Ode to my electric toothbush

Oh, how I missed you, dear toothbrush! I know, I know, mom and sissy painstakingly tried to convince me of your worth for months on months on months on end, me thinking you only an expensive, consumerist gimmick. The first time I tried you, my lips went numb, my gums tickled ... my sister laughed. And yet, after that first time, well, you know what they say, once you go electric you'll never go back - I, Little Miss Anti-Electric Toothbrush herself, bought an electric toothbrush.

How could I help it? Every time I brush with you, it is like getting a relaxing massage. My gums grow strong, my teeth sparkle; my tongue is a happy being. Oh, how proud my mother and dentist must be!

After a week of long work days in 10,000% humidity and dust, after a week of adrenaline rushes amid close-by suicide bombings and near constant military checkpoint searches, after a week of mouthwatering food so spicy that you unconsciously break out in a sweat in the company of fabulous new-found friends ... after more than twenty hours of travel to return home, I would imagine most people would be dreaming only of a hot shower and their own bed.

All I've dreamt of, however, is getting back to you, my electric toothbrush (well, among other people and things, of course). Home, sweet home indeed.