Just a regular Saturday night I guess. My boyfriend got his tax money and really wanted to get a tattoo on his forearm (to match his other forearm) so we made plans to head over to Broad Street in the next town over. Oddly enough I decided to get my nose pierced because of a cartoon I saw, don't get me wrong body piercing is not to be taken lightly but I had always thought visible facial piercing wasn't for me. I just felt my nose deserved some jewelry one day while watching a cartoon character with a nose piercing. I have an industrial in my left ear (May '02) and my tongue has been pierced since Oct. '02 so I had a good idea of what I was in for when I made up my mind that I wanted to get my nose done.
At A Glance Author Kendra Contact KPBelle@msn.com When A week ago Artist Shelby Studio 16 Broad St Tattoo Location Bridgewater Ma I had talked to one of my good girl friends and she was also in the mood for a new piercing but was too sure if the nose was for her. We met up at the shop, Her, my Boyfriend, and Me, all nervous and excited. The first turn of events was that our timing was all wrong! Shortly before we entered another guy had just got all set up to have a pretty elaborate tattoo done by the artist who tattoos my Boyfriend. So instead he made arrangements to come in the next day and just hung out with all of the cool and fun people you are sure to find at Broad St. That is one of the most appealing aspects of Broad St. the fun and relaxed atmosphere (that could never overshadow the reassuring knowledge and support of the people who work there). Next, my friend had to commit to a location and after consulting everyone in the shop, making some phone calls, and a serious talk with Shelby (about healing, what to expect, and future concerns) FINALLY decided to get her nipple pierced. So all this time I've been talking and helping her and not even really thinking about the fact I was there to be pierced. I think that was good and bad, good because I couldn't panic and bad because half the fun of being pierced is the nervous excitement.
So now came paperwork, pretty standard stuff with the license photocopying and getting all possible questions answered. This refueled my enthusiasm and anticipation of what I was there to do. I took the chair first, surrounded by a lot of intriguing pictures and whatnot (which I found calming because it takes away the scary dentist/doctor feeling). Shelby showed me the jewelry and explained that I would need to start with the little metal ball because anything smaller runs the risk of being pulled through on accident. Understanding that jewelry that allows the piercing to heal is important and not always what you want aesthetically is part of deciding to get a piercing. The standard cleaning of everything and my nose took place, and I was only caught off guard when a q-tip was swabbed around the interior of my nose.
This is when I start doing my breathing. I am a huge advocate of practicing yoga style breathing if you ever plan on getting tattooed or pierced. Not only does it keep you calm it really does help with the pain. When I got my tattoo I basically meditated during the whole thing and never felt more than a slight burning/itchy feeling occasionally.
Shelby made a little dot where she intended to slide the needle through the cartilage of my nostril and I approved after checking in the mirror. She prepared the needle and jewelry and told my to close my eyes (which I gladly did). Deep Breath In, and Push It Out. I was pierced and very pleased. Aside from my eyes watering severely and the hot pinching feeling or a needle in my nose I was completely buzzed off the adrenaline. Shelby set up the jewelry and explained the care instructions once more. I got up from the chair and admired my new piercing in the mirror while my friend prepared for her piercing (at which point my Boyfriend left and closed the door to Shelby's room behind him).
That was Saturday and this is Monday. The biggest problem I've had is forgetting I got my nose pierced and thinking I have a booger! Of course I realize quickly and have to remind myself constantly not to touch it. I also have to remind my self that over-cleaning is very bad but who can blame me for wanting to give my newest piercing a lot of attention? I can't wait (but obviously have to) until I can buy a petit little red gemstone to match all of my other jewelry. Next hurdle, what am I going to tell work?