Annual Reflections

It's time for me to ponder the previous year and think about how I've grown. It's been another rough year, and it's gone far differently than I had imagined it would....but I've grown. I guess that's good. ; )

2007. Love life - non-existent. Motherhood ...was probably the most challenging thus far. Professionally - probably the best so far. I feel I've produced the best work of my career this year. Spiritually - I think I've moved closer to where I need to be. Healing old wounds - work in progress.

Overall, not a year I'd like to repeat but I feel I've grown as a woman. Hopefully 2008 holds good things for me and my children. I trust God to be with me regardless.

Beauty.

I've decided to make a conscious effort to take the time each day to admire beauty. I'm so busy. I'm too busy. For my health and to enjoy my life, I am going to ponder things that I find beautiful. I think we Americans somehow lose this ability while we're chasing our dreams.

The first beautiful post is dedicated to those that I feel really SEE beauty. Find a three year old and follow him/her around one day - it won't be long until beauty is discovered. A three year old stops dead in their tracks to watch a caterpillar crawl into a hiding place. Their innocence is truly beautiful. They see everything in a different light - before they are corrupted by ....life.

Go find a bunny or something and admire it's beauty this week.

Argus Tattoo Parlor Apologizes

Apparently the owner of Argus Tattoos realized he had employed a meenie butt and wrote me the following email in response to my recent experience at Argus. I commend the owner for taking the time to write this apology and go on record saying the owner obviously does not come from the same school of Public Relations as the piercer in his facility. I only hope he had a little 'sit-down' with his employee and explained to him how much negative publicity can come from one unhappy little girl.

Hi Christy,

I wish that I was writing under different circumstances. I am the owner of Argus Tattoos. I am just now getting wind of your recent nightmare experience with our piercer. Great experiences and happy customers are core values that Argus was founded on. I'm very upset to hear about the lack of professionalism and the disrespect that you had to endure. Not to mention that you were belittled in front of your daughter. For this I'm truly sorry. I think you have handled this way better then I would of.

From my 18 yrs in the tattoo industry, I've learned that customers often come in the door anxious and nervous about getting tattooed/pierced, thus part of our job is to provide a relaxed environment where customers can enjoy their experience with us. I don't understand why Cary felt justified in his actions. It was extremely poor judgment on his part and not the way I do business. I couldn't even begin, nor would want to, try to justify it. Cary, as an independent contractor and as a part time piercer in the studio with 5 tattoo artists also had no right to suggest it was his studio and could kick out a customer or treat one with such a lack of respect. We value our customers greatly and it is unfortunate that was the representation you were 'greeted' with upon visiting the studio.

Over the preceding months, I have had extenuating family circumstances that have resulted in me being away from the studio much of the time and in return have had personnel issues arise due to my absence. As a result, Argus has undergone/ is undergoing a restructuring in its crew. I won't tolerate my customers being treated unprofessionally.

I would like the opportunity to discuss your experience with you further. I'm not sure if there is a way I can make this situation right with you, but at least I can offer an apology on behalf of myself and Argus.

Regards,

Don Colling

Day One AGAIN

So far this week, I've managed to get to day TWO just once. It's amazing how those "comments" fly out of my mouth so very quickly. I think we should be able to remove the bracelet while driving on the freeway.