In the past 6 months, I have accumulated 5 tattoos. I have 9 piercings, and my ears stretched to 6mm. In no way, shape, or form am I calling myself an expert. However, I do think I have a bit more of an insight than the average person on the street--especially the baby boomers who give me the evil eye--about living with body modifications. So here are a few things I am asked, daily, about my body.

1. DID IT HURT?

Okay, this one gets me every time. Let me break it down for you: there was a needle puncturing my body over, and over again, for an extended amount of time. I have foot tattoos, I have rib tattoos. I have one on my spine, and my forearm. Honestly, to me, I love the pain. But yes, there is a considerable amount of pain tacked on with a tattoo, and it is different for everyone.

2. But what does it mean?

I think a universal idea we should all adopt is stop expecting an answer that you want to hear. I get asked that question so often, and sometimes, I think it's just plain rude. It's my tattoo, and yes, I do understand people are inquisitive and it's a good conversation starter (not really), but bottom line, I do not owe you any sort of explanation. Period. I know some of my friends tell everyone a different, outrageous definition and that can be entertaining. "I have an astronaut on my arm because my grandfather was in NASA", or "I got a balloon on my back because my dad walked out on my family when we were at the circus".

3. How are you going to find a job?

OKAY. If I had a dollar every time I have been asked, or I've overheard someone asking this, I could pay my college tuition in full. Everyone, repeat after me: If I can't have tattoos at a certain job, I do not want that job. Besides, tell me how badass it would be to have your congresswoman be a person with full sleeves. Imagine that, folks, it's our future.

4. You're going to have that forever..

I'm not even going to elaborate. You can't argue a damn fool.

5. What do your parents think about your piercings/tattoos?

I have been blessed by Buddha, Jesus, Michelle Obama, Noah, and all things sacred to have very accepting and liberal parents. If I am happy, they are happy. Sure, when I was underaged and talked about the pieces I wanted, my mom would scoff and tell me no. Presently, I think they have actually taken a liking to them. I mean, my mom was waiting at home with an ice pack when I got my nipples pierced. Peace and love, man, peace and love.

It is easy to see dominate western culture is progressively becoming more accepting of body modifications. Take a look around you next time you're at the mall, Target, or having a coffee at a local cafe. I bet you'll notice a lot of tattoos here and there, something our parents and grandparents never would have thought we'd see. Never stop expressing who you are, folks. Rock on.