My new tattoo

I made plans to get a tattoo this Sunday. It’s one that I’ve wanted since I was a medical student thirteen years ago in Chicago. I once asked this colleague I was working with on a summer research internship for recommendations on parlors. It’s funny because I asked a new friend of mine who has some tattoos, the same thing in Los Angeles. The reason I didn’t go through with the tattoo in Chicago was because I couldn’t decide on the font. I remember I drew out about 10 iterations of what I wanted to get on a piece of paper only to be discouraged by this blonde woman at the waiting area of the parlor. The artist reminded me that it was permanent thing, and so I ended up leaving without ever going back. 

However, the tattoo that I had wanted is a timeless one that is still relevant today. I don’t know what the reason I had for wanting a tattoo was. I suppose it’s because I’ve always been drawn to the creative fields and, in some ways, I’ve been more of a rebellious child than not. Could it be that I was around other people with tattoo (i.e. in Chicago) and I had just wanted to fit in? Maybe. I think I’ve stood out quite easily in a lot of ways for most of my life and I don’t really want to. My maternal grandfather once said that I was a shy and timid individual. I don’t think that I necessarily am, but may come off that way in certain regards because of other circumstances beyond my control. 

But in reference to the tattoo, it’s meant to be a functional one that is derived from the Judeo-Christian religious institutions. I’ve spoke of religion quite often in this blog and I feel that there have been many individuals from the religious sphere who have come into my life and have influenced in an indelible sort of way. I grew up primarily in the west and so that upbringing is forever engrained into my development is a way that is symbolized by this tattoo that I am planning to get. It is, in many ways, a timeless symbol.