Our Homeland is secure...at least Memphis
Our "Groundhog Day" was successful yesterday. It felt just like that movie as we got ready to go in the morning.
We arrived at the Office of Homeland Security tucked neatly behind a convenient store in east Memphis about 9:50. BZ's appointment was for 10:15. When we walked in, the guard asked if we had an appointment, and BZ showed him the letter. He saw the time for his appointment and said that for a 10:15 appointment, they like for the person to be there at 10...so go get a cup of coffee and then come back. Huh??
We could see clearly into the room we would be waiting in. Across the back wall of that room were four desks behind glass each with partitions between them on our side. There were also three rows of chairs, each containing at least 20 chairs. Out of those 60 chairs, there were six people sitting there. In other words, they were NOT busy.
We "yes, sir'd" our way back out the door we came into and left to find a cup of coffee. Five minutes later and no coffee, but at least a bathroom trek, we returned to the parking lot and got out of the truck at 10:02...we didn't want to seem anxious. :)
When we walked back in, I couldn't help but get tickled when the SAME guard asked us if we had an appointment and asked to see the letter. Somebody takes their duties REAL seriously.
BZ didn't get seated good before they called his number. He's standing at the window and I'm watching people come out of a room close to him. The sign on the wall for that room said "Citizenship Interview Waiting Room." I finally figured out that one person was the lawyer and the other was the one going for citizenship.
Girls, there are some true dumbasses trying to become US citizens and some true jackasses helping them! BZ overheard one of the lawyers telling his client that they'll run you through the FBI and if you turn up hot AGAIN, you won't become a citizen. You've got to be honest with them if you've been in trouble before. Another lawyer was telling his Ninja looking client that it was the interviewer's fault he wasn't becoming a citizen today; you don't have to take that from them. You don't have to admit to telling a falsity during your permanent residency interview, don't let them win. Just stay a permanent resident another year or so and we'll come back and do this again. Ninja guy lied about being married/divorced during his first interview, and that's what's keeping him from advancing. I'm glad to see they are catching some of the liars.
BZ found out that after his permanent residency interview, they sent his file straight on to storage instead of processing it like they were supposed to! Dumbasses. The lady at the counter said this has happened before and she doesn't know why, but that she would make sure he got processed and receive a card. We did have to walk across the street so BZ could get a photo taken (AGAIN) for his green card. The lady also fingerprinted his index finger...AGAIN. He should be receiving SOMETHING within three months. Everybody keep your fingers crossed, please.
While BZ was at the counter, I headed towards the restroom. Another lady was headed that way, too. We both thought it was a universal one-stall bathroom, and I motioned for her to go on first. One of those lawyers was standing close by with his client who better not come up hot again on the FBI list and told us that there was more than one stall; we could both go in. I goobed and chuckled and said, oh, okay, we both can -- okay, good, thanks.
The woman and I walk in and she's commenting about the color of the walls, a sort of dull light sage, not bad, but nothing outstanding. She said something about it not being bad, but after staring at it for so long all over the building, it got old quick. Me: Yeah, I bet. She nabs the handicapped stall (bitch) and I go in one several doors from her...you know, exercising public bathroom etiquette. This woman FARTS loudly and lengthy. Yes, my eyes popped out of my head and I had to stifle the laugh. She then starts TALKING about the color again!! Now, Girls, unless I know you, I'm really, really not one to chat while sitting in a public restroom peeing. I couldn't get out of there quick enough.
Our jaunt to Memphis was a success and somewhat entertaining. We ate ribs at the Rendevous and Thai food at another restaurant. BZ wanted ribs. The Rendevous opened for business at 4:30. It was 11:50 when we walked in the door. They said if we wanted ribs, they could serve us. I really didn't comprehend all that and said okay. I started to order an appetizer and the guy said, all we got is ribs; we don't open for business til 4:30. I don't like ribs. I prefer the pulled meat type bbq. We order anyway and I eat two of mine. BZ ate all of his. Mine went into a doggy bag.
We leave and are headed back to the car when I spot a thai place. BZ LOVES thai. Yes, we ate there, too, and it was damn good. Even BZ ate like he hadn't JUST eaten a slab of ribs! Our thai bill was about half of what it was at the Rendevous. Unbelieveable!
We stopped off in Tupelo and did some Sam's shopping. We then got home and Santa Claus disguised as the mailman, UPS, and FedEx guys had been to our house! I had four boxes at the garage and three at the front door. Love me some internet shopping!! I'm rushing the boxes in while BZ is asking what is all that? As he's getting the mail, I'm stashing boxes in closets and under the bed. Sad thing is, only three of the seven boxes were for someone else. :) Love ME some internet shopping!
Have a good one, Girls!
1 comments so far
Shear - 2005-12-02 23:06:26My hubby and I ate dinner at the Rendevous on our honeymoon. He loves their ribs.
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