I did it! Can you believe I didn’t chicken out? I’m so afraid of needles and I have no pain tolerance whatsoever, but I wanted this so bad. Plus, hubby said he wasn’t letting me back in the car unless I had a nose ring. I picked a—surprise!—purple gemstone surrounded in white gold. I was afraid it was too big, but as hubby pointed out it’s still seriously tiny.

I also did these:

Happy birthday to me! I love it so much, I just can’t stop looking in the mirror. Spencer barely seems to notice. Stacia says I don’t look like me, but I think she’ll come around. Brenia thinks it’s pretty and wants one for herself. My parents? Pissed, pissed, pissed. Never mind that I’m 28 years old—which was pretty much the point.

Last week when I announced CBS plans to interview me, I actually made my dad proud for the first time since the time in high school when I brought home straight As just because he said I couldn’t. I’m back to being a disappointment again. All is right with the world once more.