Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Oh, the weather outside is frightful! No really, I mean it. We have about 8 inches of snow right now, with more to come over the next twelve hours. Add to that the prairie winds and subzero temp's, and we are talking about prime blizzard conditions.

With Matt being overseas right now it is up to me to keep the driveway and sidewalk clear. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but for me it is quite a task. Some people dream of conquering mountains, some dream of conquering the career ladder...me, I dream of conquering the driveway.

I could have asked someone from Matt's shop to come out and shovel for me, but I prefer to torture myself instead. This is not because I am extremely stubborn or proud (ok, maybe it is), but because I hate to make someone drive an hour to my house to do a job that I am (almost) capable of performing myself.

So after lunch I swallowed three motrin and a muscle relaxer as a preventive measure and bundled up the kids for our trek outdoors. Bundling myself up was a little more difficult. With fibromyalgia, even the slightest bending and twisting can cause pain. Bending to put pants on, bending to put socks on, bending to tie up my boots...by the time I was ready to go outside my back was already burning, and I felt more like taking a nap than shoveling.

With a strong burst of will power I did make it outside. It took us a few minutes to find the shovels (did I mention that this is normally Matt's job?), but eventually we were able to get to work. The first half of the job went very well. All four of the kids were helping, and I was pleasantly surprised by my own shoveling abilities. I don't think I have shoveled once the past two winters, but apparently it's kind of like riding a bike. Fill shovel, lift, throw snow over shoulder...taking care not to bury any small children in the process.

The trouble began just as I was finishing my half of the driveway. All of a sudden I got very tired, too tired to lift the shovel. I then stopped shoveling and just stood there, stranded in the middle of the driveway. I stood still for a few minutes, possibly napping, although I can't be sure.

After a nice rest, I managed to get myself moving again. This time I was not so impressed with myself, only determined that I had to push through and finish the job. Fill the shovel, oops, can't lift it, push the snow to the edge of the driveway, repeat.

One hour after heading outside, the shoveling was finally complete. It took one handicapped woman and four little kids, but we conquered the driveway! I can feel my muscles burning through the motrin, and I desperately need a nap, but I was able to do something that I haven't done in a long time.

I'm not sure if it counts as a victory if the person collapses after accomplishing the task, but I don't care. I can either sit and cry about how much harder it is for me to do things now, or I can thank God that I can still do them at all. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to take a nap.