Life in Beta

It’s taken me a while to write about this, because though it’s something I’m excited and pleased about, I know it’s not necessarily something that pleases those around me. Plus, what could I say other than “Wahoo! I finally got my first tattoo!” …?

Well – I did. I got tattooed for the first time at tender age of 29, much to my mother’s chagrin. Mike and I went to see his tattoo artist, Jeff, a few days after new years. We told him what we wanted and after some good-natured teasing, he set to work.

Matching M&Ms. (Mike and Mandi. Get it?) Yes, we’re nerds.

I did pretty well at first. I was surprised at how little it hurt, compared to what I’d been anticipating. At least, that’s how I felt till Jeff got to that crease where the base of your hand connects to your wrist. Yeah … ouch.

(Mike would have totally called me out if I didn’t post this picture!)

Despite what the photo might suggest, I really enjoyed the experience of getting tattooed. I’ve been in piercing/tattoo shops before, but sitting for a tattoo (even a small one like this) gives you more time to talk and get to know your artist and the other people in the shop. I found that I was much more at ease (and dealt with the pain much better) when everyone was talking and laughing.

I’ve also been enjoying every moment since — every time I catch the blue and green ink out of the corner of my eye, it puts the biggest smile on my face.

I can only explain it like this: As someone who’s bounced and struggled with weight, I rarely feel comfortable in my own skin. I think a lot of people, particularly women, can relate to this, right? For me, the small bits of body art I’ve chosen to do were less about shock-value or standing out, and more about making my outside match how I FEEL on the inside.

Strange as it sounds, stretching my ear lobes and getting a small tattoo has actually helped me like ME a little more. I used to have my nostril pierced and I made the joke that instead of trying to hide my big nose, I should decorate it (hence the piercing)! It never really was a joke though. It was about coming to terms with the canvas God gave me and finding a way to feel beautiful in spite of what conventional terms of beauty define as “flaws”.

I’m sure this all sounds ridiculous when you look at my arm — they’re M&Ms, for goodness sake — but they make me happy. They make me HAPPY when I look in the mirror and see my skin and my body. Maybe body art is unconventional and maybe it makes some people uncomfortable or displeased (that’s okay), but I think people can see past that and see ME.

That being said … you’d be surprised how few people even notice my tattoo. I’ve been wearing a lot of cardigans and sweaters but I usually have my sleeves rolled up. It took DAYS for most people to even notice, and some still haven’t … and in the end, that’s okay because it’s mostly just for me in the end.

This month, my lovely sponsors are sharing their goals and resolutions for 2012. Please take a moment to visit these ladies’ blogs and say hello, and feel free to share your resolutions/goals in the comments too!

In 2012, I’d like to be making enough money doing freelance projects that I won’t need to pursue work outside of the home, I’d like to get in better shape, and really kick up my yoga practice hard core.

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To begin with, I’d like to actually finish cleaning out & organizing my closet! I’d also like to be more crafty, learn how to knit and crochet really well, sew more.  I’m also currently working on opening a business with a friend, so I would like to work really hard at that & get the ball rolling and see it become successful this year. 2012 is the year of big things!!

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My main goal for 2012 is to simplify. That is why I am starting a Simple Living challenge on the Kanelstrand blog, and I have already been smitten with the amount of people willing to take part in it and simplify their lives.

You are welcome to join in and sign the pledge.

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A few goals I have is to get my mammography certification, move to Pennsylvania to be closer to family in NY, and buy a house.

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My goals for 2012 are as follows… #1 Get my boyfriend to put a ring on it. #2 Go on another European adventure. #3 Dye my hair pink again. #4 Go on an actual diet. #5 Party like it’s 1999.

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February is my birthday month and it’s a milestone (*cough* 30 *cough), so I’m hoping to do some really fun things to celebrate!!

I’m specifically looking for sponsors who’d like to promote their handmade shop during february. If you’re interested in participating and want to know the “top secret” details, please email me!

I also still have a few spots open for large/small sponsor swaps. Please see my sponsorship page for info.

Today I had planned to post one of those fun photo-an-hour posts. I spent the day yesterday making sure to snap a photo with my iPhone every hour. Today I downloaded the pictures off my phone and was super disappointed to discover that most of the photos were hazy and blah-looking. Apparently there was a smudge on my iPhone lens all day and I didn’t notice it. ARGH.

(Mom’s crazy dog and terrible back-lighting for the win!!)

I guess it’s a good reminder, though: things don’t always turn out how you expect, and very rarely are they as “picture perfect” as the photos you see on blogs suggest. The important take-away is that imperfection is okay.

Perhaps I’ll try again another day … and remember to clean my lens before I start!

Today’s #JANphotoaday topic was “What’s In Your Bag”. I thought I’d post it here too with the details of all my junk…

1. A notebook for ideas/planning/whatever.
2. A Laurel Denise 2012 planner (which I love).
3. My old Flip HD camera. I don’t really know why I carry this anymore, as I never use it.
4. Business card holder with my Proper Dog Media cards.
5. Favorite sunglasses.
6. Assorted pens, pencils and markers — a writing utensil for every mood!
7. Aquaphor for my almost-healed tattoo.
8. Gift card for AC Moore from my brother-in-law.
9. Wallet.
10. Gussy pouch full of lip gloss, bobby pins, etc.
11. Two checkbooks — personal and business accounts.
12. Key-card for work.
13. My iPhone 4S with

The bag itself is actually a Namaste Cali Laguna knitting bag. I used to carry a much smaller purse and I still switch off to it on weekends or when I go out. But this is the bag I carry most of the time so I can have my planner and notepad close at hand!