My Life---Uncensored

People You Meet While Working in an Office

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:32:00 +0000

Since I was 17 years old, I have always worked in some kind of office environment. Fifteen years later, I am still working in an office, this time at a hospital and no matter where I go, the same kinds of people work in the office.

The Mole/Tattletale: This person’s responsibility is to make sure management knows everything everyone is doing. It doesn’t have to violate company policy. The Mole is there to make sure all facets of your life are exposed to your boss. Nothing is sacred with this person. Your funny story about your family vacation? Before you have said, “The End,” the mole has not only given your boss the detail, for bonus points they make sure you didn’t take “unauthorized leave” for the aforementioned vacation. To find this person in the office, do what celebrities do. Plant a fictional story, and if you hear about it then you have found your mole.

The Chronic Party Planner: Don’t get me wrong, I love office potlucks as much as the next person, but sometimes it gets to be a little excessive. Potluck for Christmas, I can get behind, but a potluck for Groundhog Day? No. The party planner spends their time thinking of the next new party and then spending every day forward badgering everyone in the department about what they are bringing to the party. Some good advice: Don’t tell them you are bringing cups or dessert unless you want to be yelled at about that being a “lazy choice.” Also, they will make sure to send out passive-aggressive reminders that “if you don’t bring anything, you won’t be eating.”

The Nosey Posey: This person is usually also The Mole. They must know EVERYTHING! We all have an element of nosey to us, but this person will take it too far. They listen to all of your phone conversations (if this person is The Mole, a non work related conversation will be transcribed and reported to your boss) and want to know a lot about your life outside of work on a really uncomfortable level. In a hospital setting this gets taken to a new level. In a medical setting the Nosey Posey may even look you up the computer. HIPPA be damned, they NEED to know why you were absent from work for! I remember when a fellow co-worker went into labor and another co-worker spent all day tracking this poor woman’s dilation via her medical record.

The Overachiever: I know this one well because this person is me. The OA is at ALL the meetings and ALL the seminars. Matter of fact, OA’s LOVE meetings because that is their time to let everyone know how out of the loop they are. This person has four different job titles and can be found holding a notepad, pen, and a cup of Starbucks at all times.

Miss/Mr. Fake it Till You Make It: This individual can usually be found in management. They can be found flailing about asking their staff how to do their job. I had a director that called a meeting once to find out what it was we all exactly did in our department.

Things Done Changed.....

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:08:00 +0000

I was driving home in Cherry Blossom traffic yesterday *shakes fist* and I realized that a few weeks from now will mark my one year anniversary of my relocation to the DMV. Time has really flown and so many things in my life have changed.

How to be independent of my parents. Before I moved, I was dependent on my parents for my financial and social life. I made a great deal less than I do now, so anything I wanted to do, I had to have my parent’s financial assistance for. Don’t get me wrong, they help every now and again, but I am not dependent on it. I can have a conversation with my mother without it being a precursor for a loan. This has helped improve my relationship with my mother since there is now a boundary between our relationship and my finances.

I have reestablished a relationship with my daughter. Miss Beasley and I have spent the last 5 years experiencing periods of separation ranging from two weeks to six months. There was a time when I never thought that I would have a chance to repair my relationship with her. Since the move, she and I spend more time together and I am learning so much about her that I missed. She is a wonderful young lady with a great sense of humor and love of music, like her mama. She is also a sensitive soul so I am learning I can’t talk to her or joke with her the same way I do with her brother. She is going to spend the summer with my mom, and there was a time when I wasn’t necessarily bothered by her being gone that long, but it occurred to me last night I am REALLY going to miss her, so I don’t think I can do the whole summer.

Way better work ethic. Man listen…..before I got here I had a HORRIBLE work ethic. There I said it. There were times when I would go to work and do eight glorious hours of nothing work related, and I reveled in that. I was the “slacker.” As I have gotten older, I am realizing that shit is not cute. So when I got here, I hit the ground running. Anything at work I was asked to do, I did it to completion. All the assignments my co-workers turned down because it wasn’t in their job description, I jumped on it. One year later, I am being promoted. Someone believed in me enough to let me put together a Diabetes and Vascular Disease Education program. Yesterday I had the honor of doing rounds with one of the surgeons. I thank God for all the opportunities that have been placed before me, and I thank God for maturing me.

Financial Responsibility. Back home, I would spend money like water, and my income was way below the poverty level. I never really had to be responsible because as stated in #1, my parents were a phone call away. Gas is low? Call mama to fill up the tank. Can’t afford the sitter this week? Ask mama to pay for the sitter. See the running theme? My financial irresponsibility was running my parents into the ground. So, I have something I call the “magic number.” The Magic Number is the lowest I will allow my bank account to go at all times. I have to be ready for emergencies, like missed days from work, medications, doctor’s visits, car repairs, etc. If something goes wrong up here, there will be no Papa Page rolling up in the F150 to save me.

A unicorn is just a horse with a horn on its head. My mama always told me, “Never put someone on a pedestal so high they can piss on you.” I never understood what she meant until now. I really like J, and I fell into a bit of a “hero worship.” It was bad. Anytime he disappointed m e, it hurt the most because I had him on this pedestal. J is just a man. He is going to fuck up, he is going to make mistakes. I believe I did this same thing with Rev. I held both of these men to impossible high standards that they were just not realistic.

My sister swearing off chain restaurants. When my sister came back home to visit after living in Atlanta, we were going to take her to dinner and she replied, “No chain restaurants, please.” I thought she turned into the Queen of all things bougie. Well, if she is the Queen, I am the Princess, because I too, am not a fan of chain restaurants. Before you all drag me in the comment section, let me explain. There are a MILLION places to eat up here, and some of my favorite places to go, are the only location….in the WORLD Craig! I could not imagine having a Ruby Tuesday’s brunch when the Carlyle in Alexandria or Crème Café on U street make some of the best brunch food on earth.

There is an actual Five Year Plan. Five years ago, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I did, but it was just a bunch of clicks and whistles. I have taken the time to sit down and think of where I would like to be in 2017. There is power in writing down your plan, because when you feel unmotivated, it is a good tool to help keep focused.

The Art of Being Humble. If this past year didn’t teach me humility, I don’t know what will. I have had some highs, but there have been some low, low, low points. Never knock people when they are low, because you will never know when it will be you couch surfing.

Appreciation for Little Things. Simply put, because I know what struggle is, I can appreciate abundance. I almost broke down crying in Children’s Place when I was buying spring clothes for Miss Beasley, I haven’t been able to do that in the last three years. Every day, I am appreciative. I hope I never start feeling jaded or entitled.

I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me! Enough said.

I Didn't Even Know It

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:52:00 +0000

As I type this, I am searching for words to describe what happened today on my commute home, but I'm going to do my best.

I was taking the Metro home like I normally do, and when I go off at the Chinatown stop to switch to the Huntington train, while I was listening to my podcast and waiting for the next train I felt a man behind me and what I thought was the corner of his bag on my behind. As I got on the crowded train, I noticed he was behind me again, the corner of his bag bumping me. I felt uncomfortable so I scooted up a little but I noticed he scooted up too. By the next stop, a seat became available and I quickly sat down. He sat down next to me. I didn't think anything of it until I glanced to my left and there he was pleasuring himself right in front of me. I was speechless. I didn't know what to do. I looked at him through sunglass covered eyes and he stated right back never once stopping what he was doing. This shit was NOT ok. I repeated in a quiet voice which got louder, "This man is exposing himself to me!" A woman standing near our seats heard me and frantically began to ask other passengers for the metro police number. The man kept on stroking while they searched for numbers and I sat there with tears of embarrassment and anger rolled down my face. As we approached the Pentagon I called the metro police but I was unable to get a signal so the operator did not hear me. The man pushed past people in the crowded car and make an exit, I stumbled off the train nearly missing my stop and I stood on the platform crying. I have never felt so powerless in my life. I was violated and there was nothing I could do. The man was gone. Disappearing into a sea of people. On my ride home I tried to shake it off, but I couldn't. I blamed myself for wearing snug pants. Maybe I should had a longer coat on. Why was I the target? What made this ok to happen to me? Will I ever ride the Metro again? I'm just full of anger and sadness. When I got home I threw my entire outfit in the trash, and took a long shower which I spent the majority of the time crying hysterically. I won't let this ruin my weekend, but I can't pretend I'm not hurting tremendously. For any of my readers in the DMV the number to call for Metro police is 202-962-2121. Save this number in your phone, as the poster with it is not in every car. With that being said, a glass of wine and mindless television is in order....and definitely some therapy on Monday.

Egg Rolls in the City

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:58:00 +0000

Yesterday I took the Goonies to the 135th annual White House Easter Egg Roll and here are the highlights:

1) My son was so proud he dressed himself and I did not discover, until we were on the Metro, that he had no underwear on. Just freeballin....

2. My daughter may have officially aged out of these types of activities. When we arrived on the lawn she looked around and said, "This is stuff for babies." Shade. I did manage to get her to dye an Easter egg or two and look at the First Lady's garden, but that was it for her.

3. My son got his LIFE!!! He met Barney, Wowow Wubzy, and Jake the Pirate. He pretended to be a beekeeper and went crazy for the gymnastics team.

4. There were a lot of different....fashion decisions out that day too. While it was a high of 63, it was colder my the time our time slot made it in and I could see parents who simply brought their kids for photo ops because there was too much Sundays best going on. Little girls couldn't run or participate in crafts because of their Easter get ups. I was glad I dressed the kids in what we would call "Friday Casual" look.

5. No President Obama but I did see Jordin Sparks and B Smith so I was somewhat pleased.

The event was put together beautifully an ran smoothly. I was happy we were able to be a part of that.

Gather 'Round Hustlers

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 02:01:00 +0000

Things have been so hectic around here, that I have not really had a chance to blog the way that I want to, but I have a quiet moment before I take my exam tonight, so I am going to try to catch you all up as much as I can.

I have officially survived my first winter in the DMV, and it has been something else. Last year when I was making a million trips up here to see J and to find a job, it did not snow. Not once. It was never crazy cold either. But this year, as a welcome to the DMV gift, I have experienced more snow than I ever care to. This past Monday I woke up to an inch and a half of snow on the ground AFTER the official start of spring. That was just bizzare. Today was a nice 60 degrees, and I am praying that Monday was the last snow that I will see until next year....or maybe the year after that.

My career is taking off, and I am learning very fast, that it pays to network. Now, I suffer from social anxiety so, networking was hard for me when I first got here, but closed mouths don't get fed. Nasty attitudes will leave you stuck. I want to tell you all a story of how a nasty attitude almost held me back from something that turned out to be a huge blessing. I was assigned to work on contacting patients that have had certain types of vascular procedures in order to get data on how they were doing post procedure. The nurse who heads up the project, came to my office and that day I had THE stankest attitude. She made small talk and I gave one word answers and just acted like an ass. She continued to be polite, and while we were working she commented on how nice I am on Excel. Again, I have a short "Thank you" and kept going. Then she asked me if I would be interested in learning SQL programming with her and a few other people from the department. My ears perked up. SQL? I needed that. I wanted that. So I adjusted my tone and she gave me all of the info, and I am proud to say that I have just completed my first SQL class through Stanford University. Having this experience has given me more experience in data collection and credibility as I am trying to construct an education program in my department. It is also helpful that during every business meeting she throws my name out and mentions how helpful and knowledgeable I am. The lesson here, is don't let your attitude make you miss a blessing.

In the world of running, I am kicking butt and taking names. Two weeks ago I achieved a goal that I never thought possible. I ran a 5k in one setting, for free, on a weekday. I was in the gym, on the treadmill, just feeling it and I looked down at my Nike Plus app and saw I was approaching 3.11 miles. I felt so good when I finished. I wanted to run through the gym hugging everyone, but because I want to continue working out there I didn't, but it was a major accomplishment. And it was nice that I came in eight minutes faster than less than a year ago when I ran my first and only 5k. My race season is starting back up again next Saturday and I am hyped. My first race will be a 5k, then a 8k, three more 5ks and then.....a half marathon. Yes, your girl is going to finally tackle that 13.1. It was something about surpassing that 3 mile mark in one run that gave me the confidence to say, "I got this." My first half marathon will be the Diva's Half Marathon in DC Wine country, and I am approaching it more like a party versus a race. I get to wear a tiara, boa, and a tutu and did I mention there will be wine? A bunch of us from the running club I am member of are going and it is going to be a blast.

Speaking of running, I am finally realizing the importance of good running shoes. Last year, I was not going to spend more than 40 dollars and I didn't care about what said shoe would do to my feet. That was still my attitude, until my mileage began to increase. I am an overpronator (google it) and my ankles and knees were starting to feel the effects of running in a shoe that was built for flexiablity versus stability. Today I headed to the Nike store where they were having a huge sale, and for 80 dollars, I was able to get the Lunarglide +4 which is supposed to be Nike's stability shoe. I cannot wait to break them in this week, I may sneak out early tomorrow morning and grab a few miles to see how they feel.

There is one subject I haven't touched on in a while and that would be J. J is still around, and the last post I put up was in regards to him. I am not going into the whole story, but dig in the crates, find the story about Vegas, replace Vegas with wedding, and we have a ballgame. Here is a fun fact about me, I hate lying. My ex-husband STAYED lying to me about the dumbest things. The worst type of lie is the "lie by omission," which J is famous for. When you lie by omission, it raises red flags, because the question will always be, "If it wasn't that big of a deal, why did you leave that part out?" When you omit parts of your story it alters the person who is listening to the story's reality. If I told you all half truths about how I got to DC or hell, my life in general, wouldn't everything else I said be questionable? Where J and I bump heads is he doesn't think things like this are considered lies, and that is a problem for me. In a relationship, above ALL else, I have to be able to trust you. If I can't trust you then there is nothing to stand on. I will constantly be on watch mode, and that is not healthy.

Tomorrow will be our first Easter in DC, and we are ending the weekend off by going to the Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn. I entered the lottery a few months ago, and I was sure I was not going to get picked as I rarely win anything. But lo, and behold, I won and me and the Goonies are headed to the White House...lawn. I intend to take a million pictures and I am hoping to see the President, but I don't know how realistic that is as we are in the last time slot of the day. The real joy is going to be seeing both of my children's faces when they realize where they are. Earlier that day I am surprising my son with a trip to his dream workplace, The Pentagon. I have not said anything to him about it, I just want to bring him there and let him be surprised.

I hope you all have enjoyed this update, I don't know how long it will be before I update again, because I have decided to go to school during the summer as well, because the goal is to get this IT career popping by the end of the year and I am on the victory lap toward earning my degree. If I stop to take a break for the summer I am afraid I will lose my momentum and fall into complacency. Onward and upward!!!!

For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When Words Were Not Enough: My Day Told Through GIF's

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:59:00 +0000

I have no words....just GIFS to describe my day....

I woke up like:

I had a pretty good day at work. Good news all around, had me feeling like:

But then......I got a call, and the whole time I was on the other line my face looked like:

So now I am feeling like:

Jesus be a run this evening........

Homebuying: The Ultimate Grown Up Task

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:29:00 +0000

Between my school work and my day job, I am just slacking on my blog hustle. You can still keep up with me on my Facebook Page.

After all of my wok, duvet, and tea kettle purchasing, I am embarking on my largest purchase of all: a house. Precious Lord take my hand is all I can say. I thought I was over the biggest hurdle by getting a pre-approval, but I still have a long way to go. After my divorce, my credit was a wreck. I worked very diligently the last few years repairing it by paying off lingering debts. I got all of that done, and I am still in "pay for delete" negotiations with one of my former creditors, but last month I FINALLY hit the 650 mark, which cleared me for my first ever FHA loan. I am horrible with keeping records, and it turns out that the home buying process requires you to be able to account for your financial history for the last 2 years. My loan is hanging in the balance due to my lack of sufficient income in the previous years. Sure, I am making almost three times the amount I did at my former employer, but that is not consistent, so my ace in the hole is my 401(k) and my savings account. Well this week I did something foolish, and moved money from my savings, thinking they were done verifying that information. Wrong, wrong, wrong, WRONG. I got a call from the realtor AND the bank asking what happened to my savings balance. Guess what? That savings was proof of my ability to pay, it vouched for me. I let the bank know it would be back by Friday, and my realtor told me not to touch a dime of any money I put on the loan application because I could end up blowing this whole thing. I think I had a heart attack at my desk.

On the house hunting front, it has been a bit better than I thought. Initially, I thought that I would not be able to find a home in my price range with all of my must haves. What are my must haves? Garage, basement, stall shower, separate bathtub, kitchen island, walk in closet, fireplace, single family home. No short sales. I looked high and low, and my agent even suggested taking my search to Maryland, but I just don't know enough about Maryland to put roots down there. So, while boo-hooing to J about not finding a place, I went on Long and Foster website, and there is was. Three bedrooms, shower stall, separate bathtub, garage, basement, walk in closet, Two thousand two hundred and eighty square feet of lovely. It was missing a few of my "must haves" but it was in the same area, in my price range, and the builder was throwing in a free room and closing cost assistance up to five thousand dollars. I went last weekend to check it out along with a few other properties, and I think this is the one. I stood in the Master bedroom and imagined my nights there. I could see myself relaxing after a long day in my big bathtub, doing my make up, hogging up my two sink counter. I looked out at the "just right" backyard and visualized my children playing, while I grilled and sipped margarita punch. This would be our place. Our home. No leases, no more moving, stability. So, keep me in prayer during this time. My sister and a friend of mine had the LONGEST closings in history, and I watched them and prayed for that kind of patience when it was my turn. I'll keep you all posted on the progress!

Untitled......

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:25:00 +0000

My writing is powered by different things and today's piece is powered by J claiming that I only get love where I go, because I have a big booty. For all of those pumping silicone into their asses, let me just let you know that having a big booty is the equivalent to being the girl in school that developed early. J never stopped to think that maybe I got ahead so fast, because I am smart, I am hard working, and ambitious. No it's because I have a big booty. *rolls eyes*

He laughed Nobody cares about
What you have to say
All they see in you Is your backside
It's your best side
It's how you got ahead
So fast
But what he doesn't see
Is I'm more than
A derriere
Fitted in Herve Ledger
I create mental
Orgasms with words
Giving feelings
Never felt before
Painting elaborate pictures
With words
I mother two futures
Caring for them
With a gentle but firm
Nature I work hard
Sunrise Sun up
Runner
Student
Daughter
Sister
So much more
Than my backside
Which isn't my
Best side
Microscopic
In the galaxy of
Me Sorry That is all that you see

Big Fight In At The Nc Award Ball After Math

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:33:00 +0000

There is chair throwing, a hatchet, and a taser.....and I'm loving it!

Fortunate

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:36:00 +0000

I promise I am not going to start singing Maxwell or anything like that. If this was the MySpace days, my mood would read: Fortunate. We all know that I am Queen Complaining Pants and I ride by faithfully on my Wahhhambulance, but I have really been blessed beyond measure. In the last 10 months my life has changed in so many drastic ways, I can't believe sometimes how far God brought me. Last Friday, I saw Raekwon at the Howard Theater and it was EPIC! No, there was not a crowd like it was 1995, but I had a ball! I had absolutely NO voice when I left, from screaming the words to every song in his catalog. On my ride home, I teared up a little bit. Though it was just a 32 dollar ticket for a show (my drinks were free, because...well I'm me...lol)I thought about times when I couldn't afford happy hour, or to take my kids to a dollar a ride carnival. God is good ya'll. That's all I can say. There is not a day that goes by that I do not praise Him for where he brought me from. I thank Him for giving me strength when everyone else told me to give up. I thank Him for closing doors that I tried to force or prop open. I thank Him for all the people that told me I would never be anything, that I would never see life outside of Virginia Beach, that told me because I had two kids I would never make it in life. If it wasn't for those people I would not have fought as hard as I did. I thank God for my Aunt and God brother, who showed me the meaning of friendship and love. I thank Him for my friends Tee Bird, Birdie, and Red Velvet.....those ladies kept me lifted in times when I SURELY thought I was going to go off the cliff. I thank Him for all of the new friendships and the old ones that have been rekindled since I have relocated to the DMV. I thank Him for my Goons, Beasley and Chunk. God saved me through those two. So today, my attitude is gratitude! I am finally on the right regimen of meds for my Bipolar Disorder II. See what happens when you are honest with your doctor? The trilipetal has been great for mood stabilization. I don't feel like a zombie, I am not gaining insane amounts of weight, I just feel....even. The greatest test was last week, when I had to look at my calender to see when my cycle was set to start because there hadn't been a Mariah Carey moment that week. I am happy to be finally on the right track. Spring is quickly approaching so you know what that means! My racing season is on it's way! So far, I am signed up for 5 different races this spring and I am excited to complete my first half marathon in September. I met with my running group a few weeks ago and we talked about our running goals, and mine is to stop being afraid of the "long run". The long run is usually a Sunday run that is between 6-13 miles. Yeah, get into that. The idea of running six miles makes me nervous. I feel like I did the first time I ever rode Apollos Chariot every time I think about it. Do you know how many long runs I have punked out of? Three. I don't want this Sunday to be the fourth. I keep trying to hype myself up. Hell, a nine pound baby passed through this body and I drove myself home from the hospital 2 days later. So I know my body is capable, I just need to get my mind ready. Wish me luck this Sunday as I get up before the chickens and try to bang out 6 miles.

It's Been a Long Time

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 03:16:00 +0000

Since I am posting this on the fly, this post won't be as detailed as I wanted.

This year started off with a lot of major changes in all areas of my life. Mainly the relationship with my children. I love my kids to the moon! There isn't anything I wouldn't do for them. I say this because sometimes I feel like, despite my love. I am not there for them like I should be. In the middle of all my little meltdowns, I forget I have two small children that need me to be whole, so that I can take care of them. The girl is not doing good in math, and it eats me up that maybe because it was my lack of follow up from being caught up in commuting to and from work, training for races, and school work. It is time for a shift in priorities or better planning. During this time J is tutoring her and he reminds me that good men still exist. He celebrates her good grades and helps her with the not so good grades.

In other news, I have the cold from hell, I'm studying and getting ready for a shift in my career. That's it. Lol

Growing Up

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 15:22:00 +0000

Yesterday I took my weekly trip to Target (yes Target is the highlight of my weekend these days) and while I s browsing through the linen section in search of the awesomeness that is microfiber sheets, I came across a duvet cover that was on clearance. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE a sale. The problem was, that I had no idea what in the world a duvet cover was. I asked an associate in the store and she gave me a puzzled look, so I went to my next option: I asked Siri. All Siri could offer was it was used to protect your duvet and should be laundered when you launder your sheets. Since the price was so good, I grabbed it and figured I would just try it out and see what happened. When I arrived home, I did some more research and learned that duvet is a fancy word for comforter. Duvet covers are like slipcovers for your comforter. My daughter and I put my comforter in the cover and voila, I had a brand new comforter! The set also came with pillow shams (fancy word for pillow case), so it was like I got a brand new set for 15 dollars. Do you know that I throw away my comforters every year when I get a new one? I could have saved so much money by just buying a duvet cover instead of throwing away perfectly good comforter. After that seemingly grown up purchase, I realized I still live like a 21 year old with their first place. Do you know I do not own a colander? I use the old school method of draining my pasta with the lid. This is also the first year I have ever owned a coffee table and I have been on my own since 2001. I also just started getting coffee mugs and I don't have "nice dishes" for when company comes over. Most of this stems from the fact I am cheap when it comes to certain things. It is my belief that certain things should cost a certain amount. For instance, I think five dollars is too much for a bathroom trash can. I think a bathroom trash can should cost two dollars at the most. Kitchen trashcans? Five dollars is my threshold. It's a trashcan. It holds trash. It really shouldn't cost more than that. I think it absurd J owns a 50 dollar trashcan. Fifty dollars for a trashcan? What is it going to do? Take itself out? I remember last year on my quest for running shoes I set a limit of twenty dollars. Yes, you read that right. I was only willing to spend twenty dollars on my running shoes. I had to give that up when my sister explained to me how I could end up injuring myself in cheap shoes, so I acquiesced, and bout forty dollar running shoes. One of my goals this year is to get a more realistic concept of the cost of items and stop living as if I lived through the Great Depression.

Ratchet Sex Advice with Sam Ridley III

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 02:19:00 +0000

Check out my friend Sam Ridley one of my favorite comedians! There is more of this hilarity on his YouTube channel and Facebook page. You can also catch him live at the Jon Lovitz Podcast Theater in California.

Red or Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:58:00 +0000

One thing about Bipolar disorder is there is always the quest to stabilize your mood. I went to see my doctor on Thursday and learned that anti-depressants actually make bipolar disorder worse. I have very limited experience with mood stabilizers as the only one I was on was Abilify in 2008. It gave me horrible restless leg and blurred vision. I have never desired to be on lithium because I have not heard good things, and depokate makes my hair fall out. So, now I am trying Trilipetal. It is supposed to be milder for Bipolar II, which is what I have. So far, so good.

A lot of people have asked why I am "putting my business out there." The purpose of this blog is and will always be HONESTY. I will never give the sweet without the bitter. That is life. Social media has made it that people get to create their own realities on the Internet. That isn't me. Besides, I am not ashamed. My life is a TESTIMONY on how God will keep you...so I am not worried about people's judgements, that's their problem. My business is to be the best me EVER!

Am I Living in Crazytown?

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 02:08:00 +0000

This is going to be really annotated, here goes...

I have not heard from J all day. He hasn't been on Facebook, I haven't gotten any response via text and his phone is going right to voicemail. So because I was worried, after work I went by his house and knocked on the door. A woman answered the door. I'll let y'all ponder on that. I peered in the living room and there were children's toys and a child running around. She told me he wasn't there but she would tell him to come by my house. Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot. This shit is bizarre as hell.....

Do Not Disturb

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 15:19:00 +0000

One of the best features of my iPhone is the "Do Not Disturb" feature. It keeps your phone from alerting you until you choose to, or for a certain period of time. Since I am trying to be a better mother and more attentive to those in my real life, I am using the feature along with my daughter hiding my phone in her room when I get home. I must say, the last two days have been awesome, but this feels like quitting smoking. I don't know what to do with my hands. As I waited for dinner to cook, I was just looking around trying to fill that void of mindlessly staring at my screen for hours would fill. I can say, I am a lot more productive than I have been and I am getting THE best sleep of my life. I used to blame my commute for the reason I could not get into bed by nine. Lies and fairy tales. It's because I would be on my phone waiting for J to text me or stalking everyone by Instagram. My sister said something very profound the other day. "Your online life is both fictional and fractional." She is right. I am not enjoying a lot of moments in life because I am too busy documenting. So if you try to call me after 7pm or on the weekends....I am out...living :)

Confession

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 01:07:00 +0000

Today, something I have been covering up under the guise of PMS came to rear it's ugly head. Four years later. I thought shook it off back then. I'm in DC! I am cultivating a career! Everything is great! But little did I know "It" was sitting in the parking lot doing push ups, yelling, "CHALLENGE!" So today I am tired. Tired of caring more about stigma than my own well being. Tired of putting what people would say in front my my ability to properly care for my children. Tired of caring more about my ability to be considered "marriage material" instead of my ability to have a healthy relationship. I have Bipolar Disorder II. I have known this for years. Since 2008. I remember when I sat in the psych doctors office and she and we went over a questionnaire and talked about some of my feelings. That is when I heard those two words. Bipolar Disorder. Hell no. Not me. I read "72 Hour Hold." I don't do those things. She was clearly mistaken. I would try the Abilify and I hated it. Oh, my mood was stable but I hated the side effects. My legs were restless, it made it hard to sit down the majority of my day. So I just quit. I quit taking the Abilify, I quit seeing the doctor, I just quit. I was not going to just accept I was bi-polar. I was chronically depressed, with some anxiety issues, but I was not bi-polar. People around me agreed. "Oh it's not that bad! They just want to put people on a bunch of drugs....you just need to pray baby." Four years later I want to tell those people, you were wrong. So, I am sure you are all wondering how did I finally come to terms with my diagnosis? After four years of lying to every single doctor who has tried to help, it caught up to me. This morning I came crashing down from a episode of what I now know was hypomania that left me and emotional wreck in my office. I couldn't get any work done because I was just sobbing at my desk. During this episode, I scheduled plastic surgery for my vaj-jay, looked into buying a home in Samoa, and I called a lot of people and left a lot of voice mails. I wasn't done there. I called my GYN and told her I wanted to consult for a total hysterectomy, I scheduled a tattoo session, and lastly as some of you may be familiar I rapid posted on my favorite place, Facebook. What I know about manic episodes is they come to an end and when they end it ends in depression. Today while driving down 14th street, the mania ended and the depression came down, and it came down hard. I went to work feeling hopeless, unloved, ugly, broken, damaged. I would try to "snap out of it", but I couldn't I just....cried. Finally, I marched myself up to my therapist and I told her what I have always known. She chastised me about not being honest, and she put me on a mood stabilizer that doubles as an antidepressant, changed my "insomnia" medication (it's not insomnia....its the manic episode...I don't even try to sleep as I am up doing the most). The point is I did more harm to myself by not being honest with the very people trying to help me. They thought they were treating one thing when it was really another. So, no more lies about being "chronically depressed". I know there is a giant stigma and I would rather deal with that then be a mess. Most men don't understand, so there will be a lot of "I can't date/marry her, she's crazy!" That's fine. I would rather be alone and sane than crazy with someone. I am going to take the next 30 days to get well, so I will not be on Facebook, only to share my blogs and that is it. I need to focus on getting better and my school work, so those are my priorities. Here's to healing! I will keep you all posted!

To Do List

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:26:00 +0000

1. Start watching "Girls" the promo looks cool so I'm going to give it a shot.

2. Go back to taking my Celexa. No shame in it. Depression is a disease and if there is medication that can help, I need to take it. I'm two months off and I am a mess.

3. PUT THE CELL PHONE DOWN! This has gotten out of control. I am up until 11 every night on Twitter, IG, and Facebook. It's got to stop. So, starting today no cell phone usage after I step through the door. If anyone needs to reach me they can use a homing pigeon.

4. Exercise. Yes, I'm skinty now, but I need those endorphins.

5. Stop being a people hoarder. You can't keep everyone. Everything has an expiration date.

Anxiety

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:29:00 +0000

You all know I have a policy about not faking the funk on this blog and all I can say about today is, "Damn." For the past four years I have struggled with anxiety attacks and today I had one that debilitated me. The best way to describe it is feeling like an elephant sitting on your chest. All day. I feel so anxious that I get stuck in one place and can't move. It's debilitating. I thought by doing my daughter's hair and taking an Ativan it would blow over. But it didn't. I retreated to my little hole known as my bed and just stayed there until I realized I needed to make dinner. Hopefully it will subside by the morning because I have a job to do and need to do it well.

Weekend....

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 18:42:00 +0000

I thought I was going to work some OT today, but after driving ALL THE WAY to Hyattsville, I discovered someone was messy and didn't get me the access I needed. The free breakfast from Jason's Deli was nice though. I'm relaxing for the rest of the day....

Affirmations

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 01:21:00 +0000

I know me and my friends have running jokes about the part in the movie, "The Help" where Abileen tells the little girl, "You is smart, you is kind, and you is important." Yes, I cringe over the grammar, but the message is powerful. Abileen knew that the little girl was being raised in a family that was not going to nurture the little girl she was becoming. So Abileen made sure she had positive reinforcement. Well I am going to be my own Abileen. Each morning, I look at that mantra and remind myself that I am an intelligent woman, I am a kind and loving person and I matter.

Mama's Gonna Work It Out

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:33:00 +0000

Every so often, something will happen that causes me to pause and take inventory of my life. Lately my biggest task is tackling my insecurities. I wish I saw myself as other people did. I get tired of beating myself up and I am longing for the day that I TRULY love myself. I emphasize "truly" because I have become a master of giving off the illusion of high self esteem. Sure, there are days when I am firing on all cylinders, but there are more days where I wish I was someone else. When I was home, I ran into my sons old babysitter and she was raving about how pretty I looked. You think I took that compliment? No. I stood there and thought about how, yeah I'm pretty, but not PRETTY, if that makes sense. J is always joking that I have a legion of thirst. Where? Who? I my mind ain't nobody checking for me. I don't want to feel that way anymore. I want to fall in love with me and MEAN IT! The caveat is where do I start? The first place is to spend more time ALONE. Yes, you heard that right. Miss Page needs to roll dolo from state to state! If I need some alone time to see the good in me. Second is to continue my walk with God. It has been a rough one because I am a chronic backslider, but simply put God doesn't make any trash and I am fearfully and wonderfully made. There is also a ministry at church dealing with empowerment and I think it would serve me well to participate. Therapy is nice, but sitting on the couch is not enough, there must be some action. I will keep you all posted on my progress.

Street Life

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 04:41:00 +0000

Plush interior
Trying not to stare
Beach Girl
Not used to the
Flashing lights
Mama I want a D Boy
At least that's what I
Whispered under my breath
Curiosity leading me
Calling me to slip sway
To the other side of the world
Where black Acuras shined bright
Gold fangs flashed crooked smiles
Chains swung
And we
Wanted that
Riding around
And getting it before it was popular
Riding shotgun in a whip
The heavy words of Mobb Deep
Blare through the speakers
The smell of Mary laces the air
Admiring my too long nails
Nail tricks by Seneca, Pinky
Happy to experience it all
But in what would seem
Like an funeral that would never end
Handsome men I once chased
Now in one place
Living high numbers
Girls with promise
Shining eyes and optimism
Gave way to hardened hearts
Broken promises to live a Biggie video
Reality sat in
Ten years later
Ten years too late

ADD Life

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:44:00 +0000

Amongst my imperfections is on little friend I like to call, ADD. I was originally diagnosed in 1988, but my mom declined to put me on Ritalin and for duration of my adolescence I had a hard time in school with focusing and staying on task (it was a running theme throughout my school career). Then as an adult, it got REALLY bothersome. I worked in ADD hell aka a call center and I just could not stay in my seat! A large part of my job required that. Lets not even discuss college. I have been to five colleges and I have nary a degree. So, fast forward to now. I am trying to build my IT career and I am in need of some certifications that are going to require all of my focus so about three months ago I saw a doctor and FINALLY got some Concerta, and y'all....day and night!!!! If I had this focus in high school....sheesh! I have been doing well taking it everyday and then I just stopped. I don't know if it was because I was on my chantix regimen I stopped, who knows but I have seen a huge decline in my productivity at work and then today I went to count my pills and between November and December's bottle I had....32. That means I have not taken my medicine in a month. That can't happen. School starts in a week and I need my job. So starting tomorrow I am going to take it everyday like I should.

Do You Know What Today Is?

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria Page) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 13:40:00 +0000

Today is the last day in 2012!!!! Looking back, 2012 was a good year for me. This year I learned how strong I actually am and possibilities are only as limited as you make them. What makes today extra special though, is today will make one year that J and I have been together. Who would have known a year ago during a date at the Smithsonian, I would find the man who made me comfortable enough to let down the emotional guard that had been up for too long. I am glad for once, I did not let the bitterness of the past completely shut me out of something that turned out to be better than good for me. He kept me encouraged during my quest to relocate to the DMV, and he kept me motivated when I felt like giving up. We have had some ups and downs and there are times where both of us felt like throwing in the towel, but there was always something that kept us together. In the last few weeks, our relationship has experienced a few major changes, but I am not worried, because I have a feeling we will make it through it. J, thank you for showing me that good men still exist, loving me for who I am, and finally for putting up with my Mariah Carey moments, lol.

Everyone be safe no matter what it is that you decide to do tonight and for the love of God, don’t drink and drive! Here is to a prosperous and happy 2013!