Fran threw away my favourite jeans at Christmas while I was in Nepal.

I was gutted when I found out, they were really comfy.

The holes between the thighs and around the ass that made it look like 'the mouse had escaped the house' when I sat down was her reason.

Last week in Newquay Fran said she would replace them for me.

It was a frustrating chore.  

Even the surf brands have jumped on the skinny jean band wagon.  I really struggled to find a pair of jeans to fit.

Most wouldn't even get past my calves.  I think the last time my thighs were the right size for current fashion I was 14.  

Waist sizes varied from shop to shop, I know this is common in girls shopping but mens clothing has always been pretty standard.

And having a big ass certainly didn't help matters.

On our final day I did find a pair that fit and could wear without risking slicing myself in half.

It's ridiculous how shit I felt trying on clothes.

I now truly understand what our members mean when they say they hate shopping and they can never find anything to wear.

The fashion industry needs to standardise sizing.  I shouldn't have to see goals from our girls that say they'd love to fit in a certain shops 10, when that is an 8 in other shops.

It makes it more important to be happy with who you are and not base your happiness on a number that changes from shop to shop.

If you have a big ass, it doesn't make you a bad person, I hope not any way ;)

Focus on activities that make you happy and spending time with those whose company you enjoy.  

Life is for living.

Darren 'Sir Mix-a-lot' Checkley