New Creation...Reincarnation and FRIENDS Moment Friday

Every Monday my living room fills up with high school kids over for fellowship, worship and a Bible study. It's one of the highlights of my week!

This week, after gobbling down a batch of brownies and an ensuing icing fight, we spilt the group into guys and girls. Us girls graciously allowed the guys to stay outside with the very aggressive mosquitoes and build a fire, while we retired to the living quarters.

This week's group was a bit younger than usual, resulting in an increase of off-topic conversations and me desperately trying yet failing to reign them back in!

We've been talking about the characteristics of God, specifically his goodness, but turned this week to talk about who were are in Christ. We combed through scripture and discussed our condition apart from God.

As our conversation turned to the beautiful mystery of being made alive in Christ, and I quoted 2 Cor. 5: 17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the has come!

While most of the girls have heard this verse many, many times and understand the idea (or at least pretended to!), one sweet and very spunky girl was bold enough to ask, "Like reincarnation?" The under-the-breath snickers began, followed by a quick and desperate description of differences on my part, which immediately moved into reincarnation story time.

Come to find out, one of the girls has a family story where they believe their aunt's cat is really the reincarnation of a family friend. After this, there was no hope and getting back on track. So we prayed and ended Campaigners.

But this reincarnation story has been reminding me of a FRIENDS episode all week.

The One With The Cat (as seen in Season 4, Episode 2)

[Cut to someone entering Central Perk which lets a cat in. The cat then runs over to Phoebe's guitar case and starts sniffing around.]

Phoebe: Oh my God! No! Shoo! Kitty! No! No-no-no! Shoo! Come on, you! (goes over and picks up the cat) Come on. Crazy. (looks into the cat’s eyes) Oh my God.

Rachel: What?

Phoebe: Nothing. Nothing.

Joey: What? What’s wrong?

Phoebe: I just, I just have this really strong feeling that this cat is my Mother.

Rachel: You mean the mom you met in Montauk. She was a cat?!

Phoebe: No, no-no, she was a human lady. This is the spirit of my Mom Lily, the one who killed herself.

Ross: Are you sure she’s in the cat, or have you been taking your grandma’s glycoma medicine again?

Phoebe: No Dr. Skeptismo! I’m sure. First of all, okay, there’s the feeling. (Chandler shrugs) Okay, and for another, how about the fact that she went into my guitar case which is lined with orange felt. (Rachel nods her head in unsure agreement) My Mother’s favourite fish is Orange Roughy... (Joey thinks he understands, but then nods that he has no clue.) Cats....like....fish! (Ross and Rachel are totally lost) (to the cat) Hi, Mommy. (Rachel covers her mouth, in an “Oh my God.” gesture) Oh, I haven’t seen this smile in 17 years!

Joey: (to Chandler) Dude, Phoebe’s mom has got a huge peni...

Chandler: (interrupting) Let it go!!

Friends Moment Friday

So I've been on a certain medication for a very long time. Think like 12 years long. And this certain medicine is a life saver at certain times of the month...following?? Life saver as in without it I throw up, pass out, and miss days of work/school. So since the age of 13 I've been on said medication. Hubby has never liked my dependence on it but since he doesn't feel the pain he can't have an opinion :)

Anyway, while I was in TN for the weekend I mentioned to my mom how mad I am that they switched me to a new the brand of medicine that has left me not feeling great for a number of days. My mom simply looks up at me and says, "You're gonna have an awful (as in painful) time getting pregnant when you decide you want to." This thought has haunted me for a long time now--along with a horrible birthing story I heard in college (which I will leave untold!). So, following in Monica's footsteps, I've officially decided the stork is going to bring mine too!

The One With The Birthing Video

(As seen in Season 8, Episode 15)

[Scene: Monica and Chandler’s. Monica and Chandler are sitting on the couch still staring at the screen after watching a birthing video.]

Monica: How long has it been this time?

Chandler: 90 seconds.

Monica: That’s better. 90 seconds is a long time not to think about it…except all I did was think about it.

Chandler: You know, it haunts me? Up ‘til now, the worst thing I ever saw, was my father doing tequila shots off the naked houseboy. After this, I would gladly make that my screensaver!

Monica: Okay, well, we have to get past this! Why don’t we get rid of the tape and pretend it never existed?

Chandler: I can do that.

Monica: Okay.

(Chandler takes the tape and sticks it under the chair cushion)

Chandler: Okay. Now all we’ve got to do is get rid of this chair.

(Chandler crawls over to Monica and they move in to kiss, but they can’t do it and back up. They move in to kiss again, and kiss very awkwardly for a second, until someone knocks on the door.)

Monica: Oh, thank God!

Chandler: Oh, I know!

Monica: Come in!

Rachel: (entering) Hi! I’m so sorry to barge in on your Valentine’s, but I had to get away from all the yelling. Mona is dumping Ross.

Monica: Oh, my God.

Chandler: Poor Ross.

(Monica and Chandler both look at each other and run over to the window to watch the action in Ross’ apartment)

Chandler: Oh, great. We have to watch him do yoga in his underwear, but for this he closes the drapes!

Monica: Rach, you know that birthing tape you wanted to see? It’s here.

Chandler: Oh, and we should warn you, before you watch it: don’t watch it.

Rachel: Why? You saw it? Is it scary?

Chandler: Well, let’s just say it’s ironic how footage of someone being born can make you want to kill yourself.

Monica: honey, she may not have to watch it, but she's going to have to do it.

Rachel: Well, now, wait. Now I’m all freaked out. Come on, you guys will watch it with me.

Monica: No, but I will leave a sweater that smells like me right next to you!

Rachel: Monica, c'mon you wanna have kids.

Monica: I do! but, the stork is gonna bring mine.

FRIENDS Moment Friday

We just had our area's 5th annual golf tournament yesterday. And while I know absolutely nothing about this game, I think it was a success. I love the golf tournament because it's the one event where I have no responsibility. It's kinda nice to just show up and do what I'm told. 

Last year my husband took a day off of work to play. That was a mistake. Here I am, the 'director,' and my husband is going through the water traps collecting lost golf balls. Great. So when he couldn't make it this year, I wasn't too upset :)

Looking back, I really don't think anyone noticed, cared or looked at me differently because of his ever present need to be thrifty. But at the time I was embarrassed. 

There's an episode of Friends where Rachel is embarrassed by her friends. The company she worked for was holding a charity auction. And wanting to look good in front of her boss, she brought Joey and Phoebe along. As I'm sure you can guess, they end up embarrassing her...enjoy!

The One with the Proposal - Part 1 (As seen in Season 6, episode 24)

Scene: The Charity Event, Mr. Thompson is announcing the winners of the silent auction.

Mr. Thompson: Our next item is the romantic trip to Paris. (Pause.) It goes to Emil Alexander high a high bid of 2,300.

Rachel: Ugh! So close!

(Phoebe returns a with a tray full of different kinds of drinks.)

Phoebe: Hey you guys! Look!

Joey: Hey!

Phoebe: I got me some drinks!

Rachel: What are you doing?

Phoebe: Open bar!

Rachel: Well now it’s an empty bar.

Phoebe: You just can’t stand anyone else enjoying themselves can’t you?

Mr. Thompson: And finally, our biggest item of the night, the 22-foot gentleman’s day sailer sailboat. The winning bid was a whooping $20,000! (Joey suddenly gets excited.)

Joey: I won! That was my guess!

Rachel: What?! What?! What?!

Joey: I guessed 20,000!

Rachel: Joey! It is an auction! You don’t guess, you buy!

Joey: What?! I don’t have 20,000!

Mr. Thompson: Congratulations on your new boat, Joey Tribbiani!!

(Everyone applauds and he stands up slowly.)

Rachel: Joey! Sit down! (Pulls him down.)

Phoebe: Forget her! You enjoy this!! (Pulls him back up and starts applauding again. Joey waves and does a salute.

Scene: The Charity Event, Rachel, Phoebe and Joey are sitting at thier table.

Rachel: What were you thinking?!

Joey: I didn’t know it was an auction!

Rachel: Wh?!

Joey: I figured, take a guess, help a charity, free boat!

Rachel: Why would a charity give away a free boat?!

Joey: I don’t know! Charity?

Rachel: Ugh!

Phoebe: Well, just buy the damn boat! (She’s still working her way through her tray of booze.)

Rachel: Phoebe, don’t you think you’ve had enough to drink?

Phoebe: I’m just helping the kids!

Rachel: How is you drinking helping the kids?

Phoebe: Because the more I drink, the less there is for the kids to drink.

Mr. Thompson: (approaching) Mr. Tribbiani.

Joey: Oh hi!

Mr. Thompson: Your generous contribution brings us a big step closer to building the youth center.

Joey: Just out of curiosity, how-how much is that boat worth?

Mr. Thompson: I think it was valued at 19,000

Joey: (To Rachel) Hey, I was pretty close. (She just glares at him.) Uhh, so bad news. Umm, I can’t buy the boat, I don’t have any money.

(Mr. Thompson looks shocked and at Rachel, she suddenly starts laughing.)

Rachel: Joey! Joey, good one! (Mr. Thompson starts to laugh.)

Mr. Thompson: That’s good. Very good! (Walks away.)

(After he’s left, Rachel stops laughing and glares at Joey again.)

Joey: So uh listen, I think I’m gonna take off now. (Starts to get up.)

Rachel: (stopping him) Hey! You…can’t…leave Joey! You agreed to buy that boat, all right?! That is a contract! And plus if you leave, my boss is gonna kill me!

Joey: Well, what am I gonna do Rach?! I don’t have that kind of money!

Rachel: I know. Okay. (Whispering and thinking.) Okay. Okay. All right. All right, this is what we’re gonna do, we are gonna go to the next highest bidder, and we are just gonna let them buy it, and then you’re just gonna pay the difference.

Joey: Okay.

Rachel: Okay.

Joey: Look, I don’t know why the kids need a youth center anyway! Y’know? They should just watch TV after school like I did and I turned out fine!

Rachel: Not great.

FRIENDS Moment Friday

So I've been trying to get back into running, and it's some hard work! I'm in the process of building up my endurance, so needless to say there's a lot of walking involved on my "run," along with a good amount of huffing and puffing.

No one would, especially my husband, would describe me as a natural runner or even athletic for that matter. I have the form of a classical ballet-trained dancer running. My feet turnout, I'm not sure to do with my harms--as it was never one of the positions I knew so well, and my back stays tilted forward slightly. All in all, not good runner's form!

And then there's the speed factor. I have none. I'm being serious. Even when I was in my best 'running shape' in college (I wasn't consistent by any means. But I would go on a six-month kick every few years!) speed was never something I could brag about. Have you ever drive by the old man who is running by might as well just be walking cause he's going that slow??...yeah that would be me!

So this Friends Moment is dedicated to Phoebe. Thank you for making my running look 'good.' If you haven't seen this episode, you should. It's great. 

The One Where Phoebe Runs (As seen in Season 6, episode 7)

Scene: The Park. Pheobe and Rachel are getting ready to go running.

Phoebe: I have to tie my shoe, so you go ahead, I’ll catch up.

Rachel: Okay. (Runs off.)

Phoebe: Okay. (Starts running crazily with her arms flapping and her legs far apart) Come on! That’s not running! Let’s go! (Rachel pauses, then follows, embarrassed.)

Scene: Central Perk. Rachel, Ross and Monica are there.

Rachel: You guys, I’m telling you, when she runs, she looks like a cross between Kermit The Frog and The Six Million Dollar Man.

Ross: Monica had such a crush on him. Yeah, she used to kiss his poster every night before she went to bed.

Rachel: Oh! I used to do that too!

Monica: Did you also have his album, It’s Not Easy Being Green?

Rachel: Aw, Mon...(Kisses her on the cheek)

Monica: So, Phoebe runs weird huh?

Rachel: Yeah, yeah and you know what, I know she’s gonna wanna run again, I just don’t know how to get out of it, I mean, I live with her.

Monica: Why don’t you just be straight with her? Tell her the truth.

Ross: Yeah.

Rachel: You’re right, you’re right. I should just tell her the truth.

[Phoebe enters]

Phoebe: Hey!

Ross: Hey!

Rachel: Pheebs, Monica tripped me, I don’t think I can ever run again, ever!

Phoebe: Why? Why would you do that?

Monica: I don’t know. Rachel I’m-I’m sorry that I hurt your ankles.

Rachel: Ankle.

Monica: We’ll see.

FRIENDS Moment Friday

This week I've been moving into a fabulous new office. My landlord made a new office especially for me. I now have two windows (that are low enough to see out of!), hard wood floors, exposed brick walls, and beautiful high ceilings with drop-down lighting. The downside of getting a new office is the moving process. And oh what a process it was! 

I never went through the closest and stuff left over from the previous director. It was such a crazy time that I simply boxed a few things up and moved my stuff in. So needless to say, the office was an absolute disaster in the midst of this process. I'm left amazed and the amount of stuff that one collects in this job!

I did much of this move by myself but I did need some help with the heavy stuff...You know, the couches, ridiculously heavy book selves, my desk and chairs, and the mini-fridge. While moving is definitely not fave, Friends references did make it more fun :)

So this Friends Friday is dedicated to my movers. Ben and Cody. Scene: 

The One with the Cop (As seen in season 5, episode 16)

The lobby of Ross's building, he's sitting on the couch at hte bottom of the stairs, and he's practicing enticing women to join him on the couch.

Ross: Come here to me. No-no, you come here to me.

Rachel: (entering) Hey Ross! I brought reinforcements.

Ross: Oh great! What, you brought Joey?

Rachel: Well, I brought the next best thing.

Chandler: (entering) Hey!

Ross: Chandler?! You brought Chandler?! The next best thing would be Monica!

Chandler: Y’know, I would be offended, but Monica is freakishly strong, so...

Ross: Look, I-I drew a sketch about how we’re gonna do it. (Showing them) Okay Rach, (points to the sketch) that’s you. That’s the couch. (Points again.)

Rachel: Whoa-oh, what’s-what’s that? (Points.)

Ross: Oh, that’s me.

Rachel: Wow! You certainly think a lot of yourself.

Ross: No! That’s-that’s my arm!

Chandler: (looking at the sketch) Oh, I see. I thought you just really, really liked your new couch.

Ross: Y’know what? Just-just follow my lead.

(Chandler and Ross head for opposite ends of the couch.)

Rachel: Okay!

Chandler: Okay.

Ross: Come on, Chandler.

(They pick up the couch and after throwing off the last pillow; Rachel helps out on Chandler’s end.)

Ross: All right. (They start up the stairs. Ross is first.) Okay, here we go!

(Chandler has moved forward and is now underneath the couch as it heads up the first set of stairs.)

Ross: All right, ready?

Chandler: Yeah.

Ross: Turn.

Chandler: (straining) Okay.

Ross: Turn! Turn!

(As they turn the couch, Chandler gets sandwiched between the railing and the couch.)

Chandler: Okay, I don’t think we can turn anymore!

Rachel: Ross, I don’t, I just don’t think it’s going to fit.

Ross: Oh yeah it will! Come on, up! Up-up-up! Up! Yes! Here we go! Pivot! (They start up the stairs again. Chandler is between the couch and the wall now.) Pivot! Piv-ot! Piv-et!! Piv-ett!!! Piv-et!

Chandler: Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!!

(They set the couch down.)

Ross: Okay, I don’t think it’s going to pivot anymore.

Chandler and Rachel: You think?!

Ross: All right, let’s uh, let’s bring it back down and-and try again.

(As they start back down the couch drops a little bit and gets jammed. They try to free it to no avail.)

Chandler: Okay, yeah, I think it’s really stuck now.

Ross: I can’t believe that didn’t work!

Rachel: I know, me neither! I mean, you had a sketch!

Chandler: Oh, y’know, what did you mean when you said pivot?

FRIENDS Moment Friday

I love when you get to that magical place with a group of people where you can just relax and can be completely real with another. Real meaning the freedom to be vulnerable without fear of being judged. It's magic because those connections cannot be produced or faked. 

I really never thought I'd experience that magic outside my group of friends from high school, but about twice a month for the past year I've experienced that magic again with a great group of friends. Our intern training car :) It's been a crazy year with these friends. We've laughed and cried together. We've vented and encouraged one another. We have inside jokes, cuddle buddies, massage trains in cramped cars, and crazy conversations. We are a group of friends. And I will truly miss our times together in the car driving to and from training on Fridays.

Our group...minus Steve

"Smile and say..."

So I dedicate this Friends Friday to you...Stacy, Steph, John, Colt, and Steve, who rounds this crazy group out (and now that all of you know about this blog you better be reading it!). 

So in honor of our trip to Sandbridge and time in the car, I give this to you... 

The One at the Beach (As seen in session 3, epidsode 25)

Scene: Outside Central Perk, Chandler and Monica are waiting for Phoebe to arrive with the cab.

(Phoebe drives up.)

Chandler, Monica, and Joey: Hey!!

Joey: Woo-hoo! All right! Yeah!

Phoebe: Oh, I am having the best karma this week. First, I find this woman who knew my parents, and then my client with the fuzzy back gives me his beach house.

Ross: Yeah? What about ah, that bike messenger you hit?

Phoebe: Oh, I wasn’t talking about his karma.

Rachel: (approaching) Hey!

Chandler: Hey!

Joey: Hey-hey, check out the hat!

(She is wearing this giant straw hat, the brim on it must be at least, least foot wide.)

Chandler: Wait a minute, I know that hat! I was taken aboard that hat! They did experiments on me! I can’t have children!!

Monica: Seriously, where did you get the hat?

Rachel: Ross gave it to me.

Ross: Yeah, I think she looks good.

Rachel: Ohh, thank you.

Chandler: Buy it for ya, or win it for ya?

Rachel: Well excuse me, my fashion-impaired friends, I am here to tell you that hats are back.

Phoebe: And this time, they’ve ganged up to form one giant, super hat.

Scene: At the Beach, it’s raining cats and dogs as the gang arrives. Chandler and Monica are taking shelter under Rachel’s hat.

Ross: Go, go, go!

Rachel: Oh yeah, now everybody wants to be under this hat!

(They get inside and notice on small problem.)

Phoebe: Oy!!

Monica: What’s with all this sand? (picking a handful of sand off of the floor, which is covered in sand)

Phoebe: Oh, yeah, Bob said there might be flood damage.

FRIENDS moment Friday

Many bloggers share tasty recipes, I will not be one of those. While I LOVE great food, I have yet to develop the skills of a great cook. Thankfully for me, my husband will eat anything. 

But what I do have to share is a great Friends moment!  While at the grocery store yesterday I picked up some Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. While I would not call this great food, it is easy and quick to make :) Well today, in a crunch to come up with something for lunch (because I was really craving fast-food!) I grabbed one of those boxes. And in a moment of genius and in honor of Chandler, I added cut-up hot dogs to that cheesy goodness. While maybe not the best meal, it sure hit the spot. So thanks Monica for taking care of your husband the way I do! 

The One with Unagi (As seen in season 6, episode 17)

Scene: Monica and Chandler's, Monica is getting ready for Chandler's arrival. He enters and finds the place lit with candles and dinner on the table.

Chandler: Oh my good God.

Monica: Hey! Continuing the countdown of your favorite meals. Tonight, No. 3, macaroni and cheese with cut up hot dogs.

Chandler: Look, you have done enough! Okay? You have to stop this now.

Monica: I will! But not tonight. For dinner music, I thought we could listen to that tape you made me.

Chandler: Oh, the mixed tape.

(Monica pushes play and The Way You Look Tonight starts to play.)

Monica: The Way You Look Tonight is on here! Dance with me?

(He hesitates, then goes over to dance with her.)

Monica: You are just the sweetest. (They kiss.)

(Suddenly, a strange and familiar voice comes out of the tape player. Here’s a hint, OH…MY…GAWD!! That’s right, it’s Janice!)

Janice: I love the way you look every night Chandler! (Monica breaks the kiss and Chandler freezes in terror.) That’s why I made you this tape! Happy Birthday! Love Janice!

Chandler: No! You’re the sweetest! (He tries to kiss her but Monica backs away with a look that could kill on her face.)

*FRIENDS* moment Friday

Monica and Chandler, Ross and Rachel, Phoebe and Joey. Awww my friends :) No seriously I consider them my friends. I mean really, I've spent enough time with them to call them my friends. 

Our friendship developed during my junior year of college. I had been assigned A LOT of projects...you know the mindless cutting, pasting, and coloring that comes with being an elementary ed major. As projects began piling up and procrastination began setting in, I needed something/someone to keep me entertained despite the tediousness of my work. And since I was in a long distance relationship and none of my friends were devoid of a life of their own, I was forced to make some new friends. 

They've stuck by me in good times and in bad. They always know how to make me laugh and take care of me when I'm sick. They're great sleep aids too. So here's to my friends. Let the good times keep coming!

*Friends moment Fridays were inspired by a good friend that put a Friends quote on her FB. So here's the quote that has started it all. "Phoebe. That's P, as in Phoebe, H as in heobe, O as in oebe, E as in ebe, B as in bebe, and E as in...Ello there mate!" Thanks Flash :)