Tattoos and the gym

Bill and I got tattoos last night at The Enchanted Dragon. I've wanted a tattoo for about 14 years now but have always been too chicken to get one. Bill thought for sure I would chicken out last night but I didn't. What I got I like, it's the cross on my ankle in this photo. What I have always wanted and I found two that I liked last night; I couldn't get because I didn't have enough money. I have always wanted to get a flower on my foot. When I was going to Meramec I had a class with this girl who had several tattoos but they were all small and pretty. She had one on her big toe of a blue flower. She said most tattoo artist will not do anything below the ankle (this was 14+ years ago) but she knew the guy and she designed it herself. I thought it was very cool. Last night I found out why they don't like doing them on your toes and even your feet (though they will do the top of your foot) is because they won't last. They fade faster.

Did it hurt? That's what I always asked people after getting a tattoo so I will answer the question. It did hurt but not nearly as bad as I thought it might. The worst part for me was the outline. The fill wasn't bad at all. Today my leg feels like I bumped it and got a bad bruise.

Will I get another one? Probably. I really liked this flower design that would compliment the cross. Purple flower with green vine. Thought I wanted a Celtic knot but man those really are expensive - lots of detail. If I get another one it would be just the one and no more after that. For me I would never get one above the ankle.

Bill got a hockey puck and stick because as anyone who knows him knows he is a major hockey fan! He saw several hockey related tattoos he is interested in but again our budget was tight and this is what he got. He has other tattoos and there is even one that he burned off himself. Crazy but I'm glad it isn't there anymore since it was a girls name! The tattoo artist, Jeff told us never to put our significant other's names on our body. It is the kiss of death. Every time he has done it the relationship ended. Said once he tattooed a guy with his wife of 30 years on there and within six months the guy was back to have it removed because his wife left him!

So, there you have it. I got a tattoo. I wasn't drunk and no one forced me. They are not just for trailer park trash, truck drivers and punk rockers. I know many professionals who have them. It's art and it is fine in moderation.

Starting Monday we are going back to the gym religiously. I hate being this fat. Drew wants to go and start working out to get ready for football. Bill and I need the exercise. I hate the way I look in my camping photos and even in the tattoo picture my leg looks huge! No more excuses - back to the gym!

Washington SP Camping/Mother's Day

We tried a new state park to camp in this time, Washington SP in DeSoto, MO. It is a small campground but a very cool park. Unfortunately, the Big River was flooded and all the trails were closed because of the flood. They canceled all the canoe trips as well. We did however go see the petroglyphs which are rock carvings made by Native Americans. It is believed they lived in the area around 1000 A.D. Some of the carvings were very easy to see and others not so much, but given how old they are it's a wonder you can see any of them.

I'm glad to report that we had no mishaps whatsoever on this particular trip. I'm sure some of my readers will be disappointed as I cracked everyone up over our last trip out! Ellie was really good though she did seem to have an asthma attack. Drew still got bored but he had a good time too. Our campsite was more secluded than the ones at Meramec SP. We are definitely looking forward to going back to Washington SP. It's less than an hour away, they have a swimming pool, 3 hiking trails, float trips and a sand bar you can hang out on in the Big River (provided it isn't flooded).

This is how I spent my Mother's Day and I'm glad we went camping. We came home and visited awhile with Bill's mom and then we went over to my mom's. It was a nice Mother's Day all around. I finally got my Missouri Bird book so I can look up all the birds. I saw my first ever Bluebird while camping! It's the freaking state bird and in my 40+ years I have never seen one until this past weekend. Awesome.

Hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day and a good weekend. Our next trip isn't until June 12th and we are going with our friends/neighbors to Meramec. Provided Meramec isn't still under water by then! I heard everyone had to evacuate because of flooding. Wow!

Nothing in particular

OK, I'm tired of the rain and clouds! Where's the sun? It doesn't have to be 80 but I would at least like to see the sun. Our grass needs to be cut in the worse way but it keeps raining! We are going camping again Mother's Day weekend and they are forecasting rain every day between now and then! Ick! It won't be much fun if we are stuck in the camper all weekend while it rains.

Joined Facebook and apparently a lot of folks my age have recently joined. It is really nice discovering old friends. I "found" my old roommate and we talked for an hour last night on the phone.

I finished two Harlan Coben books recently. It was the first two Myron Bolitar books he wrote. I liked the first one but didn't care too much for "Drop Shot". Not really into tennis and I found the book very predictable. I'm also noting a common theme in his Myron Bolitar books - men having sex with teenage girls. Hey Harlan, if you read my blog (yeah right) enough already.

I picked up another Jodi Picoult book, this time I'm reading "Second Glance". Too early to tell if I like it yet or not. Hey Lynne - I have on order at the library the owl book you recommended. Can't wait to get that one. Don't you just love the library?

Well, it's Friday night and I'm on the computer - no life. I'm going to get off here, channel surf and if I can't find anything worthy I will pick up my book.

Until next time....