How did I get here?

I've been a complex introvert since birth. I keep a lot to myself, which, I'm learning, is becoming quite the problem. It's clear that I need to talk to someone; and this is my arena for doing so.
The truth is I spent 2 years in a highly abusive, volatile relationship. I stayed because he was my first everything, and I truly believed that being with him was better than being without him. I maintained a state of deep, self-imposed denial because I mentally couldn't handle admitting what was truly happening around me. That's a sad, sad, fact in and of itself.
For 2 years, on almost a daily basis, I was told that I was stupid, ugly and worthless. I was led to believe that I wasn't capable of doing anything with my life and that no one would ever want me. When you're in a situation where you're constantly being told such hurtful and harmful things, it really messes with your psyche. After awhile, I started to believe the things he was saying to me. And after a little bit longer I started to say the same things to myself. Along with the verbal abuse there was physical abuse. It's scary to think that because of everything else, being pushed around didn't even phase me. I kid myself and said that I can handle it. Who the hell thinks like that?! Apparently I do. In addition to that, he was a cheater and for the first 4 months of our relationship he was messing around with my best friend, something that I suspected and heard about but couldn't get a truthful answer about from either one of them. If I questioned it, the 2 of them denied it and both made me feel like I was crazy for even thinking that. The one and only time I told my supposed bff how uncomfortable and wrong I thought it was that she was hanging out with my boyfriend every night, she ran straight to him, crying, and told him what I had said. He screamed at me over the phone and made me out to be the bad guy. The next day, we argued about it again and he told me that he wished I was a guy, so he could beat the shit out of me and not get in trouble for it. That was the last time I ever fully opened up to a "friend" about my feelings. Lesson learned I guess.
The guy was and still is an addict. In true addict form, he was a master manipulator. Not only did I believe the things he was filling my head with, but I let him isolate me from my friends and family until I was so far away from everyone and so completely dependent on him that I truly had no one and no where to go. My parents were always mad at me, my mother accused me of choosing him and his family over my own. Because of my intense need to keep things to myself, I didn't say anything to anyone. To this day, no one knows about how it really was. He drank a lot and because he drank, I drank. Every night was just another round of seeing how much we could drink, how high we could get or whatever else came around.
In some crazy way, getting pregnant was my way out of the relationship. The drinking and drugs stopped, I was at least responsible enough to do that. The fighting didn't stop, infact it almost got worse. I lost count of the number of times he threatened to "punch the baby out of my stomach". He constantly warned me that there'd be hell to pay if I tried to take the baby away from him. I was scared to death. I was 18, pregnant, and felt like I didn't have anyone to talk to. My parents hated him and didn't try to hide their disdain for him at all. My mom couldn't help but shoot me dirty looks when I'd go see him. His mom wasn't very fond of me either, and constantly found ways to make me inadequate. She didn't attempt to hide the fact that she really liked my best friend.
I felt like a complete loser. I didn't know what to do or where to go or what would happen next. My pregnancy was high risk due to my age and the fact that the stress was taking it's toll on the both of us; the baby and myself. Every month there was a new concern. At 7 months along my doctor told me he wasn't convinced that the best place for the baby was inside of me. It was just one more count against me, I couldn't even handle being pregnant. My boyfriend wasn't any help, he went from drinking and getting high to messing around with pills to something worse. By the time our daughter was born (3 weeks early and extremely small) he was a full blown crackhead.
That was the beginning of the end of our relationship. He stopped doing crack for awhile and started drinking more to compensate. I started having a lot of anxiety. He didn't have a car, so I had to pick him up from work. And every day I would get in the car and the closer I got to his work, the more nauseuous I became. After one particularly bad night, I kicked him out. We stayed together but didn't live together anymore. The relationship finally ended a year later after another big fight that happened right in front of my family. I was done, I had finally had enough. And to make the whole situation easier, my mother overheard me on the phone with him and got mad at me for it, little did she know that I was only trying to get off the phone with him and knew that if I told him what he wanted to hear then he'd leave me alone. She told me that she was going to put some distance between herself and my daughter because I was just going to go back to him anyway and she didn't want to watch it anymore. I guess he wasn't the only one who didn't believe in me.
A month after we broke up, I found out I was pregnant again. I was devastated, I had no idea what I was going to do. To make matters worse, my father was gravely ill and we weren't sure how much longer he would make it. I didn't tell my ex boyfriend about the baby, because deep down I knew that the three of us, myself, my daughter and the new baby, would all be safer and better off without him in our lives. It was a drastic decision but I felt it was the right one. I knew he wasn't ever going to bring anything but trouble and hurt to our lives. So far, I haven't been wrong. I have not spoken to him in years but I hear about him from time to time, and I never hear anything good. To add fuel to the fire, my mother has now taken it upon herself to be the main voice of criticism in my life. I can't even count the number of times I've overheard conversations between her and one of her friends, or her boyfriend, talking about how I'm not capable of doing anything or going anywhere in life. If one person thinks it, theres a large chance it's not true. But if many people think that way, then maybe there is some truth to it. I just keep taking it all in, storing it in the dark places in my mind. Unfortunately, those places are becoming bigger and bigger and the anger is getting stronger. I really am a terrible person.
Over time, experiences and situations have a way of hardening you until you become so completely numb that nothing fazes you anymore. I'm now in a position where I'm raising 2 children by myself, with no potential father in sight. I keep everything to myself because I decided a long time ago that I'm nothing if not strong. He may not be around to remind me that I'm stupid, ugly, and worthless but those thoughts are not completely erased from my mind. I still catch myself saying the same things. If I'm late for something, I will spend the entire car ride to wherever it is I'm going completely berating myself for not being on time. I am obsessed with my hair and makeup always being perfect because deep down I have zero confidence in myself. I truly do not believe that I will ever find someone, because I truly do not believe that I deserve it. I don't trust and I don't let anyone get close.
This post is nothing more than an expression of everything I loathe - an emotional outpouring of any sort. It makes me sound pathetic and weak and I hate it. But at least I finally told someone. Thank God no one actually reads this crap.

Where did everyone go??

At one time, I had a lot of friends. It seemed I was never at a loss when I needed to talk to someone. Lately, though, it feels like everyone has abandoned ship. Did I miss something? Or the bigger question, did I DO something?
Perhaps it is truly my fault. I haven't been at my best for the past few months. When things get bad, I tend to isolate myself. Maybe I've pushed people away. But aren't your best friends always supposed to be there? I have certainly been there for everyone else whenever they needed me. Ohana means nobody gets left behind, right?
Honestly, I feel like such a wimp for whining. Thank GOD no one actually reads this mindless drivel. I just needed an outlet. I whine and complain and then ignore it all. Probably, that's not the best way to handle things. It's certainly not improving my mental state. But, then, given my current position, maybe it's best to be alone.
It's fine, I have my kids and I have school. I will fully immerse myself in those 2 things and by doing so, will be far too busy to notice the lack of friendly faces in my world.
I still have to wonder though.......

I'm a walking contradiction

I hate that I'm addicted to soda
I hate that I'm addicted to makeup
I hate being obsessed with and controlled by my appearance
I hate that I can't seem to ever finish what I start
I hate being a single parent
I hate getting up early
I hate being stuck at home
I hate constantly wearing comfy clothes
I hate being shy
I hate being consumed by school and homework
I hate that I'm a sinner
I hate being alone


I love mt. dew
I love makeup
I love feeling pretty and always put together
I love brief moments of inspiration
I love being a parent
I love getting up early
I love being at home
I love being comfortable
I love being independent
I love school
I love that I'm always forgiven
I love quiet time by myself

(un)comfortably numb

Another Sunday, another amazing message today. I truely think I attend the best church in the world! I continuously hear something every week that pertains to my life/situation/moment, whether it's part of a prayer, sermon or song. And that's exactly what a church experience should be.
Theres always a but, or a however, and here is mine. The last couple months have been a struggle of the worst kind, an emotional roller coaster per say. It's always hard to pinpoint what the catalyst is when this happens. Intuitively, I can guess where and what started it, but thats not the point. Truthfully, it's been a long time coming. For me, I guess you can say that the road to Heaven is paved with good intentions and multiple collapses.
Depression is a tricky, tricky little monster, and we jumped in the ring 10 years ago. Most of the time, I'm winning. Lately, he's been kicking my ass. Which brings me to today.
It wasn't the topic that got to me as much as a basic theme that ran throughout the entire sermon. The point was made that our sin doesn't just hurt God, or ourselves, or those around us. It can also leave some pretty big scars, and sometimes those scars don't fade. Certain sins not only harm us, but take away a part of us. Over time, after continuously losing pieces, we are left with nothing inside.
I've been trying to attach a name to this overwhelming feeling I've been carrying around for the past 2 months and today I finally found it. I'm just numb, with occasional outbursts of intense anger. I haven't been completely happy in quite some time. In fact, the last time I remember feeling real happiness was one night almost 2 years ago. Sad isn't it?
It would seem that finally acknowledging something that I've been denying would bring on a sense of relief in someway. Afraid not. Instead, I instictively just turn in even more. I bolted the minute church was let out, not wanting to see or talk to anyone and silently hoping that no one would notice the panic that was written across my face.
I don't know how to get out from under this boulder-sized storm cloud that has been hovering above my head. I'm definitely in uncharted territory.

My Non-Resolution Resolution

For as far back as I can remember (that's really not as long ago as it sounds, we're talking high school years) I have made the same resolution for New Years. You can guess how successful I was in keeping to that resolution seeing as I kept making it year after year...after year!
This year however, I'm resolving NOT to resolve to do anything...kinda. This past year has been rough. To be frank, it sucked. Well partially anyway. I started off the year in a great place, or so I thought. I was in a relationship with a guy I loved more than words could describe. It was something that I'd wanted for so long that I think when it finally happened I completely ignored any misgivings I had about getting involved with this person and just dove in head first. It wasn't what I thought it would be. Some parts were better, some parts were less than that. He was my best friend though and I was convinced that I would be ending this year with a ring on my finger.
My empty ring finger speaks volumes of how intuitive I can be.
But what do you do? Well, if you're me you fall shamefully apart and then pick yourself up and move on. I learned that I had a lot of work to do, most of it on myself. I stepped out of my comfort zone and into a new church where I've found more than I could've ever imagined I'd find in a movie theater. I joined a bible study and I'm now a part of a group of 25 strong Christians who encourage, support and love one another. How many people can say they have 25 people standing behind them???
I've learned what real blessings are and I've seen where God is working in my life and for those 2 things alone I am completely grateful. So this year, instead of vowing to lose weight or get out of debt or do some other materialistic and unneccessary thing, I've decide that I'm only going to set 2 goals for myself: In 2011 I'm going to be happy and I'm going to make a difference.
And I'm not resolving to do either, I'm just going to do my best and see where that takes me :)

I'd rather have a strong backbone than a strong jaw bone!

Some really smart person said that to me this week. And after I thought about it, I fully agreed! Basically, it mean a little less talk and a lot more action. I've been all about change this summer and heading into this fall. So this saying is pretty insync with what I'm doing.
I got a new gym membership this week!!! I'm pretty excited about it. It's just time to get it together.
So far, this semester isn't going too badly. I thought it'd be a lot more stressful but it's been (mostly) smooth sailing thus far!
Things I'm not too happy about: people who can't seem to just be honest!! Seriously, we're adults now, it's ok to just say what you mean and mean what you say. Honesty isn't hard. If you tell someone you'll do something, then do it!
Ok, no more ranting.....have a great weekend!!!

Walk Away

This should be my mantra I think. In a way, it'd be a very good mantra. It could solve any situation you encounter, be it happy/sad/uncomfortable/angry/scary.....
New guy is out. Lets be honest, that one was going nowhere anyway. So I'm gonna walk away from that.
Celebrated the besties b-day last night. I knew there was a chance that the ex and the ex's new gf would be there (this is reason number 378 why you should never date within your circle). But in the spirit of happy birthday-ness I said I wasn't going to let it bother me. I halfway lucked out, the gf didn't come. But the ex sure did. It was....weird. It was the 5 of us, sitting around the same table playing poker...exactly like we have several times over the past 2 summers. But this time the entire dynamic was off. Couple that with the tequila that was going down way to easily and....drinking always leads to thinking it seems. I just kept telling myself to walk away...don't go down that particular memory lane. Theres nothing down there you want to reminisce about anyway. Walk away.
I've been refinding my faith this summer. It started after the now infamous break up (I swear this is going to be the last blog that mentions this!!) but I found a new church and with it a new outlook. It's been the most positive experience I've had all summer and the best part is I get to have it every single Sunday. And because of that I've been rethinking my actions. Walk away. Leave everything thats keeping me from being where I want to be. Just start walkin...

Ranting today

My brain has been slightly scizophrenic this summer. I spent the first several weeks ridiculously depressed, followed by several weeks of being blissfully happy and content. And for the past 2 days I've been feeling that angry bitter girl that sometimes inhibits my body coming out in a slightly United States of Tara way. I'll explain.
Two nights ago I stopped by my bff's house for a minute to drop something off on my way to hang out with new guy. As I was leaving my bff's, my ex was arriving. Unsure of whether to say hi or just keep walking, I casually glanced up as we passed each other in the driveway. However, whatever idea I'd entertained of being even the tinniest bit polite to this person was quickly diminished as he LOOKED THE OTHER WAY!!!
Are you kidding me?? First of all, I am nothing if not polite. It takes an awful lot of wrongdoing on your part for me to not be at the very least polite to you. And you've done a lot of wrong here lately, but because of our history I am still willing to be nice. Second of all, we are adults. I might not have helped the situation but I certainly didn't cause or create it. For someone who was so concerned with me hating you, you've certainly done a bang up job at preventing that!
Maybe part of my being angry has more to do with my reaction and less to do with his actions. I shouldn't care about this person. I shouldn't care that what he thinks of me or how he acts around me. But damn, I do.

The best things in life are free!

I wish I knew exactly how many calories laughing burned, because I think I could definitely manage to drop a few lbs just by hanging out with my friends everyday! I had zero expectations going into this summer and so far I have gotton so much more out of it than I could have ever thought possible. I've learned at lot, I've laughed a lot and I've loved every minute of it.
Two months ago one of the several girls who keep me going told me that there are so many people who care deeply for me that I'm not even aware of. She was right. I have been surprised at the number of people who have come out of nowhere to be there for me. I have the greatest support group standing behind me and because of them I feel like I can conquer the world. And I will!

2 years later....

Ironically I remembered starting this thing almost 2 years ago to the day. Obviously (and luckily) a lot has changed including but not limited to: my weight, my haircolor, my kids, my life...
2 years ago I had a great job that I loved. And then I lost it, my fault completely. I started looking for a new job and decided that if I didn't find one in a certain amount of time then I was heading back to school. Turned out, I was overqualified and under educated for everything I wanted to do so back to school I went. And it was there that I found yet another outlet for my obsessive compulsive personality. I am one of those students, the ones who have to get an A on every paper, the ones who stress and get incredibly bitchy before a test. Love me or leave me, I can't help it.
My friends have (mostly) stayed the same over the last 2 years. With the exception of one thing. Not going into great detail but the cliff notes version would be I fell in love with my best friend, got into a relationship with aforementioned friend and then everything went to shit and here I am, slightly bitter but overall a better person for the whole damn mess. And said friend is no longer a part of my life. And I'm ok with that.
I've changed a little. I'm even more focused on what I want. I know whats best for me and my kids and I'm dedicated to getting what I want for us. I'm still the same honest, loving, crazy, girly individual I've always been. I'm not always nice but I'm always real.
So now that we've caught up....lets move on.

I'm not ashamed to admit....

That I am perhaps the girliest person I know! If make up is my bread and butter then hair products/tools are the wine that goes with! I was never one of those kids that wanted to get dirty. In fact, I hated being outside in general. I loved fixing my hair and couldn't wait to start wearing makeup. I remember when my mom first let me use eye makeup. It was in 8th grade and she insisted that if I was to wear it, then I was going to learn how to do it right. So we had a Mary Kay party. She bought me the full array of products they gave me to use. And my addiction began. From that day on, seldom a day goes by that mascara, eyeliner and shadow aren't present on my face. It's not a chore for me, like it is to some. It's like brushing your teeth...or having coffee in the morning. It's just something that I need to start my day. Doing my hair goes along with it. You can't just do one and not the other...thats a sin against beauty regimens everywhere! I always swore that I was not going to be one of those moms who just quit taking pride in their appearance after they have kids. My other mommy friends laugh at me, they don't understand the need to put on my face before I run errands. The desire to look at least decent (by my own standards, which I'll admit are incredibly higher than most) every day. I just smile and tell them that it's just me. I'm addicted. And like any good addict.....I have no interest in quitting!! You can keep your extra minutes of sleep....I'll be the one with the fresh, perfectly blended face and fluffy, shiny hair!!!