One of the things I'm constantly reminded of at school in Michigan are the changing seasons here versus back home in California. The memorable snowy winters (*cue throwback moment of winter: beautiful first day of snow leading to too-long, wet and cold days with wet-dog-smelling-buildings*). Blooming spring (*cue: sneezes and running from a sudden influx of bees, plus muggy atmosphere*). Finally, wonderful fall (*cue: just wonderful leaves*).

Don't get me wrong, I really do enjoy going through different seasons, but fall is definitely my favorite. So, in celebration of the first days of fall, introducing: Things to do in Michigan in the Fall (Cuz' it'll probably be hard to do in California):

1. Making pretty leaf collages

When the leaves change color, I constantly find myself stooping down to pick up a random leaf (and another and another) every few steps on the way to class to take a picture or make a pretty bouquet (much to the chagrin of my friends trying to get somewhere and the poor sap on their phone walking behind me). In California, there can be pretty leaves, but probably in less colors. In other words, dark green, light green, and---because of the drought--- brown, brown, brown everywhere. It's probably easier going to your local Walmart and finding fake ones. Oh, you've found a couple of red leaves? Yellow ones? There are leaves here that are red AND yellow (and orange and green) all on ONE leaf? Which goes to my next part---forget about leaves--- there are quadracolored (that's not a real word, I know) trees here.

2. Making a leaf pile.

It makes for awesome "candid" pictures and the leaves are surprisingly not crunchy. I used to try to make leaf piles back at home in the fall, but the only leaves that fell were already brown and dead. Making a pile was easy enough, though jumping in it wasn't as comfortable. In fact, it was downright itchy. Granted, I may have been allergic to that certain tree, but that's beside the point. Also, having reddish-yellow-orangey leaves stuck in your hair is a lot prettier than a giant dead brown one with bug-bitten holes. Go figure.

3. Picking apples.

I'm a cheap college student, but put those Honeycrisp apples in front of me. I don't care about the price, I'm getting some. This is my ONE EXCEPTION... and cookies. This at least has some nutritional value.

4. The Food

Pumpkin spice doughnuts, fall-themed food, drinks, etc. I like cinnamon. Cinnamon=Fall. Need I say more?

I'm not going to say one is better than the other; each state has its charm. I'd have to say, though, that Michigan wins me over for fall. (Or until after the first two days of winter.)