To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo

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Say that really fast ten times.

Whether or not to get a tattoo isn't really a question, I have one. It's whether or not to get another one. I got the first one a year after Ex and I seperated. It was a total act of defiance on my part, me flipping the bird to him by permanently marking my own body (the logic isn't there...don't try to find it). He thought tats were low-class.  If you knew the man you would know JUST how pot meet kettle him thinking that was/is. He has a real problem with self-expression and I think it was more to do with that than an issue with tattooing. Anyex....I got one about eight years ago.

Very few people know that I have it. It's not something I talk about nor something I show off. Being that it's located on my bikini line it wouldn't really be appropriate to stroll into the staff room and announce, "Hey y'all...check out my new ink" while yanking down my pants. After eight years, I still love it. It reminds me that I'm strong enough for new beginnings, that I am unique. The whole experience was done solely for me, not because I had any urge to be a cool kid.  It was about no longer living under the thumb of someone else, no longer twisting myself to meet someone else's ideal of a "proper" wife and mother. The location meant that I would basically be the only person that saw it on a regular basis, and that's the way I wanted it. What is it you ask?


It's the chinese symbol for "strong woman". Yeah, the irony of the placement didn't escape me. Nor did it escape the guy doing the tat. He chuckled through the entire process. There's actually a pic of my bikini line on ths guys wall.

And now I think it's time for another one. Actually, I have thought it's time for another one about an hour after getting the first one, but could never decide on something that I wanted to permanently ink to my body. It had to have meaning for me. I'm not big on tattoos just for the sake of tattoos. I'm tossing around three ideas.

There is this -  Tattoo. For those of you too lazy to click on the damn link - it's an anagram of "carpe diem" - sieze the day in italian. I think it's beautiful. There is an anagram of "Life/Live", only written horizontally, rather than vertically. Then there's the lotus flower. The lotus flower, which grows abundantly in swamps in China, struggles to emerge from the mud only to blossom into one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. The only lotus design I've found that jumps out at me is done in deep deep purple, with shades of gray on the inside petals, absolutely stunningly beautiful but would probably cost several mortgage payments to have it done.  If I choose either of the ambigrams they will be solid black ink.

As for the placement, I'm thinking right in the middle of my back. My job is not one that would allow me to be sporting a sleeveless dress with tats showing. As with the first one, this is about me, not something I wish to share with the rest of the world (blogging about it is different...shutyourpiehole). I briefly considered the lower back but the term "tramp stamp" makes me cringe and I'm closer to 40 than I am to 30 (christ that makes me cringe too). My defiant streak wants me to say piss on cringing at the term and go for the lower back.

Here's where you come in. I want to know your thoughts on this, I want to know if you have tats, what they are. I want to know if you think I'm retarded (ok....yeah quit rollin' your damn eyes). I want to know if you think I'm retarded to be thinking about getting another tattoo AT MY AGE.....**gasping in horror**

Let's hear it...I want brutal honesty.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...
January 5, 2010 at 2:07 PM

I've always wanted a tattoo, but I don't want to waste ink on a flabby body...so maybe I'll do it as a reward for losing the lbs.

As for you, well..I haven't seen your back but I'm sure it's sexier than mine. I say if you want it, go for it. But make it something special and sentimental to your heart. That way you'll never regret it.

Aunt Juicebox said...
January 5, 2010 at 2:31 PM

I've got 4 tattoos. I'm planning to get more, and one of them is going to be words. I am also planning to cover my entire back eventually. This is something I'm waiting til I lose weight to do though. I think middle of the back is better than "tramp stamp" local for cover up purposes. My SIL has one (ugly too) in that spot and she is a professional. She has to be very careful what she wears to work because if she bends over and has on a shorter length top, you can see it. I'd stay away from that area if you have to keep it covered. Anywhere else on the back is great though.

As for age, my sister got her first tattoo at 41. So no, not too old. And she has a lotus flower, which is one of THE most popular flower tattoos, apparently.

If you want another tattoo, just get it. I'd already have my next one if it weren't for the expense.

Lee said...
January 5, 2010 at 2:40 PM

I don't have any. I did want one, but I am not a fan of needles or pain. My younger brother has about 30 and is currently getting them all removed. He said it is the worst thing he has ever had to go through.

It's a personal choice, hon. Do what makes you happy!!

Anonymous said...
January 5, 2010 at 2:56 PM

in all honesty...

i think its great. I love your sense of empowerment and tattoos (at ANY age... my mom got her first one when she was closer to fifty than forty... its the chinese symbol for mother... which I think is interchangeable with strong woman, but i digress)but yes, tattoos at any age can still be classy if they are done right and if you have a good tattoo artist. I have two and am planning on getting alot more. I have a maori lizard on my foot that has personal meaning to me, and I have Unbreakable written across my back with roses on each side... also personal meaning. I plan on getting marilyn monroe in her quintessential, over the subway grate, pose tattooed on my ribcage. I also want a tattoo on the inside of my lip, wings on my chest right near the collar bone, and the word "eternite" (one of the french words for life) written on my neck.


also, I want to tattoo right near my eye brow... like Kat Von D.

GunDiva said...
January 5, 2010 at 3:11 PM

I love my tattoos. I've got two. The first I got as a daily reminder to never give up; it's the Chinese symbol for "hope" (at least that's what it's supposed to say, I don't read Chinese). I was coming out of a major bout of depression and wanted the daily reminder. It's on my ankle, but most people don't notice it.

I had my husband design my second tattoo, which is a faerie whose long flowing robes are wrapped around a semi-automatic pistol. Sounds wierd, is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a GunDiva.

I thought long and hard about both tattoos before I committed to them.

*excuse me just one second - Nate, are you insane wanting a tattoo your ribs?*

Sorry, it was festering ever since I saw his comment...anyway I think that age has nothing to do with it and as long as they have meaning to you and you're doing it for you, then have a great time!!!

Anonymous said...
January 5, 2010 at 3:13 PM

You should do it! The hubs is trying to talk me into getting one, he wants one too. I like both of the ones you picked out.

Meg said...
January 5, 2010 at 3:17 PM

My first tats were a butterfly with an A on it's wing for my daughter (Butterfly Princess) and a monkey with a C on it's belly for my son (Monkey Boy).

Then this past year I got a big one across my back. Big flower in the middle to represent our family as one, with big strong vines coming out to represent our strength and then a little flower for each of us. I designed it so it has extra special meaning.

Then a month or so before we left Canada, I got one on the inside of my wrist ..the symbol for sisterhood...for me and my sister.

I am a tad bit addicted to tats but they MUST have a special meaning and I need to be able to cover them if I have to.

I like the Carpe Diem one...it's definitely a good one.

I have my next 2 planned and a third in the works to signify the weightloss journey when I finally reach my goal.

Good luck picking one!

You can see mine here

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=204014&id=839505710&l=30423443e8

Liz Mays said...
January 5, 2010 at 3:22 PM

I'm just going to say don't go for the lower back. The lower back may be the top of your butt someday. Don't take that chance!

;) Go for the tat though!

Laura said...
January 5, 2010 at 3:37 PM This comment has been removed by the author.
Laura said...
January 5, 2010 at 3:39 PM

You must have been married to my ex. He was the same way with Tattoos. I came *this close* to getting one after my divorce, but then my daughter talked me in to getting this http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/29/753.jpg with her. It's the celtic knot for other/daughter.
I too have a job where I don't need to have it seen or displayed

When my son graduated from basic training he got "I can do all things through He who strengthens me" as an arm band.

Personally go for the lower back. Who cares. This is for YOU and if you want it there then that is where it should be.

JQ Brat said...
January 5, 2010 at 4:07 PM

i have one tat. it is on my lower left back/side. it is my zodiac. i figured it would never change so it was a safe bet. i was 20. i want another one, i'm thinking bat wings across my shoulder blades. my honey wants one too but can't think of anything he wants permanently inked on his body. i can't think of anything for him either but it would be so much fun to go and get them together.

get the tat of what you want wherever you want it and screw everybody else!

said...
January 5, 2010 at 4:32 PM

I got a tramp stamp at 18. It's a bunch of tropical-looking flowers. I still think it's pretty (I drew it myself), but sometimes question my judgement on the lower back placement. It's not as easy to hide as I thought it would be, what with the whole low-rise pants thing.

You are most definitely not retarded, nor does your age make you a lame candidate for some pretty new ink. It obviously means something to you, so IMO, screw the critics and go for it!

Yankee Girl said...
January 5, 2010 at 4:41 PM

DO IT!

I have been blog hopping and have no clue how I found you but just had to give my opinion.

I have 4 and if I had the money, my half sleeve on my left arm would be finished. With lots of thought and consideration, tattoos can be beautiful and meaningful. If you feel good about it, do it. However, if you are still questioning it, wait until you are sure.

Following now!

Ducky said...
January 5, 2010 at 4:51 PM

I have a tattoo and I'd like to have another one. I think they are kind of addictive. I'd totally find someone who actually possess some talent as opposed to the asshat who did the one I have. Instead of looking like what was drawn on the paper, it ended up looking like the Aerosmith (band) Logo. Fucktard...

I don't think you're too old at all. I don't believe there is such a thing in most cases...unless you want to date a 15 year old or something. It is a personal choice though.

I say go for it! I love the lotus flower...they are all good ideas...imo

SurferWife said...
January 5, 2010 at 4:52 PM

Oooh. I like that one. Do it, girl. Do it.

Mae Rae said...
January 5, 2010 at 4:56 PM

i personally would never get a tatoo, but that is just me. Having worked in a nursing home and hospital in the past, seen women loose and gain weight, I say this to most. If in fact you were to get a tatoo, keep in mind age and gravity and what it will look like when you are older and someone else is changing your clothes.

adrienzgirl said...
January 5, 2010 at 5:36 PM

I don't have any tatoos. I am not a big fan of them, although, when they have meaning and are conservative, I think they look real nice.

I think you are better off getting one when you are a little older. Most people don't love the ones they get as teens and early twenties once they grow up and realize they were tards.

Danielle said...
January 5, 2010 at 6:23 PM

First, I love me some bald tattoo'd men. A lot!
I got one when I turned 30 just because I could. I hate it. It meant nothing to me, I didn't put any thought into it and now it looks like a blob on my shoulder.
But, I just this summer got my daughters Aries sign on the top of my right foot. I LOVE this one. It has meaning.
I want more, but need to have meaning behind them.
I say go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GunDiva said...
January 5, 2010 at 7:23 PM

I'm with Mae Rae on placement; I put a lot of thought in where I put my tattoos because I've seen plenty of what used to be cute little breast butterflies now look like eagles extending to the knee.

And I also agree with Zgirl; we're in a better place to decide which tattoo we want when we're older and much less likely to get some dumb pop culture icon crap put on ourselves.

Anonymous said...
January 5, 2010 at 10:20 PM

Go for it. I have one tatoo. It's a frog on my ankle and my sister's initials, TH. I do know that I will be 90 with this silly froggy tatoo on my ankle where anyone and everyone can see it--but I was afraid I would forget my sister. It is a way to make sure that never happens.

Anonymous said...
January 5, 2010 at 10:48 PM

Tattoos are addictive little things aren't they?

I have one on my left shoulder blade - its hidden for work and while I can't see it unless I do the sexy back pose (that only really shows all the fat bits) in front of the mirror, I know that its there. I got mine at age 39.

Anonymous said...
January 5, 2010 at 10:58 PM

I was kinda excited when you said where you got your first Tat cuz thats where I want mine (I think, based on how you described it, anyways) I want it small and something that you can't even see when I'm wearing a bathing suit unless I want to show it.

Any guesses what I want?

The word Vino - but the i is going to be a wine glass. I still have to design it.

Anyways, I really really like the Carpediem anagram. I am not a huge fan of tattoos unless they have meaning. I wouldn't go with a lotus flower if it's uber-popular, you don't want the same tattoo as everyone else. Maybe you could somehow get a lotus flower incorporated into the carpediem ?

Brutally honest? I think back tattoos are ugly. Tramp Stamps, mid back, upper back. On women they strike me as masculine. That's just one asshole's opinion though. I'm not sure where exactly would be more feminine though, except where you already have one. I used to really like arm bands and I still think they're kinda sexy but am glad I never got one because of the whole professional work environment thing.

But all in all, If you want it go for it! Let us know what you decide.

Anonymous said...
January 5, 2010 at 11:00 PM

I vote no on the ass antlers, but mid-back sounds good. I've always debated getting one, but can't imagine I would like something in 20 years that I like now. So I won't get one. Plus I would want it on my arm somewhere and given how many tanktops I wear, that would not go over well in the work place.
Get what you want to get, it's your body and you can do whatever you want with it!

Unknown said...
January 6, 2010 at 12:02 AM

i have three tattoos and i regret two of them. the first one i got was a nasty version of a dolphin on my ankle just because...I COULD (ok, so i loved dolphins when i was 20...and zgirl is right...when you're 20, you're a retard.) now i hate it. my second tattoo was a sun on my right big toe. it's ok; it's a little more meaningful than my first one. my third tattoo is on my left boob and it's flowers and husband's name. i hate it. i like the flowers but regret (words cannot describe how much) having his name carved into my body. so...my first big thing is to get that fucker removed. yeah, the tattoo, too. but i do love tattoos on ppl...i think a good tattoo can say so much about someone. not sure about the tramp stamp but in my mind's eye, i think it would look nice. upper back between your shoulder blades would be my choice. but, the bottom line is, it's your body, get it where you want it.

Unknown said...
January 6, 2010 at 12:45 AM

I always toy with the idea of getting a tattoo but I can't commit to a hair colour let alone scribbles on my skin.

I love the carpe diem on...very illuminati (Angels & Demons...I read too many books) but if it's on your back the flower would look pretty.

Unknown said...
January 6, 2010 at 5:05 AM

I have 8 tats. One on each of my shoulders, one on each ankle, one on my foot, both of my wrists and one on my flabby belly.
I love almost all of them. The ones on my ankles I could do with out but oh well, they are kinda stuck now. My favorite ones are my wrists. They are cute and little.
Every tattoo I have represents something in my life. I have mostly butterflies but it's more of the timing of why I got them. I really want more but hubby is already freakin about the 8 I have.

Unknown said...
January 6, 2010 at 5:07 AM

Forgot to mention, the absolute best tattoo I have is the one on my foot. My grandma paid for this one when I took her to get her first tattoo at the age of 77. They even gave her a senior discount!!

Tracie said...
January 6, 2010 at 11:45 AM

I don't have any tats. And if I got one on my bikini line my dunlap would cover it up.

I say your not too old to do the things that make you happy. Go for it! I like they symbolism of the lotus. It sounds pretty, too.

Quixotic said...
January 8, 2010 at 6:08 PM

Totally the first one. I have a "tramp stamp" hyroglyph of the Capricorn symbol I drew myself on my left upper hip. I still like it, but I agree with adrienzgirl, it's not what I would have picked now. Part of me often wants to get another one, maybe even something really dramatic, the length of my spine or something, but I'm yet to find one I like well enough. Totally thinking about stealing your carpe diem one though!

Queen of Feisty said...
January 9, 2010 at 7:05 PM

I have no tats. I'm all for it, I jsut have NO idea what to get, and where to get it. I'm more of a personal tattoo person if I did get one. Plus I'm a sissy bitch about pain. But I did give birth twice so I could suck it up.

Anywho enough about me. I...

LOVE IT! The Carpe Diem is bad ass. And with the Lotus flower even better. And I was not lazy and I waited the 3 minutes for the damn WOW site to load.

Placement? Sure get it on your lower back. I thought tramp stamps were just for 20 year olds anyway. I wouldn't consider it a tramp stamp if you were older. Sorry I mean older as in I fall into that age range too.

Stamp your back how ever you please. I like it alot.

Feisty