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
