Thursday 3 May 2012

Public Mastication.


Oh good grief.  Here I am on some new medication.  Medication that makes me feel like I'm typing on a keyboard made of jelly.  Sticky fingers or what, eh.  I mean, really, it's been a week since I whipped up one of my 'must read' postings.
Oh yes, had a good read of the possible side effects from this medication that's supposed to ease my anxiety and depression.  May cause, "Insomnia, dizziness, sleepiness, lack of sleep, headache, diarrhoea, feeling sick, dry mouth, fatigue and feelings of anxiety and depression....."   Oh yeah, I'll have some of that!
So, as I continue to have the sensation of being 'zombiefied' and have this incredible urge to watch the video, "Thriller", by Michael Jackson, I patiently await for the special effects, sorry, side effects, such as feeling noxious, lethargic, anxious, depressed and breathless, to finally subside.  
Please bear with me as I try to get back into some semblance of a groove.  I've heard rumours that the government is considering imposing a fine of those who would masticate in public.  Trust the hard up government to stick their hand into places they're not wanted.   I cannot quite put my finger on why they'd  want to fine those who like to publicly masticate.  This might have a devastating impact on those who like to eat out.  What a place this would be if there was no mastication for the nation.  Something to chew over.


However, we can always masticate in the privacy of our home.  The above photo is of a masticating machine. Just think, you can use this handy device to whip your banana, mess with your nuts and froth up your cream.

49 comments:

  1. I sure hope you're feeling better. It's scary when the potential side effects of a medication are worse than the problem you're trying to cure. TV ads for various meds spout the "may cause" list like it's nothing, too. Like, "may cause ... death." Um, excuse me? Did I hear that right? Or "anal leakage." Oh, swell, like they think we don't know what THAT means! Now the government doesn't want us to masticate in public, eh? Well, I'll masticate whenever and wherever I like. (I'm a fan of chewing gum ... or should I call it masticating gum?) Next thing, Big Brother will be telling us we can't nictitate in public, either. The nerve of them!

    Seriously, good luck with the new meds, and I hope you get well soon.

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    1. Hi Susan,
      I'm a little less 'zombiefied' today, thank you :) I always find it ironic that the side effects can actually make you feel worse until you adjust. And you summed up the "may cause" list, very well. Caution, 'may cause death'. Oh yeah!
      You masticating rebel you. Evidently, chewing gum, especially bubble gum, will come with an additional fine. Something about blowing bubbles in public.
      Thanks for your kind wishes and a very clever, thoughtful comment.
      In kindness, Gary :)

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  2. Oh Gary, I was going to leave a serious comment, but why make your day any better? :/
    Bless you, and now I'm off to the local chicken restaurant. All this masticating has inspired me to chew something crunchy.
    Froth, eh?

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    1. Hi Dixie,
      Thanks and no need for a serious comment, for sure :)
      I hope the chicken was um 'finger lickin'' good!
      Yep, what the froth, eh :)
      Thanks, Dixie.
      Chewy wishes, your way, Gary

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  3. Ah, well, medications are such blunt instruments, aren't they? "Fix" one thing, and break down three others. I believe you should continue to masticate in public as much as you desire, no matter what they say. Look forward to traveling to your time zone!

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    1. Hi Susan Scheid,
      Ah yes, medication. Of course, there are those who need them. Hadn't been on medication in many years and we shall see how it goes. A combination of positive natural resources and healthy thinking are what I've tried to do. Just hope that some temporary medication may take the 'edge' of a difficult situation to cope with.
      I think we should protest against the government trying to prevent us from masticating in public. Give them something to chew over.
      Have a great time in Wales and enjoy this time zone!
      In peace and kind wishes, Gary

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    2. I love your close, "enjoy this time zone," and I shall. Am in the throws of packing, and that certainly calls for public mastication or something of the sort. Meanwhile, over my way, I think you saw a blank space where there was supposed to be a slideshow of the Central Park Conservatory Garden in bloom. I believe I've now corrected it, so if you would like some flowers to accompany that music, they should be there.

      I'll look forward to catching up with you on my return from Wales!

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    3. Hey Susan,
      I just knew you would enjoy this time zone. As for me, I seem to be in every time zone but this one :)
      Thanks for the info and I shall go back over and watch the slideshow.
      And with the singing voices from the Welsh valleys, we wish you a warm welcome.
      Gary

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  4. I'd like some of your "special effects" medication please. I can trade you some Xanax, Effexor and Lamictal. I have also decided that I am tired of rules and political correctedness and stuff. I don't even know who I am anymore! Give me FREEDOM!
    Good post BTW.

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    1. Hi middle child,
      Hopefully, the "special effects" will come from living in a peaceful, positive environment. I think we both wish that there wasn't a possible need for the taking of medication.
      To hell with political correctness and rules n' stuff. Somewhere within you is the real you that knows there is a choice. Choosing what is best for us, to get out of an uncomfortable comfort zone, takes great determination. You are a thoroughly decent person and you have my admiration.
      I'm flattered you liked this rather ironic, tongue-in-cheek, posting.
      In peace and positivity, your way, Gary

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  5. Gary
    please watch this, might be helpful
    http://youtu.be/MD_7BoCHitg

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ray,
      Duly noted and the food industry and the additives have shown that we, to some degree, are what we eat. However, through much deliberation with my doctor, healthy eating and medication to reduce a chemical imbalance, I'm hoping that I can get my motivation back.
      Thanks Ray.
      In kindness, Gary

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  6. Dear Gary,
    Ah, the wonders of modern medication! One of the listed side effects of my own is "sudden, unexplained death". No kidding! But so far that hasn't happened, hence this comment.
    As for banning masticating in public, it sounds just like the sort of pointless, unenforcable thing that this government would come up with, at the same time as they oversee the world turning to shit, with rising unemployment, further cuts to services, and a return to recession. Ho hum, 'aint life grand.
    Very Best Wishes to you, though, Gary,
    Your increasingly hairy friend (yes, I too now have a few folicles protruding from my nose and on my back),
    David.
    P.S. I look forward to your imminent visitation to my humble abode.

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    1. Dear David,
      I'm greatly relieved to know that you are not typing from the 'other side'.
      You make a good point. Of course, this government has its priorities. Never mind rising unemployment, disillusioned youth, corrupt bankers and politicians, no sir, fine folks for the audacity of public mastication.
      Thanks David and I'm hoping that after much reluctance, this medication is a catalyst to help me cope with this situation you, my friend, are very aware of.
      I'm awestruck to know that you are allowing me a visitation to your Englishman's castle. I shall bring a shaver and a follicle remover.
      Cheers, David.
      With respect and a bag of nuts, your way, Gary

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  7. My sister calls those her "Happy Pills."

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    1. Hey PT,
      I'm delighted your sister's pills are happy....

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  8. Oh, those miserable government types! They want to take all the fun out of life, don't they?

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    1. Hi Ian,
      Indeed, there is a rumour going around that having fun will be outlawed.
      Take care and have a great weekend on Vancouver Island.
      Kind wishes, Gary

      Delete
  9. ...and I'll raise you three Cymbaltas and one Atavan"

    Hope the sticky jelly fingers thing has worn off. You know, there are excellent foods in the baby food aisle. My particular favorite was 'blueberry buckle', altho I don't know what the 'buckle' part was supposed to be.

    Masticating is highly over-rated, anyway.

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    1. Hi Susan Kane,
      And I shall probably end up losing my shuffle and moaning about the lack of serotonin.
      The jjjeelllyyy fingers have almost subsided :) Ah yes, baby foods. I wonder if the buckle part was high in iron.
      Masticating overrated. Hmmm....now that's food for thought....
      Thanks, Susan.
      In kindness, Gary :)

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  10. I like the way that they always sit on the fence. Constipation or its opposite (which I cannot spell) weight gain or loss.... I really, really hope you find an equilibrium which includes happiness soon.
    PS: Years back I nearly got the sack when I asked a woman to stop her child from masticating on my leg (which it was). She reported me, and quoted me nearly word for word.

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    1. Hi The Elephant's Child,
      Or, more like they shit on the fence :) I'm trying to find a happy balance. Positive thinking and trying to maintain a positive environment has been an ongoing battle. I shall, thanks to such kind interaction from folks like you, continue to embrace a better way.
      Something tells me that lady may have made a slight misquote. Oh my, thank goodness sanity prevailed.
      Thanks and have a lovely weekend.
      Kind wishes, Gary

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  11. Hello Gary:
    Actually, we rather deplore the habit of the Great British Public to be constantly eating in public, let alone 'masticating' as you would have it!! The pills sound rather dreadful but we suppose that they are needed. Generally we try to keep off them - never good for the health!

    Kellemes hétvéget!

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    1. Hi Jane and Lance,
      And now I have the vision of someone stuffing a Big Mac into their great gob.
      The pills are being taken after much deliberation and thankfully, the effects are starting to subside. I had not been on any type of medication for several years. With reluctance, I'm giving it a go to see if it helps me cope with a situation that is overwhelming me. Of course, due to genetics and other medical conditions, there are people who, unfortunately require medication.
      Ideally, I would prefer utilising natural positive resources.
      Have a nice um, sunny 'wonderful weekend' :)
      In kindness, Gary

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  12. Argh, side effects - hope they wear off soon, a jelly keyboard is no fun.
    Hadn't heard this about public mastication - whatever next?! x

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    1. Hi Teresa,
      Thankfully, the side effects are starting to fade away. Still a bit lethargic, but the keyboard is a little less like jelly.
      I've heard a rumour so weird I find it hard to believe. Evidently, two parties with polar opposite ideals, are forming a coalition government. What? No way!
      Take care, Teresa.
      Kind wishes, Gary x

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  13. Mastication is good for your teeth - hence chewing gum and the dentists say so too! :-)

    Gary - you take care now - these drugs sound pretty powerful stuff! :-(

    Hang on in there! Hugs to Penny! take care
    x

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    1. Hi Old Kitty,
      Thanks for that and I shall masticate at the dentist's surgery :)
      I will take care and because I hadn't used medication in so long, it has kinda' knocked me out.
      I'm hanging in there. I just hugged Penny and she gave me a really strange look :)
      Hugs to you and Charlie
      x

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  14. Sorry to hear the medication is having such an horrible effect, Gary. x

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    1. Hi Carole,
      I will be okay, Carole. I knew there would be some side effects. However, this has really taken it out of me. Starting to feel better, though.
      Have a peaceful weekend.
      Hugs Gary x

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  15. I never read those pages that come from the pharmacist with prescriptions. I read them once and it scared me so badly I wouldn't take the medication. Now, if I have to take drugs, I just wait with baited breath for the side show that will be me. I like surprises.
    So, no munching in public? That should do a number on the restaurant/fast food business.

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    1. Hi Delores,
      I think the pages of listed side effects were written by some twisted comedian. I think the element of surprise would have been loads of fun.
      Yep, no more "Happy Meals" which never made me happy, anyway. Although, I did like the little toy that came with it....
      Take care, Gary :)

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  16. Hum, maybe these little beauties aren't for you. I mean what's the point of taking a med if it leaves you feeling like rubber man? Duh, I dunno, I'd think about talking to your doctor maybe before you fall off a bridge or something. Or just maybe the dose is too high? Don't make me come over there and punch that doctor in the head.

    Gary, honestly, those side-effects don't sound charming. Take the c off charming and what do you get?

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    1. Hi Joylene,
      I've been on this medication for just over two weeks. I knew that there would be inevitable side effects until I got used to them. Just didn't realise that for now, at least, I could audition as "Gumby".
      The dosage is low. I hadn't been on medication for many years and we shall see how it goes. The effects have dissipated, however, if I'm not pleased with them after about two months, I shall consult my new doctor about stopping medication. My current doctor is leaving and guess what, is setting up practice in Creston, BC.
      We shall be just fine. Thanks Joylene, your kindness and concern is greatly appreciated.
      Have a good weekend, eh :)
      In peace and positive wishes, your way, Gary

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  17. I masticate in public every chance I get. So what's the problem? You just take it out, give it a good rubbingg, a tug or two or three or four and wa-la. A frothy shake! Hooray for masturbation... er... I mean mastication! Wait till ya see me chew my nuts!

    What? Hey, I feel for ya when you are prescribed new meds with all of those wonderful side effects. It took me five different kinds of meds, prescribed by several therapists, to finally settle on one that didn't cause depression, fatigue, the Hershey Squirts and all those niceties. For me, Wellbutrin did the trick for my depression and Valium helps me with anxiety. Some people like Zoloft. And so on. It's just a matter of how each individual's body chemistry and neuron in your brain reacts to chemicals of the medication. I'm just saying this for the benefit of anyone else reading this. You, I'm sure, know already.

    In any case, I hope things improve for you and you have a great weekend, dude. I'm sweatin' my masticated nuts off where I'm at.

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    1. Hi Kelly,
      Why am I not surprised you take every public opportunity to proudly display your masturbating and masticating prowess. I bet you enjoy the occasional banana split, topped with a sprinkling of nuts.
      And seriously, medication is of course different to each individual. I read up on all that stuff you mentioned as it was part of my counsellor training for the mental health charities I have worked for. I thank you for added your expertise for the benefit of those who may go through the comments. The most important thing is to consult your prescriber in regards to any medication and any concerns or questions you have about it.
      Thank you for your thoughtful response. Things are improving and I'm sure that I will soon be back to my 'normal' entertaining self n' stuff. Take care dude and may you have a masturbating, I mean, I think I meant, a masticating weekend.
      In peace and empathy, Gary

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  18. The rather saucy Sir Tom Eagerly says:
    I was once invited to join a Mass Debating Society. At least I think that's what they said.....

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    1. Indeed, the rather creamy saucy Sir Tom has honoured us with another Eagerly anticipated comment.
      It was actually The Mass Defecating Society and your friend, Master Bates, had a hand in proceedings...

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  19. Hi Gary,

    I'm dizzy with side-effects from the online mastication that is being displayed so publicly! Am I to assume then that your new medication is chewable. Or....must you swallow? Ooh....did I really say that? Thinking of you Gary. I hope that you are feeling well.

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    1. Hi THE SNEE,
      Rebecca, your comment was food for thought and worthy to be submitted in um "Reader's Digest".
      Not sure I would want to masticate my medication. I gulp it down with a bit of water....
      Thanks for your kind thoughts, Rebecca. Feeling a little less trippy. Hope all is well with you and your loved ones.
      In peace and hope, Gary

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  20. Hope the medication is helping and the side effects were highly exaggerated. That's the problem with so many medications when you have to take another pill to offset the reaction from the first pill. Thank goodness you have such a wonderful sense of humor about all of this! Take care Gary, and happy masticating! Julie

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    1. Hi Julie,
      I'm not quite sure if the medication is helping. The side effects have lessened and we shall hope it works. It had been a quite some time since I had taken any medication.
      I think a sense of humour, rejoicing in the ironies of life, is one heck of a tonic. Much masticating to you :)
      In kindness, Gary

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  21. Some medicines sound just plain scary! I hope your body is getting used to the new medicine and you are able to get some peace.

    Hugs...

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    1. OMGoodness, Gary! Mastication is chewing your food. I thought it was something naughty...

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    2. Hey Sharon,
      I know reading the label gave me a bit of a fright. I'm slowly adjusting to the medication, thank you. I was reluctant to take medication. Here's hoping it's just a short term need for it.
      Now would I put up a naughty posting :)
      Hugs, Gary

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  22. One of the side effects of Humira which I am on is 'death'. Just 'Death'. Not even 'sudden death', they're just not trying hard enough to freak people out these days when they type the the information leaflets out.They're probably too depressed, hahaha.

    On a more serious note, I know too much about side effects myself so I hope you're feeling less zombified and can masticate at will, whoever Will may be. x

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    1. Greetings All Consuming,
      The thought of 'death' and not 'sudden death', where you have a chance to make the winning score, makes me want to shudder. Oops, another side effect :) Those that type up the leaflets are 'sick' comedians.
      The zombie has just about left me. I just masticate with Joy, whoever Joy is :)
      Thank you for a thoughtful, clever comment.
      x

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  23. Banning mastication in public? I think the Government are having some of their own kind of side effects, from what I'm not sure. I hope you start feeling better soon and trust you to be able to joke about it all :)

    Take Care

    GEM

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    1. Hey GEM,
      Yep, no more public masticating. Something to do with the side effects of having a coalition government.
      Starting to almost feel somewhat like I have rejoined the human race. Not necessarily a good thing :) Thanks GEM.
      Hope you are well and continue to enjoy your Russian adventure where you can still masticate to your pleasure.
      All the best, my friend.
      Gary

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.