Cruel Intentions

Yes, definitely.

Although that's not what "they" say. Who are they? The mass retail chains in the U.S.

And what are "they" talking about?

ClOtHiNg SiZe LaBeLs!!!!

Here is a little excerpt from an article "As nation gains, 'overweight' is Relative" I read on CNN.com about America's weight problem.

That's why, in recent years, as the American population has become
generally more overweight, brands from the luxury names to the mass retail
chains have scaled down the size labels on their clothing.
"You may actually be a size 14 and, according to whatever particular store you're in, you come out a size 10," said Natalie Nixon, associate professor of fashion industry
management at Philadelphia University. "It's definitely to make the consumer
feel good."

Feel GOOD???? Are "THEY" CRAZY????

Yes, I think "THEY" ARE!

That is so CRUEL.

I have been obsessed with my weight since college. For the first time I will admit that I have been known to weigh myself several times a day. I will even "trick" myself into thinking I am heavier by moving the scale up 10lbs (okay, I never said I was sane and no I'm not bulimic or anorexic--trust me on that one).

Do "they" have any idea what this has done to me? Do they really?

I always liked the fact that I could go and put on a size 8 or even 6 pant and think, "Okay, I'm fine with that".

But now, am I really???

NO, because now I'm thinking...that's really a 12 or a 10! What trickery. Just to make me "feel good".

SURE, RIGHT.

I'm BUYING IT. And "they" are happy aren't "they" because really that's what "they" want---"me to BUY it". They don't care if I "feel good". Marketing was my minor in college. The real story here is that consumers will try on a pair of pants and think, "WOW, these are an 8". I've never been an 8, maybe I'll buy another pair."

Stop the insanity! If you want me to really feel good, don't let me think I'm skinnier than I really am. That will just make it worse for me and my health. Instead of thinking I need to exercise. I'm gonna tell myself, "You're fine. You still fit in that size 8".

DECEIT. LIES. CRUELTY. Well, guess what? I'm not buying it! So, thanks, but no thanks! It's a cruel, cruel world.


***Before you go and think you need to call my husband, R.S. President, bishop, a shrink, or start praying for me (well scratch the last one, I could always use prayers) on my behalf, don't worry, this was a little tongue in cheek, but I do think it is a disservice to the American public.

So, This is What IT Feels Like

To go stir crazy!

Help me! I think I'm losing it.

For the past week, we have been home bound due to and illness Ariel has been trying to fight off.

What is this illness? A virus that turned into bronchitis!

It all began last Wednesday, apparently. She had started coughing really bad, but I did not think much of it b/c the day before we were swimming at a friends house and I thought perhaps the cough came from that (You know what I mean, right? Sometimes after a LONG day of swimming the congestion sets it...or does that only happen to us?).

Anyway, on Thursday, we went to the beach (SURPRISE,SURPRISE, I still did not have my camera). Ariel seemed find except for that horrible cough. She told me she thought it was her sinus'
(she has ALWAYS had problems with them).

So, I ignored it (I know BAD mom).

However, I could not ignore it for long. My friends noticed Ariel being quiet and keeping to herself and asked what was wrong (if you know Ariel, she is RARELY quiet, or alone---that girl loves to be in the center of activity). So, I was like, that is weird.

I asked her is she was okay and she said she was fine.

Well, not for long. She comes up and tells me she is FREEZING COLD! It was probably over 100 degrees out that day with the heat index. Then she said her throat hurt. Ugggh...

So we left. She started running a fever. Great! We still had a friend with us who spent the night.

When we got home. I rushed the friend to get her stuff together (didn't want to infect anyone else, plus I needed to get Ariel to BED).

I called the doctor and they were booked for the day, and I thought she could wait to be seen by the doctor the next day instead of after hours.

Plus, we had just been in to see the doctor 3 days prior for a rash (never change laundry detergents when you have family members with sensitive skin).

Well, when we went in Friday morning. The doctor checked her for strep and also drew some blood to check her iron (she had been feeling faint etc. and the doctor thought perhaps she could be anemic.)

NO strep. Just a virus. But she needed to stay away from people as long as she had a fever.

We were suppose to go to Mike's mom for the 4th. Not happening. Poor Ariel. She wanted to go so bad. She tried to pretend to feel better, but the 102+ temp was not allowing for that!

The fever subsided, but jumped back up on Sunday night. I watched her on Monday and Tuesday--thinking it was just the virus, but the cough was not better, and the fever spiked back up to 102.

So back to the doctor for the third time that week (so grateful, we have a great insurance with only a $10 copay). Anyway, that's how we found out she had bronchitis. Her lungs sounded horrible. They gave her a breathing treatment in the office. Then sent us home with an inhaler and a "Z-pack" prescription.

I think it's working. Fever has subsided. Still a cough, but the doctor said that would be normal until she gets all of that stuff out of her lungs.

Should be able to get out an about by the weekend.

Poor Ariel.

The good thing is, she has finished 2 of the 3 books for summer reading (BTW, she liked both of the books) and half of her math packet. I guess that's what you turn to when boredom sets in. lol

So much for making a story short. Wish I could blame it on being stir crazy and not being able to be out in the world, but I can't. I'm long winded in all facets of life. Don't worry though, it's not contagious. :)