And here I am!

So sorry for the lack of updating, those last few weeks were really crazy! We had a wedding or party or dinner or lunch or breakfast or engagement every week! And by wedding and engagement, I mean mine.

Just kidding! I’M NOT MARRIED! YAY!! I DID IT!! It was extremely difficult, but I managed to say ringless and single for nine months! I did have a baby though, but it kept telling me to get married, so I left it in Lebanon.

I’m now back in the wonderful US of A. I’m enjoying seeing my friends and family, although I’m trying to deal with reverse culture shock. As we were driving home from the airport I was looking out the window in awe. “Look at all the traffic signals! And people stopping for them! AMERICA!”

It’s been great to be back home. There’s hot water 24 hours a day! All the channels on the television are in English! I can go to In ‘N Out three times a week! And I did! AMERICA!

Everything seems familiar but also new, like I’m looking at it with a new perspective. I suppose I am looking at it with a new perspective, if you want to get all Eckhart Tolle on me. PBut my time in Lebanon has really taught me not to take anything for granted. The past year has been amazing, not only because amazing things happened to me, but because I learned how to see them. 2010 - you are the best year ever.

I am happy to report that I fulfilled all my original goals. I am referring to the goals I set in my first entry. Observe:

1. Find a fulfilling job abroad where I can truly integrate into another culture.

I worked at an amazing publishing house that helped me learn about not only the publishing industry in a new market but also how to work with the Lebanese. Which is not easy at times. You can see why in this typical phone conversation about scheduling a meeting:

Me: When can we expect you in the office?
Them: How about Monday?
Me: That’s perfect. When is convenient for you? I’m free in the afternoon.
Them: Okay!
Me: I’m sorry, what time?
Them: Time?

2. Eat food.

I’m pretty sure I’ve already proved this. But just in case you need to really see it to believe it, feast your eyes on this:

Oh yeah!

3. Bar hop as often as possible.

Oh, I drank Almaza, I danced to techno, I valet parked. I partied it up Beirut style. And it was amazing. Although I’m not a big drinker or partier, Beirut lives up to its reputation. I miss dancing at Cloud 9 and scoring free drinks at the Red Carpet. And Tony, the handsome and generous bartender at the Red Carpet. Oh man.

4. Eat a lot of food.

Exhibit A:


Exhibit B:


Exhibit C:


Are you wondering why you only see one place setting in that last spread? That’s right. All of that was for ME. Really. It was. I told you. All I did was eat.

5. Learn about Lebanese history from people who live it.

I will never forget the stories my relatives told me of their experiences in the Civil War and the 2006 War. I didn’t anticipate that I would learn for myself. I didn’t live through a war, but just feeling threatened taught me how lucky I am to grow up in such a stable and strong country. Many children in Lebanon grow up unsure of their future and certain that even if they worked really hard, they still may not get to do what they want to do. I get to raise my children in a country where they have the opportunity to literally do whatever they want. It doesn’t seem fair, but the least I can do is remember that always.

6. Pour coffee.

I actually did do this. It’s Lesson #1 in the School for the Single and Unprepared. I don’t have a picture of this because I don’t want proof I could be a good wife. Also, when I’m ready to be said wife, and everyone’s already seen the pictures, who’s going to buy the cow when they can get the milk for free? Think about it.

7. Inspire my writing with a new environment.

I think this one will develop more now that I’m home and can take a look back on my experience. I definitely feel like I’ve learned much more about my culture. I’m much more confident that I can write about it now with a bit more understanding. I think as long as I stick to sub-par blog entries I’m fine

8. Make it seem like I’m doing something productive instead of watching reruns on my parents’ couch.

Judging from all of you who have said something along the lines of, “What you’re doing is awesome,” I’m pretty sure this one is in the bag. I ate and belly danced all day while you were working! You fools.

I’m certainly sad my trip is over, I miss Lebanon dearly. I miss the dirty jokes, i.e. Teta. A lot. I grew really attached to that feisty woman, and I still can’t believe that I’m not eating her food anymore. I hope she can come visit us soon.

I miss the cicadas buzzing in the trees. I could always count on them to bring me a bit of peace. (Sorry, that was extremely Eckhart Tolle.) I miss my family’s hugs and support. Like when I would get a new haircut and they would say they wished I had that haircut when I met [insert Arab boy’s name here] at [insert function here] because then I would definitely be engaged by now. I even miss meeting [insert Arab boy’s name here] at [insert function here]. I miss joking about getting engaged. How am I ever supposed to find a fiance now? Who’s going to help me do that? Oh my God, what have I done?

But, of course, no list about Lebanon would be complete without the delicious, juicy, warm, chickenly delight that is shawarma. We laughed. We cried. We rolled down grassy hills hand-in pita-pocket. And I can only say that I miss it. I miss it so much.

Cue instrumental - and roll “Memory Lane” montage:

Sigh.

But in all seriousness, I couldn’t have asked for a better trip. I would like to end this blog by saying thank you to my friends for all the warm thoughts and thoughtful comments on my entries, on Twitter, on Facebook, in email, in your head, etc. It always made me feel connected to you, and on those homesick days that made all the difference. If you had a blog I would read it everyday and comment on each entry and say, “I love you.” But you don’t. Oh well. Wait, some of you do. This is awkward.

I hope to continue my adventures on a new blog, which I will be posting soon. But for now this one is retiring until I make it back to Lebanon. Which will hopefully be soon. After all, I do have to get married sometime.

Press conference.

We were walking down the main street in Bhamdoun and everyone was sitting on plastic chairs in their stores and cafes watching the news. The street emptied as Hassan Nasrallah began his speech. We’re back home now, watching in the den. It’s a strange feeling, knowing that a storm is on it’s way. Maybe I’m being pessimistic, but I can feel it. I’m not the only one. It’s quiet in this room, still. My grandma is sitting next to me and I keep hearing her whisper, “God keep us safe.” I told myself this blog wouldn’t be political, so I’ll just say that I second that.

Roots

I recently discovered just how shallow the gene pool I swim in really is. Sharpen your judgement knives people. My mother and father are both from the Aboulhosn family. I should explain, before you start stabbing, that they are not related. The Aboulhosn family is a monstrous blob of cool people. Keep this in mind. My mother’s parents are both Aboulhosn. Again, no relation. My grandmother’s parents are both Aboulhosn. Her father was Aboulhosn, his father was Aboulhosn, and so on. My grandfather’s father is Aboulhosn, his father was Aboulhosn, his father was Aboulhosn, and so on. My father’s parents were both Aboulhosn. I don’t have all the information on them quite yet, but I’m willing to bet their parents and their parents’ parents had mailboxes with “Aboulhosn” written on them. I’m not sure there are people who are more Aboulhosn than I am. My sister, probably. But if we count all the Aboulhosns I nearly married, I think I’m more. In other nonfreaky news, summer here continues to be phenomenal. My mom’s here and I’ve been enjoying making up for the months apart. As if there aren’t enough Aboulhosns in this town, my father and sister arrive tomorrow evening. But I’m uber excited to see them, so it’s okay. We’re bouncing from dinners to weddings to family homes as if the party just never ended, and even though it’s a bit exhausting, it’s a blast. I’m starting to get emotional about leaving but I’m trying not to think about it! Although when I do think about it, my jaw drops. I’m leaving in exactly 2 weeks. I can’t believe my time here has dwindled down to that! It feels like I arrived only days ago, but my connection to this country has grown so deep, I also feel like I’ve been here for years. I’m certainly going to miss it. But I can’t wait to come home and see everyone I miss so much! Love you all, save a day in your planner for me! Note: I do not mean save a day as in “Save the Date.” Ever true to my goals, I’m still ringless. I just havent met Mr. Right Aboulhosn yet. Another note: For those who stopped reading after the “save the day” situation but before the previous note, became convinced I was getting married, and bought me an engagement present, you may email me for further instructions.

Oops!

I’ll figure this out. Meanwhile, here’s a quick mobile update: summer is amazing, I love my family, my mom is arriving tomorrow, I will officially be published next Wednesday, I will be home very soon, and life is beautiful. I’m so happy you’re all in it, I miss you!