To ring, or not to ring? (this has nothing to do with telephones, I hate those bloody things). I refer to the humble tongue ring.

I have a fierce oral fixation. Cigarettes, partners and the tongue ring have all been the source of relief. I'm over cigarettes. I have no partner to speak of. Sounds like a no-brainer. Now the dilemma.

I treasured my first tongue ring. In an effort not to regain the 30 kilos I found after last quitting, my tongue was pierceth. I successfully weaned myself off cigarettes. For the healing period of the piercing, I was particularly careful not to play too much. After that, well there began the complications.

Firstly, I chipped my tooth. Easy remedy, purchase and install plastic balls. Which I then swallowed, $20 bucks down the hatch. Again simple solution, ensure balls are tightened adequately. Then, after the short bar was installed, I developed a slight irritation. A white fleshy area around the extent of the piercing. Only on the underside, which I also placed under more stress while I was playing. It went so far that there was a cavity on the underside of my tongue. Big enough to hide the entire ball in. Which is when I decided to take the ring out, only for a few hours to assist with the healing process. I was distracted that day and forgot to replace it. For only 5.5 hours. It healed over. I really tried to replace it, but alas.

The underside hole has only recently healed back. The only other consideration is that I reckon I kiss better with the bloody thing out. Who am I kidding, I won't be needing to worry about that for another 6 months at least.

And here we are. So, thinking this through (bless blogger), I am again ready for the next installation. I will need to keep the long bar in, and if necessary get a really large ball for the underside. Sorted.

ps. major credit to TJ. I've been lurking, but this week her blog has really lifted me.

pss. cheers to GT and co for the voucher too.