Geek Girl, Unexpected Absences, and the iPhone 3GS

Well that certainly didn’t go as planned.

A week and a half ago I had intended to submit my first blog, introducing you to the geek girl that I am with some light-hearted post combining a little otaku spirit and techno-babble. Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans…

In a strange coincidental dual-dosage of trauma, my husband (yes this Geek Girl is married) and I both landed in the hospital with an attempt at “Buy one foot surgery, get a second one free.” That didn’t quite work though we did both manage to get laid up for a time. While my own surgery was minor, his certainly wasn’t so I spent a lot of time up at Memorial Hospital. Which was a good thing because it gave me a chance to explore my new iPhone 3GS.

Now I’m not recommending cell phone usage in a hospital. There are signs everywhere saying “Please do not use cell phones around medical equipment.” At the same time, no one told me which equipment you can and can’t use cell phones around. I tended to go with the theory that someone would happen along and say, “Excuse me, could you please turn that off” or perhaps “Shut that thing down, you’re killing him!”

Some things I DID learn:

• The iPhone apps will save your life. Whether it’s posting progress (or lack thereof) to Facebook or whiling away the hours launching sheep into the stratosphere they will keep you busy at the least. And trust me, you’ll need to keep busy.
• Your battery will die long before they will release you even if they promise “We’re just waiting on one more paper from your doctor.” Bring your charger.
• Free wifi connection might abound in some parts of the hospital…but not all. And you will probably have to click a user agreement in your browser to get to it. When in doubt how to connect, ask. Thankfully your iPhone tends to remember things like this when you visit the second time (and third..and fourth...).
• When sobbing tearfully into your phone blubbering that they have to CUT your toe, remember that the cubicles aren’t really soundproof. Everyone can hear your convo, especially if you’re upset. Keep your voice down. At the least you’re amusing the other patients…worst case, you might be scaring them.
• Not everyone appreciates that you googled your suspected disease while waiting. BUT, once you have a diagnosis, looking it up isn’t a bad thing to do. Just be sure you stick with the reputable sites like WebMD or Mayo Clinic for your information.
• Do immortalize these interesting experiences. The family really appreciated the pics of the kids visiting Dad in the hospital. But um…ask first. And make sure the hospital gown has proper…er….placement before you hit ‘send.’
• The iPhone map is invaluable when you leave and need to find the nearest pharmacy to get your prescriptions filled. Love that you can just type in Walgreens and get directions.
• Lastly…put the phone away and rest. You are, after all, there for a reason.

OK, as you can see, not my best week ever. So how about you? Had any interesting adventures lately?