My First Tattoo

I had decided that I wanted a tattoo, over two years ago. However, making the decision about what to put on my body for the rest of my life was daunting. I wanted something that was relevant to me, that was cute and that I wouldn't regret putting on my body 10 years from now. I searched websites, I asked friends opinions, I talked to people with unique and interesting tattoos. I finally decided on my design after a life changing experience.

I had underwent a bilateral mastectomy with breast reconstruction. The recovery was long and hard, but I did recover and went on to run a 5K race in support of breast cancer awareness. I had never ran a race before in my life and the sense of accomplishment and community that I felt made my tattoo decision for me. I decided to get a stick figure running girl. Simple in design and it is a constant reminder that I can do anything I set my mind too.

I went in to the local tattoo parlor and asked if they could design a stick figure running girl for me. Within about 10 minutes they had a design I loved. It cost me $25, and I felt that was perfectly reasonable. They then set up their equipment and took me back to a table, I sat on it, with my ankle exposed. My leg was cleaned and they opened sterile needles and poured ink into individual plastic pots to be used for my tattoo only. The area was clean, and well lit. The buzz of the tattooing machine was louder than I expected, and actually made me rethink my decision. But, before I could back out, he started.

Honestly, I was expecting a poking sensation. However, what I got was more of a dragging sensation that burned quite a bit. It was uncomfortable, bordering on painful. My tattoo artist was chatty and took my mind off most of the pain. My tattoo was uncomplicated and completed relatively fast, but not a moment too soon for me. I could see a more intricate design being much more painful. I think there is also additional pain depending on the area being tattooed.

I was advised to keep my tattoo moist with an antibiotic cream, keep it out of the sun and pool, until it was fully healed. My ankle was sore for about a day. There was a slight itching sensation after about a week as it healed. I am very pleased with the result. The lines are crisp and I love my new tattoo. Within five minutes, I joined the rank of a group of people that use their skin as a canvas to express themselves, and I am proud of it!

Now that I have survived my experience, I am searching for my next tattoo. Apparently it is true, you can't stop at just one!