Piercings and tattoos

So, one of the things I said I wanted to do after I got out of the military was to get a tattoo that I otherwise wouldn't be able to and to sport a sweet new piercing. However, once being released into the wild -- a fear came over me.

Suddenly, all I could think about is "What if this prevents me from having a job down the road." Decent logic you would think, right? Right. Of course, the piercing can always be removed. The tattoos can generally almost always be covered (unless you get ALL crazy). The question is, what is stopping me, or holding me back?

Is it the fact that I've seen close friends or family get tattoos or piercings that look terrible on them?

Of course a tattoo is a little more extreme than the piercing idea -- only because the tattoo is basically permanent. I have a few small ones here and there...none of which I regret, however, all three are smaller than a half dollar.

I've been thinking about getting a few of the following before even considering to go 'all out' with something like a quarter sleeve or bigger than my hand. Chad and I thought about getting matching tattoos. Mine can read "All you need is love..." and his can read "Love is all you need." Cute? I think so. I also have thought about a few other Beatles lyrics. Their music is very inspiring. The good thing about lyrics is that I can get them small, and in places people wouldn't think to look. (places like my ribs (no bigger than 3-5 inches) or places like my back---?!

As for if I were to get a tattoo/quarter sleeve on my shoulder ..that could be fun designing. I can see my artsy side shining right on through. I have a friend who has a really cool sleeve start. Although, she started it on her forearm. Everytime she wants a tattoo, she gets a small (maybe 4 by 5 inch tops) copy of a famous painting that she is inspired by. Looks very neat if you ask me. Although, I wouldn't want the same thing since that's a very original idea.

Piercings? I like the nose. Although sometimes frowned upon, I think the septum can be cute too ...but, I've seen way too many septum piercings look like CRAP, so I've decided to never do that. LOL I like the traditional nose piercing too -- as long as you dont wear a ring it in ALL the time. (And for some reason, I think it looks totally WRONG when guys have their nose pierced...wtf!?!?!)

My friend Courtney has some awesome ear piercings...her traegus and other cartilage folds in the ear..but remembering a time she asked me to help replace the piercing ring with another.. I could remember thinking to myself.."Remind me to never get this..I would never be able to twist on the end of the piercing ring..." haha. Even me helping her, it took like 15 min to get the ball on the end of the rod and then somehow use my fat fingers to twist it.

I might have to continue this one later..more pros and cons.. I've got a baby awake!! yayyy!!


UPDATE: My husband has a pin-up style tattoo of me on his forearm. It's a variety of colors, giving it a water color look. Recently the red has started to flare up with a rash. Turns out, ANY number of years after the tattoo was applied, the red ink can act up if you are allergic to nickel jewelry. Its a ink-allergy. People who have eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions are highly more likely to have a reaction to this red or pink ink. PLEASE consider this before you tattoo your body. I will probably stick to black ink...but that's just my personal way to avoid having an allergic reaction to the ink. (Because with my luck, I willl.....)

Little Miss. Susie Homemaker

I got the chance to do what I've been wanting to do for a while now.....be a little Susie Homemaker. Since being a stay at home mom, I've sort of had to learn what it's like to juggle my time around Kieran. Before, working 40+ hours a week, I wasn't sure when I would have time to do self projects, because on my off time, all I wanted to do was spend time with my family and rest.

Now, I am staying at home with Kieran and I have discovered that I have more time on my hands, although the trick is learning how to juggle it.

The other day, with the help of my family (all of them were home at the same time!!) I was able to make homemade bread, butter, ice cream and pizza. It was so cool to watch the ingredients go in as something and come out a completely different form. The butter was probably the most exciting. Who knew!?

I also have had some more free time to work on my blogs. I have this personal blog where I like discussing stuff concerning ME, my hair, interest in fashion and home decor, really...anything that graces my life. The other blog I have is a family blog just updating people on our family and what is new.

There is a LOT of new stuff..and I am excited about everything. We've got baby on the way, and we are excited just thinking about different names. I've only got about 10 weeks left to go. I can't believe it. This pregnancy has gone by so fast. nuts.

Another thing, I am going to try and take more pictures..and post more as well! I am so excited to kick off this blog! WOO HOO!!

Ciara

Oh the places you'll go, pt 2

..so, busy life..as I was saying. -__-

Now, with a 10 month old and a baby due in June -- I'm officially fully separated from the U.S. Air Force. I've got 80% of my G.I. Bill to use on education and I'm stumped.

Not that I feel exactly the way I did when I was just 18 -- but I feel pretty damn close. I know that whatever I choose to go to school for, I don't have to do forever....but I want to make sure that I choose something that is smart. I've contemplated nursing, mostly because it would be easy to get a job with, it's not easy, but I know if some of my friends can do it -- I can too, but I've steered away from it because if I don't have a passion for it, why press forward?

I've thought about going to school for photography..but in all honesty, if you don't have it, you're not going to get good at it by going to school. Photography is one of those things that if you are truly gifted with it, you don't need school for it..other than for credentials. (thats just my opinion.) I will always love photography, and will always do it as often as possible.

I've considered going into what my military career led me to -- public relations, but my experience is mostly with journalism, which, by my choice I would never do again. And public relations is so broad..I hardly ever see job openings for public relations.

I've thought about dental hygiene, physical therapy assistant, teacher, art school...etc. I've thought about everything. I've even had the thought, "Hell, if I am getting into the medical aspect..I might as well go all the way and try and become a doctor of some sort." haha..

Truth is, I've got the funding for school..I need to use it..or I never will. I always dreamed of opening my own shop, where I sold the coolest things there. Handmade soaps, candles, art from local artists, handmade candies and unique clothing....but who wants to go to business school? Ew. Not me. :-) hahaha..

Does ANYBODY have ANY insight?

seriously, It's like having a constant brain fart. help.

..Oh the places you'll go..

It's a common graduation gift...Dr. Seuss's coveted 'Oh the Places You'll Go.' And while right at graduation, I did not receive one -- I eventually came across three copies of the book in my name.

First time reading the story -- I sobbed. That's normal, right? It's about this character, You, who is on the brink of their future. The book goes into them succeeding and following the right paths -- and through all of that, they WILL fail eventually, but to understand that life goes on. And LUCKILY you've got what it takes to make it through and succeed.

After reading the first time, it was clear, the book was obviously written with me in mind. OBVIOUSLY. Hahahah.

After high school...I didn't know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. All I could think about was this.. "What I choose, I will have to do forever...and I dont want to do anything FOREVER." That logic didn't last long.

I went to a community college and found myself surrounded with returnee adults that were finally getting back to school after taking the last decade or two off. Most of them with families...they spoke of how it was hard to keep up with night classes and their full time job, but it's what they needed to do in order to succeed in fulfilling their educational dreams.

I wanted to be like the other kids my age. My dream was to attend a 'real' college..(because in my 18 year old mind, community colleges just weren't real enough). I wanted to go to school with my peers and I wanted to experience the 'college' lifestyle. I wanted independence and freedom and.....can we all just admit now, college allows you to live a pretty free lifestyle. Nobody ever said it was going to be easy..in fact, most said it would be hard. BUT -- I wanted it. So, I moved from my parents home in Topeka to Kansas City. I had already taken out a small student loan and so had my parents to help me go and fulfill my dream. Lived on the plaza in a fairly affordable apartment and went to school.

Sounds easy enough..right? Not so right. I was a full time student working two full time jobs. How the heck did I manage to do that? I'm not really sure. But, I did know one thing. I still wasn't sure where I was heading educationally and I knew that I was spending a HELL OF A LOT OF MONEY just taking classes left and right.

I joined the military because I had a calling to do it. I didn't think much about it before signing up. All I thought about was the fact that I needed education, didn't have to means to pay for it on my own......and the fact that I would have stable health insurance seemed like a selling point.

Within that year, I put my college life on hold, worked my two full time jobs to pay for rent and groceries, met the man I would choose to spend the rest of my life with, get married, join the Air Force and move across the Atlantic ocean to a foreign country I previously called home: Germany.

What in the world? Tailspin? Yes...totally.

During my two years in the Air Force, living a busy life, I made time to take a few CLEP and DANTES tests here and there and also managed to take a class right before my son, Kieran, was born.

....ok, I'll have to continue later..I've got a 10 month old wanting lunch. :) YUM!

(PART 1)

Lost in translation

Does this look ANYTHING like the photos I posted before?!?!

I feel like .. EVERY TIME I get my hair done, I run into the same problem. My stylist doesn't listen to me.

It didn't used to be like this...I know I am good at what I am explaining (I used to work a freaking salon...for 4 years).

Maybe my hair is just destined to be a certain way, no matter what I want. LOL.. I miss my old stylist.

URGGHH!!!!

Herrrr did (a.k.a, getting my hair done

Looks like I am getting my hair done today. We will see how it turns out. I am hoping for the best, but somehow have really bad luck.

My fingers are crossed. Here is what I am giving them as examples:

I am thinking this as an example of what TYPE OF layers I would like. No shelves, very piece-y, and long and flowy. Good since I am growing my hair out.

If I decide to get my bangs done differently, I am thinking something like this. AH. Wish me luck.

Okay, below is a picture of Jamie Lynn Spears. The shade and type of highlights she has here is something that I like. It's a violet type of highlight that is more cool than warm. I like this shade of blonde, but want something 'peek-a-booing' like the fourth photo...

Maybe? I like this below.. Dark underneath and near the face. It looks nice.

I will post 'after pictures' later. ;-)