After happily living in America for the last ten years, I am about to become an American citizen.

On December 11, 2006, I went for my final interview to the Immigration and Naturalization Services office in West Palm Beach, Florida. I must admit, I was nervous for the test. In case you don’t know, you’re given a test on American civics and your command of the English language, both oral and written.

My immigration attorney provided me with 100 “typical” questions to study. To pass, you need to answer 60 percent correctly. To be honest, the questions were so simple; I figured there had to be a catch. I studied rigorously. It just seemed odd to me that the government would base part of its decision on me knowing the name of the President’s residence, the three branches of government, how many states in the union, or the color of the American flag. However; as soon as I sat down in the interview, the series of questions they asked were beyond simple. Don’t get me wrong, I was relieved, and after a quick test on my language skills, the lady who conducted the interview, told me I was approved. So now, I am waiting for the official notice and swearing in ceremony. The lesson learned is that it’s always better to be over-prepared.

I am excited beyond belief!!

I love living in this country.

I cannot wait to vote.

When people discuss the old adage of the “American Dream”, it would be easy to look around and dispel that theory.

I must admit, there are a few things that bother me about this country, and only because it is so rich, so great; so far advanced. It’s hard for me to digest anyone being homeless, or not having adequate medical coverage. The education system is in shambles. There seems to be a lack of civility between people. Then again, coming from Canada with one-tenth of the population, I guess that it’s more of a village than a country when compared to the U.S.A.

Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m not complaining. I just think that we (as Americans) can do better. In fact, I know we can. I hope that my citizenship will allow me to contribute on these fronts. I know my persona. I will get involved. I would love to see the same agenda on a mass scale.

I am thoroughly convinced that any person living in this great country can accomplish whatever it is they want. That’s what is so beautiful about living here. It’s a blessing. There’s no limit. There are no restrictions. All it takes is hard work, and focus. Everything and anything is possible. What a country!

As we begin a New Year, I hope that you start down the road to achieving whatever it is that you want. It’s more than possible. It’s up to you.

On a final note, there is one current event that I find troublesome. It seems that there’s a drastic reduction in the number of American flags flying from car windows and far less “Support Our Troops” bumper stickers and car decals. Please, whatever your feelings may be politically about the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, put them aside and remember that the country’s finest young men and woman are engaged in battle, our battle, in awful conditions. They need our relentless support. We cannot simply forget what they are going through everyday. We cannot allow their plight to become banal; we need to keep them on the front page. Fly your car flags and post your bumper stickers; it’s the least we can do.

All the best to you in 2007.