Thursday, October 20, 2005

FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE...




Here's my funky-different Ironman tattoo, just above my ankle! I didn't want the typical M-dot because it wasn't an M-dot race. So I had to doctor it to convey the message without being the actual trademark. A black-eyed Susan, Maryland's state flower, seemed appropriate. I got one off the Internet that wasn't too perfect, missing a few pieces and a little off-center, not quite what people would expect... like me. The artist said it will brighten up and be clearer as it heals.

I got it on my left leg, to be more visible those who pass me on the bike and run, and on their return from an out-and-back where I'm still on my out trip.

What I didn't realize till I saw the picture is... do I really have all those freckles on my legs??? I had no idea.

The artist himself was a trip. Really, really nice guy, clean-cut looking and sounding. He had the radio tuned to a Christian station, which was the last thing I expected to hear in a tattoo studio. He wore a t-shirt printed with one of those name tags you wear at a meeting, the stick-on kind that says, "Hello! I'm..." and in the name space was the word "Forgiven." We talked theology while he did my tattoo.

And yes, I was satisfied with all the pathogen-precautions, cleanliness and technique. I'm a nurse and it all met the standards I have learned and practiced myself.

I went through a few thoughts of, "Suppose I don't want this anymore later in life," but then realized, hey, this IS later in life... I'm already more than halfway through my life. Even if I don't stay in triathlon till I'm 80, I'll always have this emblem that says, "I DID IT!!!"

9 comments:

Nancy Toby said...

Cool! How big is it? It's hard to tell from the photo.

Mz.Elle said...

It's very cool,I like it!
The flower is so pretty and the color is really good:)

Ellie Hamilton said...

Oops! Forgot to say how big. About an inch and a quarter high. Pretty small.

Flo said...

It's awesome. Nothing like a new tattoo.....

:) said...

I like it! But I need a wider shot, so I can see exactly where it is...ankle, calf?

Holly said...

Very Cool Ellie!!

Anonymous said...

Same spot as Derek's IM tatoo. Very Cool!

Dawn - Pink Chick Tris said...

It looks great, Ellie. Hmm I just read Flatman's comment...is he want a picture of your leg.. *giggle - wink*.

Downhillnut said...

I like how the ironman symbol merges with the flower. And very smart that you thought to put it where your fellow competitors would be likely to see it.

You did it (the Ironman). Everyone should know how cool that is!