Down here in the South, it's safe to assume someone is conservative. It's just one of those things that goes hand in hand with being Southern. However, as you know from reading about me, not everyone is conservative down here. But, there are varying degrees of conservative that are rather tricky to guage what is okay to talk about and what isn't.
One of those things for me is my tattoo.
What had happened was ... when I was turning 18, I decided I wanted to be all badass and get a tattoo as soon as possible upon turning 18. At the time, I was in lust with this tattoo-covered, Johnny Depp looking, server at Friday's. So, duh!, I talked tattoos with him. You might be surprised at his words of advice, but he told me to wait until I turned 19 (because in Jefferson County you had to be 19 to get a tattoo) and go to a decent place.
What I got from that was people who are very serious about their tattoos and desire to become licensed tattoo artists are sticklers for the rules, when it comes to tattoos. (Everything else is another story.)
So, I waited a few months until I got down to Auburn and went with my roommate (before she started freaking me out) to get a tattoo. She got a piercing, I got inked. Three little black hearts, on the back of my hip.
First, let me say it is not that big of a deal. It took all of 30 seconds to complete. I was ecstatic about it for a few months. And then it began to fade from memory.
Now, remember, y'all, just because something fades from memory doesn't mean it fades from existence.
So, years ago, when I began babysitting again, and I was asked why I drew hearts on my back, I didn't know what the child was talking about at first. And I really didn't know what to say, so I told them the truth: it was a tattoo. Luckily, all the parents were okay with it.
Now, imagine my confusion, when years later, I am visiting some of the same children again and they ask why my tattoo hasn't come off yet.
Oh, the joys of today that can be washed off in the shower tomorrow.
We explained that my tattoo is of the permanent persuasion, as opposed to the kind that children get all the time these days. And I told my little story about being safe at the tattoo parlor - you know, make sure they're licensed and reputable and you're legal.
It's not that I'm ashamed of it. I thought long and hard about that tattoo and it was a really big deal to me at the time, so there's no regrets on my part. I just thought it would be well hidden when I don't want it seen and easily accessible (i.e. all I do is lift my shirt a little in the back to show it) when someone wants to see it. Little did I know that sometimes, when you're babysitting, your shirt rides up a little. Like when two little ones are sitting in your lap and you're reading them a story with their big sister sitting behind you and you have to reach around the kids to hold the book and turn the pages. And being the obervant child she should be, has to ask:
"What's on your back?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why did you draw hearts on your back?"
"I don't know."
I was found out again Thursday night.
And, y'all, I just really didn't know what to say. I don't want the reputation as the tattoo-d babysitter. It's not scary, big, sacriligious, or any other bad word you can think of. It's small. And it's hearts. And it's usually covered up.
When I got home, though, I began to ponder my stance on tattoos. I'm artsy, they're artsy, so it is fitting that I have at least one. The thing is, I've been pondering another. On my foot.
I decided that one must wait.
While tattoos were really popular in the 90's, piercings also gained in popularity. It seems likely that more of my peers had piercings than tattoos. The thing about piercings, though, is you can take out the jewelry, and, usually, the hole will grow back in.
Which brings me to ...
How will my children feel about me having a tattoo? Will other parents be wary of letting their children play with my children?
And lastly, will I let my children get a tattoo?
And the answer is: when they are 16 or 17, if they want a tattoo, and it's legal with my permission, I will take them to get one. As long as it is done safely, legally, and tastefully, they may get one. And if they want more than one, they have to wait at least a couple of years. I think it's important to ponder a tattoo for a LONG time so you don't end up covered in ink by the time you're 20 and then get into the so-called real world, looking for a teaching job, and get turned down because you look like a bad influence.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Just what I've been wanting to write about
Gotta love Kelly's Korner for giving me a reason to post about makeup and hair.
First, I have to plug Cindy Crawford's Basic Face. I know this book is over 10 years old, but this is how I actually learned to put on makeup. I haven't always followed the rules, but it's a great resource when I'm in a rut or I'm having trouble getting something to look right. Every person learning to use makeup should have a copy.
Second, what I write about here is what works for me. I encourage everyone to get to their nearest Sephora or Ulta and play around with what works for them. Have fun, be daring, and, ultimately, go with what you're comfortable with.
I wear Bare Escentuals makeup for my base and cheeks (although sometimes a cream blush is the only way to go!). It's easy to use, easy to work with, and it looks good. (My favorite thing about wearing it? I look younger. And, trust me, without it, I tend to look older than I am.)
I like to have fun with my eyes. Since high school, nude (and sometimes black) eyeshadow and black eyeliner have been a staple for me. A few years ago, I began throwing purple into the mix. I have hazel eyes, and they used to look more green, but lately, they've been more brown. I use the purple to try to bring out the green.
I love the Kat Von D Rock n Roll eyeshadow pallette at Sephora. It has white, champagne, purple and black eyeshadows in it.
Cover Girl's Purple Pop eyeshadow rocks! Go light for a hint of purple, go heavy for intense color. It also pairs well with Clinique's Sugarberry, which may be discontinued. (I just found it, unused, in my treasure box of makeup.)
I got Bare Minerals Extreme Malachite, Perlite, and Pyrite around Christmas and they are glittery neutrals, if you're into adding a touch of sparkle when the occasion calls. It's a more grown-up glitter, so you don't look like you're a thirty year old who still thinks they're fifteen. Or twelve.
No eye makeup can be complete without eyeliner. This is usually my main source of color for my eyes. If I use colored eyeshadow, I stick with the same color eyeliner. But when I put a nude shade of eyeshadow on, I like to change the color of eyeliner, for a subtle burst of color. My favorites? Sephora Flashy Green (a teal, for when I'm in a peacock mood), and Sephora Turquoise, Glitter Black, and Glitter Purple in the Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner line.
Don't forget the mascara!
For lips, I like to keep it light. I rarely wear lipstick. Usually, I stick to gloss. I got Bare Minerals Strawberry Cream in a kit a month or so ago and I LOVE it! A little bit of color, but nothing dramatic (since that's what I do with my eyes).
Nail polish? I like to alternate between French pink (save money by avoiding the French pedi/mani and just go with the pink - it lasts longer, goes with everything, and is very classy) and Black. (If you can't tell, I like a little edge in my look. It makes me feel not so boring.)
And while I'm on the subject of nails, don't get acrylics (or gels) (or fake nails of any kind)! They harbor germs, ruin your natural nails, and are really expensive. Go to the drug store and get some Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. Use it liberally to revitalize your natural nails and when they regain their strength, use it once a week. It's so good, I've been told by a manicurist to quit talking about it 'cause I'd ruin her business. Surely she was half joking, but she was also a little serious.
What I have learned over the past couple of years is brushes make the difference! I don't use all my brushes like I am supposed to, but I have found what works for me. I believe what makes makeup so much fun for me is creating my own look. So, go to the drustore and pick up some cheap brushes. Cindy Crawford advises to go for paint brushes because they're cheaper than actual makeup brushes. My experience is go to the drugstore makeup brushes first because that is where the cheapest ones are. THEN when you find what you love and if you want something more expensive, compare prices on paintbrushes and department store makeup brand brushes. Paintbrushes get expensive, too. The cheaper ones are cheap, but the nicer ones get pretty pricey (also if you choose to go this route, check Hobby Lobby's ad for when paintbrushes are 50% off).
Moving on to hair...
Products - Pantene makes an anti-frizz serum/product that works wonders for the humid Alabama Summers and Falls. Love it!
Hairspray is a must for big hair :)
My latest favorite product is Jonathan's Spray Dirt and Silky Dirt. I love it for that messy, bed-head, rock star look. Be warned: it doesn't take a lot of this to get the look AND it can make your hair look really greasy, so avoid the top of your head (go in, at the roots, underneath).
Tools - I have a big, round brush that I sometimes use for blowdrying, and I have a small round brush that I use for teasing.
Bump-its are fun to use for play, but the look got really popular for a while, so sometimes it seems a bit cliche. What I got from my Bump-its kit, though, is a primer on how to tease my hair. Another love it!
And, of course, a girl's gotta have her blowdryer, flat iron, and hot rollers.
And what fun would looking all glam be without some perfume?
My favorites are:
Chanel "Chance"
and
Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things "Noir"
First, I have to plug Cindy Crawford's Basic Face. I know this book is over 10 years old, but this is how I actually learned to put on makeup. I haven't always followed the rules, but it's a great resource when I'm in a rut or I'm having trouble getting something to look right. Every person learning to use makeup should have a copy.
Second, what I write about here is what works for me. I encourage everyone to get to their nearest Sephora or Ulta and play around with what works for them. Have fun, be daring, and, ultimately, go with what you're comfortable with.
I wear Bare Escentuals makeup for my base and cheeks (although sometimes a cream blush is the only way to go!). It's easy to use, easy to work with, and it looks good. (My favorite thing about wearing it? I look younger. And, trust me, without it, I tend to look older than I am.)
I like to have fun with my eyes. Since high school, nude (and sometimes black) eyeshadow and black eyeliner have been a staple for me. A few years ago, I began throwing purple into the mix. I have hazel eyes, and they used to look more green, but lately, they've been more brown. I use the purple to try to bring out the green.
I love the Kat Von D Rock n Roll eyeshadow pallette at Sephora. It has white, champagne, purple and black eyeshadows in it.
Cover Girl's Purple Pop eyeshadow rocks! Go light for a hint of purple, go heavy for intense color. It also pairs well with Clinique's Sugarberry, which may be discontinued. (I just found it, unused, in my treasure box of makeup.)
I got Bare Minerals Extreme Malachite, Perlite, and Pyrite around Christmas and they are glittery neutrals, if you're into adding a touch of sparkle when the occasion calls. It's a more grown-up glitter, so you don't look like you're a thirty year old who still thinks they're fifteen. Or twelve.
No eye makeup can be complete without eyeliner. This is usually my main source of color for my eyes. If I use colored eyeshadow, I stick with the same color eyeliner. But when I put a nude shade of eyeshadow on, I like to change the color of eyeliner, for a subtle burst of color. My favorites? Sephora Flashy Green (a teal, for when I'm in a peacock mood), and Sephora Turquoise, Glitter Black, and Glitter Purple in the Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner line.
Don't forget the mascara!
For lips, I like to keep it light. I rarely wear lipstick. Usually, I stick to gloss. I got Bare Minerals Strawberry Cream in a kit a month or so ago and I LOVE it! A little bit of color, but nothing dramatic (since that's what I do with my eyes).
Nail polish? I like to alternate between French pink (save money by avoiding the French pedi/mani and just go with the pink - it lasts longer, goes with everything, and is very classy) and Black. (If you can't tell, I like a little edge in my look. It makes me feel not so boring.)
And while I'm on the subject of nails, don't get acrylics (or gels) (or fake nails of any kind)! They harbor germs, ruin your natural nails, and are really expensive. Go to the drug store and get some Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. Use it liberally to revitalize your natural nails and when they regain their strength, use it once a week. It's so good, I've been told by a manicurist to quit talking about it 'cause I'd ruin her business. Surely she was half joking, but she was also a little serious.
What I have learned over the past couple of years is brushes make the difference! I don't use all my brushes like I am supposed to, but I have found what works for me. I believe what makes makeup so much fun for me is creating my own look. So, go to the drustore and pick up some cheap brushes. Cindy Crawford advises to go for paint brushes because they're cheaper than actual makeup brushes. My experience is go to the drugstore makeup brushes first because that is where the cheapest ones are. THEN when you find what you love and if you want something more expensive, compare prices on paintbrushes and department store makeup brand brushes. Paintbrushes get expensive, too. The cheaper ones are cheap, but the nicer ones get pretty pricey (also if you choose to go this route, check Hobby Lobby's ad for when paintbrushes are 50% off).
Moving on to hair...
Products - Pantene makes an anti-frizz serum/product that works wonders for the humid Alabama Summers and Falls. Love it!
Hairspray is a must for big hair :)
My latest favorite product is Jonathan's Spray Dirt and Silky Dirt. I love it for that messy, bed-head, rock star look. Be warned: it doesn't take a lot of this to get the look AND it can make your hair look really greasy, so avoid the top of your head (go in, at the roots, underneath).
Tools - I have a big, round brush that I sometimes use for blowdrying, and I have a small round brush that I use for teasing.
Bump-its are fun to use for play, but the look got really popular for a while, so sometimes it seems a bit cliche. What I got from my Bump-its kit, though, is a primer on how to tease my hair. Another love it!
And, of course, a girl's gotta have her blowdryer, flat iron, and hot rollers.
And what fun would looking all glam be without some perfume?
My favorites are:
Chanel "Chance"
and
Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things "Noir"
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Back in the saddle
I did not start off 2009 with the intention of not working. It just kind of happened. I was sick, taking care of grandparents, going to the doctor, having medical tests and surgery, recovering from surgery, and deciding to move to Auburn (which got put on the backburner now because I have more work to do in Birmingham).
What's that word I wrote? WORK. Yes, I have started working again. Kind of. I have a babysitting job lined up for Thursdays and I started volunteering at the 1917 Clinic again.
What did I do before the great hiatus? I worked and volunteered.
I don't see myself going back into bartending any time soon. Personally, I don't think I'm the greatest bartender. Yes, I'm very conscientous and of course I pay attention to my customers. I just get a little self conscious when I have a lot of people needing drinks at one time, which makes me feel kind of slow. But, never say never. If a happy hour job opened up in Auburn, I'd be there in a heartbeat. After the Thursday night gig is over, of course. (I do stick to my commitments.)
I might be going back to school to get certified in massage therapy. I see myself doing that more than I see myself doing real estate. I've learned a lot in Real Estate school, but I really don't want to focus on sales and I've gotten some discouraging responses when I tell people I am leaning towards property management. (It basically boils down to a lot of work with little pay, which to me translates as less time to volunteer.)
So, what's up with this volunteering thing I keep mentioning? I got involved with the 1917 Clinic as a sexual health and HIV educator in 2006. I lead workshops, answer questions at outreach events, and test people for HIV. I still fill in in those areas when needed, but right now I am putting in a couple of hours every week as a volunteer to coordinate all that stuff I just mentioned. Honestly, this is my dream job. It's embarassing to explain what I do to some people, and to others I totally avoid it (saying it has to do with public health when I have to say what I do). I figure the more I work with the organization, the more experience I get, which will eventually help me get a paying job doing that kind of work. Plus, the people are really nice and appreciative. It feels good to feel welcome and needed in something you're good at.
Babysitting is the next best thing to being a parent for me, which is also my dream job. I'm just good at taking care of other people.
So, it feels good to be getting back out there and creating some routine.
What's that word I wrote? WORK. Yes, I have started working again. Kind of. I have a babysitting job lined up for Thursdays and I started volunteering at the 1917 Clinic again.
What did I do before the great hiatus? I worked and volunteered.
I don't see myself going back into bartending any time soon. Personally, I don't think I'm the greatest bartender. Yes, I'm very conscientous and of course I pay attention to my customers. I just get a little self conscious when I have a lot of people needing drinks at one time, which makes me feel kind of slow. But, never say never. If a happy hour job opened up in Auburn, I'd be there in a heartbeat. After the Thursday night gig is over, of course. (I do stick to my commitments.)
I might be going back to school to get certified in massage therapy. I see myself doing that more than I see myself doing real estate. I've learned a lot in Real Estate school, but I really don't want to focus on sales and I've gotten some discouraging responses when I tell people I am leaning towards property management. (It basically boils down to a lot of work with little pay, which to me translates as less time to volunteer.)
So, what's up with this volunteering thing I keep mentioning? I got involved with the 1917 Clinic as a sexual health and HIV educator in 2006. I lead workshops, answer questions at outreach events, and test people for HIV. I still fill in in those areas when needed, but right now I am putting in a couple of hours every week as a volunteer to coordinate all that stuff I just mentioned. Honestly, this is my dream job. It's embarassing to explain what I do to some people, and to others I totally avoid it (saying it has to do with public health when I have to say what I do). I figure the more I work with the organization, the more experience I get, which will eventually help me get a paying job doing that kind of work. Plus, the people are really nice and appreciative. It feels good to feel welcome and needed in something you're good at.
Babysitting is the next best thing to being a parent for me, which is also my dream job. I'm just good at taking care of other people.
So, it feels good to be getting back out there and creating some routine.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Little Things
I've been pondering what to write about lately, and I keep coming up with some of my favorite things. So, when I visited Kelly's Korner today and saw a blog about simple pleasures, I couldn't resist.
Kittens purring. I don't have human children of my own, but I have plenty of cats, thanks to The Boyfriend. Ergo, I have had plenty of experience observing a happy kitten the past few years. The sound can't be beat. Little Tux's favorite evening hangout is next to me and when I get bored with the television show and the BlackBerry, Tux is right there to love on. And love on him I do. Unlike every other cat I have known, he loves to have his belly scratched. He'll stretch his hind legs out, put his front paws in the air and start his purring.
A pleasant evening outside. You know in the early spring, before it's too hot, but after it's too, too cold? (Sometimes, you just gotta have a sweater.) Those are when I feel most like myself. I've designed a ga-zillion things and places, planned events, and written stories. And when I was in college at Auburn, that was when I did my homework (when my beloved neighbor wasn't around to share a beer and the stories of our day with).
Free eye makeup samples. I'm all-girl, so I had to put something about beauty and fashion in there. Going wild with the color is fun stuff. (Unless it looks like you're five years old and playing with makeup again.)
Feeling like I did before I got sick. I have a mystery illness that causes me to be nauseated and have abdominal pain and get very easily fatigued. (I've been to a ga-zillion doctors and have had a ga-zillion tests. If you know of something NOT common, let me know.) The rare days that I don't have to take a phenergan and can do a lot and feel like I just woke up are very much cherished.
Waking up at 7:00 AM, feeling totally rested. I tell people not to call me before 9:00, so knowing I have two hours of peace and quiet to myself allows me to reflect on my day and really get my mind working.
Spending time with children. Holding a baby instantly erases the worries of the day. And with older children, I have an excuse to do all that fun kid stuff.
Realizing a prayer has been answered. Of course, to know a concern has been resolved is a good feeling, but to feel a higher power working is what really amazes me. It reassures me that this world isn't all there is, so all that good, hard work I try to do really does make a difference.
Having a clean house. To me this means I can start a new project so I get to make a new mess :) But it also means I actually completed a task.
The ritual of going out on a Friday night. I do my hair, put on makeup, put on a nice outfit, and, most importantly, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. It's such a big deal to me, the excitement starts Thursday night.
Cooking. Yummy. And I feel like a domestic goddess in the midst of the craziness that is my mystery illness.
Kittens purring. I don't have human children of my own, but I have plenty of cats, thanks to The Boyfriend. Ergo, I have had plenty of experience observing a happy kitten the past few years. The sound can't be beat. Little Tux's favorite evening hangout is next to me and when I get bored with the television show and the BlackBerry, Tux is right there to love on. And love on him I do. Unlike every other cat I have known, he loves to have his belly scratched. He'll stretch his hind legs out, put his front paws in the air and start his purring.
A pleasant evening outside. You know in the early spring, before it's too hot, but after it's too, too cold? (Sometimes, you just gotta have a sweater.) Those are when I feel most like myself. I've designed a ga-zillion things and places, planned events, and written stories. And when I was in college at Auburn, that was when I did my homework (when my beloved neighbor wasn't around to share a beer and the stories of our day with).
Free eye makeup samples. I'm all-girl, so I had to put something about beauty and fashion in there. Going wild with the color is fun stuff. (Unless it looks like you're five years old and playing with makeup again.)
Feeling like I did before I got sick. I have a mystery illness that causes me to be nauseated and have abdominal pain and get very easily fatigued. (I've been to a ga-zillion doctors and have had a ga-zillion tests. If you know of something NOT common, let me know.) The rare days that I don't have to take a phenergan and can do a lot and feel like I just woke up are very much cherished.
Waking up at 7:00 AM, feeling totally rested. I tell people not to call me before 9:00, so knowing I have two hours of peace and quiet to myself allows me to reflect on my day and really get my mind working.
Spending time with children. Holding a baby instantly erases the worries of the day. And with older children, I have an excuse to do all that fun kid stuff.
Realizing a prayer has been answered. Of course, to know a concern has been resolved is a good feeling, but to feel a higher power working is what really amazes me. It reassures me that this world isn't all there is, so all that good, hard work I try to do really does make a difference.
Having a clean house. To me this means I can start a new project so I get to make a new mess :) But it also means I actually completed a task.
The ritual of going out on a Friday night. I do my hair, put on makeup, put on a nice outfit, and, most importantly, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. It's such a big deal to me, the excitement starts Thursday night.
Cooking. Yummy. And I feel like a domestic goddess in the midst of the craziness that is my mystery illness.
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