Betty and Rita - Friends No More and An Apology

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!  It’s a windy and cold autumn day. So I am wearing my black skinny jeans (1 pants size down, thank you very much!!), my Rolling Stones sleeveless top, a black cardi, my black stiletto ankle boots , my trademark red lippy and I got my eyelashes done yesterday so I feel like I am well armed for any battle!!!  This sort of outfit makes me feel liberated. 

2 weeks ago it was my birthday and my birthday celebration.  That night I learned a lot.

I stupidly invited Rita out with us (the lads from work) and she, again, made a total show of herself.  It started out ok and as the night went on and the more she drank she then started talking about how unhappy she was with her boyfriend and how she hated her life.

Then she sunk even lower.  Keith (one of our warehouse lads) has started dating a gorgeous girl, Hollie (name changed).  Keith decided to bring her out to meet us.  What a lovely girl she is!!  She is a curvy girl (about a size 16) with a beautiful smile, a great sense of humour, infectious laugh and a good head on her shoulders.  She works as a care worker for the elderly and her and Keith absolutely adores her. 

Rita started out being nice and as the alcohol flowed she started hitting on Keith.  Purring and pawing at him…in front of his girlfriend.  Hollie luckily saw what it was, a desperate girl desperate for attention.  Keith kept his cool but I was fuming inside.  Rita then drunkenly started going on again about how she was unhappy and I thought…for once, can this be about me? It’s my fucking birthday. Can’t I have a day that is about me?????

Rita disappeared.  I looked at my watch and saw the time, it was 11:58pm.  Rita said that her boyfriend was going to collect her at about midnight and take her home. I assumed she went home.  I saw that she left her coat and scarf so I picked it up and took it with me.  Simon took my hand and Keith, Hollie, Simon and I headed to get a taxi.  Hollie stopped and Keith stayed with her.  Simon and I were waiting for our cab in that taxi office and then Keith and Hollie came in and said that Rita was looking for me fuming.  Our cab arrived and I took her coat and scarf and Simon and I went home. 

On Monday I found out what Rita had done…She had gone to the bathroom and was in there for about 35 minutes.  Again, I didn’t know what was going on.  She saw that we all left and was looking for us.  She saw Hollie and Keith and she stumbled up to them and proceeded to go on at Keith how he wants to fuck her and how he fancies her….In front of Hollie.  She tried to kiss him but Keith turned her down and she started going off at Hollie insulting her size. 

For me, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.  How dare she?  Seriously.  That behaviour suggests to me that she has confidence issues and the fact that she did that to Keith’s girlfriend……disgusting.  What sort of self respecting woman would do that?  A desperate and sad one, that’s for sure!

So, Ragers and Ragettes, I have now cut ties with Rita.  I have posted her coat and scarf back and I wished her the best of luck with her life. 

So I Betty Rage, need to issue an apology to Suzanne.  I posted a few weeks ago a post on social media about Rita (she kindly sent me a bouquet of flowers) stating that she was my “best friend” as after the July fiasco she said that she was going to change.  Suzanne, I am sorry that I said that.  I know that you would never do that to me and I love you so much, my soul sister.  You are twice as beautiful as Rita is and I am blessed to have you in my life as my best friend.

Now that she is out of my life, I feel a lot better.  No drama.  No shit.  I can focus on my goals and the obstacles that are ahead.  I don’t need someone like that dragging me down or taking the shine off my prinnie crown.

So Ragers and Ragettes, lesson learned.  I would rather be a sane 5 than a crazy 10.

Until next time, keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher!

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxx

On The Royal Visit

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!  It’s been awhile, I know.  It’s been busy but that is ok with me.  Autumn has made an appearance finally so today I am wearing my favourite turquoise jumper, my bootcut jeans, and my cowboy boots.  Under the said cowboy boots?  The woolliest socks that I can find. 

Well, one of my biggest fears has presented itself to me.   Mama and Papa Rage….are coming to visit!!! 

Yes, there is nothing that strikes fear into my heart more than the impending visit from my parents.

Why, you may ask?

Well, it’s like this.  My parents are coming over to visit me and also they want to visit my Nana who lives in Ireland.  My Nana is turning 100 on the 3^rd of November and my father (my Nana is my father’s mother) obviously wants to wish the old dear a happy birthday. 

That is all fine and dandy but there are a few issues.  Namely the attitude of my family towards me.

I am regarded, because of my past issues with my mental health, to be the black sheep of the family.  So my dad’s side of the family scrutinize, criticize and basically laugh at me.  My cousin came over a few weeks ago and stated that my padrano (that’s Godfather to you…the Godfather in my family is a very important person.   The Godfather is someone to look up to and they in turn care for you if anything were to happen to my parents) thinks I’m “scary” because of my hair, piercings and tattoos.  All righty then!

It doesn’t stop there.  My uncle (who used to be my favourite uncle) likes to pick on me and my lifestyle.  He used to be cool but then he got married and now has become a bitter dickhead.  He picks on my lifestyle, my weight, my colourful past.  The thing that hurts is that him and I used to be tight.  I remember when I was younger visiting him when he lived in Aldershot.  We would go on the roof of his apartment through the sky light and drink vodka discussing our hopes and fears.  He confided in me and listened to me.  I did the same for him.  I wiped his tears away when his engagement got broken off to ex-fiance.  When he moved to Ireland to take care of my grandparents, I came down to take him out for a beer to cheer him up.  Then he got married.  And he changed.  The laughing smiling uncle I had before turned into a sad, depressed, bitter man.  It broke my heart.

So I will have to be in a different country where I know that I will get picked on relentlessly. 

Oh, and then there are my parents.  My Mama does the same, picks on me, but she does it in a passive aggressive way.    Whenever I go home for Chrstmas to see my family, it’s always the same:  You’ve gained weight, you’ve dyed your hair, I hate it, stop piercing your body, you have too many tattoos, when are you going to get married, you’ve been engaged twice but you haven’t married is there a problem with you and the list goes on.

So for 8 wonderful days I am going to get picked on.  Yippee.  I kept thinking about it, I teared up and then…..I snapped.

Here is the exact email that I sent to my Mama:

“Right, in regards to your visit.  I have some concerns.  I find,

especially when we go to Ireland, that I am going to get picked on.  Iknow that it is Nana's birthday but if I am going to be subjected toabuse, being picked at, questioned or harassed by anyone, it will NOTbe tolerated.  Yes, I have many tattoos.  Yes, I am overweight.  Yes,I didn't go to College.  Yes, I am living in sin with my boyfriend.Yes, I am mentally ill.  Yes, I have funny hair.  But you know what?I have travelled.  I speak languages (I am actually negotiating a withnew supplier in Italy).  I am helping run a business.  I amnegotiating a £2 million business deal.  I am now negotiating theterms of a new warehouse.  I have been told that I am a great manager.  I care for my staff.  So ifbeing an overweight tattooed mentally ill woman that is living in sinwith her boyfriend and that managing a successful, growing businessthat cares for her staff that doesn't do drugs that doesn't sell herbody is something to be made fun of and picked on then, well frankly,screw you. I am not taking it from anyone anymore.  I know this seemsa bit of a strange email but the anxiety and fear that I have had toshoulder in regards to "family" functions.  The questions, theobnoxious passive aggressive comments that have been made (actuallyAuntie, I do like shopping at charity shops because you can finddesigner labels and I love the vintage look.  It's called having asense of style and at least I am an individual and not a lemming), theway that I have been made to feel....I have hated and dreaded going tofamily functions for ages.  So again, this is a one time warning.,  Ifthere is any obnoxious or passive aggressive comments, clothingadjusting,lifestyle questioning or anything like that.  I WILL walk out and IWILL  leave.  And if any of these comments occur in the sanctity of MYhome, then the offending people will be asked to leave. Simple.  Rantover.”

Now that may not seem like a lot to you, but that is the first time that I have taken my Mama on.  I have always been subservient when it comes to my family (in the Italian culture la famiglia is everything.  You respect your elders) and when I hit send, I regretted it. 

I didn’t get a response for a few days.  Then Mama responded. 

“Well, your email took me by surprise.  Anyway, please don't stress over this visit.  My advice would be to not give them any fuel to start a confrontation.  You are a successful business woman who has taken care of yourself, speaks different languages and has travelled.  If you feel uncomfortable where a conversation is going just say "that was then and this is now." End of  story!”

We Facetimed and she then picked on me about my newly dyed black hair.  I took a deep breath and told her to cut the crap.  She looked shocked.  I felt sick.  But I had to do it. 

I have let her rule me and guilt me for 33 years (it will be 34 years tomorrow….yes it is my birthday!!) and to be honest, I need to proudly show my tattoos and proudly be me.   I can’t let her old fashioned views and her words hurt me anymore.  I need to free myself of this. 

So please think of me on the 12^th of November.  The Royal Visit will commence.  But this is a time for me to be strong and man up and face this head on!!!

So until next time Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and your standards high and your heels even higher!

Lots of Love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxxxx

On An Eventful and Very Crazy Weekend

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!  It’s a cool day here in St Helens and I think that the old autumn has decided to rear its ugly head.  So I have dressed accordingly:  Not so Skinny jeans, white vest, black blazer, black 5 inch stiletto heeled ankle boots…no red lippy…no, I Betty Rage have tried a different colour.

You see, this past weekend was crazy!!!  The original plan was to go to Manchester on Saturday to see my card reader and I had 6 empty Mac Cosmetic containers to take back and get a free lippy.  (Mac cosmetics have a scheme called Give Back to Mac where you take 6 empty Mac containers – finished blush, powder, and such – and they reward you with a new lippy.  Fab!)

Everything was going to plan then I woke up on Saturday morning.  I woke up to 2 messages.  The first one being from Simon’s Mum stating that she wanted me to go to Aldi on Sunday morning to get her some new face cream that was advertised on the This Morning Show.  Apparently this cream is made by the same people that make La Prairie.  So she said that she was going to leave me the brochure circling what she wanted.  That was cool, I didn’t have a problem with that.

The second message came completely out of left field.  My cousin Stanley* was in England and he wanted to see if I was free for a beer and a catch up that night!!!!

So that put a massive spanner in the works.  The flat was a mess.  I had loads of laundry to do so I got up and started on the laundry.

I put the darks in and started cleaning.  Once the dark load was finished, I took it out and started to hang the clothes out to drive.  I took Simon’s jeans and they felt very heavy.  I put my hand in his jean pocket and…well…I found that I Betty Rage Domestic Goddess had put not only Simon’s jeans in the washing machine but his wallet also!!!  Simon has a habit of carrying around huge wads of cash so I thought “Fuck, Simon’s money!!”.  I quickly opened his wallet and strangely enough, the bills were in tact!!  I breathed a sigh of relief and put the bills on the window sill to dry.  I then creeped over and woke Simon up.  I then told him what happened and showed him that everything was fine  He looked at me and just shook his head.  I chimed in and said, what did you expect?  I’m half Italian, we have a tendency to do a bit of money laundering!!!  He smiled and kissed me.  And everything was fine with the world.

I rushed out and got my nails done (a lovely matte pink colour..I have been going through a matte make up phase.  I think matte nails in the autumn are quite chic.

I then sped off to get the train to Manchester.  The train was 15 minutes late so I sprinted to my card reader and got there on time. 

 I had a fabulous and great reading.  Loads of positivity and opportunity.  I need to take a step back and remember my blessings and the most important thing…let go of all bad people and situations.  Leaving those bad feelings and situations and people festering in your life is a bad thing and it can make you sick and drag you down.  So I left with a spring in my step and made my way to the Mac Counter.

Now I have a vast collection of red lippies as it is my signature.  I have decided to go for a different colour so the Mac consultant at Selfridges and I went through and settled on a matte neutral colour lippy with a matching lip pencil.  How do I feel about it?  Strange.  Very strange.  I am used to my armour of my red lippy but I am getting used to it.  I have been wearing it since 8:00am and it’s 4:30 now and it has stayed intact.  I am kind of liking it.  I want to start doing more with my eye make up and I feel that you should never do a bold eye with a bold lip colour.  So if I opt for a smoky eye, this colour is a perfect compliment.  The colour is Mehr by Mac and the lip pencil is Soar.

I then got on the train and got back to the train station and then floored it back to the flat where I started to tidy up as much as possible.  By the end of it I was tired and we decided to be naughty and we got a takeaway.    We were both cranky and tired.  Plus we were waiting for Stanley who was going to drop by at 8pm. 

Stanley arrived and I must admit, it was fab seeing him again.  The last time I saw him was 9 years ago in Ireland for my grandparents wedding anniversary.   He had aged but we chatted constantly. 

We opted to go out for a few beers and Simon tagged along.  It was a pleasant evening.  I thought that would be awkward I don’t get along with that side of the family and I am a bit of a black sheep so to speak but Stanley said, Black Sheep?  Betty you are a success.  I told him to report back to my uncle (my uncle is also my Godfather) that I am boring.  Stanley had admitted that he thinks I am a wild and crazy one but as I said to Stanley to be successful you need to be a bit unhinged.  He agreed.

Stanley stayed the night in the spare room.  He was gone by the morning as he had an early flight.

On Sunday, I woke up early and went to the gym.  I had a killer leg workout.  I finished my workout and made my way to Aldi for Simon’s Mum. 

I got there for 9:30 (the shop opened at 10am) and I was listnengn to music just chilling.  I then noticed the time and an old woman standing by the door.  So I got out of my car and joined her.  She was at least 75 and had a walking stick. As the minutes passed, more women were lining up.  They were all chatting excitedly about this face cream.  I had to stop myself from laughing because it was like we were going to see the holy grail.

When the store opened at 10am, the poor shop assistant genuinely looked scared at the big throng of women standing before him that wanted this face cream.  Luckily I was right at the front.  The shop assistant opened the door kind of reluctantly and we all pushed in dashing towards the place where the cream was.  I was one of the first people to get there.  I took Simon’s mum’s list out and picked the 3 products she wanted.  As I was picking the last product up, I felt the crowd push into me.  I tried to turn myself around to go to the till to pay but I was block in by a mob of women.  I then felt a sharp whack on my thigh.

The lovely 75 year old woman whacked me with her cane and she said move it!!!  I was trying to leave but I was blocked in.

Luckily, a staff member saw me and she yelled “everyone form an orderly queue please!”  I managed to free myself and run to the till.

I heard rustling and struggling as the women tried to get to the face creams.  I got to the till and I remarked damn!!!!  It’s like feding time at the zoo!

The woman behind the till said today is going to be shit.  WE only have 2 cases of this cream and when it runs out we will get the blame!  I paid and walked out with my thigh still throbbing from the smack I got from that kind old lady that I had been talking with not 5 minutes earlier.

It’s crazy what fashion and beauty can do!  I mean it reduced a bunch of nice old ladies into a pack of vultures circling a dead zebra.

Anywho, it was a crazy silly weekend and I am already looking forward to the next weekend and I have a tattoo scheduled for November so lots to look forward to!

So I leave you now Ragers and Ragettes.  Until next time keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher!

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxx

On Weight Loss Triumphs

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!!  It’s Monday again (Booooooo) and I am here at my desk with loads to do and not one ounce of motivation to do it.  Yes, I have a case of the Mondays.

The weather doesn’t know what it wants to do so I am dressed  in layers today.  I’m rocking my bootcut jeans (which are feeling quite loose), a white camisole, my orange work hoodie (orange doesn’t suit my colouring whatsoever but it is warm and fleecy so on it stays!!), my cowboy boots (I am going for a run after work so no heels on running days), my hair back in an Alice band (the pixie cut is growing out nicely!  Hopefully by Christmas it will look like it last Christmas).  Basic look today but I woke up at stupid o’clock today to get Simon up and we were in work for 6am as there was a lot to do.  I am still smiling because this past weekend I broke through a major barrier in my life.

As you all know I have been trying to lose weight.  Well, this past weekend I smashed through a huge hurdle.  This hurdle has been a road block in my weight loss endeavours.  It seems like whatever I did I couldn’t shatter it.  What was this roadblock?

Going below 200 pounds (or 90 kilos or 14 Stone 4 pounds).  Or as it is better known as, One-derland.

Well on Sunday, I Betty Rage have dropped into One-derland!!!  I proudly weigh 199.6 pounds (14 stone 3)  I found this out when my trainer did my measurements (all of them down) she told me to pop on the scale and when I saw the numbers, I shrieked and started to cry.    My trainer hugged me and I just sobbed.  And I mean sobbed like a bitch.  I felt like a massive weight has been lifted from my shoulders, literally. 

My body is shrinking.  My jeans are now falling off me.  My belt is on the last notch and when I go to take them off, I can slip my jeans and belt off without unbuckling or undoing the buttons/zipper.   I tried on my next sized down skinny jeans.  They go on over my hips, I can button the top button, pulling the zip up takes a lot of brute force and once it is up, I am rocking a massive camel toe.  I have a way to go until I can comfortably get into them.  Have a goal to get into a sexy red body con dress and my vintage coat (it buttons up, it’s tight when I am wearing no bra and a camisole…I need it to accommodate a bra and a jumper) by my birthday.  I am well on my way with it!!

Now how have you done this, Betty, you may be asking.  I shall tell you.

I simply increased my calories and exercise.  Yes, you read that right!  I am eating 1500 calories a day and doing at least 30 minutes of exercise, whether that is walking into town, beasting it the gym or running after work. 

I still eat or whole wheat pasta or whole wheat tortilla wraps, but only on days that I run.  I work for it.  I eat 5 times a day.  A sample menu, for example what  I am eating today:

Breakfast:  2 large hard boiled eggs and 150g of low fat cottage cheese

Mid Morning Snack:  cucumbers and red peppers with houmous

Lunch: whole wheat pasta with chicken, olives, red pepper, cucumber, spring onion with Teriyaki sauce

Mid Afternoon Snack:  A handful of almonds

Dinner:  2 beef burger patties with steamed veggies

I am drinking 2 liters of water a day. Carbs are not the enemy.   Fruits and vegetables are carbs too, remember that.

I haven’t had a drop of alcohol since the 30^th of August.  I feel great.  I have no tummy upsets and my skin is looking better.  The cellulite on my bum and my tummy is going. I actually feel great!

And breaking through that barrier has contributed to the good feeling.  Now that I have smashed through it,  I truly feel in control again.  I am literally taking each meal at a time.  I am consciously making better choices.

Like the time that Simon and I did our food shopping on Friday night.  Usually after food shopping the last thing I want to do is cook a meal so we usually get sandwiches.  But instead of choosing a sandwich, I chose a quinoa, chicken salad.  It wasn’t the best tasting thing but it was better than a big sandwich with loads of calories.  I am a believer that whenever you go out to eat or if you find yourself in a situation that you can’t eat a fresh home cooked meal, there is always a healthy choice.

For example, in 2 weeks I am seeing the fabulous Suzanne and she wants to go out to eat.  She suggested Frankie and Benny's.  I researched the menu and I have found a good and tasty choice for 321 calories.  Even at McDonalds or Subway, you can get a standard chicken salad for 192 calories. 

I am proud of myself, Ragers and Ragettes.  As you all know, this has been a hard journey for me but I am proud because I have made good choices, I have not quit and I am seeing results. 

I will be in that red body con.  I will be in my red vintage coat.  I will be in my next sized down jeans.  I am so determined because when I go home for Christmas I will get the fabulous clothes that I have mentioned before.

You can do anything when you put your mind to it.  As fitness crazy lady and guru Jillian Michaels once said, if you want something you fight for it.  And Ragers and Ragettes, for the last 15 days I have been fighting.  And I will continue to fight.

Until next time Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher!

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxxxxx

On My Christmas Shopping List

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!  Following yesterday’s kind of down post let’s get something positive and fab today!!

So its September and today I am rocking my skinny (not so skinny jeans actually...I need to get the next size down), a white racer back cami, my black blazer and my black and white skull printed Iron Fist peep toe stilettos and of course, my fabulous Betty Rage Red Lipstick.  It’s a must!

My hair is growing out which is fab!  I should hopefully have my Betty Rage Bob back by Christmas. 

And speaking of Christmas, I have started the arduous task of figuring out what I want to get from my native land as the choice is massive and the prices are low.

So I started thinking.  What pieces do I need in my wardrobe?  I started looking through my clothes and realised that I am lacking some key pieces.  I then realised that I had made a list of things that every woman should have in their wardrobe and decided when I go home for Christmas I am going to purchase all the items on this list.

So here we go:

1 A pair decent pair of jeans that suit my body shape.  Jeans.  The average woman owns 3-4 pairs of jeans.  These are one of the most sought after and bought items for women.  We seem to be on a hunt for the perfect pair of jeans.  The thing is though, every woman’s body is different.  It’s important though, to buy jeans that suit your body shape.  I thought I was a pear shape but it looks like I could be an hourglass?  Any who, for both shapes, it is recommended a high waisted kick flare (which I love!!!!), bootcut or skinny jean which suits me fine.  I prefer those styles!  High waisted is a must because it alleviates the dreaded bend over and see knickers thing that happens when us curvy girls bend over or sit down.  Also if you want to invest in a good pair (like I intend on doing so) and get them tailored to your leg length.  I have a funny leg length.  A “short” in most shops is too short on me and a “regular” is too long!!!  Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!  It’s frustrating.  So I intend on buying a nice pair that fits my curves and I plan on getting them altered to fit my leg length.  I plan on buying a few pairs so my tailoring bill is going to be quite high, but it is worth it!!!

2

 A crisp white blouse.  Now this is a basic piece that can be worn in so many ways!  You can wear it with jeans, dressy trousers, or skirts.  It’s a piece that never goes out of style.  I, personally, like a plain ¾ sleeved white blouse as I feel it is more versatile.  My bezzie, Suzanne, is looking for a Victoriana style one (which I have been searching for) and I am struggling!!!  But there are so many variations on shapes and tailoring on the classic white blouse.  You need to find the right shape and style for you.  So for me it’s a plain ¾ sleeved one that sits 2 inches below the belly button.

 A trench coat.  This is a piece that is classic.  Every year you see on runways trench coats, or variations of.  But for me, I’m looking for a classic beige belted trench coat.  As this piece will never, ever go out of style. 

     

A Black Belt and a Brown Belt:  To go with said jeans, a belt is a must!!  I like brown belts with denim but I always match them with my choice of shoes and handbag.

A classic Business Suit:  Every woman needs one of these in the closet.  Perfect, not only for job interviews, but remember, you don’t have to wear these just as a suit.  That means you have on hand a nice suit jacket (which looks smart with a blouse and a pair of jeans) and a skirt or a pair of trousers that can be teamed with a blouse or a long sleeved jumper.  I personally would go for a black and white pinstriped one, a classic black one or a grey one.  All 3 are perfect and are versatile.

A black pencil skirt.  This is a must!!  This piece is so versatile!  It can be worn to the office with a blouse or a jumper or a sparkly vest top for the evening.  A pencil skirt is very different from a skirt suit.  Skirt suits are cut in  more A-line shape.  I intend on buying a black pencil skirt back home.

A black patent pair of peep toe heels.  These shoes go with everything!!  They can be worn, day and night and are classic.  These will never go out of style...ever.  Plus it’s an excuse to buy new shoes!!!  I also have my eyes on getting a pair of nude peep toes too as they are quite good for spring and summer.

8.       

Basic white camisoles/vests.  These are one of the building blocks of all wardrobes.  They can be worn on their own, under blouses, to bed.  The question is where can’t they be worn?  Honestly.  I prefer a racer back style, personally as it suits my body shape.

9.     

  A padded bra.  Now I love lingerie.  I have a bra that is so padded that when I wear a plunging neck line I always wear and my cleavage looks perfect!!  And under a crew-necked long sleeved jersey dress, it looks amazing!!!  I think that it is important to at some point in your life get a proper bra fitting.  Now, like clothes, every brand of bra fits differently.  So I intend on visiting old Victoria’s Secret and getting a fitting there and buying a fabulous bra and other pieces of lingerie.  Plus maybe something sexy for Simon’s benefit....

A classic Handbag.  Now, I am always on the search for a nice shaped handbag.  I like to buy bags that have a bold colour.  I find that when you wear neutral coloured clothes, you can get away with a pop of colour in your handbag.  I am searching for a nice red one. I like big handbags.  And I am very particular about the shape.  So that should be an adventure!

   A little black dress.  Ahhhhhh....the Little Black Dress, or LBD as we fondly refer to it, is the go to item when there is a party or a massive function or even work.  Never has there been an item of clothing that the potential is great!  I like a belted shift dress, personally so that is what I am looking for.  I want to definitely find one of these and a little red dress.  Red is my favourite colour after all...

I know that this list looks very plain and basic, but I feel that these are the building blocks of any wardrobe.  With these basic pieces you can create thousands of different looks.  And with simple coloured accessories you can add a pop of colour for a classic look.  And as these pieces will pretty much stay in style for, well, forever, I don’t mind paying a little bit more for them. 

So there you go.  This is the beginning of my shopping list.  I also am going to buy out the Mac counter, obviously, and I want to look for Charlotte Tilbury and Too Faced make up as I have heard good reviews about them.  It’s always good to try new make up too, but that is a different post all together.

I have been doing great with my weight loss and I want to treat myself to getting good quality basic clothes.  Plus I am saving like a trooper and I have sacrificed having days off and vacations, so why not splurge on myself? 

Simon and I are spending 3 nights in New York and I intend on doing some shopping there!!!  It would be rude not to!

There you go Ragers and Ragettes.  There is my shopping list for Christmas.  So onwards with the diet and with the saving. 

Until next time Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher!

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxx

On Social Media

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!  Sorry for the delay in posting.  It's been manic and I haven't had time to pee let alone post!

Well, today was a fab day as I received my new boots!! They are some lovely brown knee high boots with a chunky heel from River Island.  I absolutely love them!  I have been looking for the perfect boots for autumn for what it seems like a million years.  To me, it's an autumn essential. 

Now onto something that has been on my mind for ages.

Social media is something that we all have a hand in.  It seems most people, these days, have a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account.  Hell, even my blogger account! 

Social media is a platform to get news, opinions and such from our loved ones that live far away and also keep up to date on current events. And what a great way to advertise for businesses. And it's even a better way of seeing who in your class has become fat!

This social media thing is also supposed to be a place where you can put your inner most thoughts, your likes, things that are important to you.  But, Ragers and Ragettes, is this the case?

Today I had an incident with Simon's parents on the platform of Facebook.

I received my new boots (squuuuueeeeeeeeeee still so happy that I have them) and so I, did what I always did, posted a photo on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  I mean, shoes and fashion are my main passion.

Simon's mum saw them and thought that they were lovely.  Well, this afternoon after they left work, Simon's mum (most likely it was really Simon's dad) commented on the photo stating something to the effect of you should be working.

Well, this is rich coming from sad alcoholics that sponge off their son.  I mean, I have to authorise payment to Simon's mum every month.  She works for a half a day every Monday and if you break down what she gets paid per hour, she is actually the highest paid person in the organisation!!!  And she rocks up to work reeking of booze and makes loads of mistakes!!!  Fucking makes me fume!!!

Now, it got bad with Simon's dad that I have put him to an "acquaintance" on Facebook.  So he cannot see things that I post or comment on them as he used to always make snarky comments on my posts.

Now my issue is that Simon's parents pick at most of my statuses.  I am in an awkward position.  Do I block both of Simon's parents and have that uncomfortable conversation of why did you block me? Do I put up with it? Do I put Simon's mum as an acquaintance too? 

Saying all this, are we truly free on social media? I mean blocking your boyfriend's parents would cause issues, undoubtedly. But do we really post what we think? And if we did would we have any "friends" left? 

The amount of times I have had to bite my tongue from writing something to the affect of, not another fucking picture of a baby!!! Or shut the fuck up or seriously? You're a crank! 

Why do I not post those things? Well it's not very polite is it and I'm a lover not a fighter.

I feel like a lot of times Facebook is an illusion. We're making a picture of what we want to be not of what we really are.  We want everyone to see that we have a good life, a great relationship, a fab holiday, a great wardrobe. We want people to see that we are going to the gym, that we have an active social life.  It's actually kind of sad.

I have mixed feelings about it to be honest and I try to always be true to myself within the constraints of what you ought to say or do.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that we are all trying to be popular, cool, important and most importantly, trying to get that perfect selfie.

So Ragers and Ragettes, remember when you check your Instagram and you see that chick doing yoga and looks like she has a perfect life? She most likely doesn't and after that picture she probably binged on ice cream and doughnuts. 

Be yourselves, everyone else is already taken

So until next time, Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher!

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxx

On Being a Manager

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!  It’s been ages since I have written anything.  Seriously.  It’s been manic!!!  Today I am rocking a leopard print maxi skirt, black cami, black wedges and my bright pink lippy with black and gold accessories.  It looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous day here in St Helens and I am happy about it!  I have also started listening to the Classical Music channel, Classic FM.  I have enjoyed it.  They say that music calms the savage beast and well my stomach hasn’t hurt, I have been calm and in a good mood.

Well we have had some changes in work.  We have hired 2 new staff members.  This came about when I went to the rugby stadium for a set of interviews for apprentices.   It was an interesting day.  I had the best seat in the house as I looked down on the fit rugby men practicing....droooollllllll!!

Most of the people that attended were young robots in bad fitting suits.  I managed to find 2 people that fit the bill.  The first one named Andy*.  He’s tall, lanky with a great sense of humour and the second one Jasmine is quirky, tough and I clicked with her straight away.

Andy is doing the customer services job and Jasmine is the office admin.  You would think that things are great?  Well here are some issues.

Andy smokes a lot of weed.  I mean loads of weed.  He has the memory of a goldfish and doesn’t get all the work done.  He asks the same question over and over and over and over.  I try to be patient but my patience is wearing thin. 

Issue 2:  Jasmine is great.  She is very quick witted and uses her initiative.  But there is an issue.  She and Keith have started...well....seeing each other.  They sit next to each other and you constantly hear giggling.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I like to have a laugh and a joke at work but both Keith and Jasmine are not working.  They were loudly talking about Saturday night and howling with laughter to the point that Simon bellowed SHUT THE FUCK UP when he was trying to talk to me and I couldn’t hear him.

I have had the title of Manager before but I have never managed people.  From what I can see, you are a glorified babysitter.   You can’t get your own work done because you have to answer questions.  You are on standby and you can’t really do what you should be doing.  Sigh. 

In regards to Andy, I am constantly answering questions and Simon is answering questions.  Simon is now starting to get very, very, very, very, very irritated.  It seems that information goes in but doesn’t stay there.  I bought him a notebook and some pens to take notes.  But he isn’t doing it.  Instead of answering emails, he doodles on post it notes.  The amount of times I have caught him...sigh....

There is so many times that you can say, yes we ship everywhere.  No, that stock is due in on Wednesday or where are you up to?  I don’t know what to do.  I have been bullied before at work and I don’t want him to think that I am being a bully.

Jasmine is a great worker.  I like her very much and I feel that she is a great addition to the team.  But when Keith is there work doesn’t get done.  Keith needs to be in the office because he is assisting Andy.  It’s frustrating.  It seriously is.

So I am thinking of moving Jasmine next to me and putting Andy where Jasmine was sitting, next to Keith.  That might work?  I don’t want them to think that I am a total bitch but work needs to be done.

Why are we keeping them you may ask?  Well, they are cheap!  As they are apprentices, you can pay them a lower wage.   But as I said to Simon last night, if you want the best you have to pay for it.  Jasmine, that can be sorted.  She’s smart and she will do great work, I need to just get rid fo the distraction that is Keith.

I have always worked better as a lone wolf or in a pack of wolves that were equal to me.  The thought of managing people is exciting but I’m finding it more stressful than rewarding.  I shouldn’t have to babysit.  I have work to do!!!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!  So if there are successful managers out there, please can you give me some advice?  I am seriously starting to lose it!!!!

So until next time Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher!

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxx

On a Follow Up From Yesterday’s Post

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!  It’s a warm and gorgeous day outside so I have dressed appropriately in a black cami, my leopard print max dress, my black gladiators and my pink lippy.  Usually I would pair this with my black handbag but I felt that I would stick with the pink bag.  A pop of colour for a dark outfit.  Plus it matches my lippy.

I wanted to write this because in light of what has happened and what I wrote about yesterday, there are some feelings and thoughts that were unsaid.  So I am going to put this out there.

Writing yesterday made me realise how fucked off I truly am.  On the day, I didn’t kick up a fuss or scream or cause a scene.  Why?  I was shocked and I wanted to keep a dignified front.  I didn’t want to lower myself to her level.  I would have seriously kicked her scawny whore ass across St Helens and back down the East Lancs but I didn’t want further embarrassment.  The whole situation made me want to be swallowed up by the earth.  I never thought by someone’s inconsiderate actions I could feel so useless and so insignificant.

So, after I posted this Suzanne contacted me and I told her what happened and she hit the roof.  I know 100% now that Rita isn’t a friend.  A friend wouldn’t do that to another friend.   Plain and simple.  I felt so low, and I really needed the advice of my girl crush, Elena.

I think that a lot of us don’t want conflict or to hurt people’s feelings so they allow themselves to be walked on and treated like shit.  Why?  Because we don’t want to offend or cause a conflict.  We are taught to mind our manners and just suck it up.

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said, No one can make you feel inferior unless you let them.

Here I sit thinking....I have let some skinny whore make me feel inferior!!   Have allowed her to hang on my man, snuggle into him and discuss my reproductive system.   I have allowed her to spin drunken lies about how I want to have children and somewhere in that drunken mess of a head she thinks that Simon is controlling every aspect of my life.  I sat back and allowed it.

Yes, it is great to keep a dignified silence but looking back, I should have strutted up, grabbed her glossy hair and dragged her off the couch and given her a beat down or confronted her at least.  I shouldn’t have stood there silent.   

She isn’t a friend of mine anymore.  I am not having that sort of person in my life.  I need people lke Suzanne, my gay best friend and my personal trainer.  Those people add value in my life.

There is a famous sating back home, Ragers and Ragettes, when you are pickng friends, pick value over quantity... mean I would rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

So until next time, Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher

Lots of Love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxxx

The Fourth of July Part 2 – The Party

Hey Ragers and Ragettes! It’s a gorgeous day here in St Helens.  It’s warm and I am rocking my bootcut jeans, my fuchsia cami, my cream blazer, and my wooden platform sandals and my melted candy lipstick.  I’m getting used to my new hair colour still and I guess that it is growing on me.  Well, when it grows it will look better I think.

I needed to wait a few days to write this post as a lot happened and a lot needed to be thought through.  If I carry on a bit, please bear with me.

Well I wanted to have a fourth of July party as I had a fabulous outfit to wear (a retro styled halter neck belted blue jumpsuit with my wooden platform wedges and cheeky blue vintage scarf) and I hadn’t been able to wear it yet.  So I organized for the Amsterdam crew to come to work and have a few beers and a barbecue.

Rita arrived at my house and straight away was analyzing every text still from Jeff.  I was praying that this wasn’t going to be my whole night.

We loaded the car up and I drove to the warehouse and started setting up.  We took the black couch, the chairs and tables and set them up outside.   The lads started to arrive and they all flocked to Rita.  I thought great.  She will stop talking about Jeff and have a good time?  Nothing could prepare me for what was about to happen.

I made a point that I didn’t want to drink.  I was driving and riding on the back of a fabulous weight loss triumph I didn’t want to consume more unnecessary calories.  It was my choice.  Simon backed me and just didn’t want to get a messy head, because, Ragers and Ragettes, I CANNOT HANDLE MY DRINK.  When I drink, it gets very messy.  I either get very happy and sloppy or weepy and melodramatic.  I don’t want either.  I had my eyelashes done and I didn’t want to fuck them up.

So I was floating around chatting to everyone.  Everyone was having a few beers and we were all chatting.

Then Paddy rocked up with this brother and his new employee, Shane*.  (Name has been changed)  Shane is a very, very, good looking, young muscly man.  Very easy on the eye and very cheeky.  He saw the beautiful Rita and was drawn to her like a magnet.  They were chatting and the rest of us were giggling saying that they were going to end up in bed.  (She is still in a relationship and still is messing around with  Jeff)

I sat down next to Rita as she was giving me the help me signal....it really wasn’t I don’t think because she was drunk.  Already.  She slurred her words and put her arm around my shoulders and started squeezing my right boob.  Betty, she slurred.  Why aren’t you drinking?  Are you not having a good time?  Is Simon not letting you?

I said, no I am not drinking because I lost some weight, had some great results and I don’t want to mess that up. 

I think that Simon isn’t letting you drink, Betty.  I bet he’s not letting you drink, she slurred. 

I repeated my answer.  No, this was my choice and I didn’t want to drink.  She then threw a strop and said, well  thought that we were going out in town after.

 I said, erm, no.  If the lads arranged that then that is up to them, not me.

This same conversation was going on for about 5 minutes.  Paddy must have seen me looking uncomfortable and he came over and started chatting to Rita 

I slipped away and went to see if Simon wanted some help with the food.

Before I knew it, I heard Rita shrieking “Oh stop it you!”  I turned to see the lads throwing ice down her top.  I walked over to see if she was ok, and she was giggling and taking the ice and putting it in her bra and rubbing it on her nipples.

She then started snap chatting this and taking plenty of boob shots.  All the guys were lapping this up. 

Being sober, I seriously didn’t know what to think. Here is a woman....in a relationship and has a child acting like a desperate woman.  Wanting men to grope, idolize, and adore her.

She then got up and announced, because we are not going out I am going to change into my joggers (pajama bottoms).  She stumbled into the office and I assumed she went to the bathroom.

Paddy and a few of the lads followed her.

I noticed that we ran out of ice so I walked into the office through to the warehouse past the open bathroom door...

I walked into the warehouse and there was Rita in her thong bending over to put her jogging bottoms in front of half of my staff.....including Simon!!!!! 

As soon as she clocked I was there she drunkenly started to complain, guuuuuyyyyyss, don’t look at me when I change, she whined.  Simon looked at me, I looked at him back with a look that was sad and confused.

I simply turned around and walked back through the office and to the outside.  Rita was chatting to Paddy loudly.  I walked around the side and tried not to cry.    

I then came back to the party and Shane cornered me demanding to know why I wasn’t drinking.  I told him, because I don’t want to.

He pushed and said, I don’t know someone fully until I drink with them.   I glanced over and Rita was visibly upset chatting to Paddy as she smoked a cigarette 

I lit one myself and chatted more to Shane.  I noticed that Simon sat down on the couch and Rita sat next to him and was chatting animatedly to him.  She then started pushing her body into his.  God, she was wasted!!!!

I nodded and was half in conversation with Shane then I saw the one thing that made me feel sick.....Simon’s arm was resting casually on the top of the couch.  It had slipped down and was around Rita...his hand on the small of her back....he then started to rub the small of her back...the way he did when we lie n bed together.  She seemed to cuddle even closer to Simon. 

I looked down at my body.  Ragers and Ragettes.  I felt fat and ugly.  There was skinny Rita with her perky fake tits and pretty mane of hair.   I smoothed my short unruly pixie crop down.  I had never felt so inadequate in all my life.

Rita caught my eye she must have seen me looking like I had been kicked in the head.  She got up and stumbled towards me whimpering.

Betttyyyyyyy she whined.  I didn’t mean it she said.  She took my hand and we went around the side and sat on the curb.  She slurred, Betty I didn’t mean to strip off in front of Simon, I promise I didn’t mean anything...she rambled on and I just half listened.  She then started to go on about why I don’t have children and that she thought I wasn’t having children because Simon doesn’t want to.   She thinks that I want children.  I don’t.  I never told her that I did.

Simon came over and I tried to change the conversation but she kept rabbiting on.  My head was hurting. I was doing everything I could to not burst into tears.  Then Simon saved me.....he threw his guts up.   Got up to get him some water and a cool cloth and when I returned Rita was draped over him.  I felt like I was useless.

I handed him a glass of water and started to soothe him.  He took a few sips and said, I actually feel better.   I smiled and got up and returned to the rest of the guests.

I sat down and one of my work lads started chatting to me.  Rita sat down on the couch and was snuggling into Simon again and they were having a heated discussion about my fertility and children....Simon was telling her that we discussed children and we don’t want them and she told him that I was lying and that I don’t want children. 

That argument went on the rest of the night. 

The party came to a natural conclusion and we all packed up and went back to my flat. Rita was complaining that everyone drank her drink and smoked her cigarettes....erm......no, she drank her own drink and smoked all of her cigarettes!!!  Her boyfriend was picking her up so I had to wait until he came to pick her up.  She babbled on about Jeff and my barren womb and told me a baby would make everything better.  I was in a state of shock and just mumbled something about timing.  Finally her fella picked her up. 

I undressed and got into bed facing away from Simon. Simon put his arm around me and kissed my shoulder and my back and told me that he loved me.  A tear rolled down my cheek and I didn’t know what to think.

 I had a shit night’s sleep. 

I don’t know what to think about what happened. Was Rita trying to shit stir?  Was she just being a stupid drunk?  I haven’t spoken to her since and I don’t know if I want to.  I thought that she was my friend.

So I sit here, 6 days after the event, feeling numb.  Simon has been extra nice to me.   I have cried.  I have felt sad.  I have felt inadequate.  

Do pretty girls get a "Get Out Of Jail Free Card"?  Because they are pretty does this make this sort of behaviour acceptable???  Do us bigger girls when we are a hot mess not get the same privilege?  I am seriously confused.  My head is mashed and I seriously don't know what to think.

So Ragers and Ragettes, I have a lot to figure out.  Luckily my Gay Best Friend is coming over this weekend.  I hope that he can give me some perspective.

So until next time Ragers and Ragettes, keep your heads and standards high and your heels even higher

Lots of Love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxx

On An Eventful Fourth of July Part One

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!  The weather here is rainy and cool so I have opted for skinny jeans, a white cami with my black blazer (if it gets too cold) with my Iron Fist peeptoe stilettos and my red lippy.  Fabulous!

Well, the Fourth of July was a very, very, very eventful day.  It started out with the results of a challenge I did for my personal trainer.  She wanted me to lose 3cm off my belly button (about an inch) and when she did the official measurements, I was down on my waist by 4cm, 3cm on my hips and on my belly button, 11cm....yes, you read that right!!!!  I beasted it!!!   She was so impressed and I felt so proud of myself.  I then had a great session and I walked out feeling very happy.

I rushed home, had a quick shower and got ready to go to the beauty salon for a pedicure, HD eyebrows, eyelash extensions and then I needed to get the pink topped up in my hair. 

I had my beauty treatments and then it was time for my hair.  I sat in the hairdressing chair and the hairdresser looked at my hair and said, Betty, we have a problem. 

What’s that?  I asked concerned.

She ran her fingers through my pixie crop.  Betty, your hair is porous.   It looks like because you have been dying your hair all different colours your hair has had enough.   We need to get this sorted because you are in danger of seriously damaging your hair.  I could snap and break.  We need to sort something out.

I was shocked.  What do you propose, I asked.

She said, what do you want to do with your hair.  Do you have a plan?

I actually do, I replied.  I want to grow it and get some microring extensions. 

She smiled and said, excellent.  What I suggest is that we dye your hair back to your natural colour and let it grow out.  I have some hairdye that helps repair damaged hair.

So she prepared the dye (which was caramel coloured), put it on my hair and left it to sit for what felt like ages.

When she went to wash it off, I looked in the mirror and my hair was very dark.

Once she washed it off and dried it I was in a state of shock.  She was nattering on saying how pretty I looked.  I felt....well.....plain.  The crazy pink kind of defined me.

I mean, I have always been outrageous Betty Rage not just plain Jane.  Even my black hair had a blue tinge in it.  This was...well....different.

The best way to describe it is a chocolately brown with a mahogany tinge.  It is shiney.  I felt instantly so sad.  I felt like a part of me had died.  I tried not to cry and I managed a quiet smile.

I walked out and got into my car and the tears started to flow.  I know that this is the best for my hair and for my hair goal (the microring extensions) as my hair needs to get stronger and healthier.  But I feel like a part of me has died.  The sassy, silly Betty Rage seems to have vanished and a new serious looking Betty Rage has come to the surface.

I got home and Simon was sleeping.  I started to get the laundry done.  Simon woke up and said, wow Betty.  You look gorgeous.

Really, I said back?  He hugged me and said, I like this a lot.  I prefer it. 

So, Ragers and Ragettes, after the weekend, looking at it, it’s not that bad.  My hair style defo needs to be sorted but it is in the awkward growing out phase.  I hope by my birthday in 3 months I will be in a better hair situation. 

They say on average, your hair grows a half an inch a month so in 6-7 months my hair will be long and strong and ready for the next chapter.

 Until then I will continue on taking care of my hair and doing what is best for my body. 

And I had to get ready for a party after all.....

Until next time, Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxxxxxx

On The Karma Police: What Are You Going to Do When They Come For You?

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!!  Long, long time no write for me.  I am so sorry.  It’s been a hectic mess of work, gym and trying to keep sane.

Today is supposedly the hottest day of the year so today I am wearing my favourite vintage sundress.  It’s white with navy, turquoise and green flowers with a blue bow tied on the back accessorised with my brown wooden platform sandals and my straw brown and white vintage handbag. (Which is good as I look fab but bad because I have a leather like chair and getting up I lose at least 4 layers of skin getting up...nice!)  I am rocking my neon pink lippy as I feel it is an appropriate colour for this time of year.  Plus it’s good that my hair matches my lippie...

In 1997, British group Radiohead released a fabulous song called Karma Police.  This song, for me, is musically and lyrically one of my favourite songs of all time.  It’s sad and nostalgic lyrics along with Thom Yorke’s soothing vocals make it an amazing piece of music.  4 minutes and 22 seconds of pure musical bliss.

What does this have to do with anything?  Well, the title of the song has been something that I have been fascinated with.   People always talk about on social media, usually expressed through a meme of Beyonce or Rihanna making a sassy face, the whole Karma thing. 

I personally believe in Karma.  For yesterday, my bezzie Suzanne gave me the story that made me laugh, carefully mind you, of how The Karma Police has taken action against someone who is deserving of action in an extraordinary way.

Remember back when I worked with Suzanne and there was a woman in my department that was dead glam but people tend to talk around her?  Well, this woman, as my time at the old place went on started to show her true colours.  And it turns out if she was a pair of shoes, she would be a pair of crocs. 

She is one of those people that will be nice to your face, learns your business, and then gossips and stabs you in the back.

She used to slag quite a few people off and even callously gossiped behind a woman’s back about her son that tragically killed himself.  She also was also up the management’s ass.  All directors love her but I think that it is true.  People didn’t talk to her, they talked around her.

Anywho, Suzanne told me that one of the people in the company, who was friendly towards her, was messaging on the company’s instant messenger service about her in a derogatory way (I don’t know verbatim what was said) and instead if sending it to his intended recipient, he sent it to the woman instead!!!!!

The Karma Police have taken aim, fired and now she knows what people really think of her.  Ouch. 

But knowing her, she will go to the directors who she is chummy with and complain, play victim and cry.  The person that sent the message will get into major trouble.  She will whine and complain and blame instead of looking at herself and thinking, am I really like that?  Is that what people really think?

You see, The Karma Police have made the punishment fit the crime.  Of all the bitching, backstabbing and just generally being a douche that she has done, she has had it back, in an indirect sort of way from a person that she was “friendly” with.

I know that people will sympathise to her face but in reality, I know that those people will be thinking what was said is 100% correct.

I need to be careful here.  I usually shake these things off and not let them bother me.  I try to steer clear of the Karma Police at all cost.  Forgiving people is hard but once you let go, you can free yourself and be happy.   A wise person once said that anger is like holding onto a hot coal with the intention of throwing it.

But I can’t help but smile, sip my peppermint tea and just thank the Karma Police for this.  It’s been a long time coming and now that it has happened, let’s learn from this.

I take from this situation that I need to be kinder, more genuine and to not gossip (even though this post is kind of gossip, hence why I am putting the Hallmark Card inspired spin on this).  Let the small minded, ignorant people that say and do hurtful things get on with it.  And as Taylor Swift said, Shake It Off.  The Karma Police will get them in the end. 

Until the next time, keep smiling, keep believing and keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher

Lots of Love,

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxxxx

Betty Rage the Calendar Girl?

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!!  It’s a cool Friday here in St Helens so I am wearing my bootcut jeans, Suzanne inspired cowboy boots, a berry coloured ¾ sleeve V-neck top and my red lippy.  Fabulous! 

I am so happy that the weekend is upon us and that it’s a Bank Holiday Weekend!  I need the time off!!  My brains are mushed as a lot of negative things have happened this week.  I walked out of work on Wednesday night and Simon didn’t notice (thanks babe) and yesterday I wrote up my resignation and I was so close to handing it to Simon.  Work has become complicated and frustrating.  Then to top it off, yesterday, some arsehole decided to back into my cute little convertible denting the bonnet and putting a hole in my bumper.  Nice.  So this week can just suck a big dick for all I care.

So I want to focus on a positive. 

I have been training with my fabulous Personal Trainer now and I have been enjoying every minute.  And through her, I have made some new friends.  They are all girls and they also train with my Personal Trainer.  We are in a What’s App group cheering each other on, getting ideas for new recipes and exercises and such.  It’s been a God-send as chainging your lifestyle is hard.  There are still some fat girl habits in there and it’s all about controlling them. 

This weekend we are all having our first “cheat meal” in 4 weeks as we have been doing a month long clean eating challenge.  It has been hard.  The hardest bit was the coffee withdrawal but I have now been coffee free, processed food free for 4 weeks.  I am proud of myself.  And the girlies and I have agreed that this is the way to eat now and that we are going to continue to eat clean but every 2 weeks we will have a “cheat meal”.  My cheat meal?  Burgers with bacon and cheese, curly fries, bacon fried mozzarella sticks and carrot cake or cheese cake....I can’t decide which one.  I know I will probably want to chuck my guts up the next morning but it is important because I need to let me body feel that so that I won’t want to feel it again.

Anyway, we were having a group chat and one of the girls, Natasha* (name changed – also known as the pocket rocket as she is 4 foot 11 and strong as hell) said that she had a session with my Personal Trainer and they decided that all of us need to do a calendar to promote our healthy body shapes and our way of living.

Now I am not as fit and sculpted as the rest of the girls, but they want me to participate to prove that strong is sexy.  All body shapes are welcome.  Our group even have a name: The All Girl’s Lifting Team. 

So we were discussing what sort of poses we could do.  Gina (the group’s leader, she is ex military and has the most impressive abs I have ever seen) said that she wants to do pull ups, in full make up of course, while wearing a crop top and booty shorts.  We all agreed that was the best for Gina as she is one tough cookie!!!

Natasha said, I would like to do a boxing pose.  I chipped in and said, I have some fabulous retro Adidas boxing boots that are dying to come out plus some gloves!

Natasha replied, Betty, we can pose together with boxing gloves  or you can do lunges or squats because you have great legs!!  I see you wearing a white vest, booty shorts and your boxing boots.

I instantly felt....well, embarrassed but proud.  Me?  Have great legs?  My years of heel wearing has given me calf muscles to die for.  My Personal Trainer keeps telling me that my legs and bum are looking amazing.  And they are.  My bum is not a bum, but a proper booty!! 

I instantly felt excited and happy.  I have hair modelled now calendar model?  And to be in a group with these girls?  These girls are seriously physically fit and I look up to all of them. 

Gina wants to get matching workout tops for all of us to wear.  I usually don’t follow the crowd, but Gina, I will wear that top with pride because I am part of an elite group of girls that aren’t afraid to lift weights, scare off the sted heads in the gym that hog the weights and will happily out clean and press any man that challenges us.  Yes, I am proud to be a member of the All Girls Lifting Team!

So until next time Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher!!

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxx

On the Visitors and Parental Problems

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!  It’s a lovely warm day here in St Helens so I am taking the opportunity to rock my new palazzo strapless jumpsuit with my white cardigan and black wedges.  Fabulous!!!

Well the visitors have been and gone.  It wasn’t too bad actually.  They are both now ladies of leisure (hubby is making all the money) and they both have children.   They are also both fat!  It was great being the skinny one in the group.  I know that was incredibly bitchy but I needed something from screaming after Amelia showed me her new Louis Vuitton handbag and her Chanel makeup.  Oh and don’t forget the first class ticket!!  Well at least my ass isn’t as flabby as yours, sunshine!

But it was ok.  We have each taken different paths and I am cool with it.  We spent the day in Liverpool and reminisced about the old days.  We laughed and discussed life and how the people from our old crew were doing. 

Charity is still as straight talking and funny as ever.   Yes, it looks like they have an easy life.  Well, as easy as raising children can be, and I must admit, I am a little envious but I am better off where I am now. 

We left it that we are going to attempt to meet up at Christmas when I go back home.  And that just suits me fine. 

But my current concern is with Simon’s parents.   I wouldn’t say that I am close to them.  I tolerate them, yes I think that is the best way that I can describe it currently but lately, things have been a bit....well....strained.

A few weeks ago, Simon received a call on the weekend from his mother asking him to come down to fix something, I don’t know if it was the computer or the TV.  He went over to assist and then the drama began...

I received a text from his dad:  Hi Betty.  Have you ever heard the song Cats in the Cats in the Cradle.  It’s about a father who doesn’t have time for his son.  I feel the opposite.

I was a bit shocked.  I didn’t know what to say so I sent a text back saying that I was familiar with the song and Cat Stevens.

Then his dad went on to say that Simon’s mum shouldn’t have called.  And that he wants to feel appreciated. 

He does have a valid point.  But the texts had spelling errors all over the shop...his dad was drunk again.

More texts followed.  The spelling got worse.  His dad was very drunk, I think.

Simon came home and looked frustrated.  I showed him the texts.  Simon sat down on the settee.  Was she drunk again, I asked quietly.  He just nodded.  I hugged him.  I could see he was hurt.  I can see why he doesn’t go over and see them.  I understand his frustration.

Ever since that day, his parents have been awkward with me and Simon.  As in they haven’t spoken to us or chatted with us.  And his dad, who takes care of the accounts knows how busy I am at work has been bombarding me with emails, where’s this?  Where’s that?  Give me this invoice.  He’s also putting awkward comments on my Facebook statuses.  It’s kind of making me feel uncomfortable.  I was tempted yesterday when his dad put an awkward comment on one of my statuses to say Go home Dad, you’re drunk but I don’t know how that would have been taken.

Why have I been pulled into this?  Should I be pulled into this?  What are the official relationship rules on this?

Simon and I have discussed the whole marriage thing.  It is something that we both want.  But Simon made it very clear he wants to fly to Vegas and get married without his parents present because of their track record for getting slaughtered. 

I am lucky.  Yes, my Mama is an absolute head-case with issues.  Yes, she drives me crackers.  Yes, my worst nightmare is to end up helpless and crazy like her.  But I love my Mama and I would take her craziness over Simon’s situation any day.  It’s made me grateful for what I do have.  Simon feels that my parents are the way that he wanted his parents to be and my parents adore Simon and they call him son.

But my parents are miles away and the closest things to parents that I have here are less than adequate. 

I find myself alone and isolated feeling.  They say that when you marry a man, you marry the family too.  Half of me thinks what have I got myself into? 

It’s a difficult one, Ragers and Ragettes and I am well and truly stuck.  Any comments or feedback about this or any issues are always welcome!

Until next time, Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher

Lots of Love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxx