Zach loves my pink wig. "Be Pinky!" he often demands. Lately, I don't like to wear wigs because it's just too darn hot. Most of the time I wear cotton caps and the hats Kit knitted for me out of yarn spun from bamboo. Sometimes I just go bald. Zach has gotten used to that, too. I have not. I catch myself in the mirror and I think, "Ah, Buddist monk," except I am wearing the wrong clothes.
I went to clinic today. I still have the GvHD rash. In fact, it is a bit worse. For some reason, it always looks more sinister when I'm sitting in the appointment room. Today, the nurse practitioner contemplated putting me on Prednisone. "Is that the one that makes you fat?" I asked. When she answered in the affirmative, I got a little panicky. Give me the itchy rash, loads of drugs, the bad taste in my mouth, the weird body odor, the baldness, etc. but, please, please, please not the moon face! Luckily, she called in a doctor who disagreed, saying we'd stick to the cream for now.
Also, my liver numbers were slightly lower today, which indicates that it's probably due to the many drugs I'm taking and not GvHD. That's very good news, especially for me. (Those who know me well know that I have a thing about my liver; it's where my father developed his fourth and final cancer and thus I am superstitiously paranoid.)
All in all, a good visit ... Even my platelets are up. I am feeling really good ... Virtually no nausea in two days ... and my energy level is improving. Emotionally, I am feeling a little more frustrated, but I think that's because I'm feeling better and want to do more. I forgot to ask just when I will start to gain some more "privileges," but I know it will probably be at least a couple of more months before I'll be allowed to venture out and do more things.
OK, Marie asked for a top ten of the movies I've seen lately. I'm including television shows, because I love to get series DVDs, too.
1. "The Wire" -- I haven't seen this show in awhile, but it's the best show on television, my favorite of late. The New York Times said something like "it's the closest television has ever come to the novel." The series focuses on various agencies in Baltimore -- the police department, the Mayor's office, the school system and, of course, the drug lords and minions -- depicting how they interact to play "the game," while cynically exposing their wicked similarities.
2. "Mad Men" -- OK, I saw this awhile ago, too but it's still worth mentioning because it is great television and season two is starting Sunday on the AMC channel. Set in the 1960s, the series focuses on an ad agency and its executives. I could write pages about this show, but suffice it to say that it's a complex drama with great character development, awesome costumes and sets. You can also read about it everywhere. It's getting so much press right now.
3. "Flight of the Conchords" -- I also saw this HBO series officially "before transplant," but it's got to be in my top ten, considering I've never laughed so hard in my life. Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, two New Zealanders, have come to New York City to make it as a "band." Their deadpan, often ridiculous interaction coupled with the tunes and absurd lyrics riddle every episode ... I'm in stitches every time I watch! (Warning: This is one of those things you either love, love, love or maybe not so much, so ... )
4. "Footballers Wives" -- British TV drama that I've mentioned before and will mention again. It's just pure trash, but the kind of trash you can't wait to arrive in the mail. In just the first two seasons, there has been two people set on fire, a nurse molesting a coma patient, a unisex baby, a lesbian encounter and countless betrayals and infidelities.
5. "Secretary" -- A lawyer and his secretary (recently released from a mental hospital) develop a unique relationship. She's into self-mutilation. He's an ego-maniac and control freak. You do the math.
6. "Eagle vs. Shark" -- Totally weird indie film (think "Napoleon Dynamite") starring Jemaine Clement from "Flight of the Conchords." It's a romance of sorts. Two misfits, she has a crush, he has demons from his past, including a vendetta with a paraplegic.
7. "The Apartment" -- A 1960 classic starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley McClaine and the dad from "My Three Sons" (Fred MacMurray). It's a love triangle: company man falls for girl, girl is already involved in adulterous relationship with company man's boss. I don't want to give anything away. I'll just say the circumstances surrounding the plot prove hilarious.
8. "Swingtown" -- New series on CBS set in the 1970s. Three sets of neighbors, a set of swingers, a pair of straight-laced folk and another couple in the middle who are in transition. It's fun watching just for the seventies culture references. Do you miss fondue? I sure do.
9. "Sex in the City" -- HBO's hit series starring Sarah Jessica Parker. If you don't know about this show by now, check to see if you're still living on planet earth. Honestly, this show would be higher on my list if I hadn't seen it before, but still it got me through a wicked hospital stay, so cheers!
10. "Ridicule" -- To better his homeland, a poor lord travels to Versailles to seek help from the King. He tries to woo the court with his good ideas for improving the land, but all the aristocrats are interested in is wit -- and the amount you can dish out to defame your opponent. In French.
--Katie
Comments (10)
I love the pink wig! So hot!
Okay, you are convincing me to jump on the Mad Men bandwagon. For some reason I'm resisting, but after reading your review (and trusting your judgment, every other show that you've listed I love) I'll give it a try.
Posted by Shirley | July 26, 2008 2:50 PM
Posted on July 26, 2008 14:50
Katie,
I love Mad Men, too. And not just for the fashion, although we knew that would slay me. Somehow managed not to have seen all of season one, though and the episodes I have seen have not been in order. (I could not figure out when it was on or rerunning so would just randomly catch it at 1am on a Thursday or something.) Will not keep me from watching Season two tomorrow night. I also love love love the Wire. Have not seen Season 5 yet, waiting for it on DVD next week so don't ruin it. We ain't got that good kinda cable. Still. Ever.
Well, what I really love is you in the pink wig. It's quite Frenchy from Grease. Beauty school dropout, baby don't sweat it, better forget it... Think I'm messing up the order of the lyrics. I do better if the song's actually playing and I can sing along really loud and off key. So off key.
Can ya hear me over there in Marin?
Shona
Posted by Shona Mauro-Sachs | July 26, 2008 6:46 PM
Posted on July 26, 2008 18:46
Totally digging your Lil Kim wig. You look great girl.
Posted by Liz Banks | July 27, 2008 8:15 AM
Posted on July 27, 2008 08:15
Always good to hear from you. I haven't heard of most of those "flicks." So, I enjoyed your critique of them.
Posted by Jamie Zarling | July 28, 2008 7:39 PM
Posted on July 28, 2008 19:39
My life is lived in a parallel universe without cable or an art theater. Well, there is a cinema that shows indie films, but it is beyond the distance I am willing to drive to sit in the dark. As for cable TV, I listen to audio books from the library. Half an hour of TV news from time to time contains most of what I care to know about most stories. It is easy to supplement with the internet or the 5 papers Bob gets on a daily basis.
The above being said, I am fascinated by your list, Katie. I am even tempted to sample your--and to some degree, your generation's take on entertainment. I don't want to get so stuck in my universe that I am caught wearing capri's when fashions move on!
Love your pink hair! Love you! Eva
Posted by Eva | July 29, 2008 7:04 PM
Posted on July 29, 2008 19:04
I am officially living back in La La land, so I take particular interest in your TV/Film reviews. Hmmmmm... (arched eyebrow here). As an "Angeleno", I suppose I should have some high minded (yet low brow) responses, but I'm afraid not (I'm still getting settled I guess... give me time to get that BS "LA attitude"). I will have to check out the shows, though (all aside from "Footballer's Wives", which I think I'll leave to you to recap ;-)
In any case, I'm glad to catch up on the blog and hear that you're progressing well in your recovery! I know it's filled with ups and downs, but you really are a champ Katie... In the way you handle everything that's thrown at you, your awareness and amazing attitude, and the way you express yourself so beautifully. I'm thankful you've included all of us in your journey/struggle...
I look forward to seeing you, Ian, and Zach again soon (and comparing stories and pictures from Mt. Whitney!). You're all in my thoughts.
Cheers,
Aaron
Posted by Aaron | July 30, 2008 8:47 AM
Posted on July 30, 2008 08:47
Yay!!
Great list and they will be duly noted for my Netflix queue. ;) I love top lists from friends -- they're always so interesting.
Glad to hear that your platelets are up --keep it up, chica. :)
xoxo Marie
Posted by Marie | July 30, 2008 7:16 PM
Posted on July 30, 2008 19:16
Hey Katie! Happy to hear the good medical news. Your viewing tastes are far more highbrow than mine, but they sound good. I did catch part of an episode of "Mad Men" on the plane and enjoyed it.
Here in Munich we are without a TV, so I'm experiencing some TV withdrawal, desperately trying to find TV episodes online. Germany's pretty strict about illegal downloads, so that's no go. Sites like AOL and Yahoo TV don't allow their streaming TV episodes to be played in this region -- boo! I hope I can find some pub or hofbrau that's showing the Olympics.
I can't believe it's August already. I'm looking forward to our 2 months here. There's a dance studio just down the street from our apartment, and I took my first class today, without quite planning it. I was doing quite well until I did an extra long jete leap (always trying to impress the teacher, sigh) and pulled a muscle in my left leg. Now I am a bit hobbly and feeling old.
Last night there was a going away party for a few people at Rob's office. They went all out with balloons, gifts, champagne, and of course, sausage. Also Bavarian Cream for dessert; a fluffy whipped cream and vanilla confection topped with a berry sauce. It was nice to be in a chummy office environment again, but even though it's arguably one of the best design companies to work for (IDEO) I'm not having it. Working is overrated! ;) I will work hard at being a hausfrau (housewife).
Keep up *your* good work, my dear. I am happy to see the Pinky wig in action.
love,
Charlene
Posted by Charlene | July 31, 2008 2:33 PM
Posted on July 31, 2008 14:33
Katie,
Love your pink wig. I'm at Kent's for a week. Had hoped I could get up to SF area, but that can't happen this time. Just saw the Wire (1st 3 episodes from Netflix) last week. Really like it and look forward to getting more of the DVDs. Just recently I heard about Mad Men, so may watch it if it's on a night I'm not working. Don't get to many movies, but did see Tell No One, a French movie of the Harlan Coben book. Convoluted but good. Kent got a new car, a Prius. What a car. Has all kinds of stuff on it, plus, of course, it gets great gas mileage. And to boot, Kent hardly ever drives--mainly walks or bikes everywhere! It's his first car since he bought the stripped down (no AC or radio) Festiva in 1993.
Take care of yourself and enjoy Zach.
Love, Aunt Kathy
Posted by Aunt Kathy | August 1, 2008 8:34 PM
Posted on August 1, 2008 20:34
I am catching up on your blog. I, too, LOVE The Wire. The best thing on TV ever. We are rewatching all of the seasons and anticipating the release of Season 5 on DVD. I also loved The Secretary. And you have now convinced me to watch Mad Men.
Luce got a DVD of old Muppet Show episodes and i love it! I always loved the show when i was little, but I didn't know I would love it so much now. It's a bit stony. Jerod attributes the quality of the show to the quality of the cocaine that the producers must have been doing. You guys should check it out.
Love,A.
Cool hair.
Posted by Adrienne | August 2, 2008 7:38 PM
Posted on August 2, 2008 19:38