When I think of Fall, there are a few things that come to mind. I think of leaves changing color, hot apple cider, and, of course, the month of October. It is an iconic month of Fall, offering up all of the well-known staples of the season as well as some special features particular to this month alone. October is an undeniably special time of year, and there are so many things to love about it. On the other hand, there are also some not-so-lovable things about October, too. Here are a few of the things that have led me to develop a love-hate relationship with the month of October.

I Love: HALLO-freaking-WEEN

Considering the fact that I’ve been planning my costume since October 31^st of last year, it’s safe to say that I’m a little excited for the spookiest of holidays. Still being a child at heart, I can’t help but love playing dress-up for a night and seeing all of the creative and pop-culture-inspired costumes my friends come up with. And even though I may be a bit too old to go trick-or-treating, you better believe that I’ll be taking advantage of the excess amount of candy for sale.

I Hate: Pumpkin-flavored everything

I’ll be the first to admit that in most respects, I totally fit the criteria for “basic white girl”. However, I give myself credit for the fact that my taste buds cannot and will not tolerate the Pumpkin Spice Latte. The drink alone would be bad enough, but let’s not forget all the pumpkin candies, cookies, and candles that fill the store shelves and have me seeing orange. Don’t get me wrong, I can pick pumpkins from the patch with the best of them; I just have no desire to spend an entire month tasting nothing but this unpleasant gourd.

I Love: Fall clothes

Cozy scarves, thick socks, big sweaters; I love it all! These are the clothes that make you feel perpetually warm and fuzzy, which is something that always gives me the good, happy feelings. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy walking through the piles of leaves in your super cute fall boots? (I told you I have “basic white girl” tendencies)

I Love/Hate: October weather

I love fall weather for so many reasons. There are cool, gentle breezes that blow the fallen leaves around as well as sunny mornings that make the dewy grass sparkle. Not to mention, this type of weather allows me to wear the clothes I love so much (but you already knew that). Fall weather has its downsides, however. For one thing, the start of a Kentucky October brings the awkward time of year where mornings are frigid and afternoons are sweltering. It makes getting dressed a layering game, and requires you to peel off more and more clothes throughout the day. Then, all of a sudden, the warmth seems to disappear entirely, leaving you clinging to those layers you had ripped off only the day before. Yes, for the most part October weather is very pleasant and refreshing. But it is also confusing and – eventually – cold.