CFS Blues -How to spend your sick day, out of bed

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I had a really bad case of flu. I was mistaken, it is actually mono. I am almost fine now, still not feeling fantastic, but most certainly I am on the mend. Before I continue with this post, I want to thank you all for the out-pouring of support and kind words that you have given to me. I appreciate you all so much.

OK enough of that, lets get down to business.

Over the past couple of weeks I have watched more than my share of movies. Its just kind of what I do, when I feel lousy…and one needs to do something during the hours that you are semi-awake. So here is my list of top ten movies to watch when you are home feeling lousy. Oh I should mention, that I got a bit of help here from some non CFS afflicted male friends, just so I got the bases covered.

1. The Sound of Music (40th Anniversary Edition) This movie is my absolute favorite movie to watch when I am feeling icky. OK the whole Liesel and that messenger boy romance makes us all gag….but the rest of the movie is fantastic. Max and the Countess are wonderfully wicked. Capt Von Trapp’s unlikely romance with Maria is sweet and kind of unexpected (at least it was the first couple of times I watched it), and the singing children are adorable. Why this movie is so great you ask? Its because we have all seen it about 150 gajillion times, and I don’t need to keep my eyes open to watch it any longer. Besides, I get to croak along with really excellent songs.

2. The Princess Bride (Special Edition) A movie about pirates, giants, miracle men, evil six fingered men, spaniards, and royal weddings, how could anyone not pick this movie to watch when they are feeling poorly. Especially when it starts with a grandfather reading his sick grandson the book that the movie is based on. Its got great lines in it~ "Inconceivable!" and everyone’s favorite "Hallo, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die. Offer me money." Its got everything in it, adventure, romance, swordplay, witty banter. Fantastic!!!

3. The Triplets of Belleville The only foreign film that made this list. Those who know me, know my love of the foreign flick….this one, is really easy to watch, because there is hardly any dialogue….and the little that there is, you can figure out what is being said, even if you don’t speak french. I do give this recommendation with a warning….when those old ladies bring the grandma home, their apartment is kind of well, icky….not to mention what they serve for dinner. But if your stomach isn’t weak, its a really fantastic animated movie. Those computer generated movies do get a little tiresome after a while.

4. Big Fish A story that keeps just getting bigger and brighter the longer it goes on. Just like the fishing stories that your dad tells you. (Chosen by my friend Jeremy)

5. Annie Hallll Is there a movie out there that has better dialogue than this one? I adore Woody Allen movies. (Chosen by Jeremy….but I very much agree)

6. Any Akira Kurosawa film – OK I lied before, here is another foreign film entry. Somehow I don’t really consider samurai movies to be foreign. Kurosawa movies are fun, and funny (although though that might be the translation) and are just a fantastic way to amuse yourself for a couple of hours. Good ones to check out, "The Seven Samurai", "A Throne of Blood", and "A Samurai Story". I am obsessed with his movies.

7. Garden State Natalie Portman’s character "Sam" has one of the greatest attitudes out there, for a chronically ill girl. Sometimes you just have to laugh because the situation is ridiculous. Something that we should all remember. Besides the movie has a great soundtrack.

8. Grey Gardens – Criterion Collection A very entertaining (and slightly disturbing) documentary on Edith and Edie Beale, distant cousins of Jackie Onassis.

9. American Beauty watch over and over again to reaffirm life. OK this is not my pick, as you can probably tell. Recommended by my friend Tony. It made the list because I completely trust his judgement. Its been a long time since I have seen this movie, but I do seem to remember that it provoked a whole lot of thinking for me. So maybe you can watch this, when the fog is starting to lift.

10. The Matador (Full Screen Edition) – I will admit, that I have not yet seen this movie. Although I am very much looking forward to it. Its also another Tony recommendation. Sounds like a fun movie about crime bosses.

Honorable mentions (again not picked by me), also picked for the male viewers of this blog….as I know there are some. "Repo Man", and "The Usual Suspects".

Enjoy your sick days….I hope the flick pick list will help with some much needed amusement.

Tags: cfs, cfids, fibromyalgia, movies, mono, flu, top ten list