Tattoo Tuesday V.104

Name: Jen Ricker
Age: 27
Occupation: EDI Specialist at a footwear company
Age of first tattoo: 19
Favorite tattoo: Feather tattoo
Featured tattoo/location: Cat Saints 3/4 sleeve on my left arm
Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Katie Williams at House of Tattoo in Tacoma, WA. I live in Seattle where there are tons of tattoo shops, but I drive 45 minutes to see Katie because I love her so much!

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story about why you chose it, or maybe a special meaning? 

A few years ago I decided I wanted to get tattoos of my two cats, but I didn't want to just get their portraits. I thought for several months on how I could do something fun and came up with the idea to turn my cats into saints. Religious icons are popular tattoo subjects, and while I am not religious I find the artwork beautiful and interesting. I did some research on different saints and chose the Virgin Mary and Saint Francis of Assisi. My cat Uma is depicted as the Virgin Mary, and her baby Jesus is a pink beanie baby cat that she's been carrying around and loving since she was a kitten. My cat Dumbles is depicted as Saint Francis of Assisi with his little paws reaching up for birds.



2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?

I also have a dad tattoo and a feather on my left arm. On my right arm I have a good luck cat, a Dia de los Muertos cat, gypsy cat, mom tattoo, jack-o-lantern tattoo for my sister who was born on Halloween, a tea cup, and a bunch of vines. I have flowers with script on each shoulder, the word legendary across my wrists, a key and a diamond on my fingers, pin-up up girls on my stomach, and paw prints behind my ears. On my legs I have tokidoki characters just below my knees, and on my lower legs I have a bunch of sanrio stuff.













3) Do you plan on getting more? 

Yes, I do. I've always gotten bright colorful stuff because my skin is so pale and takes color really well, but ever since my feather tattoo I've wanted more black and gray.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos? 

My family is fine with my tattoos. At first they weren't too happy, but they quickly warmed up to my tattoos, especially since I kept getting more. When I first met my husband he only had one tattoo, but has gotten several more since, and plans on getting more in the future. We got matching feather tattoos together, and it's my favorite one. All of my friends are fine with my tattoos, and some are heavily tattooed themselves.

I've never ran into any adversity because of my tattoos. I have a job where it's important to look professional, and no one even knew I had tattoos until I had already worked there for a year, and finally told everyone. Once they saw them they loved them and even used me in a few footwear ads than ran in a footwear magazine, catalog covers, and banners displayed at conventions. Random people have given me some weird looks, and strangers will sometimes make comments and that can be annoying at times, but there's not much you can do about it. I find that even if someone doesn't like the idea or look of tattoos they eventually warm up to it once they get to know you better.

5) What's the most interesting experience you've ever had in regards to your tattoos?

One interesting experience was going to San Diego Comic-Con and having people ask to take photos with me or of my tattoos. It happened several times both years that I went. Tattoos are so popular now and so many people have them that I found it very interesting that people were asking to take photos with me when others are walking around in super elaborate costumes.




6) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

My advice is to find an artist that you really like who does solid work AND who you like as a person. If an artist is a jerk towards you, they probably aren't going to put the time or effort into giving you their best work. There are tons of awesome tattoo artists out there, you don't have to settle. It's also important to not just try to find the best deal, usually that just ends up in a crappy tattoo. Get tattoos of things you like, not just what is trendy at the time. I have six cat tattoos. That's probably not something a lot of other people would do, but I really like cats so it works for me.

3 Ways to Get Motivated Today

nike.com

If you're anything like me, with the new year usually comes a new resolve to get moving and get healthy.  I'm not sure if it's a subconscious thing, due to all of the new year, new body talk, gym membership price-slashing, or just the habit of making resolutions, but even if I'm on top of my fitness routine I still get the urge to step it up. I know I love fresh starts and all of the implications of a brand new 12 months on the calendar, but I think it's important to move beyond feeling like you have one shot to make and keep goals.  Resolutions are great, but I think with fitness and health it's important to acknowledge that the opportunity to change and move forward is always there. I think it's great to see a new year as a clean slate, but I think along with that mindset sometimes comes a certain attitude about failure. If you're making a big change in your life (or even small ones), there are bound to be missteps along the way. Let's say you got into a funk and didn't work out for a month...rather than get down on yourself, simply decide to change now. Being negative only perpetuates that downward cycle. Instead, recognize that you want to change, and make that change this very second. Not tomorrow morning, not when you have time, not on Monday.  Make the choice now- choose a healthy lunch, a walk around your neighborhood, and get back on track. It's so easy to fall into the trap of putting it off again and again and again, and like the saying goes, if not now, when?

So here are 3 little bits of inspirations to get you moving today.

1. Make a new workout playlist. Nothing is more inspiring to me than having brand new songs to listen to at the gym. I've recently been turned onto Spotify and I love it. For ten dollars a month you can make unlimited playlists to listen to on or offline, no ads, no skipping-song limits...it's awesome. There's a free version too, but I like it so much I had to upgrade. It's worth it to me though- every time I walk into the gym I look forward to listening to new music or old favorites. It's incredibly inspiring and makes my time working out not only more productive, but more fun too.  I mainly workout to rap and hip hop, but sometimes I'll throw some other things in there to mix it up- and feel free to find me on Spotify- I have a huge workout playlist going.

2. Visualize. I've talked about this many times before, but seriously, just take a moment and imagine yourself walking out of the gym, done with your workout for the day! This morning when my alarm went off at 4:45am I just stayed in bed for a moment, positively dreading stepping even one foot onto the ground. But I knew that if I didn't go, when Henry woke up at 7:30 I would be so upset with myself that I didn't take advantage of this wide-open "me" time. I remembered how great I would feel leaving the gym, sweaty and proud of myself. I know I'd be happier and more productive throughout the day knowing that my workout was done, and I reminded myself that I'd be able to just enjoy hanging out later tonight rather than using that time to fit in a workout. So I dragged myself out of bed and went. And now I sit here typing this as Henry naps, and I feel both proud of myself and excited for tomorrow morning's workout. And you don't have to go to the gym either- take a walk outside, pop in an exercise dvd (see some of my favorites here), or do some yoga. The more you get moving, the easier it gets.

3. Do it for you.  Really think about the fact that eating well and exercising regularly has such a great pay off in the long run. Making a change today results in feeling good today. You'll sleep better, you'll look better, and you'll probably be happier too. Show your body respect in the choices you make with food and exercise, try to get outside as much as possible, and make it a point to do something active everyday.  When I feel like I'm too tired and lazy to go to the gym, I remind myself that I'll feel even more sluggish if I don't go.  If I feel like I just want to sleep in in the mornings, I tell myself that I can go to bed a little earlier tonight so tomorrow morning will be easier. It's not always easy, but on the hard days when I push past my own negative talk and make good choices I feel even better knowing I overcame it.

I've talked about all of these things before, but I definitely needed a reminder this morning, so I thought I'd touch on some of it again. My wish for this new year is that we all get a little healthier and accept ourselves a little more...and all of that starts with today. 

Happy getting-healthy! xoxo

Autumn's 30th Surprise Birthday Party

Autumn's birthday happens to fall on Christmas Eve, so celebrating her special day often gets unintentionally pushed to the side due to a million Christmas and New Year's obligations. Not this year though!  It was Autumn's big 3-0, so her husband Jason decided to throw her a huge surprise celebration. Shirley and Jason combined their forces to create day of wine tasting all around Northern Arizona...on a huge bus!  It was a great time.  We all met at Autumn and Jason's in the morning, then headed up north (close by to where we live actually) to visit some of the vineyards along the way. We stopped at Alcantara, which is right along the Verde River, then continued over to Arizona Stronghold and walked around downtown Cottonwood checking out some other adorable spots. We ended the day eating delicious bruschetta at the Pillsbury Wine Company. 

I'm not much of a drinker so I stayed sober, but I still had the best time eating way too much cheese (it's the very best part of wine tasting in my opinion!), getting super hydrated with my 100 bottles of water and having intense conversations with my fabulously drunken friends. I love them. Our bus turned into a party bus on the two hour ride back to Scottsdale, and I think my cheeks still hurt from all the laughing and smiling I did. It was a great time, and most importantly the birthday girl had a great time! This is the 12th birthday we've celebrated together and every year it just gets better and better!  We've had our crazy ones (hello 21st birthdays while attending NAU!), we've had our calm ones, but this one was right in the middle, and a pretty perfect way to usher in a new decade. Happiest birthday, Autumn Skye.

Emily in town & weekend links

on a walk Thursday night

We have been spending so much time outside this week and I'm loving it. We are lucky enough to live in a community with an abundance of hiking, biking, and walking trails, so Hank, Henry, Madeline and I try to take full advantage of that whenever the weather permits. Right now we're having an unseasonable warm spell which is nice, but I know it won't last for long. We always seem to get snow in February and March, but I don't mind because it makes April's sunshine that much sweeter.

Yesterday was a great day.  One of my dearest friends was in town from NYC and we got to spend the morning together at my house, and then had lunch with her family at Hugo's. Emily and I have been friends for close to a decade now, and I love her with every bit of my heart. We've been through so much together, and every time I see her I end up crying when we leave because it's never enough time.  Today was wonderful though and we spent much of it catching up on our lives and all the crazy wonderful things that have happened since we last saw each other.

I hope all of you had a great week. Here are some links to explore when you get a moment! xoxo

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20 Resolutions for 20-somethings. I love this. Thanks Traci!

This song is perfection to me. Thank you so much to one of my favorite bloggers Dena for sharing it.

Turn your Instagram photos into a photo strip! Check out the tutorial.

I absolutely loved this article about "unmet expectations" over on Tiny Buddha. I found it really helpful actually- definitely a must-read.

I enjoyed reading about Katie's goals for 2012. She's such a gem.


50 rules for Dads of Daughters. We don't have a daughter, but being a daughter myself this definitely made me tear up.

Head over to Carly's blog to participate in her fun new project. And while you're at it, stay awhile. I'm sure you'll love her site as much as I do!

“Yes, honey, I was there, too. I was just the one taking the pictures.” If this sounds like something you can relate to, then check out these 13 Tips for Family-Self Portraits.

Is it okay to be in love with a pinboard? Because I am.

My friend Amy recently blogged a recipe for chicken kale bean soup! Sounds great.

Great post on Jen's blog about simplification.

The talented Abi has added some wonderful new items to her shop. I have my eye on that skirt, in black.

This lullaby brought me to tears. Talk about beautiful.  Thanks Angela for sharing this!

In the mood for some great new music? Buy an album and help out the band over on Natalie's blog.

I adore Jessica's cute videos...and I always find a new product to try.

Hop over to Kristin's blog to see some amazing photos from India. The Taj Mahal looks absolutely fake!

Happy weekend! xo

9 to 5: Kelly, Social Worker

[photo credit]

Like I mentioned towards the end of December, I have a handful of 9 to 5 posts (and Slice of posts too!) that I will be finishing up throughout the next few weeks. I took a bit of a break from them, but I'm excited to share some of these wonderful people and places with all of you! Today's feature is the lovely Kelly. Due to the nature of her job she can't share many work-related photos, but if you hop over to her blog you can see a lot more of the beautiful life she lives with her husband. Happy reading!

*if you are a new reader, 9 to 5 is a series highlighting women and their careers! 

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Kelly, but a lot of people call me Scout. I'm 24 years old, and I blog over at The Soul Anchor.  I technically have two jobs within the same company. My regular, full time job is as an Employment Specialist. Basically, I'm a social worker. I assist people with physical or developmental disabilities get a job in the community. My organization offers a lot of different services to MR/DD clients, including group home or supportive living assistance to people who cannot live independently. I also work for my organization in the evenings and weekends as a direct support staff and assist clients in their homes with their daily living needs.

When I'm not working, I'm a youth group leader at a local church and I hang out with high schoolers on Saturday nights and try to invest in their lives and interests (which normally means talking about how to handle crappy teachers or boyfriend issues!). I'm also a wife to my partner, Vincent, who also works in direct care for people with disabilities in a different organization nearby. I'm a Midwestern girl with all my heart. My home is in southwestern Michigan, about 90 minutes from Chicago and very close to the Michigan/Indiana border. I absolutely love the "Michiana" area, and I'm blessed by the community of people here. In the free time that I have, I love to go to farmer's markets, the local parks, community festivals and events, and spend time appreciating nature with my husband, Vincent.

Describe a typical day at work.

From 8:00 to 4:30, I work as an Employment Specialist. I have a case load of clients that I work with and they have a broad range of abilities and diagnosis. A typical day would be setting appointments and meeting with clients to discuss places they've put in applications and where they'd like to search next, putting on mock interviews to help my clients prepare for the real thing, and helping them fill out applications. I'll also spend some time talking to local business owners or managers by just introducing myself and building a relationship with them so that hopefully, when they need to hire a new employee, they'll think of me and my clients and call us to see if we have anyone who fits their needs.

In the evenings and weekends a couple days a week, I work in the homes of our clients who need some supports because they cannot live 100% independently. This is a lot of fun but also requires a lot of respect and tenderness towards my clients. I am entering into their home and sometimes assisting them with very intimate tasks, such as toileting or taking a shower. I follow all of rules of my organization, but I try to make my clients feel as if they're in charge of their life and decisions. I'll cook dinner for my clients, help clean the apartment, go on walks with them, help with their bedtime routines, and assist in giving out medications. It's sort of like being a house mom for adults with special needs.



Did you always want to do this for a living? How did you get into this field? What kind of schooling or background did it entail?

No, I didn't always want to be in social work. Most of my life, I wanted to be a teacher, and that's what I originally started out majoring in at college. However, I found that I enjoyed sociology classes, and I really loved things like awareness, activism, and community development. Before I knew it, I found myself with a Sociology degree, and I got my first job as a case manager for children at a mental health hospital. To be a direct care tech (my moonlighting job), typically only requires a high school diploma. But to be a case manager, you have to have a Sociology, Social Work, or Psychology degree. Anything higher and you need a Masters degree and state certifications.



Is this what you hope to do for the rest of your life? If so, how do you see yourself growing in this career? If not, what else do you dream of doing?

Honestly? No, it's not. It's a good field, but it's definitely what I call a "secular ministry." I'd get paid more money as a full time waitress, and the job is very high stress with a large "burn-out" rate in the field. I'd like to return to working with children, because right now I work with adults, and that's just not where my heart lies. Truthfully, I'd like to have children and be a stay-at-home mother while raising my children. That's something that is very important to me. However, if that doesn't happen and I need to work to support myself, I'd like to either return to working as a children's case manager or perhaps return to school and go back to my original idea of becoming a teacher. However, I know I'm making a difference in the lives of people in my current job, and I consider it a great blessing to be allowed to enter into their lives and hopefully make a positive impact.

If you could tell your 17-year old self anything about your life today, what would you tell her? Is there anything you wish you would have known back then?

I would've told my teenage self not to rush and to take some time to figure out what I really wanted to do. I changed my major five times in college and it was because of my indecisiveness. I would've advised her to volunteer more, explore more careers, and also to stick to her guns. Part of why I changed my major from Education my freshman year was because I didn't want to put up with a difficult professor I knew I'd have over and over again. Little did I know, there's a lot you have to just put up with in the workforce in order to enjoy the good parts of your job. I would've encouraged her to study more and not be so influenced by friends. However... despite my 17 year old self's mistakes... things still turned out pretty much alright. This career isn't what I intended, and I hope it's not where I stay forever, but I definitely have a purpose for being here now and an opportunity to bless others and learn many lessons.

5 Things I'm Loving Today

1. Glee. Okay so first of all, I have to admit that I used to think Glee was the most ridiculous thing ever, but a month ago I started watching it and I am absolutely hooked! I'm just about to start Season 3 and it's got to be one of my favorite shows ever. I adore the writing, the witty one-liners, the characters, the songs! I typically watch an episode or two a night after Henry goes to sleep, and it's definitely something I look forward to. I hope the other seasons are just as good!

2. Positive women lifting each other up! Okay cue the cheesy music (sometimes I think I should just have it constantly running on this blog...HA), but really, I love love love seeing girls supporting each other instead of cutting one another down. It makes my day. One of my goals for the new year is to be a kinder person, and this includes surrounding myself with kind people. You really are the company you keep, and I'm so tired of seeing the same girls acting the same way...30-year-olds behaving as if they are in high school. Even if I'm not being a "mean girl," standing alongside these women makes me guilty by association. And I don't want to be that kind of person, or be that kind of example for Henry. No one is perfect; we all have those judge-y thoughts that run through our heads from time to time, but I'm trying to move past that and focus on the good, and only the good.  This doesn't mean living life with blinders on, but it means just keeping it real, and being kind to every person I meet, be it online or off.

3. Goodbye Michele Bachmann!  Oh, happy day.  Now obviously this goes against my number two item but sorry, I can't do it. Not a fan. And I should say that I'm equally unenthusiastic about a number of the other possible candidates for President too, but in my humble opinion, anyone who is so vocal about homosexuality being so terribly wrong would make a horrible leader. You can't run a country thinking that a huge portion of its population has a "sexual identity disorder." I respect everyone's' beliefs, but when it comes to someone being in a position to drastically affect lives, I can't stand behind that. Now, I know this may have half of you disagreeing with me and will probably open me up to comments about it...but that's okay! We're all different and believe in different things for different reasons, but I stand very firm in the belief that all people deserve equal rights, and I proudly support the right for people to marry whomever they choose. I know that Michele suspending her campaign doesn't change the fact that many of the other candidates have similar agendas, but after following her for awhile I've really come to dislike her as a politician, especially after watching a lot of the town hall style forums she held. Knowing that there is a slim to none chance she could be running our country puts me a little more at ease...although then I think about a few of the other candidates and I'm terrified. That's another blog for another day though.

And because this is such a public blog let me add this- comment whatever you would like on the topic, I invite and welcome differing opinions in this space, but know that I will not stand for any hateful remarks. It's a shame that I have to say that but last time I brought up my feelings about this topic I received some comments that I wouldn't have wanted my homosexual friends to see. It was mean. And those kind of comments are not welcome here!

4. Working out in the early morning. You'd think I'd learn by now but whenever the holidays roll around (or a particularly busy time) the first thing I end up doing is staying up far too late to be able to make it to the gym in the morning. So I end up going around 9 or 9:30pm, getting home at 11, and then I'm not able to relax until like 1am. I get no sleep and the cycle continues. I function best going to bed early and waking up early, and this week I'm back on track and loving. On a related note I also really enjoy those quiet moments when I get home from the gym- no one else is awake yet, it's dark outside and the house is just so still and calm. I love it.

5. The idea of turning 30 in May. This deserves a blog post all its own and will definitely get one, but I am just really excited about this birthday. Is that weird? I feel like my 30s are going to be the best decade yet and I'm really just looking forward to seeing what the future holds. This year a ton of my friends are leaving the good ole 20s so it has been on my mind a lot. I don't want a big extravagant to-do, but I would love to spend a fun evening with the people I love, toasting to my 20s and this next adventure too. Can't wait.

So those are the 5 things I'm thinking about and loving today! How about you?

xo