28 October 2009 After Much Anticipation... (Video)

Oct. 28, 2009--I remember when this day was seven months away, and it seemed like it was so far off in the future! Well, what HAPPENED?!?!? I leave tomorrow!!! And to be perfectly honest, I've been holding my breath-in a figurative way, of course.

I have had MANY days in which I think about this upcoming expedition and feel like I'm going to absolutely come out of my skin!!! I have other days that I refer to as my "AED" days-Antarctic Emotional Day. Those days find me so taken with emotion that tears fill my eyes as I really ponder what an honor this is and find myself very humbled by the thought of the experience awaiting me...a place in the world that is still pretty much untamed...hard to imagine in this day and age.

Leaving my students for several weeks has been more difficult than I thought. As I was speaking with a couple of colleagues about the weeks ahead and potential curricular modifications/accommodations, I found myself starting to well up with tears. You see, my students are my responsibility. Their care and education has been entrusted to me, and I take that very seriously. As I don't have children of my own, my students ARE my kids. Granted, I don't have to feed them (PHEW!), and they don't come home with me for weekends, holidays or summers, but they're still my kids. And, a lot can happen in six to seven weeks. So...to any of my students who may be reading this---NO tanking allowed!! (You, too Whit!)

And, to my friends and colleagues, thank you so much for being so supportive and accommodating. Hands down, I work with the best staff!! A little crazy sometimes, but it makes the job exciting and fun!

Spirit Week--Animals V. Camo--I'm clearly outnumbered! Yikes! A handmade scarf and hat to make sure I come back with the body parts I left with! Some of my students agree to a group picture, and you know how teenagers feel about that!

Unfortunately, this day has gone quite off plan. I went in to make sure everything was set with my classroom and to tie up a couple of loose ends with my substitute-Lee Havalchak.

Jamie Blue Coat convinced me to apply, and Lee has graciously agreed to me "me" till I get back! Thanks ladies!

Said a few last minute good-byes...

English teacher Adam Ruth takes time to say good-bye...again!

And wouldn't you know it. I felt like I was running a fever. I checked when I got home, and lo and behold, I was running a fever and feeling like crap. Called my doctor's and then Raytheon. My nurse practitioner of almost 23 years, Tina Burt, saw me within a couple of hours. Diagnosis? Ear infection. Prognosis? Cleared to travel. Treatment? A MASSIVE dose of antibiotic. It could be worse as we're having flu issues in the area-seasonal and H1N1.Oct. 29, 2009--You've probably already read some of what I posted from Elmira and then LAX. The Detroit to LA flight was a hoot!! I wonder how Jay and Mike made out and if Mike's mom has figured out that he is NOT at a glassblowers' convention in Vermont. Guys...if you're reading this, I hope you had an awesome time-no doubt you did-and **"saphe" **travels home!!Oct. 30, 2009-What do you mean I miss Friday??!! And, I miss that extra hour of sleep when Daylight Savings Time begins back home this weekend??!! What the...?!?!?!Oct. 31, 2009-Arrived in Christchurch this afternoon, as did my bags. My teammate David's did not...nor did Jeff's skis...nor did Fritz's bag. And, the Biohazard Beagle responded to my pack. Go me!!

My lowly pack that had a banana in it months ago scores a reponse from Biohaazrd Beagle! Great sniffer!!

Her sense of scent is so sensitive that she'll respond if you've had a piece of fruit in there at one point. The last time I had a banana in there was many months ago. Once I opened my pack as requested, the nice gentleman could see that I was not trying to smuggle any fruit, nuts, plant material, etc, into New Zealand--that will get you into HUGE trouble!-they moved on to check other bags throughout the baggage claim area. (And for those of you who know me...yes...the sight of the Southern Alps brought me tears as we began to fly over. Yet another breathtaking sight!)

breathtaking, stunning, spectacular...I must come back!! Quite a view to take in! Check out the lake in the upper part of the picture! Wait! Was that a movie??? A view of the Southern Alps and corresponding countryside Southern Alps meets flat land As my seat mate pointed out, we were over what is known as Canterbury Plains.

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