God Bless America, and England, and Canada, and even France

I don’t have anything I particularly want to share about my life right now, so let’s take a look waaaaaay back at 2008 (cue swimmy harp music and wavy images).

Some time around August, you may have noticed a change in Lena. Maybe her carbon footprint increased a little, maybe she hankered after fast food a little more, maybe she put on a few...eh, whatever--making American jokes is no fun when it’s mostly Americans reading them.

But yes, amid the more important events in my life such as finding clips of Colin Firth on youtube and blogging about going to the dentist, I somehow omitted to tell certain people (i.e. most of you) that I became a US citizen. Now, don't panic. I'm still a British one too. I still like Marmite and hot water bottles and don't like ice in my drinks. I still scoff when Americans say things like "different than," "aluminum," and "World Series." I still mock the guy/woman who has to give the little explanation of the upcoming programme on "Masterpiece Theatre" (guys, just because they're wearing period clothes doesn't mean it's hard to understand).

But, I:

Can't get deported (again).
Don't have to pay an exorbitant fee to the INS every few years for the privilege of a new green card.
Can work for the federal government (Lena for secretary of state?).
Can vote.

This is very nice. But I must confess I'm not overly emotional about it, and that is perhaps why I haven't mentioned it to y'all before now.

I took the citizenship test (Francis Scott Key! Betsy Ross! 10 out of 10!), I went to the citizenship ceremony (the largest in Utah history), I took the oath and all, but I was very much aware that there were people there for whom this meant a lot more than it did for me. It was wonderful to see. It really felt like the poor, the oppressed etc, had come to find a new home here in the states, and becoming a citizen was the crowning moment of that for them. But I've never had to struggle for my freedom, I come from a nation that has a lot to be proud of and a fascinating history, and getting citizenship wasn't something that affected my personal identity.

So, America is lovely. Gracious skies and amber waves an' all. It stands for great things, and I really respect that. I just can't promise to get chills when I see the flag wave, or hear the national anthem. I hope you do.

Lena’s Mum Has Ideas

My mum called me this morning.

Mum: Lena, what do you think about going blonde?

Me: What? Why? [suspiciously] Is this a “have more fun” thing?

Mum: I just thought it might be a nice change. You could get highlights.

Me: But I like my hair colour.

Mum: Yes, of course, it’s lovely, and with your skin... [stream of motherly compliments]...But it might be a nice cheerful change.

Me: I suppose it might be fun to switch things up. But don’t you think I’d end up looking a bit washed out with my pale skin?

Mum [very positively]: Not with YOUR clothes.

Me: What’s that supposed to mean?!

Mum: Nothing! You always look lovely! I just meant that you wouldn’t have to change your clothes!

Me: I’ll think about it. Maybe in the summer.

Mum: I also thought, how about getting a bird feeder?

Me: A bird feeder.

Mum: Yes, you could hang it on your balcony. I have one, and it’s so delightful watching all the birds come and play. It’s like spring.

Me: Yes, I expect it would cheer me right up.

Mum [giggling]: I could buy you a bird book!

Me: I could buy an anorak!

It's not fine.

So, here's the ad with me in it. Behold me over-act.

Um, I must say, the "American accent" isn't quite as noticeable as it was in my head. Which is probably a good thing.