When I was a freshman in college, I got my first tattoo….it hurt.
A couple months later, I pierced my upper right ear lobe….it hurt.
About a year after that, I pierced my navel….it hurt.
Notice a pattern?
Finally, I discovered the joys of shopping and my rebellious stage ended.
Speaking of shopping, the other day I decided I deserved a new necklace and ventured to a local jewelry store. As I admire the baubles and trinkets in the window, I am subliminally beckoned towards a colorful yet classy storefront….hmm, a tattoo place.
It caught my eye because my neighborhood is pretty cookie cutter, entertainment industry professionals or white pickett fence families. I’m basically the riff-raff of my hood.
I wander in and meet Howard Teman. I have no idea I’m talking to a guy that has tatted numerous rockers and celebs. He graciously answers all my questions and even tries to entertain Bronson with the tattoo needles. Just kidding….about the needles.
I had been wanting to get a tattoo for a while and after chatting with Howard, he made me feel really comfortable and patiently helped create just what I wanted. Besides, a tattoo was much cheaper than a diamond pendant.
So, here’s the deal. It had been about 12 years since I last got a tattoo. I figured in that time span, surely modern technology had revolutionized the tattoo industry and it was now a painfree procedure. I watched as a young female was relaxing while Howard finished up her 3 hour long tattoo that covered half her lower back. She didn’t have a complaint in the world. She happily invited me over to admire her new tat. It was cool.
My turn. So far the procedure was still the same.
-pick your design
-stencil it onto your body (sort of like those wash off tats kids get at birthday parties)
-fill it in with the permanent ink (and needle)
Easy enough. Howard showed me the new needle and sterile equipment. He throws some James Brown on (because I said I wanted to hear somthing funky, ok, I was thinking more along the lines of Snoop, but whatever). Then it happens….I realize modern technology has not changed a dayum thing with the pain of the needle. It probably doesn’t help that I chose the wrist, the body part loaded with sensitive nerves.
I instantly wonder how the previous customer sat through 3 hours of this…oh, I’m later informed she took 2 Vicodin prior….NICE. Where’s my painkillers?!!? Luckily I pop an Alleve that my sister had. More for peace of mind, because in that short time span, it really didn’t do jack. lol
Nonetheless, Howard is great assuring me that I’m doing well and earns extra points with me when he says “women definitely take the pain better than men….especially moms.” Oh yeah!!
Finally we’re done. Here’s the finished product:
I’m not in the Mob. It says “Mo” and “B”-the nicknames for my sons.
Howard is making sure my pimp smack reflex isn’t activated.
The artist at work.
OOOOOH….I told ya’ll it hurt. Some places more than others. Forgot about the ulna and radial nerves. 8 years in the medical profession for nothing!
If you’re in Cali, make sure you go see Howard. He’s funny, nice, has great prices, lets you pick your own music to relax to, doesn’t moan and grown if you change your tat design/font a zillion times….and didn’t call me a crybaby not once!
You ROCK. What are you getting next? You know they are addictive…
I could never do that. I hope you like it though. My son wants one and I refuse to let him!
When I left, I said I was done…..but it’s kind of like kids. You say you’re finished, but after a little time goes by, you start thinking, “well….maybe another wouldn’t be so bad”. TBC Lamom.
I know where you’re coming from. Beware though…his first week of college….
Your face is so funny in that one shot. Did it really hurt that bad? I’ve heard the wrist is really painful place. The wrist and ankle.
I wanna go see Howard. I went to 2 tattoo places because I really want to get a armband tattoo and both of the guys were really weird and the places were dirty. Howard sounds like my kind of guy.
Howard is awesome! You should definitely go see him!
Go! Go! Go! Howard is amazing and very patient and the place is clean, chic, and comfy. Come on…it’s me here. I wouldn’t go just anywhere!!!
Nora! Congratulations on the tattoo. I could have told you the wrist is one of the most painful places. Do it somewhere where you have a lot of fat or meat. In your case, probably your boob. lol.
“Yo Mo B man, drop that ish!” In my “motherly” Tupac voice. That’s a really nice tattoo! How many do you have now? I want another! You rock chica!!!!
LOL. Umm….I’m not putting a needle anywhere near these boobs. They cost too much to get punctured. lol
I have one on my wrist. I got it in college and still remember how bad it hurt. I was even drunk and it hurt like hell….the vicodin sounds like a good idea. I feel you pain. but it is totally worth it. yurs looks great and that looks like a nice place. go back and get another one
Ya’ll are really trying to get me on a tattoo craze, huh? I would definitely do a Tylenol or something 30 mins before if i got another one.
“Yo Mo B man, drop that ish!” In my “motherly” Tupac voice. That’s a really nice tattoo! How many do you have now? I want another! You rock chica!!!!
What’s up Nola Dime? Who Dat?! lol. I have 2. One on the ankle, and the one you saw on my wrist. I wanna change the ankle one bc it’s so lame (think dumb annoying Disneyland mouse….UGH). We’ll see.
lmao at your facial expression. it couldn’t have been that bad.
Your labor of love is touching. The word, “Mob” in Thai means to present or give. What a symbol of love to give the boys and another collection of tats for yourself. Thanks for sharing the tats history also.