I had a not-so-happy work experience, today.

While setting up the store, a group of us started talking. Somehow, the subject of diet came about, and I was surprised (and happy) to learn that one of the girls was also a vegan. I love meeting other vegan people, because we'll always end up exchanging recipes and commiserating about the realities of being vegan in a omnivore's world. The other girls were really curious about being vegan, so I shared some of my experience and gave them some advice.

A little while later, Vegan Girl cornered me, and she was angry. "You shouldn't say you're a vegan when you're not," she snapped.

"Um, I am a vegan?"

"You're so fat," she said. "You can't be a real vegan and be fat."

( The drama continues behind the cut... )

So it's Thanksgiving, and this year, Mom decided we were hosting. Which is cool, mostly. I like my extended family, even if they are really conservative, and even if having them over means "Erin goes in the closet in the name of peace and familial harmony". As long as we avoid political discussions, and I don't say anything too gay (or liberal), everything is fine. Mostly.

I really can't stand my aunt, though.

I bought an awesome pair of jeans from Lane Byrant, that fit perfectly, flatter my shape, and are just the best jeans ever. I also got a couple nice tops, and a wicked pair of five-inch pumps. I was wearing my new outfit, caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and said to my brother, "Wow, I am sexy."

My aunt said, "You could be beautiful if you lost weight."

My mother (how I love her) quickly said, "I think you look amazing, Erin. Very cute."

My aunt said, disapprovingly, "Don't encourage her." Then, to me, "You can't live in denial, Erin. You're fat, and it's unhealthy and unattractive. If you don't want to die young and alone, you need to lose weight." And to my mother, "It's not loving to lie to her."

I was gaping, speechless and pissed beyond belief. (Too angry to be hurt, though that came later.) My mom said, "I'm not lying. I think my daughter is gorgeous." Although she added, "And she knows she needs to lose weight. She's trying!"

That's when I left the room, and I haven't come out since.

What a bitch.

Had the doctor's visit from hell today.

My nurse practitioner (who I loved) retired, so I was put with the new NP. I've been having chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing for the last few weeks. I was pretty sure it was a chest cold, but as I have a history of blood clots in my lungs (which would give the same symptoms), I decided to get looked over. But no, it can't be chest cold or blood clots or something else. According to my NP, it's...

BECAUSE I'M FAT.

So I went through the whole ordeal. I know I'm overweight (no DUH). Yes, I'm trying to do something about it. But it's not the cause of every medical problem I can have. After 15 minutes of weight lecture (no I am not exaggerating, I timed it on the wall clock), she started to end the appointment. Now, old me, shy, unassertive me, would have been embarrassed and just left. But I'm getting better at sticking up for myself, and I told her that while it was nice that she was so concerned about my weight, I still COULDN'T BREATHE, and it would be great if she would maybe do something about that. (At this point, she still hadn't even listened to my chest.) A brief exam, a throat culture, and an x-ray later...

I HAVE BRONCHITIS. NOT FAT.

Will never see that NP again. So irritated. If I hadn't said something, I would have walked out the door without getting treated.

I wonder how many fat folks develop serious complications because of doctors like that?