This is my Kind of Sunday

I decided today is the day to start my holiday decorations. Remember that--- start. I never promised finished! 

Here's my mess.

 

But that's not the important part. Let's focus on the good times, shall we?

... my loves playing around!

http://youtu.be/yCTOw2tritk

My Road to American Naturalization

Most times I decide intellectually---I decide base on what's right, correct and easy. My naturalization is one thing I know I need to decide emotionally. Most people I know decide on it based on convenience-- they need it for work, easier travel or economic reasons. All those, I respect.

 For me, I need to be ready, I need to do it because I can say I can give the same dedication as I have given my mother country. I have been eligible to apply since 2004, as a wife of an American citizen. But life got to me. With 3 children, a career to start and a new world altogether at 26, I was thrust into uncharted territory for someone who has always been surrounded by loved ones-- never once have to decide life's major decisions without family. Needless to say, feeling that connection took a backseat. Besides, I was enjoying my American life and all the beauty and benefit of this great country without being a citizen. I have always been a good citizen--- someone who involves my life in the community that gives my family so much! 

What was the defining moment then, you ask. When Osama Bin Laden was killed, I was at my evening shift job. It wasn't about the killing. It was about the respect they did inspite of the fact that they could have done so much more damage-- our soldiers need not respect the Muslim tradition of the dead at that point, but they did. That, started my desire, I knew then I am in the right country. If I was to give up my allegiance to my beautiful and beloved Philippines, this was it! 

The United States of America is no doubt without its fault but the beauty of it all is that each one of us has a voice into all that flows in this land. It isn't perfect and yet as I looked around the hall today, there were so many different "kind" of people still clamoring to be part of it. The enigma and welcoming warmth is strong. 

I know my children will not be shielded from poverty, war and inequality. But I also know, they will be resilient Americans who are champions of liberty, freedom and justice. For that is what America is--- a cradle for all, by all! 

So today, I gave up all allegiance to any nation, including my beloved Philippines. I will always be a Filipina but today, I choose to be American--- all mind, body and soul. I decided because I love this country with all it's fault but most importantly with all its greatness. Because it is that--- America the great! 

It is a well-thought of decision made by the heart and mind. Most American-born do not appreciate what they have. We are too critical of our leaders, too lenient to those who destroy what it stands for and too arrogant to accept that this country is  great because of its people. Look around and realize that inspite of the supposed hatred of the world against it, there are people willing to die just to breath the freedom we so casually shrug. If only each one of you go through the same application process I did, maybe- just maybe, the prize of being Anerican is more valued, therefore we will treasure it much more.

Thank you to everyone I've met who in one way or another, contributed to my decision. My American experience has been great! My journey is a long one in this land but I know, being American, it will be worth it! 

My certificate.

During my interview appointment, Nov. 8th 2014.

How happy you say, THIS happy!

Ok, here it is! The cheesy shot! 

Where to now? With the blue passport, I can go anywhere, baby!

My Journey

Today is another step towards my US journey. A few months ago, I filed for my US naturalization. I have been eligible since June 2013 but for so many reasons - personal and financial, I never got to it. 

Well, today is my interview. Super duper early 0815 on a Saturday morning but I was psyched so much I was up by 2am. 

Lucky to be dropped off by my niece Fridah. My kids all came in It was at the federal building in Boston. I arrived just in time to have enough time to check-in and settle down a little bit.