So, this weekend I will be phasing back to the day shift. I am a bit scared.... night shift is nothing compared to how crazy it can get during the day withl all of the camps calling and leaving messages, etc.
But I am also exited becasue I will have a little bit more interaction with people. I will be able to have Chrismtas dinner with Michael and friends, and I will also be able to celebrate New Year's and our one year anniversary, which is actually Jan 1.
We picked that day because that was the first time we actually had a conversation, even though I had been in Mc Murdo for a couple of weeks already, and I think I was hooked from that day on... also because meeting him in a way gave me a fresh start.
On another note, I have not been able to go running to SB again. I really should, as I am expecting someone to arrive from the States very soon, and we have talked about running together to SB. But I have been able to log some miles on the treadmill.... I miss running outside a lot. Living in VA was perfect in that sense (only the running). I had a running buddy (Jenn) and there were a couple of trails that were beautiful and I truly enjoyed running. Soon, I guess. I have 10 wks left here, maybe less, if they decide to start sending personnel a little earlier....
peace
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Emperor penguins
Just sharing some pics from a penguin sighting a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately for me, I only saw them thru a set of binoculars as I was at work. These are some of the pics some of the luckier people got to take and were kind enough to share. Enjoy, they truly are beautiful animals.
Hut 10
Last Sat, a few of us gathered at Hut 10 to celebrate Eric's B-day. Marissa, his girlfiend, and Michael cooked the meal- a great taco salad, cheese tortellini, and tuna salad. This is a great opportunity to eat somewhere else besides the Galley during the time you stay in the station. Hut 10 is equipped with a couple of bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen. It also has a spacious living room with a very comfy feel- it almost makes you feel like you are in someone's home- reason why it is so popular. Everyone is allowed to sign up for one day at the hut during their stay in McMurdo, and believe me the sign up sheet gets filled up fast! (From left to right: Jeff, Marissa, Eric, Amanda, Michael, me and Ana Bell)
Thursday, November 30, 2006
My first run in Antarctica
The temperature was perfect, just what I had been waiting for, somewhere above 30F even with wind chill. I pulled my self out of bed and decided it was now or never. I dressed up making sure I was going to stay warm but not overheat. The chilly wind hit my face and it felt refresing. I was so excited I was going to run somewhere else besides on an old treadmill in a stuffy gym. As I started my run towards Scott Base, which is little over 3 miles (round trip) from McMurdo station, I could feel my heart quickening its pace. The ground was sloshy. The snow that once covered most of the station is now melted. Instead we have a brown mix of dirt and snow.
As I left the station, the sound of trucks moving about slowly faded, and it was complete silence. I mean, nothing. All I could hear were my foosteps and my labored breathing. I felt stong as I reached the peak of the hill and I could see the Kiwi base. After that was the steep downhill, and I just let loose. And as I was running down, marveling at my speed I realized I had to come up this hill again, which returning to Mac town is much steeper. When I got to the bottom of the hill, I caught my breath and turned around, ready for what was ahead. My pace slowed up and my legs started to hurt. What an incredible feeling. It was just painful, but I didn't want to stop. I pushed myself until I couldn't take it any longer. I stopped, breathed deeply and walked for about two minutes. I started back again, just to stop one more time a few minutes later. I was a bit bummed, but I kept telling myself that at least I was trying. I decided one more time and this time I managed to continue all the way to the top, then the road flattened out as I approached Mac town again.
When I finished running I was drenched is sweat but it felt sooooooo good to be able to run out here!
I am hoping I can do it again soon. The temperatures are starting to be in the 40s pretty much everyday now, only the wind picks up every so often, and keeps me from getting out there. But I will do it soon :)
As I left the station, the sound of trucks moving about slowly faded, and it was complete silence. I mean, nothing. All I could hear were my foosteps and my labored breathing. I felt stong as I reached the peak of the hill and I could see the Kiwi base. After that was the steep downhill, and I just let loose. And as I was running down, marveling at my speed I realized I had to come up this hill again, which returning to Mac town is much steeper. When I got to the bottom of the hill, I caught my breath and turned around, ready for what was ahead. My pace slowed up and my legs started to hurt. What an incredible feeling. It was just painful, but I didn't want to stop. I pushed myself until I couldn't take it any longer. I stopped, breathed deeply and walked for about two minutes. I started back again, just to stop one more time a few minutes later. I was a bit bummed, but I kept telling myself that at least I was trying. I decided one more time and this time I managed to continue all the way to the top, then the road flattened out as I approached Mac town again.
When I finished running I was drenched is sweat but it felt sooooooo good to be able to run out here!
I am hoping I can do it again soon. The temperatures are starting to be in the 40s pretty much everyday now, only the wind picks up every so often, and keeps me from getting out there. But I will do it soon :)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
It's 4:44 am
Iddle hands, that's what I am going to call this new project. I am not very computer savy, and I lose interest in projects rather quickly- easily bored. So I am surprised I am even starting this.... let's see how long I can keep it up.
Anyhow, a little bit of me. Right now I am in Antartica, working in McMurdo station. I work as an operator, using pretty much all the types of communication equipment you can think of. I work a rather interesting schedule, 12 on/12 off every two days, which is nice since it gives me a lot of time to do things like this.
Right now, I am working the night shift. Not a bad shift even though most of the town is sleeping. I don't mind the solitude, I actually enjoy having some time to myself.
You may be wondering why on Earth I am here, and the major reason is because of Michael. I met him here almost a year ago, and he convinced me to come back with him. More on him later :)
Anyhow, a little bit of me. Right now I am in Antartica, working in McMurdo station. I work as an operator, using pretty much all the types of communication equipment you can think of. I work a rather interesting schedule, 12 on/12 off every two days, which is nice since it gives me a lot of time to do things like this.
Right now, I am working the night shift. Not a bad shift even though most of the town is sleeping. I don't mind the solitude, I actually enjoy having some time to myself.
You may be wondering why on Earth I am here, and the major reason is because of Michael. I met him here almost a year ago, and he convinced me to come back with him. More on him later :)
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