My Job

I was thinking the other day that I don't really talk about my job that much here. Possibly because there are days when my job is too frustrating to think about again. (like my current case involving a SAW claim. Google it. And by "google it" I mean look it up on the internet, not whatever else you were thinking that meant). But for those of you that don't know I am an immigration working at  non-profit here in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was recently hired full time which is GREAT for my bank account. But it also gives me more experience in other areas of immigration law. For example I went to court for the very first time by myself in June to argue an asylum/withholding of removal case (again google it if you are curious what that entails). Thankfully, I won and my client gets to stay in the country (the judge said if I had not helped her it might have been a very different situation for her. so that was good!). Normally I do citizenship for elderly refugees. I enjoy helping them but the medical waivers can be a pain in my back pockets. I also sometimes have clients that can be a pain in my back pockets i.e. this guy.
     I certainly have my own opinions on all things immigration but I won't share them right now. :) What I will share with you is one of my favorite stories about a client. This guy was an elderly refugee from Somalia and he was one of the rare clients who took the citizenship exam (FYI to get citizenship you have to speak, read, and write English and answer 10 civics questions, along with some other laws). So this guy was pretty nervous and before we went into his citizenship interview I decided to ask him some of the civics questions. There are 100 questions to study. The officer only asks 10 of the questions and you only need 6 correct. So I was quizzing him before we went in (questions like "who was the Father of Our Country?" "Name one of the longest rivers in the United States." etc.) and he was doing well. He was called to go to the interview and we went in and sat down and the officer went to put the client under oath before reviewing his application. So the officer said "please raise your right hand." My client yelled, "GEORGE WASHINGTON!!". The officer and I were in shock and I tried really hard not to laugh. And the officer was nice enough to say he'd start with the questions instead. So for the rest of the day I went around just yelling "George Washington!". :) My client passed with flying colors though and I was proud of him. Thankfully my job has a lot of positives and only a few sad negative stories. Usually situations where I can't help. But I love what I do and I love where I am working. I'm getting great experience and get to help people. :) Well everyone that's my soapbox. Peace out!

P.S. I recently discovered Instagram for my phone. I'm a fan.
P.P.S. If you are curious what HB 497 is go here.

Flood-It

I have the game Flood-It on my iGoogle page and when I am waiting for clients I often play it. My score is Won: 42 Lost: 214...oh now 215. I need a mentor for this game.


I also wish I had a chips and salsa dispenser for my desk. You want chips and salsa? *zip blop* done! You? *zip blop* Done! Ingenious.

Good Luck!

My dear niece Morgan bought this book for me.

I'm pretty sure she has no hope in me finding someone on my own...she's bringing reinforcements...

Nothing but Gratitude

       This being September 11 and 10 years since the attacks in America I feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for the military, police, EMTs, firefighters and every day citizens trying to make a change for the better. All I have to say is thank you.
    I had a woman tell me once that I shouldn't care as much about what happened on September 11 because it happened in Washington, New York and Pennsylvania, no where close to me. That was sad to me. I feel like if something tragic happens in a family all the family members feel it. Its the same here. If tragedy hits we all feel it.  I also would hate to think that we are a county that doesn't feel pain for the tragedy of another. We are not that type of country and I know this woman was an isolated incident. We do care and I know we always will.
     I hope that today reminds us how we all came together that day and we can hopefully become back together for the good of each other and the country and the world. God bless America and I pray for those still fighting for what's right. 

My Addiction

Hi. My name is Emily. *Hi Emily* And I have a problem. This is my problem

 Yup water bottles. I love water bottles! These are only a few of the ones I have. I was thinking of more I have at my second house and yes...there are more. I realized that I usually buy water bottles if I go to the store right after a run. Because I'm thirsty so I want water. Tada! Water bottles. Honestly I love water. I drink a lot and I just love it, love it.
         Now this one you all are thinking is not a typical water bottle. Well here is the thing, this is glass and the hippie in me will not allow me to throw it away or recycle it. I have to keep it. Yup my environmental side says no. (I am not one of those people that think they are an environmentalist and they really have no idea what they are talking about. I am a mining engineers daughter so I have other views. :) If you care to hear them let me know. I am never afraid to spout my views about anything.)

 

This one was purchased because I had my nephew in the car and he wanted some chocolate milk. Well there was no way I was going to let a 2 year old have an open cup in my car. So it was purchased with the idea that I'd let him have it....but I ended up keeping it. I have a problem people! 

And this last one is my pride and joy. I have had this dear water bottle since my mission so about 2005 kids! He's 6! I will never get rid of him and if I have to I will have a funeral for him.
    Well there you have it...my confession. I have a problem. I need WBA (Water bottles Anonymous)  Alright everyone peace out!

P.S. Thanks to all of you who have sent your condolences. I really appreciate it.