Sick Week

This whole past week I've been sick with some mysterious "upper respiratory infection" (NOT SARS) that simply wouldn't go away. It took me down for the count (like "Throwdown"-- check out the judo-themed graphic bottle of Qoo, a Gatorade-like drink I've been chugging for my electrolytes). Luckily I was done with Cantonese class, and not starting orientation for two weeks (and work for nearly 4), but it's still no fun to become a borderline-comatose hermit for an entire week.

Days consist of: waking up. Drinking water. Taking medicine. Trying to go back to sleep, but instead having a coughing fit. Drinking some cough syrup (all local brands of which are about 95% pure codeine). Feeling nauseous. Having a headache. Whole body aches. Trying to eat something (choices are slim: Nesvita, ramen, husband cakes). Considering begging a friend to get me food. Considering going back to the health clinic. Going back to the health clinic. Having to wear a face mask because I have respiratory symptoms (but NOT SARS, I pinkie-swear). Trying to read or write, but finding it too mentally strenuous. Trying to write emails but finding it too mentally strenuous. Watching lots of movies on my computer because it's the only thing that's not too mentally strenuous.

Falling into the perfectly appropriate lull of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" and the theme of ethereal girl longing and dreamlike disappearance-- I was practically consumptive like a proper Romantic heroine, after all. Falling into the opposite fever state of the two "Infernal Affairs" sequels, and the fiery stare of the inimitable and enduring Andy Lau. Other good sick viewing: "Mon Oncle" (the comfort of an old favorite, see site on Tati) "Zhou Yu's Train" (Gong Li and Tony Leung Ka-Fai are always great), "Beijing Rocks" (pretty silly flick about the Beijing punk scene, sort of), "Made in Hong Kong" (Fruit Chan's first, made me cry, for real). I am much better by now, thanks in great part to the sushi, snacks and picture books that Carrie, Rachel and Yomei got for me at various points in my decrepitude. And one of my oldest and best friends Sarah is coming to visit tomorrow.