Day #295: Dear Abercrombie and Fitch

Warning: I was uber pissed when I wrote this entry.
Abercrombie & Fitch.
I have despised this company since high school. Abercrombie & Fitch has never embraced selling plus-size fashions for women. Every time I went into an Abercrombie and Fitch store I felt judged, like every single clerk was asking themselves, "Why is she here?" 

Well, my hatred for this judgmental company has been further solidified by this article: Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Explains Why He Hates Fat Chicks Apparently, Abercrombie and Fitch doesn't stock anything above a size 12 because the brand doesn't want "overweight or unattractive women" wearing their clothes. 
This is my message to the Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, Mike Jeffries:
Thank-you, Mike Jeffries, for your ignorant and stuck-up opinions of plus-size women. Even if I was a size 6, I wouldn't buy your over-priced, cheaply made clothes. The people you generally hire have absolutely no customer service skills and I can't believe that only assholes will apply there, so I am assuming your crew training program must be poor because every encounter I have ever had in that store has been with a stuck-up pricks, much like yourself. 
I'm not one to judge people, however, Mike, you are NOT one to be talking about the attractiveness of people. Not only are you a deeply unattractive man physically, but your horrid excuse for a personality contributes to the ugliness you portray on the outside. Rather than using your success and power to build your own troubled self-esteem and ego, why don't you help build the self-esteem of teenage and young adult women in America? Why not encourage women of all shapes and sizes to value themselves as humans and not for what they look like or how much they weigh? 
Maybe if you jumped on the plus-size bandwagon like your competitors American Eagle and H&M, your pathetic stores wouldn't be losing money and closing all over the country. You're an ignorant prick and the world would be a much better place without people like you. 



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Day #274: The world confuses me.

I find the world to be a confusing place, especially lately. The senate voted down a bill directed at gun control. Basically, from what I understand, the bill would make assault weapons illegal and make it harder for those with mental illness to get ahold of firearms.
Okay. While all of this makes sense, will it really end the violence? Criminals will find a way to shoot people, or hurt people, or bomb people. Illegal or not, gun violence will not go away. Violence will not stop. Drugs are illegal, yet millions of people everyday purchase and sell them. During prohibition, alcohol was illegal, yet people still found places to go drink. Instituting stricter gun laws will not bring back the kids who died at Sandyhook. Or those who died at the movie theatre in Colorado. Or those at Virginia Tech. Or Columbine. I understand that people think these laws might have prevented these tragedies...but I remain skeptical. 
And don't misunderstand me, I am not advocating that everyone should be able to go buy an assault rifle like an AK-47 or a M-16. I'm just saying I don't think stricter gun laws are going to solve the problem.

Another source of confusion for me is the Westboro Baptist Church. I hadn't heard of them before, which is surprising because I now see the churches name everywhere. Probably because of ignorant comments like:

Uh, are these people for real? Thanking god for people getting hurt..."god" sent the bombs to punish Massachusetts because gay marriage is allowed? Does that make sense? Uhm...not in my brain. 

Now I realize the Westboro Baptist Church is an extremist christian group, however, I have to say this is one prime example of why I parted ways with religion and gave up on the idea of god. How can you believe in a god, who would put innocent people through tragedy? And then to picket at the funerals? These people picketed at the funerals of the kids who were killed at Sandyhook. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

F-ing crazy.

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Day #252.1: I support equality.

If you have been on social media outlets the past few days, you probably have seen profile pictures being changed to a red box with a pink equal sign in the middle, symbolizing support for equality in America. 

This is stemming from the Supreme Court (aka SCOTUS) opening the floor on whether or not the federal government will recognize gay marriage. 
Since this is my blog and this could be (potentially) history in the making, I am making my opinion known. First, you should know a couple of things about me:
1. I am a humanist ("Humanism is a group of philosophies and ethical perspectives which emphasize the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers individual thought and evidence (rationalism, empiricism), over established doctrine or faith (fideism)"- Wikipedia (click here)") So, yes, I guess you could also say I'm an atheist. 2. I walk the line closer to conservative, however I don't agree with the standard conservative views on stem cell research, abortion or gay marriage.  (Yes, not ALL conservatives are Christians). I'm a fairly liberal conservative...does that make sense? 3. I believe that anyone should be allowed to get married. 
If this offends you in any way, I guess you should leave now. I am not trying to "convert" you to believe what I believe, I whole-heartedly respect your opinions, I just politely agree to disagree.
I believe that everyone in America, no matter your religion, your race, your sexual orientation, should have the same rights. No more, no less. We should all be EQUAL.
I also don't agree that the fact that gay marriage isn't recognized in America, falls on the shoulders of the right wing conservatives. Let's not forget:
In 1992, President Clinton campaigned that he would fight that anyone should be allowed to serve in the military, including gay people. This leads us to 1993, when "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was enacted as a policy. So, the policy prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing closeted homosexual or bisexual service members or applicants, while barring openly gay, lesbian, or or bisexual persons from military service.
Also, 1996 President Clinton signed into law the "Defensive Marriage Act", that restricts federal benefits and inter-state recognition to only opposite-sex marriages in the United States. Under the law, no state legislature is required to recognize a same-sex marriage from another state.
By the way, President Clinton was a democrat.
It's both parties people, this shouldn't fall on one or the other. We need to learn to love one another and let everyone live their life, no matter what.

I hope Americans can simply choose to get along...and let everyone live their lives equally.

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Day #65: Uneasy

Oh, my entry is late-ish today. I worked all day, 12 hours of caring for the classy citizens of Saginaw! Then I came home and finished one of my papers which is due on Sunday. 

Now I am tired. And trying to think of something to say!

I have felt uneasy all day. Uneasy about money, mostly. I feel like no matter what I do, piles of debt keeps piling on my shoulders. Really, I have no new debt, but the debt that I have feels like it is getting heavier and heavier. I make enough to pay the bills with maybe a little extra, which goes to groceries or the kids. I sell stuff on Etsy which mostly pays for me and Bob's hobbies. It's not super lucrative, which is fine, as long as we can do the things we enjoy. Hubby's paychecks pay child support and IRS. So, at the end of the day, we are not left with much. I can't complain, we have a house, we both have vehicles, we both have computers and most of the stuff that we want, but I still feel like debt is just piling on me. I can't make extra credit card payments because I don't have extra money laying around and when I do, things happen, like the truck breaks down. I have been able to squirrel a tiny bit of money into our savings box, however it's still not enough to make me feel comfortable. I just feel...uneasy.

I know it will get better and someday we will be debt-free. Thanks for listening to me vent :)

I have a half day of work tomorrow, so hopefully I will get some fall decor up. We'll see!

Until tomorrow, 

Big, beautiful & broke... Chelsea

Day #45: Dear Mr. Jackson

Dear Mr. Jackson,

Thank-you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit Saginaw, Michigan. I have no doubt that between traveling the United States to bring communities together to fight situations you had no part of, your recent nervous breakdown and tending to your illegitimate child, that this matter was hard to fit in.

I believe that with with the continued harassment of Saginaw City Officials, you will no doubt help the violence decrease in this city. Rallying, holding hands and praying are all example of exactly what this city needs to stop the violence. Between your prayers and the concerned citizens of this city, there's no question that the violence will stop. The six police officers who were trained to protect us from harm and serve this community will surely not be missed.

I only hope that the concerned citizens continue to rally for justice of Milton Hall's death, as this will surely make-up for the way they ignored him while he roamed the streets, violent and homeless. In fact, I think a daily hand holding, prayer circle would be so effective, that having a police force in Saginaw won't be a necessity any longer.

I have no doubt that with your continued pressure and prayers will no doubt lead to a resolution in this matter.

Sincerely,

Concerned Saginaw Citizen

PS Please tell Milton's mother, since she lives all the way in New Mexico, Hi for us. She must be very upset about this whole ordeal, being so far away from her son that she cares so much about.

Day #44.1: Rant about Saginaw.

Warning: The following entry is not intended to offend anyone. These are my opinions. If you don't like them, don't read them.

Okay, for those who don't live in Michigan or haven't heard what's been happening in Saginaw lately, let me update you.

Milton Hall. Hall was a homeless man, who had a long history of mental illness and violent behavior, that our Saginaw City police shot and killed after an hour long standoff with him in a parking lot of a plaza. After he was shot and killed, the "concerned" citizens of Saginaw began rallying and praying and trying to get justice for this man. It has made national news, with many camera phone YouTube videos posted capturing that days events. It has been played on all the major news networks. What the's problem? The "concerned" citizens of Saginaw feel that excessive force was used, as Hall was threatening the police with a knife and they shot him 30-ish times.

Okay, yes, perhaps 30 times was excessive. However, he has a LONG STANDING HISTORY OF VIOLENCE. This wasn't the first time, Saginaw! And for that matter, I'm happy you are concerned and want justice, but where were all you concerned citizens when Hall was alive? And living on the streets? Wandering around without treatment for his mental illness? Where were you? Oh, that's right, you didn't care then. But now that he's dead, let's hold hands and pray with Reverend Jesse Jackson and hope that justice is brought to the police officers who protect and keep us safe.

Layla Jones, killed 8/29/12 in a drive-by shooting.

Oh wait, those police officers aren't allowed to work until this matter is solved. So meanwhile, an innocent 6 year old girl, visiting her father from Wisconsin, is shot and killed while standing in her drive-way last night (See articles here and here). What are the concerned citizens blaming it on? The lack of police protecting the streets.

Hm. We are unhappy because they shot a violent man...to protect themselves and the citizens of Saginaw. So, we pull more police from the streets. But then...innocent people are getting shot everyday and we are unhappy because we don't have enough police? Can we please get our priorities straight Saginaw?

On June 4, 2012 a four year old was shot. She survived with a broken arm. On June 7, 2012 a 12 year old was shot and killed. 

We're not asking for justice for them though. Just Milton Hall, who posed danger to our children by walking the streets. 

What are you going to do about that Jesse Jackson? Oh, that's right. Absolutely NOTHING.

Saginaw Shootings
8/29/12 21 year old shot in Northeast Saginaw
8/20/12 Three Dead in Saginaw following shootings
7/24/12 Triple Shooting leaves 4 injured
8/22/12 2 Shot in Saginaw
7/28/12 Double Shooting in Saginaw
5/24/12 Two shootings and armed robbery
5/29/12 TWELVE Saginaw Shootings in 6 days

Do I need to go on? Or is that enough?

Day #17: Money Woes.

WARNING! The following entry is a whiny, feeling sorry for myself rant.

After a long day at work, I am sitting at home, exhausted and making some Kraft Mac & Cheese (Spongebob shaped, thank-you!) and stalking reading Facebook statuses. My step-daughter is going on a surprise trip tomorrow with her mom and step-dad, and while I am happy for her, inside I feel sad. We were supposed to go on a surprise trip last week but due to recent events, we were not able to. Heck, we couldn't even finish buying school clothes.

We both work so hard to try to get ahead, but it just doesn't happen. I haven't had a vacation in years. The only trip Bob and I have ever gone on together was to Arizona, to help my brother move. I was saving for so many things and we are back at square one. It would be so nice just to get away for a week. We had the perfect honeymoon planned. One week in Punta Cana at an all-inclusive resort. Relaxing on the beach, going to the spa. Then the next week in Washington DC, going to museums and sight seeing. Maybe someday we will get away together...

It's hard on Hubby too. He is going to nursing school so that he can make more money and provide more for his children. He makes decent money working part-time, however, half of his paychecks go to child support. Which is great and his money should go to child support, but I feel sad sometimes because he will never get the credit he deserves. He gets treated like a "dead beat dad" by both friends of the courts. The things that the child support provides, he doesn't get credit for. Each mom is getting a decent amount of money a month and if it's spent on the kids...the mom's get the credit. Not dad who is providing the money. I feel kind of bad for all those, mom's and dad's, who pay their child support who don't get any credit for it. 

Anyways, I am certain this "feeling sorry for myself" attitude is stemming from my lack of sleep for the past 3 days. 

On a happier note...the Tigers are winning! 

On a humorous note:

It's so true. Not everyone. But sometimes. 

Thanks faithful readers and friends, for reading my whiny venting.

Until tomorrow,

Big, Beautiful & Broke... Chelsea

Day #10: JB Robinsucks.

Today was family day at the Melrose house. We took the kids out to lunch at the food court and bought Chelsea some school clothes. Very frugally of course.

After lunch, Hubby and I went to JB Robinson's to get his ring back which had to be re-sized. First, the girl told us it wasn't in when it was. We received a phone call 3 days ago, saying that it was ready. She argued with us and then actually went to look to see if the ring was here and low and behold...it was! Sort of. She pulls out the completely wrong ring. Both Hubby and I said at that time, "That's not the ring." It was silver titanium. Hubby's ring is gray and silver tungsten carbide. The girl then takes us to the case to show us the rings so we can point out which ring Bob has. Well, the ring he has was NOT there. The girl proceeds to argue with us stating that the ring we are describing does not exist.

Oh, I'm sorry...did you either wear or look at the wedding ring for over a year?! Oh, you didn't? Hm, then we MUST know what we are talking about! So, after she argues some more, she snottily tells her co-worker to go to another store somewhere in the mall to locate this ring. "It will be hard since you don't know what ring you are looking for," she tells him. At this point, I am PISSED. I left to take Chelsea shopping. Hubby says after we left the lady who actually helped us send the ring in to be fixed showed up and found Bob's ring right away. Hm, weird since the ring we were describing doesn't exist! Plus, to top it off, my ring is sent in AGAIN because when I got it back from being fixed 2 weeks ago, one of the prongs were severely crooked. Yep, never buying jewelry there again!

So, anyways, we got Chelsea some clothes for school. I feel guilty that we can't buy them more but we just don't have the money. We did have the money and then it was all gone. Well, have to pick up some more shifts to afford Bryson's stuff and Chelsea some new shoes. 

Bryson and Bob, being silly while waiting for Chelsea to get done trying on clothes.

I am cheating tonight, however, and meeting my friend Stefanie for dinner & a movie. Going to see Magic Mike.

Hubby: What movie are you going to see?

Me: Magic Mike

Hubby: What's that about?

Me: Strippers.

Hubby: Ooooh, strippers!

Me: Male strippers.

Hubby: Ugh, nevermind.

Haha, hot men dancing around on the big screen? Yes, please!

Until tomorrow,

Big, Beautiful & Broke... Chelsea

Day #9: Palsy Face.

As I sit down to begin writing tonights blog, Verlander let's up TWO HOME RUNS in a row to Cleveland to tie the game in the 7th inning. Are you freakin' kidding me?!?! My left eye is twitching.

So, had to go to the dentist today to have a cavity filled. Hence, the title "Palsy face". The left half of my mouth was numb for about 3 hours. Drinking proved to be difficult, as I would drool beverage down the left side of my face. During dinner I bit my tongue and lip several times. 

At least, I was finally able to use my benny card again. For those of you who don't know Benny...this is him:

Benny is also known as a flexible spending account. It's an account that you set up through your benefits at work. It's pre-taxed money that is taken from your paychecks throughout the year, that you can spend on medical expenses. Prior to last year, you could use this card on over the counter medications such as motrin or tylenol, however, now you can't. Along with the new laws, any transaction that is "flagged" as suspicious you have to provide itemized bills for. Well, let me tell you, EVERY SINGLE transaction that I have used my benny card for has been flagged. Mind you, every transaction has been legitimate. It is more of a pain in the ass than anything I have ever dealt with. I will NOT be using benny again. Oh and by the way, any money you don't use by the end of the year is GONE. I set ours up for $1500 for this year. However, with all the issues we've been having, such as having our account shut down after every transaction, we will probably lose money.

Anyways, that was my big rant for the day. I had to turn off the Tigers. Now losing 5-3 in the top of the 7th. Ugh. Other than those two minor snags (Benny & Tigers), I had a good night. Mom and Dad came over for dinner, yummy kabobs on the grill. Picked out some pictures from the wedding to hang on the wall with my mom, while my dad and Hubby hung our flat screen on the wall. 

Blurry picture of some of our wedding frames/pictures we hung tonight.

Also, I have discovered "Mad Men" on Netflix. Yep. New addiction, must play catch up!

Big, Beautiful & Broke... Chelsea

PS Visit this blog of some of our wedding photos that were chosen to be published: http://themiweddingblog.com/?p=51 

Day #5: Things that irritate me.

Today's entry will be about something that annoys me. Mostly because I just spent 12 hours in charge of a short-staffed emergency room on 5 hours of sleep. I'm kind of pissy. My pissy pants are on and my compassion cupboard is empty. Feeling like a good rant is in order.

*Start Rant*

People are saying we need more gun control in this country. More gun control will stop things like a crazy man going to a midnight showing of Batman movies from shooting many innocent people. I would like to refer to condescending Wonka to share my viewpoint on this matter:

Food for thought: If at least one person in that movie theatre had a concealed weapon permit and had been packing, perhaps after one good shot between the eyes, the man shooting everyone else could've been stopped. Just sayin'. 

Paternalism (or parentalism) most typically refers to behavior, by a person, organization or state, which limits some person's liberty or autonomy for their good, or the liberty or autonomy of some group of people for their good. Examples of paternalism include laws requiring the use of motorcycle helmets, a parent forbidding their children to engage in dangerous activities, and a psychiatrist confiscating sharp objects from someone who is suicidally depressed.

*End Rant.*

Okay, now by day #5 of this year long blog let's recap...what should my readers know about me? I'm married. I'm "obese". I'm broke. I have strongish opinions about religion and gun control. I use condescending Wonka to reiterate my points.

One more thing about me? I love the Detroit Tigers. I'm very happy to say that they have swept the White Sox and my boy, Miggy, has hit his 300th home-run. First place! yes! 

Until tomorrow, 

Big, Beautiful & Broke... Chelsea