Day 44 + 45 Outtakes

At February Fair 2010. (Or February FAIL 2010, as the wise guys like to call it.) This would have been my Day 44 picture but then I got a tattoo and the photo of it was more representative of the day.

A temporary tattoo, silly. I’m not ready to make the jump yet.

I got excited over this year’s fair because I knew I could get a cheap henna tattoo. This would be my test run, I thought, because for the past year, I’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo forealz. Five years ago this would have been a far-fetched idea; 2005 Aldo would have been disgusted with just the thought. See my folks made it clear to me when I was a kid that tattoos were for dirty, hippie people. So I grew up with the thinking that I would never get myself inked lest I wanted to be part of that ilk.

When one of my best friends got a real tattoo a couple years ago I was stunned. Looking back, it was pretty absurd and judgmental of me to tell JB, “Hoy she’s changed.” And it was pretty absurd and judgmental of him to respond with, “Well…”

I didn’t like the idea of getting permanently inked. (Y’know, I also kindasorta don’t like that word, ink, as in “Hey guyz I just got inked!!! XD”) But over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the tattoo as an art form (naks). And I’ve also learned that that dark, depressing green isn’t the only ink color.

Last year, at Ma’am Mia’s wedding, the pretty lady seated in front of me had a tattoo of a Joshua tree on her nape. I stared at it the entire ceremony because it was done beautifully and I really liked the idea of a tattoo of an unconventional tree. (But as it turns out, the Joshua tree seems to be a popular tattoo choice.) Seeing this inspired, exquisitely rendered design only increased my wanting to get a tattoo of my own. But where? And, more importantly, what of?

As for the where, I definitely don’t want it fully exposed and screaming for attention. I fancy a bit of mystery, yes? Most likely on the upper back or probably the upper left arm but definitely not on the chest (for now). I kindof liked how my henna tattoo came out (especially after three days) but I would have preferred it an inch higher.

The tattoo is based on a shirt design entitled “Race” by Daniel Lim (no we’re not related!). I’ve been meaning to buy this shirt but it’s been sold out on Threadless for the longest time. I can imagine the original colorful design would be a kickass permanent tattoo but since it’s a zebra, I figured the standard henna black would also do it good. I sent an MMS of the semi-finished tattoo to Ma’am Mia and she instantly got it — “Zebra Flesh!” she replied.

When (and if) I do get a permanent tattoo, I want an original design, but of course. I already have an artist in mind, and, incidentally, I recently found out that she has also dabbled in tattoo art. If it’s going to be on my skin, it might as well be an authentic sketch right? But what of exactly?

Roanna and I contemplated on possible tattoos to get from the atypical/unusual (Olympic rings) to the comic (Mickey Mouse — LOL) and right now I’ve set my mind on something: Atlas. As in Greek mythology Atlas with the world upon his shoulders. Or at least a globe… that would also be quite nice with the colors and the navigation marks. I Google’d possible design references but I ran into a problem when the images came up.

Globe+tattoo gave me images pertaining to the broadband service.