It’s OFFICIAL!

A few weeks ago I finally received my very own chef coats. They are nicely embroidered with the NANA Polar logo, my title and my name. I am now official.

See…

See...even my name is spelled properly!

Extra bonuses:
1. All people now know what I do and are free to let me know their thoughts on the food (good and bad).
2. The coats don’t come out of the dryer very well. I am forced to iron every week. How many chefs can say that they cook at the bottom of the plant AND get to iron their very own chefs’ coats?

It all adds to the ‘experience!’

Step aside Starbucks, McMurdo Coffeehouse is rocking!

Even though I am in a new position and am working odd and crazy hours, I decided to pick up a second job. I figured that a little moonlighting would keep me on my toes.

There are not too many options for this type of work and especially a job that would accomodate my changing schedule. My options were to be a bartender at either of the two bars, a barista at the Coffeehouse/Wine Bar or be one of the distributors of movies and alcohol in the station store. I thought the Coffeehouse/Wine Bar had the most potential.

The Coffeehouse is a great place to be; either working or just hanging out. It’s got this great atmosphere where you feel warm (mentally and physically) to just socialize or grab a good book and read in a corner.

I am working one night per week and have already identified the ‘regulars.’ The dress code is very casual and with great music and the smell of coffee and wine, what could go wrong?

I started working the end of September and am slowly feeling that I have a good handle on all the coffee beverages. Opening the wine bottles (some fortunately are screw top) and pouring the wine is the easy part. And people that frequent the Coffeehouse are very relaxed and easy going that it makes me look forward to the one night a week I get the privilage to work.

And with the addition of my red curly locks, I am finding the tips are much more plentiful.

Here are some photos of the infamous McMurdo Coffeehouse:

Welcome to the McMurdo Coffeehouse!

This is the side room. There is something there every night; movies playing, open mic night, live music, etc.

Isn't it cozy?

Bored at McMurdo

Yes, it's a very large (and dirty) snow carving!

This is what happens when people don’t have enough to keep them busy. There are a plethora of activities and events going on, but when creativity calls, this is how one person chose to answer

Notice the Welcome to McMurdo sign, the large (yet accurate) seal holding an ice cream cone, and in the bottom left, you can see the little adeile penguin. In the background, you can almost see the replica of the town, but the winds had blown most of it away. It’s a harsh continent!

This was created next the dock of the kitchen where a large amount of snow had built up over the last few months.

Penthouse room with a view

This years accomodations have been changed since last year, but I think it’s an upgrade.

Although I was not able to return to the wonderful room I had been assigned last year, I do believe I have been blessed with greatness. I am living in building 203-B, room 211. It’s a beautiful room (quite cozy again=small) equipped with a family room area, entertainment center, and bedroom. The lavaritory is separate and fortunately cleaned daily by others. I have a bay side view (facing the open water) that overlooks the mountains. It’s almost as if I am back in Colorado looking at the Rocky Mountains.

For your viewing pleasure, I have added some photos (and commentary) on the new humble abode.

My portion of the bedroom

The view from my window at sunset.

The family room (that faces the entertainment center)

The entertainment center

Have no fear, Piglet and Barbie are here! They add some nice wall decor to the room.

Tapestry that removes the blinding light from overhead. It adds a nice ambience.

Our home would not be the same without our Welcome Sign

The room has been transformed and it’s now my temporary home away from home.

Just call me red!

For awhile now, I’ve wondered if redheads really have more fun.
Being down in Antarctica I figured was a good place to test my hypothesis. I brought down some henna hair coloring, knowing that it’s a natural plant product and is only temporary.

I selected the cast of characters that would help me: Dawn (housing manager) and Linda (PM sous chef). We secured a hidden location (the community salon that is not yet up and running) and got to work.

I was very nervous and fearful that the end result would leave me with a carrot top. Would my skin coloring match the color of my new hair? Would I need a new wardrobe after this? So many questions I didn’t know the answers to and was very anxious. I decided to take the plunge anyway!

We met at the salon after dinner and got to work. Linda and Dawn did a great job reassuring me that it would look great. Linda also said that if it looks bad, we can just shave it all off. (Not so reassuring, but funny none the less!) And I would have five months for it to grow back.

The application and scalp massage.

Dawn did honors of applying the cream (henna cream is said to be more conditioning and not as drying as the powder) while Linda read the directions very clearly and carefully. Initially she started with the directions in Spanish. This didn’t help my comfort level. She shortly moved to the english version and rememberd that I eventually will be writing her evaluation. I got a great scalp massage throughout the entire application. It was a little spa for Marci.

I choose to keep my eyes close for most of the application; partly to be suprised and the other part, out of nervousness.

After the application, the three of us sat around and read some literature that was left in the salon. This included some old People magazines and a book on the wisdom by barbers and stylists. We were suprised and confused by some of the entry’s of this book, but it kept us entertained for the 35 minutes I let my hair ‘marinate’ in the copper colored henna cream.

The application was done and the nerves set in.

When it was time, Dawn carefully checked the status of how the color was working. She did a great job massaging my scalp and keeping me calm. At that point I realized that I couldn’t turn back now. It was a done deal.

She rinsed out my hair according to the directions Linda read and, voila! I had become a red head! It was initially shocking (and still is when I see myself in the mirror), but it looked great. I had picked a great product and great characters to assist.

I dried it and added some product (more to control the curls than anything else). We cleaned up and went on our merry little way.

The final result...red curly locks!

It’s been a few days now and the response from people is GREAT! There is shock and confusion. There are some people questioning if something was different or now (mostly men…since they often didn’t notice these little things anyway). And many people really like the change. I’ve been called ‘Red’ a few times, but it’s done with a genuine smile, so it’s okay.

I will monitor the progess and level of ‘fun’ I have as the color gradually washes out and fades naturally. I will keep you all posted regarding the theory of red heads having more fun or not.

Happy smiling faces after an evening of nerves!