Shoveling is typically a chore no one wants to do, especially in the Carman house. “I’ll nag him after a snow to get out and shovel like all the other guys on the block are,” said Meg. “I hate having our house be the only house on the block that has a snow-covered sidewalk.” Meg’s husband Jeff says that sometimes Meg has to do the shoveling base on the timing of the snow and when he is either at work or has to leave for work. “It doesn’t always work out, as sometimes I’m not even home when it is snowing. Regardless of what she thinks, I can’t be in two places at the same time.” Neither of the two enjoys shoveling. “I mean, having to bundle up, go out in the could and do hard, physical labor for 20 minutes is not something I enjoy,” says Meg. “I don’t mind the work,” says Jeff. “It’s just dicking around trying to find my boots, gloves, and hat, putting stuff on and taking it off…just a pain in the ass.”
During the quarantine, shoveling attitudes have changed, however. “It’s snowed a handful of times in the last month, and we are actually fighting over who gets to go out and shovel,” said Meg. “I mean, anything to get out of the house and away from the fighting kids.” The quarantine has definitely made Jeff appreciate the simplicity of snow shoveling. “I can’t believe I ever bitched about it,” says Jeff. “I would much rather be out there than listen to my kids fight or complain due to their cabin fever. I even shoveled my neighbor’s sidewalk. But, he texted me and told me never to do it again. Must be going through same thing as me.” The couple recently came to an agreement to avoid these fights in the future. “We essentially settled on ‘every other time,’” said Meg. “We thought of other options, but this seemed to be the easiest way.” Jeff is saddened by the current forecast showing no snow for the next 15 days. “What’s tough is Meg does all the grocery shopping. I get to go to the liquor store, but really, that’s not near as much time. I’m really looking forward to pulling the weeds this spring, however.”