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March 27, 2011

Blogging from hospital 101 - food, glorious food

When you're desperate for some quiet writing time...get yourself hospitalized.

Okay, I know it sounds extreme, but hear me out.

Firstly, let me assure you that I'm not just spouting random theory based on something I read on Wikipedia. No, I'm actually trialling this approach myself...blogging from a hospital bed. And you all know hospital beds are not easy to come by, much like those coveted places in writers' retreats...so I see the fact I've managed to score one as quite a coup.

I'll be the first to admit there are some less than desirable features associated with my chosen method of getting some peace and quiet. I mean, firstly, you have to have some kind of illness, or a moderately serious health issue at the very least. They won't take just anyone.

And then there's the IV cannula thing. Also not so nice. I'm not going to post a picture of the one sticking out of my arm. If you really want to know what one looks like, feel free to google it.

But then there are the positives.


Today, my post is all about the food. In my next post, I'll share with you my totally portable, super-nifty hospital-based IT setup, all made possible courtesy of my very own IT Man.

Hospital Food

Now firstly, reflect for a moment on how long you spend making sure you (and your family) get fed. There's the shopping, the meal preparation, the cleaning up afterwards...and it's all time you could be spending writing, right?

So how good would it be to get your meals delivered on a tray, like I do here in hospital, three times a day?


Breakfast. Why does food always look more exciting when it's delivered on a tray? They could have gone with a real bowl for the breakfast cereal instead of a plastic container. And they forgot my packet of prunes. But I'm being picky.


Lunch. You know you want it. Veal with sweet potato and gravy. Yum, right?


Dinner. This really was the pièce de résistance - I was quite overwhelmed when I lifted the lid to see the hospital chef's interpretation of 'vegetables in season'. 'Cos I'd been thinking of something mundane, like, y'know, chargrilled artichoke hearts...or panfried mushrooms. Maybe steamed sweet corn on the cob. But no. The people in this kitchen clearly operate at a completely different level of creativity than humble souls like me.


And yep. It's pretty exciting. I get to fill out a cool menu like this EVERY SINGLE DAY! I really am spoilt for choice.

Disclaimer: I really am in hospital, but the views expressed in this post are firmly tongue in cheek. I have a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for our public hospital system, and I'm very aware of the fact that every aspect of my hospital stay (including the food) is 100% FREE, one of the reasons I feel very lucky to be Australian.

20 comments:

Trisha said...

Wow, hope you are all right! But it's good to know it's possible to blog from a hospital bed, just in case I ever need to do that.

I too feel lucky to be Australian, for reasons like this!

Kittie Howard said...

Sorry you're indeed in a hospital! Really hope you're okay soonest!! Actually, that veal looks pretty good. You're fortunate to have the system you do. Get well soon!

PT Dilloway said...

That's a brilliant idea so long as they let me keep my netbook with me. Maybe if I think hard enough my appendix will start acting up...

Grandpa said...

Hmmm...the food and the service certainly look like it's worth landing yourself there. I wanted to say get well soon Adina, but then again may be you are in no hurry...

Be well anyway, and take care.

Margo Benson said...

Wishing you better, Adina. I'm squeemish so I'll just ignore the IV thing!

Those peas look a little sad but, with a little imagination they could become artichokes...hmm? Maybe not!

Happy bed blogging but get well SOON x

Carol Riggs said...

Yep, it perhaps might be second-rate food, but hey, you're getting waited upon and you're having plenty of time to write and/or think about a writing project. Nice! Get better soon. :)

erica and christy said...

I hope I'm laughing WITH you!!! Take care!
erica

Anonymous said...

A story after my own heart! I could use some down time. Hope you're better soon!

Nikki

Rachael Harrie said...

Aw hugs Adina, I really hope you're ok! Hmm, I'm glad you can laugh at the food, those peas look truly awful!!! :P Isn't it annoying when they forget the prunes! I quite like the stewed ones, and they never remembered to bring mine when I was in there :(

Looking forward to hearing how much writing you get done :)

Hugs,

Rach

beck said...

now I'm happy to allow for some poetic licence Adina, but artichokes as vegetables in season - in Australia, in Autumn..... Now if you'd said stuffed roasted tomatoes I'd have been with you :)

Semi-outraged seasonal foodie xxx

Adina West said...

See, most of you are really seeing the positive in this with me. But I promise not to post any more pictures of food, as it's just plain rude to keep all the good stuff for myself and not share it with you all.

RM, it's all down to the power of positive thinking. And you never really needed your appendix anyway, right?

Ooops Beck. *red face* I'm right about the mushrooms though, aren't I? Even the wild ones are in season in Autumn...I think...maybe.

Kari Marie said...

Oh Adina! Get better soon, but in the meantime enjoy the attention. I mean really, call button service is hard to get at home. And chef prepared meals on top of that!

I hope you can get some writing time in as well.

Elena Solodow said...

Hope you have a speedy recovery!

Anonymous said...

If lattes and chocolate were served, I might consider getting an appendage removed. Well, maybe not.

Anonymous said...

Well good to see your humour while you're hospitalised! Get well soon.

Nas said...

Well good to see your humour while you're hospitalised! Get well soon.

Su said...

I can assure you that the hospital food does not get any better when you are paying for it. :(

Hope you are recovered and on your way soon!

Anonymous said...

Oh poor you Adina, sorry you're hospitalized. It must be such a catch 22. I feel for you about the food, that one with the peas looks very french actually, just imagine it's with mint :) Enjoy the writing time, but hope you get out of there fast too.

Hart Johnson said...

Gack! Oh, man, hospital food can be quite scary, can't it? But really, I'm MOST sorry you got yourself stuck in there in the first place! I hope they resolve what they put you there for and send you on your way! (did I miss this part--I didn't see WHY you were there). I wish you speedy recovery so you can get out and get some real food (but yes, envy your system that means you don't have to pay for it yourself)

erica and christy said...

I hope you're better soon and that you are able to continue writing with some peace after your release! christy

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