A Blog About Nothing
By sovknight | June 30, 2008
I need to write a blog post today. I have to make sure new material arrives often in your RSS readers, so you don’t forget about me. Some days it’s harder than others though.
It’s hard to write right now because of my arm. I’ve been getting that "pins and needles" feeling in my left arm a lot recently. At first, I thought maybe I was just sleeping on it all funny, but the feeling persists all the time. Like my arm is half asleep, except I still have all the sensation in my hand and everything. It was starting to worry me, then I hit upon the reason: My computer desk. I’ve noted that I sit with my arms on the edge of my computer desk, with the sharp edge part roughly between my wrists and elbows. Over the course of the last few months since I’ve been retired, I’ve been spending a lot of time at the computer. All this time, the pressure of my arms, particularly my left, on the edge of the desk has caused some apparent damage. It’s not unlike carpal tunnel syndrome. Attempts at adjusting the height of my chair and seating position have resulted in no change, so for now I’m at a loss. Less time at the computer is the only thing I can do I suppose. Circulation seems to be fine, it’s just that persistent "asleep" feeling in my arms and hands all the time.
In other news, my six months of retirement are almost over. When I was occupationally liberated a few months back, I gave myself a maximum of six months to make a living online, or at least have a healthy start. This has not been the case, so this week I’ve had to go and start filling out application forms for jobs I don’t really want. In two weeks it will be six months even, and I will have a "real" job by that time. It sucks.
I’ve decided that I need to change my diet if my goals of being gut-free are ever going to happen. It’s not so much what I eat, it’s the portion size that’s killing me. If I can cut my meal size in half, drink more water, and get consistent with the times I eat, I think Operation Gut-Be-Gone should run a lot more smoothly. Also, increased exercise in the form of daily walks and biking will help. My short-term goal is to have the gut gone and the old six pack (it’s still there, I know it) visible by September.
Hmm… that’s all I can think about saying for now. I know this post sucked really bad, but I’ve been distracted with numerous projects of late and the quality of my blog has suffered. Never fear though, because I will be back in good form presently. Unless my arm falls off.
Topics: Thoughts |
July 1st, 2008 at 9:24 am
I’m sorry that you will have to rejoin the working class. It blows. It’s a hard place to escape from.
Why not make come sort of foam protector for your arms? You can get some foam at Home Depot and attach it to the corner of your desk. That might help a bit.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:49 am
Sorry about the arm. My arms do that with my carpal tunnel. When they get real bad I have to wear the braces and that helps tons. Even just a couple hours with the braces and my arms feel better.
Where are you looking for jobs?
July 1st, 2008 at 10:08 am
My blog hasn’t been very good lately either. Sometimes the inspiration just isn’t there, but I find that it naturally comes and goes. The important thing is just to keep writing.
I had the same problems with arm sleepiness, etc. I solved it by getting a deep computer desk so that I can push my screen and keyboard back and rest my entire forearm completely on the table. I also recommend ergonomic split keyboards. They take a little getting used to, but after a couple weeks, they don’t phase you at all, and you find it uncomfortable to go back to the straight keyboards. The Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is the best one I’ve used. They make a wireless one now too, which is kind of useless for a keyboard, if you ask me, but whatever. It’s a good keyboard. I can also recommend the large baseball sized mouse that Microsoft makes. It takes even more getting used to, but it really is much more comfortable.
Just think of your new job as an opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences. Try to keep a sense of humor about it. Much easier said than done, I know, cause I am the queen of grumpy at work. But I’ve decided that attitude is a choice, and I’m going to try to be better.
Sras last blog post..Announcements
July 1st, 2008 at 11:55 am
@Trovan: Foam protector? Hmm…
@Tauni: Right now I’m looking at places like Alpha Graphics and McGee Trophy… little places like that. You’d think they’d jump at the chance to have an older guy with experience who’s only asking for $8-$10 dollars per hour, but so far that hasn’t been the case.
@Sra: Thanks for all the advice. I might try one of those funky keyboards, although I’ve never been a fan in the past. As far as job attitude though, that’s a hard one. I’ve never been known for my “good attitude.”
July 1st, 2008 at 4:31 pm
UPS is hiring. Not amazing pay ($8.50-9.50/hour) and it is only part time. But you get overtime pay based on hours per day not hours per week. You get all the major holidays off and after a while they are paid. Medical benefits start after 60 days if you start before August. After August you have to work for a year before you get the benefits. In August there will also be raises, at least a $0.30/hour. After 90 days an additional $0.50/hour. Something to think about. It would also give you time to look for something more permanent.
This would also help with your “gut issue” cause you are lifting and carrying boxes around. Gets you some good exercise.
July 5th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I know a guy (husband of a director I used to work for) who worked for UPS and liked it a LOT. I would suggest trying that place out. And if you get on a delivery route you can wear those sexy little brown shorts. *growl*