Timing is everything (pt.1)

PART I
A little over a week ago the snow flew and we actually had some accumulation.

I joked with my wife saying I should go offer to shovel snow off peoples sidewalks for a few bucks so we can pay our gas bill.....

I said it half jokingly. But in all honesty, I was too embarrassed to do it. Sure we could use the money, but I wasn't sure I could do it by shoveling snow.

Last Friday, the snow came with a little more gusto. I did actually grab the shovel and threw it into the van and drove down to our main street to shovel a few business sidewalks.

Why the change of heart? Well, economics my friend. I received a letter the day before saying my unemployment will end SIX MONTHS before I expected. The claim can be open for 1 year, but you only get six months of compensation.

SHIT

It takes a year to eighteen months to get up and running in a photo studio. Weddings are 12 months in advance and seniors are all during the summer. Most seniors book their sessions at the end of their junior year to shoot over the summer. I had missed the boat on both of those. Bad timing.

So, I parked the van and grabbed the shovel. Not really having a destination I decided to walk down the opposite side of the street to where I was parked then back to the van on this side. As I walked, some of the sidewalks had been shoveled but the snow quickly covered it again. I passed several businesses some open some not. Near the end, there was only two left. A restaurant with their own labor and a stylist. I set my green shovel on the corner and contemplated my next move. Watching others shovel. Alternately watching the snow flakes. Realizing that my gloves won't keep me warm if I am out here too long.

I decided to ask the business if I could shovel her sidewalk......

I stepped in and stumbled through what sounded like I was asking a girl out for a first date. But it must have been somewhat coherent. The woman replied with "we already paid a girl to shovel it."

Hmm, okay. Thank you.

There was a little bit of banter between us and I offered up that I was a photographer that was trying to stay busy in this slow season.

She took my card and asked if I did animal pictures.

"YES, I did."

Then we talked for a bit more and I left.

I stopped at a few other places, but none would let me shovel. Much less pay me.

I went home, slightly rejected, yet joyed because I was able to talk about photography with a potential client.

(to be continued)