It’s done. I’ve been to the shop and my right nipple is now pierced with a barbell. Let me get the question many people ask taken care of first, and I’ll even be quite blunt about it: fuck yes, it hurt. I have a fairly decent toleration for pain, but this one was all but past my threshold. I’m okay with nipple play, and I’ve had more than one partner bite; this was a new experience. No, I didn’t scream, but I did grunt – loudly. Am I glad I did it? Yep. Will I go back? I’m not sure. While lying on the table I was sure that I no longer want a lorum, but now…. I’ll decide later. Let me say that I think women who have the little guy in the boat pierced are absolutely the bravest creatures on this earth.

The procedure took longer than I expected as everything was autoclaved – including cotton swabs and sets of rubber gloves – before he began. I had to sign a paper that went through the serialization process to prove it has been properly cleaned. The biohazzard area is well defined; I tried hanging my shirt there, but Neal, the piercer, pointed out it wasn’t a good idea at all. He wore a mask and explained the process step by step. He was clear about what to expect – even while marking the path of the barbell with genetin violet. He had me practice deep breathing, and at one point told me to relax and concentrate on my breathing – and slowing my heart rate down. I was a little nervous – okay more than. I knew it was coming, “not on this exhale but the next.” Still it was an experience I won’t soon forget.

Before Neal called me back, I had a wonderful conversation in the waiting room with a woman who was with a friend. Let me explain that Acme is in an old doctor’s office, so there’s a waiting room, and each artist has an exam room where he (or she) does the decoration of your choice. The friend was ahead of me getting a nose piercing. It was nice to have someone to chat with while waiting – especially since she didn’t have any judgement about the art. She has several tattoos herself, and just doesn’t like needles enough to get a piercing – other than her ears.

And I didn’t come gayly home and take to bed either. I went in the music store, bought socks at the running store, went for an ice coffee – very nice on this global warming day. I feasted on authentic enchiladas verdes, tres leche cake, and Jack’s Pumpkin Ale while watching an episode of Lair. It’s been a pretty decent day.