Bullied by the Tattoo Man

Welp folks, I had big plans to post all about my brand new (pun intended) tattoo tonight. I have been looking forward to this fateful day for a long time. I have been thinking of nothing other than this tattoo ALL WEEK! And then, I met the Big Bad Tattoo Bully Man.

I showed up for my appointment very excited but very nervous. I wasn't nervous that I would regret this tattoo...I am 100% certain this is what I want. I was nervous because this is my first tattoo and I was out of my element. I didn't know how I would be perceived, I wanted to be sure I asked all the right questions, and I wanted to feel like I could state exactly what I want and not feel bad about it. In hindsight, I was nervous for all the right reasons.

All my tattoo artist knew about this tattoo is generally where I wanted it (my shoulder blade) and the lyric I wanted, "hold on to who you love." He drew up a general idea and it wasn't what I had pictured, and that's fine. I kindly showed him a few pictures of tattoos I was inspired by. And then it all went downhill. I should note, when he showed me what he drew up, he said, "There's only one "o" in this "to", right?" ARE YA FRICKEN KIDDING ME?! I should have walked out right there.

"Well, that's fine, but it looks like generic computer font," was his passive aggressive response. He went back to his dungeon and came back with something different. At this point, Kevin arrived for moral support. It was very close to what I had in mind, but still not 100%. We decided to go ahead and see how it looks on my body and then go from there. I wanted a slight curve, the tattoo man suggested it go straight across. I explained I wanted it to look very feminine and delicate, nothing too crazy. We tried it 3 or 4 different ways on my body, but he wasn't understanding what I was wanting. Who knows, maybe I wasn't using the right tattoo lingo? Apparently my verbal descriptions and the two pictures I brought in was not enough to appease this man.

It was clear he was becoming frustrated, annoyed, and most of all, inconvenienced. He was very passive aggressive and short with me. I began to feel very uncomfortable, and bad even, that I wasn't happy with what he was showing me. This is exactly what I was nervous about--being made to feel uncomfortable or stupid for not 100% loving what the guy drew up. But then I looked to my moral support, and I could tell he was questioning it, too. I am so glad Kevin was there. He did a good job of not giving me his opinions as to influence me away from what I wanted, but he was honest when I needed him to be.

Then I started to think that maybe I was just being too picky. Maybe I needed to be a big girl and just DO IT! I liked the positioning, the size was good, I liked the font. I was already 100% sure of WHAT I wanted, it's just a matter of putting it all together. Let's do this! Here is the final mock-up he did:

So, I hesitantly go on the table and got all positioned to be inked.

Then, I started to panic.

WHAT AM I DOING?! This is NOT exactly what I wanted. I looked at Kevin, and I saw it in his face. It's good enough, but good enough is not something that I want on my body forever. So I said, "Question. Is there any way you can show me one more font? I'm just not 100% on this one and I want something to compare it to." And then the bully got angry. "Well, I can draw something else, but I don't know what difference it will make."

And then I looked at Kevin. "You know, you don't have to do this today, we can come back another time" is what Kevin said at the exact moment I was thinking it.

Then the man replied, "Well I'm going to have to charge you for the work I did already." Ohhhh, ok, well in that case, of course I'll let you and all your negativity half-ass a tattoo that will be on my body forever for the sake of not having to pay a small fee for the "work" you've done thus far. Go ahead!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I told him that today wasn't going to be the day (as I was laying on the table all ready to go, talk about ridiculous), and I'd live with the writing on my body for the night and make an appointment to come back another time. I think he was tired of us and said, "Eh, whatever, it's fine, I trust you'll come back."

SCREW THAT! After we left, I got more and more shook up about how blatantly rude this man was to me and how terrible of an experience it was. Kevin was very angry about how I was treated (although he stopped short of kicking his butt...probably a good call, this man was huge and hairy). I called Tonia on the way home and cried to her about it and she made me feel better and made me feel like I wasn't just being a baby (THANKS, TA!) I'm glad I didn't go through with it. I would have been happy with the tattoo but I don't want to remember that experience when I see it. This is Andy Hull from Manchester Orchestra (who I LOVE!). Unfortunately, the tattoo man could have been his [evil] twin.

Maybe the worst part of this is how excited I was about it. I was so stinkin' excited to be getting my tattoo TONIGHT, and in the end, I came away with nothing but a terrible experience. The next step is finding someone I'm comfortable with. Kevin's sister Heather had nothing but good things to say about her tattoo artist in Cedar Falls, so I think I may go that route.

All in all it was a disappointing experience and definitely not what I had in mind. This was definitely not the post I had in mind, but I'm glad I had enough sense to recognize when something wasn't feeling right. I came home and went on an angry run, and luckily mom sent me homemade Oreos so those are also helping me out right now, too (counterproductive, I know.) Hopefully this will be the last tattoo post I do sans tattoo :)

currently.

Working On: Applications, applications, applications, applications. I filled out applications to all the large districts in the area months ago, and now I'm branching out to the smaller districts. Many districts haven't opened any jobs yet and I know I shouldn't be worrying, but I am. I put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed and right now I just don't feel like I'm succeeding. I feel like I'm in limbo and I hate that feeling. I just have a lot of anxiety about finding a job, and I'm trying to be proactive about my situation. Not having a (full time non-sub) job secured for the fall is the one thing in my life that isn't working for me. I am having control issues, I'll admit it.

Loving: The lack of responsibilities in my life. When school's over, I have the whole night to myself. No papers to grade, no homework to do, nobody to cook for. Ok, nobody that I HAVE to cook for. I can do whatever I want. I can workout without having to think about a bajillion other things I should be doing. I can craft to my heart's desire. Even though I am a little anxious, I need to relax and enjoy this time of no responsibilities. I am also loving boot camp. I know I talk about it all the time, but I am down 4% body fat and I feel great!

Thinking About: Ok, to be honest, I'm always thinking about finding a job. But we already covered that. To get my mind off that, I'm thinking about all the fun events that are happening this summer! First, I'm getting my tattoo! I'm hoping to get it drawn up this weekend and then inked in the next month or two. I am so excited! Then, our trip to San Diego with Kevin's sister Heather. I am SO excited about that! It's been almost 2 years since I left for Italy, and I'm feeling an itch to travel. When I return, I'll start my summer job nannying for the best girls I know. This was my job last summer, too, and it was the best summer job EVER! Polly Pockets, crafts, and the pool. Repeat. I'm also excited for Tonia's wedding! My dress is being altered and I'm collecting material for my maid of honor speech. It'll be here before we know it! I'm also looking forward to spending quality time with my boy, grilling out, soaking up the sunshine, reading many books, and going to many local farmer's markets.

Listening To: Fantasy Factory. Man do I love that Rob Dyrdek! If I weren't watching TV, I'd be listening to Brand New. I have been listening to them nonstop since hearing they are coming to see me in the midwest.

Eating: Nothing. But I'm hungry. I think I may have a popsicle. Dole Fruit Bars are the best thing ever. I think there are only 60 calories in 1. Of course there is no nutritional value, but I have a sweet tooth and it satisfies my cravings!

Wishing: It were the weekend. My parents AND grandparents are coming to town this weekend. We are going to do the JDRF Juvenile Diabetes walk downtown to raise money for my sis! I'm also going to get my tattoo drawn up. The weather is supposed to be rainy but luckily I will have lots of people around and lots of activities to do! Oh...we're also going wedding dress shopping :) I'm very excited!! The first time I went with my mom and I wasn't too into it. This time I am PUMPED! I feel like I could even make a purchase. Ok, that's probably not true.

Feeling: Lucky. I know that I am "worried" about my lack of job for the fall, but I realize there is so much to feel thankful for. I am in a profession that allows me to always have a job subbing. I have a job RIGHT NOW. I have a job for the SUMMER. I need to relax and just let it be. It will all work out. I am thankful to have a loving partner who is supportive of my dreams and wants me to do what makes me happy. I also have family and friends who believe in me and my talents. Life is good.

(To read other "currently." posts, you can read Katie's, Allison's, and Danielle's.)

ALLELUIA!!!!!

Today some awesome information has come to my attention. Like, the most awesome-est information you could ever imagine if you were me. And maybe you. If this information is as awesome to you as it is to me, we should be friends.

As you SHOULD know (if you don't, get with the program here, folks!) Brand New is my favorite band of all time. I will never ever get sick of listening to their music. Ever. It's pure art to my ears. My blog is named after them and I'm getting a tattoo with a lyric from their song. It is my DREAM in life to see them live! MY DREAM! I have heard my BFF Tonia rave about them on and on since I met her. She has told me my mind will be blown and my life will be complete when I finally see them. I don't doubt that. Kevin, who loves them, too, but is not nearly as obsessed, has seen them live, and loves to rub it in that I haven't. Since I started listening to them, they haven't toured anywhere NEAR the midwest. As a poor college student and the frugal gal I am, I haven't been able to travel to the coasts to see them, either. I considered traveling to Canada (11 hours north) with Tonia to see them, but Kevin assured me, "They're gonna come closer!" Well folks it's true. THEY'RE COMING!!!!!!!!!

Brand New announced on their Facebook page today that they are going to be playing at a festival in St. Paul June 23-24. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! That's soooo close! I can't even handle this! Nobody is here to share my excitement, Tonia is still in school, and Kevin is working. So, here I am, blogging my excitement away!!!

The festival is called Rivers Edge, and they just announced the lineup. I only recognize a few bands, but it looks like a great lineup! Dave Matthews Band, Mutemath, Motion City Soundtrack... YES! The list goes on and on. You can read the whole list and all the details of the festival here.

Do you think it's coincidence I decided upon my Brand New tattoo the same week they have FINALLY decided to come see me? I don't. I think it's fate. And that means I have until June 23 to get my first tattoo! If this isn't motivation, I don't know what is! I can't wait!!!

Am I more excited for my wedding or for this concert, you ask? I plead the 5th. ;)

And now I'm off to go on a nice long run with some Brand New BLARING in my headphones! WATCH OUT, WORLD!

Ink Inspiration

Good golly this is my 3rd post about tattoos! I need to stop talking about it and just DO it! Such a commitment and I cannot make big decisions easily. (If you're new here, read my first post about tattoos here and a silly post about a tattoo here).

I've wanted a Brand New lyric for a long time, so I'm pretty set on that idea. I had to find the right lyric that spoke to me, a lyric that would still be meaningful when I'm 80 years old. "Hold On To Who You Love" has been stuck in my head for a long time. I can't ever see myself regretting that message, even when I'm old! It will only grow in meaning as I age.

Here is a picture I found on Brand New's Facebook page. I know I posted it the last time I talked about tattoos. I still like the idea of having the handwriting of my family as the fonts in the tattoo. It looks good in this one, but I'd be nervous it'd look jumbled or weird. It's an idea that adds even more meaning!

The next decision was placement. I had thought about my foot before, but I don't like feet and don't care to draw more attention to such an ugly body part. It's a weird quirk, I know. I saw a picture of a bride on Green Wedding Shoes that had a tattoo on her back and I fell in LOVE (I also fell in love with the entire wedding...you should click the link and check it out!) I think it just looks so cool and I love the placement on her shoulder blade. I want a tattoo that can be easily hidden, but I also want a tattoo that can be easily seen when I want it to be. 

While I want something a little more subtle and delicate, I was inspired. I searched for other tattoos on the shoulder blade and I loved the tattoos I found.

This is another Brand New lyric I found on Facebook. This is more what I had in mind for size and placement.

Another Brand New lyric :) I think this would be the exact size and placement I'd want.

I've also posted this one before. This is more of the size Kevin wants me to get but I think it might be too big. (Again, BN lyric.)

I loooove the placement on this one! However, I don't think it's be easy enough to conceal.

You always hear people say you should draw your tattoo on your skin and live with it for awhile to see if you really want it. Since I can't exactly write on my back, I asked Kevin to do it for me so I could see what it looks like in the mirror. My direct instructions were "In your neatest handwriting possible, write 'Hold On To Who You Love' in one straight line in small letters." Here's what he came up with:

It also took 6 tries to come up with this dark, blurry picture with a finger over the lens. Sheesh! Where's a woman when I need one?! Anyway, this is not at all what I had in mind so I'm not even going to consider this "inspiration" for my future tattoo. It was too humorous not to include.

Any thoughts? Opinions? Anyone have a lyric or meaningful text on their bodies? Tattoos on your shoulder blade? I'm open to your feedback!

Peas and Carrots

I found this tattoo today and fell in LOVE with it. How perfect?! For those of you who are new here, see our engagement story to learn the story behind "peas and carrots."

Now, I would never get a tattoo of peas and carrots, but I am thinking I could use this as inspiration for a logo for our wedding. I love this logo that is a theme throughout the wedding from a woodsy wedding, found on green wedding shoes. I have been trying to think up a cute logo for our own wedding that might pop up in the small details. This might be a winner.

{via}

I did some searching of other cute peas and carrots things and found these cute necklaces on Etsy.

{via}

My BFF Tonia drew me this picture for Christmas of Kevin and I. You probably don't understand any of it other than the peas and carrots thing, so I would like to explain a few of the elements so you get just how awesome this really is.

The carrot is Kevin singing karaoke to me. He's singing "Hands Down" by Dashboard Confessional, which is kind of "our song." It's my favorite song to hear him sing. He also has a beard, because I prefer it. I am the pea pod, wearing a Brand New t-shirt because I simply love them. I'm also holding an Italy bag because I spent a summer there, and... I love it. I love this picture a great deal. Am I missing anything, Ta?

Finally, I guess I assume everyone has seen Forest Gump because it might be one of my favorite movies (it's a tie between that and A League of their Own). If you haven't seen it, or if you have seen it, here is a clip about Forest and Jenny and peas and carrots.

"We go together like peas and carrots..."