Hate. Snow.

So, it snowed like a motherfucker last night. Something like six to twelve inches. I figured I had better get up early to shovel. So, after shovelling for an hour, and skipping the front walk, I had most of the driveway done. We're in a winter storm warning, so it was all going to fill back up anyway. I just needed to be able to get my car out.

Back inside for a quick shower & a shave. Then I'm off to work. Except my little Honda can't quite get to the top of the hill. That's okay, I'll back up and give it another run. Nope. Not that time either. If I back up a bit more, I can build a little more momentum. I'll try it in second gear to keep my RPM low. Oh wait, I seem to be drifting over to the side. And now I'm stuck, two doors down, half-blocking my neighbor's driveway.

Wait, my neighbor is coming out, he's helping me back up. He's pushing. I'm rocking the car, like I was taught us to do. Annnnnd.... No dice. Neighbor: "Looks like you're high-centered, and leaking antifreeze. Are you overheating?" The temp gauge looked okay. Check that off as one less concern.

At least I can get my shovel and dig myself out. So I end up shovelling the street for another half hour. Meanwhile, some local guy with a blade on his truck plows the other side of the street. If I can get to the clear side and out of the ruts I've dug for myself, I'll be fine.

That last line felt like some sad commentary on life.

After two more attempts and two more shovelling sessions I'm successfully in the driveway, ready to make it over to the plowed side of the street. Now I have a quandry. Do I bring the shovel with me, or leave it in case my roommate feels like cleaning up the driveway after the rest of the day's snow? I really should just have a second shovel.

Problem solved! I notice my front right tire is flat. I'm not going anywhere. Apparently I ripped off the air valve when the car drifted over next to the curb. No wonder I had no traction & was unable to back up and turn at the same time. I'm going to finish this glass of water and simmer down a bit more.

Then I'll make some calls to places that fix tires. There's a garage up the street. If I can get there on a donut, I'll be somewhat ready to face the day.

I remember thinking while I was shovelling. "I get to do this for how many more years?!"

Comments

[Kelly]

I give you credit for even attempting to go to work. I would have called in sick by now. Or, for your next job, work in education. I reaped the benefit of a school closing snow day today. Sorry for your troubles Ben, but A+ for effort.

Your "ruts" line made me laugh...good stuff. But I'm not sure if I should say that on a day like today. Hope it gets better.