Stalkers

As I was walking back to work one afternoon after lunch, I came to the main intersection in town and stopped by the stop sign. The IT-28 loader was backing out of 120, and I didn't like the idea of being flattened.

And so I waited, the loader backed up the hill and then stopped. The driver, very slowly, intently and eerily gave me the "I see you" hand signal. I signaled back that I saw him and crossed the road. But man, the way he gave that signal stayed with me.

Actually the driver turned out to be my coworker Gareth, who was intentionally being creepy, and so I've taken to calling him my stalker. So he left me this lovely present on my desk:


Awesome. And Joseph has taken to stalking me too. Not only did Joseph do just about the same thing in the loader on another day, but also lapped me in the intersection while driving the loader. Crazy boys.





I guess the moral of the story here is, there's always someone watching, and in this case, I'm glad it was the food monkey boys instead of aliens.

Smoothie Break!

Once a month during the winter, the MET (Mapcon Editing Team - of which I am a part) hosts a smoothie break. Larry, Shandra and I gather the ingredients of yogurt, ice, fruit, frozen bananas we've saved from the last freshies of February. And for a brief moment during winter, we can all pretend we're at the beach sipping our fruity concoction with the sun kissing our cheeks...

What time is it?
Smoothie Break Time!

Shandra prepares for the hoards of fruit-loving winterovers.

We got ice and yogurt from the Galley.

And used strawberry applesauce left over from
flight meals to sweeten the tartness of the yogurt.

I put a brilliantly beautiful purple fake flower on the table and
put out some dried Hibiscus flowers from Trader Joes to share.

Go blender go!

Mmmmmmmm...smoothie.

Jonathan, Cedar and Gareth partake in some fruity deliciousness.

Gareth and Joseph add a little Passion Fruit Squeeze to the mix.

Mark and Zachary try to describe the complex and delectable
taste while Amanda smiles away in the background.

Life is short. Antarctica is cold. Smoothies are good.

Off-Continent Communications Down!

A nightmare come true! From Tuesday, April 26th until Wednesday May 4th, all off-continent communications were down!!! Quite a few people went through some serious internet withdrawal. Thankfully, peer counselors were available to help us cope!

GASP!

However, thanks to the BBC, we were still able to watch the Royal Wedding!

Quite a nice picture I'd say!

Waiting for the kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace!

The Yellow Queen!

And THE KISS!

I even wore a fancy hat on the way over to Shane and Larissa's!

Vitamins

I need a lot to make up for the lack of sunshine and fresh food!

EcoGreen Multi with Kelp, B-125, Omega-3, Essential Enzymes, Glucosamine, Calcium, Energy Support Formula and Vitamin D!

Easter Mischief

Despite popular opinion, I have nothing to do with the Easter Mischief in McMurdo. I do however, make a darn convincing bunny.

With different colored, deco-nails!

I might know a secret or two...

But I'll never tell...GRRRRRR!

I just LOVE my Easter Basket! Thanks Easter Bunny!

And for Easter Brunch, I got all dressed up!

And Robyn sent us an Easter Box of Awesome Goodies to open!

MC is feeling greedy!

Kelli is REALLY excited!

Goodies!!!

A very special potato head for MC!

Flowers and joy galore!

Happy Friends! (MC, Me, Jenn, Kris and Kelli!)
Thanks Robyn! We love and miss you!!! XOXO

A Message from The Outside!

I got a text message on my pager from Sarah Melson!!! SQUEEEEE!!!

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Training

Once a month, the EOC meets for training. Today was that day. We met down in B165 and went through an emergency training exercise. We use the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) system for emergency management. I fulfill Emergency Support Function #15: Public Affairs & Communications.

B165 with a beautiful view of the moon and the American Flag!
The EOC is one of my favorite activities, as I get to prepare and participate in preparations for emergencies, which, on the ice, is quite different from anywhere else in the world. Back home in the states, one state can easily go to the surrounding states for assistance or resources, or nationally, or internationally. Here, we're pretty much on our own. Which also means, that what might be considered a lesser emergency back home, could be catastrophic here, if not handled properly.

The EOC Core Team, preparing, discussing, saving your life.

Searching through the map archive...

and more.

Jenn tests the comms equipment.
Being a part of the EOC and going through the training exercises gives me a greater appreciation for the importance and value of each and every person on station, as well as a broader view of what it really means to live in isolation, in Antarctica, in the winter. And it feels good to know we're in good hands should our good fortune ever run out.

The Misty Mountain

Better known in McMurdo as Observation Hill.

McMurdo Top Model Fashion Show

Even at the bottom of the world, there are catwalks, runways and walk-offs. The only thing we're missing is tiny cell phones and David Bowie, though I expect he'll show up via space craft at any moment.

I went as Petra Rosiere, pink is SO the new black.

Ouuu a model: Mel-A(hhh)-Nie.

Tasty snacks provided by the ever-in-demand Galley Chefs!

Dustin Jolan and Jen are ready for a night on the town!

Molly and Brooks pour a bit of the bubbly.

Here they come! Move it, shake it, make it!
Travis in the lead, followed by Kelli and Brett.

Hot Hot Hot!
Jamie, Cara and Kelli are burnin' up the red carpet!

Time for our close up!

Gracie, ravishing in print, ready to paw at the press!

Zombie attack! Because even zombies have fashion sense.

The bubbly runneth over and floweth freely!

Kelli dances through the crowd in PINK cowboy boots!

Emily, the light of the world, aka Fifi Chamonix,
clad in a Scott Tent as Roy Bean the Body Guard protects her.

From the far North, Brian Tamm and his classy kilt!

Fashionistas! (Kelli, Me, Model, Cara and Emily)

Even MC was shiny!

Cathy strikes a pose!

The Fabulous Baker Boys - Kris, Brian, Kenny and Joseph.

Lovely Ladies of the Vine: Janette and Cynthia.

Our illustrious judges, Roy Bean, Astrid Zeta and Fifi Chamonix.

Fashion Show Grab Bag!

Glam treats included bling bling jewelry and
model-sized snack packs of expired cheetos!

A final word from our sponsors!

McMurdo Top Model Fashion Website (More Photos and Videos).