*hey there, it's christa*

Why I Still Heart Brett Favre...

Yeah, I know I'm supposed to hate him.

I'm from Wisconsin, after all, and lived there for 18 years before making my big move to Minnesota for college.

And when you live in Wisconsin, you bleed green and cheer for the Packers. Basically, there's no other option if you don't want to be harassed, ridiculed or deported (okay, I'm kidding on that last one).

And so, I've been a life-long Packer fan and have proudly donned a Cheesehead through thick and thin (and even sported green and gold Zubaz pants, a fashion faux pas of the worst order...yes, I have pictures).

In fact, I still remember the day this guy with the seemingly impossible-to-pronounce name first ran out on the field in that #4 jersey. He was taking over for the Majik Man (remember him?), and I wondered if he'd be any good.

Yeah, turns out he was that—and much, much more.

Over the course of 16 years, I've watched Brett ignite one comeback after the other...some we won, some we loss. But I can guarantee this: Win or lose, it was never boring. Really, drama is all part of the Favre mystique. And that's why I guess I don't have a problem with him retiring and unretiring and retiring yet again (which is apparently, what it's looking like now ...but you just wait).

With Favre, drama is all in a day's work.

Now when he decided to don the purple and white, I know that was supposed to be the end of my Favre admiration. I was supposed to light his jersey on fire, cut up my Favre football cards, never shop at Sears (that's an easy one actually) and pray for his ultimate demise.

But as hard as I tried, it was impossible not to cheer him on, even if he was handing it off to Adrian Peterson, throwing to Sidney Rice and playing for Brad Childress—not Mike McCarthy. Somehow, he's always brought that special something to the game of football. And considering his age, not to mention not having anything to prove at this point, his enthusiasm for the game (and winning in general) is simply unparalleled. I mean as talented as he is, I never have that much fun watching Tom Brady play football.

But Brett Favre? He's undeniably fun to watch, and the Saints game was a testimony to that. And while it didn't turn out like me (and countless Vikings fans) would've hoped, I'm guessing the Vikings wouldn't have made it that far without him. I mean if they hadn't already blown countless opportunities to win that game (cue: fumbles galore), Brett never would've needed to make that bad throw, but c'est la vie.

All I've got to say is that I'd watch him play for the Vikings again, so I really hope he'll consider giving it just one more go. And if he does, I'll faithfully watch him and Aaron Rodgers play each and every Sunday...who says you can't root for the Packers and have your Favre, too?

The 10 Best Things About Fall

I know, I know...when Fall arrives in Minnesota, well, it's officially one step closer to six months of winter which for the record, is no fun at all. Not one little bit.

Even with that ominous event always lurking in the back of my mind, it's impossible not to love this amazing season that's way, way too short in my humble opinion.

Simply put, it's spectacular for a number of reasons—reasons I'll explain in "Letterman Top-10 list" style right here, right now.

Coming in at #10: No more shorts or capri pants. Given that I have ghostly white legs that don't tan, and I'm not a tanning salon kind of girl, I'm don't exactly love wearing shorts or capri pants. But when it gets hot—really hot— in the summer months, what choice do you have in the matter? 

You just gotta own it like Anne Hathaway does. Or give it your best shot, anyway.

Sadly, my legs hate the sun so much that I still have "redneck socks" (a.k.a. seemingly permanent tan lines) from a bad sunburn I got two years ago while sitting by the Four Seasons' pool in L.A. for 20 minutes. Yeah, 20 minutes and unsightly tan lines to show for it two years later. Goodness knows how bad it would've been if I'd stayed out any longer...

#9: Bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils. Sure, roses are a great gesture of romantic devotion, but I always loved it when Tom Hanks' character tells Meg Ryan's character in You've Got Mail (via e-mail, of course) that he'd send her a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils if he knew her name and address.

I must confess that line gets me every time. Yeah, I'm a dork who loves school supplies...and I haven't set foot in a classroom (other than as a guest speaker) for years now.

Every fall when kids are getting their new backpacks, glue sticks and Jonas Brothers' notebooks, it's my tradition to pick up a few new school supplies (for the office, of course), too. There's just nothing like a bunch of new pens, cute notebooks, paper clips and post-its to make working at home feel more tolerable, lemme tell ya.

#8: Soup, Soup and More Soup. On a chilly day, there's nothing more delicious with crackers or a crusty piece of bread in my opinion. Whether it's butternut squash, a hearty bowl of chili or simple tomato basil, count me in. And making it myself? Well, that just makes the experience more fun.

#7: Better Movies, Actual Must-See TV. After reviewing dud after dud at the box office this summer,   fall movies couldn't arrive fast enough. And I'm thrilled to pieces for new episodes of "The Office," and "Castle," too, which beats re-runs any day of the week.

#6: Are You Ready for Some Football? We Banisters have been for months now. And thanks to Favre signing with the Vikes (yes, I'm finally getting used to it), we have three teams (the Packers, Vikings and Cowboys) to root for. Fun, fun, fun.

#5: Scarves, Scarves, Scarves. I adore scarves, but I've never figured out a way to wear them in the summer without looking ridiculous. But in the fall? No problem at all. I'm already excited about sporting all my favorites, Burberry and otherwise.

#4: Two words: Halloween candy. Do I really need to explain this?

#3: Beautiful Scenery: Anyone who knows me well knows that nature and I don't always get along, but ultimately, who can deny the  beauty of fall? I absolutely love the changing leaves, the crisp feeling in the air and taking long walks with Will with such a gorgeous backdrop.

#2: Pumpkin spice lattes. Yeah, I still love my caramel macchiatos, but once these babies arrive in stores, I simply can't get enough. So delicious.

#1: Special occasions. But what takes the proverbial cake when it comes to fall is all that I get to celebrate...Will and I's anniversary (October 8). Will's birthday (October 13). My mom's birthday (October 21). My pal Krista's birthday (October 23).There's certainly no shortage of fun (or cake) in the Fall months, that's for sure...

I'm Still Not Sure That Purple is His Color...

I'm not going to lie, I'm thoroughly enjoying all the recent drama in the NFC North now that Brett Favre has signed with the Packers' arch enemy, the team I've always affectionately referred to as "The Drag Queens."

Let's face it, the division hasn't been this exciting in years, considering that Jay Cutler is with the Bears now, Aaron Rodgers should definitely fare better than last year, and well, the Lions...oh who cares, right?

But as a longtime Packer fan, the adjustment still hasn't been an easy one. It was weird watching Favre in that first pre-season game, you know the one where he threw for an astounding four yards. Even the fans in the stands seemed conflicted with their purple Favre jerseys and green and gold Packer hats. It's like "What's wrong with this picture?"

And I'm not entirely convinced that purple is his color either. Personally, I think it makes his face look ruddy, unlike that nice green and gold jersey that just, well, worked.

Can't live in the past though, right?

As much as it pains me, I guess I'll just have to get used to him donning those way-too-bright purple pants and see how things shake out. With Adrian Peterson at his side and that killer defense, I'm sure the Vikings will be serious playoff contenders. But Super Bowl champions? Well, I'm not so sure, but I know that I'll be watching with excitement every step of the way...