As I sit here on January 8, 2026, I’m waiting patiently (hmmm) for word on my Italian citizenship by marriage application.  Some lucky people in Italy receive their citizenship in less than a year after application, but the law says “within 24 months, unless of course we need more time and we can then extend it another 12 months” (highly paraphrased of course).  The waiting game has me contemplating just how we got here in the first place, so let’s reminisce!