Once again I am browsing through the pages of B.M.E. and feeling guilty for my lack of contribution. I'm snowed in, bleaching my hair, and don't really feel like cleaning my house...so here goes.
At A Glance Author MizKittee Contact MizKittee@bme.anon When A year ago Artist Ray Studio American Graffiti Location Brighton, Michigan My interest in body modification started when I was about 17 with a horribly done navel piercing done in someone's kitchen, however that it a story for another day. All in all I have had seven nonstandard piercings, some of which have been stretched a few times, and three tattoos. Lucky for me the body mod thing is somewhat of a family affair, at least on my mothers side of the family. She has always been supportive of my brother and sister's means of self expression, and many times provided the funds to facilitate it. Thus, leading into my story of a little sisterly bonding.
I had always wanted my nostril pierced but never got around to getting it done on account of the fact that I have always worked in places where it wasn't approved of. I had pretty much forgotten about it until my little sister went off and got hers pierced. I was jealous, of course, and just kept picturing the little silver ball nestled perfectly in the little indent in my nose.
Well, my sister had managed to yank hers out at work one day (she makes pizza), and it hurt so badly she let it heal over. It didn't take long for her to start talking about putting it back in. Meanwhile I had left my job and was free to pierce what I pleased. I was going home to Michigan, I live in NYC, so I thought "wouldn't be grand to go get pierced with my sis." She had sat with me during a tattoo but hadn't had anything done. I figured if we both got something done it would be a little more personal.
So off we went. We decided on American Graffiti because it was familiar. I had my first tattoo done there, as well herself, my mother, brother, and step father. It was also where my sister had her nostril pierced the first time. The woman who had pierced my sister would be there, but apparently it was her day off. We decided to have Ray do the piercing instead. He had done tattoos for both my brother and a close family friend so we figured he would be a competent piercer as well. The shop has and excellent reputation anyway so I'd pretty much trust anyone there.
She decided to go first because she was afraid she would chicken out if she had to watch me. After some deliberation, she decided to get it done exactly where her last one was, although I'm still not so sure that was a good idea. The area was cleaned and marked, an piece of cork inserted into her nose, then the needle was pushed through. Now she used to get me into a lot of trouble when we were kids so I do have to admit there was a great deal of satisfaction in watching her get stabbed in the nose with a needle. However when the blood stared pouring out of her nose all of my protective older sister instincts kicked in. The scar tissue form the last piercing caused her to bleed pretty badly, and putting the ring in seemed to take an exceptionally long time, but when all was said and done I was impressed she got through it.
Next was my turn, and compared to what I just saw it went pretty smoothly. The needle didn't hurt so much, but putting the jewelry seemed to take sooooo long. I had decided on a stud and the screw just took for f***ing ever to get in. Meanwhile my sister is laughing at me because I was doing deep yoga type breathing to help me through it, and I guess I sounded quite funny.
Ray then gave us our instructions on after care. They were pretty simple, just clean the area with a cotton swab soaked with bactine. Now I know that this is not the preferred cleaning method by most professionals, but in my own personal experience, bactine works the best for me. My best piece of advice for after care is to listen to your body, and go with what IT says is best. As for pain afterward, it was on sore when I accidently bumped it, otherwise I had no complaints.All in all it was a good experience. I would recommend American Graffiti to anyone. I have had many experiences there and I have no complaints. The staff there is experienced, helpful, and professional.
So we paid for our services, smoked a cigarette, and went home to show mom. She liked it almost as much as we did.
My story, however, has a sad ending. My sister yanked hers out again, and mine had to come out because of another job. The experience was still well worth it...even if all I have to show for it are the memories.