Mucha Mermaid.

On Saturday, I finally found enough of my proverbial testicals to go under the buzzing needle to get my tattoo.

I will attempt to cover the majority of the generic questions, to soothe the interests of my public.

1. Did it hurt?
Of course it hurt. Generally, whenever someone stabs your skin in a repetitive motion with any sort of sharp instrument, it hurts. Was it an unberable pain that made birthing a child seem like rainbows and sunshine? No. There were bits that made me grasp the "Bite and Scream Pillow" a little harder but, nothing that made me want to do something silly like... pass out.*

2. What is it?
It's a mermaid you fool.

2.5. Why the fuck would you get a mermaid?
I like mermaids. I've wanted to be one since I was a little girl and I may secretly believe that I am one (even at the ripe age of twenty-three), but I'll never admit to that completely and honestly.

3. Where is it and what does it look like?
On my back, the right shoulder blade to be exact. It's aproximately six or seven inchs long. Her tail is green, she has brown hair and she's holding a purple cloth. It is rendered in the style of my most favourite Art Nouveau Illustrator/Graphic Designer, Alphonse Mucha.
The colour pallet was chosen for two main reasons a) My love affair with the Little Mermaid and b) Andrew's favourite colour is purple - no, he is not gay. She has brown hair 'cause I'm trying to keep my roots alive.

4. Do you like it?
Yes, I like it very much. Side Show Tim did a sick job of rendering her face. I'm a little worried about the blotchiness of her tail, but I'm assuming that can be fixed if necessary. There is a little outline work that needs to be improved, but that will all come in time.

5. Will you get another?
More than likely not. I can't think of another thing I'd like to put on my body and if I do, I doubt I'll find it that much of a priority to make the time and find the money to persue such an elaborate Saturday afternoon again.

6. Any Advice?
Don't get a tattoo in the winter. Well, get a tattoo in the winter if you live with people who appreciate heat. Attempting to keep it properly hydrated in a freezing house is difficult, only because I have to be half naked to do so.
Also, if you're a woman and you plan on bringing your boyfriend, DO NOT allow him to sit in front of you. When he begins to coo sympathetic commentary, you will have a very strong desire to kick him in the nuts.

Summary:
It's frustrating showing it to people. I do, very much want to show it off, and play-up my non-existent tough nature, but at the same time, I feel very naked in the process. Allowing people to scrutinize your body in a close proximity is difficult. So is being on the receiving ends of comments like, "You should do this to it" or a very unenthusiastic, "Yeah that's cool."
I can see how a tattoo could be something that someone could very easily regret. I can perhaps see how easy it will be for me to regret it in a couple years, but hope I won't for the sake of my insecurities already.
Right now I'm very happy that I got this tattoo. It is very classy, to put it simply and I can't imagine ever being ashamed or embarrased by it. It was an experience that is hardly forgetable, and as Mike puts it, "Having a tattoo should never be something that you regret. Just think of it as something that was a good idea during that certain part of your life."

* I passed out after getting my nose pierced when I was seventeen.