There's a 2nd episode to the "Katie is so crappy at getting tattoos" story...

DO go to a Reputable Artist
I totally did that this time.  When I used to Crossfit (pause for a moment to remember what a BAMFette I used to be), there were about 6 of us who always went to the same class.  One of the guys told me his tattoos for a living.

LPIMH:  Oh, yeah.  I need a tattoo artist.  I'll call his shop.

I called his shop one day and said, "Hey can I get in to see him on Thursday." (It was Monday).  "Ummm," she replied with distain, "He's booked at least a year out and he only does big pieces (she actually used a tattoo term that meant big pieces but I don't remember it).

As it turns out, he's THE tattoo artist.  He's won, like, a bazillion awards and is amazing.

So, I booked for someone else in his shop because he only hires other high quality artists.

DO know exactly what you want BEFORE you scheduled a Tattoo
Real conversation between Tom and I:
Me-I think I figured out the tattoo I want.  It's super cute.  I saw it on Pintrest.
Him-Text it to me.
Me-(Send him this) with this text: I'm just not sure what words to get because I want it to say something.

Him-Hmmm, why don't you have them write, "I'm a Basic Bitch."

(Call Tom)

Me-What?!  No way.
Him-Katie, please google this right now: Dandelion with birds tattoo and if it gets less than 5 hits, I'll take it back.
Me-(Google it)  I don't want to talk to you anymore
Him-How many?  Tell me right now.  By the way, are you wearing your leggings and Ugg Boots and holding a Pumpkin Spice Latte while you're doing this?
Me-I hate you
Him-You better cancel that appointment until you're ready to get a real tattoo or I'm not going to be your brother anymore.

So, I sat at my kitchen table with a pen and wrote out all the things I love and wanted to include:
- The birds.  I just liked the way they looked.  I don't LOVE birds.
- The ocean.  My favorite place
- Love

I call the Tattoo Artist.  "So, I'm not going to get the dandelion."  "Oh my God.  Thank you," he exhales.  "Here's what I like, can you draw something?"  He was very excited to do that.  I mean, as excited as men with tattoos all over their face, neck and hands get.

DO Speak Up
Remember how I can't even say no to Tam at the nail salon?  Well, I shouldn't be able to get tattoos.
I don't know the end of this story but no you shouldn't. 

I liked what he drew if it was going in a sticker book or a bumper sticker but not for my body.

I didn't tell him.  I just let him put it on my body.  Then, when he placed it, I didn't like it.  It didn't follow the lines of my body.  As in, if it's near my shoulder, I want it to kind of follow the shape of the shoulder.  It didn't.  I still wasn't sure I wanted those words, even though I picked them out.  I didn't love the font.

I didn't say any of that.

I let him tattoo me anyway because I didn't want to make him mad or annoyed.
Is this post for real?  You LET someone stick a needle in you over and over and put something permanent on your body because you didn't want to offend him?  You're embarrassing. 

The work is beautiful.  He did a really nice job tattooing what he drew.

I'm not that good at taking pictures

7th attempt.  That's as good as it's going to get.

I'm 0 for 2.  So, seriously, does anyone want me to go with them to get their next tattoo?