Even though I’ve been told that I sound pretty much “like a Yankee” by members of my own family ( 🙁 ) I am now and always will be a proud Trinidadian in my heart. (cue Benjai’s Trini). I love my country and I’m proud of my heritage! But I’ve been living in America since 1998. I’ve been married to an American for almost a decade. The truth of the matter is, I love America just as much as I love Trinidad, and my home is now here.
Finally, in October I made it official. I was sworn in as a US citizen!
Where's Waldo?
This is right after we took the oath!
Forgive the blurry photo phone picture! It was a magical moment
My husband took the day off and the judge was kind enough to let him snap a few photos (not all citizenship judges are so nice, apparently).
This moment was so long in the making and meant so much to both me and my husband.
A few weeks before I even knew when exactly my swearing in date would be, I was invited to celebrate a golden moment, courtesy of DKNY Golden Delicious — such a wonderful opportunity from a fragrance I love.
You might remember I reviewed and LOVE DKNY Golden Delicious. It’s so perfect for this season. Honeycrisp delicious without being too literal. Click here to learn more about this fabulous fragrance and join the Delicious Core Club on Facebook, where you can design your own bottle, or a golden locket!
We decided to celebrate our golden moment after my citizenship ceremony, and I managed to get reservations at the exclusive and elegant restaurant RIA at the Elysian Hotel.
Chef Danny Grant is known for close relationships with local farmers and a mastery of complex yet delicious cuisine.
Because I had indicated we were coming in to celebrate a momentous occasion, the staff at RIA all greeted me with kind wishes and congratulations. It was even printed on the menu! Everything we had was absolutely incredible.
Congratulations from RIA!
From the sea scallop appetizer
to the lobster and Wagyu steak, to the incredible seasonal dessert.
A few unexpected amuse-bouches blew me away with their complex blend of flavors.
Over this amazingly elegant meal, my husband and I toasted to our shared past and the bright future ahead of us. It feels like such a tremendous relief to know that the need for immigration paperwork and fees is now behind me forever. Now all I need is a passport, and 2012 will be The Year Of International Travel! That’s right – I’m naming it and claiming it!
I have a few folks to thank for all of this. My husband, simply for being the best. My immigration attorney Elaine Weiss for guiding me through the process since I was just a college student and a newlywed who needed help. And special thanks to the wonderful people of DKNY Golden Delicious for their generosity. This was a golden moment to remember forever!
COMMENTS