Yesterday was my citizenship interview. I showed up minus the interview appointment notice because I misplaced it a few weeks prior. The guard wouldn't let me in because I have to have an appointment letter before I am even allowed in. I cannot pose as a companion for my roommate who also happened to have the same interview date because mine is at 8:20 and hers is at 9:40. You will only be allowed to go in 30 minutes before your appointed time. Three weeks before my interview, I called the USCIS hotline and was told that I can come in without the notice because they would have a record of my interview schedule. She failed to mention I wouldn't go past the guards though!

I believe it was divine intervention because I was able to secure an InfoPass appointment just across the street. I was able to come through the gate where you can ask questions about your case. I told the USCIS officer about my case and he gladly handed me a referral slip and asked me to go straight to the 2nd Floor and show that slip to the Receptionist. Once there, the Receptionist verified that I was indeed scheduled for the interview, sent me to wait on Door A until my name is called. While waiting, I was really teary-eyed because I couldn’t believe how blessed I am. I am so thankful that I was able to get in, even without my appointment notice. I am also grateful for my roommate who was there to support me. If it wasn't for her constant push, I probably would've gone home and called it a day!

The interviewer asked me questions about my application, had me answer 10 US History questions, and had me write down "She was happy with her house". I was then asked to wait for my oath taking appointment and the rest was history!

The night before, I really prayed hard to get through the day and be able to pass my interview because I really would like to upgrade my husband's immigrant petition very, very soon. I am not complaining, though it would be nice if my husband will be able to help me take care of Kail. Most of the time, I'm just swamped and extremely overwhelmed. God heard my prayers. He truly is the greatest!

Yesterday was a very emotional day for me. I had to drag Kail out of bed by 5:40am, was on the road by 5:45, and dropped him off Auntie C’s house by 6am. By 6:05, I was back on the road on my way to work. While driving away, I was really crying. I feel bad having to take Kail out on a 51 degree weather but I don’t have a choice because I have to go to work. Even when Kail was his usual happy self, humming and baby talking, it still didn’t change what I felt.

J said it best – we do what we gotta do. If we had a choice, we wouldn’t do it otherwise. It’s true, I don’t have a choice. I have to work because my son is depending on me, and I’m depending on me, and my whole family is depending on me.

Come to think of it, I have simple dreams. I just want to be able to stay at home, watch my kids grow, and be able to take care of them.

I couldn’t help but count down for retirement – which is eons away!!!! Wish I could win the lottery!

Today of all days, Ma had the sniffles. I was so worried last night because she wasn't able to attend the J's birthday dinner since she wasn't feeling well. I needed to go to work today. It was our big install. So this morning, while I was washing Kail's bottles and preparing his things for the day, I was close to tears. The tears wouldn't fall though - maybe because I was just too tired, too stressed out, and too sleep-deprived to be emotional.

I asked whether she wanted to take the day to rest and reccuperate but she said she's ok to take care of Kail. I was prepared to call Auntie C (thanks J) to beg her to take care of Kail today. I really needed to come to work because I was on support. I'd probably lose my job if I don't show up - so there, it's that critical! In the end, I conceded because I saw Kail sound asleep. It just breaks my heart that I have to work and not be able to stay home like other moms can.

Tomorrow's another day… and yes, I also need to go to work.

My life as a working mom sometimes sucks! But everytime I see Kail happy and smiling and healthy, I just couldn't complain. He makes all the sacrifices worth my while.