Getting my tattoos (a dove on my lower left hip and the Spanish word for "gypsy" on the right side of my lower back) were both big decisions for me. The dove is something I had wanted for quite a while, and the second tattoo is what I knew I wanted as soon as the first one had healed. (I got it about two months later.) My parents both disapprove of tattoos, to the point that I haven't told my father about the second one, but they were the right choice for me.
They're constant reminders. The first is a reminder of the Die In that sort of became my baby during my college years, but it's also the symbol for peace and the Holy Spirit. Peace is probably an obvious choice. I love politics, and I'll do anything I can to "fight" for peace for as long as I live, but having it also be the symbol for the Holy Spirit is a reminder of my Catholic roots. I was raised Catholic, and it's still very much a part of me. Even though I'm not a big God fan, there are still things about the religion and the faith that I find compelling. My back tattoo is a constant reminder that I am choosing my own path. It may not be the path that people would recommend, and it may not be the most impressive, but it's the right path for me, and that's all I care about. There's also that artistic and devious side associated with the word, and that makes the word resonate with me even more.
I knew when I got the tattoos that I wouldn't regret them. What I didn't count on is how much I would love them. Like I said, they're reminders that I will always carry with me. Also, they're something about my body I will always like. No matter how upset I get about a weight gain (perceived or real) or a feature I'm not happy with, I always love my tattoos. They're the part of my body that I can always look at and smile.
That's a big thing for me. (I would imagine it's a big thing for a lot of people.) Because there used to be days when I couldn't find one thing I liked about myself physically. Now when those days come around, I just focus on the artwork and how beautiful it is. And it makes me feel beautiful. I am incredibly grateful for that.
I am also grateful for:
- John Oliver's Terrifying Times comedy set. I saw it today for the first time, and it's intelligent and hilarious.
- getting an interview with the company I want to work for. I go see the boss on Monday.
- my Josh Kelley tee shirt. I pulled it out and wore it today, and it brought back some seriously good memories.
- Zac Efron's HSM skit for SNL. I had totally forgotten about it until one of my sophomore year wingmates mentioned it in her Facebook status. I give Efron a lot of credit for really committing to the skit. ("Once you leave this school, no one projects or cheats out.")
- getting a letter from Annie in the mail today (on a seriously kick ass card).
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