It’s Thanksgiving today, for those of you who observe the holiday, and I thought I’d share a little something from my blog with you

My first Thanksgiving was the year I turned nine.

We moved from Australia to the States that year, and before we left, a beloved teacher at St. Thomas, a wonderful woman named Mrs. Burns, had me stand up in front of the class to “share” a bit about the trip. Well-meaning classmates, eyes wide with curiosity in a sea of burgundy jumpers, asked me where I was going, if I was scared, and what it would be like once I got to wherever “there” was.

“It’s a city called Seattle,” I shrug, “somewhere in the States.” What’s the States like, have you ever been?

Then I said something like, “Well, I know that they call Chemists ‘Drug Stores!’” Which made them collapse into hysterics exclaiming, “‘DRUG stores??? Ahahahahahaha ‘Pardon me, may I buy some DRUGS?’ Ahahahaha how RUUUDE!!!”

Seattle turned out to be cold and grey, almost too cold and grey, and the house we lived in was quaint but empty, as the shipment hadn’t yet arrived. Mom was an old hand at Thanksgiving and explained it to me. But as a practical woman who still knew how to throw a feast, she and Wilma (darling, beloved kitchen angel and stand-in mom) stuffed a cornish hen, and not a turkey. (How the hell could two women and one child finish off a turkey?) So it was cornish hen, with stuffing on the side, at a small foldable card table in the kitchen.

What did we give thanks for that evening? For health, of course, for the safe trip, for Dad’s safe trip (who was stuck at the other house doing all the packing), for Abelard’s safe trip (our dog who was in transit), for all our blessings, for a smooth transition into our new surroundings (not unlike the prayers offered by those off the Mayflower, I suspect, minus the dog part).

I’m working tonight, in Manila, and am celebrating on my lonesome with a Turkey Stuffing roll, a hazelnut latte, and thoughts of that night in Seattle. Who’d ever think that a cold little kitchen would feel so warm right now?

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Hi Everyone!

My name is Marie, a Dip Brat born in Chicago and raised in Manila, Melbourne, Canberra and Seattle.

I’m the youngest in a brood of 5. It’s funny to share stories of our childhoods because the geographical locations are different! We are a family of TCKs that have remained tight-knit despite living in 3 different countries.

Since my Mom passed away before her Madrid posting, I remained in Asia, but I grew to love it so much that I stayed on, completing Uni here, growing some roots (somewhat), having kids and a job I love. My Mother remains as my top fashion and style icon, and Dad, bless him, is still fun and silly as ever.

I love TCKid and am happy to be here At the prodding of my sister I signed up yesterday and I’ve been poring over the site like mad since. I am enjoying all the posts and everytime I’m thinking, “everyone sounds just like me!” Being in touch with others who have experienced the same upheaval, heartache and discovery is amazing. This is for you, Mom! And Dad, who is the most awesome pillar of support.

Looking forward to meeting you guys! Do check out my stuff on http://agirlfromoz.tumblr.com/ if you’ve the time.

Ingat/Take care,

marie

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Hi Everyone! Have any of you been questioned on your citizenship?

I am Filipino by nationality and was born in the US. I grew up in Australia and the US and am now back in Asia.

Recently, an officer at the US Embassy of the city where I live, held my passports saying that I “may not” be a citizen. The officer says that as a diplomatic dependent, I am not allowed citizenship. My mother, (who passed away when I was young), was an officer with the Foreign Service, but she became so only after I was born. I was not a diplomatic dependent at the time of my birth.

I am looking for any help or comments you may be able to send my way. Love this site, btw, wish I found it sooner!

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