Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 11/06/2007 - 09:28

Hi, Ms. Bell!

FALA dancers would like to know how you have been dealing with the physical stresses of your work and the harsh climate.  Do you or your colleagues stretch, do any "somatic" work?  Do your muscles feel or function differently down there?  Do you need to eat or drink differently to maintain health? And, of course, have you tap danced with penguins?

We miss you!

Leslie Baker and co.

Mindy Bell

Hi Leslie and all FALA Dancers,We SHOULD be doing more stretching and yoga, etc.  I've seen Stacy doing some yoga on the ice, and Bryan stretches between drilling the flights, but most of us should be doing MORE.  Thanks for the reminder!
One thing that is different is you have to be careful to warm up your muscles and it is best to not lift too much weight, because muscles are often cold and stiff.  We try to share loads that under normal circumstances we could lift ourselves.  I find that I spend too much time "hunkered over" and three of us have some nerve damage so our hands tingle and can't open and close easily, especially in the morning when we first wake up.
We aren't getting ANY fresh fruit and vegetables now that we are at New Harbor camp - so we are careful to drink lots of juice, eat frozen vegetables, dried fruit, etc. so we get enough of our fruits and veggies.
And, sadly, we haven't seen any penguins...  Keep your fingers crossed that I will see some before I leave in about a week!
Love and miss you all! 

guest

Hello Mindy! I am having a wonderful time reading your journals. I guess I'm living vicariously and wishing I was there, too. New Harbor looks incredible, and I hope you get to see penguins. Enjoy! You are doing a great job!Dena Rosenberger
 

Mindy Bell

Hi Dena,My team is hoping to get out to Cape Royd's today - so keep your finger's crossed that I'll get to see  some penguins.  I haven't even seen a skua yet - though they are in town now!