Kids Are Trading Cards, Right?

For most people, the decision to move is a major one. It requires thought, planning, and money. It means leaving everything behind and starting a new life. There are good reasons to move. It could be for a new job, health concerns, or because a fortune cookie dared you. People move all the time. But don't fool yourself. While it doesn’t change who you are, it does change you.

Someone who shall remain nameless, let’s call him “Dad”, had the bright idea to move this weekend. What was his reasoning? Three out of four of his kids don’t live here. He didn’t see the sense of staying in Racine for one kid. No other considerations crossed his mind. Apparently you can snap your fingers and be in another city. (If only it were that simple.) It’s possible I’m jealous; his whole life would move with him. How's that possible? Hint: it’s his television.

I should be happy he considered me at all. Traditionally he hasn’t. Sorry Dad, I’m too horrified that you pitted your kids against each other.

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Cane Shaking Strange

Oh music. Next to current events and television it’s a popular topic to discuss. It tells you a lot about the person, yet remains comfortable and unintrusive. “What kind of music do you like?” they ask. “Aren’t you clever?” I think. Jokes on them because I don’t have an answer. I couldn’t tell you who my favourite band is, or why I like a certain song. I rarely listen to music and when I do it’s quickly forgotten.

In college, I used to work at my computer and listen to talk radio. I know I’m probably not old enough to admit this, but I like talk radio. I enjoy the banter, the stupid callers, and the format of the shows. I never understood all the people that sat in their rooms and listened to music for hours. I guess it was a fun way to pass the time? My sister used to tell me to do that, but I didn’t understand the stereotype.

I'll stick with my Alan Combs, Bill O'Reilly, and George Noory. In the meantime, keep listening to your music, don't worry about me, and stay off my lawn.

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Deportation Unavailable At This Time

Small talk. It’s a strange, yet fun thing. I rotate topics to minimize being repetitive but enjoy talking about my citizenship journey the most. In a few weeks, it will be 8 months since I was sworn in. Beyond that one day, it was a huge process. Interested in a summary?

I moved here January 24, 1999. I was sworn in October 30, 2008. Start to finish, that’s 3,567 days. I received my green card on June 23, 2003. That date is key. Before then, I had no permanent standing. It was the first step to becoming a citizen. Many people stop here. It gives them many of the same benefits as a citizen and lasts for 10 years. But where’s the fun in that? After the required 5-year waiting period, I formally applied for citizenship on July 16, 2008. That’s only 106 days from application to oath. When you consider it’s a government program, it was incredibly fast.

The cost, time, and commitment required was mind numbing, yet I knew I wanted to be a citizen. Even if I still don’t know exactly why.

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What's In A Name?

I’ve always liked my name. I’ve never wanted to change it. My family’s naming structure is strange but simple. All of our first names have three syllables (this was important to my dad, but who knows why). Our middle names are after family members. I was named after my Great Aunt Rose (anyone who pulls that name off has to be cool).

Today one of my visitors had the same name as me. I didn’t like it. I felt intimidated and scrutinized. Apparently a big selling point of my name is how few Katrinas I run into. I don't feel (or want) a connection to them and cringe at the thought of having a common name. My name plummeted after the Hurricane and that's a plus.

One night I was at the bar with two James. They liked having the same name. Guess what guys, that’s why you have nicknames and I don't. People try to give me nicknames because they're lazy, but it never sticks. When I started working, they wanted to call me Katie. It was simply to avoid learning a new name. It didn't last long.

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The More You Know

Things I learned this weekend: I still enjoy a good hockey game. You can force people to come out, but you can’t force them to stay out. When taking shots, it’s best to spread them out over time. Free wifi at bars is dangerous. No matter what excuse you have, you'll feel guilty for skipping family functions. MechWarriors is not a 15-minute thing. Motion sickness sucks, especially when there's no motion. Ice cream cone cupcakes baffle people. Walgreens sells eggs (but keeps them hidden). You can take on the Easter bunny and win. People are genuinely happy when you mention it’s your birthday. Gifts are nice but phone calls are nicer. Sometimes all you need is your best friend.

This weekend was my birthday (and something called Easter). I broke from tradition and mixed it up. It was simple but truly enjoyable. Maybe next year, to quote my sister-in-law, I won't "drink my face off". Honestly, it's something you could never plan. Thanks to everyone who made it a success (or bared witness)!

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