Charmin-Ultra: Don't Squeeze Me

November 9, 2009 I became the U.S. citizen.

I didn't take it serious at first. It came so easy for me. From getting a greencard and eventually making up my mind to apply for the citizenship, it was always my decision whether I wanted to do it but not that I needed to do it. And it came so easily. No issues and no delays.

So when I passed the interview, again, a piece of cake, I was amused by my husband's surprise party and emails to his friends and family. He was more excited than I. He suggested that we stayed in the downtown Chicago so it would be easier for us to be at the ceremony on time although it was only 30 mins away for us to get to the city, and it was fun to celebrate this special occasion.

He booked Hard Rock Hotel - American. He invited my sister and friends to the dinner at Hub 51- American. I got an American hat from Stooch and felt funny wearing it. Then I still didn't feel too excited though I was happy to be with my friends and family.

Pete and Calum came with me to the Homeland Security Office at 8 am. 139 people from 41 countries were there to become U.S. citizens. Families with young children and friends were there to witness this important moment.

I was restless and just wanted to finish ceremony after an hour of waiting. The officers showed us two short films featuring early immigrants and smiling faces of new citizens in cities from coasts to coasts. Listening to the music and speeches from the officer who presided the ceremony, I was in tears. I thought what Pete told me in that morning, "It [becoming a U.S. citizen] might be very exciting to you, but to others who had to work so hard to get to this point, the ceremony would be emotional." Now I felt it. I realized how lucky I was to have the privilege to be one of the Americans. The emotions swelled in my chest.

The officer called each country represented and I stood up as Taiwan was called. At that moment, I was proud to be a Taiwanese and at the same time, I felt my love went to America as well. Taiwan and America; no less no more.

My birth country and my adopted country. I love you both.