Dud3s

I've got one. It could be considered two, but I got them at the same time, so...

It covers most of my left side bicep. The character is 理 it means reason, principle, logic. It's also the base word for order, justice. Oh, yeah, that's my avatar here as well.

The Koi swimming upstream has a lot of different meanings depending who you ask. Generally they symbolize luck, and courage. It is said koi climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught, it lies upon the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver. Swimming upstream (or up arm,) specifically represents perseverance. Some cultures use koi to represent immortality. Outside of environmental distress or accidents, some koi don't die except for growing too large for their hearts to sustain them.

I always liked tattoos, but for years couldn't think of a symbol I wanted to stick with the rest of my life. I came to a couple conclusions. First off, I'd never hate those principals. Secondly, even if I changed significantly, it wouldn't invalidate the tattoo as it represented me at a point in time.

I have a Celtic triskele sort of at the middle-lower region of the right side of my back. Here's a picture.

This triskele can mean a few things. Some say it is a representation of the Holy Trinity, but I don't think that's accurate, as this symbol is present in ancient works of the Celts, far pre-dating Christianity's reign in those regions. The more likely definitions of it are that it is a symbol of the three stages of life: birth, life and death; the other likely meaning is one I like the most, however. It is about the worldly influences over man: land, sea and sky.

I've always liked this symbol and have associated myself with it since I was 13 or so (it's still the light background image of my website's current design). Getting this had some personal significance for me beyond its meaning, though, as I had made an agreement with an ex that I would get this tattoo if he'd get the one he had always wanted as well, at the same time. Things didn't work out between us (thankfully), but I decided to get mine anyway, as it had never really been about him. It's a good memory. While I was getting my tattoo done, two of my closest friends waited for me; we spent the afternoon together, afterward. For me, it was like letting go of a bit of the past and embracing something I always wanted personally, as well as enjoying the company of those who really do love and care for me. I don't think I'll ever get tired of it, if for no other reason than that.

I'm still debating on whether I will get more tattoos in the future. I plan to travel a lot in my lifetime, if possible, and I'd like to get thin-band tattoos around one or both of my ankles, with them being broken up by a name of a place I've lived in for at least six months or a year or more. I may do this down the road, as I travel a bit more.

I have two.

The first is the logo for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps which I was a member of, and where I met my wife. It is on my right arm.

The second is on the left side of my chest and is the indian chief artwork for the Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow - of which I am a Vigil Honor member (the highest rank in the OA - it is bestowed upon you from your peers, it cannot be earned).

I don't like tattoo's that mean nothing... they have to have a meaning behind them or I won't even think about getting it. It's my way of commemorating landmarks in my life.