Dakota

I have a tattoo. I got it on Saturday, my 24th birthday.

It says "truce" in the "Typical Writer" font, essentially just a typewriter font that's a little messy looking. Newman, who did the tattoo for me, explained that the "messy effect" will probably not last. That's fine. I just really like the typewriter serifs.

The tattoo has a few meanings, one of which is just acceptance of the past and being aware that I can't change it. That said, it's also to not forget it, either (it is a tattoo after all), and to learn from it. Basically I am one of those people (possibly all people) that gets that shoulder twitch cheese-grating feel when I think of something particularly stupid that I did. This is me coming to terms. I've been alive for almost a quarter of century, it's time for me to just deal with what was, and work on what is.

The tattoo's actual origin does stem from a Dresden Dolls song, but it is not a "band tattoo." In fact, I don't think that the Dolls song (which I love) is very much to do with coming to terms at all, Amanda's just kidding herself (or using it ironically). And since I have a habit of doing that, too, it just adds an extra layer to it. But the song did get me thinking last year about the meaning of truce, considering the interpersonal and mental complications I was experiencing.

I decided a year was a good time to wait until getting it... see if a year went by and if I still wanted the exact same thing, than I'd do it. And sure enough. It took about 20-25 minutes, and it only hurt about half that time. It wasn't unbearable pain, and considering how small it really is (maybe an inch tall, 2.5 inches wide) and how simple, that's possibly also why. Since I don't intend anytime to get a graphic, I may just stick with words. I don't think I will wait a whole year, but I won't take it lightly. It has to mean something.