I have been tied to my computer for the last two months working on a genealogy photobook for our children and grandchildren. I suppose it's something to do with being on a Coronavirus lock-down or maybe just that I'm of that certain age where I want things recorded for the kids so they can know the roots and branches of their family tree. I thought I'd be done in a couple of weeks. That was a wild miscalculation. Whatever the case, I'm done and it's now Art and our daughter's job to edit for errors.
Before I start with another photobook to record our family photos for the kids with a condensed snapshot of our lives for the past 40+ years, I'm taking a break and blogging again.
It's still having to work on the computer and therein was the problem.
In 2013, I'd read that it was better to stand than to sit at the computer.
So we constructed a shelf to elevate the monitor.
And I did like it. I could stand or sit. It gave me more freedom of movement. Eventually, I got a bigger monitor and still loved standing or sitting.
However....
Last month I noticed that the monitor was a little far away and... sigh... my eye sight might be getting worse. My brother had also complained about this when he used my computer.
Poor Art. I commandeered him to help me change everything again. He didn't mind since he does have time on his hands. It was rather a hassle because of all the wiring that we had to change... AGAIN.
He even gave me his more comfortable office chair. But then, after a few weeks would you believe my butt started to hurt? Seriously. I never expected that to happen. Is it because I'm older now and there's less fat where it would have helped? Even an added cushion didn't help.
And my blood sugar rose. Darn! I haven't been able to go for Zumba classes or tai chi and we're stuck at home most of the time. And there I was sitting for long periods.
So.....
It wasn't easy to mention my predicament to Art after all the trouble he's gone through.
And here I am, back to mostly standing (and sometimes sitting) with the monitor even closer to me.
So far so good.
At least Art hopes so.
Well Kay, this was a fun post--it's nice to see a new Musings blog! I very much like your computer desk set-ups (depending on whether you sit or stand), that's a nice big monitor. I'm also impressed how you look from behind, you & Art both keep yourselves in great shape. Maybe I need to get off my couch & set my laptop on my bookcase :)
ReplyDeleteWell.... gosh... Thank you so much, Doug. It's nice to be back. I'm afraid my back is a lot better than my front. LOL
DeleteHello Kay. Good to see you back again.
ReplyDeleteI sit to use our computer- I’d not be able to stand long enough without my back ‘playing up’. We do need to go shopping for a new chair tho’, like my back the lift/lower mechanism on ours is playing up. Not funny when you feel yourself slowly sinking down until your nose is level with the desk top:)
Thank you, Cathy. I'll be looking forward to visiting in a day or two.
DeleteProblem solved...for now! Art is so handy.
ReplyDeleteI do have to agree he is handy to have around.
Deletegood to have you back for a while...maybe you need to get your eyes checked? I agree with the importance of making your family books. I found some old negatives from 19402 that I'm scanning and publishing online for my family. I'm the only one who knows who is in them. Want to capture the past before I'm gone. welcome back...
ReplyDeleteI think my eyes are still OK. I think. It's just that I've always had difficulty with the in between distance. I have reading glasses for near things and my distance is actually great. It's wonderful that you're able have this time to scan those negatives. Art does have a box of those from college.
DeleteWelcome back, missed you.
ReplyDeleteBonny
Hi Bonny! I hope things are going well on your island. I know you're doing better than on Oahu.
DeleteWelcome back! I've missed you and yours. Your Art is a peach!
ReplyDeleteMy back hurts when I stand for long periods. Well, truthfully, when I do anything for a long time. Good luck with this.
Awww... thank you, Jenn. I'll be stopping by for a visit in a day or two. I know Canada is doing much better than we are.
DeleteWhat a challenging time you have been putting in. With all that computer work, it seems you have found the proper balance between sitting and standing. I know I sit too much--they say sitting is the new cigarettes. Good to see you back.
ReplyDeleteHi Patti! I had to find the right way to work on the computer because I do have another project lined up. I'll be stopping by in a day or two.
DeleteGeorge got me one of those expensive mesh chairs, and no more hurting butt here. Yes, we both need to stand at our computers. It's sso good to see you here in. :)
ReplyDeleteActually, they say standing isn't necessarily the best thing unless you're moving while you're standing. Your mesh chair sounds wonderful.
DeleteI am so glad you are back posting again. I have really missed your updates.
ReplyDeleteAwww gosh... Margie. Thank you so much. It's very nice to be back. I'm looking forward to visiting soon.
DeleteWe're glad to have you back, sitting or standing. Whichever you do, you should take breaks from working at the computer for long periods of time. Yesterday I watched the Seahawks football game, but during every commercial I walked laps around the inside of the house. I got 5000 steps.
ReplyDelete5,000??? Wow! I am so impressed!
DeleteYou are so lucky to have Art who is very patient and knows his stuff. I agree with Linda, taking a break or breather from your work is important, and also helps your eyes. This getting older business is not for sissies, as they say! Sending you lots of virtual hugs! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm sending you virtual hugs back, DJan. Stay safe please. I hope the air is OK by you.
DeleteI have trouble sitting on a bony, old age butt. I carry my old lady cushion everywhere. No pride.
ReplyDeleteI must be really bony because even a cushion didn't help me. Maybe I need to find an "old lady cushion" like yours.
DeleteI sit too much and do computer work and binge watching. I know it would be better if I stood because it would also shorten my binge watching but I am too much a creature of comfort.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Missed you!
It's nice to be back. Thank you so much. I know I'm not totally done though. The family will find errors, I'm sure.
DeleteThat monitor is as big as my desk!
ReplyDeleteI need the big monitor because of the photoshop work I do. It's really helpful.
DeleteA couple of years ago I went to Office depot/max and I found a line of chairs by Serta?? a known bed maker and man oh man one leather exec chair was like sitting on a cloud. The prob was it was really wide and it was super heavy. No way could I have been able to carry it up to my 2nd floor unit, then out onto the lanai. My lanai is narrow so don't it could fit thru either. I still dream about that chair though! It was about $370 not on sale -BB
ReplyDeleteI have a certain family member I won't name who actually went through 3 chairs before finding the perfect chair for him which cost close to a $1,000. Granted he does a lot of computer work for his job at home, so it's understandable.
DeleteGood to hear that you have completed the genealogy photobook. Switch between standing and sitting in front of the computer is good, to be moving and changing posture.
ReplyDeleteDo you prick your fingers to check your blood sugar daily? How many hours after meal do you check if you don't mind me asking.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do check my glucose level each morning before breakfast. I also check my glucose if I'm not feeling well which could indicate my blood sugar is too low. If I eat something I know has a lot of carbs, I'll check my glucose level 2 hours after I've eaten... and cross my fingers.
DeleteWelcome back! I missed your interesting and original posts...I am sure I need to stand more!
ReplyDeleteAwww... thank you. It's good to be back. Though... darn! That genealogy book is STILL not done.
DeleteMy! What a big monitor you have! My new Mac has a 16 inch monitor whereas this 10 year old Mac has a 17 inch monitor. I have to use the old machine to comment on Blogger blogs as Blogger seems to accept the old operating system. If I was still doing yearbook, I would love to have a monitor like yours, that's a great size for graphic design.
ReplyDeleteA bigger monitor really helps when I'm using Photoshop.
DeleteIf I'm on the computer for any length of time I find it helps to alternate between sitting and standing.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I think it's working out better for me now, too.
Delete