In Hospital

I love the way the British put it it when you're going to be in the hospital.  They say, "I'm in hospital" -has such a lovely lilt to it, like "I'm on vacation," or "I'm in a State of Zen."  Almost as if it's something to look forward to.  Not so here in the U.S. Of A.  We say "I'm in the hospital," or "I'm in a hospital."  Quite the difference, rather reminiscent of. "I'm in the hoosegow," or "I'm in a state of panic."

I don't mean to knock hospitals.  Some are better than others (far better), but all in all,  if you're in one, you probably need to be, and the people that work in them do their best to do what is in your best interest, often while understaffed, underpaid, and overworked.  It's just that in my ponderings, between being poked, choked and of course, now broke, I find it funny how a simple turn of phrasing can influence one's visions of what might be.

On that note, may I express my deepest gratitude to those that show up to hospitals on a daily basis in the spirit of service and compassion.  That, and I'm damned glad to be home...