by Jennifer Smith

Created on: March 04, 2009

TATOO CITY

"Your kidding!"

These were the words I said to my husband when he told me he was getting a tattoo. Mr. Conservative, all work, no play, gets on with business husband, getting a tattoo- no way! My mind was unable to wrap around such a ridiculous idea and instinctively I busted out laughing.

"No really."

His excitement was hidden behind the striped red shirt and grey business pants that characterized his being. I eyed him curiously and secretly wondered what his purpose in this unforeseen adventure might be. Then I waited, and sure enough, there it came- the catch!

"Will you get one if I get one?" He asked me this with that look in his eyes. That look that said, you know you can't say no! I was speechless. Then, it all clicked into place, and I hugged him as tightly as I could. "You should have asked sooner." I said this with a conniving grin that made him smile.

The two of us couldn't have been more opposite in personality. My carefree, whatever, attitude, when paired with his up-tight, over the hill, attitude was just enough to offset our opposites and bring us together. Perhaps this is what excited me most. He was stepping out of his shell and the surprise I got put a fresh new spin on our compatibility.

So, all was set. That night, he and I, one and the same, were going to make our way to Tattoo City and have our lives changed forever. I could hear his parents in my ear. One on each side, both shouting obscenities and telling me how I had corrupted their son and that they would never ever forgive me, and to that my response was, oh well. Sorry mom.

We pulled up to the door with sweaty hands and rapid heartbeats. Each of us, contemplating exactly what we had gotten ourselves into, yet determined not to be the one who backed out.

"You're first," I said as we exited the car.

"Come on Jen, you first." I could hear the quiver in his voice and it made me chuckle- to myself of course.

"Oh no, it was your idea, so put your daddy pants on and show me what kind of man you can be."

"Well then," he said, "since you put it that way!"

The rest, as they say, is history. He not only got a tattoo, and went first, but he picked the biggest tattoo in the shop. Ok, so I'm exaggerating a little. What can I say? I am proud of him. As for myself, well, I thought, being a lady and all, that a smaller tattoo would suit me just fine. (yes, I was afraid of the pain)

In the end, what a memorable experience this turned out to be.

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