To Tat or Not to Tat, That Is the Question

So here's the story. Seven years ago, Joanna and I went to San Diego to run away from breast cancer. While there, we went shopping at a pirate store. We were making comments about pink and cancer and boobs and all that. Then we realized that some people might not see the humor in our conversation, so we explained to the pirate behind the counter (who was the only person there) that she had breast cancer.

The pirate told us that his friend's mom died of cancer, and that his friend had her ashes mixed into tattoo ink and now has a tattoo with her ashes in it. The pirate thought it was a nice, meaningful gesture, because now he would always have her with him.

Well, Jo and I responded politely. But later we laughed about it. It's kind of a weird, creepy thing. But we each said we would do it for each other if the opportunity arose.

So now here we are. I decided I want a small (small!) parrot on my right shoulder because how much more piratey could I be? I never wear spaghetti straps or go strapless, so nobody would see it. My biggest concern at this point would be the girls' weddings, but I'd wear a dress with some kind of sleeve.

And yet I've always hated tattoos. I think they are trashy.

So while I think I will, I'm not 100% yet. What do you think? (for the record, Don is fine with it)