Hellraiser and Weirdness

So. I work in an electrical supply warehouse that looks like it's just waiting around for someone to remake Hellraiser and use it as the picture-perfect chain-draped set. There are no windows, and many ducts, and the walls, ceiling and floor are thick but still battered grey steel. Today my boss, Mike (who I quite like) was like, "Oh I hear you are an artist....if you want to decorate you can"....So there's something. Apparently there hasn't been someone artistically-inclined in the building since Winter Season 2004. Now there is me, a fledgling tattoo artist, and my coworker Denise, who is a landscape architect from Alaska.
Here is Antarctica, everything is very heated, and most buildings are comfortable in a T-shirt. Not really so in 121 Electrical. It's a hoodie environment, but pretty darn comfortable, considering that the wind outside could make your face turn black (I'm being dramatic. It has actually warmed up to around 0, and the days have been gloriously sunny.)
It's "the driest continent" on earth, which is taking a toll on my papery and too-often washed hands. That's why I asked people to send me lotion last post. I am beginning to understand the mentality that fosters here where people talk about what flights took off today and marvel at the fact that all of the Polies (people on their way to The Actual South Pole) are taking up all the room in the cafeteria because it's -50 at the Pole and so therefore planes can't land and flights are delayed. See? I got excited today because Mykle got mail. Mail that I sent him, so no surprise even as to what's in it. Mail is now exciting, and I haven't been here a week. I am NOT INTERESTED in big trucks or planes taking off, and am sort of scared of the apparent isolation that makes these prime topics of conversation. Imagine only getting groceries a couple times a month, by incredible feats of derring-do (landing an Airforce C-17 plane on the frozen ocean ice that is only 9ft thick), and talking with everyone you meet about how much you want fresh lettuce. Hah. Weirdness!
I went into the laundry room in Hotel Cal (where we live) today and encountered a muscled man with a beard and long hair, dressed only in windpants (a kind of overpant with suspendery things) because all of his clothes were in bag drag (they make you pack up all of your stuff and be ready to go to the Pole every day a flight is scheduled, no matter if they take off or not.) and we proceeded to have a conversation about chef's pants and how awesome they were. More weirdness! You know, it's a coed dorm, and all the men walk around in just their boxers. I think I am one of the only girls here, especially on my floor. Most of the couples are downstairs. We've got two Daysleepers up here (folks that work nights and sleep in the day.I like the word, it makes them sound like a rarely seen type of exotic animal. And they are) and a lounge and an Irish guy named "Lucky" who walks around outside in a t-shirt (apparently, I have yet to witness it). So it's pretty awesome.

Mainly because of this guy right here:



I have been totally absorbed since I arrived in some serious crafting. There is a craft room, with a bitchin' and super-powerful sewing machine, and lot's of other stuff you wouldn't expect, and since I am part of a "group costume" for the Halloween party this Sturday, I have to bust ass on it every day. And go to sleep by ten. This is obviously a different Kai Smart than the one you know! (Never fear, I still wear eyeliner and we just started watching the 3rd season of Angel!)
SERIOUSLY, if anyone wants to send me some turquiose green and oatmealy-tan yarn I will be so happy (this is my new color combination that I wear often). Lamb's Pride (my favorite brand!) ? That's like a whopping $16. I'll love you forever!

love anyway,
Kai


I miss you! And thank you a million for all of the comments! It's like my comment-birthday! Also: you guys are pretty funny. And I love comments.

OFF TO THE CRAFT ROOM!!!!