This’ll just be a quickie entry (probably) but we had a historical event happen today. The C-17 (the really big plane we fly in on) broke once it got to McMurdo. Therefore, it had to spend the night last night! It’s actually going to be here for a few days while they get a replacement part. It’s the first time the plane has overnighted here. It’s interesting, because even though the flight crew flies here often, it’s the first time they’ve come to the station itself. Also, since they usually just fly back to Christchurch, none of the crew had overnight bags. Sooooo they were all in the store, buying up a storm today. Yay for shopping!!
Hopefully the plane will be fixed by the weekend, maybe sooner. Either way, it’s a first! Even though it’s not exactly a positive one.
Also, a shout out to my friend Kish, who is not here this season, but is rockin the States right now. Kish, WE MISS YOU!! (the sound at Gallaghers sucked last weekend!!) Plus we miss your smiling face! (I hate being the only one who smiles all the time now!)
Hi friends and family! Sorry I haven’t posted earlier. It’s been crazy starting up here! It was really hard to get into the swing at first because I was so not ready for the time change. Generally I’ve been working and sleeping. I finally got a little more stable schedule, so things have been greatly improving. I’m having my first day off today and it is nice. I got to sleep in a bit, watch a little bit of Pulp Fiction, eat a regular lunch, and now I’m writing email!
The weather has been really nice so far - not as cold as last year at this time. It’s been pretty sunny. We had the last sunset last night.
We’re really feeling the effects of the cut staffing, sadly. There have been a lot more injuries and I’m really trying to encourage my staff to be careful so they don’t overextend themselves. Everyone is really tired and we just got here. I think we in the Store will be able to settle into more of a routine, but some of the other jobs on station are having a really hard time.
The best parts of coming back are the fact that I’ve gotten to see a lot of my friends again and catch up, and that I have a much nicer dorm room this year. I have a roommate, but she’ll be leaving soon and my friend Anne will be coming in, and then she’ll be my roommate. I am looking forward to that a lot. I’ll post pictures of our room when we get it set up.
So I’m doing pretty well, but I am missing everyone a lot. The plus side is that I think the season will go by quickly. I’m sure it’s gonna be good, but busy.
Ok, ok, I am in Christchurch. We made it in relatively easily with only a few hiccups: one girl decided to get completely wasted in Denver and continue the party in Los Angeles to the point where a) no one could find her and b) once found, she was so wasted the airline folks (wisely) wouldn’t allow her on the plane. I guess they were going to put her in the drunk tank, and then she’s got to find her own way back home. What a stupid way to throw away the chance of a lifetime, eh?
The other hiccup was that apparently New Zealand hadn’t given me a proper nine-month visa last year, so they had my passport flagged as someone who had overstayed her visa last season! This meant I had to sit in the immigration office for a while. Everything worked out in the end, though, and the people were very nice, which I am sure wouldn’t be the case in the US if the same thing had happened.
So to the denial of Christchurch: looks like we’re leaving for the Ice a day early. We got in and were able to check in to the hotel right away, so I changed clothes and got some Dmitri’s lamb souvlaki and an L&P and walked down to the Canterbury Museum, which I had missed on my previous visits. They have a great Antarctic exhibit and it was nice to walk around for a bit. Afterward I went back to the hotel and made the mistake of turning on the 24-hour horseracing channel, which immediately put me to sleep.
After snoozing for three hours, I decided to get up and take a shower and get ready for bed, only to find a piece of paper shoved under my door. Looks like we need to get up early with all our stuff and go to the Clothing Distribution Center, get our gear, and leave right after. I am unhappy because I had some shopping I wanted to do here and now it’s pretty late to be doing that. Oh well, guess it’s not to be. Still, I really wanted some cheese. Not sure if there’s a weather thing, or if the program has just decided to cut costs by rushing us through CHC. Anyway, it’ll make CHC all the more enjoyable at the other end, I suppose.
So wish me luck and no boomerangs on the next flight!
Well, the time is growing near for my return to the Ice! Looks like I’ll be headed out on Monday. In the meantime, we’ve got a li’l family get-together happening on Saturday…the Amazing Fantastic Nuptuals of Dimbo and Stella!! It’s been great fun preparing for the big day, and it’s hard to believe it’s here.
I’m more or less packed…it was MUCH easier this time. Having learned my lesson about sweaters (you really don’t need them) I have a lot more room in my bag for awesome things such as socks and cool hats and my Doctor Who sonic screwdriver. I’m also shipping a box to myself which will hopefully arrive sometime before I’m set to go home.
So rumors from the Ice are a bit unnerving so far…apparently the flights are pretty backed up and some people have spent as much as eight extra days in Christchurch waiting for the weather to clear. Now, I wouldn’t mind an extra day or two delay, but I’m ready to get to work, so I think if I were in their shoes right now, I’d be pretty antsy!
I also heard from my pal Lou (who is already on the Ice) a few days ago, and I guess there have been a ton of injuries so far this year. Unfortunately, that’s what happens when you have a short staff and shortened season, but continue to expect the same amount of support from the folks you have. It’ll be interesting to see how we can pull it all together, or not.
Well, I must get back to packing and cleaning and whatnot. I look forward to seeing those of you who are coming to the wedding! It should be a great party!!
