Hitting the Pause Button on the Real World

That is what life if. This little adventure is like hitting the pause button on real life. The title is a bit misleading, because I am a fan of the question "When and where does this real world begin and end." But, I'm also a fan of the saying "Hell is the doing the same repetitive task over and over again for eternity." If both what I have equated this too with my pause button thing, and that quote about hell are both true, than this place is really like pausing life and going to hell for a little while. It may give you a chance to think on things, but it won't be pleasant. Although, taking from that what you will, I have been able to get a few thoughts through my head. I know better what I want to do with my life, and because my answer is frightening to me still, I'll keep it to myself. Also, I haven't quite figured out how to accomplish it... or rather how to procure financial backing for this venture. Hell, to be perfectly honest, the things I want out of life, I'm not ready for... and I'm not sure my life is ready for me.

Anyhow, new happenings. My radio show show starts this Wednesday, and that should be exciting, hopefully recordings will come home with me. Umm... Beck rules... David Bowie rules.... I've been playing too much tetris on facebook... uhh... er... uhhhhhhh..... yeah.

Peace Easy, all you Tricks, Johns, and Marks!

A Crimmus Story

It was the day before Christmas, and I got package mail.
Opened both of 'em up and was like "HOLY HELL"
The first one was littered with holiday cheer
The second wasn't actually for me, and I thought that was weird
So I decided that it was time to go get some grub
Cause it was like 4:30, and I was hungry, bub
At dinner I made lewd comments galore
Something about someone being a whore
So back to my room for Fritos and Beer
Even though Speights tastes like piss from reindeer
Then I was chillin' with Rich and food warehouse Ben
Then off to Gallagers and Southern to find my other friends
After refusing to dance and stealing Nolans drink
I said, "I'm going to Midrats for tacos, I think"
After that ran it's course I stole K-Dawgs hookah
Comiserated with Drew and smoked shesha too-sah
Once that was over I headed back to my room
To watch Life Aquatic, but was inturpted by a boom
A bang, a clank, and a clatter
Oh here's a drunk roommate and a drunk girl.......
Shit there goes my night, I'm getting out of here!

So basically now I'm locked out and getting ready to wake someone up on this fine Christmas Eve Night..... even though technically, it's Christmas morning now.

Things I don't Remember

"There were jokes that didn't land, disco dancing neighbors, they were born in mashed potatoes.... how the hell'd we get here..."

"Let me go on like a blister in the sun..."

Man!
This adventure is awesome in a lot of ways. Not every bit of it is so cool, but hell, I never expected to just have fun the whole time I was here.

"Day, after day, I will walk... and I will play.... but the day after today, I will stop and I will start...."

I've rediscovered a lot of music I hadn't listened to in awhile. I've met some cool people, and some not so cool people. I've learned some cool things about science. Not that I could explain most of it, but hell it's still cool. I've grown, and continue to.

You maybe saying, James you keep saying one day you hate it, the next you love it, but what's it really like there?

Well it's like this.

The social structure, as I've said before, is much like high school meets summer camp. Not especially great in concert.
There are these special rules, on a count of this being a US Government facility, and also one of the largest travel hubs on the continent. I know that sounds funny, but not 5 miles away is New Zealand's Scott Base, also I've met Aussies, Kiwis, Italians, Irishmen, Polish peoples, and other non-Americans here. Some are living on base, some at Scott base, some are just passing through. The best thing about my job, as far as the experience of it all, is that it puts me in a unique position to meet literally everyone on base. I don't necessarily get to have in depth conversation with each and every person, but I have had short conversations with many of them, probably the vast majority. I have learned several drinking games just through conversation as well. Take, for example the Kiwi tradition of "Where you from?" which I learned about by wearing my APBC "I'm from Asheville, where the hell you from?" shirt out to the bar, Southern Exposer. Basically, if you say, "'ey where you from?" to a Kiwi, they must cheers you, finish their drink, and then tell you where they are from. They aren't allowed to return the favor. My personal favorite game I was told of, but am very afraid to play, is the Ferris Bueller game. It consists of watching the movie of the same name and drinking whenever the main characters name is said.... recipe for disaster, that is.

The long and the short of it is that this place isn't like anywhere or anything else you could ever experience.  The beer is all a year since it's on can sell by date, looks putrid when poured into a glass, and has gotten worse as the season wears on. I've stopped drinking it entirely. When I was still smoking, the American Spirits were stale and easily broken when attempting to ash, while the Marlboro's and Camel's were only on the cusp of being stale, but all of them were cheap. The chips and candy and most of the food we prepare in the galley is also well past its sell by date, and in some cases its use by date. But it still gets used. The fruit is often beginning to mold. But at the same time, I would wager that there have been almost no food poisoning cases here. That in and of itself makes me more than raise an eyebrow to the FDA and it's policy on expiration dates. There are also rigidly enforced recycling and trash sorting rules, which makes me see just how wasteful Americans are, because it all gets shipped back to the states, every bit of it. From used condoms and rotten food, to tattered cloth, to aluminum cans, to glass, to non-recyclable material.

Anyhow, I'm hungry and it's breakfast time (dinner for me), so I'm off!

The songs of the 50 States Playlist

Here is a playlist dedicated to the 50 States.

• Alabama- Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar) by The Doors
• Alaska-  When it's Spring Time in Alaska (It's 40 Below) by Johnny Horton and Johnny Cash
• Arizona- By the Time I get to Arizona by Public Enemy
• Arkansas- Arkansas Blues by Fats Waller
• California- California Uber Alles by The Dead Kennedys, Going to California by Led Zep and California Love by Tupac
• Colorado- Colorado Kool-Aid by Red Sovine
• Connecticut- I live in Connecticut by Aerosmith
• Delaware- Delaware Slide by George Thorogood and The Destroyers
• Florida- Florida by Modest Mouse
• Georgia- Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles
• Hawaii- Rocking Chair in Hawii by George Harrison
• Idaho- Private Idaho by The B-52's
• Illinois- Illinois Blues by Alvin Youngblood Hart
• Indiana- Goin' Back to Indiana by The Jackson 5
• Iowa- Iowa by Dar Williams
• Kansas- Going to Kansas by The Mountain Goats
• Kentucky- Kentucky Mud by Nappy Roots
• Louisiana- Red Hot Momma From Louisiana by Parliament Funkadelic
• Maine- Maine by They Might Be Giants
• Maryland- Maryland by Jesus Jones
• Massachusetts- The State of Massachusetts by The Dropkick Murphys 
• Michigan- Michigan Militia by Moxy Fruvous
• Minnesota- Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota by Weird Al Yankovic
• Mississippi- Mississippi Goddamn by Nina Simone
• Missouri- Missouri Loves Company by Ringo Starr
• Montana- Montana by Frank Zappa
• Nebraska- Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
• Nevada- Sands of Nevada by Mark Knopfler
• New Hampshire- New Hampshire by Sonic Youth
• New Jersey- Jersey Girl by Tom Waits
• New Mexico- New Mexico by Johnny Cash
• New York- New York, New York by Ryan Adams
• North Carolina- (Going to) Carolina in My Mind by James Taylor and Oh my Sweet Carolina by Ryan Adams
• North Dakota- North Dakota by Lyle Lovett
• Ohio- Ohio by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
• Oklahoma- Oklahoma USA by The Kinks
• Oregon- Oregon Trail by Woody Guthrie
• Pennsylvania- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by Guy Mitchell 
• Rhode Island- Rhode Island Red by Ike and Tina Turner
• South Carolina- South Carolina by The Archers of Loaf
• South Dakota- Deadwood, South Dakota by Nanci Griffith
• Tennessee- Memphis, Tennessee by The Beatles as well as Chuck Berry
• Texas- Texas Flood by Stevie Ray Vaughn
• Utah- Sign in The Window by Bob Dylan
• Vermont- Long Vermont Roads by The Magnetic Fields
• Virginia- Sweet Virginia by The Rolling Stones
• Washington- Spanish Castle Magic by Jimi Hendrix
• West Virginia- Country Roads by John Denver
• Wisconsin- Wisconsin Death Trip by Static X 
• Wyoming- Wyoming by Elton John

So, I tried to stick to the rule of having the song title contain the state name, but for some it was difficult or the song was too awesome to pass up. Also, I would apologize to Wisconsin for the Static X thing, but at the same time, you are to blame for the them to begin with so live with it. Ahhh, time waster fun stuff!

Roots

Things that I miss list:

Night time
Trees
Video Games
Grapes
Food that is in date
Good Beer
Good Pizza... and I never thought I'd crave pizza again
My Fam
My Friends
Rowdy
Rain
The Parkway
Buildings that aren't made of sheet metal
Private Bathrooms
Private Bedrooms
Privacy in general
Animals... they exist here but I can count the number of live animals I've seen on one hand

that's all for now, when more comes to mind, I'll make a new list.

Feeling Unstoppable

Basically just that. I'm not afraid anymore. Not of being alone in a strange place. Not of giant spider monkeys flying in from outer space and dismembering me. There is only one thing that could stop me I think, and I'm not setting myself up for that right now. Also, I'm not giving away my weakness. That'd be like Achilles walking up to you and saying, "Hey, stab me right here. Yeah, in the heel. Do it, something cool will happen!" Sorry kids, not gonna happen. I hope that my new unflappability and this invincible sensation carries over to my basketball game tomorrow night and right on through the rest of the work season, right up to when I leave this icy hell hole and just carries on with me forever. I'm confident it will. I've still got my bones to pick with this whole situation, but ultimately, there is no cause for all this to get under my skin, it's all gonna be out of sight out of mind in a few more weeks. Also, I feel great cause I did, in fact, quit smoking. It's like I feel... lighter.

Also, there are a few constant sources of inspiration that I can't thank enough. You know who you are, and if you don't, you should figure it out.

 

who wants to test me

I'm not sure why that is the title of this post. I did write it, but I'm not sure why. I have put on weight, I haven't had a smoke in a while... I'm not counting the days so I couldn't tell you exactly how long, I need to shave before work says something, I have been out of work for a week with a sinus infection that was accompanied by migraines and a sore throat. I'm not back to 100% yet. I've found a renewed distaste for social vortexes and high school-like social structures. People don't treat others that they haven't had interaction with as adults here, more like insignificant workers in an ant colony. My last week here has been pretty hellacious. I'm not especially happy with my time here as a whole. Have I had some fun, yeah. Am I readily awaiting the end of the season... hell yeah. The only reason I'm here is to put money away at this point. Charge through this shit like Cain Marko.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSuvOVH0aSQ

Diving Head First into A Brick Wall

I prepared my bags with great care. Double checked, triple checked. Everything must be there. I made sure I had everything I would need and still had a few emergency supplies with me incase something were to go wrong. I made sure that I was awake and ready to go that Friday with plenty of time to spare to catch my 4:59 pm flight out of Asheville. That flight should have served as a sign of things to come. At 5:30 pm my plane began boarding that October evening. Since then it seems that nothing has been as it was supposed to on this little adventure of mine. This was billed to be a place where someone could clean out their body of things like cigarettes and alcohol, however selling them a $3 a pack (cheaper than anywhere in the US) and $3-$5 for a sixpack (I don't drink this beer cause it's crap, but I'm making a point) doesn't help anyone who maybe looking to avoid whatever vices they may have. Or is sugar your standard drug of choice, and make no mistake it's addictive and wrecks your body too, so in this meaning it's a drug. Well, come with the slightly below US priced soda and candy and you'll be overjoyed. However, I for one find it pointless for the most part, because, for one the most delicious beverage on base is the "grape juice" which is more like a grape drink because it's mostly not juice, and two other than the raspberry flavored licorice twists by wonka, the candy is all gross cause it's several months, or in some cases years out of date. And still the sheeple smoke (guilty, but down to 2 a day), drink, and ingest large amounts of sugar directly into their fat faces.

Also, this new strange frozen world brought promises of being away from people. As the people who know me best will attest, that I relish my time alone. It's very cathardic and I get time to think. However the simple fact of the matter is that I am in a place with only 1000 people here. Even as I write this I'm being surrounded by people. It's not that I have anything against these people per say, but I need my time to my space. Honestly I don't really care about how their day is or what happened to them in their work center today. I would much rather be able to turn up my jams and read, or watch a movie, or just sit and think. But it seems in order to do that I am required to take a hike, and my knees are not always up for that.

Then there is my job. In a word, shit! Is the pay right... that depends on how you look at it. As a DA I make $392 a week. Based on a 40 week I make $9 something an hour, not so bad, but then take into account that I make that and work 56 hours a week. I have to pay into my health coverage... and as much as I need it, is it worth it. Also, my job is like working in a kitchen ran by half crazy kindergarten teachers. That, maybe a compliment. So at this point, the sum of all things here is that not only is it not all it's cracked up to be, but the only other perk aside from seeing Antarctica is that I have no desire to spend money on most things that are for sell here.

Some soul searching is in order.

Constantly in Sock Gloves

Yeah, so I went on an adventure the other day and forgot my gloves... that's right, I did that. So I used a spare pair of socks that homey Conor had on him. Also seal shoes!

PS- I know it's just a theme league but I'm on a roll, from Antarctica... YEAH!

Allow me to reintroduce myself

My name is EXHAUSTED!!

That's really all there is to it. I was reading Kafka and listening to Yoshida Brothers and straight up passed out after I got off work. The most amazing thing I've found is, at least in my case, that after working 11 hours the USAP still exects us to go out and voulenteer. In fact it's part of what is taken into consideration for our bonus. That seems a little excessive.

"Okay, so we're gonna pay you, but we'll pay you more if you 'volunteer' and help other people ouy."

That bit doesn't sound insane, but when they include the part about working 9:30 am to 8:30 pm it still sounds decent, until you take into account that the other departments, save for the janitors, have hours that mean I either have to sacrifice sleep or skip out on work. It's not like I get to sleep a whole lot. I guess I could wake up at 6 instead of 8, work an extra 2 hours a couple days a week (on 4 hours sleep) oh wait.. no.. that would mean working 13 hours a day, sorry Antartica, I like ya and all, but I need some down time. My body doesn't like you as it is.

Oh well, what are ya gonna do.

I'll tell you what I'm gonna do, I'm gonna sleep til 8, work my 11 hours, drink some tea, read, maybe watch a movie, play some pool, or go out and see this place for what it is.... not the base, the surrounding area... a place where nobody goes, save for those few thousand or so people that are crazy enough to come down here for work every year.

And the Band Plays on

So it goes, I suppose, lately I have gone to a concert at Gallahgers (where there is a free Multicade, but I still suck at Galaga), finally played in my first soccer game (although we lost) and read a hefty amount of philosphical essays. I also went on a hike up Ob Hill. All in all, I'd say I'm finding plenty to do with my free time. I hang out on occasion with the kids from work, and I'm lined up to DJ a party... if the party ever gets schedueled. So things go pretty well as of now. I hear rumors of packages en route to me, and I got to talk to a lot of family over the holiday. I'm feeling pretty good about myself. I'm in decent health, except for this bloody sinus infection, and don't have a whole lot to complain about. I've got a decent collection of pictures, some of which can be seen on my facepage. I also have developed a reputation amoung the other DA's... a rather thuggish persona. It's slightly comical to me, but I do love my hip hop, so I guess it works. Short post, I'm done here for now. -Love to the home team-

The blurry line between faith and fear

ICE TO SEE YOU

I've been offered an chance to stay through the winter. If I did I would be here until August or October. It's not a guaranteed offer. They are just trying to assess their pool of candidates for that season. I don't think I'm going to do that at this moment but the money would be right. It may cater a bit more to someone like me, I do well in small groups. However, I don't know how well I trust my conditioning for something like that. I thought I was more than 100% ready for the summer season, and have not had an easy go of it. Also, I would have to pass a psyche evaluation and be cleared by my neurologists. It strikes me that maybe the more correct choice, given the circumstances, is to reevaluate myself for perhaps another stint down next summer, on a personal level. Maybe, take some time back in the all to familiar surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the US, see how my world is and then go from there... I simply can't decide what way to go except forward. I have faith that I could complete a winter over contract, but too many fears to take a second consecutive leap of faith. One leap got me down here, two would require wings.

If he died and came back, would he try to save rap?

So, my foot injury seems to only have been a sprain.. my trust for doctors seems to drown with each time I have to visit one. Good news is, I'm back to work, no danger of being sent home from it. I'm toughing it out down here, even though I miss home dearly. I'm not quite a social enough person to fit into a situation like this. Maybe I'm under estimating myself, don't know, but I don't think I am. I have my music to keep me company. I guess, maybe the idea of going out and handing my earnings right back to these people in exchange for booze not appealing to me, I am a social outcast. I have gone out to the bar a total of one time here, and I don't know if I'll be going back. Not like I can't get a good drink there, more like, I don't want to have a good drink by myself. So while I've been down on my sprain I've been somewhat of a couch potato. Which is really the only choice I had... but I am a member of both a soccer and basketball team, and have yet to play for either because of injury. Eh, continue growin' one day at a time


also, it's lyrics in the title.

Delta and Ice Cave Pictures. See Facebook for the article.

Yeah I'm lazy sometimes...

DELTA

See, it kinda looks like a truck. It holds about 20 or so. It has a max speed of about 15mph during optimal conditions. A very bumby ride, that has some special grafitti inside of it.

Another Beautiful Shot of Antarctica

ICE CAVES 1

This is the last one that goes up on this post, because bandwith is in high demand. The Blue light is how it naturally looks inside the cave. This is one of the most awe inspiring places I have ever been in my life. I am glad that there was a better photographer on my trip, or else I wouldn't have know to turn off my flash.

New old post

"Don't tie the nipples in knots"
10-29-09 8:43 a.m.

Words of wisdom from my first full day on the ice. After sleeping for roughly 12 hours, then working 11 hours (one hour meal break)
and chugging 6 nalgenes (32 oz) through the day, I was surprised at my energy level after work. It was open basketball night
in the gym, so I played a couple of pick-up games before returning to my room to watch the recap of the Saints/Dolphins game,
and the Steelers/Vikes game... falling asleep before the later was over. Let me be more specific with what I mean when I say
"recap" they take a 3-4 hour football game, and make it into about a 45 minute broadcast on AFN (armed forces network). I also
saw the Vikes lose to Pittsburgh in my hotel in Christchurch. The cool thing about these condensed rebroadcasts is, since the
is over, any game changing plays (like Ted Ginn Jr. and his fake fumble) they pop up a box in the corner from the post game
interview and you here what the players had to say about it. It's like watch a game at 1 or 4 and that nights NFL Primetime
in one go. Pretty neat.
The beds are fairly comfortable but barely long enough. It'll be interesting when and if I share one of these with one of the
girls on base. By the way, they are very easy on the eyes and plentiful... particularly in my work center.  That's all for
today folks. Your song of the day is "This Life I Lead" from 2Pac's Better Dayz album.

picture time part 2

these i took

MIDNIGHT IN MCMURDO

THE PLANE RIGHT AFTER LANDING

FROM THE GROUND THAT IS OB HILL

MACTOWN

THE GIANT COUNTDOWN IN THE SQUARE OF CHRISTCHURCH FOR THE RUGBY WORLDCUP

picture time version 1

Settling into McMurdo is difficult. The population is constantly changing, so upon my arrival I was placed in a "transient" dorm room. On most occasions these are for people going to the base at The Pole, or a base that is run by another nation (most cases Austrailia, Britain, New Zealand, and Belguim; in no specific order). Also, doctors brought down for medivacs and the US Air Forces that run the planes. Today I got my key for my permanent housing room. Instead of sharing a room with 5 guys on a rotating basis, I now only share with 3... none of which I've met yet. So, aside from getting used to my new scheduel and surroundings, I'm finally going to be able to settle into a living space.

For anyone who hasn't seen on my facebook, there are pictures up now. None of my own mind you, but they do keep a common driver in the network that people can share their pictures with other people on base. That is where I found the ones I have posted. I still haven't gotten comfortable with the idea of detaching myself from most of what is still back home. I'm not sure I will. I did find out today that, by luck of the draw I will be one of the only people in my department that gets the acctual Thanksgiving holiday off. We all get a paid holiday in November, December, and January. Mine for this month just so happens to be on Thanksgiving. Coincidentally I have Wednesdays off starting next week (so I can play basketball). My hands don't really like it down here too much, as I've probably said before, there is some type of contact dermatitis on the back of them. It's extreamly unpleasant. They have been cracked and bled most of the day today. I am currently in debate about how and if and where I may travel before coming home. I'm considering several places including, but not limited to, spending time in NewZealand; Austrailia, Hungary, Netherlands, Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, and Southern California. Okay so that is pretty well the list. Partly, it depends on how much I make down here. Also, there are other factors to consider. Like how much it will cost me to go to various places. Hope this clears up any questions. I know I haven't been the most informative person so far. Working on that. Also, I have a new found respect for recycling.We are required to sort every thing into different bins cause guess where all our trash goes? That's right, back to the US. I still think the way it is done in the states is rediculous. Melting down and reusing plasitics isn't helping, it just pollutes differently. I think maybe shooting it into space would be better, but that creates a new kind of hazard.

Withdrawl is a bitch

Okay, we lied, the transmission isn't over, but soon it'll be back in the hands of the rightful owner, like why isn't it over, the snow had just begun to make you sober.

Down to one cigarette a day if that. I'm tempted to buy another pack on payday.. I'm gonna try not to. The fact that I can get a $3 6pack here is not gonna help. That's right a 6er and a pack a smokes $6 that's too much of a temptation. Okay well. short rant of a post there, gotta run. Much Love cats and kittens.

Halloween Hangover

Halloween parties full of random people, beer, wine, and yes there was a strobe light that didn't help. That is a recipe for a crazy day long hangover headache. Throw in the fact that I haven't gotten a full nights sleep in 2 days, and then you have the recipe for thanking the powers that be you have a day off. My first so called free day. With it I'm not doing a whole lot. I was going to go to the gym but plans were thwarted by massive dome pain. Eh, well, what are ya gonna do. So how am I gonna spend my evening...? mostly with a pencil and paper, computer and headphones. Rolling on ice skates (not really on that part). The most depressing thing about Halloween was that it made me miss being home. Those are always the best parties of the year, Allisons Halloween parties. This makes 2 years in a row that I've missed it too. Oh well, I have much better reason for it this year. Facebook is becoming my worst enemy. There is some weird delay so I never can tell who's really on there and then I know it's getting ready to be DLST back home so it'll be what an 18 hour time differance now. BAH! My hands are healing, so I'm beginning to think they are just stupid dry. Anyway. My comfort level still waivers but is getting better. I think it'll help in a few days once i get a phone card and can hear some familiar voices for a change.

Words -JTJ

Super terrific

So, I like it. So far. I miss home, but it's good here. I can deal with this until March. The worst thing that I have to say is that the days are long and the back of my hands and covered in wind/steam burns and that kinda hurts. I don't think having to wash my hands 80 million times a day helps either. Oh well, whatever. This is more of a drunken rambling then an update. I keep a log on my labtop but it isn't clear by IT yet, cause I keep forgeting to take it.. I have to take it there before 830 am and I wake up at 7ish and mornings are B U S Y!!!

Ice Love

Travel Tales: Thoughts en route

To You:
24 October, 2009


Sometimes you don't realize how bad you're going to miss someone until you're 3000 miles away, preparing to catch a
flight that is going to take you to the other side of the world. No, I don't say this with any philosphical soap box
under foot, only with the truth of experiance. Not one past but one present. This is the last thing I will write in
the States for many a moon, and even as I type this into notepad for safe keeping, my eyes are leaking and carrying heavier
bags than I have been all evening. I realize now who the people are back home that I care most about. On a certain level I
have always known but not ever been quick to admit it. There is not to be any humor in this post whenever it may reach the
blogosphere. Cold teeth, and a curse on this town... sorry I had to let the Shins take over for a minute. They are my only
solace right now. I can't run to my friends for hugs and comfort. I can't call my parents for kind loving words... or even
criticism. I can't go walk it out. I have to sit in this damned airport terminal and learn very quickly to leave the ones
I love. I have no time for a learning curve because my stubborn ass wouldn't accept this very basic truth prior to departing.
I have tried to put a positive spin on my deeply guarded pain since I went to visit my mother and brother in September. The
simple fact is that either no one noticed or anyone who did was smart enough to let me see to it on my own. Despite whatever
the truth is I now am able to say that I am now, more than ever, on my own. Are there people where I'm going? Yes, simple
answer. Will I make friends? Most likely yes, and with some luck, quickly. Will I think about my family and friends everyday?
Without question. Will I come back a stronger person? Almost certainly. Will it hurt me a little inside? I will not be
suprised.
I love you all
Some more but none less

 (Oh Inverted World)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


10 out of 14 hours on flight 26 from L.A. to Auckland.
Nota whole lot to do on the flight, but on what flight is there anything to do really?
I watched the brothers bloom and predicted almost everything in the movie.
I ate Mahi Mahi on the home side of the date line.
Well past that, and there'e no turning back.
No worries, I have my memories and my pictures.
My music and my personal wealth of movies, and for the time being the ones on board too.
"Make sure she knows you'll love her well, but don't make any other promises."
The Avett brothers console my spirit and remind me of home.
This is going to be a good six months (not even that long).
"So when you run make sure you run to something and not away from..."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hands of the Saints. No, not Reggie Bush. 

That just so happens to be the name of the song I'm listening to. Citizen Cope. In Auckland, New Zealand. Nearly done with my 

trek to the ice. It's my birthday... kind of. I don't think it's even the same day back home. I am excited to get started with

work, anxious to post what I wrote to my blog in transit. I think that if I came home right now, I'd be a new man to a lot 

of you. I've also learned that New Zealand is a beautiful place. I thought it would be, but now I know. There aren't many

places where you see marshes, evergreen trees, palms, the ocean, and mountains from one vantage point. I couldn't eat right

now even if I wanted to. I've learned a lot from reading Big Dead Place about how to live on the ice. I estimate I'll learn

more once I'm acctually there. With the help of my computer I've figured it is 5:43 pm back home... on Sunday the 25th...

So I guess it isn't technically my birthday. Just as well, I can have dinner in Christchurch when it is actually the 26th 

back home. Hope someone celebrates for me back home. By contrast it's Monday, October 26th at 10:46 a.m. here in Auckland.

For those of you who can't or don't want to try that's a 17 hour time differance, my favor. Things seem more... easy going here.

Maybe that's because the last place I was in the States was LA... more specifically LAX. LA isn't anything worth talking about,

unless you want to read about how I think it's a vile, smog-ridden, cestpool for people with a false sense of entiltlement.

I could go on with that, quote a bit of Bill Hicks, but I'll spare you. I will leave you with this-

"I thought I'd write, thought I'd let you know... hope you find some time to drop a note... but if you don't, if you don't...

then I'll consider you gone..." 

Ben Folds makes me happy, but don't consider me gone..

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Safe in Christchurch, time for dinner. 

Love,

JT

Preparation Station

So, you know what's fun. Being on a time table trying to figure out all the things you should take to live on the ice for 6 months. How the hell can I figure this out. I've got plenty of guidelines and suggestions from various people. Also, weight limits for airlines don't help... DAMN YOU AMERICAN AIRLINES!!!

Anywho...

It seems that I miss read what some of the reactions I got. Everyone is happy for me, in case that was unclear. Many people are even jealous. The thing I guess that was bothering me yesterday was the idea that people are going to be said to see me go. I don't deal with things like that well... I know that it's all the "we love you, be safe, have fun, we'll miss you" type of thing, but I just wish people would save that stuff for after I'm on the plane. I know better though.

For the record, I know my pre-flight jitters are not very interesting for any of my readers, but you'll get over it and this will get more interesting soon... especially with the forth coming birthday adventures in Christchurch  entry. I cannot promise a sober entry from whatever hotel I'll be in that night.

Thoughts on my last week home

As the time grows nearer for me to hop on that plane for the longest flight I'm sure I'll take in my life (From Asheville to Atlanta to LAX to Sydney to Christchurch to McMurdo), I find my self almost not wanting to visit with my friends before I leave. Not because I don't want to see all of them before I go, but more because I find many of my friends that are going to be sad to see me go, which is fine, right up until it messes with my psyche. I know that they are all happy for me and excited for me and all that, but I can't help but think... I'm only going to be gone for a few months LET ME BE HAPPY FOR ME! It makes it more difficult for me to be happy for myself if you guys can't be happy for me.

On a lighter note...
As it happens I will get to spend my entire birthday bumming around Christchurch, NZ. I get there on the 25th and fly out early on the 27th. SO..... EAT IT PETERSON!!  
No, but really, to all my friends and family in the States, I love you all and thank you all for your support.