This post has nothing to do with skiing. It has nothing to do with mothering and parenting. It has absolutely nothing to do with bravery. It has to do with my chair.
I have a blogging injury. My neck and shoulder have been killing me. I thought it was from mountain biking or maybe a lingering stiffness from a skiing fall in March. But then, I discovered that it was from typing. You see, my employer did not provide me with a proper work station. My keyboard and computer are too high and my chair is too low. I have no lumbar support and my arms (which weigh approximately 7 pounds each, I am told) are unsupported. Not only that, but I am holding them at an improper angle. In short, I have a workplace injury. I have a workers’ compensation claim, except that the self-employed don’t carry workers’ compensation insurance on themselves. I am alone, therefore, with my injury.
Enter sitforless.com. Sound familiar? You’ve heard their ads on NPR. You know: “now featuring the Herman Miller Aeron Chair, in true black.” I called sitforless.com to inquire about the Aeron chair and they immediately steered me away from Herman Miller chairs, in any shade of black. Why? Because the Aeron is not “cute” and when I mentioned that I am a writer who works from home, the fabulous saleswoman immediately sensed that I needed a “cute” chair.
And a cute chair I now have. Sitforless.com steered me to the Steelcase.com website and the Amia chair (a cute chair with a cute name). I wanted my chair fast and Steelcase delivered. In fact, Steelcase gave me free overnight shipping.
When my chair arrived, I unpacked my fully assembled Amia, got comfortable and started typing in a properly ergonomic position that is pain-free.
I was so impressed with Steelcase and the customer service provided by Kristin, that I told her I would mention my Amia chair in my blog. I love my Amia. It is cute. It could have been cuter if I had not been in a hurry, as it comes in many trendy, custom colors. As it was, I wanted it fast so I had to get black. Not Herman Miller “true black,” but who cares? I am comfortable again.
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james says
I am glad you have found a solution to your pain. Bloggers and desk jockies try not to reach for your keyboard and mouse, keep you arms closer to your sides, try to keep your wrists in line with your arms when typing and hopefully you will be pain free and not have a Workers’ Compensation claim.
Jean says
Yes – ergonomics has its merits. And Steelcase chairs kept me happy most of my working life.
Emma says
I really enjoyed reading your blog particularly your story of your “disastrous” honeymoon and the triumphant comeback of your 20th anniversary celebration. Well done!