Figuring Out My Place In Time & Space: Cutting My Hair & My 1st Tattoo

I never realized how crazy happy my life could be. It's not that I wasn't happy before, it's just that I don't think I actually knew who I was, what my potential was or how strong I could be.

If you are a bit confused...check out Crazy 4 Comic Con & I's podcast and then continue reading. I had such a wonderful time chatting with Tony, one of my oldest nerd friends. It was liberating and nerve racking, but I'm happy that I put myself out there and am humbled by the amazing responses I have received. Thank you everyone who has reached out to me. It means so much more than you know.

Back?! Ok....I cannot wait to share some fun life moments with you.

"A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life" - Coco Chanel 

{Thank you Nerd on the Run for that quote! xx}

I cut my LONG hair at the beginning of the year. I did it myself one late night spontaneously and it felt great. Later, my good friend Noel made it better and then a couple weeks ago I asked her to cut it even shorter!

What compelled me to cut my long hair? If I'm being honest, I can embrace of change. Being a military brat, I had a lot of change throughout my youth. It was tough then, but in adulthood it's been kind of amazing. I wanted something that reflected how I'm feeling in this moment. Sassy and fun...that's me :)

What has come as a surprise to me is that in the last few months is I've found making decisions on my own can be a bit isolating. I feel that this time in my life I am all alone and in my own bubble. I can see out and people can see in, but there is still some thin barrier between myself and the rest of the world. I'm defiantly not hiding from the world. I am constantly out seeing friends, working and meeting new people, but all of these new faces only know the me since I've been going through a divorce. Luckily all of these new people {and the old too!} have been very supportive and caring. I'm trying my best to be my true self, but sometimes, not often, I find it difficult and they are patient. 

Now the most crazy thing I've done in the last couple months, maybe even my entire life...I got a tattoo! A REAL LIFE tattoo! And guess what I couldn't be more happier or excited about it!!

I had two days off in a row and instead of sitting at home in a funk, I decided to go down to San Diego and see friends and family. I had an amazing San Diego nerd girl reunion and there I kinda discussed my long desired tattoo idea. They were all super supportive and excited about the tattoo and about the direction of my life has gone. I love these women so much!

That night I Yelp-ed local tattoo parlors. YES I Yelp-ed it...#sorrynotsorry. The one I decided to visit had seventy five star reviews. Pretty good I think. I went in and was already finding myself super nervous. I had never been inside a tattoo parlor before or even talked seriously about getting one! The artist, Mac, was friendly, had an open ear and a relaxed demeanor. He could tell I was hesitant and told me to take the night to think about it and come back the following day if I was truly ready.

That night I found that I was truly ready and had to keep myself busy the following morning until the shop opened at noon. I thought that I wanted to go alone. It being a HUGE self discussion. Something for me, about me and just me. BUT my lil brother was hanging out with me that day and offered to come and it was nice to have him there to document my experience and have a bit of moral support even though I KNEW this is what I wanted.

I was pleasantly surprised on how quick and painless the process was. The entire inking took no longer than fifteen minutes and didn't start feeling sore until about an hour later. As I write this, it is a bit sore to lift heavy things at work but other than that I'm fine! I'm only sad that I have to have it covered up at work and haven't had a chance to fully enjoy it. 

I cannot believe how happy my tattoo makes me. I knew I would like it, but I never thought it would bring me such fulfillment. Every time I look down at it, I smile and am filled with joy.

The reason I picked The Deathly Hallows is because Harry Potter is one of my oldest and most favorite fandoms. I come back to it time and time again. The books and its characters feel like family and I miss them. Another reason I went with a fandom/nerdy tattoo is because of this blog. I've enjoyed this blog: writing, photographing, creating and making nerd friends more than I ever thought I would when I started it three years ago. I wanted to wait until SDCC to get the tattoo, but I also wanted to have it for SDCC. I feel like The Deathly Hallows is a tattoo that MOST nerds get and now I feel like I am officially bonded to my nerd family!

I cannot believe how non painful the tattoo process was! Do you have any nerdy tattoos? Did you think it hurt?! Everyone always talked about how much tattoos hurt, but I found it the exact opposite. Share your stories with me in the comments below! I already have my next one in mind and it will represent my second love...music!

{I am forever Figuring Out My Place In Time And Space. Learn and grow with me by reading my other heart felt and often over sharing articles!}