I got to play dress-ups today in the clothing store, one of my favourite parts of getting ready to go South….. there are fur lined goose down jackets, big gloves and beanies, goggles and boots.  It’s mind boggling to see all the clothes hung up like the biggest walking robe you have ever seen.  It’s pretty amazing seeing the basic equipment that every person going to Antarctica gets issued with; base layers, middle layers, top layers, lots of different types of gloves, boots, sunnies and goggles, survival packs.  I have been given some insider info from returnees apparently its good to get outer layers that have been worn before because they are softer and more pliable, much easier to walk and work in.  This goes against the grain of wanting the new, shiny thing but I’ll listen to the voices of experience.  Probably unfortunately I didn’t listen to these words of wisdom ……’Jennifer, 5 weeks till Christmas don’t plan on loosing weight (sigh)’.  These word were uttered by some-one very wise but I didn’t listen and got the pants I can’t do up, because I’m on a diet and going to loose weight……… I have until mid Jan to swap them.

I also have to buy fake plants, a bit of greenery goes a long way and apparently the greenery on station is looking a little sad.  What a dilemma, do I get palm trees or ferns to invoke a warm feeling, vases of cherry blossom to bring in some colour and the excitement and beauty of spring or cool shade loving plants like lilies.  I know they are only plastic but plants invoke feelings and moods just like colour.  The responsibility, I was paralysed by indecision!!!  I love plants and plastic ones last forever I don’t get to buy a new one if it dies or doesn’t work….

Then I saw this picture and realised that it doesn’t really matter what type of plastic plants I get.  The whole reason that I am going is because I want to see this every day, in the snow or sun.  I want to climb that peak behind the station, walk across the harbour when the sea ice gets thick and be stuck inside looking out the window when there is a blizzard and I can’t see the next bright coloured building.  The fake greenery indoors is just to remind me of the beauty of home, something to look forward to.

photo’s copyright Chris Wilson & Jessica Fitzpatrick/Australian Antarctic Division