Piercings + Tattoos = Family Bonding?

This is a topic I always talk about and I'm sure whenever the topic does come up in coversation with some friends, they're probably tored of hearing the same thing over and over again from me. Concerning piercings, I don't much care for any other piercings on the body aside from the ears. Even on my ears, I'd rather stick to just piercing the lobes and regular helix piercings. Nonetheless, they're actually quite addcting - getting them pierced, that is.

I remember back in Grade 6, when I went with my Mom to Claire's to get my secind pair done. I then told myself (and my Mom) that four was enough. Of course, I managed to stand by that statement, until Grade 9. We were at Pacific Mall (not very smart of me) and so I decided to get my fifth piercing done. After that, I was telling myself that five was okay, no big deal. And sure enough, I made up the excuse that I wanted to even out the number of piercings on each ear, and so I got my sixth piercing done in Grade 10. At this point, I didn't even say that I didn't want anymore because I was pretty keen on getting my cartilage done, which is exactly what I did in April of this year. Now, it's October and just a couple of weeks ago, I got my second cartilage piercing on the same ear as my initial one. I now have a grand total of eight piercings, all on my ears. I've decided that I will really stop once I get my ninth piercing. I really hope I stand by that promise for good.

Now on to tattoos. I never really considered getting a tattoo until my Grandparents passed away in January and May 2010 respectively. Now I'm keen on getting one - a memorial tattoo. My Mom hates tattoos but my Dad doesn't seem to mind. After much coaxing (and constant nagging) I managed to get my Mom to agree...sort of. She said that she still and never will like tattoos, hence it'll be me who'll have to pay for it. I took it as a "yes" and so I plan on getting this tattoo after graduation, as a graduation present to myself for myself.

Speaking of piercings and tattoos, I had the pleasure of talking to my cousin on Skype yesterday. I had to interview her for my Writer's Craft unit, and we ended up talking for much longer. One of the topics went to tattoos and piercings and we were talking about each getting another one. It was then that we said that "we should totally get them done together!" Of course, this meant that our family would need to plan another reunion, something that we all have been wanting for a long time but never really got around to actually doing. Money is always a big factor and it's tricky to coordinate everyone's schedule to match up. It's ridiculous because it shouldn't be so hard to see one's family, right?

Wrong.

I'm a little bitter about it, but what can I do?

Books, Books, Books

I suppose this'll be a rather short entry but I felt like writing about the books I've been reading recently. Sadly, I've been trying to refrainfrom excessively reading because it completely distracts me from doing my work. I tend to keep my attention focused on my book rather than anything else, so it may be a good thing that I enjoy reading so much, my school work takes a hit.

Getting back on topic, I've been reading Julia Quinn's books almost religiously (over the summer, at least). I've never been one to read a lot of romance books (though I'm open to most genres) I've fallen in love with Julua Quinn. She's exceptionally witty and I've caught myself giggling out loud quite a few times.

I haven't read a lot of romance books to conpare, so my judgement may be completely off, but there is a plot. I suppose I'm apprehensive about starting a romance book because I keep thinking about the generic plots - then again, a romance always involves somebody or a whole slum of people falling in love. The element of love is ever-present but Ido enjoy the plots as well. Although they're a bit light, the writing style, witty dialogue, and the sophistication of the book in it's entirety was enough to win me over. Of course, I've always had a soft spot for books written in the Victorian era or earlier.

I do recommend reading the Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn. The Bridgertons are a family of ten - the parents and eight children. Their father has long since passed and their mother cares for the children as well as their household affairs. The Bridgerton Series are books that follow each of the Bridgerton children as they go through the journey to find a mate, whether they expect to or not. My personal favourite of the series would have to be An Offer From A Gentleman which follows the story of the fateful meeting between a Sophia Beckett and Benedict Bridgerton - who happens to be the second eldest of the Bridgerton children. The story begins with a very Cinderella-esque feel, but it continues on to be its own story, with a humble but proud heroine and an eager but impulsive and slightly temperamental hero. It makes for a good read.

I'm still addicted to reading Julia Quinn's books, and so I may write about more in the future. Aside from her books, I've literally just started reading A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin, which I later found out to be adapted into a television series which I am now keen on watching. From the first few pages that I've read, it's set in the nedieval times, but its a world on its own. I'm quite excited to get through the book series (A Song of Ice and Fire).

Anyway, there'll be more to come, I'm sure.