Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The One Where It Gets Permanent

I'm going to tell a little story...she won't remember it. Because she never remembers anything, and really, I take my job as historian of our high school/early college memories very seriously.

Fifteen years ago I walked into a tattoo parlor with my friend Kelly (and our other friend Kelly--they were the number 3 and 4 graduates in our class, respectively. I threw that out there because I think y'all need to know that I have always made it a point to befriend the brilliant folks...I include each of you in this category, just so you know.) and watched as she inked her ankle with a little infinity symbol. I remember thinking, "Before I die, I will get a tattoo." It didn't happen at that moment because we were eighteen and I feared the wrath of my parents. But I knew...I knew the day of reckoning would eventually arrive and I'd never again be able to say, "I am ink free." It was on my list of life goals.

I achieved that goal. I got my tattoo this past Saturday, in California.

Here's me baring boo-tay for Randy, the tattoo artist:

Tattooed Minivan Mom took the pictures...in fact, Randy is her tattoo artist of choice, so I was in good hands. And he had really good hands because I barely felt a thing. I promise y'all, I kept saying, "Um, when's it gonna hurt?" I'm not a masochist or anything, but I was really wanting to feel some pain. I didn't. Sigh...

I would also like to point out that Randy's hands gave me a little rubdown once he finished the job. I joked, "Dude, should we smoke a cigarette now or something? It seems appropriate." It's a wonder he didn't run screaming from the shop. Instead he gave me a big ol' hug. I guess he figured it was the right thing to do, since he'd seen crack and all.

The entire process took about twenty minutes. Here's the end result:

It's little...it's rebellious...it's sweet...it's ME! You can't really see in this picture, but Lu's sockets have eyelashes. Tell me that's not the coolest. 'Cause it is.

Oh yes, I named my tat. Because Tiffany usually shortens "Lula" to "Lu," and I just love that. I love her. She unknowingly named my pink-bowed jolly roger. It makes me happy.

Of course now I want another one. There's been talk of additional inkage with these two girls. We'll let y'all know if it comes to fruition.

Finally, I have to tell y'all the two best comments I've received in regards to my newly tattooed self. My 31 year old brother, Eric, texted, "Dude, now you are a thug!" Yay--that was the goal all along, of course.

And my precious 3 year old Caroline, who squealed upon seeing it, "Mommy--that's a PIRATE!" Yes, my baby love...it is a pirate. Just like your mother.

64 comments:

Kristina P. said...

Wow, sexy!

Trish said...

ohhh and it is sooo cute. You rebel, you!

I have had so much fun reading through your little West Coast Adventure. Glad you had a fabulous time!

Anonymous said...

Awwww...it's so cute.

A new addiction is brewing isn't it?

(Um...I couldn't help thinking butt pirate when I read the last line...hehehe)

Jenny and the Princess Peonies said...

So cute! You are brave...It didn't hurt really?

Gina said...

I was all jealous of your cross country jaunt. Was. But, I'm a wise cracker- not an inked up pirate rebel!

April said...

Came over from TMM and love yours. My daughter would call it a pirate too.

The BeautyFull Life said...

Hey Mrs. Lula,

I really need you to consider stand-up comedy. You kept me laughing on the wine tour. At first I didn't know if it was all the wine I drank or if you were really that funny. By the end of the tour I knew that you were just really that funny. We look really HOT in that pic. You, Tiffany and Heather are the coolest chicks. We must do it again one day!

P.S.: That tat is the bomb.

jori-o said...

You've got sass on your---bum! ;) So what does your man think of it??

The BeautyFull Life said...

BTW it's me Tonda... Just in case you were like "who is this?"

Jennifer P. said...

oh Lula! Did you not see my post with all the ugly tattooed people?!?! Girly Jolly Roger is actually kind of cute---but don't go tattooing your face, ok :)?!

Congratulations--and your are too cool for getting through that whole thing without a single tear!

CaraBee said...

I've always heard that once you get one, you'll be unable to resist getting more. Me? I've always wanted a full sleeve. Is that weird? I'm way too chicken, though. Plus my husband would completely freak out.

Caroline said...

I just felt LED to leave a comment, but you know my thoughts about this already.

I don't think you can be a Christian and have a tatoo.


(For anyone who really wants to write me off now, please know this is all in good fun.)

Kori said...

I am so ready to get another one.

Love it.

It's AWESOME!

Amy said...

Okay, the thought of you, pretty, pretty Lula, with the pink shoes and girly girls as a thug and a pirate just gives me such a smile.
You know I love tattoos. Now, maybe a little tiny piercing...... ;)

Shannon said...

Im still lovin' your tattoo... it ROCKS. Just like you.

I can't believe it didn't hurt!!!! I don't handle pain very well so I've always though I wouldn't want a tattoo. But now...

Jen said...

So Flippin' Totally COOOL!!! You ROCK more! Next time you get ink, please take me. I have been wanting some for SO long.

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

That is a cute tattoo!!

If you really want to feel the pain get one on your ankle!! Worse spot I encountered yet!

Beware....tats are very addicting!!!

Heather said...

After we finished getting our tattoos this past March, I teased Becky, asking her when we were getting the next one...

She didn't think it was funny. Our tattoos did hurt. I had three babies without epidurals, and I'm pretty sure I'd go through childbirth again before I'd get another tat. Yep, I'm a wimp that way. Plus, one tattoo almost put Joe over the edge. I don't think I could do that to him again.

I love your "pirate"! What does Libby think? And what is Scotty gonna say when the girls get their tattoos?

Just wonderin'...

Hope you had a great time last night. What did your mama think?

Ash said...

You're my hero.

Super cute! But can you be a true thug with a cute tattoo?

Work it.

Anonymous said...

Very cute ink! I like it because it's unique and feminine :-) Good for you!!!

Rhea said...

You totally rock. I want one! It just makes you hotter, girlfriend.

Do you think there are tattoo parlors in Ida-HO?!

Mama Dawg said...

YOU ROCK!!!!!

I promised a friend's daughter that when she turns 18, we'll go get tattoos together. Less than a year to go!

Unknown said...

oh laws....if i had known i was going to be famous today, i would have done my hair. k, probably i wouldn't have. anyway, no, of course i didn't remember the story, but now i can pretend i can. my ankle tat is still kickin', which was kindof the inspiration, if i recall. i picked something/somewhere that a) would never sag and b) i would never find offensive. still holding true, so go me.

lu's supercute, so go you.

Lauren W said...

Yay! I'm so glad you got it! :D
They definitely can be addictive ;)

Ker said...

OMG! She is adorable! I love her --- and you are right, she is just the perfect amount of sweet and rebellious to represent Lula. Congrats on being able to cross off a "to do before I die." Happy Thanksgiving!

KimmyJ said...

How adorable is that? I can't stand how stinkin cute that is!

Heather said...

I've already prepped PB for the next inking. He's given up arguing completely.

Ashley said...

Wow!!! I love it!!! It's so cute in a 'don't mess with me' sort of way! Haha! I'm too much of a chicken for tattoos... I just don't believe that didn't hurt.

angela | the painted house said...

You are one wild chica! It's so adorable!!!

Amy said...

I want one too, right where you got yours. Not sure what, but yours is sooo cute :D

Brandy said...

I heart ink. I heart YOUR ink. I heart you. Done.
♥ ♥ ♥

Mariah said...

I jjust finished spending $900 to remove the ridiculous rose from my ankle so I can get a cooler one, yours is adorable.

Unknown said...

I think it's ugly.

Unknown said...

Actually I don't but I HATE going with the crowd and everyone's all gushing and I just had to say it...


It's cute... It's you.... Fo Shizzle.

Maddness of Me said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that tattoo! And that is something I would never say, so take that as a huge compliment.

According to Johnny Depp, everyone and their goldfish has tatoo's now... so maybe I should get one?

Too cute!

magpie said...

ooooh- too hot!!!!

Tony C said...

Ouch!

Happy Thanksgiving Lula!

Linda said...

Too cool! I love it!

Also, love living vicariously through your re-tellings of your rippin' time in the Cali! If I would have known you were here I would have shown up to welcome you.

Tiffany said...

Lu is the perfect name!!!!!!

Miss you!

Becky said...

They say once you get one, you want another...and another...and another!

Welcome to the club! (Although my hurt so bad I thought I saw Jesus briefly!)

Jenni said...

That is CUTE! Good for you...I have always been interested in getting a tatoo but I am too chicken. And dorky.

Teri said...

That is probably the cutest tattoo I have seen yet. I'm not doing the tatto thing, but I have planned an outing with my oldest bonus daughter after Christmas...we are getting our belly buttons pierced. My kids think that is gross.

Perfect. :-)

Live.Love.Eat said...

Ha, I'm cracking up over Hot Tub Lizzy's comments. It is cute Lula. I'm so happy for you that you get to mark this off your list of things to do. Is it a pirate and how did you come up with it?

Michelle said...

Saweet!

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

There has to be a place in Ida-HO. So I can get a nose ring. With witnesses. Who will remember all the rules of photography ;-)

Marrdy said...

You are one brave woman. Have a great Thanksgiving!!

KatBouska said...

I love it! And I love her little heart eyes. So cute.

Anonymous said...

Very cool. My mother in law is in the process of deciding to get a tatoo on her hand. Why am I being left out here?

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

It's so cute! They are definitely addictive.

Dee said...

How did it not hurt? I am just following the crazy blogger adventure here... very entertaining!

sassy stephanie said...

Lu is so cute! I can't believe it didn't hurt. The fear of the pain has kept me from it. Got a belly piercing. That's as far as I could go.

Ritch in Love said...

You just took cool to a whole new level!!

Anonymous said...

Very very you! I luv the pink bow- I would have never thought to add that- But you are very smart and chic!

John Deere Mom said...

Mine's in the same spot! But you are much more badass than me with your skull and crossbones. Mine is just a flower...looks like you guys had an awesome time!!!

Melissa said...

I love you in all your rebelliousness. You're hotter than ever, baby.

ParentingPink said...

I LOVE your tat! Way cool! Now you've inspired me to get one :-) Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving!

Unknown said...

You got a tatoo? Where have I been? I agree with your brother ... nothing says "thug" like a skull with a pink bow.

Gombojav Tribe said...

You've got guts! :-)

Melissa Lee said...

Lula, you are so cute.
Bad.
But cute.

Melissa from Stretch Marks

SunshineBarlowe.com said...

Girl, I am like a proud mama..

next time I will be with you to get your second..and I will get my fifth...(love me a pirate).

xo
Sun

Angie's Spot said...

I always knew you were super cool, and this just proves it even more. I'm just jealous that you braved up and got inked before me. I'm next!

LenaLoo said...

I must say, your blogs about your trip to go see Twilight were much more entertaining then most of the blogs I have read on people going to see Twilight... Though despite their negative reactions... I.Must.See.Twilight!
I just finished New Dawn last night... Maybe I can con my girlies into seeing it with me tonight (though one of them has seen it and the other is "not into vampires" - but it's Edward... how could you NOT be into him!!!)

Pam said...

tattoos can become addicting. got 2 myself. i def one AT LEAST 1 more. that is an adorable tattoo :)

Unknown said...

i <3 this tat almost as much as I <3 rob, almost