20 Best Episodes of How I Met Your Mother

Agree or not, that is your choice, but here are my favourite episodes, in order of when they aired.  


WARNING!!! THERE ARE SPOILERS UP TO SEASON SEVEN IN THIS BLOG

 
 
 SEASON ONE

1. Pineapple Incident (1.10)
  
Recap: Carl the bartender brings the gang a round of shots. Barney convinces Ted to drink all five. Ted accepts the challenge, because he thinks he's too smart to be affected by the alcohol. Cut to: Ted waking up hungover beside a strange woman and a pineapple... and no idea what happened after the fifth shot.

Why it's awesome: Man, the list is almost endless! Let's see, there's the awesome quotes (How easy do you think it is to sneak into the zoo? I need to see some penguins like, right now...); The whole "let's try to stick bits and pieces together to come up with a whole" way they tell the story; karaoke Ted; Danica McKellar (aka Winnie Cooper) as the mystery woman... Actually, I think the main reason this episode is awesome is because it was the first time HIMYM took story telling to the next level. The story is happening to Ted, the plot revolves around him but he honestly has no clue as to what really went on. Yes, the story itself is a little far fetched, but come on! How many of you have actually tried to piece together last night based on different friends' accounts? That's right. ALL OF YOU.

Final thought: DAMMIT TRUDY, WHAT ABOUT THE PIENAPPLE!?!?!?

2. The Limo (1.11)

Recap: So, it's New Years and the gang wants to attend the perfect party for the countdown. Ted rents a limo, makes a list of all the party suggestions and hatches a plan: visit each party on the list before midnight, decide which is the best and go back to countdown in style. Of course, things start going wrong almost immediately: Robin is dating a billionaire; Lily goes back to change shoes; Moby is definitely NOT Moby; the gang gets stuck in traffic a few minutes to midnight.

Why it's awesome: Again this is all about things that have happened to us (kinda). You work so hard on the perfect plans and something always goes wrong. Sometimes a friend brings an awful date. Sometimes someone impersonating a musician steals your awesome "Get Psyched" mixed CD. Sometimes the parties you choose just suck. The thing is, this show also taught us a very important lesson: as long as you're with your best friends, the night will be awesome.  

Final thought: Ranjit is easily THE BEST driver. Ever.

3. Come On (1.22)

Recap: Robin's going camping as a work retreat thing, where she'll probably sleep with her co-anchor. Ted cannot let this happen, so he makes it rain. Marshall overhears a message meant for Lily concerning the art fellowship in San Fransisco.

Why it's awesome: Amy Acker (Fred fron Angel) guest stars here as a girl Barney has slept with, who Ted asks for help in making it rain. His interpretation of a Native American rain dance reduces me to giggles every damn time. And it works!!! He and Robin FINALLY get together after many false starts... but we were expecting that, weren't we? What we weren't expecting? Marshall and Lily's breakup. WHAT?!?! I mean... Come on! Okay so maybe we were expecting a little turbulence with the fellowship... but a breakup? See, that's when they hooked me.

Final thought: Marshall and Lily pause their arguments. That's brilliant!

Honorable mention: Slutty Pumpkin (1.06)... Such a great setup! 

SEASON TWO

4. Slap Bet (2.09)

Recap: Great thing about relationships: getting to know new things about your partner. The gang finds out Robin has a secret. Barney and Marshall have different ideas on what the secret could be, so they make a Slap Bet with Lily as Slap Bet Commissioner. It turns out, they were both very, very wrong.

Why it's awesome: Well, for one thing, this little gem came out of it. Robin Sparkles has to be one of the best surprises to come out of the show! Also, the whole Slap Bet story line is another of the show's great setups. Marshall slaps Barney! Barney slaps Marshall! Marshall gets to give Barney 5 slaps between now and eternity! Too funny!!!

Final thought: Let's go to the mall (giggle), today!

5. Showdown (2.20)

Recap: Marshall and Lily decide to spend the last few night before the wedding apart. Marshall keeps censoring Ted's Best Man's speech. Lily is so stressed from the wedding and being apart from Marshall that she's losing weight to the point that her dress no longer fits. Barney meets (who he believes is) his father.

Why it's awesome: Barney's "dad"? IT'S BOB BARKER! Throughout the episode, Barney is "training" to be a contestant on The Price is Right so that he can win everything and make his "dad" proud. Of course, there are some funny bits here and there about Lily being too skinny (Drop and give me 20 bites of fudge!) and Marshall not approving of Ted's many rewrites concerning the Best Man's speech... but the best thing about this episode is how easily Barney makes it to the Showcase Showdown and how awkward all of his interactions with Bob Barker are. Oh and who wasn't on the edge of their seat, wondering if he'd win?

Final Thought: Night night Lily. Night night Lily... (Any episode where Jason Segel sings is a good one).

Honorable mentions: Single Stamina (2.10) where we meet Barney's brother; Stuff (2.16) where we get slap #2; Arrivederci, Fiero (2.17) AND I WOULD WALK 500 MILES AND I WOULD WALK 500 MORE.

SEASON THREE

6. Wait For It 

Recap: Ted and Robin broke up. Marshall and Lily are now married. Ted and Barney have spent the summer in NYC, Barney trying to convince Ted to start dating again. Robin gets back from her summer in Argentina and brings home her new boyfriend. 

Why it's awesome: Robin's new boyfriend (played by Enrique Inglesias) creates some interesting dynamics in the group. When we first meet him, the gang struggles on how to pronounce his name. Lily has an immediate crush on him, which Marshall later joins in on. Also, Ted is ready to date again. The bit the gang does as he shaves his beard is, yet again, a brilliant piece of writing that hooks me for a new season. There's another bit (that sets up the whole season) when Ted wakes up, after yet another bender, and has no recollection of getting a tattoo. The way the gang finds out is so well done. I frequently watch that clip over and over again and laugh hysterically each time. I've often been looked at like I'm nuts on public transportation.

Final thought: Mandy Moore is pretty effing hot as a dirty rocker chick.

7. Spoiler Alert (3.08) 

Recap: The gang meets Ted's new girlfriend. She seems to have some sort of characteristic or personality trait that they hate but he just doesn't see. This episode follows the gang through their discoveries of each other's annoying personality traits that not everyone has yet picked up on. Oh, and Marshall can't remember his password to get is Bar exam results. 

Why it's awesome: Lily is a loud chewer. Ted corrects everyone. Marshall sings about everything he does. The sound of glass shattering as each spoiler is revealed and the other characters cluing gives this episode a special edge. Oh and Marshall passed! 

Final though: Apple orchard banana cat dance 8663

8. No Tomorrow (3.12)

Recap: Barney convinces Ted to go out for St-Patty's day. They party like there's no tomorrow (get it?) and, of course, hilarity ensues. Oh and there may be something wrong with Marshall and Lily's new apartment.

Why it's awesome: This is the first hint we get that we may have already seen The Mother. She's at the party Ted and Barney go to! Was she the brunette Ted bumped into? We don't know, but Ted finds her yellow umbrella. There's also the duality between Drunk Ted and Sober Ted's perception of the evening. As the episode rolls on, we think that Ted has an awesome night, even if he's acting a little douchey. Near the end, you hear some voice mails he left Marshall and, well, it seems there was more douche than awesome that night.

Honorable mentions: Third Wheel (3.03) with the return of Trudy and a possible threesome; Slapsgiving (3.09) with slap #3 and another Jason Segel song; Ten Sessions  (3.13) even though I HATED Stella, this was a good set up for their relationship and the best 2 minute date ever; The Bracket (3.14) wow, Barney's an ass!; Sandcastles in the Sand (3.16) James van der Beek and the beginning of  Robin and Barney; The Goat (3.17) we've been waiting for that story for three years!!

SEASON FOUR

9. Three Days of Snow (4.13)

Recap: Barney and Ted are in charge of the bar. Robin and Marshall rush to the airport to pick up Lily, who's flight was cancelled. And there's a snowstorm... but did all this happen in the same day?

Why it's awesome: All three story lines are pretty memorable. There are some great quotes, yet again. We hear a few five word sentences that end up being super important (both during this season and later). The part that takes the cake, however, is when Marshall greets Lily at the airport with a full marching band. I get all teary-eyed every time I watch it. Ladies and gentlemen, that's what love looks like.

Final thought: Ranjit!!! "We should start a band!"

Honorable mentions: The Best Burger in New York (4.03) Regis Philben is awesome; Intervention (4.04) The Intervention intervention; Woo (4.08) WOO!!!!; The Naked Man (4.09) have any of my friends tried this (and not with an already established boyfriend/husband)?; The Leap (4.24) "I could totally jump that"

SEASON FIVE

10. Slapsgiving 2: Return of the Slap (5.09)

Recap: Marshall and Lily host yet another Thanksgiving, this time at their apartment. Lily's dad makes a surprise appearance. Barney is being threatened by the prospect of slap #4.

Why it's awesome: Lily's dad is pretty funny. Seeing his failed boardgames was definitely worth it. Watching the gang argue over who gets to slap Barney is priceless. Each person (first Ted, then Robin, then Lily's dad and finally Lily) has very good reasons to slap as well as beautiful speeches when passing the slap on to another. When Lily is unable to do it, Marshall claims that is the Miracle of the Slap: "[...] the slap has done what I'd hoped. It's brought us all closer together. And it's caused us to recognize both the frailty and the greatness in ourselves and each other." This lovely speech is followed by, you guessed it, slap #4.

Final thought: I'd buy Mickey Aldrin's Slap Bet game in a heartbeat.

11. Girls vs. Suits (5.12)

Recap: Barney wants to bed a hot bartender but there's a catch: she doesn't like men who wear suits. Other stuff also happens.

Why it's Awesome:

I know what you’re thinking

"What’s Barney been drinking?
That girl was smoking hot."

Yes I could've nailed her
But no it’s not a failure
Cause there’s one thing she is not...

To score a ten would be just fine
But I’d rather be dressed to the nines!
It’s a truth you can’t refute.
Nothing suits me like a suit!

Final thought: We're one step closer to meeting The Mother. 

12. The Wedding Bride (5.23)

Recap: Stella's new husband wrote a movie loosely based on Ted's relationship with her. Hilarity ensues when Ted brings a date to see it.

Why it's awesome: This is where HIMYM gets a little meta. The guy Stella left him for wrote a blockbuster about it... and make Ted out to be a GIANT ass. Chris Kattan is cast as "Jed Moseley" (although he sometimes slips up and calls himself Ted Mosby) and the film itself is so over the top it's quite funny. This movie within a show gives the audience a different perspective and makes us think: what if what we consider to be perfectly normal and acceptable behaviour is actually dreadful in the eyes of another? It also showed us that everyone has some baggage from previous relationships... you just need to make sure your baggage isn't available for public consumption.

Final thought: I feel a parallel can be drawn between The Wedding Bride and airing out all your personal problems online.

Honorable mentions: Double Date (5.02) stripper Lily; Rabbit or Duck (5.15) with the best and most intense argument of all time; Home Wreckers (5.20) and the dragon!

SEASON SIX

13. Glitter (6.09)

Recap: Lily is worried about losing her friendship with Robin if she has kids, so she seeks out the advice of Robin's former best friend. Barney finds a new Robin Sparkles video.

Why it's awesome: Nicole Scherzinger guest stars as fellow former Canadian pop star, and one time best friend of Robin, Jessica Glitter. They starred in a kids' show singing about how "two beavers are better than one." For some (awesome) reason, this show was incredibly sexual and, as always, Barney can't see passed it. We get a couple new songs and stories to entertain us as well.

Final thought: Keep in touch with your friends. Unless they start having kids... then it's totally justifiable to drop them like they're hot!

15. Blitzgiving (6.10)

Recap: Ted wants to host Thanksgiving. The gang runs into an old friend (The Blitz) at the bar. Ted leaves (to prepare his turkey stuffed turkey) and the gang has a great night with The Blitz and Zoey, but they break Ted's stove. Zoey offers her apartment to host the Thanksgiving festivities.

Why it's awesome: First, there's the concept of The Blitz. As soon as he leaves the party, amazing and incredible things happen. I always feel like I can't be the first to leave or go to sleep in case that's when all the cool stuff starts... and this show solidified my paranoia. Then there's the guest star who played The Blitz: Jorge Garcia. This provides some great fodder for the gang. The Blitz compares his curse to being "stuck on an island for ages" (sounds familiar anyone?) and suggests the Lost Numbers as a phone number for Marshall to send a picture of his junk to. Also, did the way The Blitz moved from one person to the next remind anyone else of Buffy's Hush episode?

Final thought: AWWWWW MAN!!!!!!

16. Bad News (6.13)

Recap: Marshall and Lily are having trouble conceiving and Marshall doesn't want to talk to his father until he has good news. Sandy Rivers is the lead anchor at Robin's new job and he's started retelling embarassing stories about her past at Metro News 1.

Why it's awesome: The countdown. It started at 50 and went down to one when the gang gets some devastating news. But the countdown wasn't all that obvious until about halfway through the show. THANK GOD for being able to pause and rewind live TV. I think I only caught on to it at number 40 or so. The numbers were so well done: most of them weren't all that obvious until you knew where to look (Ted's books, Robin's jacket, MacLaren's prices. We also find the fifth and final doppelganger! But all that is eclipsed by some pretty serious news for such a funny TV show.

Final thought: This is only the second time this show made me cry (the first being at the end of Come On)

17. The Perfect Cocktail (6.22)

Recap: Ted and Zoey spend a night at The Arcadian. Robin and Lily try to come up with a plan to reunite Marshall and Barney.

Why it's awesome: Is there a type of alcohol that makes you act a certain way? This episode outlines what different drinks do to the gang and, let me say, it's pretty accurate! I'm not saying that everyone thinks they're an awesome beat-boxer after drinking bourbon... But find me a single person who hasn't made THE WORST life decisions after copious amounts of tequila. My motto has always been "the night ends badly if it starts with tequila." Lily's crush on Robin comes out full force with martinis and the gang's reaction to absinth is priceless.

Final thought: The girls trying to get their booth back at MacLaren's is pretty hilarious.. especially the Butterfield like prank that gets it back for good.

Honorable mention: Subway Wars (6.04) what makes people true New Yorkers? Legendaddy (6.19) we finally meet Barney's dad; Hopeless (6.21) the whole "what club are we going to?" scene was epic.

SEASON SEVEN

18. Ducky Tie (7.03)

Recap: Ted is telling a story, in the typical "gang interrupts at every chance" style that has become popular with the show. Meanwhile Barney takes a bet that could result in him seeing something incredible.

Why it's awesome: I. Love. The. Ducky tie. LOVE IT. I think it goes well with Barney's character: it brought a bit of the humour Barney has to his otherwise serious outfits. Yet again, it's a brilliant set up for what comes next (in a few episodes). Plus the way the wager unfolds is in true Barney style... Was it all a ruse? Did Barney know what he was doing all along? How will he react to wearing something that is so completely un-stylish and, to him, un-Barney? Will he really wear the tie as long as the bet allows?

Final thought: Victoria! I loved her! They met at a wedding! But... she's not the mom.

19. Disaster Averted (7.09)

Recap: Kevin wants to know about a "no boogie-boarding" sign in MacLaren's. Barney wants out of his tie deal.

Why it's awesome: We get back to what the show excels at: retelling stories. This time we hear about how Marshall and Lily conceived their baby, why you aren't allowed boogie-boarding at MacLaren's and why Barney needs out of the tie deal. Most of this happens during Hurricane Irene, which was apparently a big deal in NYC. Marshall has no insurance, so he refuses to be out of Lily's sight. Ted wants to wait out the storm at his suburb house but the gang waits too long to leave and they weather it out at Barney's place. In the present, Barney is nervous about meeting Nora's parents, so he pleads with Marshall to let him out of his ducky tie deal which he finally agrees to... in exchange for more slaps. God, I love those slaps!

Final thought: I'm so glad Barney chose the original five slaps between now and eternity. It's one of my favourite parts of the show. I kinda hope that The Mother gets to give the last one!

20. The Magician's Code (7.23-24)

Recap: Lily sends Marshall to Atlantic City with Barney so that he'll stop stressing over the baby but... she goes into labour! Drunk Marshall and Barney try to get home as Ted and Robin try to calm Lily down by telling her stories. Once Marshall gets to the hospital, Lily agrees to give their baby a middle name suggested by Barney. The gang welcomes Marvin Wait-For-It Eriksen into the world. Meanwhile Barney and Quinn go on vacation but encounter a few problems getting through security. Also, Ted makes a huge decision that can affect not only his life but Victoria's as well.

Why it's awesome: You think you love Drunk Ted? You'll LOVE Drunk Marshall.
He is beyond funny when he's drunk beyond words. And the whole "I am Spartacus" spoof on the bus on Barney and Marshall's way home is heartwarming. Wait-For-It might also be the greatest middle name of all time. I'll even concede to the fact that the magic trick proposal was pretty good. But the real reason this episode is awesome is Robin and Ted's retelling of a story concerning a mysterious door at MacLaren's. Each member of the gang works up the courage to go see what's on the other side, all of them leaving Marshall alone in their booth wondering what the eff is going on. None of his friends are coming back! Finally, he works up the courage to check it out... and everyone is in a supply closet waiting to scare him. Too funny!

Final thought: It's revealed that Barney is marrying Robin, big whoop. Anyone else think her dress was awful?

Honorable mentions: Best Man (7.01) Ted's speeches are hilarious; The Slutty Pumpkin Returns (7.08) We've been waiting seven years for this!; Broath (7.19) I always feel a good man on man kiss is worth mentioning.

Well, that's it. That's my list. I'm very much looking forward to season eight.

Rocky Horror Picture Show: recast

I've put A LOT of thought into this post.

As most of you know, I recently attended a Rocky Horror Picture Show performance for the first time. It was mind blowing and hilarious. "The Voice" made some of the funniest comments... including (when Frank Furter is dead in the pool) "Look! It's Steve Jobs! I guess that's what happens when you bob for apples..." Okay, you might think it's too soon, but I nearly pissed myself laughing.

So here's the deal: all this Halloween and RHPS talk made me think to a rumor I heard a in 2008 about a remake. MTV was planning its release around Halloween 2009, but I guess that never worked out. There was talk (mostly unfounded, I think) of it starring Zac Effron. That, in my opinion, is just plain wrong.

I bet I've got you all thinking about who would be the perfect actor to star in a RHPS remake... and that's what's been stuck in my head too! Let me tell you, this was tough. For some characters, I had maybe half a dozen possible choices. For others, there was only one clear image in my mind. I should also point out that imagining the new possible actors in the original costumes help sway my decision. And picturing certain actors as Dr Frank Furter was surprisingly *hot*.

So here's my dream cast:

Brad (Asshole) Majors: The original Brad was played by Barry Bostwick. He's your typical all American type, who ends up being a little slutty. Bostwick had a clean-cut look about him which worked nicely, as Asshole Majors was a little bit of a helpless geek. Who could do this character justice? Matt Damon? Neil Patrick Harris? All valid choices. All under consideration. All not quite right, in my opinion... So who is? None other than Justin Timberlake. Just look at him! The little nerd already has the glasses! Can you picture him in tighty-whities for most of the film? Or in the corset/heels/fishnets towards the end? Timberlake has made quite a name for himself as an actor in recent years, appearing in films like The Social Network, Bad Teacher and, most recently In Time (which looks really good, by the way). His many appearances on Saturday Night Live have shown the world that he can be funny. And a major plus is that he can sing.

Janet (Slut) Weiss: Dammit, Janet! Susan Sarandon portrayed this innocent, repressed good girl... that is, until she portrayed the sexy, sex obsessed naughty girl. The female half of the "poor, innocent, easily corruptible" couple, Weiss recognizes the benefits of a little sexual experimentation before marriage. I want the new actress to be more than just sexy. She needs to have talent, both in acting and singing (as this is a musical after all). Again, a lot of names went through my mind: Claire Danes, Kiera Knightly, Kirsten Dunst... but I settled on Zooey Deschanel. She can sing, she can act, she's adorable and sexy all at the same time. 

Dr Frank-N-Furter: Possibly Tim Cury's most recognizable role, Frank is just a sweet transvestite, a mad scientist who preaches the delights of carnal pleasure. He also is the one to sing my life motto... Don't dream it. Be it. It's a great way to lead life. So who, in my hours of imagining actors in lingerie, would be the perfect, modern Transexual Transylvanian? Many, MANY men crossed my mind. Let me list a few: Hugh Jackman, Paul Rudd, Nathan Fillion, Tom Hanks, James Franco, Ben Affleck, David Boreanaz... All these gentlemen would look EXCEPTIONAL in a black bustier and matching panties. Let's all take a moment to think about it. Still thinking. Still thinking. Now, wipe the drool off your face! Yeah, so I'm picking this one for pure pleasure and "yum" factor. Mr David Duchovny, why won't you love me? Well, I love you. And I'd *love* you as that hot-dog, Frank Furter.

Rocky Horror: Rocky is Frank's hot creation, his sex toy, someone he created just for the pleasure of it. Peter Hinwood's replacement has to be a knock out, a perfect 10. It may not be a big speaking part, but I think it takes a lot of talent to grunt efficiently! Ryan Reynolds may not just be a pretty face, but in my ideal RHPS remake, he would be. And he would look so damn good in gold short-shorts. Once again, lets all picture it. *drool*

Riff Raff: Honestly, no moral earthling can play this role as well as Richard O'Brien. What's he up to now, you may be wondering? Well, he's the voice of the dad on Disney's Phineas and Ferb. How cool is that? Anyway, back to the character. Riff Raff was a creepy, quiet alien who only showed his true colours at the end. I think this character might have given me the most trouble. There was only one name for a long time, but it wasn't the right one. Seth Rogen. I know, I know, not the perfect Riff Raff. I'm not arguing with you! And then, as I was looking over my list of possible Brads, I fell upon the perfect guy. Now he's usually the comedic lead, known for his timing and delivery, but I think Jason Segel could pull off a quiet, creepy, freakishly tall supporting role.

Magenta: As Riff Raff's alien sister, Patricia Quinn as Magenta (and the famous RHPS lips) put on her French maid's outfit and wowed us all with a sexual, seductive, accented voice and a penchant for letting her brother make out with her. There were two names that were strong front runners here. Both are incredibly talented, both are incredibly sexy, both would look fantastic in both a French maid's outfit and a silver space suit. In the end, I went with Sara Ramirez with Mila Kunis as the understudy. 

Columbia: The groupie, lover of Eddie, Frank and Magenta (or maybe that was just a fooling around thing?), Columbia is full of energy and comedic genius. In my eyes, only Emma Caulfield can fill this role. Have you seen the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? In it, she sings a song (with Xander (Brendon Nicholas)) and I think that's the energy needed for Columbia. Plus, Emma would look really good in rainbow shorts and a gold sequin tailcoat.

Eddie: Ahh, Meatloaf. It's what's for dinner! This ex-delivery boy, who lent half his brain to Rocky Horror, makes one hell of an entrance on a motorcycle. James Martsers would make a great Eddie. Even though it's only a tiny, one song role, he would bring a certain rock'n'roll/badassness to the part. And let's be honest, who wouldn't mind eating him (if you know what I mean)?

Dr Scott: Cue the toilet paper! Dr Scott, a rival scientist, is Eddie's uncle. he comes to the castle looking for answers concerning Eddie's disappearance. He's also the professor who introduces Brad and Janet to one another. I would need a distinguished and well versed actor for this role: one who isn't afraid of singing and is capable of doing so in an accent. Though he's stuck in a wheelchair for most of the film, he does show off his fishnet clad gams at the end. Who's gams would I like to see instead? Patrick Stewart's, I think. Did I mention that picturing these new actors in the RHPS costume was my favourite part of trying to find the perfect player for each part of the process?

The Criminologist: The expert who retells Brad and Janet's story with helpful visual aids and dictionary definitions. He's a minor character, but he plays an integral role in the film. William Shatner would bring authority and a little mockery tot he role.

Well, that's my ideal cast. Let me know, in the comments, if you agree or disagree.

Costumes

Halloween is fast approaching and, and this is my first year actually working in an elementary school as a real teacher (I don't count all my years tutoring because in 4 years I was only there on Halloween once). This is also the first year my friends and I are going to a performance of Rocky Horror Picture Show. I'm super excited about both things, but there is a downside. I need two costumes this year! What might be appropriate for one situation may not be for the other.

I had so many ideas for my school costume. I was really excited about each of them but I think I'm more excited about the final product (probably because I spent very little money on it haha). At school, I am going to be a cowgirl. I have black cowboy boots (a hand-me-down from my uncle, I'd call 'em vintage, even); a jean skirt; a black short sleeve button down blouse and all I'm missing is the hat. I have a friend who may lend me one, if we can figure out when and where to meet. If not, I think I trip to Walmart is in order... or even back downtown to one of the three costume shops I visited today.

Speaking of school, we're having a few events in honour of Halloween on Monday. The 5th graders organized a type of haunted house for grades one through four. They're really excited by it and, honestly, so am I. It means that's one class I don't have to prepare. At first, I was upset that I was losing English time... but the more I think about it the more I realize that all it means is less preparation for me.

After the haunted house, grades five and six are putting on a little show: they learned the Thriller dance. They've been practicing since mid September and are really anxious about the performance. Knowing this, I've been allowing students who finish their work early to practice the dance for the last five or ten minutes of class. To tie in the dance to English class, and to guarantee their interest and motivation, I've decided that their Halloween activity will be ordering the lyrics to the song.

At lunch, we're having a potluck. I'm making macaroni and cheese cupcakes, which I've made once before last year's TESL potluck. I liked them a lot and I was able to modify the recipe to make it lactose free. Their bite size and pretty good at room temperature. I'm looking forward to the other dishes!

After lunch, we're having a fundraiser: a dessert auction amongst the teachers. I'm most excited about this. I'm making an apple, chocolate and walnut cake. My sister started making this cake about 15 years ago. My grandmother liked it so much she started making it regularly. I absolutely adore it and I think it'll rake in big bucks (like, maybe 20$).

In the afternoon, there's a school wide bingo thing going on. I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be doing for that...

Finally, Monday night, I'm going to a Rocky Horror Picture Show presentation at the Imperial theater. I'm going dressed as Magenta, The Domestic. I have the same black button as my cowboy outfit; a black skirt; an apron and a little head band/hat thing. I'm just wondering how much effort I want to put on my makeup. I've read some tips, seen some tutorial videos and everything seems to point to this being an expensive endeavor. I think the only thing I'll actually invest in a set of false lashes. They're reusable and, unlike makeup in colours I'll never wear again, I might actually find use for these for another event.

Happy Halloween!

Carisolo/Madonna di Campiglio

Oh. My. God. I'm living IN the mountains these next two weeks. Not on, not near, not at the base of, but IN. THE. MOUNTAINS. It's beautiful. Everywhere I look: mountains. And it's like 10-15 C here. There are just no words....

Also, I'm living in a hotel. Hotel Europa, to be exact. It's in a village called Madonna di Campiglio, which is essentially just hotels.

You know, I started this post 2 weeks ago. I'm finishing it now. I'm exhausted. The Dolomites are beautiful. It was cold. Somehow "I don't agree" turned into "I don't like green" and we're still not sure why. My kids did Phineas and Ferb as their final show and it worked out okay (or as okay as it can be when you give an orange group the script on Thursday).

ACLE has no more work for me, so I'm "stuck" here for 17 days. I'm going to Baiardo until at least August 6th with the plan being that I'll bus it to the beach in San Remo every day. After that, I'm either doing a Contiki type tour in London for 5 days. Or I might go to Munich to stay with a BNL friend. Or I might make different plans with someone I meet in Baiardo. Who knows? I sure don't! Isn't it exciting (and kinda terrifying)?

I miss my friends, I miss my family, I miss my dog, I miss my bed.

Ciao!

Switzerland for a day

Yesterday, we had a "tutor outing" and went to Switzerland. It was only a hour away. It was BEAUTIFUL!!!

We woke up early to catch the 7:50am train... but that didn't work. Two tutors got there late and we missed the train by, like, 20 seconds. But that was okay, because as we were walking, looking for a cafe for breakfast, we found a store we need to go back to that had ADORABLE flats for 15€. We will go back on Monday.

We had espresso and "toast" (ham and cheese sandwich) at this great little cafe and then walked back to the train station in time to catch our train at 8:50am. The ride from a Milan suburb to Chiaso, Switzerland only took about an hour! It was so beautiful and the train was nice and air conditioned... Have I mentioned yet how hot it is here? And we're getting a heatwave from Africa next week? Tempurature is supposed to be in the 40s all week. Eww. But I digress.

Once in Chiaso, we bought our tickets to go to the lake (Lugano, Switzerland). We had some time to kill so we went to the train station's mini grocery store and stocked up on lunchables for a picnic. And so we were off to Lugano!

What a beautiful place. The train ride alone was breathtaking! We really outed ourselves as tourists, but that's okay. Once in Lugano, we were completely blown away by its beauty. We couldn't stop taking pictures. It took us a good 20 mins to get from the train station to (what I'm going to refer to as) the center of town (which would have taken normal people about 5 minutes). Everything was just so photographable.

So we walked to "the center of town" where we bought postcards and stamps so that we could mail out some stuff ASAP. I think it'll be fun for whoever I sent my postcards to. They'll receive some proof of my being there for the day. Oh and guess what was happening there? Some sort of Harley Davidson motorcycle show! There were some gorgeous bikes on display. I'm sorry, I still can't get over how beautiful it was! And the group I was with really made it a lot of fun. We had a lovely picnic by the water and then wandered around for a while, taking in the sites. We finally ended up taking a nap, in a park, under a tree. We were there for 40 mins, and I'm sure I could hear people laughing at us, but I don't care. It was so hot and our feet hurt and we were tired... and we were nice a refreshed afterward! Then we did something that you really can't do anywhere else in the world, especially not Montreal... We went shopping at H&M, hahaha. I bought a cute top. It's a little snug, but I think I'll fit in it perfectly by the end of the summer.

After Lugano, we went to this outlet mall in Mendrisio, Switzerland called Foxtown. There are outlets for Puma, Guess, Pepe Jeans, Versace, Valentino, Fendi and a ton of others that I just can't afford, outlet prices or not. It was nice to look at! And I had awesome gelato (chocolate and raspberry).

On our way home, I bought THE CUTEST cow mug... it made me so happy. I also bought a little bag of Toblerone for my host family. All in all, it was a good day!

Today, the tutors and I met the two new tutors coming to our camp. They seem super nice and we're all on the same page about just about everything. I'm so glad we're all getting along so well! Through an ACLE (or just our camp director) misunderstanding, the two new tutors have a private apartment (since everyone here was informed that they are a couple). This works out nicely, though, as we are planning a movie night at their place. We planned all our songs for the week today (warm-up and cool down) as well as all our Olympic activities and any other games we want to plan.

After the meeting, my host family took me to Milan to shop. And guess what? I bought a new bag! It's a good size, it's a nice colour and, best of all, it's not something I'd find in Montreal. The camp assistant (who's super cool, by the way) has one in red and I commented on it yesterday, saying I was looking for something similar. When I saw it in pink in a store today, I didn't even hesitate to buy it. And it was on sale! Woo! So, she should be flattered that I'm copying her good taste.

Anyway, I need to be at the camp tomorrow at 8am, so I should probably go to sleep now...

Good night!