11.28.2003
WEEK IN REVIEW
It's Friday night -- I'm computing at the CoffeeHouse. Folks are coming in and getting their coffee buzz on in preparation for the Rave tonight. I may or may not get to go -- I'm on call here in case it gets busy. I'm sharing the table with a guy I've seen at his laptop EVERY time I've been here. There's a poker match at the next table, and a chess game across the aisle. There's a some funky jazz playing, and a good movie ("Koyaanisqatsi") on in the back room -- standing room only.
Tomorrow is our Thanksgiving Celebration -- and will be the apex of my career as a dishwasher. Thankfully, we've got plenty of volunteers signed up to help. It's the community's first two-day weekend, so folks are in good spirits. Turkey eats tomorrow, and Turkey trots on Sunday!
Earlier in the week we had a great view of the solar eclipse. It was about 80 percent eclipsed here at McMurdo, and moreso at the Pole. The hospital handed out x-ray film for us to view with.
The tractor left this week for the South Pole Traverse. Quite an experiment -- they're building a "road" from here to the pole. Many challenges in building a road on a moving glacier with myriad crevasses. They're scheduled to complete the road next year. If successful, it'll make transport of supplies to the Pole much easier (well, at least cheaper).
Also, I had my 15 minutes of fame this week -- I was filmed by National Geographic in my post as Waffle Wench at brunch. Not exactly the way I thought my rise to stardom would happen (and I'm hoping the footage gets left on the editing room floor, to tell you the truth). They're doing a documentary on life in McMurdo, from the perpective of the community members. This week the station manager, Jim Scott, was helping me make waffles, so I was interviewed with him. They asked me what the trick was to a good waffle, and I said, "The right kind of grease."
It's Friday night -- I'm computing at the CoffeeHouse. Folks are coming in and getting their coffee buzz on in preparation for the Rave tonight. I may or may not get to go -- I'm on call here in case it gets busy. I'm sharing the table with a guy I've seen at his laptop EVERY time I've been here. There's a poker match at the next table, and a chess game across the aisle. There's a some funky jazz playing, and a good movie ("Koyaanisqatsi") on in the back room -- standing room only.
Tomorrow is our Thanksgiving Celebration -- and will be the apex of my career as a dishwasher. Thankfully, we've got plenty of volunteers signed up to help. It's the community's first two-day weekend, so folks are in good spirits. Turkey eats tomorrow, and Turkey trots on Sunday!
Earlier in the week we had a great view of the solar eclipse. It was about 80 percent eclipsed here at McMurdo, and moreso at the Pole. The hospital handed out x-ray film for us to view with.
The tractor left this week for the South Pole Traverse. Quite an experiment -- they're building a "road" from here to the pole. Many challenges in building a road on a moving glacier with myriad crevasses. They're scheduled to complete the road next year. If successful, it'll make transport of supplies to the Pole much easier (well, at least cheaper).
Also, I had my 15 minutes of fame this week -- I was filmed by National Geographic in my post as Waffle Wench at brunch. Not exactly the way I thought my rise to stardom would happen (and I'm hoping the footage gets left on the editing room floor, to tell you the truth). They're doing a documentary on life in McMurdo, from the perpective of the community members. This week the station manager, Jim Scott, was helping me make waffles, so I was interviewed with him. They asked me what the trick was to a good waffle, and I said, "The right kind of grease."
11.22.2003
BOONDOGGLE
Happy Thanksgiving! I know it's only November 22 (or the 21 if you're in the US), but yesterday and today are my designated holiday weekend. That's right, two whole days off in a row. Thanksgiving will be our busiest day in the galley, so no possibility of having it off.
Today is also "Dress-Like-Commander" day here in McMurdo. Commander is a carpenter who has been coming down for about a decade -- wears colorful Hawaiian-style shirts with elbow-reinforcements made out of sequins. He has long black hair, often wears a bindi (Hindu third-eye jewel) and greets friends with a "woof" instead of "hello," along with a salute-style fist gesture starting from the heart.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I just found out that I'm the 10th great granddaughter (via my maternal grandfather's lineage) of 6 Mayflower passengers, including Miles Standish and John Alden (not sure how that works out logistically). My father has become the family historian, so I get the scoop from him. Last year at this time Erik and I travelled to the Czech Republic to visit my father's mother's birthplace, Jenicovice.
I've recently become interested in history, both of my ancestors, and our larger history. My focus is usually on the future (and occasionally I'm lucky enough to be in the present). In learning about our history, I'm reminded how relevant it is in creating the future (personally and culturally). Interesting to me that one of my roots goes directly back to the Protestant Separatists, who wanted a separation of Church and State so badly that they created a new colony across the ocean. Brave people. If I were more courageous & intelligent, and a bit less lazy, I'd start a revolution for a separation of Economy and State. I'm not hopeful that the politicians will ever manage to have their good will win out over their greed.
My spirits are high, not just because I'm off today, but because I've spent quite a bit of time outside and out of town. I was chosen to assist another department on Tuesday on a working "Morale Trip." It worked.
7 of us set out on 4 snowmobiles pulling 2 sleds full of bamboo flags, survival gear, and food. Our task was to flag a portion of the temporary sea ice route between Cape Evans and Cape Royds, 16 miles up the coast of Ross Island.
I was one of two people whose job was to drill 16" holes every 150 feet and drop in the bamboo flags left by the lead snowmobile.
Our trip leader, the 5'1" powerhouse Bijja (former DA).
Being outside all day on the ice was good for the body and soul.
After about 4 hours of drilling, we completed our task and arrived at Cape Royds, home to another of Shakleton's huts, and an Adele penguin rookery. In this barren and remote landscape I often feel like a space traveller.
Spring into summer here on Ross Island as evidenced by the mama Adeles sitting on nests, waiting for their eggs to hatch. The males were bringing little rocks to the females to pad their nests, and went in groups to the water to fish.
Seeing the open sea was a big boon as well as another indicator of summer. The temporary ice hasn't melted into McMurdo Station since 1999, and we're hoping it will make it this year. A 100-mile glacier, B-15, is blocking half of McMurdo sound, prohibiting the melt, and interfering with the penuin migration. This year's population of Adeles is significantly lower than that of two years ago. B-15 split apart into two sections (one 30-mile, and one 70-mile) this October, and everyone is nervous about which way the sections will float. If the larger section floats to the west -- it would block the sound and make it impossible for our supply vessel to dock. If that happens, the operation would probably end.
We rely on the ship to bring our yearly supply of food and fossil fuel. We wouldn't survive long on penguin wings and seal blubber.
On the way home we were more relaxed, and my gaze had time to linger on the geological features, like this lava tongue jutting out into the sea from Mt. Erebus.
Happy Thanksgiving! I know it's only November 22 (or the 21 if you're in the US), but yesterday and today are my designated holiday weekend. That's right, two whole days off in a row. Thanksgiving will be our busiest day in the galley, so no possibility of having it off.
Today is also "Dress-Like-Commander" day here in McMurdo. Commander is a carpenter who has been coming down for about a decade -- wears colorful Hawaiian-style shirts with elbow-reinforcements made out of sequins. He has long black hair, often wears a bindi (Hindu third-eye jewel) and greets friends with a "woof" instead of "hello," along with a salute-style fist gesture starting from the heart.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I just found out that I'm the 10th great granddaughter (via my maternal grandfather's lineage) of 6 Mayflower passengers, including Miles Standish and John Alden (not sure how that works out logistically). My father has become the family historian, so I get the scoop from him. Last year at this time Erik and I travelled to the Czech Republic to visit my father's mother's birthplace, Jenicovice.
I've recently become interested in history, both of my ancestors, and our larger history. My focus is usually on the future (and occasionally I'm lucky enough to be in the present). In learning about our history, I'm reminded how relevant it is in creating the future (personally and culturally). Interesting to me that one of my roots goes directly back to the Protestant Separatists, who wanted a separation of Church and State so badly that they created a new colony across the ocean. Brave people. If I were more courageous & intelligent, and a bit less lazy, I'd start a revolution for a separation of Economy and State. I'm not hopeful that the politicians will ever manage to have their good will win out over their greed.
My spirits are high, not just because I'm off today, but because I've spent quite a bit of time outside and out of town. I was chosen to assist another department on Tuesday on a working "Morale Trip." It worked.
7 of us set out on 4 snowmobiles pulling 2 sleds full of bamboo flags, survival gear, and food. Our task was to flag a portion of the temporary sea ice route between Cape Evans and Cape Royds, 16 miles up the coast of Ross Island.
I was one of two people whose job was to drill 16" holes every 150 feet and drop in the bamboo flags left by the lead snowmobile.
Our trip leader, the 5'1" powerhouse Bijja (former DA).
Being outside all day on the ice was good for the body and soul.
After about 4 hours of drilling, we completed our task and arrived at Cape Royds, home to another of Shakleton's huts, and an Adele penguin rookery. In this barren and remote landscape I often feel like a space traveller.
Spring into summer here on Ross Island as evidenced by the mama Adeles sitting on nests, waiting for their eggs to hatch. The males were bringing little rocks to the females to pad their nests, and went in groups to the water to fish.
Seeing the open sea was a big boon as well as another indicator of summer. The temporary ice hasn't melted into McMurdo Station since 1999, and we're hoping it will make it this year. A 100-mile glacier, B-15, is blocking half of McMurdo sound, prohibiting the melt, and interfering with the penuin migration. This year's population of Adeles is significantly lower than that of two years ago. B-15 split apart into two sections (one 30-mile, and one 70-mile) this October, and everyone is nervous about which way the sections will float. If the larger section floats to the west -- it would block the sound and make it impossible for our supply vessel to dock. If that happens, the operation would probably end.
We rely on the ship to bring our yearly supply of food and fossil fuel. We wouldn't survive long on penguin wings and seal blubber.
On the way home we were more relaxed, and my gaze had time to linger on the geological features, like this lava tongue jutting out into the sea from Mt. Erebus.
11.15.2003
HOME SWEET HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME
Yesterday's talk of the town was the first sighting in town of the Adele penguins. I happened to be out at one of the fish huts collecting samples when two of them waddled up like toddlers. So curious -- came right toward us. You wouldn't believe how cute. Seeing them made me wish I too had a few more pounds and some slippery feathers on my belly. Sliding along paddling with their feet looked tremendously fun. I had to settle for the exhileration of travelling on snowmobile -- huge smile on my face. Sorry no pix, the camera was out of juice.
Thought you'd all enjoy seeing the pad. Erik and I live in room 213 of dorm 203b, or "Shakleton's Hut", a 2-story military-inspired structure.
Those of you who know of my obsession with orange plastic construction fencing will appreciate what I consider the apex of its artistic application: wallpaper. One of the many advantages of living with the trash man is having first access to the best discards. It's actually sad the stuff they throw away after getting it all the way down here.
On the adjacent will I've applied (with compulsive repetition) gradiated orange origami paper in a grid with "fun tac". This design actually came BEFORE Erik found the fencing.
To complete the Pop Art interior, I've wallpapered the opposite wall in oversized canned food labels.
My favorites are the "Thank You" brand blueberries in water, and of course the "Ready Reserve" brand dehydrated cottage cheese with squirrel logo.
No room is complete without the proper lighting -- this lamp was created with more plastic gridding: orange onion bag with xmas lights encased in opaque white tubing. There's no end to the fun you can have here with trash. Many people's wardrobes (including mine) consist mainly of second-hand clothing found in "Skua" -- the free thrift store here named after the oversized seagulls that pilfer in town.
I've had requests for an excerpt on "A Day in the Life of a McMurdo Trash Man," so I'll try to make that this weeks journalistic project.
Yesterday's talk of the town was the first sighting in town of the Adele penguins. I happened to be out at one of the fish huts collecting samples when two of them waddled up like toddlers. So curious -- came right toward us. You wouldn't believe how cute. Seeing them made me wish I too had a few more pounds and some slippery feathers on my belly. Sliding along paddling with their feet looked tremendously fun. I had to settle for the exhileration of travelling on snowmobile -- huge smile on my face. Sorry no pix, the camera was out of juice.
Thought you'd all enjoy seeing the pad. Erik and I live in room 213 of dorm 203b, or "Shakleton's Hut", a 2-story military-inspired structure.
Those of you who know of my obsession with orange plastic construction fencing will appreciate what I consider the apex of its artistic application: wallpaper. One of the many advantages of living with the trash man is having first access to the best discards. It's actually sad the stuff they throw away after getting it all the way down here.
On the adjacent will I've applied (with compulsive repetition) gradiated orange origami paper in a grid with "fun tac". This design actually came BEFORE Erik found the fencing.
To complete the Pop Art interior, I've wallpapered the opposite wall in oversized canned food labels.
My favorites are the "Thank You" brand blueberries in water, and of course the "Ready Reserve" brand dehydrated cottage cheese with squirrel logo.
No room is complete without the proper lighting -- this lamp was created with more plastic gridding: orange onion bag with xmas lights encased in opaque white tubing. There's no end to the fun you can have here with trash. Many people's wardrobes (including mine) consist mainly of second-hand clothing found in "Skua" -- the free thrift store here named after the oversized seagulls that pilfer in town.
I've had requests for an excerpt on "A Day in the Life of a McMurdo Trash Man," so I'll try to make that this weeks journalistic project.
11.4.2003
HALLOWEEN WEEKEND
Erik dressed as an HFP (Human Feces Pure) Polypak. These are the containers of poo that come into his department from field camps. The poo gets shipped back to the States for treatment. He's dancing here at the Halloween party with one of my co-workers, Sandwich (she's a graduate of Circus School, carries a sandwich shaped plastic purse everywhere she goes, and lives in San Francisco (of course)). Her costume is called, "If Jackie O Wore Bubble Wrap."
Me? I went as a Space Cowgirl, complete with raygun.
GA John (a General Assistant) won the costume contest. His prize was a coveted trip on SkiDoo to Cape Roids, home to one of the penguin colonies. There were lots of great costumes. My favorite was Angela as Strawberry Shortcake.
The next day (Sunday) I had the luxury of the day off (my usual day off is Friday). Erik and I woke up late, lingered over coffee and waffles at brunch, and then skiied a 7-mile loop to Castle Rock. A perfect weekend.
The reward for a grueling uphill effort: one of the most beautiful vistas I've ever seen, and a nice long downhill.
Castle Rock is one of two flagged ski routes here. It's important to stay on the route, as there are many snow-covered crevasses. The trail crosses one here, marked with black flags. Yikes!
Erik dressed as an HFP (Human Feces Pure) Polypak. These are the containers of poo that come into his department from field camps. The poo gets shipped back to the States for treatment. He's dancing here at the Halloween party with one of my co-workers, Sandwich (she's a graduate of Circus School, carries a sandwich shaped plastic purse everywhere she goes, and lives in San Francisco (of course)). Her costume is called, "If Jackie O Wore Bubble Wrap."
Me? I went as a Space Cowgirl, complete with raygun.
GA John (a General Assistant) won the costume contest. His prize was a coveted trip on SkiDoo to Cape Roids, home to one of the penguin colonies. There were lots of great costumes. My favorite was Angela as Strawberry Shortcake.
The next day (Sunday) I had the luxury of the day off (my usual day off is Friday). Erik and I woke up late, lingered over coffee and waffles at brunch, and then skiied a 7-mile loop to Castle Rock. A perfect weekend.
The reward for a grueling uphill effort: one of the most beautiful vistas I've ever seen, and a nice long downhill.
Castle Rock is one of two flagged ski routes here. It's important to stay on the route, as there are many snow-covered crevasses. The trail crosses one here, marked with black flags. Yikes!
