Travel Thursday.... China Post!

Here is My George on the Waterfront in Shanghai...

 We took alot of photos of The Great Wall, because we went there to cross it off our bucket list....

 We cruised on the canal in these Dragon Boats.

 Here is our tour group with our Shanghai guide... Ally.

 Forbidden Palace

The Chinese people were so sweet but they didn't speak English... They wanted to get photos with us Americans alot.

 Summer Palace....

 It was cold there.... in Beijing especially.... I had to bundle up.

 The toilets were in the ground and you would have to squat over the hole... but I would only pee if there was Western Toilets...lol

 Instructions on how to use the toilet hole...

 Me and G on the Great Wall....

 More Great Wall.....

 Peking Duck Palace... I don't like Duck but I did try the Famous Peking Duck... of course.

 They do Dancing and Tai Chi in the Park....

 Temple of Heaven....

 We ate in these tradition Chinese family home in the Hutong....

 Rickshaw rides around the Hutong....

 There's alot of different types of bikes... everywhere

 Tea Ceremony....

 Here is us with our Beijing Tour guide Michael.... Who told us that most Chinese people take an American first name when they're young.

 We saw a couple shows... Acrobats, Kung Fu, dancing, etc....

 Summer Palace... Long Corridor

 Great Wall Locks of Love....

 The Enamel artists... beautiful.

 Food was served Family Style mostly...

 Temple of Heaven

Shanghai shopping district....

 Shanghai....

 Bride getting her portraits done....

 Bird Cage from the 2008 Olympic Games....

 Summer Palace.... Long Corridor

 Summer Palace... Marple Boat.

One last look at the WALL....

Conbo Post.... Tuesday and Wednesday!

Hey! I was too tired to write last night... Like anyone could be too tired to talk trash... Welcome to the first Trash Talk Tuesday edition of my blog!

                                  I take public transportation.... In the Philly Area it's called SEPTA which stands for (SouthEasternPublicTransportationAssociation).... We Lovingly call it Septic. We don't own a car right now, which isn't a big problem since we lived right outside of Philadelphia, but sometimes it's annoying, although not annoying enough to pay a car payment, insurance payment, and gas.... but frustrating, none the less. 
I borrow my Mom's car to do errands and get annoyed by other drivers within minutes and look forward to riding the subway and listening to my iPod, reading my book, texting without a fiery crash... etc. That being said... Some of the folks that take public trans are unique in both looks and smells. It can be eye/nose opening... Pushing and Shoving on and off is part of the experience always as well. 

                               We live in an apartment bldg.... It is a cute old bldg... and it's located in a great area, which is very convenient to shops, restaurants, and public transportation....and here comes the trash talk part. My neighbors are nice enough but... they are all young couples who fight a lot and most of the time it's in the middle of the night. Sometimes they take it to the hallways as well... so I think about going out there with some popcorn and a chair to enjoy the show. It's like they're auditioning for Jerry Springer or Maury Povich. I used to get worried about domestic violence but after checking with the other neighbors, it seems the women are the aggressors and sometimes beat up their men. So my next door neighbor on one side, is in prison for Aggravated assault on her boyfriend. Which actually quieted things down some, but the neighbors on the other side are filling in for her in her absence. So, don't worry, this Boring old Happily Married Couple is getting their dose of the dramatic. Let's be honest... maybe even an Overdose of the Dramatic. 



 Weight Loss Wednesday.... 

                         These are some of my staples of my diet and nutrition.... My Faves if you will.

 I have tried all kinds of protein shakes, and I found that the more protein they have in them... The worse they taste. I use the Atkins Mocha latte ones because they taste like a high calorie iced coffee drink.... at a low calorie price. They are delicious and sometimes when I am not hungry they make a great meal replacement or a bump in my protein if I am having a low day.

 Quest are by far my favorite protein bars.... I always take one to the movies with me to snack on while everyone around me is munching popcorn and candy. They are a good amount of protein and a ton of fiber. I like the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough best but White Chocolate raspberry and Peanut butter and Jelly are great too. They are great to toss in your purse for later because they don't melt either.

I missed Bread... I cut it out completely for a long time but I have added it back in but I always look for some protein and fiber.. with low calories. These taste great. and I have used them for sandwiches, burgers, and even pizza or calzones... 

Well, Tomorrow is Thursday and since it's my first Travel Thursday I will do my post on my trip to China...with lots of Photos. See Ya Then!


                                 
                       

Great Weekend.... Look at me Selfie!

                  Hey Guys! I started writing this blog years ago for myself... but these days It's nice to know someone is listening. Please toss me a comment letting me know you're still reading, what else you want to hear/talk about and if you have a blog give me the link. This is my Selfie that I took yesterday.... I don't take a lot of photos of myself because of my weight problem.... or I would stand behind my husband so I promised myself this year that I would take selfies every Sunday, Selfie Sunday... and I will take more photos with everyone else.... Friends, Family, Dog, and of course... My George. I am still super critical of myself but I am Instagraming and putting photos on Facebook regularly... so i will be more confident that beauty comes from within...and I am a natural beauty. Who cares about my broken nose which didn't heal right, my chipped crooked smile, my extra chins, my fat rolls, or my laugh lines?...I will see myself through the eyes of George. He who doesn't see my flaws and imperfections only my joy, smiles, the sparkle in my eyes, He sees into my soul... and guess what? Redheads do have souls, regardless of the rumors.Well, I will also share with you... and I promise you like I promised myself, 2 compliments for every critique. Here I am! Flawless Imperfection... Happy Selfie Sunday Everyone! 

                  

                       I went to my niece Emma's 1st Birthday party yesterday, family fun...and a food feast. I used to allow myself a "Cheat Day" at my family parties but we are a way social bunch, so many parties... Yesterday, I ate some fresh fruit, some turkey, and a chocolate dipped strawberry for dessert. And No Cake! I was sorta proud of myself. My Aunt is known for baking, so it's kinda a big deal. 

                      As for this week, Monday... We went to the regular movies to see a couple movies that we missed. We saw Race, The Boy, and The Witch.... I really like Horror movies. Tuesday, We are headed to a screening of Triple 9, Wednesday's screening is Gods of Egypt and Thursday's screening is London is Falling. So full schedule... and This coming weekend is like the Super Bowl for Movie Buffs.... The Academy Awards. Which we go to an Oscar Party every year to watch and celebrate with friends. 

                  So I don't get bored of writing and you don't get bored of reading... I thought I would do these days every week.... like Selfie Sunday, Movie Monday, Trash Talk Tuesday, Weight Loss Wednesday, Travel Thursday, Friends & Family Friday and Summary Saturday... I don't mean that is all I will talk about on those days but that is the main topic for those days. So Let me know you're out there.... Let's Chat!

Photo Post.....Meeting some Celebs.

 Let's get this started... I have met some celebrities and her are a few of my favorites. John Ondrasik(Five for Fighting) That is me and My George with John, he's an incredibly talented songwriter/musician.

 This is me with Jason Mewes(Jay & Silent Bob)... Jay is an inspiration who is great in the Kevin Smith Movies but also overcame a serious heroine addiction and has continued to help others do the same. I believe that Addition is a serious medical condition and no criminal punishment helps to cure it... I am glad that cupcakes aren't illegal to possess or distribute.

 My handsome hubby with his childhood crush that I arranged for him to meet.... Kathy Ireland... She is still so stunning and what a sweet girl!

My George and Me with Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes(Jay and Silent Bob).... We are huge Kevin Smith Fans...so we were thrilled to meet them both.

 My George arranged for me to meet my favorite band Train.... I am a true Soul Sister.

 George and Kevin messing around....

 George with Tommy Chong... He loves Cheech and Chong.

 George with Cheech Marin....

 Me with Michael Pitt... bad knees and all, I ran after him because I couldn't wait to tell him how much I enjoyed his work on Boardwalk Empire, Hannibal, Murder by Numbers, Funny Games...He was such a doll even though he was high as a kite.

 Us with some of our screening friends... We are all movie buffs...

 Here we are at the screening for Men in Black 3...

 Here we are at the screening of Dark Knight Rises...

 Here we are with Gabriel Iglesis... I am also a huge Stand up comedy fan.... I love Gabriel and I have met him 2 times...

 Here we are with Jake Gyllenhaal at the screening of Nightcrawler.... He came right over to me and introduced himself... and George twat blocked and photo bombed us...lol

Here is George with one of my favorite Comedians Ralphie May... The screenings that we go to are like Movie Premieres without all the fanfare and celebs... Although we have met many stars at the screenings. And sometimes they give us stuff or concessions... I have been going for over 24 years, since I met My George. And he started going years before that. So we are regulars... and It's our Vice. As you can see that my weight has fluctuated over the years... and I should stand in photos since sitting makes me look even fatter...lol

A day in the life of a trophy wife...

Here we go.... Do you translate your dog's barking into complaints and/or requests? My little white puffy Prince has alot to say so My George and I translate what he means to each other. I believe he may think we're crazy but his love is unconditional.

                  Isn't TV awesome? There's like a million shows worth watching.... And even for a lady of leisure like myself, there's not enough hours in the day. I did stop watching the weight loss reality ones, because instead of inspiring me to lose weight and work out.... They make me binge eat and give me overwhelming depression.... I didn't really understand why at first.... But it's because I really want an easy way out, but there is none!

                  Here's the movie buff stuff.... I am not a critic, I believe art is relative and just because I love or hate a film, doesn't mean you will. That being said.... I saw "Risen" last night. I was incredibly moved, it's a great journey. I felt renewed after seeing those who walked with Jesus portrayed so eloquently. The story was about the Roman soldier who was transformed completely after meeting Jesus Christ while investigating rumors that he rose from the dead.  Disclaimer: I am a Christian, but i accept any religion/way of life that teaches you the difference between right and wrong, pay it forward, give back, protect the environment and help those less fortunate etc..... And I appreciate all other ways of thinking, if love and goodwill is balanced.
                
                   This weekend is my niece Emma's 1st birthday party, I really look forward to seeing and spending time with my family, but every family celebration revolves around food.... Which is difficult for me, since my relationship with food is still so Fucked up. So wish me luck! And I will do my part by not going there hungry and making better choices....

What's all this about.... Anyway?

                 Welcome Back Me.... I am dedicated to doing better on this blog thing. I am still me... Maria. I am a Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Wife, Friend.... I love to laugh, and to make others laugh. As I write this, I am watching Amy, the documentary of Amy Winehouse's life. I love her voice and her incredible talent. It's a tragedy that she died so young. I am starting to babble... which is one of my annoying but loveable quirks. Back on track.....

                  I love movies... I am a movie buff, I see them to escape... sometimes to escape boredom of a life well-lived, sometimes to escape my depression and anxiety that I have dealt with for as long as I can remember... and sometimes to see the drama that my happy-go-lucky life lacks. Does it sound like I am saying I have the perfect life? Well, I don't. I do have a wonderful marriage but I deal with alot of pain, financial shortages, Clinical depression and Anxiety, and family drama. Along with a raging food addiction, mostly to sugar.... which has caused my foxy curves to get more than a little out of control.... I'm talking curves that could send a car off a cliff. Anyway, I am a work in Progress. 

                 My Husband George is my best friend and while I am typing this I can't help smiling when I think of him. I adore him, completely. He is my Happy Place. I can't believe the luck, the blessing that meeting him was... I can't think of who I would be without him, but I am glad I don't have to find out. We met 24+ years ago, and have been married for 20 years so far. He also loves movies and traveling... It was like we were literally made for each other. And he's a total hottie. Tall, dark hair, and beautiful blue eyes with a touch of green and gold. His black hair has a touch of silver now and there's less of it now... It only makes me realize that my dream of growing old together is coming true.... 

                  Well, I have babbled enough for today.... but I am back for good. So look for more real soon!