The Stubborn Woman and an Aluminum Spade

By Tuula Pere

February 6^th, 2019

The Stubborn Woman and an Aluminum Spade

You know the feeling at the beginning of a desperate project. No sufficient workforce, inconvenient timing, and inappropriate equipment. What does this have to do with all the snow in the attached photo?

During the last few weeks, Helsinki has almost drowned in snow. The first days were exciting, and shoveling snow from the garden and balconies was fun.

Then it simply became too much!

I reached my lowest point the other day, as my aluminum spade got stuck in the wet snow and the work was heavier than ever. There seemed to be tons of dense snow on a miles-long balcony. And of course, everybody else in the family had something more important to do.

But Finnish women don’t easily give up! Although the work was double as hard and slow as normal, I pushed forward, murmuring displeased.

Then I saw the task all in another light.

As it was Sunday, I had plenty of time. Although my tool was not the best possible for that wet weather, it was better than bare hands. I had chosen to do the job there and then, nothing to complain about that! That prolonged effort and sweating was a welcomed alternative to working with the computer. A pleasant bonus was the beautiful view over the wintery bay and shores.

I felt myself more or less a hero and happily welcomed the coffee and sauna two hours later. Although I realize that these home projects don’t have the same demands what comes to efficiency – shoveled snow per capita or an hour – I still plan a visit to the hardware store to buy a nice light plastic spade.