He got our names and wedding date on his shoulder:
And I got a cross on my wrist:
Sometimes I still can't believe I did that! Me! The girl who hates getting shots or having blood taken... Yet, I willingly let somebody draw on my body with needles. Makes tons of sense, doesn't it? And for all of the people who ask "Did it hurt?" I give you this picture:
Uh huh. Now that we've covered that.
Whoever said that tattoos were addictive wasn't kidding. I always thought that I'd get one and be done. (Well, ok, I never really envisioned myself getting a tattoo so "always" might be a stretch.) While Joe was in BCT, I started thinking of getting the cross tattooed on my wrist. It was hard, and the verse that I clung to then was Hebrews 13:5 "...I will never leave you nor forsake you." So I wanted something to remind me that God was always with me. Even though I know that sometimes you just really need a reminder.
Then several months ago, I started toying with the idea of getting a yellow ribbon tattoo. You know, it's symbolic of Joe's deployment, the sacrifice...all of that. I like symbolism so it works for me. First I thought about getting the ribbon with our wedding rings around the center of the ribbon. I still like that idea, but... Last week (or the week before, I can't remember), I saw this picture on Household 6's blog on her Foto Friday meme and fell in love.
"Liebe" is the German word for love. How awesome is that tattoo?! I love, love, love it! I'd want mine to be different somehow, so I thought about adding "Joseph" underneath it and having it put on my shoulder. Well, the more I thought about that the less I liked it. So I thought maybe I'd put it on my other wrist... 'Cause I'd kind of like to see it... But then it'd be kind of big even if the font were smaller and you know people would always be asking what it meant. *sigh* And then I had an even better idea! What if I just got the yellow ribbon? It'd still be symbolic (especially to me); it would be very simple and small, and I wouldn't have 9 zillion people asking what it meant.
So far, I'm liking this idea and still considering putting it on my right wrist. I just don't know. I have issues with the classy-ness of tattoos. I mean, I obviously already have one, but having one that is visible is - to me - different than having two that are visible. Sure it could be covered with a big bracelet or something, but... For some reason, I have this fear that my having tattoos that are visible are going to impact Joe's career or make people think I'm some trashy chick with a whole bunch of tattoos. That's probably irrational, isn't it? =P
What are your thoughts on it? Classy or trashy? Please help!
Hope y'all are having a fantabulous weekend!
I'm huge on symbolic tattoos as well. I have four tattoos all in areas that I could cover up if I wanted to. I don't think having visible tattoos, as long as they are tasteful (no naked chicks or curse words), make a person trashy. It's more so how the person carries themselves. I think your idea is fabulous and you shouldn't worry about crossing over into the trashy category because you're far too classy for that!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love tattoos, I just got my fifth one done which is a huge piece on my ribs (there is a pic on my blog of it) and my thing about tattoos is that as long as I can cover it then I'm ok with the placement of it. I have one on my hip, back, foot, back of my neck, and now my ribs... All are hide able and one on the wrist can be hidden as well although it's harder to do in summer. I think my next one might be on my wrist... They are sooooo addicting!
ReplyDeleteI have three tattoos, and I love them. I do not think tattoos are trashy at all. You could be a very classy person and have a tattoo (or many!).
ReplyDeleteIf it is something that YOU like, then get one. Many people, spouses including, have tattoos in the military. Don't let it stop you!
i LOVE tattoos!!! and i feel that as long as they are meaningful to you, they could never be trashy... but this is also coming from a girl who plans on getting sleeves. :D
ReplyDeletetattoos are beautiful and an extension of your personality, a representation of yourself that you wear on the outside.
I think it's what the tattoo is that makes it classy or trashy, but I don't have any (...yet). I'm still working up the nerve, and Chris hates them. But I wouldn't get one that was publicly visible, because the Navy frowns on that. I think the yellow ribbon is a cute idea though!
ReplyDeleteOne thing to consider though if you plan to go back to teaching is their requirements. My sister is a teacher and she has to cover the tattoo on her wrist with a band aid every morning.
I love tattoos and firmly believe that if you once loved your tattoo and it has meaning, you will never regret it. My sister is covered head to toe (literally, she has them behind her ears and inside her lip,) but when she isn't walking around in a bathing suit...you have no idea.
ReplyDeleteI have seven. Stars on my shoulder, hearts on my back, flowers from a stained glass in Ireland on my hip, peace love and music symbols on my foot, cherry blossoms on my right wrist, "let it be" on my left wrist, and a peace dove on my ribs.
I love your face in the pictures. Thats awesome!
I am a teacher, and before I decided to start teaching I got a half sleeve on my left arm! A flower for each of my girls and a cherry blossom tree. you can find a picture on my blog as well. Yes sometimes it is a pain in the butt covering it up with 3/4 sleeves, but I love it and wouldn't take it back. My husband is also a naval officer and I have never had complaints from that side either, most are suprised to see it since I take care to cover it at those types of functions! So if you love it, do it! Someimes it is best to ignore what those few haters out there have to say :)
ReplyDeleteoh i found this picture with lieve too.. and i LOVE it
ReplyDeleteits beautiful but so is ur tatoo
have a good day
Anna
I'm the same way- I have one on my wrist and I'm dying to get another. I'm worried about what people would think if I had one that was very visible. Still trying to figure out what I want to do.
ReplyDeleteI've wanted a tattoo for awhile but I'm too scared to actually go get it done - I hate needles and pain! But apparently once you get one it's like an addiction!
ReplyDeleteI also *LOVE* that Liebe tattoo!
You have a point about his career. If you are worried, keep them somewhere were you can cover them up.
ReplyDeleteSecond. Tattoos are not trashy on their own. I've seen and met beautiful very classy ladies who just happened to be tattooed. If you ACT and dress trashy that's what you'll be. Having tattoos has nothing to do with it.
In fact those who do have tattoos and dress like trash piss me off. Because they are the reason people associate tattoos with trash.
I have several tattoos one small one of my wrist and a complete side piece.
Don't worry what everyone thinks. Do what YOU want. After all you'll be the one living with it. So when you make your choice make sure others opinions have nothing to do with it.
Also, check out checkoutmyink.com
and if you're curious about mine.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=273807&id=584283760&saved#!/photo.php?fbid=10150212531858761&set=a.346354588760.199445.584283760&theater
I look forward to seeing what you decide. Love them all so far!
<3
Tattoos themselves are not class-less. It's the people who make tattoos classy or not. So I wouldn't worry about that. If you like it and it means something to you, then do it. I definitely want to get one on my wrist. Just trying to decide what I want it to say...
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your decision. Can't wait to see it if you get it. :)
I've been toying with the idea of a yellow ribbon for six months now. I love it!
ReplyDeleteMy fellow Army Wives & I have this conversation every time a Military Ball comes around. I personally have 3 tattoos that I got AFTER children. I wanted to make sure the stretching from pregnancy didn't cause them to fade .
ReplyDeleteI have my first two on my back so that they aren't visible in any clothing but bathing suits .This was done on Purpose at the time. I love them both & they are both symbolic pieces with a meaning behind them for me. I got my first tattoo that show during husband's last deployment. I got a Celtic love know anklet with his Initials in the piece. I LOVE IT! It was a surprise & I can say my soldier was NOT happy about the placemnet . I informed him that so many ladies have tattoos that show now at Balls & functions it was the "norm" now not the exception.But he is still very Old-School 7 thinks it looks tacky for ladies to have them showing in dresses & now my capris/shorts. But it is has grown on him & I still don't care. I do get a few looks but have never regretted.
I would say just think about the placement. maybe have a friend draw on you exact sizing & placement wear it around for a few days to see if you are comfortable with the placement & reactions. But tattoos are a wonderful way to express your emotions - I love all of Mine & want another soon!
I think you should go for it and get it if it's something you really want!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting this SAME tattoo this weekend for my soldier! the minute i found this online i fell in love with it, I've kinda changed it a bit though, im getting dog tags around the ribbon with "waiting" and "sacrafice" in german in the tags. Also, half of the ribbon will be the American Flag, the other half Yellow. not getting it big though, its going on my right side rib cage (he just got one in the same spot for his 2nd deployment) GREAT IDEA YOU HAD! you go girl.
ReplyDelete