Monday 30 March 2020

The Last Night in My Flat

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!

I hope that everyone is well and that you are all keeping safe out there.  It's kind of scary and I have never been in this sort of situation before

I am now working from home, which is kind of cool but I have become lazy and complacent with my eating and workouts which sucks

As you know I am set to move tomorrow,  I thought that it was going to be called off but because the flat has been vacant for over 4 weeks I am still allowed to complete my move.  The agency is getting it cleaned from top to bottom.  And tomorrow I will be driving a transit van for the first time ever and I have to admit that is the part I am the most nervous about.

Susanne was supposed to help but she is in a category of being most at risk of catching the Coronavirus so I understand but I admit I will be missing her laugh, smile and us having an adventure.  I miss Susanne so much

I am sitting here with a glass of bubbly trying to figure out how I am feeling though.

To be honest?  I don't know.  My belongings are bagged and ready to go in the spare room.  It just doesn't feel real.

I had a lot of mixed feelings about this but this past weekend after a nightmare about my old alcoholic roommate, I decided to let go.  So I got up, packed and threw away so many things. There was a bag of toiletries that Mr Wonderful left, I put them in the bin.  He left behind some designer shoes, I'm going to sell them on eBay (In fairness I messaged him about me sending them back, but he never responded.) I went through my social media and got rid of a load of people.  And then I started to go online and I bought a load of new items for my new place.  Stuff for the kitchen, the front room, my en suite...Just the essentials until I figure it out.

In my current place, I never really decorated.  This place, I am.  I have nice sleek kitchen accessories, mustard yellow for the front room, and I am figuring out what I want in my bedroom.  I have time to sit back and think about what I want in the spare room and the other bathroom.  I know shelves will have to be put up in the laundry room but that's ok and I am looking forward to doing that myself!  I want to buy pictures and mirrors and make my place a nice, chilled place. 

Right now I just want to leave.  I am ready to go and start my new life. By leaving this area, I am leaving behind the things that have happened in the last 2 years and 5 months. 

I have felt like I have been in limbo for that long.  Even when I moved into where I am now, I knew it was temporary and that I would be leaving in a year. Then I saw my old housemate's fuck buddy in my local and it sealed it.  I needed to get away from the area.

So as I sit here and sip my bubbly, I am thinking.....

I leave this flat free.  I am totally 100% free. I'm single.  Toxic people?  Gone. I am moving out a wiser, stronger, more successful Betty than I was when I started this blog. 

I go back to being in a cute, trendy place.  I will have a nicer apartment.  I'm moving to an area where there is more to do.

It's bittersweet because sometimes we get comfortable in the pain.  We wear our guilt, shame, sadness as a cloak sometimes because wallowing in the pain feels better than facing it.  Some people use the pain as a badge of honor.  If you keep picking a scab, how the fuck is the wound going to heal?????

The last 2 years and 5 months, I went through stages of picking the scab. There were some distractions along the way, some I made myself (hello prosecco!) and others outside myself (Mr Wonderful)  They all served a purpose.  To stop feeling.  To stop the pain.  To distract with new pain instead of facing the problems and rationalizing and admitting that I fucked up a fair few times.  It's easier to blame others than to take responsibility for our actions.  To admit that we do stupid shit.  And I admit.....I've done a lot of stupid shit over the last 2 years and 5 months

But I like to think that tonight, as I sit here looking out my window, I am covering up the scab so I can't pick at it anymore.  I want to stop the self-flagellation and and sadness.  I've come to terms that I messed up a lot.  And I am ok with that.  Dissecting it, crying about it, going over it isn't going to solve the problem!!!  Face it, acknowledge it and move on!!!

I want this summer to be a summer of joy, love and happiness.  Yes, we are locked down but this lock down won't last forever.  I am hoping that this will be lifted in 2 weeks and I can go back to the gym.  And then in the summer, I think I will sign up for a dating website and have fun.   Like I used to when I started this blog. 

This summer, I want it to be the best summer of my life.  I want laughter, joy, and fun. 

And that is what I intend on having.

So Ragers and Ragettes, I raise my glass.  To the last 2 years and 5 months of being in the wilderness.  I have found my way out onto a new path. These past 2 years and 5 months shall never be discussed again.  I only look to the future with joy and happiness and hope in my heart.  Face the pain in your life.  Admit your mistakes, forgive yourself and move on and be happy!!!

So tomorrow, this volume ends.  Tomorrow I start writing a new volume to my life.  A volume filled with joy, laughter, health, success, love and loads of adventures. 

I love you all and I thank you for being with me so far on my journey.  Tomorrow, the Betty Version 2.0 starts.  And what an awesome rest of the year it will be!

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


Sunday 15 March 2020

On Going on a Date....I think?

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!

It's Sunday evening and I am feeling ok.  I have a glass of prosecco here, I'm in my jammies watching a good Scandinavian program. Each day I get back to being more Betty like. Recovery takes time.  Each day I get stronger and each day Scandinavian men turn me on even more!!!

Well, from the title you can see that I went on my first date in almost 2 years.  How did this occur?

On Saturday Morning I woke up to a text from a guy that I dated 8 years ago.

8 years ago, when I first moved to Manchester, I decided to try the online dating scene. 

I met a few guys and this guy, Sean (names changed to protect the innocent) contacted me.  He is my age.  He worked at the same company as his father.  He lived with his parents. 

When we met up we had the best date ever.  And I mean the best date EVER!  We met at a bar on Deansgate.  We drank pints of beer, laughed.  Told each other our embarrassing moments, our worst dates, things that you would blush at .  I insisted that I never slept with a man on the first date.  We left the pub on Deansgate.  He took my hand and said, ok, we left this place, and we are going to a new bar so it must be our second date.  Well, I melted, took him home and I didn't get any sleep that night.

We had sex like giddy teenagers.  He knew where to kiss, touch and I was very satisfied.

I remember one time I did one of the most daring things that I ever did with a man.  I drove to his house in Northern Manchester just wearing a slutty lingerie set, stocking, suspenders, 6 inch stilettos and my leopard print trench coat.  I pulled up to his house and messaged him that I was there.  When he got into my car and saw what I was wearing...I think that I broke every speed limit to get back to my flat.  Lets just say that the trench coat, bra and underwear didn't last long, but the stockings, and stilettos did....

Now, you may ask.  Why did you not stay with him, get married and have 2.4 children and a dog?

Ahhh.  Sean had some.....issues. 

We'd go out and have a great time.  He'd then get scared, say he couldn't handle it and disappear for a month.  Then he'd come back, apologize and the cycle would repeat.  I was younger then.  I kind of liked him.  I saw all the good in him.  I remembered the night that we sat in my bed naked and went through our music on our playlists.  Describing the songs that we loved.  Listening to them, kissing and then having the most amazing sex ever.

But time and tine again.  I'd get close and he'd run.  It was a predictable cycle

So when I woke up on Saturday to see a text from him asking to meet up at the pub we first met at noon, I was a bit torn.  Part of me didn't want to know but the other part was intrigued and thought fuck it.  It's a day out, a laugh, the football was cancelled because of this coronavirus bullshit (don't get me started.....yo're being played by the government!!!) and why not get myself out there.  Practice for when I actually want to start dating.

I got into town early.  I opted for a red low cut red blouse, skinny jeans and my trusty leopard print converse and my red Gucci handbag. 

My hair and make up were perfect.

I went to a coffee shop to wait for him.

I received a text at about 11:45 saying he was at the pub.  I took a deep breath, went to the toilet of the coffee shop to fluff my hair up, look at my makeup and make sure that I looked ok.

I walked into the pub.  It had been about 8 years since I last entered that pub.  Nothing had changed.

I stood at the bar and ordered a beer.  I felt a hand on my back.  I turned around and there was Sean

He looked the same as he did 8 years ago.  A few more lines on his face.  But his blue eyes were still as magical as they were 8 years ago

He hugged me and said, wow Betty.  You look amazing

We sat down and started chatting immediately.  We were laughing and smiling. It felt like I was transported back in time 8 years ago

He kept complimenting me.  Telling me how beautiful I was.  How he wanted to get a hotel for the night and make love

I kept my guard up.  We ordered lunch and sat and laughed and ate.  It was like we had never been apart

He was still working at the same company as his dad.  He was still living with his parents (at the age of 38........) still spent his money stupidly. 

He kept saying how he wanted to go home with me.  And he kept saying how beautiful I was

I felt a bit uncomfortable.  I messaged Suzanne and told her that I didn't want to go home with him (girls it is so important to have a friend you can message when you are out just in case shit happens.  Suzanne is my angel.  When I am out, I can text her, she knows where, when and who I am with so if something were to happen, I know she has my back.  And I would do the same for her a million time over...I know this is a shout out to Suzanne my bestie but we all need a Suzanne in our lives!)

I remembered the pain he put me through.  All the times he got my hopes up to smash them down.

After we finished lunch we went to another bar that I knew.  It was a nice trip down memory lane. 

He kept trying to get me to take him home.  I just didn't feel comfortable

Yes I could have had sex last night.  I could have had great sex last night.  Mind blowing sex.  I would have orgasmed more than I have in the past 3 years!  But....

It wasn't right.  I didn't feel comfortable

So I told him.  He said the right thing...you have the power. It's up to you....I still want to be with you...blah blah blah.

Then he leaned over the table and kissed me.  Oh, those kisses.  Sweeter than chocolate.  So deep, so amazing.  I forgot what a great kisser he was.  That kiss knocked me on my ass. 

But I looked at him. 38 years old.  Still lives with his parents.  Still in the same job that he was in 8 years ago. 

8 years ago I was in a shit job earning a shit wage.  Now I am in a good job earning the most I have ever earned and I am ambitious wanting more.  I love my work and I know that I will climb higher. Here was someone happy with the status quo

I took a deep breath and told him that I was going to go home by myself.  I didn't want sex (even though I could have used a good rattling) I just needed to sort my head out.

He seemed ok about it.  We finished our drinks and I went outside to catch a cab.  Before I got into my cab, he pulled me close and gave me a kiss that took my breath away.  Literally.  My body tingled.  I forgot how that felt.  That sensation of when there is electricity.  Mr Wonderful and I didn't have that sort of spark.

When I got in the cab I waved goodbye kind of knowing that it was going to be the last time I saw him.

I messaged him to tell him that I got home ok.  I watched a bit of TV and I decided to take a shower. 

When I got out of the shower I had 3 missed calls and 4 text messages from him.  That totally put me off and I remember that he was a bit clingy 

He talked about wanting to meet up again

I went to bed and when I woke up this morning he pulled the same shit that he did 8 years ago.  I don't know if I can do this.  I need some time....blah blah blah blah bullshit.

Am I upset this time?  No.  I knew what was coming.

I could have had him last night but I looked at him and thought for the first time in a long time....I can do better.  I don't want a man who hasn't strived or pushed themselves for 8 years.  Someone who runs from emotions and fucks with your head.  NO!!!  I want a real man.

A man that is ambitious.  A man that fights the good fight.  A man that gets dirt under his nails.  A man that has his independence and his own mind.  A man that knows what he wants

I don't need a man to be happy.  A man would enhance my happiness. 

Yes, I miss good sex but my body isn't for sale for a few beers and a few laughs.  I'd rather keep Duracell going with the amount of batteries I'm going through with my favorite vibrator than be with a fuck boy. 

He'll try and contact me in a few weeks.  But I will say, too little too late.

Just because it's served on a plate doesn't mean that you have to eat it.

So here I sit happy that I went out.  Happy to know that I have matured so much. Happy to know that I have a higher opinion of myself.

You are worth more than a few drinks and a few laughs.  Never forget it.  Look at the bigger picture

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






Sunday 1 March 2020

On Being a Caterpillar

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!

It's a strange Sunday.  Strange as in it's sunny outside.  This past week there have been storms, heavy rain, hailstones, and very heavy winds.  Now today is sunny and calm.

This past week was the start of Lent.  I always remember being in Catholc school and my teacher in first grade sitting with her guitar while we sat in a circle while she explained to us about Lent. 

Lent, she said is like when a caterpillar goes into its cocoon.  In that cocoon, many changes happen.  The caterpillar stays in that cocoon and then one day the cocoon breaks open and out comes a beautiful, colorful butterfly

That image has always stuck with me.  Not just regarding Lent but how we change ourselves. 

The last 3 years I have been going through some changes and big changes are coming again to me.  Another move

When I moved into this apartment, it was a move made out of desperation, fear, sadness and some happiness.  It was a move to get me out of a horrid situation. 

When I moved, I didn't know what would happen next.

I was still dating Mr Wonderful.  I felt trapped in that relationship a bit. I was still close to my old housemate.  I felt like I was under scrutiny a bit.  Part of me thought that I would revert back to the carefree Betty that I was in 2014 when I started this blog.

That didn't happen.  I've spent my days curled up inside trying to understand everything.  Scrutinize every pat of the last 3 years.  Go over and over and over it again until I drive myself insane.

I've worked my ass off at my job.  To the point that I am staying up answering emails, messages and being everything to everyone.

As I sit here on this weird Sunday in my flat,  I am watching the Football, my lunch is cooking in the slow cooker and I have realized that the past year has zipped by so quickly. 

When I move in 30 days to my new home, I want a different experience.  I want to be out and about.  I want to make new memories, new friends and it's my intention to have a summer of love

I want to change myself. 

I have already started. I've cut my alcohol consumption down a lot.  And I mean a lot.  I would normally go through 2-3 bottles of wine in a weekend.  I can proudly say that for the last few weeks that hasn't been the case.

Yes, I went out for drinks with friends last weekend.  But I haven't gone to the shop and purchased a bottle of wine in ages  Even on my weekly food shop I haven't purchased wine or any alcohol.

I have gone to the local pub after work once a week and bought a glass of wine.  Then after that glass I go home

The only thing I have been drinking is water and coffee. 

The results are good. 

I'm sleeping better.  I'm eating better.  My skin looks loads better.  And I'm actually losing weight.  Plus with the money I am saving I will be able to make my new home a home!

I also realised that the village I am in now is not the sort of village for me.  This is the sort of village that you would go to after the kids have gone to college and you wanted a quieter life. 

I keep forgetting I'm young.  Even when I was with Mr Wonderful, I felt so old.  I don't want that anymore.  I want to feel my age. 

So I have made a vow to myself.

1.  When I move into my new place, I am going to make it home.  I am going to decorate and make this place my place. 
2.  I am going to continue limiting my alcohol consumption.  This is a good thing.  I am feeling better in myself.  Will I never have a drink ever again?  Of course not.  I'm just going to have it in a moderate amount
3.  I am going to go out and meet people and make friends.  There is a yoga studio within a 5 minute walk from my new home.  I am going to use it.  I am going to meet people and make friends.
4.  And after awhile....I am going to attempt the dating scene again.  I want this summer to be a summer of love and happiness.  I want to go out and let a man buy me dinner.  I want to have a laugh and meet loads of new people.
5.  I'm not going to look back anymore.  My dad always says, if you keep looking back, that is the direction you go.  He's so right.  I realise that I keep whining about the past.  Yes, I was hurt, I was mistreated, abused, terrorized and it was wrong.  I made choices and those choices had consequences.  I have to accept, learn and move on. 

So in 30 days, my life will change again.  So I take this moment to start prepping, to start getting excited (Suzanne and I are going to see my new home on Saturday to get ideas and then I am treating her to her first Tapas), to be appreciative and to be positive.  So many wonderful things are coming my way and I cannot wait to experience them all.  Plus on Friday I am getting my hair done so I am very excited about that!!! 

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

Lots of Love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxx