26 November 2011

I emptied every bottle when I poured I never missed, Had bloodshot eyes at twenty five, or was it twenty six.

Today was great fun.

Sally and her sister dropped off the kids, gave us quick lessons in bottles, nappies, how long naps were for/what times, essential teddy bears, that sort of thing. There were a few tears when they left - as we'd been warned there would be, but some swift distractions and we were all good again.

Sherlock looked slightly horrified.

But we had a great day - some of which is catalogued on Danger's Post. And it was sort of hard to let them go - although Sherlock didn't think so.

So, as a result of me commenting that the baby had taken a liking to my ear, and that I was glad I didn't still wear earrings, Nameless asked:

would you ever get your ears pierced again? Do you have any other piercings? Ever been tempted/likely to get anything pierced?

And as no one has chosen to ask further questions on Lestallion's Love-In (Which seems to be taking on more titles as the day goes on), I shall answer that.



I...don't think so. I mean, I'm in no way against it, but I think people would think I was havng some sort of crisis if I started wearing earrings again. I don't know. Perhaps I shouldn't care. You can still see the holes, just about, but I imagine they've pretty much closed completely now.

I don't have any other piercings either. Entirely free of all adornment, these days. Which is a bit odd, actually. I've pretty much always worn jewellery. I suppose I've just got out of the habit.

When I was younger I really wanted my nipples pierced. I have no idea why! But I was terrified someone would find out - lots of changing at work, plenty of opportunity for someone to see and jump to all the...right...conclusions. I mean, I know now it's very common, but back then it really wasn't. Especially after '87, and Op Spanner - I'm afraid coppers aren't exactly known for their tolerance of counterculture expressionism. So I never did get it done.

There you go.

60 comments:

John H. D. Watson said...

Only when you were younger? No lingering longings?

Greg Lestrade said...

Don't you think I'd be living up to your description of me as 'ridiculous'?

John H. D. Watson said...

Not especially. As you said, it's fairly common now.

Greg Lestrade said...

There's lingering....curiosity, then.

John H. D. Watson said...

I'm sure your devoted readers would want photos.

And you know I mean ridiculous only in the best possible way, yes?

Greg Lestrade said...

this lot have a lot more than lingering curiosity. So...you wouldn't mind? I mean, some people think it's mutilation, or pointless or...

And...sometimes.

John H. D. Watson said...

I wouldn't mind at all.

Sorry. I only mean... you have this fantastic sense of fun and playfulness and you come up with things I'd never think of in a million years and it's wonderful. That's what I'm thinking really when I say you're ridiculous. Not ever anything bad. I can find another word.

Greg Lestrade said...

Right. So..do you have any such desires?

And I know, really. I do. Just...I don't know how to say it. You know when sometimes you do know, but you can't help feeling something else? And then you feel like an idiot, because you know you're doing it wrong?...and...you don't have to find another word. It's fine.

Anon Without A Name said...

Thank you :-)

I went with a mate to get one of his nipples pierced a few years ago (he wanted some moral support); it looked a bit painful, but really no more so than getting your ears pierced. Amusing, though, if you're not the one getting it done.

If you had your ear lobes pierced, then if you've had the earrings out for a fair while, then yeah, they'll have closed up and you'd need to get them re-pierced. It was in the cartilage, then they can stay open for years (I had a cartilage pierce, had it removed after about a month, and years later, it's still just about open - enough that I could force an earring through if I wanted to).

Op Spanner - I had to go remind myself that it was the one I thought of. And got angry all over again :-/

John H. D. Watson said...

Not as such. I never really wore jewellery except the Army-issued variety. I'd go with you though if you wanted me to.

Yeah. I do know exactly what you mean. I'll find a better word. Or just say I love you, since that's what I usually mean anyway.

REReader said...

I have pierced ears but it didn't go all that well--and the two attempts it took to get them even (the first try gave me very uneven holes, the second only a little uneven but three was more than I was willing to do) means I can only wear earrings with very thin posts. I often don't bother any more, now that I work at home. And it made me forever a bit nervous about piercings, but that's my problem.

I'm glad the babysitting went so well--babies are fun to play with!

Greg Lestrade said...

Nameless - do I want to know why it's amusing??

Danger - right. Probably depends on the answer to my above question to Nameless.

You don't need to find another word. I know I am ridiculous, often.

Anon Without A Name said...

Only because I'm evil, and he flinched a lot. Not particularly stoic, my mate. :-p

But John's a significantly nicer person than I am, so I'm sure he'll be exactly the right kind of moral support you'd want, if you decide to get it done. Plus he'll make sure you go somewhere with appropriate hygiene and safety standards, and be the ideal person for ensuring proper aftercare :-)

(Your captcha says "woond". Heh.)

Greg Lestrade said...

RR - didn't have to worry about getting them even. Had both of them done with a needle and an ice cube, by a mate. But both on the same side. I rarely wore two rings though - usually just one.

Nony Mouse x said...

I'm glad you had a good time babysitting, I think I'd probably freak out if I had to look after kids that young :S not done that in a very long while!! As for piercings, I have a fair few: ears, nostril and through my septum ;D just the thought of having a kid hanging off it though kinda gives me the chills, lol!!! x

REReader said...

If I had had my ears pierced at a jewelers as all my friends did, I bet all would have been fine. But that made my mother nervous, so she had my pediatrician do it, and he had no clue.

I probably would have been better off with a friend and a needle, even. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

Nameless - I don't know if I'll get it done yet. I feel slightly...well, ridiculous, that after years of occasionally thinking about it, one evening with you lot commenting suddenly makes me feel like it's the best idea ever!

Going to sleep on it. And think about it. But you're right - aftercare from Danger is almost a good enough reason to get it done right now!

REReader said...

Well, thank heavens it IS night, then--this is the sort of thing you don't want to decide without sleeping on it.

(Although a piercing is not as permanent as a tattoo, and therefore doesn't quite require the same amount of reflection.)

You do realize that Sherlock is going to want to do the piercing, don't you? *evil grin*

Anon Without A Name said...

Lestrade - I think it's something that, if you are thinking about doing, certainly merits serious consideration. Whilst not as permanent as a tattoo, I don't think any body modification, even a very simple or straightforward piercing, should be done without giving it proper thought. Not something to be rushed into, at any rate. And don't go implying I said anything different!

And you are not ridiculous (except in the rather lovely and wonderful way that John described, which, as he clarified, is not really ridiculous at all).

Ro said...

If you tried to stick some earrings in after a shower (when your skin is softer) you might well find only the surface skin has healed over, and the channel through your ear is still open. That's what I found one day when I put my earring in without looking - inadvertently reopened an old piercing I'd thought was closed.

The idea of getting my nipples pierced always makes me squirm. Nipples are a lot more sensitive than ears! Also, my history of infected piercings puts me off. (Although I know now that it was a nickel allergy, and just wear titanium earrings to avoid the unpleasantness.)

Greg Lestrade said...

Don't worry - I won't be rushing in to anything.

And if I get it done, Sherlock will not be the one doing it!

REReader said...

And if I get it done, Sherlock will not be the one doing it!

Well, you did say you'd let him put stitches in you...

(No, no, he's PRACTIICED that, it's entirely different! Sherlock, it's entirely different. Entirely.)

*giggle*

John H. D. Watson said...

Yeah, definitely not a job for Sherlock. Possibly not even for him to watch.

Greg Lestrade said...

He has put stitches in me. He will not be getting near anyone with piercing gear. I agree with John that he shouldn't even watch. I do not want him getting ideas!

I might not even get it done. Although I have just spent more time looking at my chest in the mirror than I have since I was about 14 and desperate to grow chest hair...

REReader said...

Possibly not even for him to watch.

It would definitely not be something for me to watch, I can tell you that. *winces*

OTOH--it would likely save you the job of explaining why it's something he'd have to wait until adulthood to have done himself!

John H. D. Watson said...

L - you can field all body piercing questions he might have.

REReader said...

He has put stitches in me.

*makes note to go back and really read all the blogs I just skimmed through trying to catch up*

L - you can field all body piercing questions he might have.

That seems eminently fair. Especially if you're having to pick up the ones on L's last post...

Greg Lestrade said...

How come I get all the questions?

Anyway....I've just realised I'm at work tomorrow. So need to get up in about...3.5 hours.

Who thought it would be a good idea to work Sunday?

It does, sadly, mean I wing be here to answer Sherlock's questions though.

John H. D. Watson said...

I'm sure he can save them till you get home.

Greg Lestrade said...

He can ask all our lovely readers. And you.

Won't, not wing, obviously.

And now, sleep.

REReader said...

Being that you're handing the idea around like a hot potato, he probably won't have any questions about body piercing at all.

Unless he wants to know why he should have any questions at all. :)

REReader said...

Good morning, Lestrade--I hope you managed some sleep, anyway...

Did Sherlock have interesting breakfast questions for you? :)

Greg Lestrade said...

A bit, RR, thanks.

And no, I got up late and had to run. Been running ever since.

Small Hobbit said...

As I'm sure John would tell you, don't forget to have something to eat!

Sherlock said...

Can we come see you and have chips and cake?

Greg Lestrade said...

chips and cake? I'm fairly sure that's not a balanced diet.

When do you want to come down? I'm a bit busy.

Sherlock said...

Now! Or later. Sandwiches are okay too.

Greg Lestrade said...

Right...can I get back to you when I'm free? Sorry.

Wat are you and John doing today?

Sherlock said...

I walked Snoopy and then John made me clean my room and help change the sheets and said I had to get rid of the bug I took home from the park and it wasn't even the one you said I couldn't bring, it was a different one! And people who collect butterflies don't have to wait till they're dead to bring them home. But I didn't want to kill it either. So we took it back to the park and swung on the swings and then I made up a crime scene for him to solve but he wasn't very good at it. Are you solving a real one?

Anonymous said...

Sherlock, maybe John just needs practice at solving crimes to become good at it. Maybe you could make some more for him. As long as they're not real ones.

REReader said...

Goodness, Sherlock, you're having very busy day!

Do you know what kind of bug it was that you brought home and then back to the park? You know, you could do what people on safari do nowadays and take pictures of the bugs you find. I bet John would let you use his phone for that. And then you could look up what kind of bug they were when you got home.

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm glad you set the bug free. Ask when you want to bring anything home in future, right?

I'm a bit free now, but I won't be able to spend very long with you both. Ask John if he wants to come down here.

And we arrested someone, so this morning after we were told we could interview him we did that, and then we've been looking through his flat and finding things relating to our statements from people so we can prove he's the man we wanted and is guilty.

Sherlock said...

John says we can go so we'll be there soon. What did the man do?

Greg Lestrade said...

Okay. See you soon.

He attacked some women very badly.

REReader said...

Rough one, Lestrade? Good job getting him off the streets.

Greg Lestrade said...

RR- it came to us late, and we've dealt with it very quickly, so not as bad as many, not for us. Obviously terrible for the women.

And very glad to get him - excellent evidence against him. Now trying to persuade him to confess and plead guilty, to spare anyone reliving it all in court. So not over yet.

REReader said...

Sounds like if either he or his lawyer have half a brain he'll go for the plea. Hope it'll be wrapped up soon.

Greg Lestrade said...

I think it will, and yeah, I'm sure we can work it out to be the least traumatic as possible for everyone else.

No remorse at all from him, which is hard to stomach, but hopefully he'll go down for a decent stretch.

John H. D. Watson said...

We're here. Got a late start, sorry. Should we wait down here or meet you somewhere? Sherlock's drawn his bug for you.

Greg Lestrade said...

be with you in a second. Shall we go to the coffee shop?

Thanks, Sherlock!

John H. D. Watson said...

That'll be good, yes.

I'm sorry about your case - I mean, glad you got him obviously, but... I just don't understand how people turn out like that.

REReader said...

Bet he's more angry he's been caught than anything else. Makes it all the more important that he has been.

Good timing on the coffee-and-sandwiches--and hugs. :)

Nicky said...

I don't know if I'm shocked or not about your piercing desires. All I can think is it must hurt! I'm very glad you never considered getting your nipples done with a 'mate and an ice cube', anyway. And don't feel any need to ever show me if you do get it done.

I do know I was wildly jealous when I first visited and you had your ear pierced and I still wasn't allowed mine done - and then the next time I came up to London you took me to that beauty salon and even bought me some earrings to go in when they'd healed up! Mum was livid, but you just didn't care.

Well done on the case. I am so proud of you.

John, congratulations on the job! I have absolutely no doubt that you'll be brilliant.

Also well done on surviving the babysitting. Orio was a natural with my two, too. But then he seemed to have a baby in his arms for most of our childhoods, so I'm not surprised!

xxx

Greg Lestrade said...

Thanks Nicks.

And thanks John and Sherlock for coming to see me.

Danger - I don't know either. I mean, there are so many reasons, none of them justifiable, why people do such things.

RR - He was very angry when we got him. Bruises all around. (I'm fine, Danger - would have told you if I wasn't). He got very violent, but we were prepared for that.

John H. D. Watson said...

Thanks, Nicky, I'll do my best.

the next time I came up to London you took me to that beauty salon

This just made me smile. Sounds just like him.

Greg Lestrade said...

Sounds just like him.

It's a well known fact that I spend a lot of time at beauty salons, yes :)

As for I'll do my best. You, Danger, don't know how to do anything but your best, I don't think. I've certainly never seen you give anything less than 100%, especially where other people are concerned. Just one of the many reasons you're so special.

John H. D. Watson said...

You know what I meant! :P

Thanks, love. I'm...possibly a bit on edge about it.

Greg Lestrade said...

What's Sarah like? She sounds nice. And I'm sure she wouldn't have given you a job there and then if she had any sort of concerns about you or your skills. She was clearly very impressed with you.

I'm also sure that if you do have any queries then she'd be more than happy to assist you.

You know you can call/text me whenever you want, too, yeah?

REReader said...

John--what L said about Sarah. Also, you're nervous because you've had all this time to think about it. Once you're face to face (or whatever body part) to a person that's hurting, you won't be nervous. You'll be awesome, you'll see!

John H. D. Watson said...

What's Sarah like? She sounds nice.

She is nice. About my age I suppose, maybe a little younger, smart, must be a good manager because the place looks pretty well organised. We bonded briefly over musical instruments we were terrible at in school.

You know you can call/text me whenever you want, too, yeah?

I know. Thanks. I'm sure it'll be fine. It's just that it's been a while and the circumstances are so different.

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