A Good Lookin Man

Hey Hey Hey its Grandadday! I took a quick trip to Florida on March 7th and enjoyed staying with Granny and Grandaddy in Venice.

This is a picture of Grandaddy that I took and I love it. I tried to catch a video of Grandaddy singing a song but my camera was not on the right mode. SO instead, I got a great picture.

I also took some pictures of the three of us and will post those next. Thank You G&G for letting me stay with you. I had a great time and enjoyed seeing you both. I'll be back before you know it.

Checks in da bank

I am happy to report that the check is in the bank! The eagle flew on Friday and the money from my house arrived safely. Now, off to pay some bills, buy something nice for ME and save the rest.

In addition to the house finally selling and closing we have had some other news to report...

LUCKY is visiting his "grandmama". Mom is keeping him for us while we make a trip to Florida. I think she is enjoying her grand-dog but maybe not as much as Noie (her dog) is. The two of them (Lucky and Noie) love to play chase now that he has gotten the hang of it. They also like to sleep in front of the fire together. Sniffing rear ends is easy for Lucky because he fits right under Noie. He will stay with Mom for a few weeks an this should be plenty of time for him to enjoy socializing with Noie, Mom and Jim. Who knows...he might not want to come home.

This is a picture of a project I worked on recently. Notice all the corks? Notice the ones in the center? They say something special...

See the center corks...these are "the corks" "the ones" used by Rusty to ask me to marry him. I loved this little project that some friends of mine gave me. It now hangs in the kitchen above the sink.

Mi casa es Ed Calhoun's casa!!

Hooray!!

Soon a buyer named Ed Calhoun will own my house at 195 Lakeside Cir. We will close on 2/23 which is this Friday. I am thrilled. Not only will I make some cash, I will not be paying for a vacant house. This is what I have been doing for the last 8 months. It stinks but selling it sure smells great.

Sorry for the delay in posting. I will get better. Lucky only does just so many cute things that I can post. I resorted to using the bathroom and that was the last straw. Until he comes out of his shell a bit more you might get some pretty boring stuff from me. My mom will visit on Friday 2/23 and we will celebrate. Update from that for sure!

I've been TAGGED

My sister Megan has "tagged" me and now I am the "it" girl, for once in my life. I have never really sat down and thought of the quirks that I have but I am sure if you ask my husband, mother or sister, they can tell you all about them. I thought long and hard last night about these things and here is what I came up with.

1) I have a shiny lip product addiction. At this moment I have 43 shiny lip products. This does not include any lip sticks or lip pencils. If I added those to the shiny products I would only have 51. As you can see, the number of shiny stuff out weighs the lip stick/pencils. I did not count the items under the guest bathroom sink. This would probably add on an additional 10-12. Also, I don't like to leave home without shiny lip product on my lips. Even if I have nothing else on in the form of make-up, I will have on a lip product. Product includes glosses, plumpers, shines, glitters, balms and gelles just to name a few.

2) When eating french fries, I can't eat the end of a fry if it looks weird. For example: If the fry is not cooked all the way, if the fry has a bit of potato skin on it on the end or if it is not fried on the end. If any of these exist I will eat all the way down to the nasty part and then leave the rest for the trash.

3) I LOVE SHOES but I would rather be wearing flip flops 365/yr. I know this sounds weird and it is. I have a deep love for shoes and I love wearing them b/c I have to. However, IF given the chance I would wear flip flops all the time (painted toes are a must).

4) I love watching shows on TV about drugs, addiction, murders, crime scene investigation and any thing that shows people doing things that are weird, wrong, illegal, dirty, etc. For example, A&E has a show called Intervention. I LOVE this show. The show documents people addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, pills, video games, etc. I like to watch people that are screwed up. In the end they get the chance to get professional help which is great if they take it but I still like to watch the documentary on their lives. CSI-Miami. Love this show even though it is not real. Forensic Files, Cold Case or Dateline-To catch a Predator are some of my favs. I think after watching these shows I fell so grateful that I am not that person!

5) I never down shift. If I am in 3rd and I see that I will need to stop soon I just put the car in neutral and coast to the stopping point (using the brakes if needed). I know this is probably not safe but.... I do it anyway. I think I feel like the more I shift the more I will wear out the shifter and the clutch. This is probably doing more harm than good but I can't help it. I know I should down shift, I was taught to down shift but I don't.

and......

I just thought of another thing so add this to the crazy list.

6) I HATE to put my face under the water in the shower. When I wash my face and need to rinse it, I will splash water on my face instead of placing my whole face under the running water. This is weird to me because in another life form I was a fish, mermaid, dolphin or something that lives under water. To try and break this Rusty will force me under the water for a few seconds and of course I scream bloody murder!! He laughs and then we move on. He loves the reaction most of all.

Well that's all folks. Hope you enjoyed reading about my little oddities.

Lucky learns his place

Lucky is learning everyday. He has learned to sit, lay down, stand up (on 2 back legs) and we are working on stay and come. He has also been practicing using the bathroom outside. I just happen to catch a picture of him doing this so, if you want...feel free to look. I promise you won't see any deposits.

This is Lucky doing number one. He lays real close to the ground and kicks one leg back behind him. Normally it is kicked way out. And it is hard to tell from the picture but he is almost laying on the grass.

This is number 2 and there is not much to say other than "good boy".

Lucky like to lay on the grass or in this case the kitchen rug with all fours out. In the grass he tends to drag himself forward like he is crawling in a tunnel. JRTs are known to crawl. I think its funny. He likes it.

Here He Is...

He has settled down and gotten used to his new place. In fact he has claimed a corner all to him self as seen here.

He is very quiet to my surprise. He sleeps and lounges alot. He likes going outside. Even better he likes rolling around in the dead grass which sticks to him nicely.

We are getting better and better about play time. He does not feel like he is about to be hit everytime we play. I think he was hit several times before by a former owner. Oh well, that will be different here Lucky.

We are sooo Lucky

Well, we got the dog. I am thrilled. He is so well behaved. Rusty is not thrilled and has not been well behaved about the situation. He is coming around little by little. I have pictures to post but can't find the cord for the camera at this minute. So, the pics will come later. I promise. Ta Ta for now.

Could we be so Lucky?

As promised, I am updating you on the dog situation. We went to the shelter and I introduced Lucky to Rusty. Well, I have named the dog Lucky even though he is not mine yet. The shelter named him Fez. I like to call him Lucky. So, Lucky it is.

This is Lucky giving me a doggie kiss before I had to give him back.

Lucky up close and Lucky in his pin. We will find out Tuesday if we are approved to get him. If so we just might have us a dog.

He is a mix of terriers. He weighs about 15lbs and is all white except his ears and eyes. He was found on the side of the road by the director of the pound. She brought him in and he has been there ever since. They think he is about 1yr. old.

New Tag for ME

I finally broke down and got a new tag. I had to go to the tag office twice but once I finished, I had a tag. And a fine one at that. I loved the tag with the dog on it so I payed the extra money and away I went with my new "Buddy"

Speaking of Buddy, I want a dog. I plan on going to the pound to look around. I will keep everyone posted...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEGAN - MY SISTER!

Happy Birthday Megs! Big 28 today!

Kick your heels up, have cake and eat it too!

This day is all about YOU.

So if you want to scream and shout ,

go ahead, thats what today is all about.

Cheers! to the best sister anyone could ask for

Heres to 28 +28 + 28 more!!

I love you Meggie.

Love,

Marisa

My NY Resolutions 2007

I resolve (if anyone cares)

To do better at updating my blog. Its the right thing to do. Granny spoke up for everyone today when I called to talk to G-daddy. He was napping but will get a call soon.

To drink more water. I found the cheap Walmart flavor packs to add to your water and I will be doing that more often. Grape water is much better (no calories, no sugar)

To work out! Rusty is kind enough to pay for a gym membership so I need to use it. I want legs like Jessica Simpson's "Boots are made for walking" video.

To stay in contact with friends more. Poor Jessica in Florida thinks I have falled off the face of the earth.

To secure a Customer Focused Bonus for all employees at my store this year. This includes passing 12 mystery shops throughout the year. The employees can each get upto $125 each per quarter. I want them to get the money so I will work hard at enforcing great customer service.

To take a dance class this year. I am not sure it this will be ballroom, jazz or salsa but I want to do it. Rusty said he would be my partner!!

This is the bulk of my list. I wanted to just pick a few things that I could achieve and not over do it with unrealistic resolutions. I will keep you posted as I resolved to do.

First Married Post!

Well, here it is, my first post as a married woman. I will make a post all about the wedding but for now, lets talk about Christmas!! Grandaddy, here is the picture I was telling you about. I saw this chalk board at the Dollar Tree of all places. I got it with Grandaddy in mind. It came with a piece of chalk and a mini eraser. I change the day every morning when I leave for work!!

So I am counting down the days with you Grandaddy! Everyday.

100% Cotton

If you take a right out of our neighborhood and then a left at the stop sign you will see fields of cotton to your left and to your right. For those of you who know what this looks like here is a refresher. If you are not familiar with the sight check it out. It almost looks like snow that has melted in spots. This is a different sight from the citrus trees I used to see in Florida. I like the change of scenery.

In addition to the cotton down the road did I mention that I am getting married in 5 days!!!!!! I'M GETTING MARRIED IN 5 DAYS. I can't wait.

13 days to go.

This will be our photo for our engagement. This is the 3rd time I have typed and posted this post so the text is getting smaller and smaller. If it works I will go back and add more but if it does not work, I give up for tonight.

2 foods from the past that I love

Thanks Megan for reminding me about the good ol Danish Wedding Cookies! After you reminded me I went and got a box. Later that day...I thought of another great past time...

The Varsity Chili Dogs with onions and onion rings...mmmmmmmm good. It is good to be back in Athens for two things other than the obvious...football and the varsity!

Silver Bullet

This is a picture of Rusty's Motorcycle. I thought I should put something up on the blog that is about Rusty. I still have my bike but don't have a picture that I can post right now. Riding is a bit different in Ga than in Florida. The hills are nice. Riding for several miles before you see a car is also nice. However, helment laws in Ga are in effect and there is no quick trip to the beach on the bike. I'll get over it.

Aloha- A Little Luau Fun

Last weekend Rusty and I celebrated our engagement with several friends and family at a Luau. Brenda and Ricky Hopkins (Rusty's mother and step father) threw the Luau for us. It was held in the back yard at their house. There was music, food, drinks, food, drinks, friends, football, family and fun.

Some of the pictures are posted here for you to enjoy.

This is a picture of the back yard that was decorated for the Luau.

Under the white tent was where the food was kept and under the black tent is the well stocked bar. There was no shortage of drinks at this shin dig.

The palm tree served as a cooler for the beer as well as a decoration. It worked out very well. The ice and beer is kept in the trunk of the tree.

This is the two of us after the party. Rusty, his mother and his grandmother looking festive.

This is Ashley, my soon to be sister-in-law.

There are several more pictures that we ttok but for some reason blogger is not being very cooperative right now.

The bif party is 34 days away!! I am getting very excited. The dress is taken care of (fits like a glove). The shoes are all set, veil is a done deal. The last few details are still being worked out but for the most part we are ready.

This weekend Rusty and I also finished another task pre-marriage...picking out crystal. We went to Belk and registered for a great glass that will look nice with the china. Have a look at www.belk.com. The last thing we have to do is get an engagement picture taken. We have yet to do this. We need to get this taken care of this coming weekend and get it in the paper. I have been ready to tell the greater Oconee/Clarke Co. area about our engagement.

Until the next post...

Hip Hip Hooray

We are finally registered. Rusty and I completed this task and are proud to say we still want to get married. Half way through the dark brown and the light blue towel discussion...I wondered. Just kidding. We did have some hurdles to get over but we did it.

Visit our registry at Bed Bath and Beyond if you wish. Just ask someone at customer service to print a copy of Marisa McGraw and Rusty Estes registry. If you don't have a local store in your hometown, you can go to their website. www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

That is all for now as we are preparing for a Luau tonight in our honor. I will have pictures on the blog soon.

If you can, announce yourself going forward!

As most of you know I have recently changed jobs. I am still working for Lowe's but I am back in a store. Previously I was working as an Area Manager with 25 stores. Each day was full of excitement, drama and awe. Well, since I have gone back to one store things have been kind of quiet. My store is a great place. It is in a small town and everything usually just goes along like clockwork. That is usually.

On Tuesday 8/29 things were not normal. I recently stopped getting country ham biscuits on the way to work and I say thats why this day was so crazy. So I guess I will have to get a biscuit every now and then...ok- back to the day's events.

Several weeks ago my store manager told me of an incident with an employee who has trouble breathing. She had a trach installed within the last year or so. It sits at the base of her neck and it is basically a plastic device that covers a hole in her trachea. So anyway, my store manager told me that one day she passed out and could not breath. The previous manager assisted her by "popping" her trach. I was puzzeled when he told me this. I have never known anyone with this type of device. I asked a few more questions and went on about my business.

Fast forward to 8/29 10am. I have just completed an interview for a cashier. I dismissed her and went back to my office to make a phone call on a reference. My office door is about half way open at this point and I am not able to see the entrance into the larger room where my office is located inside. People always open the door, look in and the leave the room. Sometimes they don't find what they need or see who they are looking for so they leave. My point is I hear the door open and close all the time without actually seeing anyone or talking to anyone unless they round the corner to get to my office.

ok- so after looking up a few phone numbers in the phone book for the reference I heard they door open and then close but never saw anyone or heard them. About 10 seconds later I heard a "thud" and a "uuggghhh". I stood up pulled the door open and stepped out of my office to find an employee lying face down on the concrete. Oh Sh*t!! You bet I said it, Oh Sh*t. "Sally" was down. This is the same employee I had been told about before.

I bent down to take a look and shook her shoulder with no response. I called her name twice with no response. I went outside and asked the lady at my customer service desk to call the other manager and send him to the office. I turned around and went back to see about Sally. This was not good. I rolled her over with both hand and she was blue. Her lips, her face, her fingers were all turning blue. I thought she was dead. Now what? What do I do? She has this trach and I remember hearing about "popping" it...it that right? Should I do it? I did it.

I touched it like it was a dead bug at first. Nothing happened. Next, I noticed there was a flip lid over the hole so I flipped it open and the sound of air escaping rushed by me. And then she started to gasp for air. Thank god!

Here comes the manager that I had called earlier and he has an Epipen. This is a device that has Epinepherine (probably spelled wrong) in it and it is supposed to help her in these situations. So he opens the box and twists the cap off of the prescription drug and bam!!! He stuck himself with the Epinephrine! He now has a needle stuck in his thumb and prescription drugs have been injected into him. Drugs that are not meant for him. Oh Sh*t. Yes again. bad words but what luck. The sring loaded injection has now been inserted into the wrong person. What are we going to give Sally as she gasps for air?? I called 911 and expalined. Within minutes they arrived. They were fully aware of this situation as they had responded to the previous call in Feb.

At this point 911 responders have taken over and we keep our distance. ABout an hour later she is transported to the hospital. She was released later that day and returned to work on Thursday. Needless to say I still get creeped out when I look at her. Thank goodness she is ok. Neither "Sally" or the Dr. know whay this happened.

And by the way- the other manager's thumb turned white as a ghost and was as cold as ice for about 5 hours. We followed up with the Dr. on him and he will be fine.

Yes we have some unanswered questions to work on. Believe me, I know. All kinds of thing went through my head while this was happening. We are currently reviewing this situation with out corporate office. We certainly hope and wish for the best for our employee.

Well- there you have it some drama for your baby's mama!! I am sorry if some of you have heard this story (Rusty) a few million times.

I will certainly keep you all abreast of the situation. I realized that my spell check does not work. Sorry for any typos.

.

Flash From the Past

Well, one guess for those out there that recognize this place. I drove by yesterday and decided to take a few shots so everyone could see!!

280 Lenox Rd.

For the most part it looks the same as I remember it. The roof is different and the house now has an addition on the back side as you will see in another picture. It was fun to see G&Gs old house where we all had fun growing up. Stay tuned for another flash from the past...