I didn't make a new year's resolution this year, but, as you know, I have quite a few tentative plans up my sleeve. One is proving particularly difficult to achieve: good posture. I've come to realize that it doesn't matter how slick you dress if you insist on slouching around like a cave man. While I think I walk just fine (shoulders back and all that), my sitting posture is the pits. I make every attempt to sit up straight, but I revert to the slouch seconds after the correction. I think this game will go on for months before I've achieved a consistent up-right position. Any suggestions? Maybe I should sit at the computer with books on my head?
The other plan that I have in the works is my effort to take people's recommendations seriously. There isn't enough time in the day to do everything my buddies recommend, but if I can't follow up on the suggestion, I can write it down for a rainy day. For instance, I just finished reading The Wind-up Bird Chronicle, which Imtiaz recommended over three years ago. I've also acquired a copy of the original Japanese version of the movie Shall We Dance?; my mom told me to watch it last year. There are three reasons for this plan. First, I want people to take my recommendations seriously, so I'm leading by example. Second, I imagine sharing books, music and movies with buddies (long distance and otherwise) makes for closer relationships. Third, people I know have great taste.
I just realized that I forgot to tell you that Michael and I saw Michael Bolton and his giant diamond earring while were in Cabo. Michael. Bolton. He was in the restricted balcony at Cabo Wabo (Sammy Hagar's night club) and we can't prove it because we forgot our camera. We saw Sammy Hagar too, but somehow it seems less important than Michael Bolton. We also saw this guy. When I say we saw a real cross-section of Mexico, I mean it.
11 comments:
I've done the posture thing. I remember when I was very young my mom telling me that if I keep slouching like that when I sit, I'll get a hump on my back. I didn't believe her. But wouldn't you know it, I did develop a noticeable curvature. So quite a few years ago I started trying to sit and stand straighter. The key is to be VERY aware of how you are sitting. It seems impossible (and unnatural) at first, also very annoying and uncomfortable. But keep doing it. Eventually it becomes second nature.
Ooh, posture improvement is an admirable plan.
My one tip is to sit right against the back of the chair. Wedge your bum right back there. It forces you to sit on your "sit bones" and then it's harder to slouch.
I learned this from a woman wearing a doo-rag on daytime tv. She was Very Fit.
I know everyone is talking about the posture thing and all, but seriously. You just blew my mind with the magical trifecta of superstars that you saw in Mexico! Heck, I would have been impressed enough by the fact that you went to Cabo Wabo! You guys are the coolest.
i've already applied your posture tip, sarah. it works!! at the computer. on the bus. awesome.
sarah r - i knew you'd appreciate our star gazing.
Oooh...this is a good post, miss erin. You always have such a variety of things to inform your readers about! A few comments:
Frstly, I wish i had been there to see Michael Moloney from that renovation show just so I could see if he's that enthusiastic in person. He must have been a drama major in school. And now I know where he gets his tan!
Secondly, I may have some tips in the posture department since I have had many people comment that I have good posture (an odd compliment, but I'll take it!). I used to have quite a swayed back and I felt like my posture was pretty bad. But, as Melissa said, practice makes perfect. I found that doing yoga on a regular basis really helped my posture alot because you have to hold your pelvis so that it's even rather than tipped. This helps to keep your stomach muscles strong and helps to keep your back from swaying (if you know what I mean). The other key thing is to strengthen your back muscles, like the ones between your shoulders. Because they help hold your upper body straight and upright. Those "warrior" yoga poses are good because you are supposed to envision your torso with glass windows on either side of you and your body has to be perfectly straight (at least that's what I was told). I'm sure Melissa is right--after you're practicing it for awhile, it will become easy peasy.
Thirdly, let's have coffee soon!
I think everyone should start posting as "sarah" no matter who they really are.
yes, but be sure to keep out the imposter "sara"s. the "h" is essential, y'all.
i think it's funny that you bloggers are all named sarah (except you, melissa). another thing i think is funny is the fact that so many of the ladies i take poli sci with have names starting with the letter e. there's me, three emilys, two or three other erins and an elizabeth. i'm the only one who seems to think this is remarkable. one of the erins asked me if i was high when i realized the connection.
A post from a non-sara(h). Posture - I hear ya. I too have been told that I have excellent posture, but then a chiro told me I have scoliosis of the spine. Personally, I don't believe him. Anyways, yoga and pilates are great for strengthening your core (abs and back)and creating body awareness. Don't force yourself to sit up ramrod straight - that's just as bad as slouching and hard to maintain. Make sure you have a good supportive bra too - that can help distribute weight. And get a good desk chair. And mattress. I could go on. But won't.
i'm feeling that the 'recommendation' aspect of the original post is getting a little left behind.
i think it's a brilliant idea and a great resolition/tentative plan! i have nothing to recommend to you at the moment, but i look forward to giving you some tips soon. and i certainly looking forward to listening to the cd you sent me. is that classified as a recommendation, or is it something different? either way, i welcome all cd's and recommendations.
Okay... i'm joining in. I'm all for the Yoga to help Posture. When I was regularly doing Yoga, my posture improved (body awareness), but it was the one month that I did Pilates as well that REALLY helped. I was amazed at how i ignored my ab muscles all day. REALLY HELPED! but now i've done neither for 6 months and my posture has noticeably slid. I'll try to get back at it, and i'm going to try that butt-wedging into chair suggestion as well (presently leaning on the couch at funny angle and reaching for laptop...).
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