Nobody said it was going to be easy.

These days things are hard, not that they haven't been hard in the past; or maybe we're just making things harder than they have to be? They can drive you crazy. They stress you out, and when stressed, who is really ever rational. We say things we don't mean. Hard times happen to everybody and to every relationship. But don't give ever give up; not on yourself and, most definitely, not to who matters to you.

You had your first big fight, or maybe your 5th or maybe even your 20th. You storm out of the house to cool down, meanwhile she's laying in bed with a broken heart; wondering if you'll ever come back, or if this really was the last straw. "I've had enough of this bull shit," you yell before you walk out.

You head all alone to the neon lights. Ask the bartender for the good stuff and he pushes over a double shot of Jack. All you can think about is how did you get into this mess again. It's always the little things that cause this madness. The bartender asks you whats on your mind, "We've been trying to make it work..but this might be it this time. These times are hard," you respond. She needs you now. She wants you now. She needs to know you still want her. But you can't find the time to tell her that everything is going to be okay.

Work is consuming her life and you're searching for a job. Out all day doing your best. Both of you are putting in so much effort, or so you thought. How did you ever get into this mess; its like the ultimate test? You see her pray for change every night before she falls asleep, a single tear running down her cheek.

She's always upbeat, tells you everything you need to hear and keeps you in line. She watches your back and only wants the best for you, and for "you" as a couple. You feel as if you lost it all, asking God for help cause you're doing your best. She's right there to reassure you, "I know you're hurt, but we can make this work. We are going to make this work."

You smile back, but you're so close to tears. For the first time you realize you're not ready to give up; not yet. Not on her, and not on yourself. Is it really so hard for you to tell her you not only need her, but you want her? That's all she needs to hear, and that's all you needed to make things right again; for you and for her.

It doesn't always come easy. It's going to take a lot of effort. It's going to hurt and you're will have to make sacrifices. But if it's what you want and what you need you will find a way to push your pride aside and realize what is truly important. You need her as badly as she needs you. You're not the same with out each other, or when you fight. You look back and remember the old times, when you first met, how you first met, and how happy you were when she said she'd be your girl. Hold on to that, hold on to that feeling.

They never stop to think; "Whats in it for me" or "Its way too far". They just show on up with a big old heart.

We care about them the most, and we hit them the hardest. We take everything they do for granted, never saying please or thank you. We just expect them to be there for us. How is it that we hurt the ones who mean the world to us the most, the people we can't live without and the people we never want to live without.

Not everybody does this habitually, in fact i hope nobody does this habitually. But there are times when everybody takes the people who are most important in life for granted.

Our family and friends see the worst of us; mood swings, crabby morning, judgemental thoughts and stubbornness, yet they still love us. Ever hear the quote by Marilyn Monroe, "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." This to me, represents the way our families and good friends support us. They've seen the worst and stick around, while our not so good "friends" try and avoid the drama..ever notice how they're the last ones there when you need a shoulder?

If somebody can't be with you when it rains, then they do not deserve to be with you when the sun is shining. Each and every person is unique, beautiful and wonderful in their own way. We all have little quirks that make us different, and talents that make us extraordinary. People who can not be with you through thick and thin don't deserve your time. And the same goes for us, if somebody isn't worth YOUR time when they are down and broken, then don't be artificial and be their best friend when all goes well. Don't be fake, just be you.

Why do we burden the ones we love like that? We lack patients with them, yet give it to our "friends". I believe it is because we know that they truly love us, therefore if they are upset with us they will never leave, stray or abandon us. While we are unintentionally hurting those we love, we are busy doing what?.. trying to gain acceptance from our "friends".  Now-a-days it seems like people worry too much about being accepted by the masses. As long as you have family and one or two good friends and maybe a significant other, what else do you need. According to me, that makes a person rich. No, not rich in means of net wealth, but rich in means of what is important in life, rich in means of memories, experiences and of course plenty of love. After all, all you need is love.

What kind of man lays his hand on a woman?

He lays his hands on the woman he loves and calls her "angel" and "baby" yet shows no remorse or guilt as she lays in a puddle of her own blood. Her body is covered in bruises and scars; she tells family and friends she "tripped down the stairs". She feels less beautiful with each day that passes, but she is sometimes beautiful enough to him, if she does everything just right. He has trained her to believe she can't do better so she stays.

She thought it would only happen that once so she sticks around. But each and every time after he's done with her beating he'll wipe the sweat from his brow and yell over her broken cries. He screams "You don'  know how hard I've had it, you don't know what I've been through." He yells and says "You don't know what I've done for you." Then he hits her again. With each beating not only does he break her bones, but her heart a little more every time.

He can't even look her in they eyes, then minutes later he acts like nothing ever happened. She prays it will end, but it never does. Her cries don't phase him anymore. If she ever gets enough courage to leave will she trust again? Instead she'll be left with the ghost of her grim past with every step she takes. It will be so hard to let those walls down, does she even want to try.

She stands in the mirror and her reflection looks lifeless. Lifting up her shirt she sees his finger prints branded all over her body. She feels its all, but she doesn't cry anymore. The shades of blue that cover her face hide the smile that he used to give her instead.

You are too beautiful and your heart wants something more. Don't you dare settle for this cause somewhere out there is somebody who WILL treat you better. The second you settle for a guy like this it will become harder to realize that you deserve better, everybody deserves better than a life like this.

I Don't Want This Night To End

You don't know them, but something about them is pulling you in. You're intrigued and they captured your attention the second they entered the room. You can't concentrate on anything else, and your heart all but stops when your eyes connect. The crazy thing about it is you don't know how or why they've captured your attention, but now they've got it and you know there is no turning back.

Suddenly your heart beat begins to race as they walk in your direction, and stops dead when they engage in conversation with you. What are they talking about, the hell if you know, you're too caught up in their eyes. You talk and laugh as if you go way back although you've only just met.

Everybody else in the room seems to disappear. And before long everybody else did. You don't know them from Adam, but for some reason you trust them, you know they won't hurt you. You talk about everything and anything, because tonight they are your everything. You've let your guard down, the walls are no longer up but you know they don't need to be up either.

What seemed like 5 minutes turns our to be hours, and next thing you know its 3 in the morning. It's late and you both should probably start heading home, but now you'd feel so completely lost you don't even know where you are or where you've been. You do know one thing though, you don't want this night to be over. You know it won't be the same tomorrow. You never want to leave this moment.

He'll always hate to see us cry

Yes all, I do realize a lot of my post are about guys/men in someway. You're probably thinking how a blog can all of a sudden turn into "Cosmo's Advice" column. But figuring men out isn't easy and there sure as hell is no guide on how to understand the complicated situations they present.

Under all of the complex things women do and put guys through, all we really want at the end of the day is somebody who genuinely cares about us. Somebody who compliments us cause they want to and because they mean it. Somebody who'd watch our favorite movies with us though they've seen it a million times. We want somebody to tell us it's gonna be alright when things start looking bad. Most importantly we want somebody who is going to stand by us not only when we're up on top, but somebody who is going to remain there with us once we've hit rock bottom; after all everybody needs somebody to pull them back up. From the looks of it, especially in today's society, the only man who will ever be there for a woman is her father.

It's always hard for a dad to watch his baby girl grow up, but nevertheless he always supports her through the triumphs and tells her to keep trying when she fails. He's the one who taught us how to ride a bike and tie our shoes; he's also the one who picked our bikes back up and encouraged us to get back on after we fell off. When we are feeling sick, he doesn't try and stay away to keep himself germ free, rather he brings us soup and hot cocoa and brings us a puke bucket. He proceeds by sitting by us asking if there is anything he can do to make us feel better..that's just what dad's do. Does it take having a child for a man to turn into a caring human being?

I know that I cannot be the only one who gets into arguments and disagreements with my father, and sometimes we say things that we don't mean. Sometimes we both just need to be mad for a while, but you bet your ass before I go to bed we make nice and he makes sure everything is okay. Our dads HATE to see us cry, but the guys women are with usually appear to care less; should we continue searching when we already have all the love we could ever need from our fathers?

Everybody wants to feel important and loved. It is, in its simplest form, one of man kinds primary needs after the bare necessities. So we spend our lives dedicated to finding "the one" instead of focusing on what really makes us happy; family and friends. Sometimes instead of worrying about what you are doing wrong, we need to focus on what we did right, what we did right to keep the people we already have in our lives there so long. And one thing I know for sure is that a loving father is there forever and always.

If You Like Me Then Say You Like Me

He says cute things and is all into you when it is just you two, but when he is surrounded by his friends he can barely say hi. Why do guys act so differently around their friends? Despite what they may think, us women don't find it cute or funny, we don't think it means you have game or "swagger". Honestly, if you like me just say you like me, and don't stop there; if your going to "like" somebody then show it too.

Some girls are very needy and clingy. They want their guy to be holding their hand constantly, or they want to sit on their lap at a party. Nope, not me. I just would want them to simply talk to me, smile at me, tell his friends "hey this is my girl". If he is too cool to pay me attention around his friends, then I am too cool to be waiting around for him to be a man.

This problem, I assume, goes back centuries, and if not centuries it at least back to when i started 3rd grade. We're good enough to read "Goosebumps" with, but when it came to playing "lightning" with you at recess we might as well have been invisible cause we're never getting a turn. As I have grown up I have only seen this problem become more apparent and on a larger level.

Don't get me wrong, not ALL guys are like this. I have seen guys who want everybody to know "this is my girlfriend" and he'll proceed by introducing her to all his friends and making her comfortable at the party or wherever it may be. But that is a rare exception. Because most guys today seem afraid..afraid of what; judgement, being "whipped"..? Here's a pointer guys, paying your girls attention doesn't mean you're whipped, unmanly or ditching your friends. It simply means that if you really do like her, that you care enough about her to let to her know, your friends know, and to let other girls who may be lurking to get the point (you're taken).

It doesn't take that much effort, in fact it probably takes more effort to change how you act just because your friends are around. Next time around, save us from wasting any of our time with your games. If you like us then say you like us and prove it, if not, then on to our next attempt to find our whoever, whoever they may be.

Never Say Never

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Is this more than a common saying, perhaps this is reality. But I believe that people deserve second chances, maybe even third chances if they prove they are willing to change.

Sometimes all you need is a little guidance, or something, someone, to change for. I can't help but wonder if it is possible for simply another human being to be enough motivation to get another off of the old beaten path and onto a fresh new page.

Am I giving the human species more credit than they deserve? I have seen people try to change and go right back to old habits, yet I cannot help but believe theres still a chance.

Does it take a tragedy for one to realize they're headed the wrong direction, is it self or family motivated or maybe guidance from a higher power? I have been caught up in thinking about this lately. I like to see the best in everybody cause I like to believe that at our core, we're all good people.

Sometimes it is hard and confusing giving somebody a second chances, but sometimes it is worth it. Sometimes they prove your assumptions wrong, and you're left wondering why you've waited so long.

Contrary to that I have seen people given second, third, fourth chances to yet again be a let down. It's not easy and nobody ever said it would be easy. If you can find somebody or something that can make you change for the better hold onto them, and if you're somebody else's motivation to better themselves don't let them down by not being there.

As you can probably tell I have mixed feelings about change and second chances, but it's something that has been on my mind lately. There is no guide on how to go about change, for it's a part of life and life cannot be perfect, only as perfect as you can make it yourself.

HP or die.

Nothing quite compares to  the ABC family Harry Potter marathon weekend. I look forward to these weekends like a bride does her wedding day. There is nothing more comforting than curling up in bed with a fuzzy blanket, switching to the channel and enjoying a few good hours of my main man Harry. Well maybe one thing could make it better..a 'butta beer'.

Just as many others, I have followed Harry, Ron and Hermione on their journey through Hogwarts and into the magic world. I'm sold on their adventures, captivated by the battles, inspired by their courage, and captivated by their gorgeous British accents!

Harry Potter marathon weekends are on about 8 times a year or so and best believe I watch each and every one! Though I have seen each of those movies about 15 to 20 times I still have my eyes glued to the television and and on the edge of my seat.

Though I know that nothing in these movies is possible I still find myself wishing I could live in a world like that. A world of magic, creativity, endless possibilities, and completely unexpected events. While watching these movies you cannot help but feel you are there.

Maybe its just me, but I never get sick of watching Harry Potter. That is truly an ideal weekend to me, Harry Potter marathon, a butter beer and a few good friends.

Where Is The Love?

Sitting cross legged next to Levi on my California king sized bed I realize just how lonely I really am; for when I lay there alone I only occupy 1/8 of the mattress. We both are in need of a man, a crying shoulder, somebody to cuddle with, and somebody to call our own. Hopeless romantics?..maybe.

We dream of a prince charming, a knight in shining armor, a white horse but in reality we cuddle Mr. Nobody. All of our friends have a significant other, how are we so different. Do we have bad breath, stinky BO or are we just over analyzing the situation..we are still unsure.

Maybe we're just looking for a love that is too good to be true, a Cinderella ending..a happily ever after. Is it out there, or is love something you have to work at. Should you get dolled up and try to impress, or should you go natural and put your cards on the table right away. There is no proper guidelines on how to date, fall in love or maintain a relationship yet millions of people wonder why their "happy endings" do not end so "happily".

I'm tired of being lonely, I want Mr. Right in my life. The kind of person that is the  "peanut butter to my jelly", "the mac to my cheese", and the "dynamic duo, batman & robin". There seems to be flaws in every option out there, and the ones that are flawless expose their true colors over time, leading to a disappointing heartbreak.

They always say that you may not be winning, but if you're still fighting you haven't lost yet. This is true, but what if you have nobody to be fighting for do you still fight for romance? That is the question Levi and I are attempting on tackling. For tonight we'll settle on cuddling with each other.

I'm Ready

I think it's time to move out. Living at home has its perks don't get me wrong, but there comes a point in your life when you simply want more freedom. Whether it's moving in with a friend or different family member, or getting my own place I am ready for a change.

I have lived in the same house for 17 years of my life. Little house with a big back yard in what used to be a very nice neighborhood. It's centrally located between the preschool, elementary school, middle school and high school; very conveniently located for a young family.

When I was younger I always thought that right when I turned 18 I was going to go off to college somewhere, never did I think that ME of all people would be staying in Sheboygan. Due to the fact I decided to stay in town and save money, I feel like I need a change and a new chapter.

I have been thinking about this alot lately: the idea of moving out. And believe me it's kind of scary, I am not sure I would know what to do, but the great part about life is that you live and you learn, and I think I am ready to live.

Too Soon For Christmas Music?

Though Christmas is a few months away yet I cannot help but become excited when it crosses my mind. Holidays are a huge part of my families traditions and Christmas is no exception. We always gather for a good time and, trust me when I say, we know how to celebrate. As I close my eyes I can almost visualize the luminous lights on the tree reflecting on the Snow Baby ornaments, smell the freshly baked pigs-in-a-blanket among the feast of foods my grandmother has prepared and of course hear the comforting Christmas songs. Perhaps the most dominant memories are those associated with that of the relaxing yet joyful Christmas tunes.

This then helps me to pose the question: Is it too soon for Christmas music? Christmas music represents not only the joy of the seasons wonders but also the gratefulness that we all seem to share. It seems that around the Christmas season, more than any other, people are truly grateful.  What more could I ask for than to have all my family gathered in one place creating memories with each other: it is about wanting what you've got.

Growing up my brother and sister and I would dance around singing Christmas jams like "Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer" or "Away in a Manger". In elementary school we had Christmas programs where the joyous spirit of the season truly seemed to shed it's light among the community.

Though I am still a sucker for those traditional Christmas songs, I have been starting to fall in love with the style of Country Christmas music more and more. The slight southern twang mixed with the comforting classics we all know and love provides for the ultimate Christmas beat.

Whether it is December and all I want is to cuddle up in a plush blanket with a mug of hot cocoa or if it is the middle of summer and i am in a bikini with a cold drink, Christmas songs always seem to bring comfort and joy to me. I truly appreciate all that I have been given, even more than usual, when I listen to the upbeat and positive messages of the beloved Christmas songs.

All I Want For Christmas..

Throughout life everybody experiences crushes, obsessions and get butterflies over a particular celebrity. When I was 8 it was Nick from Backstreet Boys, then in middle school it turned into Harry Potter and its safe to say that now it is Luke Bryan.

For those of you who don't know, Luke Bryan is a country artist. He is in his early 30's, and is your typical country man. He is one part rough manly man, one part country boy and completely true to who he is. He has a charming smile that could seemingly light up a room. Just as with an other crush it seems impossible to find a flaw. To be quite frank, the only flaw I can see is that he already has a wife and a son!!

His voice is deep and comforting with a slight twang. His voice has been the soundtrack of my IPod and my "shower music" play list.. I recently began downloading Christmas music to my Itunes and didn't stop short of downloading his version on "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer". I honestly had my eyes glued to many of his live concert videos, the way he interacts with the audience is amazing. Country music in general usually has a pretty good  message and meaning, but I see a personal touch in Luke's music.

I don't really ask for alot, but one opportunity I'd like to have is the privilege to meet Luke Bryan. I don't want to be one of those crazy girls that you see grabbing for him at concerts, I simply want to meet him. To get to know the man i see all too often in my dreams . ;)

A New Donor

Just recently I decided to donate plasma. Some extra spending money every week, not to mention that my plasma can help somebody who is unable to produce it themselves- it is an added incentive. I was very nervous about donating because I haven't ever even been able to donate blood before. For those of you who don't know, I do not eat meat so I usually have levels of hemoglobin that are too low to donate. I was afraid that I would be turned away or that I would faint, thankfully neither happened and all went well.

The night before I donated I was literally shaking in my sheets thinking about it, naturally I even had nightmares about donating. Just typical cases of horror stories; getting pricked multiple times by the needle because they're unable to find my vein, pass out or puking, and other terrible images we're rolling through my mind as I tried to fall asleep. Little did I know, I had nothing to worry about.

I drove down the road from school to BioLife and sat in my truck taking a few deep breaths before I went in. I pushed open the glass doors and a clean scent mixed with an aroma of latex engulfed my nostrils. The ceilings were high and had sky lights allowing natural sunrays to shine inside giving the donation center a more cheerful feel. People were everywhere and I had no clue how to get started, thankfully as a new donor the nurses/doctors give you preferential treatment. I was offered the option to back out at any point but they made me feel comfortable enough to continue with the process.

I was headed to the "RED" section where I layed on a rather comfortable curvy chair. A nurse came over and described everything she was about to do to me. Yes it did sound horrifying. I was allowed to listen to my IPod so I turned on some Jack's Mannequin and calmed myself down. Cold iodine was rubbed all over the injection site leaving a yellow stain on my skin, almost immediately after the needle was injected into my vein. I honestly barely felt a thing. The nurse told me that I had good veins which made the process easy for her. After that I layed there for 45 minutes as the process began.

Overall the entire experience was very relaxing, probably not what you expect to hear. I was able to listen to music, people watch and make a a pretty good chunk of cash as well. Nurses and even the other people who were donating all kept an eye on me as a new donor to make sure everything went well, it was reassuring.

Game Time Atmosphere

What an amazing weekend to be a Wisconsin sports fan; Brewer, Badger and Packer victories. Many of us cheered on these teams with our families and close friends at sport parties. The kind of parties where you gather at grandmas house and there is plenty of brats and hamburgers, chex mix and chocolate chip cookies. Others viewed these games with good friends and a beer in hand. The kind of place where the T.V's are loud, the words are vulgar and the cooler is never ending. Yet, others of us experienced these weekend games at work, like myself. Brisco County Woodgrill represented a well blended mixture of those two types of parties.

This Saturday I was repping my red "Bucky Wisconsin" sweatshirt with crimped hair and a Badger logo sticker on my cheek. I stood by the hostess desk at BCWG unsure of what the night might hold. All of the employees were wearing some form of sports paraphernalia, and dinner time came around the restaurant began to fill with a sea of blue, red and green. All fans gathered in one place, supporting their state. Before long the restaurant was packed and the bar was bumping.

When the Badger game came on at 7pm there was no doubt you could feel the intense and excited atmosphere. The restaurant is scattered with around 30 TVs but the biggest TV is in the bar and the other's are a little delayed. When a touch down was scored you could hear a wave of roars from one end of the restaurant to the other as the touch downs were aired.

Cheers and roars echo from the bar and screams of ecstasy filled my ears. With every touchdown there was one more drink being poured and one more shot being taken. Before long customers are beginning to even further loosen up creating a very entertaining atmosphere, especially from where i stand at the hostess desk. There were people dancing, picking up each other and high-fiving each other  left and right. Everybody there was cheering on and supporting our team in a very proud way, it's a feeling like no other. If i could i would always choose to work during sporting games/events, it is truly and exciting and exhilarating feeling as opposed to what others maybe consider work as.

Happily Ever After..?

Along the road, from cradle to grave, many of us get married. Our wedding day can be one of the most emotional and significant days of our lives. There are tears of happiness, joy and laughter all experienced with family, close friends and, of course, the love of your life. It is of utmost importance to share this day with not only a man that you love, but also a man that you are willing to dedicate the rest of your life to. The rest of your life, that's a long time; one must be certain they have chosen the right one. This is why as little girls many of us would dream up all the characteristics we aspire in a man and bring them to life through our Ken doll, and oh how Barbie loves her husband. After watching Titanic this weekend I found myself dreaming of characteristics I'd look for in an ideal companion.

Ken is a tall man of athletic stature. He has dark brown hair perfectly complementing his radiant skin and gorgeous blue eyes. Health and fitness are important to him, while he does not obsess over it. He values his education and in return values his career. Ken is not cocky, but is confident in his abilities. He is by no means rich, but has enough to support us with plenty of room for travel/vacation. Ken is very goal oriented and has dreams and aspirations for not only himself but also the ones he loves. Family is extremely important to ken. He shares the dream with me to have a family ourselves, and is excited to keep up with family holiday traditions. Ken is no Shakespeare that writes me love poems, but he does have a romantic and passionate side that he isn't afraid to reveal to me. Ken wakes up and sees each day as an opportunity; he has a positive attitude that encourages those around him to see the best in every situation.

Ken is Barbie's lover and best friend. He knows what makes her happy and knows all the little things he can do to cheer her up when life hands her lemons. He knows what makes her tick, and is happy when she has triumphs. I believe in order to love somebody you must truly know who they are first. Barbie never has to worry about dishonesty because Ken is always loyal and trustworthy. Without trust you cannot have an honest relationship. It is important to feel comfortable with your spouse. To know your deepest secrets are kept in confidence and not judged upon. When Ken goes up hunting, Barbie can always trust that's where he is. She doesn't have to worry that Ken is fooling around with the doll down the street because he has respect for himself as well as their relationship.

In everything he does, Ken has passion. Whether it's for their relationship, or his love of dirt bikes, Ken always gives 110%. Ken and Barbie do not live to get by, they live to love and make the most of everything and every opportunity. A relationship cannot be stable if the partners are unwilling to cooperate. In order to build upon their relationship, Barbie and Ken will split up certain responsibilities and help each other to accomplish them. Their incredible cooperation helps their marriage run smoothly. Ken and Barbie understand that they are a team. Most importantly, they share each other's hopes and fill each other's dreams- because after all, isn't that what relationships are all about.

The Sense of Fall

What is it about fall that brings back so many memories? It seems to me that in fall, more than any other season, that every single sense is being used. Sensing these changes is almost like reaching back into my memory and allowing me, for only a moment, to go back to my childhood. The usual scenery is changing to a beautiful landscape, like a painting with vibrant and rustic colors emerging everywhere you turn. The leaves on the trees change from the steady greens to an alluring array of reds, oranges and yellows. It makes me thing about the long car rides to my cabin up north. I remember the peaceful feeling that came over me as I watched the colorful leaves along the highway and wooded hills in the distance; it helped make the long drive pass much more quickly.

The smell of carving pumkins, baking the seeds and pumkin pie are among my favorite scents. Everytime I catch a whiff I can't help but get that cozy and heart-warming feeling inside. My mom would make the BEST pumpkin seeds ever. My brother, sister and I would carve our pumpkins and sort out the seeds from the goo; the mess and time did pay off though..we knew we had a treat coming our way. She'd take those seeds and flavor them up with spices: sometimes the seeds would be nutty, sometimes salty, sometimes cinnamon-y, and sometimes even cajun (my dads favorite). Nothing beats the memories that pour in when I smell that fall air.

Here's one I know that we all can relate to: the sound and feeling of the crunching leaves beneath our feet and leaves rustling in the wind. Now if that doesn't bring back some type of memory I don't know what does. I mostly think about being so excited to rake up the leaves and make the biggest leaf pile on the block, always competing with neighborhood kids. Who's was bigger and taller and who could keep they're pile the longest before they're parents brushed them into the street. One funny memory that comes back when I think about playing in the leaves is one from when I stayed the night at my grandmothers house. I was in about the 3rd grade and my little brother helped me to rake a rather large leaf pile. My grandmother told us she was going to get a pizza delivered to the house and when it came it was time to come in for the night. My brother and I decided to make the most of our fun, so we hid in this leaf pile until the pizza deliver boy came to the front porch. As he was walking up we jumped out and scared him, nearly causing him to drop our pizza! We thought we were so funny.

Every year when fall rolls around, I know that I will have the opportinty to temporarily go back into my memory and see those memories one more time. All senses are full engaged, and must be fully engaged to challenge what fall has in for us..more memories to be built. I can't wait until I start a family of my own to help create and share memories that fall has created for me.