3362 nautical miles, 2 flights, and an unexpected overnight with an alligator later......I'm home.

Yes, I'm home!  But before I get to that I'll tell you about the last few days of my contract.  The weather unfortunately took a turn for the worse, so no more afternoons out on deck 7.  But I kept myself pretty busy - going to the gym, using the internet, watching movies in Marie's cabin, and getting packed early.  This is the first time I haven't had to rush to get everything done.  My last night on board was a really nice one - for work all I had to do was play in the short, easy Christmas show we've been putting together.  I actually really enjoyed it.  Afterwards I spent some time in the crew lounge with all my friends who came to wish me farewell.  I've found that sometimes its not until you are leaving that you realize what neat friends you were lucky to have, and how much they have come to mean to you.  

The next morning we arrived in Miami, and after full crew and guest immigration, the sign offs were finally able to disembark.  I made it to the airport by 11am, and then had some time to kill before my flight at 3:50.  I got to Dallas without incident, but unfortunately it was so cold there that all the planes had to be de-iced prior to departure, which delayed us about an hour and a half.  By some strange coincidence, I happened to be seated next to a bandmaster from Norwegian Cruise Line, who also had just signed off that morning, so we kept each other entertained swapping ship stories.  (He talked to me first because he saw my trombone and thought I was on a high school band field trip, go figure).  Meanwhile, back at the ranch, my parents were getting snowed in on the mountain.  They couldn't come get me, so I ended up crashing at the NCL bandmaster's house with him and his wife, who live about 15 minutes from Ontario Airport.  They are a really cool Christian couple, and I felt at home staying with them.  So where does the alligator fit into all of this?  Well, apparently they know someone involved in a Discovery Channel documentary, and were babysitting this 2 and a half foot alligator overnight.  They were keeping it in their bathroom shower.  No kidding - I took a picture. 

My parents were able to get out the next day and pick me up around 3pm.  It was so great to see everyone.  We went straight to In N' Out, of course, then barely managed to make it home before the next storm hit.  It dumped buckets on us up here, I think we have three feet of snow.  But the important thing is, I'm HOME!!!!

Sea Day #4

We are halfway there!  Actually on the map we are more than halfway, but this is our middle sea day, three down, three to go.  I should really get packing!  

Yesterday was a really nice day, although it was rocking a bit more than it has been.  I still spent an hour or so out on deck seven feeling like I was on top of the world.  It was a pretty laid back day since the show was Jack Walker - who was here 2 months ago for a couple cruises and whose show we know really well.  To be honest the greatest challenge was just staying awake since for his show we only play along with a click track and its pretty easy the whole time.  To help pass the time in the afternoon, Marie and I decided to do something new for us and go get manicures in the spa.  I've never had one before, and it was fun to go with her.  I hope I can keep my nails looking nice so I can show off to you all when I get home.  After the show a few of us watched a movie in Marie's cabin to wind down, after stocking up on snacks from the staff bar before they run out.  

Today I spent my morning here in the Cova Café, since I couldn't seem to stay in bed.  All these hours back are getting my body used to a 25 hour day, which makes things interesting.  I've been here for a while, and the ship is just starting to wake up, so to speak.  We have something exciting today - a rehearsal for an impromptu Christmas show.  The ship was Christmas-ified at the beginning of the cruise, by the way, and Marie even bought a 4 foot tree in Barcelona!!  It takes up half her cabin.  Anyway, the Christmas show wasn't supposed to be until next cruise, but a scheduled comedian didn't make it to the ship in La Palma, and the aren't going to helicopter him in, so we're filling in for him.  We got the music yesterday, and everyone is involved - all the musicians on board plus the cast and the new a cappella group.  I'm actually kindof excited - maybe because I don't actually have to stick around for the whole Christmas season, I just get to do the show once.  The show will be on my last night here.  

This evening myself and the usual suspects are going out to eat at casual dining.  Our cruise director Matt got us approved last minute because the schedule had been flipped around and we can no longer go the day I originally requested.  So we'll get to go out one last time before I leave, which I've been wanting to do.  Tonight (after our Christmas show rehearsal) we only have Starring You, the guest talent show that also tries the band's collective ability to stay awake.  That reminds me - I've been thinking about it, and just for fun here are a few of the songs that have been ruined for me forever, as a result of working on ships:

-My Way (this one definitely tops the list)

-Sweet Caroline

-Don't Cry for Me, Argentina

-Con Te Partiro

-Hey Jude

-Music of the Night

-Zorba the Greek

-The Entertainer

-Danny Boy (although I highly recommend the Muppet version on Youtube)

-Nessun Dorma

Note: this list is not exhaustive and will be added to.   We hear/perform these songs several times a week on average.  I know most of them in about 7 different keys.  If I ever have to play or listen to any of the above again, it will be too soon.