Tim's blog can eat a Jade!

Hello everyone! I'm home, and I have to say, it's good to be back on the west coast where it somewhat feels like winter and I am surrounded by my friends and family. My time on the Jewel was a blast, but it's nice to be back in California for the next 3 weeks or so. I have already seen a most of my friends in Chico and now I am greatly looking forward to my trip down to SoCal this weekend to see the newest member of the clan: Grace Elizabeth Merrill!!! Isn't she just perfect!! I have yet to see her in person since her birth at the end of November, so I am STOKED!

The second piece of information that I am excited about is that unlike last time I came home from a contract, I actually know when/where I will be traveling to next!! I will be leaving Chico on the 4th of February, on my way to join the Jade in Barcelona, Spain! I will be cruising the Mediterranean Sea for 2 months (hopefully longer), making stops in such places as Malta, Morocco, The Canary Islands, Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Turkey. After this contact, my plan is to meet up with my brother in England, as he is finishing up his degree at a school just north of London. Please pray for safe travels, health, and epic-good-times!!

A small side-note, my brother made it known that he will be starting a blog of his own which will out-do mine. I'm not sure how that's even possible, how it could be measured, or what he's been taking to make him have these outlandish visions! That being said, I'm sure his blog will be moderately entertaining, and you should probably check it out.

D

Last Week on the Jewel!

The last 7 weeks have gone by SO fast and I'm already on the cusp of my final week on board. I can't believe I'm going to be coming home in 7 days!! I am excited to go home to see family, friends, and the new baby, but as i did on my last ship, I met a lot of really cool people which I will miss! This week I have no work in port, so I am going to make every effort to get off and do as much fun stuff as possible. Hopefully Cave Tubing/Zip-lining in Belize, and renting Jeeps Costa Maya and cruising around! I'll take tons of pictures. This is a picture of me and Lisa, the Art Auctioneer, on Christmas Eve in Costa Maya.

A couple weeks ago my "Ready List" request went through so I'm one step closer to being full-time, so that's good. Also this last week I put my ship request in for my next contract. I am hoping that I wont have 2 months in between ships this time...so bored!! I requested the Jade, Gem, and Sun. The Jade and Gem both sail to Europe this spring, and the Sun is doing 2 week cruises through the Panama Canal and around South America to Brazil. Any one of these three would be awesome, so I'm praying I get one!

This last week was New Years and although I had to work in the Teen Center till 1AM, I still a blast!! Although weird to be one a ship instead of with family and friends, New Years was awesome.

Hope everyone had a great holiday season, I will see you all next week or soon thereafter!!

D