On being a stand-up guy

Mostly, the idea has been met with disbelief. Then, incredulity. A laugh, perhaps.

I made this change recently and not a single soul I have told about it seems to agree that it is a ‘good idea’. Here are a few sample responses from close friends, when told of the change: “Why would you do that?” “Really? Are you serious?” “Is there some reason for that?” “That doesn’t sound very comfortable.” … and,”You should get a really nice stool.”

You get the idea. I figured that perhaps one individual might share a) a sense of adventure and perhaps b) an understanding of the motivation behind the move.

You see, what I have done is gotten rid of my old L-shaped glass-top desk and replaced it with a stand-up desk. In case that isn’t clear, I’ll illustrate: I am standing up at my desk as I write this post. (I’d post a picture but my Digital Elph self-destructed two weeks ago). That’s right: my new desk is set up so that to work at the computer, one can stand in front of the desk and type or view the computer screens comfortably.

I have long wanted a stand up desk, for a variety of reasons. First off, at my office I sit at a desk all day long. It doesn’t wear you out, but it doesn’t build any character (or muscle tone) either. Secondly, standing in front of your desk creates a certain sense of urgency that sitting in a high-backed leather chair could never match. This plays into the Third reason: I want to make the most of my time computing. Sitting in my PJs eating almonds surfing YouTube does not qualify. I am less likely to do that for very long when I am standing up.

Laugh, question my logic, or perhaps give it a try yourself: it’s fun being a stand-up guy.