Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oi Oi... Right...

So, as of July, I will have been here in good ol' Oz for 4 years. It's hard to believe. Initially, I thought it would be a good opportunity to have a new adventure, but I ended up making unbelievable friends, and discovering a content state that I never thought I could achieve. So, after all this, the Australian Consulate has been kind enough to offer me Australian Citizenship. As American Citizenship is a birthright, I have no danger (so far) of losing my US passport. So, Mom, don't be worried, I can come home, but not to FLORIDA, mind you (tongue in cheek, don't get mad).

Last Thursday, I had my citizenship ceremony and presentation of my certificate, and a very lovely Bottlebrush tree, which I will try to take care of out of respect for the amazing gardening talents of my father. The ceremony was lovely, beginning with singing "Advance Australia Fair" with the accompaniment of the Bondi Children's Orchestra, who also played, in my opinion, a few too many songs led by the obvious savant in the group. Is it racist to point out he was a little Asian fella, or just a cliché that actually exists? Several members of the Bondi comunity got up to speak, which was extremely lovely, in that many were obviously not used to speaking in front of a crowd (I felt for them, as I definitely could use some beta blockers in my public speaking). It made me realize how lucky I am to be living in this wonderful community (as much as I love Peabs, I still am a bit of a softy).

When the certificate issue went forward, I have to say, I was a bit nervous, and therefore, I was the only person out of the group to muck up and do something stupid, like, um... drop my citizenship certificate! Thanks to the lovely Ms. Highco for taking a picture of me picking it up again... I think the mayor had a bit of a laugh! As much as I say it, I would like to thank Ms. Highco and Konky for attending the ceremony, it really meant a lot.

So, in the end of the day, which is an Australianism according to my Seppo mates back home (Menizzy, I think you pointed that out!), I am very proud to be a new Australian, even if I can't figure out the appeal of Vegamite... however, I really dig Bundy Rum!

 Thanks Mates!