Firsts in The U.S.A.

• Today, I was able to purchase my first flip-flops. I hate flip-flops, and I am never without socks. I have cute feet, I admit, I just never wore slippers. And flip-flops especially are so ugly. But with this rainy Missouri summer, I love flip-flops. Flip-flops are my friend.

• Today, I saw my first anorexic girl, a rare sighting that I did not think existed in rural Missouri, let alone the world. Bare and bony, with the shoulders popped out. She only looked a little miserable. I wanted to hug her without breaking her because I know how she must feel. Weight is always the issue, but also not the issue. Weight evolves into other issues. She is trying to "look" good at the cost of her well-being, and it doesn’t look good. She works at the Old Navy, if anybody would like to visit her.

• Today, I purchased my very first tissue box for my very first dorm room! It was green – of course – they say green is the color of life, and I want to blow my boogers at life.

• Today, I received my FIRST compliment in the US of A, I was shopping at a store, before I leave an African-American person working there comes up to me and says “Just a little tip, everyone working in this  store is loving you and your haircut, they think you look so cute.” I would like to dedicate special thanks to Mel & Fig Hair Salon, located in Al-Sha’ab, I have amazing hair to take with me to the states. And extra thanks to my mother for making me pretty, Resembling dad too much is not a good look.

• Today, was my first day to purchase university books, and I am so confused as to why books are so expensive. More than $500 for 4 classes, why? I could have used that money to buy more flip-flops!

• Today was my first time to pour gas in my car. It is actually a bigger deal than you think, so stop rolling your eyes. Someone always poured my gas, someone always got a tip. No one's tipping me for pouring this gas though. This desert flower needs to learn how to pour that oil. It is not hard, just another life skill I needed to learn when I came here. Like washing my own clothes, for example. Or leaning how to operate the washer and dryer. Or boiling an egg.

• Today I did my first shopping spree, and since the parents are still around I made sure to take full advantage before they left. I grabbed everything I could find that may or not be worn or used. Don't ask me why I bought five towels.

• Today, was my first time to buy water from the vending machine, it was cute. You put a dollar, and choose what you want, then your item comes out.

• Today, will be the first day I spend the holy month of Ramathan in the states. This means longer days, and a hungrier Nour.