Sunday 23 February 2020

On a New Home and New Lease of Life

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!

Happy Sunday to you!!  It's bright and sunny and not too cold outside which is fab!  I have had a lovely relaxing Sunday:  hot bath, cleaned my makeup brushes, my stuff for the week is ready, and my breakfast for the week is cooking away.  I think that this feeling is called satisfaction

Well, as you know, this past week has been a bit odd.  On Monday night I broke up with Mr Wonderful and lost a great place to live

But the week picked up.  I continued to search for places to live

I was chatting to the girls in the office about my move and one of the girl piped up and said, why don't you try where I live?

The town she lives I knew quite well a long time ago. 

10 years ago I dated a guy from that place.  He lived in a gorgeous village right next to it.  I remember walking from the tram stop to his and thinking what a fucking shithole.

I started looking online for flats.  My God!  That town has changed!!! 

The flats were very reasonably priced and it looks like the town has picked up.

So I scheduled a viewing for a place just on the canal.  I put in to view another that was right centre of the town

On Wednesday, as I was pulling up to the flat, I received a call about one of the flats that I wanted to view.  I said I was in the area, and I would view it after I was viewing this one.

I looked around and it was an impressive modern building....around it?  Fuck all.  Just houses that were derelict.  No cafes, no restaurants....not even a corner shop.

The real estate agent pulled up.  It was raining and I went to her car and introduced herself. She was taking her time getting out of her car while I stood there getting drenched. 

We walked into the complex and it was impressive.  So modern.

We chatted and we got to the door.  She opened it up and we looked around. 

It was a modern flat.  The living room was small and so was the kitchen.  It had 2 bedrooms.  I was asking her about it and she was very nonchalant.  She said you probably won't get it because there is a lot of interest...I was like.....right....

I walked out frustrated and feeling a bit down

I made my way to my next viewing.  I found myself right in the centre of the town that my work colleague lives in.  I looked around.  Gone were the old buildings and boarded up shops.  There were bars, boutiques, cafes restaurants.  I parked my car and walked to the estate agent. 

A pretty blonde smiled and shook my hand.  She said, Betty do you mind if we view another flat too as there is someone else interested in this flat and he wants to view another one.

So we walked down the road into the little town. My eyes took in the restaurants, bars, yoga studio....I found myself saying out loud, I love this!  It is exactly like Manchester City Centre but smaller and less chaotic.

We viewed a flat that was nice but not suitable for me. No parking.  It was clean and modern.  The other guy seemed interested.

We then walked down back towards where the estate agent was. 

She walked to a door on the street that didn't look like much.  She opened the door and we walked through a modern development. We walked to a frosted glass door on the ground floor.  When she opened the door and turned the light on, I gasped.  I was looking at the biggest kitchen I had ever seen!!  It was massive!!!  Black worktops and white clean cupboards.  A dishwasher, fridge and freezer. The living room was massive too!!!  The hard wood floors were clean and neutral.  She showed us the master bedroom and the en suite.  She then showed us the spare room and second bathroom that had a nice big bathtub.  Everything was furnished with modern, clean furniture,  And unlike the flat that I live in, it wasn't overwhelming.  I have to buy cutlery, plates and stuff like that and I don't mind that. 

I looked around at the modern flat and smiled. 

This could very well be Rage Towers. 

The other guy seemed disinterested.  I told the estate agent that was I interested.  I told her that I had guinea pigs and what had happened before

She smiled and said to come to the office and fill in an application form and she will call the landlord.

I went back to the office (which was across the street from the flat) and I filled the form in.  I brought along my ID and proof of address.  She called the landlord and he approved my piggies.  We chatted about my moving in date and I decided March 31st.

I left feeling happy.  I felt so refreshed seeing how that town had been rejuvenated.  A Hot Yoga Studio is a 5 minute walk, the train station and tram is 10 minutes.  It just seemed perfect

When I got in, I messaged Suzanne.  Suzanne said go for it!!  And I thought, I will.

Well on Friday, I got approved and I officially move in March 31st!!  I told my current estate agent and as my flat is falling apart (hello leaking windows and the sewage stench coming from the bathtub!) I can hand my keys over April 1st. 

I booked the time off work and I am buzzing.  I feel like I am winning again!!!

This year so far has proven to be crazy.  I'm young, free and single and I am moving to a town that is young, rejuvenated and vibrant.  When I leave my current home, I will leave blessing it.  Loving it.  Thanking it for keeping me safe.  Thanking it for getting me out of a horrible state of hell.

So I have started getting ideas for my new place.  I am excited to make this flat my own.  I'm so excited that Suzanne and I are going to revisit it and then I am taking Suzanne out for lunch.  She is the best at decorating and she knows my style. 

So out with the old, in with the new! 

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





Tuesday 18 February 2020

On Breaking Up with Mr Wonderful

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!

Yes, you read that title right.  Last night I broke up with Mr Wonderful

So I am sat here in my cosiest sweater, my favorite camo print velour jogging bottoms and fluffy socks. 

It all started on Valentine's Day. 

I don't usually get involved with office conversations as I am usually too busy. 

Sandra (name changed to protect the innocent) was telling us all what her fiancee and her were doing for Valentine's.  She just got engaged and they were going out for a romantic meal together.

Betty, what are you doing.  Are you seeing your fella this weekend?

I looked up and said, no.  He's still in Switzerland.  It then came out of my mouth, to be honest, I want to break up with him.

Sandra looked at me and said, then do it Betty.  You are young.  Don't be wasting your time on someone that isn't right for you. 

She then walked out and I was left with her words ringing in my ears.

I had an ok weekend.  I viewed a flat and I fell in love with it straight away.  I filled in the form in anticipation to send it off on Monday and secure the flat as my own.

Monday came around and I submitted my forms.

I received a call from the agency and she said, ok Betty, let's go through this.  We talked through the forms and then she said, do you have any pets.  I said, yes I do.  I have guinea pigs.

Oh, she said.  That is a problem.  This is a strict no pet household.  I'll call to see if I can allow it.

She hung up,  I felt sick to my stomach.  This flat had everything I wanted, or so I thought.

She called back and said, you can have the guinea pigs but they have to be outside, as the flat had a garden

First of all, mine are indoor guinea pigs.  And Guinea pigs, if they are subjected to wet, windy and cold weather under 15 degrees C, they can die. 

I told her I would have to think about it.  Anyway, I went back and asked if I put a bigger deposit down, could I keep them inside.  She asked the landlord, they said no.  I then thought about it and went back to the estate agent and told her that I it would have to be a no from me, my piggies and I are a packaged deal.

She then tried pleading with the landlord again.  The final word?  No.

So Monday sucked.  I was upset about losing this apartment.

I got in and made dinner and relaxed.

Football was on.  So Mr Wonderful and I usually chat when the footy is on.  Anyway, it was a tasty match.  Very exciting and poorly refereed. 

He sent me a message and I don't know if it was because I was tired or upset about the apartment but he pushed a button. 

The floodgates opened and I sent him a very angry, bitchy message. He responded Ok. 

I sat back, my heart was in my throat.  I thought to Sandra and my conversation on Valentines Day.  Why was I putting myself through this?  Then the words came out.

I am sorry.  I shouldn't have subjected you to that.  You didn't deserve it.  Then I broke it off with him.

I don't think this s going to work.  We live too far apart.  We've been doing this for 2 years now almost.  Nothing has changed...I spoke from the heart.  Honestly. 

I then told him to not contact me as I wanted to get my head right.

I then messaged Suzanne straight away.  It hadn't registered. 

I put my phone down and I tried to sleep.  I couldn't.  My head was a jungle. 

So I had no sleep last night. 

I clock watched and got up early.  Had my shower and got to work early.  As I have  key for the building I am able to come and go as I please.  So I let myself in.

I checked my phone.  No response from Mr Wonderful.

I messaged our mutual friend and told her what happened.  And in fairness, she was so supportive and kind and understanding.

I messaged my mother.  And I messaged Sandra and told her what I did.

Today was an odd day.  I had a lot of work to do so I kept busy.  I just kept my head down, listened to my tunes and got on with it.

At lunch Sandra came to my desk and presented me with a bouquet of flowers.  I looked at her and she said, welcome to the first day of the rest of your life

The IT guy (who I get along with very well and if he was 15 years younger and single, I so would go there...we have a.....chemistry.  But he is married with kids and I don't want to be that woman) over heard and came over to my desk and hugged me. 

I looked around and I saw faces of concern.  I was touched

So the IT guy made a point of making me laugh for the rest of the day.  Sandra checked in on me and the pervy finance manager who loves to stare at the girls chests was extra lovely.

I think about it, and a few things stick out.

1.  I didn't shed a single tear.  At all.  Either that makes me a total sociopath or I didn't love him

2.  I work with some of the loveliest people.  I am blessed.  I love my job

3.  The apartment situation?   I'll find something better.  I know I will.  I'm not worried about it.  I am viewing one tomorrow so we will see

Sandra was right.  Today the beginning of the rest of my life.  I am young, free and single.

So what will I do next?  Well, first I am going to tuck into my dinner consisting of curly fries and chicken nuggets (I just broke up with the guy I was seeing!!!  Give me a break!!!), watch a series on Netflix and have an early night

Then I am going to work hard, workout, get my body into better shape and make this summer a summer of love.  Love firstly for myself and my life and then I'll look around for a great man to join me in my adventures.  I mean,Manchester has a population of 2.8 million, there must be a man that I can have a relationship with?  Right?

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

Lots of Love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxx


Sunday 9 February 2020

On Getting Out and About

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!

It's a windy Sunday here in the Northwest of England!  Apparently storm Ciara is causing some damage outside. 

So I have spent the day indoors, snuggled up nice and warm.  I'm watching the football and just relaxing.  It's a nice feeling!

As you all know, the last few years have been very up and down for me.  And recently I have been feeling like I am on an even keel.  I feel more positive, confident and happy in my life. 

Last week was an interesting week.  I went to see Suzanne and had a coffee and chat with her, I hurt my back (by getting up!  Weird!!  It is feeling loads better now though, thanks to heating pads and pain killers!), I had my performance review for work and I passed with flying colors.  My salary is going to be renewed in March.  It was a good meeting and I feel good about my future in my career.

But the biggest thing that happened this week, I actually went out.......twice!

Yes, I left my little flat 2 days in a row and I socialized!

Since I left Simon, my confidence has been very low.  I haven't been going out, even to go shopping.  All my shopping is done online.  The only time I have been going out is to the beauty salon to get my hair done or my nails done. 

So on Friday morning when Marta (name changed to protect the innocent) in the accounts department came to my desk to ask if I wanted to go on a hike this weekend with her, I thought why not.  I go out on hike with Suzanne a lot and I love being out and about.  She told me to meet her at a pub that was near the airport on Saturday morning.  I couldn't think of any nature spots near the airport....

Then on at about 2pm, a friend of mine texted me asking what I was doing.  I told her that I had no plans.  She was in Manchester as she was set to go out on a date with this guy she met online.  He was not being very open about their plans.  She didn't even know what time she was going to meet him!!!!!  I was like, girl.....seriously?  What a dick! 

As we chatted she was like, Betty, seriously, hes dicking me around!  So I thought, fuck it.  I'm not doing anything.  So I got home and changed into my PVC trousers, a low cut blouse and my boots. 
I curled my hair and did my make up and soon before you know it, I was out for the night.

I met my friend at her hotel and we had a few beers.  We then walked out to this trendy bar and had a bottle of wine and a good laugh. 

She said, Betty we need to do this more often.  I thought, yea, we do!

Her date finally showed up at around 11 so I thought, I'm not drunk, a bit tipsy, so I will go home and let them have a nice night.  I said goodbye and got back to my flat and got to bed.

I woke up the next day feeling good and I waited for my food shopping to be delivered.  After it was delivered I texted Marta and told her I was on my way.  She doesn't live far from me and we both arrived around the same time. 

It was a lovely sunny day.  I wore some jeans, brown riding boots, my Celine sunglasses, a brown long sleeved shirt, my big white fur-lined cape and my cream winter hat that has loads of sparkles on it and my black Gucci handbag.  Not exactly hiking wear, I know!!

Marta brought her cute dog with her and we started walking.  We walked and chatted and laughed.  It was a muddy trail but that didn't bother me.  The scenery was phenomenal. I took loads of photos and sent them to Suzanne and asked if she wanted to go there for a walk sometime,

As we chatted I was telling her about moving and how I was torn between moving back to the city center and moving closer to work.  She then told me about the village she lives in.  Her village isn't far from work (she said it takes me exactly 13 minutes to get to and from work at rush hour) and it has nice bars, restaurants, shops and it is a younger village (the village I live in is quite....old...)  Plus it has a canal going through it!!!!  That was one thing I loved about living in the city center, I was near the water.

Before I knew it, we had finished our walk.  We had walked 5 miles!  I didn't even notice!

We sat down in the cafe that was near where we parked and had some coffee and cake.  We chatted more and and she said, I walk every Saturday, you are always welcome to join me.  So next Saturday, weather permitting, we are going to walk the canal in her village so I can see what it is like

When I got home, I looked online at the village where Marta lives.  The property prices are affordable!  I can get a better flat than I have now for the same price and in some cases, cheaper!  So it's a viable option!

By letting go of the niggly voice in my head about my confidence, I ended up having a lovely weekend.  I got out there with 2 fantastic people.  I got to see some fab places and now I have a possible lead on a new place to live! 

I need to make an effort to get out of the flat more.  There is a big world out there and I want to explore it, get my sense of adventure back!

I think it's part of the rebuilding process.  It takes time to get yourself back to where you need to be.  It's hard sometimes but always look forward.  I feel when I get out of this flat the healing will be complete. 

It takes a lot of time sometimes to get moving forward again, but it's ok.  Healing is a very personal thing.  Let go when you are ready.  Start with baby steps and just keep moving forward.

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