#hssg

Now, as a general opener to this discussion - I personally don't think either of these things are things that you should do inside of high school (or in the case of gauges, well, ever.) But, in general, I am all for artistic expression of self. If you want to experiment around, get piercings, dye your hair, do your makeup in special ways that are unique to you - go for it (with permission). High school is a time for exploration, so, express yourself. And don't be afraid to do so. And sometimes, changes that have a somewhat permanent affect help cement experiments in your mind as "this is me" or "this isn't me".

So, let's cover the gauges topic first.

As a performer, I acknowledged that the career path I was seeking was one that was obsessed with the personal appearance of the individuals who were 'in the limelight', so, pretty much any sort of artistic expression of self was forbidden. But, hey, I got into all the auditioned performance classes and toured up and down the Pacific Northwest. That was my tradeoff.

Now, in most situations, some temporary changes of self (like hair color) would be accepted in the workplace - not with gauges. I want you to think about the last time you walked into a store and saw somebody working the front wearing gauges. And think of the establishment where you saw them.

Most of the time when I see somebody working the cash register with gauges, it's at a place like Spencer's or Hot Topic where they sell gauges. Choosing to wear gauges seriously limits the number of places that will hire you. Sure, a lot of places where you won't be seen will still take you, but gauges will also - seemingly - limit your ability to progress with what limited options you have. Because, as you get higher and higher in a career chain, image begins to become more and more important.

I can't think of a single CEO or business chairman who wears gauges.

Then again, most of those people were from the generation before gauges were popularized.

And yeah, probably by Class of 2020, a lot more places will be accepting of gauges, because everyone in the class of 2014 - 2018 will have had them. However, the top of the food chain will still more than likely be those without gauges.

And some people realize this, and if you do, and you don't care, then by all means get your gauges. But I can think of a lot of people I know who were just thinking "gauges look cool" and completely failed to think about their future employment.

And don't take this as me saying "Don't pierce", either. In most situations, with most piercings, if you pull them out and leave them out the body will naturally repair itself and close the wounds. You can reverse the damage when you get to a point where it's not beneficial to have them anymore and still live normally. Piercings are a great way to express personal identification without as many long-term consequences.

But, as soon as you go beyond a gauge 2 - 0 or 2 - 4 (that's the general number, you could lose the ability to self-repair sooner or later) your body stops being able to self-repair, and you're left with a giant hole that you need surgery to close.

Actually, do they have surgery? I'm not sure how you close a gauged ear, really, once it's past its repair point.

Either way, then the effects are permanent. That's where the job issue comes into play.

Secondly, tattoos.

Now, in general, I'm okay with tattoos. Hell, I like tattoos. If done tastefully, tattoos are great. But, guys, if you're going to get tattoos... Double check the designs and for God's sake...

USE SPELLCHECK.

I don't know if misspelled tattoos happen as often as it sounds like, but seriously, do not let it happen to you. Be smart. If you don't know the spelling off the top of your head, ask somebody. And, go to a reputable tattoo artist.

Never let somebody untrained stick you with a needle.

Tangent aside, I think tattoos in high school are a bad idea. And that's only because - well, aside from it being illegal, I'm pretty sure - in high school, your body is still developing and you're still growing. And have you ever seen what happens when a tattoo stretches?

And furthermore, ladies, if you plan on having kids some day do not put the tattoo on your stomach unless you want rainbow belly down the line.

If you plan on getting a tattoo, make sure you're finished growing, because removing tattoos suck. Seriously. Getting a tattoo in high school will not only almost guarantee some fade down the line, but it also means adults will classify you as a 'delinquent' almost instantly (if the tattoo is visible).

Humans are prejudicial. It sucks, but it will happen to you.

There are certain spots of the human body that stretch the least through day-to-day living, and if you're getting a tattoo, I'd look into where those spots are. And look into what you want to do to make that tattoo last on your body.

Because, like when you dye your hair, your daily body maintenance will increase if you want the effects to last.

Just be aware of what you're doing, and if you're going to risk stretching, just avoid the tattoo. At least until you're out of high school.

This is an extra post, and will not reschedule any of the posts within the week.

And on that note, Adieu - Odyssey