My Desk—the Modern Home on the Range

Yes, folks, I knew that sooner or later something like this was bound to cause problems, and it’s finally happened. And what is that “something”?

Saddle sores! You saw that right. Saddle sores!

And you thought only cowboys had occasion to wince and complain, to use liniment and creams, and to cringe at the very thought of sitting in a saddle again in their lifetimes.

Now, if your stomach can take it, and you want a fresh and literal take on the subject, hop on over to: http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/03/21/the-sorts-of-saddle-sores-and-their-sources/ and read one funny dissertation on the matter of saddle sores that will have you heaving from disgust, or laughter. Like I said, it depends on your mental tolerance meter.

Nevertheless, it’s a sad state of affairs, and an embarrassing one. Who would have thought that simply sitting in one’s office chair, writing the next major novel or short story would cause a person to develop the beginnings of saddle sores?

I caught my condition, fortunately, before it became a full-blown, screaming case of pulsing and pain-filled spots. I can treat them quickly and without resorting to a humiliating trip to the doctor.  

But really! Saddle sores from my desk chair? I’ve got to be kidding, right?

Nope, I’m not. I managed for years of riding and working on a ranch and never suffered from them, regardless of the miles ridden. I can no long make that claim.

I suppose it all comes down to sitting for hours on end, jockeying for position in front of a monitor to gain the best relief for a tired bottom, and taking few breaks to get up and do something physical that requires standing and moving. Unless that part of the anatomy can get the blood circulating, it will suffer, especially when fabric rubs skin, abrading its surface, which allows microbes to take a bite out of that anatomy.

Please, don’t waste your sympathy on my poor excuse for an injury. I brought it on myself. I can’t blame it on anyone else.

Others out there have far greater problems than I do when trying to work. There are those who have writer’s block and pace enough to wear holes in their shoes, trying to develop a viable storyline. There are many who slave over their query letters until they finally decide that there are no good ways to build a hook for their story, and they decide that they might as well shove it in the closet and begin again with a different book idea.

Those are the ones who get my sympathy. I can’t pass them the lotion bottle to ease their pain and discomfort. The only padding that might ease their office seat is a pat on the back, words of encouragement, and a great cup of their favorite beverage, all while pouring out their frustration to a fellow writer.

I wrote this post to warn those who haven’t yet suffered from this condition. Force yourself to move around at least once and hour. Turn on your memory and remember high school and changing classes. That five minute break was necessary for more than moving from room to room.

Repeat after me. I will move, I will move, I will move. Oh, and if you’re over 50, you might want to take this opportunity to visit the powder room or grab a small snack to stave off the hunger pangs. Think of this break as recess. You’ve worked hard and deserve to have one.

Tell me about your own work habits that keep away the consequences of right a desk chair for too long. Share your consequences of working at your Home on the Range.

Until later,

Claudsy