Huel

I spoke to a colleague who is stuck in Zimbabwe and whose internet router had been fried by a lightning strike. With my gammy back and a lightbulb that suddenly fizzled out overhead, I was envious of her. If anyone has tried to change a lightbulb with a trapped nerve, you’ll appreciate how painful the fumbling on the ceiling can be. I don’t think the place I’m staying has any spare bulbs, so I made my peace with the gloom.

I don’t think I’ll make it to the office as planned tomorrow, but two things are tempting me to struggle in. Firstly, Emma, the one colleague who shares my office day, has offered some leftover prescription painkillers. She was right when she said ‘backs were invented by the devil. I’m sure of it.’

Secondly, Jack, of the recent vegan cookbook fame, must have been at it again as he messaged to say he’d left some deconstructed flapjacks on my desk. I assumed this constitutes a bag of oats and a tin of golden syrup, but I’m keeping an open mind.

I’ll decide in the morning whether these lure me in strongly enough.

I received a delivery of Huel today. It wouldn’t be everyone’s bag but it’s a very neat idea for kitchen-shy folk who like convenience. The main product is a plant-based nutritionally balanced powder that is made up into drinks. I thank Michelle (always bristling with good ideas) for introducing me to it as I used it a lot in January and felt leaner for it.