To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo

I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo. And so do a whole lot of other people. But the problem is, from where I come from, anything you want to do to with your life, or to yourself should first be approved by your parents. And the extended family, and then the neighbours — cats and dogs included.

Only after everyone’s had their say, are you allowed to do what you want. That’s the way it is. From the subject you choose to major in, to the guy you wish to marry — everything has an approval workflow.

Knowing all this, makes me dread the scene at my house once I tell my parents that I plan to get myself inked.

“Why would anyone pay someone to scar their body for life?”

“And— what if it doesn’t come out right?”

Well, what if nothing went wrong and the tattoo turned out great? I can still do stuff.

But my parents don’t remember Friends analogies. When I say tattoo, there’s only one thing in their mind: self-inflicted pain.

Which, weirdly enough, is true.

But that won’t stop me from wanting to get tattooed.

Wonder why that is.

Tattooing is an ever-green trend — but that’s not why I want to do it. It looks cool, and makes you appear tough. Perhaps a little tougher than you’re feeling — but that’s not the reason.

Ink art is beautiful. Even on paper — I prefer on skin though.

I can come up with loads of reasons to not get tattooed. But not one that’s sensible and acceptable.

There is just no reason not to get a tattoo. Just like there’s no reason to get a tattoo.

But wait. There might just be one good reason I want to get a tattoo. The fun of it. Not the process, but what comes after — the reaction of the people around me. The sense of satisfaction you get when someone’s eyes widen with a mix of envy and disbelief.

Ha! Nothing beats that!

But it’s wrong, isn’t it? To get a tattoo — a permanent one at that — just so you can annoy someone? I mean, it’s just momentary satisfaction — and I’m the one who’s going to have to live with the tattoo for the rest of my life. Is it really worth it?

You bet it is. And by the way, I know they do it with needles. ;)

Looking for Happiness?

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

It’s such a momentary thing, isn’t it? Happiness? We hardly seem to know what might make us happy.

From something as small as an acknowledgement from someone who matters a lot, to something as big as winning a million dollars, happiness is everywhere.

But the weird thing is that despite being such a ubiquitous emotion, a lot of us spend so much time and money looking for it elsewhere.

Such a paradox. So typical of us humans.

So I decided to make a small list. What makes me happy? It was harder to list out that thinking of listing it out. Anyway, here goes.

Caffeine: Who doesn’t love coffee? Or caffiene perhaps. I’m an avid tea drinker as well. Depending on my mood, I reach out for a cuppa or coffee and it keeps me happy — until the next cup. There’s something about a hot beverage that nothing else can compare to. It doesn’t matter that I live in the Southern hemisphere where the current temperature is 75 degrees with a forecast of over 100 degrees for the whole of next week. Despite the heatwaves, sometimes some caffeine brings happiness.

Good reads: The first drug is for the body, the second one’s for the soul. When both combine, it’s the perfect weekend. It’s so satisfying to enjoy a well written book with some well brewed beverage. With those two, I’d need nothing else. And happiness is everywhere.

Family: This one’s tricky. Parents can be tiring to be around with. But at the end of the day, nothing matters as much as spending a flawless day with family, sharing homemade lunch and a conversational afternoon tea.

Friends: Much like family, only younger. And noisier. When I’m in the mood for some reminiscing, my friends are my go-to solace. Personally, it rarely happens to me, but when it does, it brings so much joy.

Food: In a line of comforters, food is always a priority. It’s amazing how a well-prepared dish spreads warmth and makes you feel satisfied with yourself. A candy bar, or some ice-cream. Better yet, an all time favourite home made mutton gravy, or soup — with salt and pepper in perfect proportions. No hotel can ever get that right. I’ve always ended up disappointed in a restaurant — not spicy enough, too salty, or sweet.

But when made at home, with care and precision, a few kitchen lessons – and for once, you’ll enjoy your own cooking. The real happiness in eating, comes when you indulge in a dish you made from scratch. Ah, the pride! Doesn’t matter that it lacks your mother’s touch, at least you’ve learnt to master your own happiness.

Happiness-Friends — And when everything comes together, what more do you need?

There’s my list. What’s on yours?

Stole the Words from My Mouth!

The Thirteenth

It’s that day again.

Whether ominous or not, people have — for a long time — perceived Friday the 13th as unlucky, associating it with all bad things.

Why though? Why is 13 so scary? Why associate 13 and Friday with ghosts, instead of work and Mondays? As far as I know, that’s the scariest (or detestable, rather) pair.

We have the weirdest habits.

Lessons from Phoebe

I’m a huge Friends fan, and I had to look no further for some weekend humour and advice. Here’s something I’ve always loved about the show: Phoebe Buffay. There’s also Joey. Chandler, Monica, Ross and Rachel, but Phoebe has something more.

She is an original character with whom anyone can so easily relate to. On countless occasions, I’ve felt myself silently screaming, “I’ve done that too!”

“You know, I mean, didn’t you ever run so fast you thought your legs were going to fall off? You know, when you were like running toward the swings… or running away from Satan?”

“The neighbour’s dog!”

The greatest lesson from Phoebe: be spontaneous. It’s more of “you”.

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