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Holy crap, there’s a hole in my head.

Just last night, I sat in a chair and paid someone money to punch a hole in my face.

Messed up, huh?

Getting my nose pierced is something that I’ve wanted to do for a while, now.  Part of it is the desire for change.  It’s something I experience every time we make a major move to a new city.  About 3-4 months after we’ve moved somewhere new, I suddenly feel the need to make a quasi-dramatic alteration to my appearance.  It Atlanta, I chopped my long hair off to just below my jaw; here, I got my nose pierced.  It’s almost like subconsciously, I take the first few months to see how I fit into my new place in the community, and thus edit myself to better fit.

Which is the second reason that I’m chosen to stud my face.  As y’all have heard, I work as a theatrical electrician for various theatres.  What y’all may not have heard, is that the industry in which I work is what one might call “male dominant.”  Especially at my current space, where we get primarily rock tours coming through, the hard-crusted, chain-smoking, tattooed old road tech is king.  And then you’ve got me, a young, (strike one,) inexperienced, (strike two,) woman (strike three!) in a crew head position.  Needless to say, it’s hard for some of the road guys to take me very seriously.  Add to it the fact that I have a young face, (I still get carded,) I don’t smoke, (a prerequisite for being on tour,) and I don’t drink coffee (the lifeblood of any road tech.)  I’m so plain-Jane, all soft curves, with absolutely nothing threatening about me.

My hope, by adding that glint to my nostril, was to add a little edge to my appearance.  Now, don’t get me wrong; in no way to I expect to earn more respect or be taken more seriously just because I got my nose pierced.  Nor do I think that getting my nose pierced makes me “hardcore.”  (It was the wound on my neck that made me hardcore, remember?)  But I’m hoping that maybe it’ll add just that edge that will make me not look as if I have to be in bed by 8:00.

And thusly, I elected to punch a hole in my face.  Despite my confidence, I couldn’t help but notice that my hand shook something bad as I signed a paper promising not to sue them if my nose fell off.  It was weird, but I had a sudden and strong wave of nerve that damn near knocked me on my ass.  As I sat in the chair and watched the guy unwrap the sterile needle, I struggled to get a hold of my cold hands, heavy sweating, and uncontrollable stuttering.  And then he asked me to tilt my head back.

Honest to god, it wasn’t too bad.  I was surprised by how much it hurt, but the pain was short-lived.  I managed to take it without a sound, letting loose only two tiny tears.  There was no bleeding, the soreness has been minimal, and  thus far there’s no major swelling or redness.  It’s slightly bizarre to have  an item up my nose, though; it feels as if there’s a very large, very stiff booger up my left nostril.

The effect, though, I believe was well worth it.

I’m a monster on the edge, bitches!

(Well, closer to the edge, anyway.)

PS-Happy 21st birthday to my little brother, Chris!  If you survive the hangover that you’re most likely experiencing right now, have a great birthday.

{ 10 comments… add one }
  • Charm City Kim January 5, 2010, 10:24 am

    I have always wanted to get my nose pierced too! I like the look on you though.

    My husband thinks I’m “too old” to get it (all the more reason to get one if you ask me).

    Too old? Aren’t you like, 14? 25? Whatever, the only thing you’re too old for is Lisa Frank.

  • Suzy Voices January 5, 2010, 11:13 am

    Way to go! I too have had inklings over the years of getting my nose pierced. But they don’t allow it at my work because we’re all corporate and stuff. GAG. It looks great on you! And now I’m jealous. Thanks a lot.

    A minor third reason was because I’m finally working in a place where they don’t care what kind of metal I have in my face. To be frankly honest, as long as I shower I’m already a step up on some of my co-workers!

  • gem January 5, 2010, 11:18 am

    Looks good! I like that you did it for a reason too, it amuses me. Most people secretly do it to look more bad ass, but won’t admit it you, while you did it to look bad and totally ‘fess up to it. I love that!

  • hillary January 5, 2010, 11:46 am

    looks good, lady!

  • adriana January 5, 2010, 1:14 pm

    Cute! I like little nose piercings like yours! My friend had one for years until her sinuses went out of control and she took it out because it was bothering her too much – but they’re super adorable.

  • Camels & Chocolate January 5, 2010, 5:00 pm

    I love it! I’ve always wanted one myself, but was always afraid to do so for professional purposes (these days it really doesn’t matter).

  • Larry January 5, 2010, 7:02 pm

    Oh not at all, Mr. Brady. It’s not Marcia’s nose I’m interested in.

  • Laurie January 6, 2010, 7:26 am

    I’m 48 and, suppose, am thusly a dork (not true in humble opinion) …….but it DOES give you an edge …..cool!

    I guess you get “used” to how it feels?? (mother/dork question…….)

  • Wendy January 6, 2010, 8:22 pm

    oh, OUWWIE!! i’m too much of a wimp to do that!! plus, i have too many boogers already, i think…

  • doahleigh January 8, 2010, 3:02 pm

    Very hardcore. Very awesome. I’m sure it comes with struggles, but I love that you’re making a good name for women in a male-dominated industry!

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