Well, today's my birthday and I'm in a reflective mood anyway, so it seems as good a time as any to post.

Funnily enough, I don't really consider myself a lurker, because I read here every day and don't conciously not post, if you know what I mean (and still do occasionally), but I suppose I am. Like other UnAmericans, it has more to do with the time difference than anything else. I'm online in my mornings, when most of you are asleep.

Things are OK, but not great. For the first time in my life, Current Events are having a direct, negative impact on my life and are causing me a lot of worry. I am clinging to the forlorn hope that Brexit won't actually happen, but who knows? Let's at least make sure that it's the only insanely stupid decision made by the electorate of a western nation this year.

Also, I have been unable to find a permanent job for the past five years. I was second choice for something that came up recently, which is a slight consolation, but still didn't get it. I still teach Film part-time on a self-employed basis, though the pay and benefits aren't really commensurate with the amount of work I put in. But I do love the work, and the students are great, so that's something.

Otherwise, the kids are all right. B. is fourteen-and-a-half (boy, is he fourteen-and-a-half). Like many gifted kids, he's having motivational issues at school, and things are coming to a bit of a head at the moment, but he's bound to find his path eventually. C. is eleven and has her head screwed on right. She's just been diagnosed with mild dyslexia, which explains a lot, but is mastering that, as she seems to do most things in her life.

Mr. Fiona completed his MBA a couple of months ago and has a new managerial job in our home town, so he's around more which is great. We're off to his graduation ceremony in Edinburgh this weekend. Should be fun.

It's so nice to hear from everyone here! I too shall try and post a bit more often in future.

Fiona, wonderful to hear from you. Some of us are still night owls and you just may catch us online when you post.

I am clinging to the forlorn hope that Brexit won't actually happen, but who knows? Let's at least make sure that it's the only insanely stupid decision made by the electorate of a western nation this year.

Yes times a million. There's a good chance we'll be kicked out of the UK at some point if Theresa May gets her way. But my being Irish might save us depending on what they do with the treaties. Or, G can apply for British citizenship in a year or so, but that costs over £1000 now so isn't the ideal solution. I'm not really sure I want to be here anymore either, seeing as how we're not wanted and all.

So yeah, situation in total flux. Thanks, Brexit.

Some of us are still night owls and you just may catch us online when you post.

Ah yes, the night shift. We should revive that.

Gosh yes, Jars, being Irish puts you in another part of the Brexit Venn diagramm. The whole thing is utter, utter pants.

Because my partner and children live here, and because I need to be able to work here, I'm currently looking at taking up German citizenship. However, it's not only pretty expensive but would also mean having to give up my US Citizenship, which I really don't want to do. See that rock here and the hard place thataway? That's where we are. Thanks Brexit indeed.

However, it's not only pretty expensive but would also mean having to give up my US Citizenship, which I really don't want to do.

Oh no, is that a 'can't have 3 citizenships' thing? Because while technically that seems to be true, I know at least a few people who have 3 or 4. No one seem to cross-reference.

It's not the number of citizenships per se that's the issue, it's how and when you acquire them. If you automatically receive more than one at birth, that's no problem; my kids have three.

But if you want to take on the citizenship of another country, your original state may boot you out. The US doesn't recognise dual citizenship and will remove citizenship if you pledge alliegance to another state. German and UK dual citizenship is possible at the moment (but only has been for a couple of years) because they're both in the EU. That will change, so there's a bit of a rush.

ALL of my British friends here who are eligible have already taken German citizenship. I'm only dithering because of the complications.

Happy birthday, Fiona!

Get it together, nation-states, and stop screwing over your citizens.

The US doesn't recognise dual citizenship and will remove citizenship if you pledge alliegance to another state.

Oh crap that's super worrying - we were told DH could have both. Argh.

We'll be getting all three for the baby once it pops out though.

Get it together, nation-states, and stop screwing over your citizens.

Seriously.

Oh crap that's super worrying - we were told DH could have both. Argh.

Do check because my information could be out of date. I'm going to the nearest consulate soon to discuss options.

Friends of mine acquired US citizenship and kept their British. That way round isn't a problem.

Thank you, -t! I'm making my favourite cake, coffee-walnut, ahead of the final of Bake-Off and a wee party this evening.

(Popping in...)

The US doesn't recognise dual citizenship and will remove citizenship if you pledge alliegance to another state.

Not necessarily true, Fiona. The U.S. doesn't formally recognize dual citizenship, but hasn't taken any actions to prohibit it. The only way you can lose your U.S. citizenship is by affirmative actions showing intent:

The loss of U.S. citizenship can only occur if a person's actions demonstrate an intent to give up his or her citizenship. Such actions might include:

Serving in the armed forces of a country which is engaged in hostilities against the United States.

Formally renouncing one's U.S. citizenship in front of a duly authorized U.S. official.

Committing an act of treason against the United States, or attempting or conspiring to overthrow the U.S. Government.

Voluntarily applying for another citizenship will only terminate your U.S. citizenship if you have the intention of terminating it. [link]

Jars, it shouldn't be a problem for your DH to obtain UK citizenship and keep his U.S. A high school friend of mine lives in London, is married to a Scotsman, and is going for UK citizenship. He is not losing his U.S. passport.