Alright, I tried this once, and it's not long enough. So, here I go. Let's make this a little more interesting ;).
At A Glance Author Angeliqua Contact Angeliqua@bme.anon Artist Ben Studio Blue Dragon Tattoo Location London, Ontario, Canada Ok, a navel may not seem like a big deal to many of you, but it's my first...(and DEFINATELY NOT LAST) piercing other than my earlobes. I've always wanted to do my navel, I was just too shy to go into the tattoo/piercing studio that I liked. I don't know, I guess I was intimidated. I've always really enjoyed other people's piercings and tattoos, but I always figured I wasn't "punk" or "goth" enough to really do anything. I figured people thought I would be trying too hard to be different I suppose. Finally, I said fuck everyone, this is all about me.
On November 18, 2000, I finally convinced myself this was the day. I went to Blue Dragon Tattoo in London, Ontario, Canada and was pierced by Ben. He was totally cool. I had gone to the studio a week previous with my friend while she got her navel done, so this was a good opportunity I figured to check the place out. I was soooo incredibly nervous on my way in, I was driving, sitting at the red light at the block of the studio, my stomach churning. So, I go into the studio, pay my money ($55 Canadian) and sign my life away on the waiver. I am sitting in the chair, checking out all the flash on the wall (I'm in the designing stages of my first tattoo also...) just waiting for my turn. Anyway, after what seemed like an eternity passed (in reality only 2 minutes), they come and get me.
There was someone else in line in front of me, but I think they were trying to talk him out of getting a particular piercing, I'm not exactly sure....I was too busy freaking out in my own chair. I'm really a big baby. Heheh.
Anyway, I go into the room with my friend who I brought for moral (the same friend who had the navel done the previous week)and sit down on the big bed thing. I stand up and he does the whole examining thing, the cleaning and then marks the dot with his pen. I checked it out in the mirror and it looked great to me, so it was then time to lie down. Now lying on a bed with your pants undone and shirt halfway pulled up, while some stranger is leaning over doing things to your stomach is definitely an interesting position to be in. Anyway, next he puts on the clamp, forceps, whatever they are called, and says, okay, that's as much as it's going to hurt. Which it didn't it just pinched a little.
The next thing you know he's put the needle through, and he's getting the curved barbell to go through. Well, it slid right through, and it's all done. I couldn't believe it was all over. I asked if that was it. "That's it, he said, all done." He gave me a sheet and went through it with me, explaining all the appropriate aftercare and answered all my questions, like, why can't I use peroxide, why does it take so long to heal, blah blah blah. After I got off on a tangent, I started questioning him about his tattoo, (he's got a really cool forearm tat, I'm VERY PICKY when it comes to forearm tattoos, I don't like many, but I really liked this one, it suited his arm really well)But anyway, the whole piercing experience was totally amazing, I love it! I would definitely do it all over again. It was such an awesome experience.
For aftercare I bathe twice a week in Epsom salts, clean 2x a day with Dial Anti-bacterial soap, and apply Mecca Antiseptic Ointment 3-4x. daily.
I am planning on having my tongue done next. This is the piercing I've REALLY wanted for a long time, but was too afraid to get it done (enamel chipping horror stories, etc.) but I've done lots a research and I really think I'm ready for it now. The labret is gonna have to be put on hold, as where I work is NOT going to be cool with that. In fact, I'm gonna have to get a no-see-um for the tongue. : ( boo hoo. Anyway, If this navel heals up ok, which it seems to be doing alright, a little sore today, my pants were rubbing on it all day, i might get the remaining three sides done -- but all at once ---this bathing without perfumy bubble bath is killing me. Heh. I'm such a girl.
I think the major drawback to the navel piercing is the extended healing period. I've started working out and I really enjoy a good swim after the workout, but alas, no swimming until it's healed. Boo hoo. And no more patchouli/sandalwood bath bombs either. Oh well. I suppose I'll live. I'll let you know when I get my tongue done.
Ciao.