That is the question.
For the longest time, I thought I would get my name, written in Chinese, with a little Cri-kee (the cricket in Mulan) underneath, with ink dripping off his feet. Anyone who has seen the cartoon would get the reference, I think. But, I got older, and my assuredness wanted. Would I get Cri-kee in color? Color fades, doesn’t it? Where would I put the tattoo? I didn’t want a “tramp stamp” and I wanted a tattoo that would be easily hidden – to only show it when I wanted it to be shown. I didn’t want “accidental” flashings of it, especially when I was at work. All of these doubts put the tattoo on hold.
Fast forward a few years – to now. I thought about getting a tattoo on my hip – one of a bewitching princess-y like girl, smirking. But since there’s no significance to this girl, no reason to get it permanently tat’d on my body. Plus, the idea was pretty detailed, which probably means LOTS OF PAIN. I don’t like pain… Then, my newest brainstorm – to get a “Paper Princess Peach” type of tattoo, but where? On my hip? Between my shoulder blades? Do I want a Princess Peach on my body forever? I’m not sure about that. Chris said I could get Princess Peach elements on me, in a whirlwind of cherry blossoms. (Crown, parasol, etc) This idea intrigues me, but I also don’t think I’ll do it. What if I hate it? Then I’m stuck with it forever?
Thoughts? Ideas? 
Princess peach is classic. Go for it!
I totally forgot about your blog!
Anyway.. on to the point. I have learned that people that can’t decide if they want a tattoo or not will regret getting one. I regret none of my tattoos and I had them all fairly planned out. In fact, I have several planned out for the future (I can’t get one until 6 weeks after I stop breastfeeding) but I’ll be getting a phoenix on one foot, a dragon on the other and the japanese kanji for comrade on my left forearm (above ms. pacman)… and I still want to get a tattoo that symbolizes soleil (though I haven’t decided yet, what to get)
I guess the long story short is… if you’re hesitant to get one, it’s likely that you’ll regret it later on. If you DO decide to get one, make sure it’s one you’ve thought about for a long time and one that has meaning to you. AND don’t get a “cookie cutter” tattoo (one you can find in a book) unless you know that there’s one that fits your style.
that’s my two cents.
I don’t think tattoos hurt that much, but I have to admit I had never done one on my ribs. So I guess other people must know it better.