Ergonomically Speaking

Working from a home office has many benefits. My commute is approximately 45 seconds, the time it takes me to walk from the upstairs to the downstairs. I only need "work clothes" for the days when I'm actually going to see coworkers. The lack of coworkers, however, tends to be one of the disadvantages. You can't walk down the hall and vent to a coworker when you're having a bad day. Somehow it's just not the same via email or telephone.

My coworkers most days are 4 footed furry ones. Lady and Katie never let me go to work alone. Every morning, we have the same routine. I brew my coffee, whip up a protein smoothie in the Ninja, and then announce "Okay girls, time to go to work!" Then we all head to the office downstairs. They stay with me all day, leaving only when I need to go upstairs for a coffee refill or a bite of lunch. It's so cute how they follow me.

Lucky never wanted anything to do with the whole "going to work" business. In fact, during the entire past year, I think he only went downstairs one time. It may have been the stairs. His entire life, he never was crazy about stairs. But I never knew for sure. Since he couldn't talk, he never was able to explain his reluctance to join us for the work day. But that was fine, I always had my girls to keep me company.

However, by the end of the day, sometimes I have strange aches and pains. I wonder what OSHA would think of the computer desk ergonomics that require my remaining perfectly still for long periods of time so as not to roll over a dog ear or paw?

And let's not even talk about the potential for carpal tunnel. 

Yes, Lucy joins me at work too. She doesn't stay all day like Lady and Katie, rather, she comes sauntering down on her own schedule. I hear her before I see her, as she begin meowing her arrival about halfway down the hall. We have a routine here too. As soon she appears in the doorway, I say "Luc!" (pronounced "Loose!")  And she says "Meow!" Then she comes over and asks to get on my lap. How do you say no to a face like this?

You don't. You just welcome her on up, and make do the best you can. Not moving the chair too much (she doesn't like that when she's napping).

And typing carefully, so as not to jostle her little head. 

Ergonomically speaking, it's not the best way to work. 

But I wouldn't trade it for the world.