I was always the straight-edge conservative type in high school. Growing up, I never would have thought I would be the type of person who would get a tattoo. And the thought of any piercings other than standard ear piercings made my stomach turn. All my friends who turned 18 way before I did were getting things done, and I still couldn't see myself getting anything.
At A Glance Author Bex When Three months ago Studio Checkered Past Location Pennsylvania
However, as my 18th birthday drew near, as well as my best friend's, I began to reconsider. Turning 18 was a big deal for me for a lot of different reasons, and I really wanted to do something to remember it by. My best friend, Kristy, had her birthday 6 days before mine. She knew exactly what she wanted: a belly button piercing, and a lower back tattoo. She had the piece already picked out. It was beautiful, and I was so jealous.
I started doing some research online, and my views began to change. Slowly, I realized how beautiful the art of body modification is, if it's done right. What I really wanted was a lip ring. I bought fake little clip ons all the time just to get a preview of how it would look. I did the same thing with nose studs. However, my boyfriend, and, more importantly, my job, could not let me. An eyebrow ring also was really appealing, but, yet again, it was not compatible with my job. And, I didn't want a tattoo yet. I had no idea where to put it, or more importantly what I wanted one for. I think they're beautiful, and I can't wait until I get my first one, but they will be there for the rest of my life, and I really want to spend a lot of time thinking about it before I get my first tattoo. I want my first tattoo to really mean something to me. Piercings are a little more temporary than tattoos, even though they can be as long term as I want them to. So, I figured, some sort of piercing was my best bet.
It was a tough decision for me to find the perfect piercing for me. I already had 4 holes in each ear. I wanted to get something new somewhere else. But, any visible/facial piercings were automatically out of the question. Finally, I decided to get a belly button ring, just the same as Kristy.
Finding a shop and piercer was easy. There is only one place everyone goes to around here that I hear of: Checkered Past. Plus, I got a 50% discount because I got it done on my birthday. ^.^ Wooho!
Before I even stepped into the shop on my birthday, I already knew what was going to happen. I got to see Kristy go through it first, which helped.
First thing I got to do was pick out the ring I wanted. I picked out the one I wanted when I was there with Kristy 6 days before. It was a cute blue/purple/yellow ring. Just looking at it excited me!
I was still really nervous. This was the first piercing and real step towards body modification I was getting all on my own. Of course, with the support of Kristy.
My piercer was great. He was very nice, answered any questions I had, went over all the cleaning and healing steps face to face, even though he was giving me a pamphlet full of information, and helped me through the actual process since I'm not such a big fan of needles.
The needle was huge. He had my lie down, and breath in and out a few times to relax. Before I knew it, it was in. It was just a pinch. I barely felt it! He put the ring in, and I couldn't stop looking at it! It was so pretty. I wanted to play with it, but I know that's not so good for the healing.
It really took some getting used to at first. I felt like I couldn't breath because I thought it would stretch the newly pierced skin and make it hurt. After a while, I couldn't even tell it was there.
I'm really glad I went with the belly ring for my first piercing. It's not too out in the open, but not to hard to "show off." And, it was really fun to freak my mom out with. ^.^
Now, I have a few more piercings, and can't wait to be able to change my belly ring. I also decided on getting two more belly rings so there's a triad. I'm really happy with it. It hasn't given me much trouble. Cleaning is simple. My piercer still is extremely helpful with any questions or problems that may arise.
To any who are considering a belly ring for their first piercing, I recommend it 100%.