Tattoo Removal Part One

I have never been against cosmetic procedures. I would like to have my nose done, some lipo, and Botox. None of which I will probably ever do. However, I do have six tattoos (well, technically eight) of which I only actually like three.

After much thought, I have decided to get my old tattoo's removed. I have been contemplating this for some time, but assumed it was going to cost me out-the-nose and I didn't have the cash. This Christmas I spent a lot of alone time with Duke (my feline brother), and subsequently spent a lot of time at Marshall's in Vinnin Square. I picked up several really cute dresses and had planned to wear one on New Years. Well, once again, I couldn't deal with the fact that I had a HUGE tattoo showing (see Tribal Heart to the right) and opted for a shirt with a full back.

Long story short; I did a lot of Googling and calling to respectable tattoo shops for a referral. I ended up at the Ritacca Laser Center in Vernon Hills, IL despite it being almost an hour from my house in the city.

I had only planned on a consultation for one tattoo - but ended up signing up to have all three of the large ones on my back removed together. Yea me. They offer a discount if they treat multiple areas at once, and they had me at 50% the other two. The doctor insisted I get local anesthetic (in addition to the topical) since I was having such a large area done. Again, yea me. So, after 25 minutes of needles to numb my tattoos it was time for the laser.

HOLY CRAP IT HURTS!!!!!!!!!!! Honestly, anyone even thinking about getting a tattoo should get one snap of this laser before they let the needle hit their skin. Hands down the worst pain I have ever felt. In my research I read that some compared the pain to that of an elastic band snapping on your skin. Ugh... no. Maybe if the elastic band was laced with electricity and spikes! The total snapping was only for maybe 2 minutes. Oh, and you can smell burning flesh.

Click here to see an actual laser removal session.

I left the room in daze... Two minutes later, my hands were shaking and my teeth chattering. Next time I am definitely taking a Xanax before I go.

Two days later I feel OK. There was no real pain after the treatment; just uncomfortable because I have the treated areas covered with gauze and some prescription cream. At $610 a pop; I hope I see results before my next appointment April 5th.

Tegan & Sara

Kelli and I went to see Tegan & Sara last night at the Portage Theater. It was a fantastic show, and only would have been better if they severed an alcohol of sorts. Kelli and I were of the 10% straight population in attendance. The bathrooms were really clean, which I attributed to the lesbians at the show - skewed logic for sure. However, Kelli was quick to point out (not to take cleanliness away from the lesbians) that it was probably the lack of alcohol that kept the seat free of stray pee.

Anyway, back to the show. It was really good! They are teeny, tiny little Canucks. Very cute. Sara also told a funny story about her fainting at lawn-full-of-losers this summer downtown. She says that people come up to her and say, "Aw, Canadian are so cute... fainting all the time." And she was like, "We're not cute - we're motherfucking tough!" And we are. We also wear toque's.

To the guy on the El....

To the asshole on the purple line from the Loop to Belmont... UGH. So, I won't lie, I think people who eat on the CTA are disgusting. I mean, I drink my coffee in the morning, but actually letting your hands come in contact with your mouth after being on the El? Gag. Anywho... you had some type of healthy, Jared approved 6inch subway - and good for you. However, did you need to THROW your wrapper on the ground? And then the bag and your napkin? What puzzled me was that you took the time to fold your napkin several time before you wiped your mouth. So bizarre. And when I thought your presence on my train couldn't get any worse, you started playing "music" via your Nextel. (It might not have actually been a Nextel, but it look like the ones people had in the early 2000's.) You know, I generally don't like being on the el later than seven PM.. but my job doesn't allow me that luxury. You are annoying and should be shot annoying guy on the el.

webkinz part deux

Our family has more that doubled. Meet Tek, Carlota and Pete. Not shown; Snowball and Munca.

Super Pickle

For as long as I can remember, I have had a little green friend. He has striped legs, a fuzzy nose and a cape. His name is Super Pickle. I am not one of those chicks with lots of stuffed animals from my childhood; I have three. A wrinkles somewhere packed my basement, a pig from Ikea named River Pignix, and Super Pickle. Super Pickles has come with my from Canada to Boston, and Boston to Chicago. The last few years of this life, he resided in a Hurricane glass from Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans. My friend Kelli has recently become obsessed with SP and he has become her travel companion living in her Prius and just chillaxin'.

Yesterday I decided to google Super Pickle - and holy crap... there are people that collect these little mo fo's.

http://www.inthe80s.com/toys/superpickle.shtml

You can also purchase one on eBay for $9.99. Now I want a Mr. Hot Dog. That would be sweet.

webkinz

My bf's little one just got a webkinz, and damn are they fun. I am totally putting the pig and the chihuahua on my Christmas list.

Jason Varitek

I have been a Red Sox fan since I moved to north shore of Boston in 1994. However, I did not recognize the hotness that is Jason Varitek until this year. Holy mother of god is that man a fine piece of ass. I think I may be stalking him in the post-season. Is there any other player that looks as good as he?

During the world series, my boyfriend D pointed out that Tek must have some killer quad muscles... this of course led my mind to very dirty places which included me against a wall and we'll leave it at that.