Oh say can you see...

Almost on the eve of a holiday that celebrates the heart of what it means to be an American, I get to tell you a piece of good news. Are you ready? I applied for US citizenship a couple of months ago and my application was approved this past Friday. That's when I went in for my Citizenship exam and well... I passed.

After 23 full years lived in this country and in many ways calling it my own as much as my country of birth, I am finally, a naturalized citizen of the United States of America.

If I'm to be truthful, I do not really feel changed except perhaps that I am no longer stressed out about the exam I had to pass as part of my approval process. Here's a sampling of questions for you and I'm wondering how well you'll do...

1. What is the head of a state government called?
2. What is the Constitution?
3. How many Chief Justices are there?
4. What are the three branches of government?

You'll find the answers here tomorrow but try and answer them without looking them up. They're easy if you just think a bit.

Anyway, the best part about my change in status is that as soon as I get through the swearing-in ceremony which will take place July 2nd, I will be allowed to register for voting purposes. And, if there is one benefit that truly thrills me about calling myself a citizen of this country, that would have to be my right to say who I think should be its next President.

"The value of government to the people it serves is in direct relationship to the interest citizens themselves display in the affairs of state"

William Scranton

Come November, this citizen will most definitely display her interest.