Since I broke both arms off my glasses…I thought I’d be cool and break the glass on my BB Curve.

Nothing I’d rather be doing than Filming on the Set.

I am announcing that I am adding to our website… www.relativeart.com…   A New Gallery of the Jewelry I have collected from our Travels.  Russia, Greece, Mexico, Ireland, etc.  Quite a few Crosses, Amber and beautiful Silver Bracelets from Mexico.   Anyone mentioning this post will receive 10 per cent off.

Money is the Root of All Evil  …  And the Flower to Finance Dreams.    s.waala

I spent most days deep in email…  Loving the connection that shrunk the world.   Never looked up till Facebook beckoned…   Then joined the masses in that social whirl.   But then came a force that let me abandon…   All points of interest regarding geeks…   I’ve given it all the wave of suspension…   As for me it’s only “Twitter” that Speaks.

A VERY good friend of mine and I had been proud owners of a Blackberry Curve.  She will soon be the owner of the new Blackberry Tour.   Hopefully I will be right on her trail…I want one too.  I had promised this friend that since this is a worldphone…I would go to Africa just to call her from there and maybe a few texts or so.  I do keep all promises and having over 75,000 frequent flyer miles to use I could do just that.  Maybe I will take her with me and of course I will be forcing my daughter to go to.  You had better hide…you two.

All About Steve

ALL ABOUT STEVE…I read alot of reviews on this movie…and I disagree.  Most or all reviews hated it calling it the worst movie ever made.  We actually enjoyed it.  It was great to just relax and have no expectations.  It was funny, silly and just that.  Enough for me after going to see “Spread”.

My choice of transportation

If you are wondering why I have a picture of a boat instead of a plane…its because I am sitting here having a small panic attack at just the thought of flying.  How in the world did I fly to Russia three times?  I knew this day would come when just the thought of flying would do me in.

100  Crunches -  *Day 9   (9-28-09)  ANDREA

The Time Traveler's Wife

We have made our final decision regarding our Sept. Photo Shoot.  Seattle, Washington…Here we come.  Hope you are ready for us.  Of Course, Of Course….We will stand in the long line to get into the First Starbucks.  We will hit every coffee shop and flea market in that state.  Twice.

360 Crunches – *Day 8  (9-27-09)  SUZLES

100 Crunches + One Hour of Zumba – *Day 7  (9-26-09)  ANDREA

It does not deserve a Poster

We have unanimously agreed that this is the worst excuse for a movie we have seen.  Number One on that List.   Ashton Kutcher plays a Goofy, Nerdy, Gross, Opportunist Playboy…seeking out Older Women or any woman who will have him for that matter…for s_x and fortune.  Plot is so ridiculous…we only stayed (would have been first movie to walk out of) to see when the Plot? would unfold.  We think one lady did walk out, leaving an elderly man and us.  We tried to google via our blackberries to quietly sneak out and in another movie…but the times did not match.  Seriously, we do not even want to be friends with anyone who likes this movie.  Nothing personal Ashton…   whoa…a hundred thumbs down.

100 Crunches + One Hour of Zumba – *Day 7  (9-26-09)  ANDREA

Don’t Wake Me….

I Never Thought I’d Say This…But I am Too Tired to Blog…

100 Crunches - *Day 6  (9-25-09)   (Zumba, 20 Min. Treading )  ANDREA

200 Crunches - *Day 5  (9-24-09)   SUZLES

100 Crunches – *Day 5  (9-24-09)  (2 Classes, Machines, Treadmill- 2 Hrs)  ANDREA

Also, If anyone would like to Join our Intense? Workout Records…please email or comment Your Workout and I will post them with Ours.  I know there is one GREAT Spinner out there that surely deserves Recognition!!!  You can use an anonymous name to protect your Identity.  A few Starbucks my way…and my Lips are Sealed…

My Abs are on FIRE!!!

200 Crunches  *4 Sets of 50 – Day 5 (Sept 24-09)   SUZLES

100 Crunches   *1 Set of 100 – Day 5 (Sept 24-09)   AJ

150  Crunches  *3 Sets of 50 – Day 4 (Sept 23-09)   SUZLES

  75  Crunches   *1 Set of 75 -   Day 4 (Sept 23-09)   AJ

1.  Starbucks…West Bend, WI.   A home away from home.

2.  Dunn Bros Coffee…Racine, WI.   A beautiful old building that was once a hotel and then a bank.  Food and Drinks Great.

3.  Starbucks…Cedarburg, WI.    Beautifully decorated, large but cozy.  Even a deck!

4.  Coffee Corner…Kewaskum, WI.   Top-Notch Food and Drinks in the Heart of the Kettle Moraine

5.  Connect Cafe…Fond du Lac, WI.   A little Coffee Shop. It is absolutely amazing!  The atmosphere is very welcoming and warm and gives a sort of “artist” feel. I highly recommend it!   (Kate)

6.  The New Moon Cafe…Oshkosh, WI.  Large and unique.  Building used in the “Public Enemies” Movie.  Was also a warm retreat…bringing us in from the “winter elements” as we watched the movie being filmed.

7.  Alterra…Milwaukee, WI (Eastside.)  I have another coffee shop for you. Alterra! They are more popular than starbucks down by my apartment on the eastside of Milwaukee (seeing as there are 2 in walking distance from my place). But I actually enjoy them alot more because they use all local products in their drinks/food, which is great for local farmers, the environment AND your body! Plus I typically find their products to be cheaper than starbucks, and that always puts a smile on my face!   (Kate)

8.  Starbucks… Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee.  Really nice outdoor seating.

PAPER HEART -  Hmmm…..  Ok

ADAM – Moving portrayal…  Genuine…  Sensitive…  Life Lessons

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS – You have to understand Quentin Tarantino.  Campy…Artful…”Tongue In Cheek”.  Violent Warnings…Outstanding Quirky Plot 

Where are all those brave people that are going to join me in this rewarding endeavor?  Andrea…?

150 Crunches *3 Sets of 50 – Day 4 (Sept 23-09)

 75  Crunches *3 Sets of 25 – Day 3 (Sept 22-09)

 50  Crunches *1 Set – Day 2  (Sept 21-09)

 25  Crunches *1 Set - Day 1 ( Sept 20- 09)

1.  Starbucks…West Bend, WI.   A home away from home.

2.  Dunn Bros Coffee…Racine, WI.   A beautiful old building that was once a hotel and then a bank.  Food and Drinks Great.

3.  Starbucks…Cedarburg, WI.    Beautifully decorated, large but cozy.  Even a deck!

4.  Coffee Corner…Kewaskum, WI.   Top-Notch Food and Drinks in the Heart of the Kettle Moraine

5.  Connect Cafe…Fond du Lac, WI.   A little Coffee Shop. It is absolutely amazing!  The atmosphere is very welcoming and warm and gives a sort of “artist” feel. I highly recommend it!   (Kate)

6.  The New Moon Cafe…Oshkosh, WI.  Large and unique.  Building used in the “Public Enemies” Movie.  Was also a warm retreat…bringing us in from the “winter elements” as we watched the movie being filmed.

7.  Alterra…Milwaukee, WI (Eastside.)  I have another coffee shop for you. Alterra! They are more popular than starbucks down by my apartment on the eastside of Milwaukee (seeing as there are 2 in walking distance from my place). But I actually enjoy them alot more because they use all local products in their drinks/food, which is great for local farmers, the environment AND your body! Plus I typically find their products to be cheaper than starbucks, and that always puts a smile on my face!   (Kate)

Leaping Over Obstacles

I am in the Process of Sorting Thousands of Beads and Findings.  Earrings…will be for sale at Jazz Fest.

ALIENS IN THE ATTIC – Enjoyable.  Good Enough.

Since this Blog has become Very Personal…Due to the fact that I can Count My Readers on One Hand…  I am keeping track on this forum…of the Crunches I do every day.   This is Day 1.  Actually its always Day 1…if the Past serves the Future.  NO!  This IS going to Happen.  Someone Join me….  Okay will be back in a minute…have to do my crunches for Today.

50 Crunches *1 Set – Day 2  (Sept 21-09)

25 Crunches *1 Set - Day 1 ( Sept 20- 09)

Super Brain on Coffee

I will be adding a “New Comments” section on the blog. Hopefully, this will make it easier to find all comments without scrolling through the whole blog.  I will need a Large Allotment of Coffee Drinks…a Good Nights Sleep…and an Uninterrupted Plan.  Oh, The Challenges of WordPress.  Still settling in with the familiarity of this software.  Until I can get this comment section up and running…please check for my comments under your replies on the blog.  I don’t think that my comments show on your Email Daily Updates.  Only my new Posts.  Thank You for your Patience.

1.  Starbucks…West Bend, WI.   A home away from home.

2.  Dunn Bros Coffee…Racine, WI.   A beautiful old building that was once a hotel and then a bank.  Food and Drinks Great.

3.  Starbucks…Cedarburg, WI.    Beautifully decorated, large but cozy.  Even a deck!

4.  Coffee Corner…Kewaskum, WI.   Top-Notch Food and Drinks in the Heart of the Kettle Moraine

5.  Connect Cafe…Fond du Lac, WI.   A little Coffee Shop. It is absolutely amazing!  The atmosphere is very welcoming and warm and gives a sort of “artist” feel. I highly recommend it!   (Kate)

6.  The New Moon Cafe…Oshkosh, WI.  Large and unique.  Building used in the “Public Enemies” Movie.  Was also a warm retreat…bringing us in from the “winter elements” as we watched the movie being filmed.

1. Starbucks…West Bend, WI.   A home away from home.

2. Dunn Bros Coffee…Racine, WI.   A beautiful old building that was once a hotel and then a bank.  Food and Drinks Great.

3. Starbucks…Cedarburg, WI.    Beautifully decorated, large but cozy.  Even a deck!

4. Coffee Corner…Kewaskum,WI   Top-Notch Food and Drinks in the Heart of the Kettle Moraine

THE PROPOSAL – Saw it twice…loved everything about this movie!  Great feel-good entertainment.   Funny, charming, beautiful setting.  You can’t miss with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

Just because…I ate a substantial amount of a whole pizza.    Just because…I finished the bag of sour cream potato chips.  Just because…I did this all before noon.    I can still take a relatively unproductive diet day and turn it into a stellar attempt.  I think the hours left before midnight…show promise.  My attitude has taken a 360 or at least a 90 degree turn.

On a lighter note (Good Pun) .  I am getting alot of work done here.

I have decided to surprise all my dedicated subscribers with a FREE Matted Writing of your choice.  Thanks to the Three of You…

Anybody out there need a diet buddy…???     Safety in numbers?  Success in Shared Allegiance?

I have just added eight more Pendants to our website.  www.relativeart.com

1. Starbucks…West Bend, WI.   A home away from home.

2. Dunn Bros Coffee – Racine, WI.   A beautiful old building that was once a hotel and then a bank.  Food and Drinks Great.

3. Starbucks…Cedarburg, WI.    Beautifully decorated, large but cozy.  Even a deck!

Bon Appetit

JULIE AND JULIA – Based on Two True Stories.  Let it be said ”I Hate to Cook”…but after watching Julia Child and Julie create Mouth-Watering Masterpieces…I have decided to add “The Culinary Arts” to my never ending list of new things to conquer.  We Loved the movie!  What a Great Story.  Much of it is set in Paris.  We have visited “The City of Lights” twice, and now I feel a need to see it once again.

1. Starbucks…West Bend, WI.   A home away from home.

2. Dunn Bros Coffee – Racine, WI.   A beautiful old building that was once a hotel and then a bank.  Food and Drinks Great.

I am also wondering…    Consolation…I did not lose the $100.00 I earned from ten days of Stellar Behavior.

We are adding to our “Be Your Journey” Pendant Collection.  If anyone has any ideas of what they would like to see as “Catagory Image Additions” to this Collection…please let us know.  Thanks

PUBLIC ENEMIES – Johnny Depp…What more do you need to know?   We have seen it 4 times…just for a warm-up.   The historical documentation is right on track. 

THE HANGOVER – Oh Boy, I went 3 times because everyone wanted to see it.  Check your shock-meter at the door.  Very clever, great script, actors are all extremely funny.  Must be over 40 to see it.  I have still not recovered.

HURT LOCKER – Excellent.  You will be on the edge of your seat…it was hard to tell if it was being filmed as it happened or was a scripted movie.  Premise is the men who are trained to find and defuse bombs in the Iraq war.  Acting is superb!

THE UGLY TRUTH – The only redeeming value is staring at Gerard Butler. RAUNCHY…redundant…dialgue.  Simply beneath the caliber of these two actors.

FUNNY PEOPLE - Very Good Movie…Adam Sandler has a remarkable range.  I did question the blue dialogue…but was assured that stand-up comics do use just that …  Good cameo by Eric Bana.

Tattoo Assylum

http://www.relativeart.com/pendants.htm

When I knew I had choices and used them

I used a new deterrent today in the fight against high calorie count.  It is something I had forgotten I had…since perhaps being a small child.  I remember those early days knowing exactly what I wanted and exactly how to get it.   It dawned on me today…that I had “Choices”.  As I climbed into the refrigerator to gather a few items…I climbed back out…and thought over the repurcussions of the choice I was about to make.  “Doesn’t have to be that way” I heard my inner self say…and I rechose!  ( a valid word?)  Yes, I have choices…and I think I’ll be making the right ones for awhile.

The Last Two Days were not the healthiest.   These Amazing Bad Carbohydrates…and Saturated Fatty Foods found their way into my menu plan.   I didn’t put up too much of a fight.  But I did not fall into the “well I wrecked my diet now” mindset and keep on down that self-destructive path.  I ate in moderation (for me) and I am once again excited to eat better tomorrow, etc.  I did not collect my last two days of $10.00 IOU’s to me.   But I have accumulated $100.00 so far.

I love this protein drink!  Filling…Flavorful…Low in Sugar and Calories.  Lots of flavors to choose.

Billie Holliday drawn by Andrea Waala CLICK IMAGE

A little over a month and Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival will be upon us.  I have 400 original writings which need to be matted.  Jewelry needs to be designed and Journals completed.  And those are just the small jobs to complete.   Our Photography is showcased and we are adding quite a few product lines.  This is our 12th year in the KMJF Arts Market.  A beautiful festival with wonderful jazz musicians.

…Of going clothes shopping with the kids… and having to sit on a chair waiting until they are done because nothing is going to fit me.

I have had enough…of wearing the same outfit all the time because my choices are limited.

Of making excuses why I can’t get to the gym.

Of waiting till tomorrow when I will try to remedy this situation.

Of constantly thinking about my next meal…when I had just finished the last one.

Of assuring myself that the person staring back at me in the mirror is not me.

Perhaps Oprah making a public statement regarding her weight struggle has influenced my decision to come out of the refrigerator.

I have decided to publicly shock myself into a “no turning back decision”.

Okay, here it is…I can’t believe I am typing this. I am going to record how I am coping daily and make every day… a day closer to my goal of 50 lbs. 

I am also paying myself $10.00 a day to stay on course.  It will be in the form of IOU’s but I can promise that I will collect!!  Tomorrow morning I will owe myself $90.00 if I behave today.  Hey, Money Talks!!

I have been adding images daily to our website.  http://www.relativeart.com

Daily Essential

Yes, I am still adhering to the rules.  No white flour and very low sugar.  Removed the whip from my Starbucks drinks and upped my protein.  I love the “Muscle Milk” protein drinks.   Also, I have been putting olive oil on my whole grain bread.  Not a fast weight loss yet…as I have not been tracking calorie consumption.  I am just trying to get control again.  My cravings disappeared the first day.  I have $70.00 in my IOU bank.   Today I am going to add some weight training to the equation.  Stay tuned.

Public Enemies

Paris, Budapest, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, Ireland, New York City, Chicago