Breaking News: after 11 years & 4 months, I’ve removed my tongue piercing.
I remember wanting one for years…going to Poking You with Mark to get it done after only a few shots of liquid courage…drinking smoothies for 4 days…feeling some odd bond with everyone I met who also had one… it was great fun to play with and I didn’t regret getting it for even one moment in the 11+ years.
Now. It’s. Gone.
I find myself lisping on “s’” but that seems to be the only downside. (That and slight detachment sadness – I HAVE had the thing for more than a third of my life, after all!) Anyone wanna place bets on how long it takes for the lisp to vanish??
On the bright side I can whistle again and roll my “r’s” (Spanish). I won’t have to listen to any more crap from Dr. Methvin (dentist). I also won’t have to worry about future employment restrictions. That last one seems silly, though, when you consider that the jobs I held for most of the 11 years “forbade” tongue piercings. Seriously, most people didn’t realize the flash of silver under my tongue when I talked was something other than a permanent retainer because the barbell was so far back.
Unless I was yelling or drunk. Then you saw it.
My mouth feels both empty and squishy. I’m sure I look ridiculous, discovering that I can roll my tongue and lick my chin again without a metal rod in the way! Looking ridiculous is standard operating procedure in this girls world so no worries.
Why did I remove it? I looked at it in the mirror Monday night after I’d accidentally bit down on it while scarfing my Freebirds burrito (it just got in the way, caused a scratch in my tooth) and I thought to myself, Jen why do you keep it in?
I couldn’t think of any reason other than the fact that taking no action, i.e. removal, was easier than action.
Then I thought, are there any compelling reasons TO remove it?
1. I turn 30 in April, and good genetics keep me looking young. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t hurt to distance myself from the college student/early twenties look.
2. I can’t think of anyone I’ve come into contact with in the last 5+ years that has one. Maybe I’m seriously behind the times and need to get a clue. (I’m NOT EVER embracing skinny jeans tho!)
3. I have this weird feeling that I’ll feel more professional with it gone. Not that anyone ELSE will think so, just Jen.
So it’s gone and I must sort out how to live without it. “New Year, New You” resolution plan has officially kicked into gear, it seems! (More to come on that)
