On October 14, 2000 I got my first tattoo.  I liked the idea of permanently and voluntarily adding to my physical appearance, and thus my identity.  A tattoo is for life, more binding than any statement or promise I could make verbally.  A push-pin into my current situation, preserved for all time so that I can never forget.  Flirtation with permanence, who would have thought it could be such a rush?

A close-up:

The design is the Eye of Horus, an ancient Egyptian amulet of protection.  Sailors used to paint it on the sides of their ships to help the ship find its way to harbour safely.  Once, a few years ago when I was working on a difficult project, I drew the design on the side of my computer in a fit of desperation.