Fieldtrip to the Tattoo Shop

Halfway through our charming Thanksgiving week lesson plan (Bistro Tip: I'm in love with the book Thank You, Sarah for this topic, btw), Mama got a little idea in her head: "I think I want to get my nose pierced".

It's a logical leap to make, yes? Pilgrims, pumpkin pie...self-inflicted facial punctures... Well, I guess the idea wasn't exactly Thanksgiving inspired; I've been toying with the idea for years, but for some reason, the Friday after Thanksgiving was the day when I just had to get it done.

So, like any modern mother of a very hip, almost-5-year-old, I headed off to the local tattoo shop with family in tow. My husband videotaped (while laughing at me). My 18-year-old GodSister gave veteran advice (she pierced her nose last year). And my enchanting daughter stood by my side patting my arm soothingly and saying "There, there Mama, you'll be just fine. Be a brave girl" like I was off to the pediatrician for my booster shots. She then watched every step of the process with rapt attention (and macabre fascination), firing off questions left and right...with one in particular asked repeatedly..."Does that hurt?", to which I replied in the affirmative (Because seriously, that shit HURRRRT!)

So, was I able to turn the experience into a "teachable moment"? Damn straight! In the 48 hours after the deed was done, we talked about whether or not a person changes on the inside just because they look different on the outside (the answer: no!). We talked about how/why to keep wounds clean. And, we discussed how metal conducts heat and cold (a conversation inspired by my bizarre ability to actually feel the metal in my nose "refrigerate" when the weather dropped to an unseasonable 44 degrees one night). We also explored photos and talked about how nose piercings are common and considered culturally beautiful in India.

Hmmm...let's see: lessons on inner-beauty, personal hygiene, metal as a temperature conductor, and world cultures...all from a visit to a tattoo parlor and having a pen-tip-sized stud pierced through my left nostril? Wow. Either I am the greatest bullshit artist of all time, or I'm really starting to get the hang of this homeschool thing.