I got my first tattoo fourteen years ago and it no longer means anything to me. I at least chose something that, at the time, was meaningful and original, rather than just walking in, pointing at some flash and saying, ‘Gimme that dolphin!’

But I got it before I was a fully formed human being and it’s easy to cover up, so it’s getting covered this Thursday. I have all of my work done by Port City Tattoo in Wilmington, NC. Everyone who works there is incredibly nice and talented as hell. I’ve had work done by all three artists, Humphries, Justin, and Little Brian and have been thrilled by all of their work.

Little Brian did my husband’s tattoo of our dog:

Which is nothing if not incredible.

For my cover up, I took in reference pictures and told Humphries to have at it, as I know that whatever he does is going to be incredible. He said it could take up to six hours, which will make it the longest tattoo I’ve had yet. I know it’ll be two sittings, at least, because I think my limit is 2.5 hours. We’ll see, though. I’m going to take my Kindle, my DS and my iPod, which has a couple video games on to try to distract myself from the needle stabbing my delicate flesh. I’m also going to try to psyche myself up all week.

Wish me luck.