Prostokvasha

[23 October, 2007]

Начало

A few weeks ago, for the first time in my life, I said the Pledge of Allegiance. To the flag. Of the United States of America. I shook the judge's hand and, slightly ironically, joked with him about his own Russian ancestry. I got my hard-earned certificate, and then, finally, my new shiny American passport.

This is significant, of course, for several reasons. And not just because I can now count myself among the Bush-voting, Bible-quoting general population. I mean, fortunately, I can also count myself among the other compassionate and intellectual half. It is the weirdest thing, actually having a place to belong. Not that I like everything or agree with everything that happens between Connecticut and California, but sharing a nationality? It sure helps with relating to people all around you.

This subtle change is a hard concept for me to explain, or even to define in my head. Because, really? It's not like the judge's touch suddenly lobotomized my brain and made me want to dress up in gaudy patriotic gear for the 4th of July. I can't exactly tell you why I feel differently now. All I know is that I actually feel a part of something. This individual melting pot is brewing a unique multicultural stew. And believe me, it is damn good.

All this, however, comes at a slightly inopportune moment. Ever since I got back from St. Petersburg, I can't get over how much I miss it. Даже как-то русской речи не хватает. Хочется поговорить с кем-то или пописАть на родном языке. А вот и нЕскем. Вокруг русско-говорящих, увы, мало. I know, I even break out in foreign speech sometimes. However, it is clear that my life is here, at least for now, and the show must go on. And it always does.

4 sighs or salutations:

piccadillous | 23 October, 2007

check it out, yo!

*** | 23 October, 2007

а я даже могу отвечать :)

piccadillous | 23 October, 2007

did you mean to leave it off there?

*** | 23 October, 2007

haha, no. i'm going to come back to this. when i can think. :p

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