I Got My Tattoo - Ep I

I finally did it. I finally got my tattoo. After three years of talk, I finally put some solid action to my words. Those who know the story know that the original inspiration which prompted me to want a tattoo happened one night about 3 years ago when I saw a bright, clear, beautiful crescent moon caressing a lone star in the sky. That spectacular sight inspired me to tattoo the scene onto my body. But due to various reasons, there had only been talk of the subject and no real action. Granted I did research the facts relating to tattoos (the procedure, the care, the possible dangers, etc) and I did look around for specific designs, nothing substantial happened for 3 years.

Finally this year, as time drew closer and closer to my 30th birthday, I finally told myself that this state of NATO (no action, talk only) cannot drag on any longer. Either I do it this year or never talk about it ever again. I basically told myself to do it or shut up about it. And so I did it. The ultimatum I gave myself worked.

As I credit my ultimatum for giving me the final push, I also want to credit my friend for agreeing to get a tattoo along with me. I never knew she too had been thinking about this. So that we can urge each other on, we decided we’ll get it together. A “pact” was formed.

With the “pact” in place, I renewed my research into the subject. Once again I looked online for designs. This time I actually found a few that struck my fancy. Whereas in the past everything I saw were good but not good enough. I guess with my determination, everything just came together better.

I also asked around for recommendations on good and, more importantly, clean tattoo shops. I was recommended a place on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley. Two weeks ago, my friend and I walked right into that shop ready to do it right there and then. However, that place was really busy. So we made appointments to come back the next week.

While we were in Berkeley, we moseyed into other tattoo shops along Telegraph to see what kind of designs the other shops have to offer. That was when I found THE design that I wanted. I took a picture of it with my handy-dandy little digital camera so that I can show the tattoo artist at my appointment next week. Then as we walked pass a corner flower shop, I saw some orchids that were dyed a beautiful indigo and blue palette. I’d never seen orchids in that color scheme before. It was just striking. From that, I decided I wanted my tattoo to be in that color scheme – blue/indigo.

At that point, I had everything in line - the design, the color, the appointment. I was all ready to get my tattoo! My friend was ready also. She too found the design and color she wanted. And since we made the same appointment to get it done on the same day, we were both ready for our tattoos! We both went home that day excited about the appointment next week.

To be continued…(aka I better get back to work.)