There are times that you really don’t want to be asked out on a date.
I recently was getting my first tattoo. Now, I’m not normally the tattoo kind of girl, but it was in memory of my best friend (who you may recognize in stories here and here) who passed away 10 years ago, so it was one of those things that you just have to suck up and get.
I had literally been putting this off for ages, but happened to be sitting next to a tattoo artist when I recently dyed my hair red…which is how a week later I was lying on a bed in a tattoo parlor.
I had obviously seen the design beforehand, but I couldn’t see it when the guy was imprinting it onto my body with permanent ink. I was lying there exhausted (I strategically planned this the day after I returned from a conference, since I knew I would be too tired to cancel). I had actually already fallen asleep in the middle of getting the tattoo, which caused quite a stir in the tattoo parlor since they thought I had passed out from pain (and then I had to reassure them over and over again that yes, I really was that tired, and yes, I have a high pain tolerance).
Like I said, I was tired and a bit cranky. And I had a chatty tattoo artist who apparently was unable to work without a constant stream of words coming from his mouth. I was attempting to nod every once in a while to appear like I was paying attention.
That is, until I realized he must have asked me a question and was waiting for an answer.
Me: Excuse me, what did you say?
Tattoo guy: Oh, I just asked you if you wanted to go out for drinks sometime. You don’t have a boyfriend, do you? That would complicate things.
Now, please realize that at this point I have NO IDEA how much longer this is going to take. Besides, while I didn’t think he was the kind of guy who would mess up my tattoo if I said no, that wasn’t a chance I was willing to take (since tattoos are designed to be permanent and all…).
Me: No, I don’t have a boyfriend, and I’m out of town a lot, but maybe we can meet up.
Tattoo guy: Cool. I’m only a year younger than you, too.
At this point, I am praying for this to be done. Next, I’m not that old (I’m almost 26), so I don’t see why he had to point that out. I’m just feeling extremely awkward and praying it will be done soon.
And finally, it was done. He gave me his phone number and told me to call him sometime when I’m back in town.
I haven’t yet called him. And yes, the tattoo turned out fine. 😉
No Ink Required Shrimp Pot Pie
no need to tattoo the recipe to your body- just come back and find it here!
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, cut into small pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced thinly
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 c flour
- 2 1/2 c chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 1/2 c skim milk
- 1/2 c sherry (optional)
- 16 oz frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 16 oz frozen peas, thawed
- 1 lb uncooked shrimp (51-60 count), peeled and deveined
- Salt
- Pepper
- 3 tbsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
How-to
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large soup pot, dump in asparagus, onions, mushrooms, garlic, and olive oil. Cook approximately 10 minutes or until onions are translucent.
- Add flour and stir for 1 minute to cook the flour-y taste out of the mixture.
- Add in vegetable stock, milk, and sherry. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes while the mixture thickens.
- Add garlic powder and dried parsley. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix in corn, peas, and shrimp. Remove from heat.
- Dump mixture into an 9x13in baking dish (I prefer glass).
- Roll out puff pastry sheet to fit baking dish, with an extra 1/2 – 1 inch on each side. Place on top of pot pie. Using egg wash (aka the beaten egg), brush insides of baking dish and stick puff pastry to that. Also brush with egg wash on top. Cut a few slits.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before diving in.
P.S. Want to see who I’m reading? Check out my awards for Versatile Blogger, parts one and two!
domestic diva, M.D. 
Where the picture of the tat?? You know what they say, once you get one, you’ll want more. I’m up to 3 and plotting my 4th.
Haha, I still have to take a picture to send my friends. It’s a dragonfly on my right ribcage, if that helps. 😉
I’ve been planning this one for 10 years…I can’t think of anything else I want at the moment!
You know what they say…A person with one is only trying to decide what to get next!
Red.
Hitting on people at work (your work or their work) is NEVER a good idea… You’re not on equal ground… One person is required to be pleasant, nice, etc. because they are WORKING… And if you are in the midst of receiving a service, you don’t want to anger, annoy, etc. the person providing the service… Oh, and 26 is a lovely age 🙂
Especially when it involves permanent ink. 😉
Especially.
What a funny story…and I’m totally going to try that recipe. 🙂
Eek. Pie looks great though! Congrats on getting that tat outta the way, and I’m very impressed you could fall asleep. Hell of a story.
It’s a testament to how tired I am post-conference.
Well kudos, maybe I’ll have to try that next time i go under the needle.
I received my one and only Tattoo back in 1979 in Santa Anna CA. I still remember the guys name. Little Dave. Cost me $5. Just letters. Free Bird. Lynyrd Skynyrd ya know. He did not ask me out on a date!
I know the cost is much higher these days.
I love shrimp and in a pie has to be good.
Enjoy your tattoo!
Sounds like quite the tattoo experience! I was glad that my tattoo guy is married and his wife works at the shop too. Nice save with the awkward date offer.
Oh, and the pie looks fantastic!
A little creepy, eh?
He seemed like a nice enough guy- just didn’t know dating etiquette 😉
This sounds delicious! Looking forward to giving it a try.
Love the story! Although I’m not a tattoo person…for myself, don’t care if other people have them…it is a sweet and very personal way to remember your friend.
Even her mom went through with it…so I HAD to!
fun read, where’s the picture?
Coming! I can’t post any pictures of me until after Match Day- don’t want to jinx anything!
But, was he CUTE?
Ehhhhhhhhhh
There is a lesson for all guys here: if your chatter manages to put someone to sleep even though you are sticking needles into her, she’s probably not into you.
Gahhh, who does that?? Awkward. But that was really awesome that you got the tattoo in memory of your friend. I’ve always thought that the only way I’ll ever get a tattoo is if it’s in memory of someone important. Not because I don’t like tattoos, more because I don’t have a high pain tolerance and would have to really, really want it :).
Also, the pot pie looks delicious! I’ve seen fish pot pies, but never thought to put shrimp in.
Awkward!
(and so sorry to learn of your loss. A tattoo is a lovely tribute)
Another great post, you would dig what I wrote about Kitchen ink on my site. Congrats on your first Tattoo!!!!
Reblogged this on A FRESH START and commented:
DOMESTIC DIVA ROCKS!!!!
Thank you!!!
Pie looks lovely. I must try one day. 🙂
Hey! Thanks for following Zhartvystan, Doc! 😉 I like the tattoo story; glad it came out OK!
Oh gosh… that’s the worst. There should be an oath that tattoo artists or people who have such professions to take… like dentists… or plastic surgeons in an awake surgery… why would they do such a thing? Hahaha. On the flip side… that pot pie… Mmmm… looks yummy. Might need to make it the next recipe I try.
What a good story and the photo and recipe is like icing on the cake. I’ll have to try this recipe. My husband has been bugging me to make chicken pot pies. Maybe he would like shrimp instead! 🙂
Funny and OH SO YUMMY!
Hilarious. Thanks for following our blog! Can’t wait to read more.
love this. i once got asked out at a red light in my car. not sure how he knew i could be the one… please post pic of tat!!!
I can totally empathise with your predicament! How can you say No and expect the tattoo NOT to be wrecked! Good call and just get a new hairdresser!!
Once had a guy pour his heart out to me, while I was busy trying to find something to throw up into. As soon as he finished, I grabbed a towel lying nearby and went for it…..awkward!
My wife has four small tattoos and I love the idea of getting one, but it just isn’t in the cards for me. If I buy pork chops at the grocery store I’m already thinking I should have gotten lamb by the time I get to my car. Permanent would be a mistake. Cool pie, by the way.
Love the story, and would almost ask you out myself over this recipe! LOL (no awkward moment… I haven’t given up and switched teams YET!) I just so happen to have puff pastry and shrimp in my freezer… mmmmm Never thought to try a pot pie with shrimp, thank you!
I’ve been wanting to get a tattoo for YEARS! I hear how you’re supposed to think of one and if it’s the same the next year you’re ok. I always forget which one I wanted haha, so there goes that. is there really a dating etiquette though? aren’t we kinda trained to go for it because “you never know what might happen?” I give the guy kudos for trying, but um yea way uncomfortable!
pie looks scrumptious btw!
Great story….and I love that you got a tattoo in tribute to your friend. Your story reminded me of an awkward moment years ago when an employee’s brother offered me half a fish if I would go out with him. Not just any fish, mind you, but half a salmon. HALF.
This looks delicious and creamy. I love the story about the tattoo artist.
Ohh can’t wait to see the tattoo 🙂
Before I read the post, I thought you cooked this for your date. Lol. Anyway, I think the story’s cute and the recipe yummy. 🙂
Ha! That story made me laugh. Pie looks delicious too. Love using puff pastry on top of things. Also spreading any leftover pastry with chocolate spread (I guess you guys have Nutella?) and put it in the oven for dessert (maybe not for the same meal, you might be all pastried out!).
yum!
i am a new reader — but maybe ya should give him a call? what’s the worst thing that happens? ya make a new friend? (heh i am sucha instigator & always trying to match peeps up — don’t mind me!)
i think in a tattoo parlor proper etiquette is pretty loose… which could mean he asks ALL his clients out? lol!
pie looks delish!
Maybe when I’m finally back in town for a bit, I’ll give in.
Awkward!!! But I must say, you handled the situation with infinite grace. 🙂
Hi! Good story and definitely gonna try this recipe! Thanks for following my blog…
so funny! recipe looks really great too
This pie looks and sounds delicious! I love your tattoo story, too. My tattoo artist had the most amazing eyes, and when the pain got to be a little much, I’d just stare into them, and all was forgotten. Lucky for me my husband didn’t mind 😉 !
Thanks for following my blog.
Funny story!
I got red highlights in my brown hair two days ago and right now I’m planning my second tattoo… weird timing to read this blog. I’m not a typical tattoo girl either, but they are exciting.
I seriously love your stories that go with your recipes. I thought I had some awkward date stories, but things like this take the cake. Not awkward at all…
Another tattoo story: Two of my tattoos are fairly large and done by the same artist. I never asked for a break during the sessions, even when it was getting a bit hurt-y (I’d rather just get it done). She did. But to be fair, I’d rather have her take breaks to make sure it gets done right.
Awkward LOL
the pot pie looks delicious, i`ll have to make some!
As far as mr. smooth, Ive had a similar interaction, except it was during a doctors appointment…awkward. Needless to say, i never went back. Having been tattooed myself, I can only imagine the torment of having to wait out the remaining time of tattooing after being asked out….ugh.
i’m glad the tattoo worked out! As others have mentioned, you should post a picture of it!
I can post-match day (which is tomorrow!)
My God … I’ve eaten pot pies my entire life, and I’ve never even heard of a shrimp pot pie! YOU’RE AMAZING!!!