JIM & JAN: Cruise Connection

Ahoy, and Aloha fellow Hawaiian Cruisers,

Jan and Jim here.  Jan’s the one with all the history with Diana and Roger, working at the City of Irvine for 29 years until she retired in 2010.  Though Jim lived in Irvine for 27 years, it wasn’t until a dance class in 2009 that he and Jan met, right after she had returned from a 3-week Mediterranean cruise with the Davis clan.  Jim was immediately struck by the “new girl” in class—the one with the crazy red hair who reminded him so much of Peg Bundy from the “Married with Children” TV series.  Jim’s always had a hankering for trashy women and when he found out that Jan was, in fact, the “trash queen” of Irvine (in charge of the City’s recycling programs) he knew this had to be fate.  All it took was a belated birthday card, a fake rose, and a quick lunch to seal the deal.  Geez, she was so easy! 

Jan & Jim in Maui

Jim’s introduction to Roger and Diana’s group was a motorcycle trip to Big Bear.  He quickly impressed Jan and the rest of the group when, while edging his Harley into the shade at our first bar…err…rest stop, he somehow permitted the forces of evil (and gravity) to take over—dumping him and his date onto the asphalt.  Everyone immediately jumped in to pull the 750 lb bike upright.  Then, as an afterthought, they helped Jim and Jan get to their feet.  Somehow the bike emerged from this ordeal unscathed.  The only explanation is that in the course of her unceremonious dismount, Jan had somehow placed herself between the bike and the asphalt, thus protecting Jim’s prized possession from harm.  To Jim this was a sign from above that he had found the perfect biker chick.  It dawned on him that this relationship was special and could actually go the distance.

Apparently Jan agreed.  For not long after, they threw caution to the wind, divested themselves of their individual condo lifestyles, and bought a home together on the lake in Lake Forest.  They’ve been together ever since.  They’ve learned to accept (or at least cope with) the unique characteristics of the other.  For example, Jim’s a morning person while Jan’s a night owl.  Jim’s always hot, Jan’s always cold.  Jim’s a stickler for punctuality, while Jan’s always “fashionably late.”  Is this a case of opposites attract or irreconcilable differences?  Who knows?  Despite these disparities, one thing they definitely have in common is their love for traveling with Roger and Diana!   

Jan and Jim have joined Roger and Diana on several trips including follow-up motorcycle trips to Big Bear (without incident, I might add!), a cruise to Ensenada, a trip to Cancun, a trip to Hawaii, and most recently a Mexican Riviera cruise.  Cruising is their favorite way to travel now…especially with Roger and Diana and company.  It’s always fun, entertaining, and relaxing.  They’ve met wonderful people, shared stories and laughter, visited fascinating places, and enjoyed amazing cuisine!  How could it get any better?

Jan and Jim are very much looking forward to this Hawaiian adventure and once again enjoying the magic of cruising with the Davis clan.  See you all on board!