I woke up yesterday to find out it was St. George’s Day and decided that I wanted an England flag tattooed onto my arm.
A quick chat with the wife – “I want a tattoo” “OK I will pay for it” – and I was printing out my Regimental badge to have it done.
I have long wanted this as a tattoo and have always decided against it due to the pain it would cause me.
I bit the bullet and went into the tattoo parlour – tam’s tattoos and tried not to think about what was about to happen.
I had a short wait and it was my turn to go under the needle.
I was tattooed by Steph, a lovely girl that put me at ease in no time at all. That went out of the window when I saw the size of the needles she was going to use.. they were massive.
I told her to carry on even if I cried like a girl and she laughed.
After a moment of adjusting – “Relax your arm” “yeah right you’re about to stab me, just be glad the arm is in the same room as you” – I settled down and she began.
After a few seconds I realised that it was not hurting at all – it just felt like someone was spraying water at me.
45 minutes passed and the lines were done so Steph took a break and we had a drink.
Shortly after we went back and she began the filling in part. I am glad she had a steady hand as colouring in was never my strongpoint – I always went over the lines when I tried with crayons, felts, whatever.
Another 45 minutes passed and we were done.
I took a look and loved the work – it was exactly what I had given her down to the smallest detail and couldn’t wait to show it off.
For all you out there scared like I was I just say “go for it”. I have one now and am already talking about getting a full sleeve done and actually looking forward to it.
