What exactly does one pack for Antarctica?

I've had many people ask me what I'm bringing with me on this adventure. I have gone by the packing list that I was given and probably over packed. How does one fit their whole life in two suitcases? It's basically how I've been living for the past 3 years but this is by far the coldest adventure so lots more sweaters than bathing suits.

My bags

The packing list given to all Raytheon Polar Service Company employees like myself is as follows...

Boots or shoes; work, climbing, hiking, insulated as needed

Glasses; eye and sun, extra pair, record of prescription

Gym clothes and shoes for athletics

Holiday attire

Jacket; pile and windbreaker

Neck gaiter

Pajamas/robe

Pants/jeans

Shirts; light wool or cotton

flannel, long-sleeve (machine washable)

Slippers for indoor  wear

Sock liners; polypropylene or Thermax

Socks; heavy

Sweaters; heavy and light

Swimsuit (for sauna)

Towel and washcloth

Underwear, thermal top/bottom

Underwear, regular

Flip flops for shower

Alarm clock

Batteries, rechargeable/charger

Camera/camera batteries

Coffee mug (nonbreakable)

Day pack

Hair dryer

Hobby, craft items (small)

Laundry bag

Lock, combination or key

MP3 player/extra headphones/

AC adaptor

Musical instrument/spare parts

Prescription medications

Sewing kit

Skis; skate/cross country

Plastic food containers with lids

Toiletry articles; toothpaste,

dental floss, comb, razor,

shave cream, deodorant, soap

and skin lotion for dry skin,

tampons, a carrying case

Vitamins

Water bottle

Ziplock® bags

 
You might say a jacket isn't going to keep me warm in these harsh conditions...
I will be issued extreme cold weather gear when I arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand and orange bags to put my things in as well. The ECW gear is loaned to every employee for our stint on the Ice. Pictures of course as soon as I can!
Now, how much of things do I really need was my next question. We are talking 6 months here! There may not be a Wal-mart or CVS on the continent but I can get things via mail. As well, we have to bring out everything we bring in so empty bottles of shampoo, vitamins, etc. So its recommend to placing things in reusable containers like ziplock bags or food containers. Lots of planning here!
I wish I had thought to take a picture of all of my clothes laid out on my bed and my mom's as I was packing and debating on what to take and what not to.
So I am all packed. Hopefully I've got it all.
I was asked today if I'm nervous. Honestly, it hasn't really hit me yet. I've planned and prepared for another adventure. I'm more excited to actually be there. I want all the flights to go by quickly, as I'm not looking forward to sitting for ~12,000 miles! The circumference of the earth at the equator is 24,902 mi... ok half way around the world here I come!!