Come on, people. There are nine weeks left in the semester; I've got to pace myself. But for those of you who think I was a big wimp last week, well, this one's for you. And for those who read the column because you're awed by the pain I put myself through -- thanks.

Now for this week's . . . ouch ... adventure:

I know everyone was probably getting sick of reading about my facial piercings. Plus I was getting tired of having my beautiful face disfigured by needles.

So, while I was on my weekly trek to the piercing parlor, I was thinking of what to get pierced for this week's column. I already had decided to get something under my clothes pierced.

But what to get? What to get?

Well, I've got those nipples on my chest and they serve no real purpose -- I can get one of them pierced. It's not like I'm going to be breast-feeding any time soon, so I might as well accessorize. For guys, the nipple really serves no purpose (except for the occasional tittie-twister).

Now, for this week's first tip:

If you're thinking of getting your nipple pierced -- stop. Think about it again and if you still want it done, at least I warned you.

The nipple piercing is a little more expensive than other piercings. I had my nipple pierced at Forbidden Fruit, 110 Hetzel St., where it costs $35 for one and $65 for both. At Art of the Ages Inc., 103 S. Pugh St., prices start at $45 for one and $65 for both. At Green Top, 318 E. College Ave., prices start at $41, while at Exotic Zombie body piercing, 225 W. Beaver Ave., they start at $45.

When you go to get your nipple pierced, remember you're going to have to take your shirt off. For some people, that's not a problem, but you will be topless in front of a stranger.

As usual, the area to be pierced has to be cleaned. Having someone rub iodine on your nipple is quite an experience. You really should try it sometime.

Then came the dreaded clamp. I was sort of getting used to it. In a way, the clamp and I were connecting -- bonding, if you will. But I hadn't had it on my nipple yet.

I hate the clamp.

So, after you've got a huge clamp attached to your nipple, it's time to get pierced.

Tip No. 2 of the week:

If you're thinking of getting your nipple pierced -- stop. Think about it again and if you still want it done, at least I warned you.

So far, the nipple was the first piercing where I could see the entire process. It's not pretty. I gripped onto the chair as the needle passed through my nipple, but that didn't help. This was the worst pain yet.

It feels like you're having a piece of sharp metal passed through your nipple. And that's because you are.

Then the jewelry is put in. Like with most of the piercings, you can choose almost any kind of jewelry you want. I chose a 14-gauge half-inch hoop. But you could get a different size, or even a barbell.

So far this piercing was the bloodiest. I did do better than I have the past couple of weeks. I kept my composure and didn't feel like I was going to pass out. I don't know if it's because my body is getting used to having objects thrust through it or if the pain was just so bad, my body didn't have time to shut down.

The nipple will bleed for a while after the piercing, so it's a good idea to put a bandage over it. The bandage also will help if you accidentally bump the new piercing.

For the next couple of days I was very careful with my nipple. For the most part, I walked around campus with my hand covering it -- as if I don't look weird enough. It seemed like any little movement hurt, and even the smallest breeze was torture.

Because the piercing is in a place where you can see it without a mirror, the cleaning process is actually a lot easier than for the others. It's still really annoying, but would you want an infected nipple?

This week's adventure was definitely interesting. It hurt like hell, but I'd still call it a success. We'll see just how successful the next time I try to lift cinderblocks with my nipples.