it's official

I signed my name in ink (nearly in blood by the time I send in all the samples of bodily fluids for medical testing)! I'm contracted to work in Antarctica for another summer season as a Passenger Services Representative. I'm slated to depart around October 1; but everything can change over the course of the summer. The worst part of the process is over; the drug test. I drank nearly 3 liters (no exaggerating) of water before walking into the lab this morning and still struggled to let all the water flow through.

In the next few weeks I'll be PQ'ing (physical qualifying) with dentist and doctor's appointments. They really put you through the works to get a trip down south, but it certainly offers some piece of mind; knowing that I'm healthy when I leave The States.

I am certainly excited for the warmer July and August temperatures in Western Washington, but now I have a big trip to look forward at the end of the summer as well. I've started packing myself a care package and am jotting down lists of items to pick up here or in New Zealand. It's much easier to think of heading to The Ice for the second time. There are not so many "what if..." or "will I be able to..." or "will I miss..." questions.

I am also excited to be the first family member to see Laura on her way through McMurdo from her long dark winter at the South Pole. I'll likely only get to see her for a day, or two, but it shall be a nice reunion! She has some interesting observations from the South Pole on her blog, if you feel inclined to do a bit more reading.