Back Again!

Well, most of you know that I made it back to the Ice for Round 2. And most of you probably already know that, while this is my first blog about it, I've been here for about 2 months now.

But let's let bygones be bygones, eh?

I got a job in the Waste Department this year-big promotion, from washing dishes to sorting trash! (No, but really, it IS a big promotion, and I'm about to tell you why). The Wasties (as we are known) are an awesome group-great team spirit, great management, lots of pranks and all around silliness. I know what you are thinking, "Aileen couldn't POSSIBLY fit in with a group of tricksters!" Well, I am here to tell you that I have left my serious and somber ways behind.

My season started way back in July with Hazmat training in Corpus Christi, TX. I went from working in Alaska all summer to what felt like the hottest place on earth. Hazmat training consisted of three days in the classroom (with the AC on so high we all thought we were going through some type of cryogenic freezing process), and three days outside where we were either on dinghies learning how to clean up oil spills in the water, or in Hazmat suits, learning how to clean up chemical spills and sweating to death in the process.

I had a GREAT time! I got to meet everyone on the team, stay in a hotel for free (baCHING!) and warm up after my long, cold summer up north. Not to mention how much my brain grew with all the new information I got to absorb :)

Then October 6th I made it down here. Unlike last year we were only delayed one day in Christchurch, NZ. But one day is good enough for me! We arrived midday, and after some housing snafoos (I was put in the tiniest room imaginable...seriously, take the worst college dorm you ever saw, and make it half as small, and then stick a bunkbed in there...with a man! GASP!) I got it taken care of right quick, using my charm and intellect, and the fact that men and women don't get housed together, and am now living with three wonderful ladies.

It's been a good season so far...GREAT in fact! And I intend to write more often than last year, and way more often then this season leading up to now. Hold your breath! I may surprise you :)