There is a saying about people who go to Antarctica. Quite simply people go the first time for the adventure. The second time for the money and the third time because they don't belong anywhere else.
There is a line in a song by the Juanita Family that says, "There are two different kinds of people in this world and I am neither one of them."
The Juanita Family makes sense to me.
The first time I went to Antarctica was for the adventure. True. For me, the second time was also for the Adventure and the third time was an Adventure.
Now, faced with my fourth season, the only reason I could come up with for wanting to go back to McMurdo for the Winter was because of money. What can I say, I'm a cliched procrastinator. It would have taken me four seasons to accomplish what some people do in two.
Money is great. But money can't by warmth. It takes global warming for that.
After traveling around the New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Germany, Poland and France I found out I do belong somewhere and, for now, this place is the place where they say, "This is the Place" and that place is Salt Lake City, Utah.
On Monday I turned down the job offer to return to McMurdo for another season. I have a number of friends who I will miss down there, but I have sunshine, summer, golf, family and friends I'll get to spend this next year with.
I'll be spending my time working on freelance writing projects and personal writing projects I have put off ever since 2002 when I first stepped foot in Antarctica. Hopefully, these will prove to be successful--at the very least, I have things that need to be finished that don't include living in the dark, going crazy and working, living and breathing with same 124 people for nine months.
I figure it's better to retire from Antarctica before I turn sour on a place I love. And, since I recently sent an email to one of the incompetent workers in the United States Antarctic Program which said, "In the future try being less dramatic and more professional" it is quite possible my tolerance level has reached its expiration date.
If what you crave are stories about Antarctica, this girl has a link to just about anyone down south with a computer and a blog: http://www.icewishes.motime.com/
Follow your dreams and I'll keep you posted on mine.
Posted by phil at January 11, 2007 05:55 PMPhil is back!! And he isn't going to Antarctica!! Huh? reread-reread... Yup, ya aren't going. And we all understand. Take care. Glad you'll still be blogging. After all, it wasn't titled "ColdFunnyHellPlace", it was "Phil Jacobsen."
Posted by: grouchosuave on January 11, 2007 06:24 PMbravo, bene, bis
mi è piaciuto molto, ho letto il testo in italiano su bùran
ciao
Posted by: evacarriego on January 11, 2007 10:42 PMHope you enjoy your time away, Phil, you will certainly be missed south-side this year! Never fear, I'll stink-hole every cribbage player I can this season, in honor of handing you the defeat at Hut 10. Take care bud!
Posted by: Moose on January 12, 2007 12:38 AMEnjoy your time away, Phil! Hopefully, you haven't quite burned out entirely, but I can understand taking some time away. I'll be sure to kick ass on the cribbage battlefield in your honor, bud!
Posted by: Moose on January 12, 2007 12:41 AMPhil,
You will be greatly missed this season. Your friendship and positive energy made 2006 a great year. Good luck in Utah.
Alex
Posted by: Alex on January 12, 2007 05:25 AMI know this was a tough decision for you. Continue to keep in touch. We enjoy hearing from you. We enjoy your writings.
Posted by: Louis in Greece on January 12, 2007 06:28 AMsee you soon in the city of salt...love, kris
Posted by: on January 12, 2007 07:00 AMWarm is free in Phoenix with great sun, golf and a futon for important guests like you! We offer free airport shuttle and I know at least one good recipe. I could call your Mom and get some casserole recipes.
The welcome mat is always out and Taylor would love to learn some new mom-irritating tricks.
Road Trip!
love ya,
Sindy