Taking a stand...against sitting disease

I’m sure many of you have heard there is a growing awareness of something called “sitting disease”. Sitting disease is a relatively new concept but research shows that sitting for prolonged periods of time each day can increase your risk for things such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.  Their solution?  Standing.  It seems a little obvious, if you ask me.  My mom suggested I try standing up at my desk, while I work.  Honestly, when I first spoke with her about it, I was skeptical and a little embarrassed to try it.  She told me that she had been doing it for quite a while and really enjoyed it, not to mention, she was gaining muscle in her legs.  She warned me though that it wasn’t easy.  I had to try it because I was convinced if she could do it, so could I.  The first few weeks were really difficult.  My legs, back and feet ached.  I was EXHAUSTED!!!  By the time I got home from work each day, I was ready to hit the sack.  Eventually though, it got easier and easier.  Now, I cannot imagine sitting down all day.  I sit down to eat my lunch and by the time I’m done, I’m ready to stand up again. 

You’re probably wondering how to convert a sitting desk to a standing desk with little or no cost to you or your company… insert cardboard boxes, file boxes or even just some really big books.  All you have to do is be creative!!

(Sorry for the slightly blurry nature of this picture.)

 My first adventure with creating a standing desk included a paper box under my monitor and a toner cartridge box under my keyboard.  Fancy huh?  I had lots of people tell me that I should have wrapped my boxes in different kinds of paper in order to make them more visually appealing.  Honestly, that is a fantastic idea and I’m seriously thinking about doing it.  How cheap and easy is that!  Just steal some leftover paper boxes and use some wrapping paper you already own to create a new, healthy alternative to a sitting desk.

(I spy with my little eye...a small orange notebook.  Said notebook was introduced here.)

Well, as you can see in the above picture, someone I work with took my standing desk to the next level and made me a workspace out of plexiglass and aluminum beams.  I love it and best of all, it is one of a kind and made specifically for someone my height. Seriously though, cardboard boxes work really well.  You can see I still have one box to the left of my computer.  I have it there as a raised surface upon which to write. The best thing is that if I ever change jobs or move to a new office, I can take my desk with me and my old desk will still accommodate someone who prefers to sit.  It’s a win/win situation, if you ask me.

The decision to stand up at work was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time.  I urge you to think about trying it.  In fact, I more than urge you, I challenge you.

Happy standing!

Rachel Elizabeth

P.S. After taking all these pictures, I’ve noticed that my office is really boring.   Project office makeover has commenced!

Making a list, checking it twice

I’m the type of person who makes lists, lots of lists.  I make lists to remind myself to make more lists.  It’s a problem really.  I make lists for work, the grocery store, books I want to read, menus for each week, workout exercises, clothes I want to buy, etc.  I have even started making a list of the things I want to register for when I get married.  No, I’m not engaged.  Stop judging me, I can feel you judging me.  I don’t want to forget anything!  

I pride myself on being very organized and the only way for me to keep everything in order is with a list.  In fact, that feeling that comes from crossing something off a list, is priceless.  In order to keep all my lists together and within arm’s reach, I write everything in my trusty notebook.  I bought a black Moleskin in college and we were attached at the hip.  I took it to class with me so that if something came to mind, while I was listening to some boring lecture, I could write it down immediately and not risk forgetting it.  I took it to the library and my friends and I would write notes back and forth to one another while we studied.  It was a lifesaver and I think because of that black Moleskin, I will always have a little notebook to keep everything in order.  Well, I finally ran out of room in it and I had to buy a new one the other day.  I found a chic little orange notebook at TJ Maxx and it reminded me so much of my Moleskin.  I’ve stepped it up a notch though and added divider tabs to this one… I’m always trying to think of new ways to make my lists more accessible.  

I must admit that sometimes I get so obsessed with the things that have to get done that I forget to be spontaneous and enjoy the moment.  I almost stifle my creativity by making a list of things I need to achieve, leaving no room for the unknown.  Truth be told, life cannot be planned and no matter how many lists I make, I never gain control over my life.  I’m pretty sure that’s the point though.  We need to relinquish control to God and leave the lists in His hands.  I’m working on this.  It’s easier said than done.  But hey, admitting it is the first step.

For now, I’ll leave you with a few of my lists…

New Beginnings!

Why hello there!!!  I’m Rachel Elizabeth and I have a passion for documenting the many blessings that come with every new day. I feel like all too often I get lost in the shuffle of my “busy” life and I forget to stop and say thank you for all the wonderful people and opportunities I’ve been given.  My goals with this blog are many but most importantly I just want to take note of the little things and of the ways in which God has blessed me and continues to do so.

First off, it’s probably smart to introduce myself.  I was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina.  I studied history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and I have a passion for the World War II era.  After college, I moved to Nashville with a dear friend and I’ve been here for two years this month.  I live in downtown with my boyfriend and our two wonderful little pups.  I love dressing up, being outdoors, reading lots of books and spending time with the people I love.  I have an amazing family and a mom who reminds me daily to be humble and grateful.  I am not perfect and I don’t have all the answers.  In fact, I think beauty sometimes lies in the questions.  There’s really no way to define a person completely but that is a little sneak peek of who I am and from where I come.  Hopefully you’ll learn more about me along this blog journey and vice-versa as well.

I want to start off by saying thank you for being here and supporting me.  I hope to share my life with you and pray you’ll do the same.  That’s what it’s all about, right?

Much love,
Rachel Elizabeth