asheville on Saturday.

It was bitterly cold when we woke up on Saturday, but we wrapped up well. I didn’t feel really well on Saturday, but it didn’t slow us down too much. We began the Biltmore trip by going to the Winery and the Farm. We showed up at just the right time, because there was no line at the Winery we headed right in. We toured, I wine tasted, and then we bought ourselves some goodies. I got a bottle of their specialty Christmas wine. The art on the bottle was a gorgeous print of the house covered with snow. I’m going to have to figure out a way to save it.

Next we went to the Farm and looked around at all the antique farm equipment. Matt and I watched a really talented Blacksmith put on a demonstration that we really enjoyed. He made a leaf and he also played the anvil. I had no idea that an anvil would ring like bells. We also played with the animals at the little petting zoo they had.

That evening we went on the Christmas Candlelight tour of the Biltmore. (below is a link, with a little video you can watch about the tour if you want. It will be on the right hand side of the page) It was absolutely beautiful. They had all the fireplaces lit, and there were elaborate Christmas trees and decorations in all the rooms.

BILTMORE VIDEO

We went back to the Biltmore on Sunday to walk the gardens, visit the conservatory and take another tour. The extra tour had a guide and was really informative. It was worth every penny. Matt and I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned more about the house and its history. The weather on Sunday was much warmer and I felt a lot better. Our tour included some rooms that are still being restored and will be open to the public in April of 2009. It also took us to part of the roof top and two balconies. We did a final lap around the main floor of the house before leaving to see the rooms in the daylight. We did notice things we had missed the night before, but the dramatic effect of the crackling fire was definitely missed.

I had a wonderful birthday trip and we really did have some great husband and wife time. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

Matt and Shelby

My friend Fran sent me this today, so I thought I'd play along

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a Scrooge!!! Just copy (not forward) this entire email and paste into a new email that you can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send to a whole bunch of people you know, including the person that sent it to you...Tis the season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper, Matt and I are trying to go greener for the Holidays, so we will be using newspaper a lot this year for the family presents.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial pre-lit

3. When do you put up the tree? around Thanksgiving sometimes before sometimes after

4. When do you take the tree down? New Years or a little after. Matt loves the tree, and so does Hans (the big cat)

5. Do you like eggnog? I can handle a little bit, but its awfully thick and gets hard to swallow.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cricket doll when I was in kindergarten. The funny thing is it didn’t work and Mom had to take it back. I don’t remember how she explained that one.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My grandparents, and my parents. But the niece and nephews are getting harder.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Ms. Molly (mother in law)

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, my mom bought me one last year I think.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can’t remember any certain one in particular.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The ELF, I seriously love the feeling I get after watching this movie. I want to give someone a hug.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I’ve learned its easier if a keep my eye out all year round. But I would guess I do the most, immediately after Christmas (for the next year) and October.

14. Do you put lights on the outside of your house? No, I put wreaths in the windows, but that’s about it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mulled cider, I know that is a drink but that’s what I look forward to.

16. Lights on the tree? Yes, White lights

17. Favorite Christmas Song? Mariah Carrey’s all I want for Christmas. (I hate to admit it that I actually like a MC song)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? The farthest we go is Cheatham about 25 minutes away. I wouldn’t exactly call that traveling, but this year we are going to pick up my niece and nephews right after Christmas. Good thing Matt has gotten over the 4 hour airport and plane ride we did with the 3 kids last time. Because this is going to be about 6 hours in the car with them.

19. Can you name all of Santa's Reindeer? Yes

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Gold Star, I love it.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning? Open Christmas Eve for me and Matt and my family. Christmas morning with Matt’s family

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People going crazy and standing in line for material things. Some people stand in line for a hot meal and we have angry women that try to run you over with carts at target for a toy.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Gold and red, put I’ve seen a lot of contemporary color combos that are spectacular.

24. Favorite ornament? A wooden white church.

25. Favorite for Christmas Dinner? What ever is served.

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? Rest and maybe a new iPod

one year closer to joining the AARP.

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been noticing that my hair was in desperate need of a trim. I’ve been trying to let it grow, so every time I would go get my hair cut; I would ask her to leave the length and just trim up the layers.

Well during some of my riveting classes (please notice this is sarcasm because I’m not that big of a nerd), I have begun twiddling with my hair. Which of course lead to the noticing of is scraggly state. And last night I noticed a long solid white strand of hair. Just in time for my birthday, which is just around the corner. I’d be lying if I said that I’ve never found a white hair before, but they are definitely rare. Well, anyhow, my sister has been known to find one or two so I thought I would share the newsflash with her. The following text message ensued.

Me: I found a white hair

Sissy: Aw, it sucks to get old, I feel your pain.

Me: Who said old

Sissy: Ok if it makes you feel better I am the only one getting older here and that white hair was a fluke.

I love my Sister.

Then I sent her a random text that was meant for someone else, and of course it made no sense to her. Which is probably a more telling sign that I’m old, because I stink at text messaging. That is definitely reserved for a younger generation.

GoodbiPod

Well, my iPod has shuffled off its moral coil. I took it to the genius bar and the technician said, that it could be fixed. BUT… it would be about $40 shy of the cost of a new iPod, so looks like I know what I’m getting from Matt for Christmas!!!

Anyhow, this has made me pretty sad. I decided to write a little something to it as I wish it farewell.

Dear Nano,

We’ve had some great times together, you and I. When I first got you I vowed to take really good care of you and your treating technician told me today that your diagnosis is grave. I asked what I had done to break you. And the tech man’s answer was “use it… a lot.” So first off, I’d like to thank you for your service.

You were there for that very first ½ marathon in Memphis, TN. It was seriously cold that day. And I was questioning why a sane person pays money to run in 38 degree weather. You kept me going for that first 13.1 mile adventure. When my body was aching, my crappy shoes had failed me, my ankles were screaming at me for subjecting them to such punishment, you kept playing and tried to bring on beats of encouragement.

During the training, you filled those hours with song. Occasionally, I would sing out loud. You didn’t judge me for my schizophrenic choice in music. We were Golddiggers with Kanye, we were from the Boondocks with Little Big Town, we were Fergalicious, we had a Little Less Conversation with Elvis, and the list goes on and on.

You were an imperative part of my performance in the second ½ marathon in Nashville. The course was brutal, my goodness the hills. But I turned out my best time and felt pretty good at the end. I could not have done it without you!

You were there when patellar tendinitis struck. You were there when Ashley and I were idiots running in the rain, or wrapped up like Muslims and running in the freezing cold. I’m sure you were glad when we came to our senses about the cold.

At the Homecoming 5 K we were defeated by Matt. That stinker stayed on our tail the whole time and then shimmed right on ahead of us.

We ran our last ½ marathon together last December. Memphis was so much more fun the second time around. We had accomplished so much in that time. You know they had tried to ban you from being there because of the events at the Chicago Marathon. But I said there was no way they were taking my musical motivation away from me, no way.

When school became more demanding and we couldn’t spend time together running, you stepped it up. With your help, I was able to secure an “A” in agency and partnership. I listened to those study guides while grocery shopping, biking with Matt, rocking away on an elliptical, climbing stairs to no where on the stairmaster, or pounding the pavement on a run when I could. I really wish you could have hung on till the bar exam next summer.

Thanks for the memories, and assistance for the past few years.

How's Biscuit?

Biscuit has learned a new skill. She can climb the pen. She jumps on the side of the fence and then climbs it like a ladder.This is not good. Sneaky little devil.

So... much of Saturday morning was spent putting an electric ribbon around the top of the pen. It only took one encounter for Charlotte to understand what it was and what happens when you touch it. Biscuit on the other hand is still testing it.

Escape artist isn’t her only talent. She also can do a pirouette. She does this repeatedly at feeding time. She is a talented little mutt. She and Charlotte are getting along great. Like Peas and Carrots the two of them.

Here's a little video of her skills

Preservation room- where they make delicious jams and jellys*

Last summer we had so much from our garden, and we wanted to be able to preserve as much of it as we could. So Matt and I learned to can. A have also decided to make jelly. We had an abundance of jalapeño peppers. So, I made jelly out of some. I love pepper jelly over cream cheese with crackers.

Over the weekend Matt and I picked apples off a tree next to Matt’s parents’ house. I made some Apple jelly and then made my very first attempt at baked apples. They turned out pretty good, and the whole house smelled absolutely divine!

I have a new appreciation for those that have been doing it for years. It’s pretty time consuming to us new comers, and can get pretty tricky with all the boiling water and hot containers that you can’t touch with your hands. Aunt Marilyn, I’m sure you have some wonderful recipes, tips, tricks, or advice that we would love to hear. If any come to mind, you have my email address, feel free to send me one anytime.

I have a feeling that quite a few of our friends may see a this label in a Christmas present this year.

*from the movie National Treasure.

Apparently all I was missing was a big red "A"

The past few months seem to be turning into a huge blur for me. Everything seems to running together and piling on top of each other. Matt and I have been so busy and we’ve been staying pretty exhausted.

Matt was in Murray, KY for a weekend class last weekend so I was a lone duck on Halloween. I went to Betsy and Wayne Abrams house for a chili cook out they have had for a few years now. I dressed as Little Red Riding Hood. I asked my mother to make me a cape, but if you know my mom, and her sewing skills. She made me the whole get up. My mother, like me, is a little meticulous when it comes to some things. She made the cutest outfit for me. I got a lot of compliments. She did so well, she even lined the cape. I hope she is able to teach me how to sew when I get out of school.

My friend Adrienne’s husband, Travis, said that I looked like the woman from the “Scarlett Letter”. Adulterer was not exactly the look I was going for, but I guess it could have passed for Hester Prynne.

I’ll have to get a picture of me in the costume and post it.

It's almost November!

So we've almost made it through October folks! Matt and I actually made it to Murray’s Homecoming. And Matt had a blast at the National FFA convention in Indianapolis. He called me absolutely breathless with excitement because he was going to be getting a shipment of FREE text books. Yes, guys you heard correct. Matthew Silvey was excited over free books. My, my, my how things change.

I’ve been studying hard. I had an appellate brief to write (Translation… I long paper), a big project, and two tests coming up. My fake trial is the week after the second test (Nov. 12^th), so there’s no resting until that is over. The project was a Group project, and we know how those always turn out. Someone takes charge (that would be me) and the rest lay back and enjoy the ride, putting in an ounce of effort every now and then. I might explode if I go into detail over it right now, but lets just say, Shelby was not a happy camper for a bit.

In good news, my friend that graduated lawschool last year found out he passed the bar on Oct. 10^th. I’m very excited for him, and it just reassures me that if I put in the work, I too have a good chance at passing the bar next year. ALSO… I found out that my niece and nephews will, more likely than not, be coming up to visit for a week after Christmas! I’m super excited.

Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

Milestones

Well, milestones have been passed in the Silvey household.

Matt passed the praxis II and his Ag ed Praxis. He met both the Tennessee and Kentucky (which is higher than TN) standards. Matt is going to be a great teacher. He has so much enthusiasm and passion for the field of agriculture. He is going to the National FFA convention in Indianapolis with his class towards the end of the month. Matt’s really excited to get the most exposure he can to FFA, they didn’t have Agriculture classes at his High School. Matt gets all his agricultural inspiration from his father. His dad really taught him a love of the outdoors. He only has about 2 months of classes left in the semester. All he has to do is now is finish it out and student teach.

I passed my MPRE (ethics part of the TN bar exam). I’ve also started studying for my finals at the end of the month. I have 2 exams and 2 projects that make up the 4 finals I have at the end of the month. In November I have my trial, and in Dec. a BIG mid-term. I keep saying in my head, “you just have to make it to Nov.” then “you just have to make it to Feb”. Things have managed to move pretty quickly. But I definitely feel the stress the past 3 plus years have put on me.

In other news…

We married off our two friends that got married in the same weekend, and both weddings were wonderful. Matt and I both had a lot of fun and wish them long and happy marriages.

Erica and Jeff Sutch 9-27-08

Matt and I at the reception

Monica and Jayson Sorensen 9-28-08

The Bride and I

Celebrating 3 years and more to come!

Matt and I celebrated our Third wedding anniversary on September 10^th. But of course, as always, I had class on that night. So we had lunch that day and made plans for dinner on the weekend.

We did exchange presents! I decided it would be fun to give the actual present designated for the anniversary (Leather). Matt got me this briefcase that I've been wanting and needing for when I start my Law career next year. I was a little disappointed when it broke on the 19th. So guess I'll be making a trip to Office Max when the gas situation clears up. I got Matt a leather Brooks bicycle saddle. He loves it!

So on Saturday we went to Murray to look at the greenhouse were Matt spends a lot of class time this semester. Then he graciously let me do a bit of shopping. In fact we was very helpful! I was looking for jeans, and he picked some out and said for me to try them on. I didn’t think they would work but I tried them anyway. Well they didn’t, they were too short, But they were too big and they had long length in the next size down. JACKPOT! Girls know finding a good pair of jeans is like winning the lottery. The only thing that would make it more exciting would be if the pockets were stuffed with money.

Then, we went to Patti’s 1880 Settlement in Grand Rivers Kentucky for dinner. The food was nice. Our waitress was klutzy, and scatter brained, and the room we sat in was kind of creepy (seriously, there were about 50 dolls of all shapes and sizes hanging from the ceiling). We ran into one of Matt’s best friends from High School and then browsed the shops for awhile.

We had a good time.

This weekend we will have a whirl wind of weddings. We leave Friday for a friends wedding that is in Memphis (3 hours away) on Saturday. Then we will leave shortly after the wedding and come back to Clarksville, because I am the Matron of Honor in a wedding that is on Sunday. Wish us Luck!

Here's a photo from our wedding day!

by Joan Evans

Joan of Art Photography

Don't worry there won't be a quiz or anything

Fran sent me this little questionnaire to do. Maybe Fran thought I had some free time, or I’ve gone too long without posting, or maybe she thinks I’m the only person that reads her blog :)

But anyhow… I thought it would be something fun to let everyone know some trivial knowledge about me, and let you all know that I’m still breathing.

4 Things I love about my husband:
1. His laugh!
2. His sensitive side.
3. His enthusiasm
4. His hugs and kisses.

4 TV shows I watch:
1. The Closer
2. Project Runway
3. In Plain Sight
4. House

4 Places I have been:
1. Costa Rica
2. Monaco
3. Bruges/Brussels, Belgium
4. France

4 Places I would like to go:
1. A lot of the Historical US landmarks, (Philadelphia, Boston, Drive the Pacific Coast Highway)
2. Eisenberg, Austria

3. Scotland or Ireland
4. Australia

4 People who regularly email me:
1. John AND/or other classmates at Nashville School of Law
2. Monica
3. Ashley A.
4. Victoria Secret Catalog- they stalk me

4 Things I like to eat:
1. Strawberries
2. Fried plantains

3. Bread
4. Chips and Salsa


4 Things I look forward to in the next year:
1. November (when my class schedule lightens up)
2. May (when I finally graduate from law school and Matt gets his teaching license)
3. Christmas
4. When my niece and nephews come visit again.

4 People I tag:
who ever wants to.

Introducing Biscuit

Well, last week we had yet another unexpected visitor show up. Matt’s parents found a very scared little pup hiding in a kayak of Matt’s. Their two dogs had run it up in there. Long story short, we took a look at her and decided to keep her. I came home and told Charlotte, our other dog, “It’s a girl! You have a little sister!” and that’s how we have ended up with our newest edition. So everyone… I’d like to introduce you to Biscuit.

Matthew and Shelby Silvey announce the arrival of their new daughter

Biscuit

Arrived 8-19-08 weighing around 5 pounds.

Biscuit was welcomed home by big sister Charlotte. Since arriving at the Silvey home Biscuit has engaged in normal little sister behavior. She has stolen all of her big sisters toys and has pestered her to no end. Biscuit enjoys chewing, biting, jumping, tumbling over her own feet and is in serious need of a manicure. Big sister Charlotte has been very patient she shares her toys, food, and endures the razor sharp teeth of little Biscuit. Occasionally, she looks to authority figures for relief after an occasionally extra hard nip on the neck or ears. Although she has been a natural when it comes to house breaking, Biscuit (as well as, Mommy and Daddy) looks forward to joining her sister outside.

And heres a picture of the proud Big Sister Charlotte

Matt's Birthday Extravaganza

Right after Matt and I got married I decided that we were going to do birthday’s a little different around our house. I just couldn’t justify going out and spending money on some do-dad that Matt didn’t need, just to give him a present. Our house is overflowing with “stuff”. I sure don’t want to buy more “stuff”. I decided to give him a memory for his birthday instead of a tangible item. Some might call this cheap, but I assure you it is not. I spend just as much money, if not more, and it takes time to figure out what I’m going to do. There is a lot more planning involved than just stopping by the store.

The first year we tried this I took him to the Frist Center. We saw the Pulitzer prize photo exhibit and then had a fabulous dinner at Sambuca. It’s been 3 years, and Matt still talks about the awesome ostrich that I had for dinner that night. He also talks about the moving photo’s in the exhibit.

Last year we ate breakfast at Fido’s in Hillsboro Village and then went to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B. Matt got to sit at a piano that Elvis recorded on. And we were music city tourist for an afternoon.

Well, Matt’s birthday was yesterday so we celebrated on Saturday. I made the plans and I referred to it as Matt’s “Birthday Extravaganza!” Matt wanted clothes this year for his birthday because he is going to be student teaching in the spring and will need to dress up more than his usual cargo shorts and t-shirt. I was very proud of Matt for using this opportunity to get things that he needed. So we began with a little shopping. Kohl's and then the Gap. Matt got some nice stuff that fits and he seems to like pretty well.

Then we went to Whole Foods and got an array of yummy food to have a picnic. We bought whole grain sushi, edamame rice, pita chips and hummus, fruit, and apple pie for dessert. Then we moseyed over to Centennial Park, laid out our blanket and settled in for an evening of Shakespeare in the Park. At many points in the day I asked Matt if he was enjoying his “Birthday Extravaganza” and he said yes, so I think my plan this year was a success.

The Play they performed was Coriolanus. Neither of us had seen it or read it, but it was good. The special guest was Giancarlo Guerrero of the Nashville Symphony.

Matt and I had arrived early enough to stake out front row seats. We could see everything and hear everything, and we had enough room to stretch out our long legs.

Quick Trip

Matt and I made a quick trip to Ohio last weekend for his cousin’s daughter Mandi’s wedding. We had a lot of fun and got to spend some time with family. Mandi looked so pretty. The Silvey clan (Matt, his parents, and I) were pretty tired the majority of the weekend. Sadly, I didn’t take many pictures I’ve posted three.

Matt's Great Aunt Erma was there. Erma has the thickest head of solid white hair. Seriously thick. And I commented to her on how thick her hair was, she giggled and said, "well its been there a really long time." I loved it.

This Friday I take the MPRE. And next Monday I start class. Matt starts at Murray State the following week. Yea!!!! For my last year of NSL!

My Father-in-Law and his sister Marilyn

Matt and his Aunt Marilyn

Cush Arthur! Cush!!!!

In the past 7 days I have, gotten the certificate from the state to get the motorcycle endorsement for my license, practiced my newly developed skill on a dirt bike, (Thank you John and Dan) and rode a camel (NO THANK YOU DAN!! :).

By far the camel ride was the most terrifying of the three. Seriously. I’ll blog about the motorcycle class later, but this story was too funny to sit on.

Let me set this up for you. Last night John (my fellow slave to law school and friend) took me to a mutual friend Dan’s house to ride dirt bikes and work on my clutch throttle skills. Dan and his family seem to be creating a miniature zoo on their farm, and I really wanted to see the animals (I’m like Ellie May Clampett, I love myself some critters). They have lots and they have actually bought a young camel. His name is Arthur, and just like most young adult male humans (and some adult men for that matter), Arthur is reluctant to follow directions and do as he is told.

Dan said, “lets see if Arthur will ‘cush’”. Apparently getting a camel to cush, is getting it to fold its legs under and lay down on its belly (example in the photo, but this is not Arthur). And Arthur was a very good boy, he cushed on first request. Everybody (John, Dan, Jasmine, and Myself) was impressed. Arthur had the appearance of being such a good, well behaved camel. Dan calls for me to come over and get on Arthur and he’ll lead me around for a little ride. So here I go over and climb between his two humps (still thinking Arthur is a good boy). I hold on to the front hump, Arthur gets up, and we begin.

As soon as Arthur gets up, I realize that this bareback camel ride is nothing like the ones I had ever taken as a child at the zoo. It was pretty uncomfortable. I liken it to sitting on a 2x2 board or a small metal pipe (you pick) and having two people hoist the ends and pick you up in the air and walk you around. After a few minutes I proclaim that it “really hurts and it’s well, splitting my biscuit up here!” My brief ride was declared over (or so I thought). For the next 10-15 minutes Arthur showed his teenage defiance. Arthur refused to cush. REFUSED. Dan kept asking him to cush, and the more Dan asked, the more Arthur refused and fought. Arthur would thrash, and I would squeal. I tried hard not to squeal, because when I did, Arthur would turn his long neck and head to look at me while he trashed around. So I tried to hold back my squeal hoping that he would stay focused on Dan, who was giving him the command to cush. But when he would get close to the electric fence, I could not contain my shrieks. I just kept picturing in my head that any minute that camel or me, was going to touch the fence. I could see Arthur bolting off and me plummeting to the ground. Arthur pooped, but that didn’t help, he still wouldn’t lie down. After many attempts and much pleading by me for Arthur to obey, Dan tells me I’m just going to have to get off while he’s standing.

I asked if he was serious, I made my last plea for Arthur to frickin cush, and then started trying to figure out how I was going to do this. Dan told me just to swing my leg over, like I would a horse, and slide down. Okay two problems. One, I’m a whole lot higher up than a horse. Two, it’s a camel! There’s two foot humps both in the front and in the back of me creating quite an obstacle for me to “just throw my leg over”. There’s no saddle, no stirrups to shift your weight inorder to heave your leg over. How the hell I’m I supposed to clear that hump with my leg? Hummmm? How? There’s no way, NO WAY! I’m going to hit the ground, I’m just going to. Should I try to clear the front one, or the back one? I’m surely going to fall. I gathered courage, Dan stood behind me to brace me from totally landing flat on my back. Jasmine held the camel (Thank you by the way) and I lean to the side to initiate my dismount. Of course, as I was afraid, I did not clear the back hump ( that’s the one I choose to go for). And at one point, as I was sliding off, I amazed myself at my flexibility because my foot was stuck behind that hump, way over my head. But I made it off in one piece and I didn’t even hit the ground, thanks to Dan’s help. John was quite disappointed that he did not have his camera present to capture the memorable moment. But I’m sure it would have been hard to get a good picture while laughing as hard as you were. Only after I got off did I realize that very few people have attempted to ride this camel. I suggest a cushion and some of those stairs they roll up to board airplanes before I try again.

Arthur was a very friendly camel, and he held no grudges over the whole thing. He came up and nuzzled me and loved up against my body right afterwards. He checked me out from head to toe. So I am not holding a grudge either. Let’s just say I won’t be imagining a camel ride through the Western Desert anytime soon. Or a camel ride through the pen in Dan’s backyard either.

Unexpected guest

So lately I’ve been a busy little bee…

I now have 8 hours left in Law School. And next year should be a bit lighter. I’m registered for classes and they start up in about 3 weeks. But, if you factor in that I only have one free weekend in that time frame (which will probably involve studying for the Ethics part of the TN bar that I’m taking on August 8^th) and that I work the other 5 days of the week. It feels like I’m starting tomorrow. Since I did get all of the classes I wanted, my schedule will lighten up tremendously the first of Nov. which I have decided is a great thing and almost a sign from God. I say this because some of the things that were on my list to do this summer involved working on the yard a bit. Considering the heat, and that I want to replant some bushes and things, the first of November will be perfect. I LOVE fall!!! I can already imagine the crispness of the air, and how nice it will be outside. Much better than puddling in the sweat in the July and August Hotness.

I haven’t been running, school schedule and heat have put the brakes on that for a while. But I’m trying to get active again and I’m working up to starting back.

We had a momma cat drop off a baby kitten and not come back last Thursday. I took him to the vet the next morning after his dead beat mom didn’t show back up for him to see if anyone could take him. The girl that usually takes the orphaned babies was not going to be in until the next day. So I had to take him back to our house. Let me just tell you, bottle feeding an abandoned animal is not as fun, or as cute as it sounds. It was definitely not something Matt or I wanted to do for an extended period of time. The milk had to be just right. If it was the slightest bit too cold, like Goldilocks, he would refuse it. But once you got that temperature right, he would latch on and suck it down. He had to be fed every 4 hours, his eyes and ears had not opened yet, his little umbilical cord had not yet fallen off, and I’m pretty sure that Hans and Meeper (our two other grown cats) would have killed it if they’d had the chance. They would hiss, growl, snarl, and puff up at the mewing little kitten. Seriously… Hans has cat toys bigger than this little guy. And, I’m pretty sure that Meeper thought it was Satan in the flesh, and she was pissed that it was in HER house. We named it Baby Nacho (after Nacho Libre, it’s a long story) and it survived the 30 hours it was at our house. Matt and I had one goal… Keep it alive until the Vet Clinic opens tomorrow. A very nice lady at the Southside Vet Clinic took the kitten and he was being made over by all the staff when Matt left. If anyone is interested in adopting him or her (I say him, but I really have no idea what it was) they can go by Southside Vet Clinic in Clarksville on Hwy 48 in a few weeks.

Here’s a picture of Baby Nacho. And no its not your contacts or computer screen the picture is really blurring but you get the idea.