A Stand Up Guy

After returning to work following each of my hip replacements, I found it difficult to sit while working (for obvious reasons), and seriously considered looking into a standing workstation for my home office. When we did a little home upgrading recently by swapping out some furniture, I pulled the trigger on a sit-stand workstation setup.

I spent quite a while researching the various models and brands available — if I’m going to spend money on this, I’m not going to want to end up with sore shoulders, neck, or arms after a day’s work, so I wanted one that would fit me (and Mo). The only one I found that was tall enough when I stood yet extended low enough when I sat was built by Ergoprise. I bought the dual monitor model, and picked up a VESA conversion needed for mounting one of my monitors, plus a wireless keyboard to cut back on the number of wires.

So far, I’m finding that I’m good for about 45 minutes at a time before my feet begin to hurt. I may get a mat to stand on sometime, but for now I’ll take breaks and sit a bit.

Ergoprise S2S Dual Sit-Stand Workstation

It will take some time to work into standing for more extended periods, and it may take even longer to clean off my desktop!

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My Omaha Winter Gulag, Day Three

Day Three: With supplies dwindling, we learn that travelling parties are again being led across the Eppley-Lambert Pass, and we brave frigid temperatures to reach the trailhead. Our party is the first of the day allowed to set out, and we anxiously make our way onward. Upon nearing our destination, we were made to wait interminable minutes while room is made at the Lambert end of the trail (travellers were arriving from all corners of the country). I heartily bade farewell to my fellow journeymen, and completed the rest of the trip while surveying the weather-beaten countryside. There was nothing more exciting to these tired eyes than seeing the homestead coming up over the rise, and reaching the warm embrace of loved ones.
– Rhubarb_Runner

My Omaha Winter Gulag, Day Two

Day Two: The driven snow blowing horizontally across my view mirrors my hopes of making it home being snatched from my grasp. I’ve huddled together with other stranded travellers, and we at least attempt to bolster each other’s spirits. We are extremely rationing our provisions in an attempt to subsist for the indeterminate time we will be here. No information forthcoming as to when the Eppley-Lambert Pass may be opened. News from home also is not good, but they are facing the dangerous weather courageously. Although they try to hide it, I can tell they are only putting up a good front in order to help keep my outlook up. It is not really working…
– Rhubarb_Runner

My Omaha Winter Gulag, Day One

Day One: Rations are low but holding out so far. Weather started wet and cool, but quickly turned to chilly and mixed. I have endeavored to delay transportation home an extra day in hopes that the journey will be safer, but I am now unsure whether provisions will last. Have also procured an additional night of shelter at a local establishment, but spirits are waning as the weather looks to steadily decline. I will attempt to continue these journal entries as a document of my travails here, either as a tribute to my unflagging hope or as a memoir of my miserable last days. Only the good Lord knows which at this time…
– Rhubarb_Runner

Omaha…again

My work with Union Pacific Railroad takes me to UP’s headquarters (aka “The Mothership”) for a couple days every third week or so.

The new HQ building opened five years ago this month, while the previous HQ building, which was just across the street to the north, was torn down and is currently a nice pond-filled hole.

The inside atrium goes up to the 19^th floor, and although pretty cool looking, it creates a fishbowl work environment. Nothing like sitting in a meeting in one of the inner conference rooms and waving to someone walking along the opposite side two stories down.

The cafeteria on the 2^nd floor has some pretty good food and lots of selection, and on the 1^st floor is the UP Company Store, where several UP-related items can be purchased.

Within walking distance are several fine restaurants in the Old Market plus the various Subways, Quiznos, and Jimmy Johns sprinkled in.  The DoubleTree Hotel, which I typically stay at, is just over a block away.