Tigress

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Spur of the moment or long standing desire.

I still can't be certain which it is. 

I had always wanted a tattoo.  The devil on my shoulder told me many times throughout college to "Just get it!".  But the devil is quickly made to shut up when the voice on your other shoulder is your mother firmly saying, "Get a tattoo and no more money".  With a college education mid-way complete it was wisest to listen to my mother.

But now I have that degree.  And although I will never not need/want/ask for my parent's money (I'm tied to that purse with crazy glue!) I've reached a point that either (1) I've worn them down to the idea or (2) I'm free to make my own decisions.  I'm going with option (3) a mix of both ^^

 

In Phi Phi all I had seen was bodies - tanned, fit and covered in ink!  It was a bit of brainwashing.  Tattoos everywhere!  On arms, legs, backs, feet, heads!  They were all over.  Except on me.

I had always thought I'd just get a simple quote.  A few words from Tolkien that I felt described me and how I am.  But then the whole world seemed to get that exact quote tattooed on them!! Thieves!!!  That is mine!!  Well not mine, Tolkien's, but still!!!  Not as unique when 5 copies of your idea are walking around on other people.  So I had given up on Tolkien and put the whole idea out of mind.  But then like I said - brainwashing.  I was going to get one.  I was going to do it!  

We passed several shops everyday on our way to the beach, on our way to anywhere really, they were all over.  And in one shop I had seen a Thai drawing of a tiger.  Yes.  That is perfect.  That is me.

Wednesday I stopped to ask how much.  Thursday I stopped to talk design.  Friday (1/20) I stopped to get tattooed.

I had my tattoo done with bamboo.  So the pain and healing time were amazing.  At first my stomach did a few flips at the poking, but after a couple of minutes it was barely noticeable.  What was uncomfortable was the pulling of my skin.  I don't think the sunburn helped, but better to have a bit of discomfort in order to have a tight, flat surface than a shit tattoo for the rest of your life.

 The whole process took about 3 hours.  4 more hours of no creams and I was good to go.  Perfectly healed and ready to show off!  

 

All that was left was to confess to my parents!  Eeeee...