Yes, that's right. After living in the United States for 17 years (the official date we came across the border was October 1989), I've finally sent in my papers to become a U.S. citizen. Just got back from the post office where I dropped them off at lunch. You can apply for citizenship after being a resident for 5 years, so let's just say I'm WAY beyond the requirement. My dad has already led the way by becoming a citizen a few years ago.

I am not sure how long this process will take. They said on their website that they are trying to get the whole process down to 6 months or less, but "trying" and "doing" are two very separate things. I will need to be fingerprinted, have an interview, take a civics test and be sworn in and take the oath. For the civics test you have to be able to write a complete sentence in English. Piece of cake...my dad's sentence was "The car is red." I think I can handle it.

For that oftened asked question, no, you don't automatically become a citizen when you marry a U.S. citizen. You just become "eligible" to be a citizen, but must go through the process the same as anyone else. No shortcuts for this one. And the government would not want to miss out on the $400 it takes to apply. However, I'm not complaining about that. We have it so good here compared to the rest of the world. I just wish more people would realize that fact. There might be a lot less complaining and a lot more gratitude.

Of course, Canada will forever remain in my heart a very special place. I have many fond and treasured memories of growing up there, "going to the cottage" as Canadians do, watching hockey, snowy Christmas days, riding horses and special times spent with family. It is one truly beautiful place.

Dana