It’s hard to believe that two years ago today, Christina and I ventured to X-Treme Ink in West Chester to get my 1st tattoo, Wraith from Insane Clown Posse’s last joker card. This album means a lot to me.
I remember the lead-up to the tattoo like it was yesterday too. After throwing bullseyes at Kick Ax several times, I thought that in 8 weeks I’ll be turning 30, I’ve always wanted a tattoo and I thought that I would get one in my thirties.
I was texting back and forth with Christina and Anna. They thought, “why not? It would be fun.” So, I kicked around some ideas with Christina and a week later, I settled on what I wanted and I would get it on Memorial Day weekend. Christina was surprised with how quickly I decided. No regerts, or so the commercials and jokes go! Christina suggested X-Treme Ink and she would go along with me.
The day before I went to Atlantic City for the day and before I headed home, I texted Anna that I was a bit nervous about it and if she had any advice for me. She told me that it wouldn’t be the worst pain I’ve ever felt, take a deep breath in and then out.
Anna was right! Wraith didn’t hurt at all. Before my appointment with Antman at X-Treme Ink, I said, “just one! One and done!” Christina, Anna, Ms. Ernestine, and Shetana laughed at me. “Right, one and done, right!” Needless to say, they were right. On this two year anniversary, I now have three tattoos and as the Andrea True Connection likes to say, “more, more, more” and DJ Khaled: “another one!”
I baked a delicious gluten-free cake and made St. Louis Style brisket with spinach and sprouts. I had a celebratory feast. Happy 2nd Inkday, Wraith! Here’s to a lifetime more!
Today is also another special day. Today is James’s birthday. I’m thankful for 13 years of friendship and I can’t wait until it’s safe again to have lunch with him.
I also want to take a moment of silence to remember Margaret Schneider, who passed away on this day four years ago at the age of 105. Remember Always.
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
Another cause for celebration, dear friend, as you mark the second anniversary of making it over to X-Treme Ink in West Chester with Christina and having the ICP inspired Wraith applied as your first tattoo. I well remember that exciting day in your life. It makes sense that visiting the Kick Ax sports pub and other things you did immediately before and after getting the Wraith are burned into your memory along with the big event. Of course, it helps that you always carefully document the activities and special occasions in your life and take pictures to help you remember. You were worried that having the tat applied to your skin would hurt, but it turned out to be such a positive experience that you went on to get more ink.
I also congratulate you on your 13 year friendship with James. Happy birthday to James!
You came through for Margaret Schneider today and left a sweet and thoughtful comment. I greatly appreciate it, Jessica. Having experienced the death of your beloved Nan, you realize perhaps more than other people do, what an incalculable loss it is when an older and wiser person, one with whom you shared a special bond, is gone. Thank you again for composing such an eloquent message to honor Margaret today.
Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend JM!
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