Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Figuring Out My Place In Time & Space: Cutting My Hair & My 1st Tattoo

I never realized how crazy happy my life could be. It's not that I wasn't happy before, it's just that I don't think I actually knew who I was, what my potential was or how strong I could be.


If you are a bit confused...check out Crazy 4 Comic Con & I's podcast and then continue reading. I had such a wonderful time chatting with Tony, one of my oldest nerd friends. It was liberating and nerve racking, but I'm happy that I put myself out there and am humbled by the amazing responses I have received. Thank you everyone who has reached out to me. It means so much more than you know.

Back?! Ok....I cannot wait to share some fun life moments with you.

"A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life" - Coco Chanel 
{Thank you Nerd on the Run for that quote! xx}
I cut my LONG hair at the beginning of the year. I did it myself one late night spontaneously and it felt great. Later, my good friend Noel made it better and then a couple weeks ago I asked her to cut it even shorter!

What compelled me to cut my long hair? If I'm being honest, I can embrace of change. Being a military brat, I had a lot of change throughout my youth. It was tough then, but in adulthood it's been kind of amazing. I wanted something that reflected how I'm feeling in this moment. Sassy and fun...that's me :)

What has come as a surprise to me is that in the last few months is I've found making decisions on my own can be a bit isolating. I feel that this time in my life I am all alone and in my own bubble. I can see out and people can see in, but there is still some thin barrier between myself and the rest of the world. I'm defiantly not hiding from the world. I am constantly out seeing friends, working and meeting new people, but all of these new faces only know the me since I've been going through a divorce. Luckily all of these new people {and the old too!} have been very supportive and caring. I'm trying my best to be my true self, but sometimes, not often, I find it difficult and they are patient

Now the most crazy thing I've done in the last couple months, maybe even my entire life...I got a tattoo! A REAL LIFE tattoo! And guess what I couldn't be more happier or excited about it!!
I had two days off in a row and instead of sitting at home in a funk, I decided to go down to San Diego and see friends and family. I had an amazing San Diego nerd girl reunion and there I kinda discussed my long desired tattoo idea. They were all super supportive and excited about the tattoo and about the direction of my life has gone. I love these women so much!

That night I Yelp-ed local tattoo parlors. YES I Yelp-ed it...#sorrynotsorry. The one I decided to visit had seventy five star reviews. Pretty good I think. I went in and was already finding myself super nervous. I had never been inside a tattoo parlor before or even talked seriously about getting one! The artist, Mac, was friendly, had an open ear and a relaxed demeanor. He could tell I was hesitant and told me to take the night to think about it and come back the following day if I was truly ready.
That night I found that I was truly ready and had to keep myself busy the following morning until the shop opened at noon. I thought that I wanted to go alone. It being a HUGE self discussion. Something for me, about me and just me. BUT my lil brother was hanging out with me that day and offered to come and it was nice to have him there to document my experience and have a bit of moral support even though I KNEW this is what I wanted.
I was pleasantly surprised on how quick and painless the process was. The entire inking took no longer than fifteen minutes and didn't start feeling sore until about an hour later. As I write this, it is a bit sore to lift heavy things at work but other than that I'm fine! I'm only sad that I have to have it covered up at work and haven't had a chance to fully enjoy it. 

I cannot believe how happy my tattoo makes me. I knew I would like it, but I never thought it would bring me such fulfillment. Every time I look down at it, I smile and am filled with joy.
The reason I picked The Deathly Hallows is because Harry Potter is one of my oldest and most favorite fandoms. I come back to it time and time again. The books and its characters feel like family and I miss them. Another reason I went with a fandom/nerdy tattoo is because of this blog. I've enjoyed this blog: writing, photographing, creating and making nerd friends more than I ever thought I would when I started it three years ago. I wanted to wait until SDCC to get the tattoo, but I also wanted to have it for SDCC. I feel like The Deathly Hallows is a tattoo that MOST nerds get and now I feel like I am officially bonded to my nerd family!

I cannot believe how non painful the tattoo process was! Do you have any nerdy tattoos? Did you think it hurt?! Everyone always talked about how much tattoos hurt, but I found it the exact opposite. Share your stories with me in the comments below! I already have my next one in mind and it will represent my second love...music!

{I am forever Figuring Out My Place In Time And Space. Learn and grow with me by reading my other heart felt and often over sharing articles!}

41 comments:

Courtney Powers said...

I have a Sherlock Holmes tattoo. It's the numbers 221 (with screws as though it's on the door) followed by a bee. I love it!

B. said...

I love tattoos! And I love your hair. I have a few nerdy tattoos. I have my Black Widow and my little Hawkeye arrow!

Deidre Crummitt said...

I'm going through a separation right now and it's crazy all the feelings you go through. Be strong and remember tons of people love you! I have 3 Harry Potter tattoos. The Deathly Hallows symbol behind my ear, a phoenix on my left calf and chapter artwork + a Dumbledore quote on my left foot. They're addicting! I also have a Gambit tattoo on my right upper arm.

Katya Owu said...

I love your tattoo!!! It looks so cool! I'd love a HP tattoo but I'm too scared haha :)

syllykay . said...

I love your tattoo Megan and so happy you did it!! I have a good sized tattoo on my back shoulder and it didn't hurt either - I kinda enjoyed it! It's not nerdy but I've wanted to get the Deathly Hallows too! Tattoos do make a person happy cuz it's always something they love enlighten to permanently ink on their skin - ENJOY!! P. S. You can never stop at 1 - it's addicting!!

TiffanyIsAGeek said...

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with your readers. It takes so much strength to do that. I don't have any fandom tattoos yet, but I have four tattoos. I got my first tattoo not too long after a rough time in my life when I was in my mid-twenties. One of my other tattoos was done after my grandmother passed away. I'm currently battling breast cancer and was diagnosed the day before San Diego Comic Con last year. This year I'm going to Comic Con and have a surgery scheduled the day after. I know I want to to get a tattoo to symbolize the battle I'm fighting and the battles I'm winning everyday. I feel like a fandom tattoo might fit that perfectly. I feel like when we go through the challenges life throws at us we have to have ways to commemorate how we overcame them. I love your Deathly Hallows tattoo and your haircut. Stay strong and keep your positive attitude.

Gwen Stacy said...

I have a lot of nerdy/geeky tattoos. A lot of them didnt hurt but the bigger ones did for sure. Anything that involves shading is painful (for me). I am sorry you're going through a divorce. That's never easy...but it looks like you've got a great support system there and online too (including me!).

Mia Moore said...

Megan, I admire you so much! I'm sorry you're going through a tough time, but I'm also really happy for you because I feel like you've been YOURSELF more than ever before recently! I haven't reached out because I didn't want to pry, but I'm so, so happy for you.

This tattoo is so perfect for you and so cute! I really like what you said here - "I feel like The Deathly Hallows is a tattoo that MOST nerds get and now I feel like I am officially bonded to my nerd family!"

A lot of people wouldn't want to get something a lot of people have, but this take on it is so REFRESHING. I love the idea of being bonded via tattoos!


I have one big tattoo and that's it... it took about 3.5 hours and only hurt in the last 30 minutes or so when there was a lot of shading/layers. I'm glad your tattoo artist respected you and what you wanted and even told you to take time to consider it - I've heard way too many stories that go the other way!

Kendall Ashley said...

This is a wonderful post. I'm so happy that you're feeling a bit more like yourself, even though you're going through a tough time. Your hair is SUPER cute short, and that tattoo is amazing. I love the idea of a community being created by sharing the same tattoo. The Deathly Hallows symbol means to much to so many different people, so I totally think that's true. I've been thinking about getting a Deathly Hallows tattoo for quite a while now, and that only makes me want one more. :) Currently, I have one small, white-ink tattoo on the inside of my wrist. It didn't take too long to do, but it is over that bundle of nerves and veins in your wrist, so that was a bit painful.
I hope you continue feeling happy, supported, and more and more like yourself--even if things are rough right now. xx

Mallory @ bad.wolf.brunch said...

Megan - heard your podcast with Tony and feeling for you girl - but way to go and choose joy! Good for you tripping down to San Diego and celebrating life!


I do have a nerdy tattoo that I have not posted anywhere because it is so special to me... Maybe one day I will do it! I have also thought about getting the Deathly Hallows since HP is so special to me. Continue to shine lady!
xx mal @ bad.wolf.brunch

melificent said...

Megan - I loved this post so hard. What you decided is not easy, but you are a strong and amazing girl. It's a beautiful thing that through the pain, you are finding your true self. I obviously stand behind geeky tattoos 100% so I adore yours. We now have one in common!!!! Pain with tattooing usually depends on placement (at least with me). My TARDIS barely hurt on my leg, but my deathly hallows and hannibal tattoos killed b/c they were in more sensitive areas (ribs and inner arm). It's an addiction, so be prepared!


ps; you seem to have a great support system, but know that I am around if you ever want to an extra ear. So much love from Miami!

Megan Gotch said...

Thank you so much Meli! I LOVE your tattoos and cannot wait to get more myself. I would like one on my ribs but understand that it's gonna be rough. Next one is going right above my collar bone :) xx

Megan Gotch said...

Mallory, thank you so much! Good to hear that you are keeping something just for you! That is really hard to do in this day and age as especially as bloggers! xx

Megan Gotch said...

Thank you so much Kendall! I'm in a great spot and I appreciate your kind words and support! Gotta see you for sure next time I'm in CO! Weather be damned! LOL xx

Megan Gotch said...

Thank you Mia, love you girlie! My next tattoo will be more unique but this one means a lot and I'm happy to share it with others who share my love of HP and nerddom in general! You go girl for hanging in there for that long, I'm a wimp so this was a perfect start! xx

Megan Gotch said...

Thank you so much Gwen! It's amazing the bonds we can create just by loving the same things! So happy to have you as a nerd friend! xx

Megan Gotch said...

Thank you Tiffany, I was super nervous, but just felt compelled to write. I'm so glad you enjoyed reading and thank you for taking the time to give me some encouragement. It truly means everything to me! xx

Megan Gotch said...

Thanks Syl! I am already planning my 2nd and 3rd! LOL xx

Megan Gotch said...

Katya I was scared too but it was fine! xx

Megan Gotch said...

Deidre, I never thought i had all the emotions I have, well that's a lie...I have lots of emotions! But it just hits at weird times and unexpectedly. I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I'm here for support if you need me! xx

Megan Gotch said...

I LOVE your tattoos, the Hawkeye lil arrow is adorbs and subtle! Thank you for your love! xx

Megan Gotch said...

Courtney that sounds so cute! This is so fun hearing everyone's stories! Thank you for sharing! xx

Alice - The Geeky Burrow said...

Congrats, Megan! I totally approve the choice of the symbol ;)

♡ Kristin ♡ said...

Awww I had no idea you were going through such a tough time <3 I'm glad to hear that you're making choices and doing things that will make you happy! I can totally relate on that front. And obviously I loooove your new tat because HP is the best <3

Kendall Ashley said...

Definitely! Rain or shine (or horrendous, crazy blizzard) we'll have our CO nerd girl meetup! :)

Kay said...

Your hair looks so amazing short, and your tattoo is fabulous! I think it's great that you are dealing with recent rough times with such positivity, and I love that you are feeling more yourself! All around great things!

Stephanie said...

Hey we have matching tattoos! (Mine's on my inner right wrist) And I love the short hair on you, whoever thought you could get any cuter? :)

Megan Gotch said...

Steph that is awesome! Thank you are too kind! xx

Megan Gotch said...

Thank you so much Kay! I'm doing my best and it seems to be working :) xx

Megan Gotch said...

Thank you so much Kristin, so glad to have you in my life you're a great friend! xx

Megan Gotch said...

Thanks Alice, I have to pull my eyes away from it, i love it so much :) xx

Kate (ChikSolo) said...

I'm so glad your tattoo is bringing you so much happiness! You are so strong, and even though it's been tough, it is wonderful that you are doing things to make you happy and feel like yourself. <3

Megan Gotch said...

Kate thank you so much love. I'm doing my best and it's pretty much working most of the time! I appreciate you! xx

Jamila said...

I'm sorry to hear that you've been having a hard time. I've been depressed for a while now and have good days and bad days. I use shoujo as an escape. It's always innocent and happy and I know nothing that bad is going to happen. :)

I didn't know you were a military brat too! My mom was in the air force and I moved around my entire life. I'm glad for that experience, but I think it also stunted my adulthood because making it in NYC while they lived in Germany is damn near impossible (which is why I'm moving to Cali!).

Hurray for nerdy ink! I have a Sandman quote tat on my back and me and my bro have matching 8bit heart tats (I have 4 other "regular: ones lol). I've been dying to get a Princess Mononoke tat and have been thinking about my arm and seeing your Deathly Hallows look so good confirmed that I want it there! Can't wait to meet you when I make my way to LA!

Megan Gotch said...

Thank you Jamila for your kind words. I'm starting to feel like I haven't shared who I really am...just my nerdy side. I think you gave me an idea! LOL


I cannot wait until you get out to LA! I might need a roommate soon :) I am so excited about my tattoo and cannot wait to get more. I love how you said regular ones! LOL xx

Scott Angus said...

I too was a military brat so I know the difficulty in trying to figure out who you really are and where you fit in. I'm glad to hear that you're starting to find that out about yourself. I was also thinking about getting a tattoo at SDCC this year lol. Still not sure though. I like your choice because it seems like you thought it through and the fact that it brings you so much joy is awesome! Last year was my first year at SDCC and when doing research on it I stumbled across your blog and I'm glad i did. It has a lot of good insight on how to handle SDCC as well as other things in life. Thank you for doing what you do!

Megan Gotch said...

Scott thank you so much for taking the time to response to my post. It means a lot! And usually guys don't comment! So thank you for that too! If you want to get a tattoo at SDCC, here's my guy! He was great! http://www.propagandatattoo.com/ His name is Mack! So glad I've been helpful. I love doing what I'm doing! Hope to see you at SDCC!! xx

Theresa Akins said...

When I first researched and went to #SDCC 2013 this site helped me tremendously!

Megan Gotch said...

Thanks Theresa! Always glad to help! xx

TK said...

So THIS is where you got your tattoo. I've been super jealous of it ever since I saw it. I love the placement. There is a tattoo I want to get at that same spot, but I'm nervous about needing to cover it up at work. How do you do that? Do you just always wear long sleeves?

Megan Gotch said...

Thanks TK! I love it so much! When I worked at the theater, wearing my blazer made it well hidden. As I got more lax with the place, they didn't mind if I had it showing when it was busy. Good luck and hope to see yours soon! xx

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