Grown-up Gum
I'm a gum chewer. I tend to stick to my favorite brands of Orbit and Eclipse and never venture out of the peppermint family. I chew my gum to keep my breath minty fresh and pleasant for those around me. It's a minor production - sugarfree with no lip smacking or bubbles - just some quiet time with my oral fixation.
Last night, I did something major and stepped outside of my chewing gum comfort zone. I made a simple purchase that I hadn't done in years; I bought a pack of berry bubblegum...and I chewed it all. I blew bubbles, smacked my lips, got gum all over my nose and chin from a whopper of a bubble, and thoroughly enjoyed myself for a few hours living vicariously through my "kid" pack. I was young again thanks to my berry bubblegum. When the five pieces were gone, I was a little sad but my jaw was relieved to have a much needed break. It was fun while it lasted.
Today, as I sit here quietly chewing my peppermint Orbitz, I've climbed back into my sugarfree adult life. No bubbles or smacking for me today; I'm working on the "adult" pack.
It's amazing how little things can take you back into the realm of kidness. What sort of things take you back? What gives you a few minutes to take off the adult hat and climb into the kiddie pool? I'd like to try out *reasonable* suggestions ;-).
Comments
Newbie - Just popped over from 'not perfect parenting.'
I'm just jealous that your gnashers are good enough to chew anything. I'm glad you don't chew the cinnamon ones - yuk.
My days of gum chewing are long past.
Cheers
Posted by: Maddy | July 20, 2008 05:04 PM
I am afraid I am going to show my age, but here goes: Bubble Yum, original flavor and grape flavor. I grew up when potato chips were just chips and gum was either spearmint, peppermint or juicy fruit (or some other odd flavor, or Chiclets....), and bubbles were a joke. When I was in high school there was this cool new invention called "bubble" gum. Oh My Gosh!! And, the flavor lasted forever. Gum that would not stick to your face and you could actually blow big bubbles. How cool was that? Before that bubbles were tiny and stuck to everything.....woo hoo! I drove my dad crazy with the grape flavored stuff, he finally outlawed it in the house, car, or anywhere he happened to be at the time. I was so rebellious buying it and bringing it home.
Well, and then Doritos came out with Nacho Cheese flavored chips. That, too, was revolutionary.
Ah, I am in my mid 40's and still love a good stick of just good old fashioned flavored Bubble Yum.
Posted by: Faith | July 20, 2008 05:34 PM
How about using all those blow-up devices our children use to try to float in it. Or if all else fails you could get out the jello... :)
Posted by: Trying4two99 | July 20, 2008 06:19 PM
A couple of things...
*The Princess Bride-- Great movie, reminds me of being a kid again.
*Fun Dips-- remember those? Candy stick that you dip into flavored crystalized sugar? So naughty!
Posted by: greedygrace | July 20, 2008 08:30 PM
I am a gum chewer too.
As soon as I finish my coffee at work, a minty fresh stick of Extra (the light blue pack) goes in my mouth.
My 2nd favorite flavor is grape. I may have to buy a pack tomorrow and blow some bubbles.
Posted by: Samantha | July 20, 2008 08:51 PM
I thought about this more:
Sweet Honesty perfume by Avon
Chanel 5
Ponds Cold Cream
Prell Shampoo
Agree Shampoo
Jergen's Lotion original scent
The smell of coffee brewing Sunday morning at church
Gosh, the list goes on.....::sigh::
Posted by: Faith | July 21, 2008 09:20 PM
I am not a gum chewer....I'm a gum EATER. My mom used to tell my my appendix would blow if I kept swallowing gum. Now that I no longer HAVE an appendix, I occasionally worry where it goes. Logic tells me it just goes....out...but nothing keeps me from eating it. My favorite is bubble gum...mmmm Dubble Bubble. Juicy Fruit brings back memories. I've always set a bad example to my kids and I marvel how they and my husband can chew the same piece for HOURS! Does sugarless really matter when you don't chew if for long?
Oh, what takes me back? Easy. Wax lips!
Posted by: beachcomber | July 21, 2008 09:45 PM
Ahhh...I am finally among my people! I too love chewing gum, and I'm a 40-something woman. I even blog about it - check me out at http://grownupsngum.blogspot.com
Posted by: Phyllis R. Neill | August 25, 2008 03:52 PM