Very soon I will be (once again) returning to American soil, but probably a little delayed due to racial profiling at the airport terminal and dehydrated due to a lack of onboard liquids. But, I will eventually once again take my place amongst my family and friends in America! :)
Now, you must all make some allowances for the varying lifestyles I have been living over the last few years, as they've made their mark on my personality.
At times you may witness tighter than usual jeans, directly in contrast with the hip-hop ways of the west. Show no alarm if I prefer to eat with my hands rather than with utensils, or if I have the tendency to kiss men several times during greetings. Keep cool if I forego the temptation to jaywalk or if I mix peaches with my whisky. Be tolerant with my language, as you may experience accents, as you must understand that the English being spoken here is usually a second or third language for these peoples. In relatively short time has come and in short time taught the language again I can.
For the first few months that I am home, until I can completely become American-ized again, be especially watchful when I am in the company of others, particularly those who don't smoke. I've somehow picked up the habit of second-hand smoking, and might ask why you're not.
Keep in mind beneath my over cologned body and tendency to not wash for several days, there is an American, the only thing of value I have held on to these past years. Treat me with kindness and occasionally have on hand a case of beer and now and then a fifth of Red Label and you will be able to rehabilitate that which is now a hollow shell of the once proud civilian you once knew. Don't feel hurt if I decide to sit on the floor and ask permission to rummage through your refrigerator. If I shun large portions of meat, don't mind because they will only remind me of my Moroccan vegetarian diet. As such, feed me slowly and I will again adjust to normal eating habits.
Please show no alarm if I prefer to drink my coffee with a slice of cake or offer up a un-recognizable God phrase before we consume each meal. Don't be amazed when I seem un-talkative at the dinner table or in the presence of elders. Please don't pay it any mind if I'm up at 3am making breakfast, which would consist of brown bread, a boiled egg with butter, and a cigarette. Again, the cigarette is just nostalgic.
I am actually harmless, though my actions and attitudes may seem a little strange. Needless to say, while living overseas, I was taught to dislike America. So, please re-program my thoughts! :)
*For those of you who know me well, I return on August 30th of 2006, and will be staying with my dear Mother until I can re-gain employment State-side. So, if you'd like to get in contact with me, just shoot me an email and I'll forward you further contact information.
