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Living in Chico for the past four years has taught me to be thankful for mundane things. From personal dishwashers and washing machines to cheap movie tickets and heavy-handed bartenders, Chico makes the little things in life seem so big.
I'll be spending next Thursday night debating whether to break my seven-month vegetarian vow while looking out on the sandy beaches of San Diego, surrounded by my crazy family and loving boyfriend. When we go around the dinner table stating what we are thankful for this year, here are a few items that will be running through my mind.
The changing seasons
Being stuck in Chico for 365 days is like traveling the world.
In summer, you're transported to the blistering heat of the African Sahara. During winter, you experience bone-chilling cold only reserved for the Arctic. Autumn and spring seem to be the only escapes from weather extremes, even if they only last two or three weeks.
I have found myself taking extra-long walks between classes to linger in the unusual November warmth and quaff the smoky air. I may have hated it during the summer, but the smoldering scent of burning wood sends tingles through my nasal passages.
My patient parents
Mom hates my black nail polish. Dad refuses to listen to my latest tattoo idea. While their parenting tactics are as different as night and day, the two can agree on one thing - I'll always be their little girl.
Putting up with my hormonal temper tantrums and occasional involvement with illegal activities during high school, I know they're glad I've grown into the mature, intelligent woman they always expected me to be. They even understood when I brought home my current beau, in all his pierced and tattooed glory.
New beginnings
After a slew of failed relationships with - I'll just say it - losers, drug addicts and dog-faced liars, words can't express how happy I am that fate has given me a fresh start with a man worthy of my love. I'll spare you all of the gushy details, but we encompass every love cliche.
Two peas in a pod. Love at first sight. The unity of two hearts beating together as one. Head over heels. I am thankful for the fact that I have become the person who was hiding deep inside me. Maybe not because I met Ray, but because he gave me a nudge in the right direction.
Kenna can be reached at entertainmenteditor@theorion.com
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