Enough already

I know many of you out there who are reading this are enjoying your first snowfall of the season and basking in its fluffy exuberance. I know I felt the same way when the first flakes began falling here in New Hampshire back in late October/early November.

But I'm over it.

Enough already.

I'm fine with snow. I don't mind having it sit on the ground for months at a time, or even the occasional snow flurry that brings an inch or two. No problem. In fact, I realize that our snow will be here most likely until some time in late March or April, and even that doesn't bother me so much.

What bothers me is the shoveling. The back-breaking, never-ending, I-can't-tell-where-I-just-shoveled shoveling. Ugh.

We are in the midst of a huge snowstorm that, all told, will dump approximately 12-14 inches of snow over the area by tomorrow. I went out around 11 this morning and cleared off my car, then shoveled the stairs and areas around and behind both our cars. It looked pretty good by the time I was done, 45 minutes later (only about an inch of new snow on the car, etc., which I thought wasn't too bad). Unfortunately for me, by 2:00 in the afternoon I couldn't even see my car anymore. Another 4-5 inches had already accumulated on top of it. So out I went to start all over again. I think I can safely say it is the worst chore EVER. But I've learned a thing or two in the last two months, and as I am a charitable person, I will share my newfound knowledge with you.

Here are a few helpful hints for those who must undertake this most unpleasant of tasks:

1. Never skimp on the shovel. This is definitely rule #1. As it will replace your spouse in terms of time spent together, it is vital that you get the best shovel money can buy.
2. Every 1/2 inch of snow shoveled is the equivalent of one week at the gym. Forget the health club membership. I'm now off the hook till at least Labor Day.
3. Snow is heavy. Sure, it looks all soft and fluffy. But after hoisting it into a giant snow mountain 563 times, you realize it's not messin' around.
4. Respect the snow blower. When we first started getting copious amounts of snow I was still a little unsure why everyone (and I mean *everyone*) owned a snow blower. Now I am searching for one on craigslist.
5. Lower your expectations. Back in early December when our love affair with snow was just beginning, my goal while shoveling was to clear enough so that I could see the asphalt on the driveway. Nearly two months later I am happy if I can see my footprints after 20 minutes.
6. Know your limit. When you develop carpal tunnel from shoveling, it's time to quit.
7. It's all about leverage. Never do anything for free. Shoveling is the perfect leveraging tool to get whatever it is you've been pining for the last six months. NKOTB cruise, here I come.

Is it spring yet???