This Is Us

Monday, November 20, 2017

Find Yourself A Hobby, Or Die Trying?

The first time someone ever told me that I "needed a hobby", I turned down going out with my friends because I had to work the next day. I rolled my eyes, but now it makes sense.

It took me until where I am in life to realize why hobbies are so important.

This past year has been a very difficult one for me. I was at my happiest, and at my worst. When Dave and I moved here, I was avidly writing two books and finding out what it was like to truly be on my own. It was exhilarating and frightening. But it was easy because I had my hobbies to hold me through my tough times.

I blogged when I was sad or lonely, I FaceTimed almost every day and searched for jobs left and right. Then I found what I thought was my dream job.

I was so happy and thriving. I had found my people. My family. People who didn't care what I looked like, or how much I weighed, what music I liked, or if I cried because I was homesick. I was in love with my job for the first time ever.

Naturally, I fell off from my hobbies, writing, yoga, and talking to friends, diving head-deep into work. How could I be happier? Work didn't even FEEL like work. Then this year, things began to fall apart. I worked with someone who didn't like me and felt that I had it out for them, so they spread lies, and in September, I lost my job, my family, and my stability.

I was lucky enough to find another job less than a week later, but at the expense of a giant pay cut, and having to sell my horses, and taking on stress because I am continuously worrying about how I will afford life. I am trying to write a little more each week or two, hoping it will bring back some peace.

This has been a really rough patch, and folks, life isn't easy. But someday I truly believe fate will hand me something good. I am good and I do try to do good for people.

Thanks for listening to my rant. I feel lost and alone, even though I know I have support. I just wish there was an easy way out. For now, I guess we will see.

Much Love.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

A.W.O.L

Hello, it's Me.

I have returned from my break of writing.

Before we begin, let me give you a piece of insight on my journey the last year.

I moved across the country, started a new job and became completely independent and alone before I was old enough to legally drink. I also had left my two horses at home, a source of therapy for me after losing a very close friend not long before. I was not prepared, and I did not want to change for my new life waiting for me in Upstate Syracuse, New York. At some point, I cut my hair in my bathroom, dyed it turquoise, got numerous tattoos on top of my ten others, and became a whole new person.

In the process, I lost myself, my fire, and my passion. My books were put on the shelf, my friendships from home, on hold. I cried more, I changed anti-depressants, and I stopped sharing my feelings with people.

I did have a short-lived friendship with two friends who tried dating for a bit, yet in the end, we fell apart on account of one being married and generally too young to know herself, the other yearning to find himself, and me being possibly the loneliest extrovert.

On New Year's Eve, David (my boyfriend if you don't remember) and I decided to go to a local bar and restaurant to ring in the new year. They were passing out free beers, but we just wanted to be low-key, our last two years were pretty "Extra". Meaning I threw up as well as pissed two hotel beds. Not fun, do not try it. EVER.
Anyways, while we were at that bar, my coworker Corina walked in with her roommate. They stayed for awhile, and eventually, it was just Corina Dave and I. Corina and I had never talked, but I envied her calm demeanor and her classy retro style. We had the same glasses and thought it was hilarious when people pointed it out. We rang in the New Year, buzzed and feeling emotional that somehow that had sealed our fate as friends.

Over time we became inseparable, she showed me how to properly care for my plants, how to dress for your body but also in what you think is cute. It gave me a new outlook on myself, inside and out. I wore clothes I loved, dressed how I wanted and stopped wearing bras because it gave me the confidence, plus almost all of my coworkers didn't wear them. I became confident, survived my first Northeast winter, was promoted at work, and became super close with another friend, Katie.

Katie listened to me when I was having a terrible day, or when I was in my worst mood. She didn't sugar coat if she thought I was being too emotional about my work, and I look at her like my sister. I trust her with anything and everything. Somehow we clicked as soon as we worked together.

Two weeks ago now, I was let go from my "Dream Job" for harassment. I was shocked and blindsided. I had no prior history or information. I was told to turn in my keys and sign a paper. That was that. I emailed asking for more information and was turned down. This was right before I left for Portland to visit my family. I was now broke, depressed, and second-guessing anything I had ever said to someone.

That was also what I needed. A complete break. I went home, saw old friends, my parents, Kerrigan, cried, cut my hair, did my nails, went shooting with my dad, and went to a Timbers soccer match. It was the best cleansing experience someone could have in a time like that. I filled out applications daily, and when I came back, started working as a barista at a four-star restaurant. I work bankers hours, I have weekends off with Dave, and I make twice as much.

Like I said, this year has been the biggest change in my life thus far. From moving to losing what I thought was my career. Everyone who has floated in and out of my life the last sixteen months, Thank you.

It has been as crazy and dynamic as this blog. I finally feel well enough to sit down, open this laptop, and start typing.

I guess my word to the wise today is no matter what you're struggling with right now, whether it is depression, or a breakup, or maybe its money. Whatever it is, remember that if you have a goal, and you work hard, you'll get there. Keep your chin up on your rainiest days. You can do it. I am here for you and so many others are. I truly believe that everything does happen for a reason. Even though some things are really fucked up.

I love you, and I will see you soon.
Xoxo
-Basic as Hell

Monday, February 20, 2017

Ringing In The New Year

Portland Blog maybe?

Food, veganism, depression, east coast learning, west coast longing, etc.

With the coming of the new year, so many things were welcomed into my life.

I officially became vegan again, I started a new anti-depressant which hopefully will be close to my last one. I visited home, saw my doctors, got new eyeglass prescriptions, saw and talked to west coast friends I hadn't spoken to in awhile.

Might I add to any friends who are reading this, I have moved and started settling in. I have not forgotten about you. I simply am trying to cope and adjust to living far away from everyone.

I was very hurt when I stopped hearing from my friends when I first moved. But then I realized when I stopped contacting them in return that it wasn't to hurt me, it was because they woke up, went to work, school, ate, worked out, cooked, cleaned, loved their partners/dogs/animals and went to sleep. I am supposed to expect that out of your sixteen hour day that you are supposed to pay attention to me?

No. I move on and make a life here and we talk when we can like old friends. That is what you do when you are an adult.

As for here, might I add that this has been the hardest, yet best move I have made in my short life. But who knows, maybe I have more moves to make?

When I first moved here, I cried every night because I was so lonely.
Now I go to bed each night excited to wake up and go to work.

Speaking of work let's talk about how I found my dream job. Sorry guys, this blog is going to be huge, but life has given me a large opportunity and it would be selfish to not share.


Sunday, December 4, 2016

When You Can't Sleep, Write.

I woke up this morning with the feeling that maybe I could go back to this as my boyfriend got ready to go to drill. In more attempts, I realized I would not be successful.

I laid in bed thinking about what I would do with the day and decided that I was going to make the most of it and go to the cafe I work at and write. So here I am, two hours later, all comfortable in my boots and scarf, relaxed.

But the bagel with avocado was so worth it. Let me update you on what has been happening. I have not been sleeping well as if you couldn't already tell.
I am very homesick, I really would like to go home and visit my family.
I also have my horses coming here as I write! I am oh so excited for that!

I think the most exciting thing for me is the fact that the first animal I have had as an adult to love and take care of and be my own is coming to live independently with me. And that means a lot to me.


Things are moving pretty slowly right now. The move is settling in, I am making and losing friends. I have so much to do and yet so little. I wish I had more motivation and more time. More days and hours to tell people I loved them and how much they meant to me.

I am also learning that I need to take time for myself. Like this morning, I am taking time for me, by just realizing all of these things as I am typing. I will probably make a list of things I want to do for the day after this to help me organize. I like lists, they make me feel more in control of things. It is like when you get too high, and you need something to ground you, like a sound or feeling. For me, it's the feeling of the cold.

And when I am feeling anxious or out of control, I make lists. Everyone has a different preference.

Tell me what is new with you guys, or maybe just check in mentally with yourselves. How are you doing? What are you battling internally and externally every day? What makes you feel out of control? What can you do to feel in control? Do you ever give too much and forget to give to yourself?

Here's a little perspective; my first tattoo was on the left side of my body. spiritually that is the side that you receive with. The rest of my tattoos I have gotten on the right side of my body, save for my semi-colon, which is on my ring finger, symbolizing my marriage to life.

Ever since I have been getting tattoos on my body, I have told myself to give. I have always wanted to give as much as I could to everyone around me, because it would mean that I never left anyone I came in contact with unloved. Except I forgot that also meant the person in the mirror was someone too.
I slowly have become exhausted by giving so much and forgetting to receive. So as of that epiphany, I will be getting another tattoo on my left side to symbolize my dedication to myself, and to receiving all that is presented to me, because I am human, and because life is a two-way street. It sounds hippy-ish, but that is because it is.

I hope you all are sleeping well, and remember to love, and be loved.

I love you all with the bottom of my heart.
XOXOXO


Thursday, December 1, 2016

K

I had a friend named Kerrigan who once told me that
it was hard to eat because she had anxiety. 
I would try to feel bad but in the back of my mind
I would think, "It's easy, just eat the food"

She would disappear for hours to the bathroom during cheer camp or at dinner
Only to come back quiet and pale. 
I felt like the horrible person I was being internally
yet I stayed quiet. 

In high school, she loved everyone
And everyone loved her.
She had more friends than most people I have known through my life
always making sure everyone felt as loved as the next

I always wanted to be one
I always did feel like one, 
Yet I always wanted to be perfect, 
until I found out there is no perfect in this world

Over a year ago Kerrigan drove off of the side of an embankment, 
crushing her car 
Dreams 
and her frail cadaver that had been so filled with love

I got a call from my now ex-best friend 
with her haunting words saying
"Kerrigan's passed away" 
and with every slow heart beat my head screamed no this can't be happening

But it did. I have the colored scars to prove it. 
I used to think people were perfect, and if they could give so much love that they were happy. 

If I could I'd ask Kerrigan, who is now permanently laying silently in her final bed, 
while we, the imperfect ones, 
sit, stand, walk, run in her place, 
telling stories, 
raising families, 
hurting ourselves,
hurting others because this person taught us that 
Loving and giving are something that everyone should do

And we don't know how. 
And we don't want to because we aren't ready, 
We aren't ready to say goodbye to God's angel
We can't accept that everything does happen for a reason

No matter how twisted. 

[Pause] 

In high school, I met a girl named Kerrigan, who loved to sing. 
She taught me how to be imperfect. 
And the day she left I learned that our time together 
on this earth; was indeed
Perfect.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

One Letter To End Them All

***NOT SUICIDAL***

To those of you know have known me for years, you would know I am a major depressive who has struggled for years to find the right SSRI to make me act and handle situations like a normal human being.

For those of you who just met me, welcome to my crazy train, and I am sure we met because we are more alike than we know. Either way, here is something I never thought I would share with the world.

Before you ask why, or when, just be open minded, and read to the bottom. Yes, I cried, and you will too. That's why we are here together, and that is why I am sharing this. Well friend, here goes nothing.

Here is my suicide note.

         Dear mom and dad, I'm sorry for drunk driving and lying to you. I am sorry for making you worry. I love you guys more than anything or one in the world and you guys make me so happy. I wish I wasn't depressed. I wish I had finished college the way I planned, and gotten scholarships. I wish I had been the star and the honor student I planned to be all throughout school. I wish I wasn't moving further and further away from my goals in life.
         Dear family, I love you too. You mean a lot to me, but you also make me question myself. It is sometimes good but also makes me feel like I am making mistakes. I am an adult and can do what I want... Right? I don't know anymore... Maybe I can't do this. Any ways, please know that I am always trying. I always tried.
        Dear friends, thank you for supporting me, for loving me and leaving me. I grew and fell when I needed to. But in the end it wasn't enough. It was no one's fault but mine. I can't handle loving other people when I can't even love myself. No one can give and not take. I took toxicity, and gave my love. And in turn I have become my worst enemy. I am sorry, and I love you.
       To My Love, you have cradled me and supported me in ways that are unknown to the public eye. You listened to every panicked moment, and every tear. You let me cry into your chest, and yell at you when you were drunk with stress or sleep. You are my world, and my future. You are butterflies in my stomach and the courage that makes me get out of bed. I am sorry, and I love you more.
       In the end of things, I can't do it. I can't pretend I am happy, or hold back tears on my best days. I can't pretend I feel motivated or that death doesn't coax me. I want it, and dream about it, like a child dreams about being a superhero. I feel empty, hopeless. I feel ended. I feel MY end.

I am sorry, and I am not sorry. The truth is in the end, I won't be here for you to judge me for my decisions. I don't care anyway.
-SCP

My suicide note was written a long time ago, and I didn't memorize it, nor did I intend on actually carrying it out. But death does come across my mind. No person who is depressed doesn't think about it. No person doesn't think about it. I typed this because I felt like this would help me heal. And cope with my depression. I am not here for pity, or people to judge me and give me advice. This is my blog for me to air whatever feelings I have.

***I DO NOT PLAN ON ACTING ON THIS. CALM YOUR BALLS***

Sunday, November 13, 2016

The Scrumptious Soliloquies of Fall

Lately I have been feeling a lack of inspiration to write.

Honestly I have been lacking inspiration in many things.

This election year has been taxing on so many beliefs, relationships, and political opinions.

It has also ruined relationships, hopes, and the country seems to be in a state of low-key hysteria.

The first day after the elections were over, I instantly realized how hateful people can be. I still lose sleep over the sadness whirling inside me. People I never talk to, attacking me and my family over beliefs and opinions that involve only ourselves.

I DESPISE THIS. This world has suddenly become the opposite of everything we stood for. We are racist, discriminatory, gender biased assholes who think if the leader can get away with something the media talked about one time, then "So can I!"

Well here is a reality check. I am a person. You all know me, and have known me for years. I am also a person who is Bisexual, medically disabled, and mentally unstable. Everything I am reading about is tearing me apart.

The fact that so many people are taking their opinions, hate, and beliefs and projecting them onto undeserving victims is stomach churning.

What happened to America, where we all loved each other and fought for equality, and rights for everyone? Does that not exist anymore? For those of you who are on my Facebook and have said hateful things to people who voted for Hillary or Trump, unfriend me now.

Shallow opinions are welcome but will not be tolerated. I want everyone to know that even in this world of indecisiveness, There are people who are safe places. Heard of the Safety pin project? I stand for it.

I stand for women, men, children, non binaries, pansexuals, and everyone in-between! I want you to know that all I want in this world like many others, is to make the world a better place with love and caring for others. I have nothing but love and feelings to give, so why not take them? Exactly.

Please love one another, Please remember what is truly important, and PLEASE spread love not hate, and never say something to someone unless it could stand as the last thing you said.

I love you all so so so much. XOXOXO