I just got picked up from the airport and then the Jetson’s door bell started to play. No. I wasn’t delusional or hearing things – well I was but it was my ring tone! Not the voices in my head I usually hear. Guess who was on the other end of the line? Saladin128 that who. 😀
He called to see if I landed and was making my way to my hostel. Which I was with the help of Bambi Jo Youngblood aka Tia Brenda until he called. Then I admit my curiosity got the better of me, so I changed my plans last-minute to meet Mr Enigma – Saladin128.
So.. while Brenda made her way from the airport.. we somehow managed to end up right near Saladin’s hotel and find a reasonably located restaurant. After figuring out parking.. my parental approved chaperone/side kick and I met Mr Saladin128 inside.
First thoughts were – wow he looks just like his photo except thinner and yes.. he is a strawberry blond – not a red head.
Second thought was – OMG.. I wonder what he is thinking. I kept thinking that the whole meal. Although I wouldn’t really call what I ate a meal because cheese sticks and a rootbeer float – don’t even count in my mother’s book.
I laughed a lot the whole meal which was good and listened attentively. I usually am the talker but I wanted to hear and learn more about him now that I had him there and in front of me. Whew.. good thing for my side kick – peppering him with more questions! I thought it was really interesting to hear him talk about Islam, get his perspective on why he ended up in far-flung sand filled places. I continued to be impressed by his intelligence and wit. At the same time Saladin is a self-contained guy. He isn’t one to talk about his achievements or dominate a conversation to be sure but he as a wicked sense of humor. I may seem outgoing but I can be shy and wait a while to ask questions that I really want to if I am nervous about meeting someone. Though at the same time – I felt like I was meeting someone I had known for a long time – it felt natural to joke and talk with him.
After the meal.. I couldn’t resist shaking his hand – which now is officially “Diamonds!” because I declare it so. My face also hurt because I was smiling and laughing so much. Thank goodness I didn’t do a reverse snort of my rootbear float although it was a close thing at some points.
Now if I could only read HIS mind.. and all other guys.. the world would be mine! >evil chuckle<
American Muslimahs Musings 