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).

Winter Vacay

A few weeks ago (sorry- delayed!) I went on a little winter vacation. My friend Lindsey had gone to college in Florida and was going down between Christmas and New Years to visit/vacation with friends and invited me to go along. I had vacation that I need to use or lose- so I was happy to join in!!

We left at 7 am the morning after Christmas (which was a little rough) and headed south. In southern South Carolina we hit a pothole and got a flat- which moved our ETA from 7:00pm to an actual arrival time of 11:45pm. (we sat for an hour waiting for AAA, and then drove 50mph the rest of the way...)

But it was still a good trip- we spent some time in Jacksonville, visited St. Augustine where Lindsey went to school (in a resort hotel basically), went to Bradenton (which was finally warm) and swam with Manatees!! By far my highlight!!!

I have been into Manatees since I was 11. My mom and step dad went to the Keys for their honeymoon and sent me a postcard from there with Manatees, and brought me back a manatee tshirt. I didn't even know about them before and have loved them ever since!!

On wednesday of our vacay we went to an aquarium in Sarasota, and there were 2 manatees in a tank there. I was soooo excited to see them and took a bunch of pics. While we were there the one girl we were with said "you know- you can swim with them in the wild." Well, i was sold!

We got up Thursday morning at 4 something to leave before 5 b/c we had a 2+ hour drive to be at Chrystal River at 7 (the town where the manatees are). It was not warm or sunny that day- we SQUEEZED in wetsuits and were on the water by 8am. I was a little nervous to snorkel in cold water for 3 hours- b/c i don't like dirty river water or snorkeling or being cold- but it was awesome!!!! I recommend that anyone who loves manatees should do this- they were so sweet and gentle and let you pet them.

Well, that is the story- see some photos below!!!! (ps- the drive back was much more efficient!)

me with the manatee in the aquarium- the highlight of my life until the next day...

This is a baby manatee swimming up to see me and let me pet him (that's really me)

Lindsey's friend Nat getting up close and personal with a manatee (i was this close to one too- but no one was there to photograph it)

My hand petting this very friendly manatee- she let me pet her for several minutes.

we were nose to nose!

  

Lindsey and me in the cold water!!

U2 (finally)

A month ago (or more), I saw U2 in concert. I've been wanting to blog about it, and just never made the time. So, while it's not super fresh in my mind- I think I could still string together a few thoughts.

I've always wanted to see them (well, since I was in college and really knew who they were) and thought just one time I'd spend the money and go. So, when my friend Gretchen asked me last spring if I wanted to get tickets with her for the September show in DC, I said yes.

We were hoping to get mid-level tickets, but by the time her mom was able to get through (she went along with us and was our ticket purchaser extraordinaire) all that was left was 7 rows from the top, or field level. I was interested in going, but not $200+ interested... so we opted for 7 rows from the top.

it was an adventure getting there (I have never seen a metro car so full), and adventure ordering food (it took them 20 minutes for our $7 fries and $10 chicken fingers), and we were finally at our seats.

It was an awesome show. Great stage- great set list- my one complaint (besides the drunk dancing woman in front of me) was that there was an echo from where we were sitting so it was hard to hear when Bono spoke. But DEFINITELY worth it (cost wise- i spent more $$ seeing David Cook this summer...) and I would for sure go again. A lot of my friends/acquaintances have asked "why do you/people like U2? what's the big deal?" Here are my reasons.

• They have been playing music together since 1976 with no member changes. How many bands have been doing that?
• They have both sincere ballads and crazy pop/rock. A nice variety.
• They use their fame to do good in the world. I know some people who don't agree with this- they want their singers to just sing and their actors to just act- but I say- if you're famous- why not use it to better the world.
• they put on a crazy good show
• they let people into the inner circle of their stage by random selection (My friend Gretchen got to do it once)
• i think their message and the music points to something bigger. some say it's Jesus, some say it isn't, I think it very well might be.

Jim Wallis wrote a blog about the concert the next day (he's better than I am) and I think he said it well. Take a gander.

To cap it all off, we walked the wrong way out of the stadium towards the metro, had to turn around and haul it back... we got on the last train out of the stadium about 10 seconds before it pulled away. Left York at 2:30 pm, got home at 3:00am the next day. Still... worth it!

Here's the crazy stage lit up

You can sort of see the band here.....

This is with or without you, in the encore. Probably my favorite moment of the show. The sound is terrible- but I think you can still see the effect.

What i've been up to...

It's September 1st. Fall is in the air, and I'm a little bummed about it. I really love summer. I love fall too- but I'm not quite ready for it... Summer seemed to fly by so quickly. But at least this year I got to take some vacation!! Here's a brief overview of where I have been the last month and a half... (in which I'm not sure I've had a full work week...) I have pictures of most events (thanks to my new pink camera).

July 4: Annual 4th of July Carnival in Jacobus, followed by a fun family gathering @ my mom's. This is my young friend Julia killing it at the balloon game.

July 11: Annual LAIRD family reunion in Ebensburg, PA. A Classic Day.

July 12: My step-sister Allison's bridal shower in Pittsburgh (2nd sister to get married this summer!)

July 16: Trip to Burkittsville, MD w/ friends for small town carnival. Always entertaining!

July 18: Heidi (one of my bff's from college and Philly roommates) got married!!!!

July 18-25: BEACH WEEK! Annual family trip to Rehoboth Beach, DE. We had a lot of rain and clouds this year, but I read 4 books (see previous blog post)

July 29: Mom's Bday!!! (no pic)

July 30-Aug 4: CALIFORNIA!!! My sister and I went to Vacaville, CA (outside San Fran) to visit cousin Lisa and husband Eric. She's an Air Force Dentist. We had a GREAT TIME!! (see upcoming post on the trip)

Aug 7-9: American Idol Live in Atlantic City, NJ and weekend to follow on Long Beach Island with great friends.

Aug 13: CCO Area Day- Day trip to State College (which always feels like I'm visiting my homeland). It was a great day to reconnect with the CCO staff in my area and gear up for another school year (I maintain associate staff status w/ the CCO).

Downside to the day: I was stung by 10 bees. (once in the eye- got hives 1 week later)

Aug 15: "An Evening at the Landings" celebrating friends' new apartment

Aug 15-20: ALL THE COUSINS TOGETHER!! Before Lisa & Eric left for Guam (her next AF assignment) they, her brothers and their wives & kids came into town and the 5 cousins + spouses were together for a few days. We had a great time.

Aug. 31: Visiting Kelly & Tim- good friends from college (though Kelly and I go back to camp)- they work for a missions org in Chicago- we only get to see each other once a year- but it's always refreshing to spend time with them on their brief visits to York.

Aug. 23-today: I've had a nasty cold that I can't seem to shake... but I need to improve because THIS weekend is when my step-sis Allison gets married AND my friend Meghan gets married (that's right folks- 2 weddings- 1 weekend). In one (sat) attending the second (sun).

Looking forward to next Monday when I'm home from all my travels and can rest from my Labors!!! It was a good summer... I wish it could last just a bit longer, but all I can do is reflect on its fullness and goodness and prepare for the glorious season of fall!

Ode to my BFFS

You know, I think that you're lucky in life if you have a BEST FRIEND. I have been blessed with a few- and this year 2 of them are having their first children! Here's a little tribute to our friendship.

My first BFF to have a baby this year is Becky, who gave birth to bandit back at the end of March. Becky and I became fast friends during our New Staff training with the CCO and have never looked back. Through our days as friends, coworkers, and true supports at PSU, to being in her wedding, attending her many bridal and baby showers- and now she's a mom!!!! I met Jack (or Bandit) Easter weekend- and he was a good time!!!

here is (above) becky and I on summer vacation in 2003 I believe, and me, meeting Jack for the first time (below)

My other BFF to have a baby is Rachel. Rachel and I have been BFFs since 10th grade, and it has been a loooooooong road!!! Band, family stuff, summers apart, schools 5 hours away, starting our professional lives in different places... and now after 8 years we live in the same place and are finally sharing life together. We never WEREN'T bffs... it was just hard to be a part of everyday lives when we were geographically far. But now we're both in York and she's having her first baby. I just got back from a few hours at the hospital. She still has a long road ahead- but I am so excited to share this journey with her and to meet her little one!!! (boy or girl?? we took a poll in the hospital room tonight... boy ahead). We'll see!!!

since I don't have a current pic of me and rachel (as i have no working camera), here is a photo of us at her bachelorette weekend, and then back in HS when it all started.... well, this is more like 3 years after we'd been friends.... but none of the 15-17 year old pictures was I going to allow on the internet....

Spring Fever

Well, it's here. SPRING TIME!!! It's my favorite season. I love the green green grass and the blue blue sky. I have been long awaiting spring these past few weeks. I have felt like it was later in coming this year than in others. This year winter wasn't to severe- it just felt LOOOOOOOOOONG to me.

I am one of those people that memories are easily triggered by smells and sounds and feelings... and there is a certain feel of a day like today that remind me of those sweet days of spring in college. Those last few weeks of the semester when you could wear tank tops and sundresses to class, when the lawn outside the doors was covered in sunbathers, and when we got out the tube. I like to call this "tube weather." The tube was a giant cardboard tube that a friend gave me to yell through. He had one to cheer for a friend of ours who played on the softball team, and I thought it was so hilarious that he had his mom get me one from her work.

My friends Mary, Kristin, and I would put the tube out their dorm window (they were across the hall from me and faced main campus) and we would yell things at passers by. we thought we were hilarious. Some students agreed- others let us know they hated it. The opening line was always "Hello! I have a giant tube." It would then be followed by some kind of situation dependent hilarious phrase. (My favorite was the time I sang the entire marine hymn to a former marine friend). The best part was, unlike in the photo, we'd close the window and blinds to show only the tube. So, unless they knew who lived in the room- the folks we were yelling at had no idea who we were. I laughed harder that semester than most other times I can remember. It was great.

Just a little anecdote that I can't help but remember on a spring day like this one. I hope you're enjoying the spring weather as well, and that it brings up memories just as fond for you!!!

loving

One of the quotes on a recent episode of Felicity that I watched really stuck out to me. Sally was giving Felicity advice on her disastrous relationship with Ben, and how she had done something to him that made him so angry he didn't want to talk to her anymore, and she didn't know how to respond. Sally's advice was this:

"If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me."

It wasn't until recently in my life that I really started to grasp what that meant. My natural reaction when there is not equal love in a relationship that I'm in, be it romantic or not, is not to be more loving, but to either be more spiteful (which is usually a game I am better at winning), or to shy away, let the other person be more loving while I just sit quietly and afraid. However, I am learning, through the wisdom of JJ Abrams (writer of Felicity), and the grace of God, that those are not the most appropriate reactions. The response should not be to spite back to someone to the best of my ability, but to love back.

It is often putting oneself out on a limb to be the one who is more loving. You can get hurt, you can feel lonely, you can feel frustrated that you're not getting back in return what you are giving out. But that is not what loving is. Loving is unconditional- whether you receive it back or not. This, of course, is mirrored in our relationship with Christ. What if he only loved us as much as we loved him back. We'd all be in trouble.

As I look at the broken relationships in my life, I can see that they are a result of me not being the more loving one. I pray that I can better learn how to do that.