inked.

I wasn't initially going to write a blogpost on this, but clearly.. I just decided to do it.

I did it; I got a tattoo. What a rebel I am. I think this is the most rebellious thing I've done.

I just got it yesterday at a small shop in Walla Walla. I went in with a friend who was my moral support, as I held her hand the entire time. Frankly, I was more nervous before the artist started than actually during it. When I was on the table, I just thought to myself that I couldn't believe I was actually doing this and wondering what I got myself into. I don't like needles... or pain. Surprisingly, it was not actually that bad. But also, it only took about 10 minutes and it is the tiniest thing ever. I don't think I could've gotten it anywhere else or anything bigger.

For the longest time, I had such a conflict in my mind about getting a tattoo, and even including my decision to get a second ear piercing. I know that, yes, this is my own life and it is my own body. But I also know that my parents disapprove (you're probably reading this blog). And the worst thing in the world is the feeling of disappointing my parents. However, I also know that they know that I am my own person and can make my own decisions.

So what made me do it? I feel like it was a combination of many factors. Well for one, I knew that I wouldn't regret it - I knew it would be tiny and that it would be my one and only. Ever since I saw this ankle tattoo on one of my mom's friends when I was around 6 years old, I knew that if I ever were to get a tattoo, it would be in that location (or proximity, as least. mine is a little below). I would never get anything other than on that spot, and I would never get anything bigger than a quarter. In Sweden last summer, I was so close to getting a tattoo, but it just wasn't the right time or setting; I would want my tattoo to mean something, and I just didn't know what to get. A classmate of mine in Sweden, got the tattoo of an earthworm on her foot, showing her love for annelids. Until now, I didn't know what I would even get - but just recently I stumbled upon Ohana and loved it. Maybe was also partly the boredom of being in Walla Walla that has driven me to this, but that isn't quite a logical or reasonable excuse. 

I knew Ohana was just right, as it has a multitude of meanings for me. 

"Ohana means family, and family means no one gets forgotten or left behind," a classic line from the Disney movie, Lilo & Stitch. To me, my home is wherever my family is. I am at a point in my life when I am home for only a little over a month a year, and I believe it will only get smaller. So, this serve as a reminder for me to always keep them in my mind and in my heart, wherever I may be in the world. 

Secondly, Ohana reminds me of my grandpa who passed away when I was in 6th grade. I visited my grandparents who lived in Hawaii at the time in the summer between 5th and 6th grade. So, it reminds me of him, my time in Hawaii, and the fact that I want to go back one day.. maybe even to live.

And thirdly, it reminds me that my friends and the wonderful people I am with on a daily basis are my family. 

On another note, here are some more pictures of my summer in Walla Walla! 

In the back of our yard, lined up all along the railroad tracks is a boysenberry bush full of delicious, juicy fruit. SOOO NOMMY!

Iced coffee and a treat from the Patisserie!