The Best of Friends

Just in time for my favorite awards show, I present to you some much anticipated commentary on my favorite award-winning show of all time:

The Becki Laird FRIENDS Top 10.

How did I craft this list?  My top 4 or 5 are easy, I always know them (though the order may vary). The next 15 or so are kind of fluid, and so this could change at any moment.  You may note that there are no episodes chosen from seasons 1 or 2.  It’s not that they aren’t great episodes, but I’d argue that they were really building the characters and stories in those season, and then once we get into season 3 the characters have really hit their stride, in both writing and acting.

There might be episodes that are more significant in the arc of the FRIENDS saga, or that are more emotional, or more consistent, etc, but these are the ten that never fail to make me laugh, probably harder than any others.

I had an easy list of another 10 (or maybe more) that I could have added – it truly depends on the day.  Please, tell me what I’ve excluded that you think deserves to be here.  I welcome your debate, and would gladly provide you with the next 10 if you’re interested.

#10 - Season 3, Episode 8 “The One with the Giant Poking Device” Written by Adam Chase, Directed by Gail Mancuso

Why it’s great: Classic Phoebe – thinks someone will die while she’s at the dentist is ultimately convinced it’s ugly naked guy who she’s killed.  This in and of itself as a fairly mundane plot….. but the gag with all the stuff tied together as the poking device absolutely slays me every time.  “Something this big and long is going to be
very difficult to maneuver, fortunately I have a lot of experience in this area.”

It’s a good episode over all – Janice appearance, emotional breakup, outstanding physical humor, Chandler & Pheobe’s “Endless Love” duet (they finally understand what Lionel Richie has been singing about), but ultimately it’s the poking device that makes it a top 10 for me.  What I don’t love: The babysitting/“Monica Bang” story line with Ben & the bear is a little annoying, but I look past it.


#9 – Season 10, Episode 11 “The One Where the Stripper Cries”  Written by David Crane & Marta Kauffman, Directed by Kevin Bright


This episode has a lot: The bachelorette story line, Danny Devito hilarious (if not absurd) portrayal of the stripper, Ellen Pompeo sighting (a year before Grey’s would start), and I ALWAYS love a flashback, but there are 2 things that ultimately MAKE this for me: Joey’s appearance on The Pyramid, and the Monica/Chandler/Ross explosion of secrets.

 Anytime there is a large rapid-fire reveal I cannot stop laughing. (“You were my midnight mystery kisser?” “You were my first kiss with Rachel?!” “You were my first kiss EVER?!”)  Watching everyone trying not to break while Danny Devito is dancing is pretty priceless as well.  Monica’s dancing at the end is just an added bonus.



#8 – Season 10, Episode 3 “The One with Ross’s Tan” written by Brian Buckner, directed by Gary Halvorson

I really was not a fan of the Rachel/Joey story line, so that part of the episode is wasted on me, but the rest of the episode more than makes up for it.  When the bridal party all got spray tans for my sister’s wedding, most of them had never seen this, so I made everyone watch it when we got home from the salon.  That’s how great I think it is.  More than 10 years later and anytime anyone mentions spray tans this comes up. It’s timeless.

And Jennifer Coolidge as fake-British Amanda is outstanding.  She steals every scene she’s in - and even the ones she's not! (“If you didn’t want to catch me on my mobile, then don’t call me on my mobile!!”)

#7 - Season 8, Episode 13 “The One Where Chandler Takes a Bath”  Written by Vanessa McCarthy, directed by Ben Weiss

And here we are, 2 seasons earlier, and we’re on Joey and Rachel again.  I didn’t really care for it regardless of where it fell in the series, but again, I can ignore this portion of the story line for the better parts. The baby naming /gender reveal bit is both amusing and sentimental (Pheobe or Pheobo), but the bath is the best.  I wouldn’t even need subplots.  If there was a whole episode just about Chandler taking a bath and people walking in on him, I think I’d be sold.  And when they all end up in the bathroom together – there are few things better.

#6 – Season 7, Episode 6 “The One with the Nap Partners”  written by Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones, directed by Gary Halvorson

Confession: I had never seen “Die Hard” until about a month ago….  I finally get all of those references.

The sub plots of Chandler’s camp-girlfriend and the maids of honor are not bad, but the nap story line is one of my very favorites.  I love both that the nap happened and that Joey spends the remainder of the episode trying to convince Ross to do it again.

“Do you want to come up for a drink?”  “Sure, what do you have?”  “Warm milk and Excedrin PM.”


#5 – Season 10, Episode 2 “The one where Ross is Fine”   written by Sherry Bilsing-Graham & Ellen Plummer, directed by Ben Weiss

This is the only episode that has a consecutive episode also in my top 10, which is ironic, because as I’ve now mentioned repeatedly, I don’t care for the Joey/Rachel story line which both of these feature.  However, Ross is so hilarious in these, he outshines the dumb plot points.  David Schwimmer really does the ridiculous physical humor better than anyone.

Times I quote this episode:  when I’m eating Mexican food, when fajitas are mentioned, when there are margaritas, when a timer goes off in a kitchen (which happened a lot when I worked as a baker), when the pressure of entertaining gets to me, and (different plot point) when someone hands me a really organized binder.

This episode is both laugh out loud funny and touching – and that’s all I’m really ever looking for.


#4 – Season 8, Episode 4 “The one with the Videotape”  written by Scott Silveri, directed by Kevin S. Bright

As I mentioned before, I love an episode where the whole group is together, and also one where old secrets come out, especially in a rapid pace, which this episode has in mass quantity.

Everyone yelling together about the tape, fake names coming out, flashbacks – what else could you want?  This one gets less commentary but two photos -  a picture is worth a thousand words.

#3 – Season 5, Episode 14 “The One where Everyone Finds Out”  written by Alexa Junge, directed by Michael Lembeck

This has been one of my favorites since it originally aired (February 1999).  I’m fairly certain I recorded it at airdate (in my dorm room) and would watch that tape over and over.  It starts out strong with a revisit to Ugly Naked Guy, and then only grows from there.

Phoebe and Rachel finding out about Chandler and Monica is a great start, but I just love it once it spirals into “they don’t know we know they know.”  Pheobe’s bag of quarters is maybe one of my favorite physical gags in the whole series.  I can’t explain why, but I can’t stop laughing at it. As I was re-watching this I found that I can literally recite every line (and I quote it regularly).  It’s a problem.

I’d argue that there is no weak sub-plot or scene in this episode – Ugly Naked Guy, the ‘they don’t know” business, the seduction….. it’s nonstop.  A well-deserved spot in the top three.

Bonus: We get to meet Hugsy, the bedtime penguin pal, for the first time.

#2 – Season 4, Episode 12 “The one with the Embryos” written by Jill Condon & Amy Toomin, directed by Kevin S. Bright

I’m not sure this one is even worth discussing as it seems pointless to have to defend this selection.   It’s the best.

Sure, the Phoebe embryo story line is sweet, but obviously, I’m here for the trivia contest.  (though in my rewatch I found myself asking – the whole thing takes places in the same afternoon that they lose the apartment – where did they get all those boxes so quickly?

Who cares, let’s abandon logic and just be amused!)

#1 – Season 6, Episode 9  “The One where Ross Got High”  written by Gregory S. Malins, directed by Kevin S. Bright

So, my top 3 are nearly interchangeable depending on the day.
I love all the Thanksgiving episodes, but this one transcends the holiday.  Has anyone since this aired every eaten a trifle or a shepherd’s pie the same way?  I certainly have not.

And (keeping in theme), my favorite scene is when they’re all yelling out secrets and poor Judy has to respond to everyone.  I could watch it over and over (and I do, a few times a year).

If I were an Emmy voter - 2016

Happy Monday.  Emmy week is here!!  A celebration of television (that's all weeks in my house). 

I make this list in my head every year, and every once in awhile I write it down.  We're one week out, and here are my votes.  On the night of, I invite you to come share in the sarcastic, humorous commentary either live at my house, or via my Twitter feed.  

I've only noted the major categories or the ones for which I have a particular passion.   I also didn’t get into mini-series, movie, or reality here, but mostly b/c of space and I figured you were sick of me by the time we got that far down.  I’ll let you know on Sunday.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA (2015 winner: Game of Thrones)

The Americans

Better Call Saul

Downton Abbey

Game of Thrones

Homeland

House of Cards

Mr Robot

I gotta go The Americans on this one.  They've been shut out for so long and had an outstanding year.  Even though I don't watch all of these, based on what I know, I wouldn't be super angry at any of the wins (though I'd be more pleased with some than others)

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA (2015 winner: Jon Hamm)

Kyle Chandler, Bloodline

Rami Malek, Mr Robot

Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul

Matthew Rhys, The Americans

Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan

Kevin Spacey, House of Cards

Look, these are all good actors, and if we can't give it to Jon Hamm again, give it to my favorite Welshman, Matthew Rhys.  Dude is spectacular. 

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA (2015 winner: Viola Davis)

Claire Danes, Homeland

Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder

Taraji P Henson, Empire

Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black

Keri Russell, The Americans

Robin Wright, House of Cards

I think by now I’ve developed a pattern that you can figure out.  KERI RUSSELL KERI RUSSELL KERI RUSSELL.  If it can’t be her (AND WHY GOD NOT?!), then give it to Claire Danes, if for nothing else than that cry.  

GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA (2015 winner: Margo Martindale, The Americans)

Laurie Metcalf, Horace and Pete

Molly Parker, House of Cards

Ellen Burstyn, House of Cards

Allison Janney, Masters of Sex

Margo Martindale, The Americans

Carrie Preston, The Good Wife

Skipping supporting roles in drama, b/c I have little opinion (it’s mostly GOT which I don’t watch, so whatever).  But for this guest actress role, I gotta say: If there was a tie and Margo Martindale & Carrie Preston both won I’d be just thrilled.  

OUTSTANDING COMEDY (2015 winner: Veep)

black-ish

Master of None

Modern Family

Silicon Valley

Transparent

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Veep

Veep is a strong contender, but what I’d really like to see is Unbreakable.  These are all good shows, but Kimmy is a cut above.    (If I’m wishing for things though, I’d trade a few of these in for other options)

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY (2015 winner: Julia Louis-Dreyfus)

Ellie Kemper, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep

Laurie Metcalfe, Getting On

Tracee Ellis Ross, black-ish

Amy Schumer, Inside Amy Schumer

Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie

How do I pick one of these ladies?  Ellie Kemper if I must.  But ANY would be deserving!  #FemalesAreStrongAsHell 

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY (2015 winner: Jeffrey Tambor)

Anthony Anderson, black-ish

Aziz Ansari, Masters of None

Will Forte, The Last Man on Earth

William H Macy, Shameless

Thomas Middleditch, Silicon Valley

Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent

I literally have no opinion on this one.  The only show on here I’ve watched is Master, which is great, but I don’t have enough data to vote.  If I were voting based solely on what I've watched, Aziz wins by default. (he was great, so we'll let him have it.)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY (2015 winner: Allison Janney)

Niecy Nash, Getting On

Kate McKinnon, SNL

Gaby Hoffmann, Transparent

Allison Janney, Mom

Judith Light, Transparent

Anna Chlumsky, Veep

Again – all hilariously amazing ladies… but Allison Janney is my hero so let’s see her win again.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY (2015 winner: Tony Hale)

Louie Anderson, Baskets

Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Keegan-Michael Key, Key & Peele

Ty Burrell, Modern Family

Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Tony Hale, Veep

Matt Walsh, Veep

While I had no opinion on the lead actors, I’d like ALL of these dudes to win this.  They are All. So. Good. So, ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…. Andre Braugher.  But anyone (well, maybe not Louie Anderson, he’s not my fave. But I didn’t watch Baskets so I can’t really say). 

So, join us on the 18th where we will raise a glass, enjoy some snacks, and fill the evening with sarcastic commentary.  One of my favorite days.  See you on Sunday!!! 

What's Becki Watching - Fall 2016 Edition (Part 2)

Yesterday I shared about the returning fall shows I'm most excited about.  Today - new shows.

So, here's the deal.  There aren't a ton I've done a lot of research about and I truly haven't heard much buzz.  My standard MO the last few years has been to read a lot of reviews in the first month that things are out, and if 3 or 4 weeks in they're still positive or someone tells me I MUST WATCH, I consider catching up.  Or, I randomly stumble upon something.  Here are the things I'm going to give a try right from the start, but if you hear or see something that is good - please! let me know!!

And, as always, thanks to tvline.com for the best calendar of the year!!

TV LINE FALL PREVIEW

So, while I'm unsure of what I'll actually end up watching or sticking with, these are a few that have caught my eye.

This is Us (NBC 9/20)
   First of all - Milo Ventimiglia (Jess from Gilmore Girls).  I mean, come on.  When this trailer released months ago it practically broke the internet, and I was interested from the get-go.  The writer/creator is the same guy who wrote Crazy, Stupid, Love, which is the best.  Watch the trailer.  I'm hopeful this will fill the Parenthood shaped hole in my heart.


The Good Place (NBC 9/22)
   I think the premise of this sounds a bit lame, but Kristin Bell!  Plus, it comes to us from Michael Schur (writer - the office, creator/writer Parks & Rec, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Master of None).  I trust that dude.


The Great Indoors  (CBS 10/27)
  I hope this is good, the deck is stacked with a few of my favorite things:  Joel McHale, Outdoorsy people turned indoorsy people, millennials jokes, office humor.  Please don't let me down!


Man with a Plan (CBS 10/24)
   I'm not particularly interested in the premise, and even less so since they dumped Jenna Fischer, but I might give it a try.  Because, well, Joey.


Queen Sugar (OWN - already started)
   So, this already started and I missed it, but have read some great reviews.  If Oprah gives me a way to catch up I'm certainly considering it (though haven't started researching my options yet)


Better Things (FX - already started)
   This also premiered this week, and wasn't even on my radar til I heard Pamela Adlon (writer, actor, you know her from King of the Hill or Louie) on Fresh Air this week.  (she did some writing for Louie, he's writing for this as well).  Since hearing her earlier this week I've seen some positive reviews popping up, and I have a general appreciation for FX comedy (hello, You're the Worst), so might give it a try.


Younger (TV Land)
   This is entering its 3rd season, but I never saw the first 2.  I hear it's good and love all the people in it.... so if I can find a way to watch it I might be picking this up as well.


I'll be honest, there isn't much I'm freaking out about for this year... but I hope that some good buzz changes my mind.  OR, I could pick up nothing new, and just keep rewatching old classics.

Anybody have anything they're excited about??

What's Becki Watching - Fall 2016 Edition (part 1)

Welp, here I am, back from the void.  Nothing moves me to break out a blog post quite like the return of fall tv.  I have a few more things in the works here too, we'll see if they come to fruition. 

Because some of you asked (not many, but still), and because I am nerd and I find this fun.... I bring you the brief synopsis of what's premiering, currently airing, what I'm watching, and what I've decided to ignore.
Part 1 is returners.  Part 2 will be new shows.

Shows Coming Back I'm Still Watching (and why):
   *listed by order of air date

1. The Big Bang Theory 
       say what you want about Chuck Lorre & laugh tracks, but this show makes me laugh, the characters are all uniquely hilarious, and I like Star Trek and science jokes.


2.  Brooklyn Nine-Nine 
        I was admittedly skeptical about this when it first aired (I always found Andy Samberg funny yet fairly one-dimensional on SNL), but after it won the Golden Globe and then my sage friend Tim told me to watch it, I gave it a try.  It's hilarious.  I re-watched the whole thing again this past spring (and another singular episode 2 nights ago when I just needed a laugh).  It was funny from the start, but as these actors have reached their groove of their characters I think it's even funnier. (I also hate when an actor is pregnant & a show tries to hide it, but they actually pulled it off fairly well this year.  Kudos there).  This is one that I'm most excited about it's return.

3. New Girl
        It's had its ups and downs but I'm still watching.  I'm certainly part Jess (awkward?  bell choir? in love with the totally dysfunctional guy?), and I cannot get enough Jake and Schmidt.  


4. Modern Family
       This is one I'm less excited about than I used to be, and I often let it pile up on my dvr, but then once I start watching again I inevitably am LOLing alone in my house like a crazy person. 



5.  Impastor
        A TV Land show starting Michael Rosenbaum (Lex from Smallville) that you probably aren't watching.  The premise is ridiculous, but the show is HILARIOUS.  Give it a try, you won't regret it.


6.  Jane the Virgin
       This is new to me this year - watched S 1&2 over the summer after reading much praise and receiving many recommendations.  I was skeptical for a full 2 years, but now I'm hooked.  WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?!?!?!  SO MUCH IS UP IN THE AIR!!!!  AHHHHH

7.  Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
       Another new (to me).  Meant to watch last year but waited too long and couldn't get the first few eps.  PTL for netflix.  THIS SHOW IS THE BEST.  It is smart, funny, sarcastic, AND A MUSICAL!  I bought the soundtrack, I listen to it in my car, I CANNOT GET ENOUGH.  Here is a sample song from the first ep.  Seriously - watch it.


8.  Life in Pieces
      Favorite new show from last year.  4 short scenes each ep connecting a family.  I was doubtful that this gimmick would work, but because they don't need filler to stretch out a storyline it's just punchline after punchline. All the actors are great, and it's just 30 minutes of delightful silliness (with some heart thrown in there too).  

9.  Mom
     This isn't my favorite, but Allison Janney is a riot and I love her in this.  I honestly enjoy this more when it's focused more on the serious issues of addiction than when it's just trying to be funny.  But eh, I'll keep watching for now.

10.  The Mindy Project (Hulu) 

     If I had to use television characters to explain who I am,  I's say (mostly) Liz Lemon and small parts Jessica Day (New Girl) and Mindy Lahiri.  She's such a ridiculous hot mess, but I still claim her as my own.  Add in some EXCELLENT supporting characters - they never fail to make me laugh.  They say all the things we're all saying in our heads already. 


What did I miss?  What should I quit?   There are also some things coming back after the new year or that already aired this summer that I have omitted here.  Ask me about them later :)

PS:  It's fascinating to me that all of these shows are more or less comedies, and the only hour-long ones are on the CW.  I've lost all of my serious/heavy shows.  What's that about?  Are there any on right now I should be watching?  (at least there's always streaming for that....)  

New Year, New Hashtag #2016

It's a new year.  Okay.... we're 12 days in, but close enough.  I know you're supposed to talk about this stuff at the START of the year, but we're only 3% of the way through, and I will accept the grace that I assume you are currently extending to me.

Last year I wrote about my selection of 2 hashtags to guide me through my year (some people choose a "word of the year," but I like to think of myself as more modern).  Once you've taken a moment to read why I chose them, I'll give you the quick recap:

#SoftPants was obviously a huge win.  I recognize this is a weird, lazy thing to choose, but here's why I think it was great:  I gave myself permission to be comfortable and who I was.  I like to chill in my sweatpants, and by declaring it to the world via my hashtag, I was both announcing who I was, and inviting people into it.  My friends and I all now have an understanding that unless otherwise stated, if we are invited to one another's houses, #softpants are expected.  There's a real freedom & grace in that, and for that I am thankful (and more comfortable).

#RiseAboveTheAwkward was maybe a bit more challenging, but still a great summary of the year.  I chose to say yes to things that I might have normally shied away from to avoid an awkward situation, and for that I believe I had a richer, fuller, more spontaneous year than I have in a LONG time.  God calls us to embrace who we are, even if it's awkward, and there is a real freedom and grace in that as well (though slightly less comfortable).

2015 was a pretty great year.  I worked harder than I maybe ever have, but I played harder too.  I took trips, traveled with friends & also did some traveling alone, took on projects I never thought I would, and honestly felt more like Becki Laird than I had allowed myself in a long time.  And I'm thankful to say it paid off.  I reopened friendships that felt closed for a long time, and made space for some new ones (both human and cat).  There were certainly some hard things and hard conversations that happened in 2015, but I think ultimately for the better.

After a pretty solid year with some pretty silly hashtags I started to wonder what it was that I should be shooting for in 2016.  Things are running pretty smoothly, but what are we if we're not growing?  So, where do I focus my energy?  What's next?  As I thought about it a lot over the past 2 weeks, a clear thought seemed to keep coming forward.  2016 is the year where I #MakeThingsHappen.

If I'm really honest with myself, I've let the last 10 years more or less happen to me.  I haven't taken the wheel (if you will) for a number of reasons, but I think it boils down to two things:  I honestly haven't been sure where it was I really wanted to go, and I hate failing, so if I just let things happen I haven't tried for something and failed at it.

In 2016 I'm going to make intentional choices.  I'm going to maybe have hard conversations and make hard decisions, but I'm going to do it thoughtfully, with discernment, wisdom, & guidance, and with the reminder that making the right decision for you does not always mean you're being selfish.

I'm going to allow myself to truly consider what it is that I want and need, and what it is that God is calling me to be a part of, and I'm going to go ahead and #makethingshappen, and not just sit around to see if things happen to me.

Won't you join me?

What I’m thankful for: Thanksgiving programming that holds up (or the definitive ranking of FRIENDS thanksgiving episodes)

One of the (many) things that FRIENDS did well was take advantage of their Thursday night programming and gives us many glorious Thanksgiving episodes over the years (and a few that weren’t the best). The last few years I’ve taken the week of Thanksgiving to re-watch these wondrous gems of the 90s and early 2000s, and I feel that I am now equipped to give you a finalized ranking.

Now that they’re all available on Netflix, I invite you to take the time you have this holiday week and look up as many of these gems as you have time for (obviously, using the ranking as a tool for determining what to take your time on).  I also invite you to share your opinions on this ranking, but know if you disagree with me you are wrong. 

(btw- I realize this is something I should have thought about writing before Tuesday night, but we all know I’m nothing if not spontaneous a terrible planner)

#10:  Season 2, Ep. 8: The One With The List 

This is far and away the worst of the Thanksgiving episodes.  For one, it’s hardly about Thanksgiving, and the Mockolate story line is just awful.  This is also right in what I would argue to be the 2nd most difficult series of episodes to watch in the Ross & Rachel saga.  When that list prints out… just painful.  (Though I have always argued if you’re Rachel and you feel about Ross the way she does this isn’t your reaction to the list.)

#9:  Season 1, Ep 9: The One Where Underdog Gets Away 

For a first season in which no real tradition had been established, this isn’t too bad.  It has everything you want in a holiday festivity:  Parade, ski trip, V.D., and grilled cheese sandwiches.  It’s not bad for season 1, but it doesn’t do much else which is why it’s so low on the list. 

#8:  Season 3, Ep 9: The One with the Football

At least we’re back to Thanksgiving in Monica’s apartment here after the season 2 departure, but this is a fairly weak episode as well.  I always felt the Monica/Ross rivalry storylines to feel a bit forced, and that Gellar Cup is just plain ridic.  I am amused by the Dutch girl story line… but not much else.



#7:  Season 10, Ep 8: The One with the Late Thanksgiving

This one always disappointed me. I don’t know if it’s because it was the last season and I was expecting great things, but I just really wanted more.  I’ve read some articles that put the “floating head” gag at the top of some lists, but I always felt like it just tried too hard.  Too bad they couldn’t go out on a high note. 



#6:  Season 7, Ep 8: The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs

While I appreciate any episode that had Tag in it (how could you not?!) I’ve never LOVED this episode.  I remember watching it when it was new and thinking they could have done better.  I do remember discussing and enjoying the state-game at time of airing, but beyond that…. I’m just not so sure.  I think it’s the dog story line that bothers me the most – it just didn’t make sense.  This episode does still have some high points and classic quotes (“It’s a moo point.”) 

#5:  Season 9, Ep 8: The One with Rachel’s Other Sister

This one doesn’t do anything that overwhelms me – but it’s still a pretty good ep.  I love Christina Applegate as the ridiculous sister (I actually prefer her to Reese Witherspoon’s Jill), and I love her interaction with the group.  They do this guest-star on Thanksgiving well again here.  I also am one to enjoy any Monica-is-totally-OCD storyline, and this one about the China cracks me up.  And the twist that Chandler is the most responsible?  Perfect. 

#4:  Season 8, Ep 9: The One with the Rumor 


This is a great episode and Brad Pitt is so good in it, but I’m not going to lie, it’s hard for me to watch.  I love any of the episodes where old rumors and secrets come out, and they do it so well - “you were the hermaphrodite cheerleader from Long Island?!”  I remember being skeptical when this was airing, I wasn’t sure Brad could pull off the sitcom world, but he fit right in, and it was perfect how they made everyone be so into him.  “Take off your shirt and tell us!”  All this together tho, it still isn’t at the top, mostly because of my intense heartbreak that followed….  It could be argued that this should be higher on the list, but it’s my list, and I’ll do what I want. 


#3:  Season 4, Ep 8: The One with Chandler in a Box
This is the first of the Thanksgiving episodes in the series to really have both heart and LOLs.  The box is a classic and the Kathy/Joey/Chandler story line is legit heartbreaking.  And Michael Vartan as Richard’s son before I knew I loved Vaughn??  I cannot get enough of that.  I might turn FRIENDS off right now and just turn on Alias.   “Fine! Judge all you want to but, married a lesbian, left a man at the altar, fell in love with a gay ice dancer, threw a girl's wooden leg in a fire, live in a box!” (and I’m back to being committed to FRIENDS)


#2:  Season 5, Ep 8: The One with the Thanksgiving Flashbacks
I believe that this is may be the first time we get to meet fat Monica & sweet 80s Ross, Chandler, & Rachel.  This episode was done so well – both in hilarious back stories that actually served the plot and just plain silliness.  The turkey-on-the-head gag never fails to disappoint.  Favorite Lines? “There’s a toe in my kitchen,” “It says the knife went right through your shoe…. Of course it did! They’re made of wicker!”    And of course – the I love you…. 




#1:  Season 6, Ep 9: The One where Ross Got High

It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me that I give this one top ranking.  It’s not just my favorite Thanksgiving ep, but probably in my top 10 overall.  If you’re not a fan of the show you may not feel the same way, but this one slays me every time.  I can watch it over and over.  The whole thing is great from the trifle to Janine, but nothing beats the climax where everyone is yelling and poor Judy has to respond “That’s a lot of information to get in 30 seconds.”  I quote FRIENDS on a nearly daily basis, and this is one of the most  quotable by far.  I LOVE IT. 

What I'm Into (October 2015 Edition)

Ack!  I haven't been on here since FEBRUARY!!! Which is super bonkers because I've probably been writing more this year than in other years, just not for here...  Had a few minutes to kill so hopping on to Leigh Kramer's What I'm Into for the month.

Loving me some October this month, cannot take enough pictures of trees, but they never look that good.  I need a better camera.  Had some good travel this month, and all around busyness, but the good kind.


Read and Reading: 

Finished all of the Harry Potter books in September, so been trying to cash in on my reading momentum to keep going.  Still haven't read as much as I'd like to, but have done okay.  As always I have 2 or 3 more that are mid-read.

Enjoyed Mindy Kaling's newest book, maybe not *quite* as much as her last, but she cracks me up and had a great overall message.

Finally read Bob Goff's Love Does which I've been carrying around for years.  Having seen him speak a number of times some of the stories weren't new, but had the added benefit of me really being able to hear his voice while I read it.  A great, fun read for someone ready to take their faith from head to action.

I also finally picked up Serious Dreams, compiled by my friend Byron Borger of Hearts and Minds Books.  It's a compilation of graduation speeches from mostly Christian colleges which was a GREAT read.  Having been out of college for [a number of] years, I still found it motivational as if I was starting from scratch.  a GREAT gift for any recent graduates, those career searching, or someone working in Higher Ed.  High recommendation - I'm going back this weekend to buy more to give away as gifts!!  Also, epilogue written by my dear friend Erica, who shares a tale from her own frosty graduation morning, which happened to be mine as well.

        


TV: 

Must-see TV: To be honest, there isn't much new stuff on the dvr these days that I'm totally captivated by.  If I have a full dvr the first things I watch are Brooklyn 99 and You're the Worst.  I try to keep up with The Good Wife live as I love following the live-tweeting as well.  Almost everything has fallen to the back burner.  Still enjoying Big Bang and Undateable (the live experiment has been entertaining thus far).  Having a hard time remembering to watch Mindy on Hulu with the weekly releases.  I don't think I'm loving it as much as the previous seasons, but like what they've been able to do without the network ties.

New shows: The only new shows I picked up so far this year are Life in Pieces and The Muppets.  They both have potential but have not gotten me to a point where I can't miss them.

Streaming: Watched the first 2 seasons of Maron in about 4 days. It's pretty crass and not for everyone, but I have not laughed so hard and so consistently in a long time.  His sarcastic wit and collection of cats makes me wonder if he is my spirit animal.
  Finally started Mad Men - tried a few years back and couldn't get into it, powered through the slow, dark beginning and I've really loved seeing what they've done.  I have 1.5 seasons left.
  Continuing to rewatch FRIENDS - I find myself LOLing throughout - it's STILL funny after all of these years!

Music: 

No new music this month... been really tweaking some playlists of my old stuff to give it a new experience, which is always fun.  Been listening to a lot of Wilco since their anniversary & new album stuff came out, and loving the newest Dawes.


Podcasts: 

My love of The Relevant Podcast continues (I might need to write a whole thing about that).  Also been trying to get caught up on Undisclosed, which is 3 lawyers discusses the Sayed case from Serial.  Super interesting.

Things I love:

Have not spent a whole weekend at home in 2 months, which has been exhausting, but so fun.  This month I could be found: in Philly with a former roommie & her kids for a lazy pj weekend, at the National Apple Harvest Festival w/ my college roommie & her kids, Applebutter making at a former roommie's family farm w/ LOTS of old pals, in California for a work trip & extended wine country travels with my cousins. It's seriously been loads of fun.   (I had fun pics of these to upload, but the photo editor won't let me.  Oh well)

Fall foods are so great: apple products everywhere, lots of homemade chilis, stews and breads.  YUMMMMMM

Am missing warm weather, but LOVE fleece, sweats, hoodies, puffy vests, and smartwools, so I'm making due.

Was supposed to run a 5k for the Four-Diamonds Fund for Pediatric Cancer along with a friend whose baby is undergoing treatments.  We had a GREAT fundraiser, but sadly the race got cancelled due to huricane, which was probably a blessing for grossly out-of-shape me.

Heat: had to turn it on.  I wouldn't have battled through until November (my standard rule), but with going out of town and having a student stay to cat-sit I took pity on her and turned it on.  Plus, then I can enjoy it without guilt.

Best Instagram:

Gotta go with this - wine, cheese, mustard, views: a perfect depiction of my whirlwind weekend in CA.  Cannot complain about that!  So good!

That's a wrap on the month, probably see you in 3 months.....

What I'm Into (January 2015 Edition)

Well, here I am again.... I read Leigh Kramer's post each month, but don't make the time to contribute to the conversation.  As always, trying to spend more time writing and reflecting, so here I go....

January - It's cold and dreary in Pennsylvania (and Maryland), but my favorite thing about it is that it gives you a legitimate excuse to not leave the house, and hunker down on the couch in my sleeping bag (my favorite winter activity).  So, I'm into a lot of inside things, and I am okay with that....


Read & Reading: 

No surprise:  terrible reader here.  I like doing it but just don't make the time.  This month I read Amy Poehler's "Yes, Please."  I liked it, especially her detailed experience as a woman making her way through the world of improv, but I didn't connect with it quite as much as I did with Mindy or Tina's.  But still, enjoyable and enlightening.

Most of my "reading" actually gets done in the form of "listening" these days, as I'm in the car for about 2-3 hours per day and audio is the easiest way for me to catch up on books.  I went through a real David Sedaris kick in the fall, listening and re-listening to all of his stuff.  I'm currently listening to Orange is the New Black, the memoir by Piper Kerman that inspired the Netflix series.  It's fascinating.

Really interested in what I'm (minimally) reading?  Check out my goodreads...


TV:

Okay, now this is something I make time for.

Current shows include: The Good Wife, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Mindy Project, New Girl, About a Boy, Modern Family, Big Bang Theory, Scandal

This year there are a few new shows I've been trying out.... I haven't been thoroughly convinced of any of them yet, but they come from reputable sources, so I'm giving them the season:  Marry Me, Mulaney, The McCarthys, Mom (this is technically in season 2, but I'm still watching it on probation)

January meant the end of a favorite (Parenthood) and the return of some other faves, 2 of which we say goodbye to next month (Parks and Recreation, Cougartown, and The Americans)

And then there is my streaming side projects.  January was spent finishing Veronica Mars, watching all of The State (only 20 years late), and am currently working on The Wire, and Burning Love.  The latter here is a silly Bachelor-mocking show from the E! network, but is produced by Ken Marino and written/created by his wife.  Most of the players from The State make appearances.  It's a riot.  I'm thinking about keeping better records of my streaming projects.... so you might hear more soon.

Movies: 

Seriously don't think I saw any this month.....

Music:

Haven't listened yet, but The Lone Bellow released their 2nd album last week, and I am looking forward to it.

Things I love in January:

• Starting with New Year's Eve, I have participated in about 5 or 6 game nights with various groups of friends.  I had forgotten how much I loved playing group games with pals, and had some of the best nights of laughter in a LONG time as a result of these nights.  Hope to keep that going in 2015!
• The Golden Globes - in my top 2 for awards shows - is always a good time: watching, keeping up on twitter, and reading reviews.  This year I've partnered with a new friend to watch awards shows (this was our 2nd) and it was really fun to share the experience with a friend who loves TV as much as I do.
• I have a new nephew!  My sister had her 2nd boy, and it's been fun to see him a few times, and watch my older nephew (2) learn what it means to be a big brother.  
• My new couch & old sleeping bag.  I have spent most of my January time when I am not at work on my new couch (got in November) in my old sleeping bag (NF Cat's Meow - a classic).  It is the greatest and coziest way to spend these cold winter months and I love it.
• #SoftPants.  One of 2 words for 2015, they are my favorite things. 
• French Press coffee. Bought a french press a few weeks ago and started using it last week. I am obsessed!! 

Challenges:  

Sometimes celebrating the good means acknowledging the difficult, and I am okay with that.  There's the melancholy of January in general (I hate taking down my Christmas decorations), coupled with some hard things with work, friends and family that make you realize that life isn't always easy, but it is still good.

I've also accepted a role on my church council (like elders for your presby friends), and as the chair of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.  My church is in a valley and after only 3 weeks I can see that this will be a challenge (I made a 3 year commitment), but am doing my best to seek good wisdom and be faithful in these challenges.

All in all, not a bad month, considering it's right in the middle of the dumbest of all seasons.


Check out Leigh's post and others' for this month as well!

 

#2015

It's a new year!  Time to set goals and be contemplative over the previous 12 months!  Goals & resolutions are not really my thing, but it's hard not to use January 1 as a definitive marker in time allowing you to look both backward and forward simultaneously.

Last year some friends and I decided that we'd make 2014 the year of #newthings (I think this actually carried over from 2013, but I still used it for 2014).  Hashtags are fun, and it was a lighthearted way to look at something and think "this is something I wouldn't normally do, but I'll go for it because....#newthings."  I can't speak for anyone else, but I think it got me out of my comfort zone a few times - in work, life, relationships, and adventures.  Sometimes these #newthings were successful, sometimes they were duds, but still, it served as some motivation and it was fun.

I decided I'd come up with a hashtag for 2015.  My first idea was #SoftPants.  This is not serious and will not better my life in anyway, except that I will be massively comfortable the more I wear things with elastic or drawstring waistbands.  Many thanks to my good friends' 2 year old for this description that is my new favorite word.  But, let's be serious.  (Though I'm still using this all year)

My serious hashtag for 2015 is going to be #RiseAboveTheAwkward.  I avoid a lot of things in life because I want to avoid an awkward situation, but have recently come to realize, it's only me that is concerned about the awkward or even the only one experiencing it.  I need to be better at just saying "Life is going to be awkward, but I'm going for it anyway."  I already had a #RiseAboveTheAwkward experience once this year, and I'm extremely glad I did it.  I didn't let my fear of the uncomfortable keep me from doing something fun, and I had a great time in the process.

I hope you all join me in opportunities to #RiseAboveTheAwkward in 2015.  May your life be more fun and less awkward and all those other good things.

Also, may it be abundantly full of #SoftPants.  Because they are the greatest.

September: My favorite month

There are many things about September that I love:  It's mostly still summer.  That crisp (but still warm) fall air that starts to come in.  Flip-flops are still okay, but you can also sneak in a hoodie, a puffy vest, and some smart-wools.  Pumpkin: flavored coffee, spiced lattes, scented candles, and the actual thing to sit on my stoop!  Baseball is still happening, but college football has started (O's and PSU!)  My birthday.  

And, of course, the kick off of the new TV Season.

As I frequently am asked what I'm watching and looking forward to (probably because people don't really know what else to ask me about....), I thought I'd draw up a quick outline of what I'm most anticipating in both returns and pilots.  I usually do a lot of reading around this time in preparation, but work has been so crazy busy that it hasn't happened.  So most of these opinions are based solely on my viewing of a preview.  I could be very, very wrong.

New shows:
To be completely honest, there aren't any new shows that I am highly anticipating.  Usually there is something that catches my eye early on and I can't wait to see.  

This year, not so much.  I plan to give at least 1-2 viewings to the following (in order of most to least interested)
Marry Me (I loved Happy Endings & am hoping with the same show runner & some actors this will be just as enjoyable)
A to Z (I enjoy Ben Feldman & Cristin Milioti, which is mostly what's driving this)
How to Get Away With Murder (Shonda - yes!  Matt McGorry - YES!)
Gotham (I love Batman stories, I love Ben McKenzie.  Nothing else is needed)

Want to draw attention to 2 that I started this summer on FX: Married and You're The Worst.  Both enjoyable, but YTW might be my new favorite show.  It's excellent.  I give Married a B and YTW an A.

(Might also check out: Red Band Society, Mysteries of Laura, Selfie, Manhattan Love Story, Bad Judge, McCarthys, Mulaney - but will likely wait and do some reading to see if they're really worth my while)

Returning Shows:
What I'm still watching (again, in order of most anticipated to least)
The Good Wife
The Mindy Project
Parenthood
The Big Bang Theory
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
New Girl
Scandal
The Millers
About A Boy
Mom
Grey's Anatomy

Things that will be back later but I can't wait for: Parks & Recreation, Americans. 

What are you watching? Can't wait to talk about these once they get going!!

Binge Watching TV: A Year in Review

Around this time last year I posted about the series I watched over the summer while new tv wasn't on. A year has gone by and I have continued with my current shows, and spent even more time binging.  Do me a favor - don't add these up. 

As new TV is just around the corner, it seemed like the right time to think back on the year and what I watched.  During the year is always slower, but I still managed to view a lot.  I took September off from streaming shows, as it was a full time job to catch up on the dvr.  Here is a summary of what I watched and what I thought about it....

What are you streaming??

Breaking Bad - I'm drawing attention to this even though it's been about a year.  I finished all of the streaming episodes just in time to watch the last 4 new with the rest of the world.  It was a really fun experience to be able to talk about it live with friends and twitter, and made the completion of the series even better.  JESSE FOREVER!!!!

Scandal - I was looking for something fun to start, and my step-sister insisted I would love this.  It's definitely a guilty pleasure kind of show, a little ridiculous at times, but I watched the first 2 seasons rapidly and was caught up with the live broadcasts by October.

The West Wing - At 155 episodes, this was the largest streaming show I had ever taken on, and it definitely took some time, but was well worth it.  I fell in love with ALL of the characters (Especially Josh Lyman), and over and over found myself saying "WHY did I not watch this when it was new?!?!?!"  I also got a friend into it and we were poised to finish around the same time, so I drove to Philadelphia and we watched the last  episodes together, which was a really fun experience (and one you don't get a lot when you're solo-streaming.  The downside of watching a show that is 10+ years old - the community viewing experience is never the same)

House of Cards S.2 - This came out right around the time TWW finished, so it was a quick weekend binge (and was darker and crazier than the season before)

My So-Called Life - I had never watched this back in the mid-90s when it came out.  I remember my friends talking about it, but it aired against Mad About You and a little new show I was in to (FRIENDS), so I missed out.  So glad I finally checked this out.  I'm not sure 14 year old me would have been ready for it (even though I was roughly the same age as main character Angela, her life was a little more racy than mine.  SPOILER ALERT: There was a not a Jared Leto type pressuring me to have sex as a teen).

Freaks and Geeks - Inspired by many many tv-spirit guides to watch this, it seemed like the perfect transition after MSCL, to continue in the ways of teen angst. Totally worth it.  Main character Lindsey was highly relateable, and made me wish I had been a teen in 1980.  And I LOVED seeing all of these actors in their early years, and got me really interested in checking out some of their, and Judd Apatow's early stuff.

Rehab Addict - for something different, I got into a DIY show.  Friends had told me about this and I checked out the new ones on live tv, and then had to go back and watch the first 3 seasons.  Love Nicole's philsophy of restoring old homes "to their former glory."  Made me want to do all kinds of stuff to my house!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine - this was new last year but I hadn't watched.  After it won the Golden Globe I decided to check it out, and streamed the whole season as it was wrapping up live.  Actually much better than I expected and really enjoyable.  Lots of LOLs.

Undeclared - This was a one season comedy on FOX that Apatow did after F&G.  Not nearly as captivating, but was more entertaining than I thought it would be. 

Sports Night - I had always heard about this as one of the greats.  Never watched it when it was on, but my newly developed love for Sorkin, coupled with my mourning the loss of Josh Charles' Will Gardner made this the perfect time.  It was full of actors I love (and really fun to watch them in their younger years when they were all my age or younger), and of course, really well written.  The hardest thing about all of these one or two season shows that I checked out this year is the constant heartbreak of never seeing their stories come to fruition.  But, still enjoyed watching.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - Another 1 season show from Sorkin (with Bradley Whitford AND Matthew Perry - hello sarcasm dream team!!!).  This was another show I'd read a lot about, so came in with my view a little tainted.  I could see all of the great things and most of the criticisms I'd already read about, but echo my earlier comment that it was sad to not get to see what happened with these characters after 1 year.

My Boys - This was a TBS show from a few years ago.  Friends had told me it was entertaining, and I will admit it was knowing Reid Scott was one of the stars got me motivated to start (What?  Dan Egan as drift-about punk-loving dj?  I'm in!)  This was definitely harder to watch after a year of some more quality produced shows, but it was still entertaining.  I want PJ's life!

Orange is the New Black - Didn't get to this season's til recently - but it was just as good, if not better than the year before. (still not sure I'd qualify it as a "best comedy")

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - still working on 

this, probably will slow down with new shows starting, but am about half way.  I've seen many episodes here and there, but it's fun to watch them straight through.  These 4 are a constant mess, but I love it.  The ridiculousness abounds. 

Sporadic Rewatches:

Sometimes I don't have the energy to focus on something new, and want to watch something I've seen before.  It's the comfort food of tv.  This year I've sporadically rewatched:
Sex and the City

New Girl

Felicity

The Mindy Project (I did this all one weekend recently when I was sick. I maintain there is no other show on tv right now that makes me laugh harder or louder)

Well, that's it.  I watch a lot of tv.