I never knew.

Something about this photo grabbed my attention today.

I never knew:

:how much Chad would love and honor his role of being my husband. He does not cease to amaze and surprise me with how much of a partner he is being, especially since I started school. Example: yesterday morning, I got out of the shower and he had a breakfast of eggs + toast waiting for me. He is taking care of the dishes, cleaning, and housekeeping while giving me a chance to study guilt & worry-free.

:how much different learning at a university level would be. I was having a conversation with my dad {a college professor} about this very subject and he told me that the teachers expect more from the students since we're all adults. It's a no-slacking zone for me and I have to come up with the patience and motivation to study every night. I am reading more about children's book illustrators, the Age of Enlightenment, the Information Revolution and the six categories of nutrients...than I ever thought I would. Some of the students that I have class with are on another level. True Story: when discussing society's views of children from the 14th century to the 20th century, one student made a comment that included the word "antequated". {I know that might not seem like a big word to you, but it completely blew me away.} I even wrote it down in my notes so that I would remember to share the story with you. :)

:just how quickly autumn is approaching. {I like the word "autumn" so much more than "fall", don't you? It's such a melodic word.} Note: It's exactly 7 days away from today. It's becoming evident to me that I need to start dressing for the season because my outfit today is a long-sleeve tee under a t-shirt, sans jacket. With the temperature in the mid-50s, my hands were little icicles when walking the two blocks from my car to my first class.

I think I'm really going to enjoy the drive from Eau Claire to Stout for the next month or so. The interstate is surrounding by colorful changing leaves. It's like a get a whole new view day after day.

I can't wait to eat like you should in autumn: cozy, filling meals. I've already been browsing joy the baker and food gawker bookmarking some meals & desserts I want to try. This year, I'm giong to attempt to make my first apple pie ever. From scratch. {Experienced pie-makers: any tricks of the trade you've discovered? Would love some advice for this pie-making beginner.} I'm not going to attempt the fall leaves pie a`la Martha--I just want it to turn out tasty.

I'm also eager to make my first homemade chicken noodle soup. I watched the America's Test Kitchen episode featuring their version, and now it's saved in my recipe folder. I have to wait until I have a free Saturday afternoon though, since it's going to take a while, but all the good things in life do, don't they?

:just how much I'm looking forward to next week. It's the beginning of all the major television shows. After a summer of Real Housewives and Project Runway, I'm ready for the new season. The ones I'm most excited for? How I Met Your Mother {see my love for it's brilliance here}. House. Glee! 30 Rock. The Office. Dexter. Hopefully my DVR can handle the workout...

:that you could get back issues of magazines at my local library. And...there's no limit to the number of issues you can check out. So, that's why there are now 2 Marthas, 3 InStyles, 3 Oprahs, and 1 People sitting on my kitchen counter. I made sure to get some Thanksgiving and Christmas issues--it's not to early to start take notes and save recipe ideas. Hey, I've gotta fill my time somehow when Chad is gone this weekend. It's turning out to be eerily similar to this weekend. Oh well. :)