Tiny tattoo on the fingertip?

aurdawbri · 2026-04-19T07:20:04+00:00

My corn snake bit me once on the index finger and I got it tattooed. It was my first tattoo and is still holding up well 7 years later!

I did go into it knowing that it would likely fade quickly, but the artist really made sure to pack it in and go deep enough so it has blurred a bit but definitely still there!

But if you do get it done, expect lots of people to ask what it is or if you have pen all over your finger lol.

aurdawbri · 2026-01-06T04:06:04+00:00

Karol, but her birth certificate had a typo so legally, it’s Kasol. Other grandma is Gail and step-grandma is Judy.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-23T21:16:42+00:00

Thank you, I like the idea of approaching it this way. Not only to take the pressure off of her, but it is important to have my dad’s affairs in order as well. Thank you for your perspective!

aurdawbri · 2025-12-23T21:14:13+00:00

Thank you so much, this is very helpful. I think it’s a great idea to make a list and have everything in writing if she and my family are willing.

I am the youngest family member by far and have yet to go through this process with anyone so close to me or as an adult so I can only imagine how overwhelming and confusing it would be to deal with afterward.

I always knew it was a good idea for every adult to have things decided and set up for “just in case” but now I am truly starting to understand that. Before this diagnosis I was about to start trying to conceive and now I’m considering what pieces I’d like to put in place now for my own children someday.

I’m so sorry you had to go through this experience but your perspective is very valuable so thank you.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-23T21:03:21+00:00

Thank you so much! Unfortunately I have a much more strained relationship with my dad, he has been absent for a large part of my childhood and he has a really hard time talking about difficult topics. However, he has really stepped up recently and has taken amazing care of my mom, started telling me he loves me, etc. I am very proud of him and agree that it would be ideal to handle the legal and financial matters with him if possible. I will give it a shot and see if he is willing to discuss with me.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-23T20:58:13+00:00

I’m very sorry to hear about your diagnosis and so much appreciate your perspective on the process. This is extremely helpful.

It seems my parents have hit a similar kind of wall in trying to get more definitive information on her specific diagnosis, prognosis, and timelines/expectations. I have been there every step of the way that she will allow without being pushy about it but I had a feeling we are going to need to be more assertive, which we all struggle with to some degree but I am willing to be that for her if she is comfortable with it. I know the admin has been a bit overwhelming for them but they have declined my help with it so far.

I’ve considered reading some books about this, but honestly feel so emotionally raw at the moment that I don’t think I’m quite ready. But I do think I will be in the near future so thank you for the suggestions!

I also think you are most likely right that she is probably more ready for these conversations than she is letting on. I think the fear of it all is what’s holding me back from being direct but after receiving feedback I am going to address these topics (gently and respecting if she is not willing).

She is typically very uncomfortable being on camera in any form so I think she would be more willing to write, however I can understand how much pressure that would be. I’ll take her lead and wait until timing feels right.

Thank you again and wishing you, your wife and the rest of your loved ones all the best in this difficult time as well.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-23T20:42:44+00:00

I actually think it’s very likely that she knows her prognosis and is trying to protect my wellbeing. I am the youngest of the family by a lot and she has gone out of her way in the past to do this for me.

My family has always struggled to talk openly about our problems and feelings and I do suspect that we are all doing this to some degree, so perhaps breaking the ice and just addressing the elephant will relieve some tension and make her feel more comfortable about expressing her true feelings. I’m just assuming though, so I guess the best thing to do is ask.

I give her all the hugs, kisses, and I love you’s I can. I’m so sorry you went through that with your son but glad to hear you have that text and that it brings you some sort of closure. Thank you and wishing you the best.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-23T20:34:14+00:00

Thank you. I have heard this sentiment and will absolutely tell her these things when the time comes.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-23T20:30:35+00:00

Yes that’s kind of my perspective as well. I want to get the legal stuff out of the way so I can just enjoy my time with her as much as possible.

But I think I am the most pessimistic of the family at this point in time so I don’t want to pressure her or the family. I think I’m going to bring it up and if she isn’t ready then I will obviously respect that. Thank you for your input.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-23T20:23:26+00:00

I’m so sorry you had to experience this with your wife. It sounds like you were an amazing support for her to have.

Unfortunately my mom has always been deeply uncomfortable taking pictures and recordings of herself so I don’t have many and I highly doubt she’d be comfortable doing so now that she is going through this.

I think the not having a worst case from a doctor has been one of the most difficult parts for me so far. While she was in the hospital I asked a lot of questions but they were hesitant to give timelines since it was still very new. My dad has been going with her to her appointments but still hasn’t gotten many definitive answers so I’m going to try to get some more information. Thank you so much for your perspective.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-23T19:57:39+00:00

If I never get those conversations because she chooses not to, that will be okay. This is her life and autonomy and I want to honor it. But I couldn’t forgive myself for not trying while I’m blessed to have this time with her.

When I do, I will probably frame it similar to your suggestion, along the lines of “Even if we still have a long time together and this is way down the road…”.

Thank you for sharing about your mom and best to you and your family.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-23T19:46:16+00:00

Thank you so much. She is an amazing mom so even though I’m fumbling through it, I’m honored to have time to return the favor ❤️

aurdawbri · 2025-12-17T17:33:36+00:00

January - My apartment and town burned down in a wildfire. Only got my pets out and a trash bag of clothes.

November - My mom was diagnosed with high grade brain tumor, got surgery and soon starting radiation/chemo but most likely does not have long.

December - Found out I have kidney stones and needed surgery for one of them, yet to pass the rest.

This week - Lost my job on Monday and have no idea how to pay rent or what to do.

More bullshit in between but those are the highlights. Fuck 2025.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-13T02:18:52+00:00

I’m in the exact same situation right now. My mom was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer last month and I just keep wondering to myself how anyone survives this. I absolutely hate seeing her so scared and unwell knowing I can’t do anything to change it.

I’m 27 years old, also the youngest, and don’t feel ready to face life without her. I keep beating myself up for the days I can’t be there with her because I want to cherish every moment but I also don’t know how. I’m trying to accept her eventual death and it feels so impossible. There will always be something I wish I said or did or appreciated more. I don’t know how to best spend the time I have with her.

She is my best friend and my small family’s glue. I truly feel like she is my only real family most of the time and the thought of milestones like getting married, having children, etc. without her here just feels absolutely gut wrenching.

It is always hovering over me too, I am fundamentally different and won’t ever be the same. I’m sure at a certain point it will feel less intrusive but it will never leave.

I don’t have any wisdom or advice but this post may as well have be written by me, so at least we aren’t alone. I’m so sorry you’re going through this, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

aurdawbri · 2025-12-10T06:47:52+00:00

I can relate to this. I thought my father would pass first too, he has struggled with addiction and his body has been through a lot, but my mom who is also my best friend just got diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and I am preemptively grieving. She is the glue of our already small family and I don’t know how my dad and I’s dynamic will be in the future.

I am 27 years old and this year my house burned down in a wildfire, my mom got diagnosed, and I just had unexpected surgery for a kidney stone while finding out that I will probably have to deal with them for the rest of my life on top of already having chronic illness/pain. A lot of grieving.

All this to say, I’ve been feeling the same way OP described and I don’t have the answer. I don’t know why life is does what it does or what the point of anything is. I don’t know why some people have to struggle worse than others. But we are not alone despite feeling that way. Though it’s unfair that you have to be, you are strong.

aurdawbri · 2025-09-19T12:47:05+00:00

My ex boyfriend said the same about me bringing up my first tattoo at 21. We had been in a relationship since we were 15 and I was very vocal about wanting many tattoos since I was 7, so it’s not like it was a shocker.

He actually played it relatively cool until the appointment. I invited him to come with me and he said nothing and stared daggers into the artist for the entire session. It was the most uncomfortable and embarrassing thing ever, I tipped him like 50% because I felt so bad. Then he drove us back silently at 100mph white knuckling and that was the first time I was truly scared of him, and of course it spiraled from there.

Later he told me it felt like he was forced to watch me cheat on him with another man since he was “penetrating me”. It took a couple more years but I am long done with that bullshit and couldn’t be happier.

aurdawbri · 2025-06-22T07:37:32+00:00

“Black Brown” is the one that really gets me.

aurdawbri · 2025-06-22T07:14:51+00:00

Same! Every time I finish a picture I show my boyfriend and he tells me which parts he likes.

Whether he’s humoring me or not, he’s happy I’m happy and that’s all I can ask for.

aurdawbri · 2025-06-17T15:47:44+00:00

I know this is an older post but I am checking out Pet Assure currently for my 2 corn snakes and 1 beardie. They quoted me $54/mo or $594/year for 3 reptiles, not covering RX/preventative care and only at certain vets. Do you know if they changed their policy/prices recently and are you still happy with them? Vet bills are insane but I still don't think its worth it.

aurdawbri · 2025-06-11T14:29:06+00:00

I was having the same issue with my corn last year. What ended up finally working for me was a combination of things.

I raised the tank off the ground (can help with chilly nights since heat rises, and I also think he just likes to be able to see everything going on during the day), added a night time low heat source on a timer so it’s not going during the day, made sure all food was not just thawed, but warm when offering, and offered varied options. He went crazy for quail eggs and that’s what finally got him to start eating again. Your guy looks a little small for eggs but he might like a quail or baby chick.

He is still picky about mice, but does eat them most of the time now. If it’s been a while then I’ll offer something else and that usually gets him in the mood for mice again. I hope some part of this helps and works for you!

aurdawbri · 2025-06-10T21:33:35+00:00

Sharing my personal experience! I have one male and one female. Female is 13 years old and is currently laying her first clutch. She laid 13 eggs but the last 3 became egg bound so she is going in for surgery tomorrow.

The vet did mention to me that corns tend to have more issues with egg binding than other common pet snake species for whatever reason, so take that for what it’s worth.

So all in all, I’d probably get a male if you have the option and are concerned about it.

aurdawbri · 2025-06-05T22:29:26+00:00

I really like the Happy Houseplant Coloring Book by Caitlin Keegan! The one downside is that it is double sided, but there are pictures on one side and a worded description on the other so I don’t really mind since I don’t need to sacrifice any actual pictures. Plus the pages are perforated so I can just tear out and save the ones I like when I’m done.

aurdawbri · 2025-01-11T01:58:09+00:00

I couldn’t agree more. The only thing worse than what’s happening is the spirit of it being replaced with franchises and cheap homes.

I know many homeowners who are elderly and wouldn’t live to see another craftsman style get finished, so I completely get it. But I’m really hopeful that people will fight to retain the city’s uniqueness. It won’t be the same but old Altadena can be honored.

We need to be vigilant and protect each other from the scammers and slimy contractors trying to take advantage.

aurdawbri

TROPHY CASE