So Good it Looked Like a Stick-On

I can't believe I finally did it! After months of agonizing over whether or not to take the plunge and get a tattoo, I decided to give it a try. The hardest part was deciding what to get and where to get it. I considered a variety of designs... everything from a seahorse, to a lizard, to a Power Puff Girl! I initially decided on a lizard, and even had a friend help me plan the design. It would be placed on my lower left back.

Then, as I was lying in bed the night before, anticipating this landmark event in my life, it came to me... LUCY! Lucy Van Pelt, from the Peanuts cartoon, had been an idol of mine since childhood. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it sooner! First thing the next morning, I jumped online to find a good picture to download and use as an example. I found the PERFECT pose for her... standing proudly, with her arms behind her back, flashing that broad "I am the Christmas Queen" grin. That's the one! But it would not do to have Lucy on my lower back... she deserved a more prominent position on my body. So, I decided she belonged on my shoulder.

That day, I had to work for several hours before I could "get my ink done." I called my friend Elissa, who had helped me with my original lizard design, to see what time would be good for her to meet me. After all, I couldn't take such a big step without strong, moral support. I made a 3:00 appointment, and she met me there promptly. There were two women already there, each getting their first tattoo. The artist was running a little late, which was okay with me. I hadn't eaten much that day (I was afraid I'd throw up on the poor guy), and the manager at the shop suggested I get a little something to eat, so I wouldn't be so likely to pass out. My friend and I went to the coffee shop next door to grab a bagel -- a cinnamon swirl bagel, light on the cream cheese. I'm sure it was delicious, but to be honest I was so anxious about getting tattooed, I didn't taste a thing!

Finally, after about 40 minutes, it was my turn. Deep breath, I told myself, nothing to panic about. We made our way to the back. I started babbling nervously (god knows what all I said), but I do remember asking what is probably the most frequently asked, and dumbest, question -- how much does it hurt? The tattoo artist compared it to getting a series of fire ant bites (something that all of us in Florida are quite familiar with). Heck, I'd gotten a dozen or more bites at one time before, and it's not all THAT bad. I can deal with it. The artist made a tracing of my design, and prepped the pattern to put on my shoulder. I can't remember the last time my heart raced so fast! He had to do some more prep work, and take two phone calls, so I had a few minutes to relax.

I positioned myself, face down, on the couch. My friend and I were cracking jokes, trying to break the tension and get my nerves under control. I was fine until I heard the sharp rubber SNAP! as the artist put on his gloves. OH god, I thought, here we go. I reached over and grasped my friend's hand, promising to try not to break her knuckles! Then, out of the deafening silence... BZZZZZZZZZZZ! Now my heart was REALLY pounding. I closed my eyes, tightened my face, and prepared for excruciating, unprecedented pain. When the needle finally hit my skin, I was shocked -- and amazed -- at how *little* it really hurt. "Is that IT?" I asked. "Is that the worst it gets?"

Slowly, I could feel my grasp on my friend's hand loosening. Every once in a while, for just a second, I'd let out an "OUCH" and tighten my grip when the needle hit an especially sensitive area. But all in all, it was really not bad. After only 10 minutes or so, Lucy began to take shape. My friend stood up to check on the progress. The expression on her face put me at ease. "You're going to LOVE it," she said. And she was right. It only took about 20 minutes total, and when he was done, I had a rendition of Lucy so crisp and so accurate, I could have sworn it was one of those kid's temporary tattoos.

As I sit here typing, I still can't believe I actually went through with it. I am so glad I did. I now sport a powerful symbol of unending youth, of girl power, and of a fond adulthood memory. I am so pleased; I think I'd like to get another (and another). Maybe Peppermint Patty, and Marcy (and Snoopy... and Woodstock...)

-Ree

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