Welcome back to another installment in our series – I’m A Mom With Tattoos. In case you have missed the last couple, don’t forget to check them out here.
I am SO glad that it’s Friday.
Not that I get to sit and be lazy on the weekend, but it does help to not have to rush and be somewhere in the mornings. I need time to rest my mind so that I can answer things like, “Who rules the World Mommy?” and “When is God’s birthday?” and “How do babies get into your tummy?”. Seriously though, when did my kids get so deep?
Today we meet the lovely Robyn who is the Mommy of gorgeous little Zac. Coffee, get it, stat. And while you’re there get one for me too?
Your name and blog deets: My name is Robyn Klaasen and I keep an electronic family journal, Catching Up with the Klaasens.
Your age: I’ll be 31 (gulp) in September.
Your Occupation: I have just left a job as a lecturer at a private Fitness College. I’m now work at a local school and teach full time.
Tell us about your family: My husband Andy and I met at work 7 years ago, and will celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary in November. We have a son, Zac, who’s just turned 2 and is this bundle of energy and intelligence. We’re hoping to add a few more kids to the brood before I’m 35! 🙂
If you work, tell us a bit more about your working environment – are you regularly in contact with new “clients/public”. I teach, assess, consult and write teaching material. In my role as an educator (whether at a private college or the school) I’m in contact with students, parents and outside service providers so there’s quite a bit of public contact. Funny enough, in terms of having a tattoo, this never really bothered me at the college. In the sports/fitness industry it’s definitely become commonplace.
• Tell us a bit about your tattoo’s, what they are, why you have them, where they are located
It’s a text tattoo on the inside of my right forearm that says “Soli Deo Gloria”. It’s Latin for “Glory to God alone”. It’s significant for me because it’s a two-fold reminder that (a) everything I do/say/am should bring glory to God, and (b) all things – good and bad – work for His glory.
Interesting side bar: I originally wanted a wrist tattoo (I think it was more ‘safe’ in my mind), but according to tattoo etiquette apparently wrist tattoos should face outward for the reader to see? So given the personal meaning of the tat, and at the guidance of the tattoo artist, we made the text bigger (eek!) and moved it to my forearm.
While I happily obliged, afterwards I was really thrown by the change and the fact that it made it more visible to all. This challenged me though: I mean, how can I want to give glory to God, even through my tattoo, and then not want it so visible? The change has since grown on me, and I like that I have a story.
How old were you when you got your first tattoo? I got the tattoo as a me-to-me gift (with the help of my husband) for my 30th birthday.
Do you plan on getting more? I’m not sure. Possibly. I got this one after 2 years’ worth of contemplation, and because the words have meaning to me. I understand how people do want more after getting the first one (it really is somewhat addictive), and I’m definitely not averse to getting more, it just needs to be something that’s significant to me.
How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? adversity because of them? My family appreciate the symbolism and beauty of the tattoo (although I don’t think they’ll all go suggesting that everyone get one) and my friends and colleagues were mostly just surprised because my personality is more straight-laced and a tat was really expected (although I do have a tongue piercing I’ve had for 12 years). My inlaws don’t like it at all, but I think they’ll mellow about it, especially when my husband gets his! 😉
What is the general reaction that “the Public” have towards your tattoos? Have you run into any negativity or adversity because of them? The general response has been quite good. I think having a tattoo is less taboo than it was even 10 years ago, so people are more accepting. Having said that though I’m a little apprehensive about the move to the school though, as this environment is traditionally more conservative.
Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed? Especially if it’s your first time, take your time deciding. If you really like it now (and intend to like it forever) you’ll still like it in a year’s time. If you’re married, discuss it with your partner. It’s important you’re in agreement.
Be 100% sure of what you want – not just the design, but also where you want it, how you want it etc. Tattoo artists are well meaning and can give you really good tips and recommendations, but at the end of the day, you’ll be the one wearing the tat for the rest of your life! Don’t be afraid to stick to your guns and say “no thanks”.
Don’t worry about the pain. On a scale of 1 – 10, labour would measure around 9, and getting a tattoo around 2!
1 comment
Lovely tattoo, meaning and advice 🙂