Inverse piercing for a reversed life?... Nah, I'm just tryin' to make this sh*t philosophical.

Tell me I'm not the only one here who marks life changes with body art? I know my best friend's tribal tattoo is actually a reflection of the shape of her family tree: which is the only reason I didn't object to the otherwise cliche style. As for how/why I remember my piercings (outside of my first and second standard ear piercings because I don't remember ever not having them):

• Cartilage: Started a new school and was determined not to fit it.
• Belly button: Starting high school/making father cringe.
• Third standard ear piercing: I was realizing and enjoying that my piercings were unique to me.
• Second cartilage: The best friend Courtney pierced me, forever a connection.
• Fourth standard ear piercing: pierced them myself on impulse because "I was in control dammit!"
• Nose: My principle threatened not to let me walk at graduation thus I had to get it./Dude, I've got such a cute nose.
• Rook: leaving Portland for Columbia: I wanted to take something with me. (I had to take this one out... I wonder what that means? Should I get it re-pierced in SC or OR?)

Now I'm thinking I'll get an inverse navel (the bottom part of my belly button). Starting back to school has reawakened a feeling of potential in me that I was desperately missing. I'm between the naval and getting the rook done again. A while ago I took all my silver hoops out (10 between both of my ears) because I wanted to look "more grown-up: responsible." Now my ears are naked so I'm buying new earrings to add back.

Anyway, no laughing if you think this whole thing is stupid but the way some people are all emotionally attached to their tattoos, I am to my piercings.

As always, if anyone is reading this, I'd love to hear your body art stories. You know where I'm at.