Thank you so very much for your kind words, Prue. Having tears leaking during the national anthem wasn't very covert. But I appreciate that you are a kindred spirit in the emotional realm!
Also meant to mention that I hope at some later time after you've been able to experience the rights and obligations of citizenship in both places that you'll let us know what that's like and what's different in you with those responsibilities.
How exciting! I'm proud of you for sticking with it for so long and memorizing the answers to all those ridiculous questions. You'll inspire me when I have to learn the endless names and fates of the Spanish kings, queens, dukes, infantas, princes, and princesses. And the battles.
I can certainly understand your outburst before the ceremony and the tears of pride and joy during it. Both were well worth it. I hope there was champagne on hand somewhere to replenish the lost liquid.
I've participated in two citizenship ceremonies. The first was when Mateo became a US citizen when he was one-year old. He had to foreswear his allegiance to any other nationality before he could talk. I had to hold his arm up as he took the oath. The second time I was with another Colombian citizen, my husband, but this time he could speak for himself and hold up his own arm.
Each time, I was overwhelmed with pride and emotion for all those foreigners who were now American and able to live in this country. They must have been joyous after whatever hard road they took to get to that government building in lower Manhattan. I appreciated the welcoming this country gave them. Alas, it might be different now. I was proud to be an American and to have those people join me.
Doreen provides some great material for you. I hope she'll be featured more frequently so we can get even more of a taste of real British life.
Thank you! Oh, those two ceremonies must have been overwhelming. I would have been sobbing with joy and BIG emotion at both. Best of luck with all those kings queens and dukes. And wars. Yikes. So many, many years of fascinating history! But I know you are up for the challenge.
Congratulations on becoming a UK citizen. I can so imagine the nerves, the excitement, the exhaustion. Been through it all when I applied for and received my US citizenship. I still tear up when we have to stand for the national anthem.
Thank you. And your last statement made me tear up too! Congratulations on joining the American tribe, although I know it was awhile ago for you. Those national anthems, they get me every time at the Olympics also, when the athletes are standing so proud and relieved. We know that feeling!
I loved this post, and I realize I've been missing a lot of them (apparently disappearing into my massive promotions folder). And, yes, I am forever amused by the pomp and frillery of the Brits. When my daughter married her Frenchman at Beaune city hall, the Mayor presided, donning a Tricolor sash. And for you to now be an official Brit! When I was young I'd often fantasized about moving to England, and hunkering down in the countryside to write poetry like Sylvia Plath (the romanticism dimmed as I got older and learned there was much more to the story). I loved hearing your thoughts and all the emotions about the ceremony itself, especially the anthem. I am happy to have rediscovered your writing here.
Thank you so much for your kind comments, and it is lovely to hear from you again! The French are very good with their official documents and procedures and flourishes. I can imagine it was a delightful ceremony, with some beautiful certificates to go with it. I do enjoy the pomp and ceremony here, although Americans have their own version of occasion-making that I enjoy too. I feel very lucky to get to enjoy them both and claim them as my country!
Welcome to the Commonwealth, Sabrina. It's definitely our gain to have someone as erudite and plain nice as you amongst us!
I should think I would have cried too, but more embarrassingly right at the most public moment!
Thank you so very much for your kind words, Prue. Having tears leaking during the national anthem wasn't very covert. But I appreciate that you are a kindred spirit in the emotional realm!
Congratulations! Depending on November, you may have some company in the expat community….
Spain is also a very good option and the weather is a lot better here. Just FYI.
Thank you. I'll be voting in that election too...but life is not ALWAYS greener on the other lawn. As you well know. Still, options are always good!
Also meant to mention that I hope at some later time after you've been able to experience the rights and obligations of citizenship in both places that you'll let us know what that's like and what's different in you with those responsibilities.
How exciting! I'm proud of you for sticking with it for so long and memorizing the answers to all those ridiculous questions. You'll inspire me when I have to learn the endless names and fates of the Spanish kings, queens, dukes, infantas, princes, and princesses. And the battles.
I can certainly understand your outburst before the ceremony and the tears of pride and joy during it. Both were well worth it. I hope there was champagne on hand somewhere to replenish the lost liquid.
I've participated in two citizenship ceremonies. The first was when Mateo became a US citizen when he was one-year old. He had to foreswear his allegiance to any other nationality before he could talk. I had to hold his arm up as he took the oath. The second time I was with another Colombian citizen, my husband, but this time he could speak for himself and hold up his own arm.
Each time, I was overwhelmed with pride and emotion for all those foreigners who were now American and able to live in this country. They must have been joyous after whatever hard road they took to get to that government building in lower Manhattan. I appreciated the welcoming this country gave them. Alas, it might be different now. I was proud to be an American and to have those people join me.
Doreen provides some great material for you. I hope she'll be featured more frequently so we can get even more of a taste of real British life.
Heartiest congratulations to you!!
Thank you! Oh, those two ceremonies must have been overwhelming. I would have been sobbing with joy and BIG emotion at both. Best of luck with all those kings queens and dukes. And wars. Yikes. So many, many years of fascinating history! But I know you are up for the challenge.
Congratulations on becoming a UK citizen. I can so imagine the nerves, the excitement, the exhaustion. Been through it all when I applied for and received my US citizenship. I still tear up when we have to stand for the national anthem.
Thank you. And your last statement made me tear up too! Congratulations on joining the American tribe, although I know it was awhile ago for you. Those national anthems, they get me every time at the Olympics also, when the athletes are standing so proud and relieved. We know that feeling!
I loved this post, and I realize I've been missing a lot of them (apparently disappearing into my massive promotions folder). And, yes, I am forever amused by the pomp and frillery of the Brits. When my daughter married her Frenchman at Beaune city hall, the Mayor presided, donning a Tricolor sash. And for you to now be an official Brit! When I was young I'd often fantasized about moving to England, and hunkering down in the countryside to write poetry like Sylvia Plath (the romanticism dimmed as I got older and learned there was much more to the story). I loved hearing your thoughts and all the emotions about the ceremony itself, especially the anthem. I am happy to have rediscovered your writing here.
Thank you so much for your kind comments, and it is lovely to hear from you again! The French are very good with their official documents and procedures and flourishes. I can imagine it was a delightful ceremony, with some beautiful certificates to go with it. I do enjoy the pomp and ceremony here, although Americans have their own version of occasion-making that I enjoy too. I feel very lucky to get to enjoy them both and claim them as my country!
SABRINA!!!!!!!!! What a glorious post!
You've got me worried though at your mention of 'the proper way to run a household' - is there one?! I think I've always just winged it.....! 🤣
Congratulations! 🙌