Adjustments

It was an I-797, just like the countless others I've received over the years, but with one significant difference: the word 'welcome'.

'It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to permanent resident status in the United States'

This is huge news. It was expected of course, but not until next year, and even then, the ramifications of this piece of paper may influence the rest of my life. It's both anticlimactic and also a little terrifying (strangely). Suddenly all sorts of possibilities have opened up. For the first time since 2000, I have complete freedom in terms of work and travel. I'm 'normal' again.

This 'adjustment of status' will certainly require quite an adjustment.

Charlie is away somewhere where mobiles don't work. He doesn't know this yet.

In the next few weeks I'll receive my 'green card' and I'll turn 30 years old. I spent my 20s mostly as an Alien. Both labels will soon be things of the past. The words 'end' and 'era' come to mind...