Old Stuff Can be Cool

First I must say a huge "Thank You" to Gemma. These are all her photos. I left me camera in my room~

Tonight I went to the Antarctica Heritage Conservation meeting. I wasn't sure what to expect, thinking it was science related, and was wonderfully surprised. They are the group in charge of conserving the huts at Cape Evans and Cape Royds. Several explorer groups have used the huts as they traversed the Continent, but the oldest is Scott's Expedition and Shacklton's. Both men's journeys were extraordinary and crazy. Why would you want to cross a giant Ice landscape? To the be the first I imagine. I wonder if it is any different than wanting to go to the moon? Why would you want to go somewhere where conditions can kill you just like that? The trill? Theexcitement? Perhaps I should have asked myself the same questions before I came down here. Although the threat to my life was minimal compared to earlier explorers and astronauts.

So they had different items from both huts, from clothing, to food. They are opening the box crates because they are deteriorating and they want to preserve what ever is inside of them. They say each one is like Christmas since they don't know what they'll find. They've found canned plums, flour, and corn among some of the items. It was interesting hearing the conservationists talk, you could just see their childlike wonder and passion about what they are doing. The huts turn a 100 this year, and they're permit to restore them runs out the end of the year. As you can believe they have a large undertaking and are trying to get as much done before the items have to be replaced for another 100 years

The Crates they are opening like Christmas Presents (Bag of Corn found in one crate)

Clothing found at Scott's Hut

Bicycle from 1910 Expedition (Only rode once and for less then 10 minutes)

Man's name was etched into the side

What I found most interesting was the mystery, the puzzles of conservation. Finding items from long ago and trying to figure out what they are or what they were used for. There was a tin can with a handwritten note on it, a description of it's contents, but the label was so corroded that you could only make out part of the word - "Chalk"; but what was the first word. Eyes straining you try and piece together the scratches you see, knowing they form a word, answer the question and yet your mind can't piece them together. What a frustration. A challenge. Oh what a mystery that lays within close reach with just a little imagination.

Tin with mysterious words written - Only the word "Chalk" was legible. What was the rest?

Conservationists can't catalog every item because they don't know every item, being asked as a viewer if you perhaps knew what it was was new. I'm used to the idea that scientists know everything, every item is always labeled with a date, time, location, without hesitation or doubt. Knowing that there is so much found around the world that can't be labeled - is studied with a a sigh and a shrug - cataloged as unknown, you don't really see that in museums. Wouldn't it be a surprise if one day you were visiting a museum and you see a beautiful object, smooth and curved, something about it is familiar, your mind thinks it has seen it before, but when you look for the small tag to tell you what it is, there is a single note. Written in pencil it says, "If you know what this is, write it on the wall around the corner," so you go drawing the pen from your pocket but as you turn the corner, the space is covered with sprawling handwriting. From different hands the items known identity is written, but as you look closer each frame of letters is different. One person has written something, while another something else. The wall is covered with different answers, but all that are the known facts by individuals. What strange things would people say that the discover was. Would your contribution to that piece make it more important, more relevant to you? Would you want to know what it really was, or be more fascinated by what others think it to be? What stories would the unknown history of that piece create? Would you add your own to the wall? What would that object be to you? Would your culture effect what it is, would your travels have revealed where you had seen it before? What would your answer be?

So, conservation is about saving what is deteriorating from the past so that those in the future can see what history was. I enjoyed the experience and got a lot more out of it than I expected.

McMurdo's Next Top Model

-None of these photos (nor video) are mine. They were taken by different community members who I would like to say Thank you too.

If you've never watched America's Next Top Model, you should. This Winter's Fashion Show Theme was based on that. The Fashions were new items from the vessel, the modes McMurdians, and the challenge, not being too intoxicated that they fall off the stage. What fun!

There was a runway, lights in a myriad of colors, swag bags that consisted of model size snakes (3 cheese puffs) and other such goodies, while the paparazzi mingled among the crowds waiting for the stars to arrive. People munched on specialty small hors d'oeuvres, sipped donated wine and generally looked forward to the hype of the event. A red carpet led up the stairs to the entry of the show and at 8pm the doors were thrown open and the audience flooded in.

So I was backstage crew, one of two, making sure the models took to the runway at their cue, where in the right order, and dressed with the correct piece. Some nervous models almost puked, while others begged to be last or even began to edge away from the curtain as their time came. I would have thought them unprofessional if I had not been laughing so hard, or so busy chasing after them as they dodged behind the condiment line. Once they were tackled, arranged, fluffed and assured of their general good looks, I give them a friendly shove and make them walk the plank-I mean runway. It was fun, being involved behind the scenes. In total there were 24 models, and 6 finalists who battled it out in the. They all died on stage, having wanted it so bad they killed each other, while the judges looked on and audience members tried not to giggles as hair was pulled, tutus were grabbed and glasses knocked off noses. In the end, it was the unknown model JohnTo, who early had bribed the judges who won.

I always marvel at the things I get a chance to do, and how they tie into a story that I'm writing. Working the fashion show, being a dish washer, all these roles tie into pieces of fiction that perhaps some day I'll write. But I digress . . . .

The Pre-Show Social -----

All 24 Models

The Photographers

The top 6 Models

Keri the whole brains behind the Operation (Left)

Yummy Goodness!

Let the Show Begin ----

The Runway

Work it Travis!

The Judges

Only watch the first 2 minutes (the rest is blank)

The Final Walk Off ---

The show lasted about an hour, with an after party at the Bar, and everyone, including the losers were in good spirits. It was an event not to be missed, and I'm glad I didn't.

Scott Base Dinner

This evening I got to dine out for dinner in New Zealand in fact. Scott Base every Thursday invites a small group of McMurdians to come over and spend the evening meal with them. There are only 13 of them so our added number is noticeable. We took a shuttle over, and after removing our shoes and slipping on our house shoes (Fawna I got dishes of praise over the slippers you sent. Everyone loved them - you're sense of style is international) we were lead to the dining hall/lounge. Everything is new and clean, efficient and spacious. A large contrast between our humble digs. The meal was delightful, with cake and real ice cream to top off the gastronomic event. Most of us spent our time admiring all the things that were different, and enjoying the company. I had a wonderful time and am glad I went.

They have an amazing view from their lounge that is right off the main dining area.

This nice of a hang out would be trashed at the end of one summer at McMurdo, but the Kiwis know how to take care of their things.

Their green house, small but efficient. I looked at it and thought, oh plants! I need to make it to our greenhouse and take some pictures.

Biggest Loser - First Weigh In

Today was our first weigh in for Biggest Loser - Antarctica. There are four other women in my category all determined to win that big money pot. There is the baker who runs six days a week and has no desire to eat what she makes for the rest of us. Instead she "kindly" displays those calorific delights at every meal to sabotage the weak. There is the cook who's favorite dish is oatmeal and is the leading pound shedder as of our first weigh in. There is the Green House Queen who supplies the nutrients to us all but has the inside track to keeping up the vitamin D with the sun lights she works under. There is the Gym Goddess who works out everyday, has a personal trainer that keeps her constantly moving, and has an intolerance to gluten. And then there is me, the blue shirted kitchen help training to be a Marine Dog Musher with a sugar addiction.

I lost two pounds by scale standards. Small but I have five more months to go and several more push-ups, pull ups, sit ups and miles to run before I'm done. Oh are those cookies . . . . .

Jane Eyre

I’ve just finished reading Jane Eyre. I’ve never read it before and really enjoyed it. It had so many words that I had never seen before that you could really learn one new word a day for a week just in one chapter. I see why Mary enjoys it too. I can’t imagine why I hadn’t read it before. It has conflict, drama, mystery, sexual tension and a happy ending. Hamm . . . Now I’m not so sure Withering Heights holds such a positive outcome. You know the Bronte sisters were all writing around the same time under different names and their father never knew it. I don’t think they told each other either, but I can just imagine the conversations they had once it was revealed they were all writers.

Now I’m not sure what the next book will be. Someone let me borrow Winterdance, a dog sledding book they said I would enjoy and I may take that one up next, or one on reading body language. I can’t decided but I’ve got plenty of time . . . .

Dog Mushing

Now I mentioned a while back about my goals for the winter, and one was to get in shape to be dog musher. Let me elaborate on that for anyone who was curious. At the end of the winter I want to apply for a job in Colorado to be a dog musher. Why? Well several reasons. . . .

1. I get to work around dogs

2. I get to learn a unique skill

3. It is probably one of the most physically demanding jobs that you can do and still enjoy

Now there are several different opportunities to be a dog musher, mostly in Alaska that one can pursue. Why Colorado? Well, it is what I call the Musher Marines. When I was looking at different positions, most listed: must love dogs, cold weather, be in good physical shape. Right. I could do that. But when I came across a certain one I stopped in my tracks. It had a list, a set of specific requirements that you had to be able to do even before you could apply. No more fluff and cuddles, this was hard core. Once you applied, you had to go through a 2 day boot camp, and then you might be offered employment. If you were, you were given three days to accept and the job started a week later.

What a challenge, what a thrill, what a crazy and insane thing to work toward, but what better place then here to do it. I’ve contacted them to see when I should apply, and I have till September to flesh out my application with those necessary requirements. What are they? Well . . .

1. Minimum 40 push ups in a minute (I can do 10 right now and the last three are a real struggle)

2. Minimum 40 sit up in a minute (I can do 30 - total)

3. 12 fully extended pull ups (Yep that a big 0 on that one)

4. Run 2.5 miles under 25 minutes at 8500 feet altitude (can do it 33 minutes without altitude)

5. Run a 50 yard dash in 7 seconds (haven’t attempted)

6. Demonstrate mental acuity under stress and physical exhaustion (ummm yeah working on that)

Think I can do it? I have 23 weeks to work toward it and I’m terrified. I’ve never attempted anything so physically ambitious before. All the jobs I’ve applied required a worked up resume, not a worked out body type. I’m not the most physically active, the idea scares me of failing, but I’m thrilled by the challenge. I have a goal for the winter, a motivation factor with a possible employment pay off. Can I do it? I don’t have a choice, I’ve told people I’m doing it so now its not just in my head.

I imagine myself getting off that plan in Colorado in the best physical shape of my life and I smile. I see myself pitted against the guys and being able to pull through with them. I see me doing it, and I get excited. I attempt a pull up and I get depressed. All I can do is try, and that’s what I am doing. With monthly check in with friends, I’m working toward the most physically ambitious goal I’ve ever set myself up for. There is no coach to report too, or team to rely on. Just me and the determination that I want to be a dog musher. So, here it is for all to see. Come September I’m sending my application off, with a full body picture and a list of the requirements and what I can do. I hope I can beat them. I know I can.

Room Exchange

So you get your own room over the winter, which is an amazing luxury since over the summer I had three roomies (all were wonderful and I thank God for that blessing). Now I wanted to stay in my current room to cut down on moving. Why move when you don’t have too? But seniority trumps want. Based on your amount of time on the ice you get more pull. Since I’m new, no points, no seniority, hence I get moved. My room 208, is on a quiet corner, with a window and easy access to the Gerbil Gym. What else do you need and as you can see it is popular, so I was shuffled out to a smaller inner room in building 155 (the main building so I didn’t have to move far). My new room 219, was a two person room and I had no idea they existed in this building. After arranging the furniture in as fung shi way as possible, I’d made peace with my living quarters and was content. I had a couch, tv, cable, a bed and two wardrobes to store all my stuff. I didn’t need anything else. Although I did miss my window, being able to see out and watch the changing of time, my new room was quiet - With the exception of the wind storm vent, that continually blew. It was like living in a tornado, but at least it was consistent and often drowned out all the noise. There were times the hallway was quieter, but its like the washer going when you take a nap, you get used to it, and if it were to stop you’d wake up.

So I lived in 219 for up to two weeks and like I said, I’d made peace with my room, I was content, but for reasons unbeknownst to me, God gifted a blessing. My old room opened back up. It’s occupant wanting to move to the party hallway, and also out of a dead zone for wireless, offered it back to me now strings attached. I was shocked. I’d get my window back and everyone would be happy. Still, I hesitated. I liked my new room, I knew what the neighbors were like, I knew what to expect. I had no idea what had changed in the corner with new people at 208. Still, the draw of the window, and now a real work out space won out and I moved again. Twice in two weeks. I’m not settled back into my new/old room and I can look out the window to my hearts content. I've got more space than I know what to do with, but I’ve made sure to keep my stuff in the same compartments so I don’t expand and end up with more stuff at the end of winter. I have to remember I’m sending most of this stuff home and that can get expensive.