Pete Wentz writes a mean lyric. ::nods::

For a while I wanted to get "half doomed and semi sweet" but my therapist at the time said that was self-defeating.

That therapist probably wouldn't like "one microscopic cog in a catastrophic plan" either, huh?

Deena, I am glad to hear your dad is doing better. Still sending out the dad~ma for him.

Tattoo-having people, what exactly is the creative process for the design? Since not everyone has has an in-house designer like Atropa has, what do you do if you have some sketchy ideas but no ability to sketch them? Will average artists work up a good design based on a sktechy description or can you only get that from rare geniouses?

A good tattoo artist should be able to take your vague idea and turn it into a fully-realized piece of art. This is why looking at a potential tattooist's portfolio is one of the most important things you can do. They also should be open to discussion with you, because you should be able to give feedback until you are 100% happy with the image.

I'm very lucky to have an "in-house" artist. I think the longest consultation I've ever had with my tattooist is about 15 minutes; long enough for him to hold the printout against where I want the tattoo done and tell Mr. Loomy if any sizing or lines need to be tweaked.

Thank you, Atropa.

Pondering a tattoo memorial of Sammie.

I think that's a good memorial.

At some point, I'll get one to memorialize my father-in-law who died last month. (And also a cat who died many years ago and look, it's multipurpose.)

Good thoughts for your Dad, Deena.

I love that Fall Out Boy line so much.

I am really jealous of you tattoo having people and if I ever get free of the psoriasis I'm having one... if I ever get over the what-would-I-put freeze. I have thought about doing one of a tree, one of those that form a circle with root and branch, with birds in it, each bird representing a different member of the family. I think it could be very cool. Also words, because I love words. I would love to draw it myself, though I don't know if I'll ever have the skill.

Half-doomed doesn't mean ALL doomed. I dunno about that therapist. That seems like life, to me.

Therapy keeps sending me to different musical eras. I'm giving my family weird music whiplash. Right now it's all Staind and Fuel. Still love Fuel.

Zen, been sending you some good vibes of my own. I wish I could come hang out with you.

WS, thank you sweetheart. I'm not quite ready to send him on his way. He says he is, but he knows Mom isn't ready for that at all.

ETA: Thanks, Plei. Means a lot, all of you.

Oh Deena, just catching up. Thinking about you and your family. It's scary.

Thanks, Pix. It's gone from him making plans to check out to him talking about not being quite ready to go, so attitude change is good. I've been sending you and ND good vibes for your stuff, too.

Deena I hope your dad will be ok.

Also I meant to say last time if there is a Belk department store near you it might be a good place for your kids to try on clothes. Their policy about dressing rooms and bathrooms is that people use the one for their gender as they define their gender and if an other customer objects the objecting customer is free to purchase their clothes and try them on at home and return what they don't want.

I don't know if a local Belk will follow policy or if your kids would feel comfortable but that's the policy.