I debated a lot of various ideas when it came to writing this column.
And, in true wordsmith form, I finally settled on the idea down below with my print deadline looming over my head.
Throughout my life so far, I’ve always had a knack for winning random door prizes, raffles, and contests.
Nothing super expensive or awe-inspiring like the lottery, mind you.
But, I have had my fair share of random wins.
Over recent years I’ve won a Scooby Doo prize pack, perfume oils, free earrings, free Jamberry nail polish strips, LuLaRoe clothing items, and an iPod once upon a time.
It’s gotten to the point where I just scroll through Instagram or Facebook algorithms for random giveaways and contests at the height of boredom.
Now, I mostly apply for the easy contests that only require me to “like and comment” someone else’s post.
Occasionally, if it’s something I’m genuinely interested in, then I’ll share it or do any of the extra steps the posting entity requires.
That all being said, I finally won something that legitimately shocked me – and mom!
I won a free tattoo from a shop located in Dallas over a month ago and I’ve been quietly researching it while waiting for my scheduled appointment.
Now, I know that not everyone is a fan of tattoos - my mom included - but, I have always admired the art form and the work they take.
Ever since I can remember I’ve always found them fascinating.
One of my uncles had his fair share of tattoos and plenty of my friends are rocking the body art themselves.
My one, personal hang-up outside of the cost or keeping focused on a design or theme was always the fear of the needle pain.
After all, tattooing needles vary depending on what the artist is using them for – like line work or shading.
Overall I don’t like needles – never have and probably never will.
But, in the past people have told me that there is a difference between tattoo pain and medical testing/vaccination needle pain - so I thought, why not find out for myself?
Well, I won my free tattoo with a flippant comment about wanting my favorite Pokemon on my body.
In case you were wondering, that’s one of the original Ghost Pokemon known as Gengar!
I don’t even care that it’s probably going to turn into a purple blob when I’m 75 years or older.
It’s a unique experience that I shared with my best friend Jessie and I can cross it off my bucket list.
Jessie agreed to drive me to the appointment in Dallas and we shared the entire 12 hours on the road catching up and soaking up the cooler temperatures the further North we went.
And sure, she teased me a bit when it came to the pain but supported me throughout the entire process despite having only had three hours of sleep herself.
Not to mention, she helped with the first tattoo wash 24 hours later and applied the Saniderm aftercare bandage.
You probably won’t see my tattoo unless you ask to, but it’s there and healing up nicely nearly a week later.
It’s also getting pretty itchy and that’s to be expected, so, I’m just going to have to live with it until it stops.
Speaking of living with the tattoo, my mom still hates it and makes a face of disapproval every time she sees it!
