Northern California-based communications professional with experience in news media and nonprofits. 
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© 2010 Brea Jones
I recently spent my first paid vacation by visiting my old stomping grounds. Something about loud bars, plenty of green liquor and a reunion with old friends, foes and a coach stirred up memories and some realizations.
Thomas Wolfe is known for writing, “You can’t go home again,” and this weekend forced me to realize Chico is no longer my home. I stayed a day or two shorter than I planned, and while the trip was fun, the best part was seeing people I love who love me. The worst? Realizing happiness doesn’t come from a place, from great friends or from traveling.
Happiness is one of those things that just happens. Trying to force it by living in the past is like squeezing into a size 2 jeans when you should be wearing double digits. I’m sure I’m not the first grad to miss her social life in Chico, but being back in town for an extended stay didn’t make me any happier than when I left. In fact, I returned to Stockton relieved and relaxed. I finally accept that my life is here, and it no longer involves a melody of cat calls, drunk dials and the trickle of Big Chico Creek.
Who knew?
Credit belongs to my two nearest and dearest who stayed up with me nearly all night on the road to self-discovery. I told you the best part of the trip was friends. Well, friends and the sweet, green derby hat.
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ah, what a beautiful writer my friend is. i love you, and i’m happy that although times are tough these days, you are smart as hell and can learn from every one of those tough times.
“Home is where the heart is:
That’s what somebody once said.
I think your heart is where your love is.
All the rest baby, the rest, it’s all in your head.” -”sick and tired” by Cross Canadian Ragweed.
-IJ
I agree with you 100%! Reading this entry made me think back to when I went up to Chico for my Spring break. I also realized it wasn’t home for me anymore either. I saw the friends I wanted to see (except you!
) and I realized its a nice place to visit but not to live there anymore.
But you went back to Stockton and I went back to Fresno. For me though, I am still on the road of discovery and I am still very much looking for a city to call “home”.
I look forward to reading more of your entries cause at least I know I’m not the only one with the same train of thought. Thank you!
-Joanne