My mother in law called this morning, “Don’t you dare shovel”, she said.
Then my mom called, “Please don’t shovel”, she said.
Me? Oh I am a big shot. I LOVE shoveling. The cold crisp air, the dogs running around, the neighbors being all neighborly. Yeh, one big happy group out there shoveling away, throwing balls for the dogs and snowballs with the kids. (note the heartbreakingly adorable picture of my dog)
Well hear me now world. THAT WAS THE LAST TIME I SHOVEL.
Dinner conversation:
Me: I am pretty sure I am having a heart attack.
Gary: Nah, I am pretty sure you pulled a muscle, that is what manual labor feels like.
Me: What do you know from manual labor? Tennis is NOT manual labor.
Danny: He uses the leaf blower.
Me: (after 20 years of refusing to agree to this) Ok, go buy a snowblower. And make sure it is a big-ass one and gas powered.
I suppose there are times in all our lives where we have to start to realize our limitations and adjust our behaviors. I can rock n roll with the best of them, but the snow shoveling, not so much. And hey, it’s not like giving up something that is all that pleasurable.
Now you will excuse me while I go crawl up to bed with my cardiologist on speed dial (just in case).
(kidding moms! seriously that was just for effect. i am fine, really)
Haven’t had enough of me yet? You can also read me at 50-Something Moms Blog. For photo enthusiasts, visit Leaving the zip code, photos from outside the comfort zone.
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i could cry but i don't have time 
The Jets could use a good tackle and/or wide receiver. Is Mel available?
(Btw, my spouse BEGGED me not to shovel, but did I listen to him? No. Hope you feel better SOON!)
thanks j. i think mel may be available, she could not do any worse.
Though as u know I’ve NEVER shoveled snow, I do get the thing about having to give up certain things at some point due to age—when you know your body has hit the wall. I had the same epipany recently when I suddenly realized I am NEVER going to do another cartwheel. Life is still pretty great—without cartwheels. Or shoveling snow.
now not doing a cartwheel is just heartbreaking.
I feel your pan…literally. After four bouts of shoveling, my body feels like it’s been run over by a truck. Even my hands hurt!
I know Bruce Springsteen, Chrissy Hynde, and Sting shovel……Might have to put you in the Chuck Berry/Petula Clark category………….
Wimp! I’m 4 years older than you and I didn’t quit until last year. You have a couple of more to go
show off! hey you are my brother’s age!
I’m sure Gary would rush out to buy a snow blower if it also blew leaves
you know that is so very true.