It”s that time of year where we stuff ourselves with food, good cheer, family, friends and presents.
It”s also the time where we think about what we”re thankful for, probably because we find ourselves surrounded by food, good cheer, family, friends and presents.
I”m going to admit something to you all. I was pretty unhappy about moving up here nearly a year ago.
I essentially had no choice in the matter. I was a broke college graduate. I had to leave my friends and life behind and make a new one up here, living again under my parents” roof.
It”s the kind of stuff that breaks people. No one wants to move back in with their folks after being on their own. It feels wrong; like you”re moving in the wrong direction.
I was also worried about the prospect of finding a job here. I didn”t know anything about the job market in Lake County or any surrounding counties.
I had a head full of doubt coming here.
But from day one, I have been surprised by this place.
When I drove up here after ringing in the new year, I was greeted with snow. I was geeking out in the car. I had been to snow before but had never driven in a snowstorm and certainly didn”t expect to be driving in one on my first night here.
When it happened again in February a few days after my birthday, it felt like a late birthday present.
I”ve experienced all four seasons truly for the first time in my life.
I”ve loved every minute of watching the wine grapevines blossom from woody stumps to bushy green and now a gorgeous rust color as they die before beginning the cycle again.
After getting started at the paper, I”ve met so many interesting and amazing people. My heart has grown with each wonderful person who I”ve met, and I know there”s plenty more I”ve yet to meet.
Every event I”ve covered has surprised me in some way, nearly all of it in a good way. I”ve learned a bit from every experience I”ve had in my short time here.
So, what am I thankful for this Thanksgiving?
I”m thankful for my parents for taking me in and being there for me in good times and bad.
I”m thankful for all my friends back in the Bay Area who are like a second family who I can go visit whenever and feel right at home.
I”m thankful to everyone at the Record-Bee and Lake County Publishing for giving me a chance to succeed.
I”m thankful for all the awesome people I”ve met while on assignment.
I”m thankful for being in one of the most beautiful places in the world and that I”m able to appreciate its beauty.
Mostly, I”m just thankful. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I am excited to see what the next year will bring.
Kevin N. Hume can be reached at kevin.n.hume@gmail.com or call directly 263-5636 ext. 14.
