N-400 JUNE 2012 Filers

[Grashoppr 14]

Kerran - the hard parts are behind you, but it's understandable to be nervous - it sort of starts a new chapter in your life, right? All the best tomorrow.

MayLiana, yes, you're right. I was given a sheet at a seminar on citizenship with all the current names for my area. That's at home (not with me now). I'll check it against current information to make sure that the ones I know remain current - I think they do, at least for the most part.

Coloso, Canadian Christmas is very similar to American Christmas... but being from Quebec I have some regional traditions, that I've brought to the US and shared with my American friends and family. I did some cooking today (not usually my strong domain...) but I made a traditional dish for Mom and she enjoyed it. We always have it on Christmas Eve.. and we will this year, but I made some extra so we had it tonight too. Got to make sure that the "quality control" is right so we tested it out tonight, and there's more for Christmas Eve

We'll probably have Christmas turkey early though. I leave here the day after Christmas (Boxing Day to us and in the UK), and my sister arrives that day. She's vegetarian so Mom doesn't want to have a pile of leftover turkey here, because we know Sis won't eat it! I think she wants that on Saturday or Sunday - so I'll take care of that and we'll fill our faces appropriately. Mom hasn't had much of an appetite but my preparing our traditional Tourtiere encouraged her to eat a bit more tonight.

Other than those things it's a pretty low-key Christmas here, since Mom is still not quite feeling good yet.

[kerran 4]

You're probably right Grashoppr, it does start a new chapter in my life.

Thank you!

Kerran - the hard parts are behind you, but it's understandable to be nervous - it sort of starts a new chapter in your life, right? All the best tomorrow.

MayLiana, yes, you're right. I was given a sheet at a seminar on citizenship with all the current names for my area. That's at home (not with me now). I'll check it against current information to make sure that the ones I know remain current - I think they do, at least for the most part.

Coloso, Canadian Christmas is very similar to American Christmas... but being from Quebec I have some regional traditions, that I've brought to the US and shared with my American friends and family. I did some cooking today (not usually my strong domain...) but I made a traditional dish for Mom and she enjoyed it. We always have it on Christmas Eve.. and we will this year, but I made some extra so we had it tonight too. Got to make sure that the "quality control" is right so we tested it out tonight, and there's more for Christmas Eve

We'll probably have Christmas turkey early though. I leave here the day after Christmas (Boxing Day to us and in the UK), and my sister arrives that day. She's vegetarian so Mom doesn't want to have a pile of leftover turkey here, because we know Sis won't eat it! I think she wants that on Saturday or Sunday - so I'll take care of that and we'll fill our faces appropriately. Mom hasn't had much of an appetite but my preparing our traditional Tourtiere encouraged her to eat a bit more tonight.

Other than those things it's a pretty low-key Christmas here, since Mom is still not quite feeling good yet.

[Grashoppr 14]

You're welcome. I can relate... especially right now, being back in the "old country".. I identify with so much here, even my speech has changed in the last week. Back to, "Franglais" (Mix of English and French). It's a part of who I am. Yet, in some ways I feel out of place here. I'm missing my home near Atlanta. It's like I'm 2 different people in a way... and soon I'm going to "marry" my new country, the United States. Make it official... make it truly permanent. So yeah, I get it. It's a new start, new identity in a way, and yup, a little bit like getting married. You've been through the motions, the interview, all the hard stuff is behind you, but until you actually take that oath, you aren't "quite" American yet. That Oath makes it all official - like a marriage certificate!

So yep, jitters are perfectly acceptable, in my book. Doesn't mean you have second thoughts or cold feet... just means you are taking it seriously. I respect that.

[kerran 4]

I do take it serious. I felt like i was hanging in the balance, suspended mid-air if you will. You hit the nail on the head.

You're welcome. I can relate... especially right now, being back in the "old country".. I identify with so much here, even my speech has changed in the last week. Back to, "Franglais" (Mix of English and French). It's a part of who I am. Yet, in some ways I feel out of place here. I'm missing my home near Atlanta. It's like I'm 2 different people in a way... and soon I'm going to "marry" my new country, the United States. Make it official... make it truly permanent. So yeah, I get it. It's a new start, new identity in a way, and yup, a little bit like getting married. You've been through the motions, the interview, all the hard stuff is behind you, but until you actually take that oath, you aren't "quite" American yet. That Oath makes it all official - like a marriage certificate!

So yep, jitters are perfectly acceptable, in my book. Doesn't mean you have second thoughts or cold feet... just means you are taking it seriously. I respect that.

[coloso 6]

Kerran Congratulations,

You started your journey back in 06/06/12, It has been a long journey for all of us but it is worthy. Remember the emotions felt when we started the process who thought it was going to be this long...

Grasspphr It is nice to be with family. I hope you didn't poison your Mom with that plate lol...

Edited December 20, 2012 by coloso

[Grashoppr 14]

Pfft we're both alive and kicking this morning Traditional foods are the BEST - no matter where one comes from. Traditional foods are comfort foods and remind us of where we came from.

I love sampling others' traditional fare too ... I'm a foodie for sure.

We're expecting 30 cm (a foot) of snow in the next 24 hours... not looking forward to that.

[kerran 4]

That I did Coloso. It has been a roller coaster ride, but worth it.

Thank you!

Kerran Congratulations,

You started your journey back in 06/06/12, It has been a long journey for all of us but it is worthy. Remember the emotions felt when we started the process who thought it was going to be this long...

Grasspphr It is nice to be with family. I hope you didn't poison your Mom with that plate lol...

[kerran 4]

I arrived on time this morning (8am) and sat in the waiting room for 2 1/2 hours before we were moved to a different room due to renovation in the building.

I almost had my name changed to Diesel Hulk by the lady at the desk who like the DMV worker told me to sign the paper attached to the back of my certificate. Had I not gone through what I did with DMV I probably wouldn't have read the paper saying that I petitioned to change my name. Diesel Hulk did step forward but his SO was not impressed with the change since she loudly objected to being Mrs. Hulk and said her brother told her to name her daughter Incredilene Hulk if they have one. So Mr. Hulk changed his name to Zeeb (not sure if that was his new first or last name.

All in all, it was great!!!

[coloso 6]

Congratulations kerran.... your journey is officially over. I have to say that the fun of this journey is the trip that start from that moment when we applied back in June. When we all applied that secession is what states in my mind plus all the calls and talk over this forum. That I will remember for ever, The ceremony is boring and the interview. It is like well it is over now what?

[MayLiana72 2]

Pfft we're both alive and kicking this morning Traditional foods are the BEST - no matter where one comes from. Traditional foods are comfort foods and remind us of where we came from.

I love sampling others' traditional fare too ... I'm a foodie for sure.

We're expecting 30 cm (a foot) of snow in the next 24 hours... not looking forward to that.

About snow... I just got home from work, alive!!! Don't want to think how much snow, rain and wind we have for the last two days My car is so light, it pretends it can fly.

[coloso 6]

Hey Mayliana72

I just got a Job right now.... Good for me...

[MayLiana72 2]

It is good to have a job, and a good job is better; I hope you got a good job, good luck, Coloso!

[coloso 6]

It is a good job Thank you...

It is an almost six digits I hope with four more years on experience I get to that level.

[Grashoppr 14]

Kerran - too funny Congratulations!

Congratulations on the job, Coloso!

Well we survived Snowmageddon here... Mom had a trip to the ER on Thursday night, stayed overnight. I had just enough time to run home and get her some things, I got back just as the snow was starting to fall. She came home by taxi yesterday - I shoveled a path from the driveway to the walkway, and shoveled the walkway. I haven't shoveled that much in at least 13 years... and I am paying for it today. Muscles I forgot I had are reminding me of their presence today. Ouch.

We were also without electricity (and water - on a well) for 10 hours yesterday too. Thankfully it wasn't too cold, but it was mighty chilly in the house by the time the power came back on. I think we got 40 cm of snow (that's about 16") It was thigh-deep by the road where the road plow had pushed some into the driveway.

We were able to get the driveway cleared (Mom has a handyman that comes to clear snow) and got out and about today.

So yeah, my Apocalypse Day was sort of Apocalyptic. But we survived

[coloso 6]

Lol I wish I could be six digits it is barely 2 digits but too start lol.. Good Grasshoppr on your days in Canada... Looks like you are having a good time there.