The Web of the Amazing Spider-Dan

Update #8 - Jacksonville Airport

2008-11-20T10:57:00.003-04:00

Well right now I am sitting in the Jacksonville airport waiting for our flight which is supposedly on time and the weather looks nice. I am just waiting for them to tell us that the engine fell out and they accidently filled our plane with deisel instead of karoseen. Honestly, we don't have good luck with airports. Anyways, no trouble getting off the boat. I'm not sure why they had us up at 6:45, we were a lot longer getting off or even seeing any body to be up at that time but no big deal. Now that we are on land again, I am ready to be home! See you soon!

Update #7 - Saw it all in Nassau

2008-11-19T23:04:00.000-04:00

Well it’s been a great day in Nassau, Bahamas. It was sunny and hot. When we got off the boat we met a guy named Marvin, who offered to give us a tour of Nassau so we went with him all over the city. We got to see the entire city and learned a lot of the history and culture. Our final stop was at the lost city of Atlantis and it was incredible. Nassau, Bahamas is definitely one of our favorite stops we have ever made and we would really like to come back someday.

Supper was good again, I had lobster bisque while Janelle had Sicilian penne for an appetizer and we both had salmon for a main course. Dessert consisted of cappuccino pie for myself and Janelle tried something new with the chocolate melting cake again!

Today was another fun day at sea but we took advantage of it being a little windy outside and really relaxed and laid low today. We did take in the show this evening and supper was great again. I had veal parmesan and Janelle had steak.

Right now we are packing to go home. All non US citizens need to meet with customs at 6:45am!!! So we will be heading to bed soon!!!

Update #6- Bahama Bound

2008-11-18T11:52:00.000-04:00

Well last night supper was once again a hit! I started with fried mozzarella while Janelle had chicken tenders and we both had grilled chicken served over fettuccini with cream and mushroom sauce, followed up with tiramisu and chocolate melting cake for Janelle. The show last night was good. Two comedic acts; the first was a gal that got better as she went and the second was a guy who has opened for Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock and he was really funny! Back to dinner, I should mention that we really enjoy the couples we eat with and found out last night that one of the people we eat with is a youth pastor in Atlanta, Georgia. Cool eh?

This morning we woke up at sea and went to the dining room for breakfast where I had eggs Benedict and Janelle had waffles. We sat down at a table full of people and as our conversation went we found out that the man sitting across from us was a professor of pharmacy in Atlanta. He was very interested in how pharmacy was done and taught in Canada. In fact, even after breakfast he tracked us down in the atrium to ask more about it so that was kind of cool! He’s going back to tell his students all about it, especially how even though the USA requires a Pharm D, pharmacists in NB can prescribe with a B Sci Pharm.

I know this is an early post but there is a deal on the internet right now. We are arriving in the Bahamas in about an hour where the temperature is 80F!!!

Update #5 - Keyed up in Key West

2008-11-17T18:25:00.000-04:00

Well last night we went to the Captain’s cocktail party where they had free drinks and hors d’oeuvres and we actually had no trouble getting non alcoholic fruit punch, they didn’t even look at us like we were crazy! Because it was formal night there were places to get your picture taken everywhere so we did that for a while before supper. Supper was incredible last night. We both started with west Indian roasted pumpkin soup (WOW) and I had stuffed mushroom caps. We also both had bowtie pasta with turkey, bell peppers and cream sauce and I had a lobster tail and shrimp to go with it that I didn’t even order, they just brought it!!! For dessert we had a pudding cake we’ve had before called bitter and blanc which was also awesome. The night finished with an 80s musical called far from over which was probably the best musical I have seen on any of the ships, really something to see!

This morning we woke up in sunny Key West, really beautiful to look out the window and see! We got up and had breakfast on the deck before going exploring for the morning. We toured a whole bunch of the little shops they have down town and took in some of the sights including Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. So that was pretty cool. Around noon we got back on the ship to eat and lay in the sun which is pretty much what we did all afternoon as the ship left Key West and now heads south to the Bahamas!

Tonight we have a special reception for past guests that we are going to which is also usually a good time. We are having a blast so far!!

Update #4 – Fun Day at Sea

2008-11-16T18:20:00.001-04:00

Well last night’s dinner was amazing where Janelle had lasagna as a starter and chicken a la grecque as her main course while I had smoked duck as my appetizer followed up with flat iron grilled steak and we both had chocolate melting cake for dessert! We then went to the Welcome Aboard show featuring the Fascination singers and dancers and a really funny comedian. As it turns out we have the same cruise director that we had on our first cruise! After the show we went to bed and fell asleep in approximately five seconds, so relaxing!

This morning we awoke to the heat of the sun on our faces peering through the window. We had breakfast in the dining room which was delicious. We then spent most of the morning laying out in the sun. We had lunch on the lido deck which consisted of chicken parmesan, salad and rotini with meatballs and chocolate mousse for desert! Then it was off to the jacuzzi for a little while and back out to lay in the sun. Ice cream happened somewhere in there as well! We just got back from a walk on the Olympic track on the sun deck and are getting ready for the Captain’s cocktail party. Tonight is formal night so we will be all duded up!

It is so nice to be on the boat and not have to worry about weather or catching flights or any of that nonsense. Relaxation has set in!!!!

All Aboard!! - Jackin’ it up in Jacksonville, Florida

2008-11-15T21:05:00.001-04:00

Well we made it to the cruise! We were quite concerned yesterday, and even through the night we had some trouble sleeping as the forecast in Charlotte and Jacksonville called for thunderstorms – 90% chance – and we know you can’t fly in thunderstorms, especially topped with our flying luck. However, it was more like cloudy with sunny breaks and it is 81 degrees here in Jacksonville currently…just what we were waiting for.

We were able to board the plane this morning on schedule. Getting off the ground was another story after waiting our turn in line on the runway. We were about 35 minutes or so behind, but we made time in the air and only landed 10 minutes behind schedule. We immediately went to track down our luggage, which was ready and waiting from the flight it made last night. We then saw a Carnival rep at the airport, greeting guests so we found a way to travel a Carnival shuttle and were immediately at ease. The Carnival boarding process is much more pleasant than that of the airport. Carnival employees are very inviting.

This post is mostly to announce that we’re on board the Fascination, something that as of last night, we weren’t entirely sure would happen today so we’re really excited. Thanks for the prayers. To reward ourselves from our travel troubles, we have visited the pizzeria, the salad bar, the deli (for a reuben sandwich), the grill (for nachos with cheese, and some fries) and of course, the dessert bar for some chocolate cake, vanilla soft serve on the side. Yup, we’re finally in vacation mode. We’re going to explore the ship, which looks really nice and is all decked out for Christmas!!

Update #2: Grettings From Charlotte?/ Air Planes Stink

2008-11-14T21:38:00.003-04:00

So here I am writing in the Quality Inn in Charlotte North Carolina. We got up in Portland this morning to catch our flight which was of course late. The plane wasn't there on time so we left about 45 minutes late. This causeed us to miss our connecting flight in Newark Airport, New Jersey. Luckily they booked us a plan B flight to Charlotte, North Carolina with a conntction to Jacksonville Florida(our final destination). On the way to the gate we were selected for a random search by security! GREAT, not like we're in a hurry or anything! So they took us aside and frisked us down nice and close! Then they looked through EVERY single item we had on us. The emptyed every bag went and through every compartment. So we arrived at our gate just at the boarding time BUT there was no plane there, late again. So an hour later we leave and miss the flight to Jacksonville. So here we are in Charlotte in a hotel at our own cost and our luggage is presumably in Jacksonville as it got on a flight that we couldn't. Yee Haw!

The good thing is that our Hotel is right beside the Cracker Barrel so supper was good! Anyways, our flight leaves, OR IS SUPPOSED to leave at 9:45, so here is hoping! Our Ship boards at noon!

Update #1 - Singing In The Rain in Portland

2008-11-14T00:40:00.002-04:00

Well well well, the blog is back since I am away. I don't really blog much anymore but if you would like to keep up to date with our trip this is the place!

We drove to Portland to spend the night tonight as we have a morning flight tomorrow that we want to be ready for. Fairly uneventful trip, we sang some Christmas carols as we drove through the rain. We did eat at the Olive Garden though!!! I had this steak fettichini alfredo gargonzola, wow was it GOOD! Janelle had the chicken fettichini alfredo which is always a clasic. Anyways, we head to florida tomorow, I am not sure what the forecast is but I'll bet it's warmer than Portland!

That's all for now!

How to get Habs tickets... Happy Blogday

2007-09-15T14:09:00.000-03:00

Well this is how you get habs tickets... First you need a phone with a headset, a PC and a laptop. Fire up all three and start trying to get tickets five to ten minutes before they go on sale. Get through twice only to have your firewall get freaked and kick you off and an hour later you are in. Better seats than last year anyways!

Also I noticed that my blog's birthday was on the 12th... great post eh?

Keep em coming Foreman.

Facebook

2007-08-20T15:10:00.001-03:00

This if for you Dave,

Not Above Jobs

2007-08-17T12:10:00.000-03:00

Well earlier this summer I was asked to speak at the counselor orientation at Canoe Cove Christian Camp. I spoke out of Philippians 2 on the attitude of Christ and how our attitude should be the same. One of the things I emphasized was that no one is above certain jobs. Not all jobs are glamorous or fun. In fact many are far from it but none the less if we are to have the attitude of service, like Jesus, then this is something we must recognize.

Just recently I preached a sermon of the same sort a few Sundays ago and made a similar emphasis. Isn't funny how after you make a point like that God provides you an opportunity to set an example yourself? Well the following week I got a call from W&B Coburns. This is where I used to do chicken work when I was a teenager. They were short staffed shipping out and were wondering if I knew anyone who could help and if I might be able to help myself. I quickly agreed to make a few phone calls (What a servant I am!) but was reluctant to commit to ship out chickens as the memories came back to mind. I then thought of my exhortation that we are not above jobs and that night entered the chicken barns again.

You know, we all get a little proud sometimes and think that we are either too old or young or experienced or good or whatever to stoop down and wash some feet like Jesus did. But if Jesus wasn't above jobs and we are not above Him, then maybe we need to evaluate our attitudes a little bit.

I know, me too.

Youth Ministry

2007-08-03T18:23:00.000-03:00

I really like this video. Very true to life.

I'm Not Who I Was

2007-07-09T15:40:00.000-03:00

Positive Hits 96.5 is holding an "I'm not who I was" campaign which I think is a very cool idea! I love having a Christian radio station in our city!

Massage

2007-07-05T21:14:00.000-03:00

Well I have been back from my lovely vacation for a while now and most of my relaxation is gone. I really feel I like I came home and hit the ground running and have only slowed down to eat and sleep. I have a few dilemmas facing me in pretty well every pot I have my hand in right now and I find myself getting frustrated.

So my lovely wife booked me a massage. She didn't tell me she was doing it, she just told me to dig out my palm and take down this appointment. Anyways, tonight I had my appointment and man it was awesome. We have a college here where massages are only twenty dollars and worth every penny. If you are ever in the Fredericton area I highly recommend it. It is important to give some time to yourself and that is a lesson I need to be reminded of sometimes. So if today you are stressed by everything just relax take a minute for yourself, thank God for his love and remember that he is in control.

The Pictures are up!

2007-06-22T10:18:00.001-03:00

If you want to see the pictures from the trip then scroll down!

Update #8: Last Day at Sea and The City that Does Sleep

2007-06-16T23:40:00.001-03:00

We got up early so that we could eat breakfast in the Pairs dining room. Our regular location was the London but this one has a view! Janelle had waffles and I had eggs Benedict. After breakfast we layed out on the deck until the debarkation talk. We then took a ride on the water slide and then to the pool before lunch. After lunch we did some line dancing in the Rome lounge and then headed back out to lay on the deck.

This led us to a nap and then supper. We took one last look at the photo gallery and shops and ended the evening with a show featuring guests of the ship which was cool.

This morning we got up and once again had breakfast in the Paris dining room... that was the best thing that happened all day. We took quite a while to debark the vassal but finally made our way outside. There a taxi guy offered to take us to the airport for ten bucks, fair enough. He pointed us to another man who took us to a big van, loaded our bags and we got in to wait for him to fill it with other passengers. While we were waiting another man came and opened the door and asked one of the other passengers to open the driver's door. Once the door was opened, the guy got in to move the vehicle so a taxi with a trailer could get out. We backed up into the van, pulled ahead and then backed into it again!!!! Anyways, the vehicle we hit twice finally made it out and we waited again. Then another guy from another company comes and opens the back doors of the van and yells come with me as HE GRABS OUR BAGS AND TAKES OFF WITH THEM!!!! We chased after the guy who loaded them in his trailer, not wanting to make a huge incident we got in his vehicle along with the other passengers in a vehicle. He totally stole the other taxis costomers but we had to get to the airport and needed our luggage which HE had!

So we made it to the airport and so did our bags. We got in and bought a coffee. That part was good too! Ok now back to the daily trend. I drank my coffee and Janelle ate a brownie of some kind. We were sure there would be dining in our terminal and asked an employee to confirm, cleared security and made our way to our gate area. Dining had much less options here, but we dealt with it, ate and waited for our flight to board. Things looked good until about twenty minutes before our flight when we felt we should be boarding. They soon came on and said twenty minutes or so... then twenty minutes or so... half and hour... so on so on. Then they said they were fixing our plane. Then they said we were getting a new plane. Then they sent us to a new gate. Then our flight was delayed!!! Finally we boarded our flight hoping to have half an hour to catch our next one which was supposed to be a four hour layover. We sat on the plane for a while... long enough to watch the ENTIRE in flight movie for a weather delay! Finally our plane took off. They announced as we neared New York that we would still make our flight to Bangor!!!! But they were wrong as that flight had long left. The airport, much to my surprise was totally DEAD. Hardly anyone passengers or employees. I guess the city does sleep sometimes.

So here we are in New York in a low scale hotel room with a couple of cheap meal vouchers with one coffee shop open in the airport. Did I mention that they wouldn't give us our bags... yeah no clean clothes or anything like that.

There's no place like home, there's no place like home!

Update #7: Greetings From Jamaica Mon

2007-06-15T21:05:00.000-03:00

Well this morning we woke at 7:15 as the ship pulled in to port in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We were actually late arriving because of lost time yesterday on the rescue mission but Jamaicans are not really all that concerned about time, I don’t even think they knew we were late! We met a catamaran along the pier which took us out to some coral reef to snorkel. The reef was beautiful and we saw all kinds of tropical fish – including Dori. I even held a sea cucumber! After that we got back on the catamaran and we headed for Dunn’s River Falls. I am sure most of you know but Dunn’s River Falls is a fresh water waterfall that spills into the Caribbean Sea. We gathered with our group and climbed up the falls and it was unbelievable, so beautiful. We actually climbed the falls with a couple of guys we met at the open dinner the other day, Allan and Zack. They are two young guys in college and we have seen them around the boat some. It is so neat how you make friends around the boat and get to see them and chat with them from time to time. Anyways they were a lot of fun to hang out with as we climbed the falls.

We got back on the boat mid-afternoon and had some lunch on the Lido deck which was of course awesome and then got cleaned up to attend a special party for return cruisers only. Free drinks and we actually tracked down some fruit punch this time as well as hors d’oeuvres. They had some fun and dancing, Janelle and I danced on the stage with other guests while a live orchestra played in behind us. Then they played a little presentation on the history of Carnival Cruise Lines. Very cool. We then got ready for dinner and tonight was the second formal night so we got all dressed up again.

Supper was really good but we wanted to save room because the midnight galla buffet was also tonight, hence why this blog is late! This is where they set up entrees and especially deserts that can take as long as 14 hours to prepare, the whole thing takes 120 man hours to prepare! Lots of chocolate for Janelle! On another note, Janelle has sworn that she saw one of our waiters from last year on the ship on a number of occasions. After a while I had to agree with her. We thought it was Ladislav form Slovakia who was, we felt, one of the best waiters on the ship last year. So last night we saw him again and I asked him if he worked the Carnival Legend last year and sure enough it was him. We told him that we raved about his service and that he truly was one of the best. He seemed really touched and said that he had never had a guest come up to him who had remembered him before. He even told his boss who came over to meet us too. It was really cool and I really hope it helps him in his career.

Update #6: Grand Time in Grand Cayman

2007-06-14T01:00:00.000-03:00

Pardon the lame pun but today, like the rest was another great one. We set an alarm for 7:00 this morning and got up for breakfast. Our shore excursion wasn’t set until 9:30 but you have to be ready to go early in Grand Cayman because there is no pier. The ship drops anchor a little more than a quarter mile from land and taxi boats take loads of people ashore. We were plenty early for our excursion of parasailing only to find that it had been cancelled due to bad weather. It was raining some and they say that if water gets on the parachute then it will go down and there is no way to determine how fast. This was kind of disappointing. We debated taking one of the other tours but none really interested us for the money involved so we decided to do some shopping instead while we waited to see what the weather would do.

Shopping, I have to admit wasn’t that bad. There were a lot of cool things to see and the atmosphere was a lot calmer than in Mexico. The weather really improved too so we boarded the ship to eat and then went to Seven Mile Beach. Wow, the beach was unreal. The sand was so soft and the water was warm and crystal blue. As soon a Janelle got in she was swarmed by a school of tropical fish, at least I think that is what I saw as I did my best to maintain balance when she jumped on my back!! We took in the afternoon laying on the beach and cooling off in the water. (Side note on schools of fish: yesterday I forgot to mention that while we were lying on the deck a school of dolphins came along side our ship! There had to of been hundreds of them coming to the surface of the water, major cool!)

We got back on the ship late in the afternoon and got something more to eat and took a nap. When we were getting up and getting ready for supper something really strange happened. I went to the Lido deck to get something to drink because I woke up thirstier than life but noticed some little black dot off in the distance when I looked out the window. I didn’t really think much of it, could be another boat or a rock or who knows. Anyway a short time after this our cruise director called attention over the intercom that our vessel was stopped because the captain had spotted a boat in distress and a rescue mission was in progress. Updates were given throughout and finally all members involved were rescued and taken aboard our ship! They are being given free food and shelter and will be dropped off for arrangements when we reach Ocho Rios tomorrow.

Supper was excellent again. We dined alone tonight, that is the other couple who sit with us, Robert and Tiffany, did not attend the dining room. The water is rough tonight so they may have been a bit under the weather. Either way it was a nice meal. We then attended a three part show with dancing, then a really funny comedian and a juggler who was really good and very funny.

Grand time in Grand Cayman!

Update #5: Another Lazy Day at Sea

2007-06-13T01:07:00.000-03:00

Well last night I left off with getting ready for supper which was excellent – fillet minion. We tried the mahi mahi since we had each caught one earlier. It was ok but was done up in the health food menu so didn’t have as much taste! After supper we went to a great show and ended the evening with a Mexican buffet and sail away party.

Today was the definition of a lazy day at sea… we got up, ate breakfast, laid on the deck, ate lunch, laid on the deck, watched the sunset, ate supper, went to a show and are now going to bed… RELAXATION! I love it. Should be a little more intense tomorrow but believe me we rested up for it!!

Good night!

Sorry pictures still won't work :(

Update 4: Something is Fishy in Cozumel, Mexico

2007-06-11T19:26:00.000-03:00

Well this morning we woke up almost to our port on the Island of Cozumel, Mexico and it was dark. That’s right, the sun wasn’t up yet at 6:15 when we got up this morning, got ready for the day and headed for breakfast on the Lido deck. We had to get up early so that we made sure we had no problems disembarking so we could meet the local fishermen who were taking us deep sea fishing! There were five guests to a boat and we made a 30 min boat ride out to good fishing water. Good I’ll say, we hardly had the bait out and the first guy on rotation had a fish and it was a beauty! It wasn’t a long time after that and I thought I had one. I pulled and reeled for a LONG time and my arms were ready to fall off by the time we realized it was a weighted net I had caught. I couldn’t believe it, all that for nothing. It was so hot it was unbelievable. Soon after that, the first guy’s son caught one. About 45 minutes past with nothing when two took at once! Another man reeled in one and I took the other. I reeled in a huge mahi mahi fish! Man what a fight they put up, it was so cool! Well the trip was almost over when Janelle, the natural, caught the last fish, another mahi mahi fish (they all were). It was so fun but my arms are killing me!

After a fun but exhausting fishing trip, we headed back to the ship for a nap. When we got up we took in some lunch and then headed back out into the city to do some shopping/ browsing… Janelle’s idea. After a walk around we headed back to the ship to cool off in the pool. We just got cleaned up and are preparing for supper. We are bloging early because there is a special rate on the internet right now. We will fill you in on the rest of the day later!

Update 3: Happy Anniversary on a Day at Sea!

2007-06-11T00:13:00.000-03:00

Well today Janelle and I celebrated one year of Marriage, more on that later! We woke up this morning around 8:30ish and took our time getting ready for a lazy day at sea. We had breakfast on the Lido deck where a chef prepared special order omelets for us. We ate this ocean-side and it was beautiful. We then took in the shore excursion talk in the Rome Lounge. This is where all the important talks, shows, acts and such take place. This was very informative. Once it was done we purchased our tickets for our excursions. We will be… did you actually think I was going to tell you? Check tomorrow!

After this was done we took some time to explore some parts of the ship we hadn’t been to yet, like various lounges, shops and galleries. It really is quite remarkable the variety of things that are on the ship. This led us to lunchtime on the Lido deck which was once again exquisite! One highlight for me was a smoked salmon sandwich made on a bagel bun. The afternoon was whisked away laying in the sun and hanging out in the pool.

Before supper tonight we attended the Captain’s cocktail party with free hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Unlike last year we couldn’t track down a non-alcoholic drink this time but that’s ok, the music was really nice and there were some people who could really dance. We were required to dress up to attend, as supper tonight was formal as well. There are always lots of people around to take your picture but especially on formal night. Wow, my face hurts.

Supper of course was unbelievable. Janelle had roasted garlic pumpkin soup followed by a spinach salad with bacon and Portobello mushrooms with blue cheese walnut dressing. For a main course she had spaghetti carbonara and the chocolate melting cake for desert. I had water… Actually I had everything she had minus the melting cake, add stuffed mushroom caps and a tropical fruit plate!

We ended the evening with the first half of the show but got tired and turned in. Best anniversary so far!!

Good night!

Update #2: All Aboard! Sunny and Hot in Miami

2007-06-10T01:17:00.000-03:00

Today we got up in sunny beautiful Miami and it was HOT! The continental breakfast at the hotel was really good… Belgian waffles, yum. Good times. We left for the cruise terminals around 11:30 and arrived to begin our wait in lines around 12:00. It takes a good half hour to actually get on the boat. By the way this is the first thing you see when you step on board.

Even before heading to our room we went straight to the Lido deck for a bite to eat. I had pizza and a hot dog and Janelle had pizza and salad. Then we had cakes and so on and so on, yeah food! Most of our afternoon was consumed with lying out on the deck and lounging in the pool. The only activity we had to participate in was a safety drill, which Janelle didn’t mind because she gets to wear her handy dandy PFD. Looking sharp!

Supper was amazing, I started out with hickory smoked Atlantic salmon and salad followed by Ziti with Italian sausage, green and red peppers and mushrooms. Janelle started with fried chicken tenders on marinated cucumber lettuce followed by supreme of chicken a la greque… please don’t make me explain what that is, it was good that is all you really need to know. For dessert we had chocolate melting cake and vanilla creme brulee and no Dave we did not share it! Actually, I found the chocolate cake too rich so Janelle ate mine too!

The evening ended with a cool show with lots of singing and dancing and really funny jokes followed by a comedian who was pretty good too. Tomorrow is our first full day at sea and we are very much looking forward to it!

Good night!

Well pictures arent' working because blogger goes nuts when I leave the country it seems we will try later!

Update #1: Hot and Sunny in Orlando, Hot and Rainy in Miami

2007-06-08T22:56:00.001-03:00

Well we were up at the crack of 4:00am this morning to get ready to travel to Bangor Maine to fly to Miami. Good travel with nice weather and zero problems at the boarder, we boarded our flight and left on time. The Boston Airport is a little busier than Bangor but we had no problems with our layover or finding our gate. This flight also left right according to schedule. We were very tired and slept for two hours or so during our flight from Boston to Miami… or should I say Orlando. We got to Miami and circled a few times as a thunder storm kept us from landing. We were getting low on fuel so we had to motor to Orlando to fuel up and wait for clearance to head to Miami. Orlando was sunny when we arrived, it rained a bit and then became sunny again. Miami is smoking hot but rainy.

Not very eventful yet but we are certain the best is yet to come when we set sail tomorrow! More to come!

Blog Blurbs 2

2007-05-26T10:16:00.000-03:00

Spider-Man 3

So you have all awaited my personal review of the 3rd Spider-Man movie, well here it is. I loved it. I know that many of you are thinking, "Dan, you would have loved it even if it was an obvious piece of garbage" or "Dan you think you ARE Spider-Man, how could you not like it, it would be like disliking yourself" or "I'm hungry, I think I will grab a sandwich after reading Dan's blog" All of those statements may very well be true but what can I say. I have seen the movie four times so far. Many have poked at the "cheesiness" of certain scenes especially when (spoiler warning) Spider-Man forgives Flint Marko (Sandman) and when he cries over the death of his friend Harry. I don't know, I find it refreshing that a modern movie would take the time to teach us about forgiveness, the downfalls of revenge and Spider-Man's grief makes him more relatable as that would be the reaction of most people. Either way, I loved it and recommend it without hesitation.

Humbling Experience

This past week I went to go visit a friend in the hospital in Saint John. I hate driving in Saint John because it is a busy city with a confusing layout but Darrell and I actually did quite well getting in and out of the city. While we were visiting, we were asked to leave the room for a moment (what turned out to be more) while the doctors tended to something. While outside of the room we struck up a conversation with a man in hallway. His name was Zack, he was a quadriplegic who was also hooked up to a machine to breathe for him. As we talked I discovered he had been in the hospital for five years. We shared stories and laughed and had a great conversation. As we left my mind went back to him. He had fallen off a bridge while working 5 years ago and his life was forever changed. He has a 6 year old boy and a whole life ahead of him. Then I look at the things I lament over... humbling indeed.

May Conference

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Well over the long weekend the "X" traveled to Halifax for the Spring youth conference. It was a little late coming together but Jim did a great job pulling it all together. Ben, Dave and Jim all did a great job on their messages and Central's band was great. The weekend was so much fun and I just love spending time with our youth, makes me smile! The theme was service and Jim said something that really struck me. He spoke of what humility really means he defined it like this: God is greater than I am and I am here to serve you. What if we took all of our encounters with other people and applied that. wow
The Face

I have a reputation for making faces in pictures or ruining them as Janelle puts it but I made a face recently in a video and it is so crazy that I cannot even replicate it. Anyways, here it is:

Gone Fishing

Well, this coming Wednesday I am heading to Maine's Lake for a fishing trip with the Foremen men. I am really looking forward to it as it is always such a great time. It is out in the middle of nowhere with no electricity or phones, just quiet, fishing, eating and nature... probably lots of laughs too. Can't wait.

Cruising

When the fishing trip is done, Janelle and I are going on another cruise for our anniversary so stay tuned for cool updates from that trip!!!

Marvel vs DC

2007-05-12T10:55:00.001-03:00

Marvel vs DC 4

2007-05-11T10:26:00.000-03:00

Marvel vs DC 3

2007-05-10T15:53:00.000-03:00

Marvel vs DC 2

2007-05-09T12:51:00.001-03:00

Marvel vs DC

2007-05-07T14:55:00.000-03:00

This is great!!!

How to Save a Life...

2007-04-17T15:29:00.000-03:00

This morning I woke up to a song on the radio that I have been hearing a lot lately. It's called "How To Save A Life" by "The Fray." I really liked the music and the flow of the song but sometimes had a hard time catching the lyrics especially in the grogginess of the morning. This afternoon as I was working the song came on again so I thought I would look up the lyrics and read along. This decision has slowed my afternoon pace. If you know me then you know that songs tend to hit me in ways that other mediums don't. In case you have never heard the song, here it is with the lyrics:

Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

This really got to me. Upon the brief research I did on the song I know that it is about an experience the writer had working as a mentor at a camp for troubled teens. Prior to even reading this, it made me think of what I do. I am a Youth Pastor and I have worked with youth since I was one. I often stop and think (as I did today) about people I haven't seen in a while. Some that I only knew a short time and others that I worked extensively and intimately with. I wonder about where they are in life now, what kind of decisions they have made and are currently making. I wonder if they ever bring to mind some of the things we talked about.

I ponder these things and it kind of makes me sad. You see, I am among the fortunate few who have combined their passion with their vocation. What I do is more than a job to me. It is my passion and the desire of my heart to work with people and do my best to point them to the Lord and the life that brings fulfillment and joy. I do not see the youth that I have worked with as my job or obligation, but rather as my friends whom I love and care for. I do my best to spend meaningful time with people in either a group or intimate setting and pray everyday that it means something. I know that all I can do is share what I think, my life experiences and the word of God to the best of my ability. I cannot change anyone but it breaks my heart to invest in these lives and the stand back and watch some of them follow roads that will certainly destroy them and all I can do is watch.

It hurts because I would do anything to help, sometimes I just don't know what that thing is. What I do know is the one who does save lives is the one I work for, live for and find my being in so I guess I will leave the saving of lives to him.

Blog Blurbs

2007-04-11T10:05:00.000-03:00

I know I know

Ok, its been a month or so since my last post. That is in part because of laziness and another part because I couldn't think of interesting enough to make an entire post out of. So I have decided to give you a hand full of blog blurbs of things that have either happened or that I have thought of since no one likes those posts that are all about why you haven't written.

What is with the Snow?

Don't get me wrong, I love snow... I love it in October, November, December, January... by February, I am done with it and I'm ready for it to melt. So the recent snow and even snow storms, like ones that cancel school are kind of a bummer but it's weather and we all have to deal with it right?

Sad Day

This past Saturday was not a great day for me. When I got up in the morning I stubbed my big toe and cracked the nail down the centre enough that it bled. I was of course nervous all day because of the big game that would either put Montreal into the playoffs or eliminate them. They, as you know, gave it back to Toronto after it had been given to them in a game with a lot of goals, a lot of saves and no defense. Didn't really sleep well that night and had to preach the next morning. Oh well, there's always next year!

Blind Star Choice

I don't watch a lot of TV but I do like to use it to unwind in the evenings sometimes. We have a pretty good package with Star Choice but I have been frustrated with it as of late. Not because I think we need a better package but because of the ambiguity of what is on. You see sometimes it messes up and and every show is just listed as "No Info" so you have no idea what is on any channel. Good thing summer is coming and the TV will be reduced to a minimum.

Don't You Hate Pants? 2

Well yesterday I dawned the shorts for the first time this spring! It hasn't looked much like spring as of late but yesterday and today has seen us in plus temperatures and I am letting the great outdoors know that I appreciate it! I suggest you dig out the shorts too and let the weather know that it is time to warm up!

Things Are Looking Up

Well despite the fact that my beloved Habs missed the playoffs, things aren't so bad. At least it is playoff time and although I can't tell what is on TV for most channels I know that Hockey will be on CBC and TSN every night so at least there will be something on. On another note, I bought a cool score board light for our den yesterday and while purchasing it I joked with the cashier asking if there was any kind of discount since Montreal didn't make the playoffs, she laughed saying that she had seen the game and what a heart breaker it was. Then she says well I'll give you 10% off. I thought she was joking but she wasn't and knocked 10% off!! Probably because I have spent a fortune there already but still, I thought that was cool.

Friends

2007-03-18T09:51:00.000-03:00

Well last weekend I was able to get away to Prince Edward Island to visit my brother and his wife for a few days. It was such a nice weekend and I really wasn't ready for it to end. One of the major reasons being the time spent with friends. On Saturday night, a whole bunch of my friends from PEI came over to Ben's place for a BBQ. It was so much fun to share, eat and laugh together. We hung out all evening until we finally all had to retreat for a night's sleep. The next day after church a bunch of us (slightly different bunch, and I mean that in every way!) went out for lunch and shared the same kind of fellowship. What a great time.

I was reminded of a post I read on Lily's blog this past summer. It was all about friends and the significance they hold in our lives. Especially the friends who are our brothers and sisters in Christ we hold a special bond that stretches onto eternity.

When I got back from PEI on Monday, another event reminded me of the significance our friends hold. I praise God that I have friends who call me out when I am in the wrong and who have graciously accepted rebuke from me when it was warranted. Although not always fun, that's what friends are for.

Either way, I say time and time again that blessings fall on me like rain and they do. Thank you God for my friends.

Gifts

2007-03-08T11:07:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday I went out and bought the new Relient K CD, Five Score and Seven Years Ago and it is incredible. When I got the the Lighthouse, our Christian book store, they had two versions of the CD. The regular one and a limited edition one that came with a DVD. I couldn't resist! The CD is unbelievable, once again the songs are so smart, fun and really speak to me. The DVD for the most part is the video of them recording some acoustic stuff that will probably come out on an EP later.

As I listened to the CD and watched the DVD, I pondered how amazingly gifted these young men are and how great it is that they are using their gifts. I joke sometimes that I wish I had Matt Thiessen's voice but it is definitely better that he does! Sometimes we find ourselves in weaker moments like a spoiled child at a birthday party. Instead of being happy for the one with the gifts we are jealous, wishing we had what they did or even had them instead of them. Rather we should be glad that God has blessed them and given us the ability to find enjoyment out of the gifts of others while blessing us with our own.

RRRRRRRoll Up The RRRRRRRRim to Win!! or not.

2007-03-05T09:40:00.000-04:00

After a rather busy week, I am actually glad that it is Monday! Weird eh? March break has its way of slowing things down which is a nice time to catch up and hopefully get a jump on things. We'll see. Either way, on the way to work this morning I treated myself, as I often do, to a large double double from Tim Horton's. Have you been buying more coffee than usual this past week? Well I have and we both know why, Roll up the Rim to Win is back!

Up until this morning I was 0-6. So with great anticipation this morning I rolled up my rim to become 0-7... oh well, as my friend Graham says, "You are always a winner when you drink Tim's coffee." Seems to make him feel better anyways!

I never get too upset about not winning, not even after seven coffees! Roll up the rim is not a guarantee. It wouldn't be wise to bank on the new hybrid Toyota Camry, the Panasonic Plasma TV, the thousand bucks or even another coffee. As my record indicates the odds are not really in your (or my) favor.

It does make me glad however, that my trust is placed in a guarantee. The Lord has promised a perfect and eternal life simply for acknowledging what he has done. Almost as easy as roll up the rim! On that one I am 1-0! I have already won and the prize is better than any car or wide screen TV... even though it would be cool to win at least a coffee before this thing is done!!!!

Keswick Valley Coyotes 2007

2007-02-23T14:47:00.000-04:00

What Are We Coaching?

2007-02-22T21:49:00.000-04:00

For the past two days I have been taking in the Keswick Valley Coyotes Girls final tournament. They are an excellent team, losing only four games the whole season, who didn't really have a tournament that accurately reflects their play. Their proformance however, is not what I am talking about. I have been running the clock or score sheet. On many occasions students run it but not for final tournaments. The reason being that coaches will often give teens a harder time whereas they won't take the same liberty with adults.

Today as I ran the clock, I was disappointed with coach of a certain team in the finals. His girls played well, as did the other team and as KV was not in the final I objectively felt that the officiating was excellent and very fair. He made every call he could think of from the bench in their total absence, travel, foul and so on. He argued every call against his team and even argued when the call was in his favor. I was impressed with the patience of the officials who didn't even give the guy a technical foul.

I thought to myself about what this coach was teaching his team. Don't get me wrong, I don't know the guy from Adam, I don't even know his name, maybe he's a great guy, certainly a good coach, insofar he took his team to the finals... It makes me wonder what is being learned however. I think a coach should stand up for his team and his students but I also think a coach needs to be an example for his students. This isn't the NBA or the WNBA or anything like that. These are kids. This is communicating that this is an appropriate way to act. It makes me wonder what we are coaching. Basket-ball, yes. Something more, I hope so. I hope I don't miss out on that opportunity.

2nd The Best

2007-02-21T10:44:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a day it was yesterday! It was the finals of our basketball season. What the league had done was divide itself into two divisions. A for the top teams and B for the bottom teams. That put us in second place in division B, not bad for a school that hasn't had a program in 5 years! Either way all of the teams were pretty well evenly matched which makes a better tournament.

The way it was set up the fourth and fifth seed would play for a chance to play the first seed which would take either team to the finals. The second and third seed would play for a chance to go straight to the finals. The Keswick Valley Coyotes were the second seed playing the third place Nackawic Jay Hawks for our first game of the day. This was a crazy close game but our defense was lacking through the first half and we just were not making our layups or shots from in close. At the end of the first half we were lucky to be down just 31-30. We talked about what we needed to do in the second half but we didn't see immediate results. My team was getting frustrated and some of our key players were in foul trouble. Luckily so were theirs. With four minutes left we were down by twelve so I called a time out. I did my best to calm down and inspire the troops and sent them out telling them to bare down, play our game and have fun. We went on a rush with seven straight baskets! With thirty seconds left we were up by two! I called another time out and told them to play keep away and not to shoot or give up the ball. They ran it out perfectly and we won! I was ecstatic!

This took us to the final where we were to play the first seed Harvey Lakers. We kept good pace with them in the first half but fatigue set in and they pulled away in the second. Regardless, the boys were having a blast just being there in the finals. The final buzzer went and we were the silver medalist Keswick Valley Coyotes!

What a day!

Five Score And Seven Years Ago

2007-02-17T10:07:00.000-04:00

Welly welly well, as per their last few albums I feel the need to plug the new Relient K album, Five Score And Seven Years Ago, that is coming out on March 6, 2007. I am so pumped for it and I cannot wait for it to come out. I absolutely love their music. I have said time and time again that God speaks to my heart so often through music in ways that other mediums just will not do. So many of their songs speak of things that I have felt in my heart or speak an old truth to me in a new and refreshing way.

They just seem like such stand up guys too, who just really love the Lord and enjoy so much what they do. Anyways, it is my absolute recommendation that you check out the album, you won't be disappointed. You can give a listen to some samples of the album here. Check out this video too of another song on the album starting off with Matt Thiessen's Beyonce impression!

Major Happenings

2007-02-08T11:43:00.000-04:00

Isn't it amazing how God will send something that really makes your day in a major way? Yesterday was a pretty normal day for the most part. I worked, coached a basket ball game and went to my Dad's for supper and planned to stay there the evening because I had hockey later on. While eating supper my cell rings and and it's Ben. This led me to believe that something major must be up because we don't regularly make long distance phone calls to cells, especially in the middle of the day. It was.

Those of you who read this thing might remember that on my birthday this past year Ben and I both posted the videos we had done as toasts to each other's weddings. Well Ben called to tell me that he had recieved a youtube message from none other than Charlie Major, the writer of the song my brother and me, to say what a great video Ben's was! I couldn't believe it!! After hockey I checked my email too and I also had recieved a message from him. It really made my day.

It is such an amazing thing to me that he actually saw the videos, contacted us and even added them to his favorites. Is that cool or what?

Our Song

2007-02-07T00:12:00.000-04:00

This is the video of RelientK's new single off their upcoming album. I really wish this song had been written before my wedding because this song describes my relationship with my wife perfectly, especially the first two lines! Anyway, give it a listen, really good stuff! Click HERE

TMNT

2007-02-05T12:03:00.000-04:00

Spider-Man 3 is not the only movie I can't wait for and this one is even sooner!!!

McAdam Has Class

2007-02-03T15:08:00.000-04:00

Well if I am going to blog and complain about unsportsmanlike conduct of certain teams, it is only fitting that when a team shows amazing sportsmanship I should blog about that too. On Thursday this past week our team , now 3-5 on the season, traveled to McAdam to play what we heard was the best team in the league. Previously after our win over Nackawic, a parent told me that there were three players on McAdam's team who were taller than I am. He also tole me that these players were in grade seven!

We arrived in McAdam to find the rumours were true. As we began our warm up the McAdam Warriors ran out to pumped up music and ran some impressive warm up drills. A large percentage of the town had shown up to support their team and I was pondering on the pounding we should soon encounter when the coach of the other team came over to introduce himself to me. We chatted about our teams and the kinds of seasons we were having and he seemed like a really nice guy.

Well the game began and McAdam jumped out to an early lead but pulled back after only leading by ten or so. They pulled their top line off and took most of their shots from outside. They applied zero pressure and their players even helped our our players with things like three in the key. My players raved about what nice guys were on the other team. They could have easily destroyed us but instead of running up the score they worked on weaker aspects of their game and helped our players out. I was really impressed.

McAdam has class.

Relax

2007-01-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

So far this season the Keswick Valley Coyotes are 1-3 in league games with one exhibition win. It seems we either win or get beat really bad. We never seem to lose close. Not that I am discouraged by this. Despite my competitive spirit I am really focusing more on improving our play than winning games. I tell the boys to remember that this is the first year we have had a program in years and that the teams we play have been playing with each other for some time. The other thing is that I am a rookie coach and this is all new to me as well.

Aside from being new to this, I do understand that there are certain ethical rules that need to be followed by coaches. One of these rules is that if your team is up by twenty or more and are obviously superior, you call your players to pull the press. For those of you who don't know what that means, pulling the press means that you tell you players to get back to the defensive zone when they don't have the ball especially after scoring baskets. It is just common courtesy as there is no need to embarrass teams beyond what is needed.

Well last night we were playing against one of my old schools Albert St Middle. We were missing our top scorer from the last game which also messed up my top string as he is one of our point guards but that is what it is. Either way we were losing by a lot, maybe 35 or so and Albert St was still pressing the court! After they had just scored a basket the intercepted our inbounding pass and and got another, so I politely (I mean that too!) asked the coach if he could pull the press. Now I was completely calm here, I honestly wasn't all that upset about losing so bad as we have done it twice previously. But the other coach sternly tells me to "Relax."

Now I am a patient person, but nothing will stir up a person quicker than to tell calm person to calm down. It made me so mad. He was the one in the wrong and when I , very calmly, ask him to show some sportsmanship he tells me to "relax." Ben and I used to do that to stir each other up and man did it work. Anyways, despite my desire to hurt this guy and retaliate I didn't. But man that bugs me!

Snow Days and Satellite Eyes

2007-01-19T15:16:00.000-04:00

While snow days are great I must admit that they are not what they used to be. When I was a kid, a snow day meant a day off school to lay around and watch TV, play in the snow, wrestle with the dog and so on. Ben and I would lay in for a while then usually shovel off the deck, jump off the deck wrestle for a while and then go inside and watch TV or if we were feeling adventurous we would walk to the store and rent a movie or video game.

Today not much of that is happening, I have some things to work on but I am here by myself today because Janelle has to work. I did shovel off the deck and jump off (the whole half a foot) but I can't even watch TV because, my guess is, the eye of the satellite is covered with snow.

This used to happen back when snow days were awesome too but when it did Ben and I would just grab the ladder, climb to the top of the house and clean it off. I remember holding the ladder for my brother on one occasion while he cleaned off the satellite. When he was done he jumped off the roof! Not into the snow or onto the deck but onto his brother, ME!

While I lay limp on the ground, he took off inside and locked me out leaving me to put the ladder away myself and promising I wouldn't get him back in order to gain entry to the house again.

I am sitting here chuckling to myself now. Good times.

The Name Game

2007-01-17T10:31:00.000-04:00

Before you all start singing banana fanna bo banna that is not what I am talking about. For me the name game seems to happen almost weekly. I am talking about when someone approaches you and calls you by name with confidence. They know you, they know who your family is, they know where you are from and where you currently reside. They know where they know you from and probably have at the very least a hand full of stories about you.

You on the other hand have no idea who they are. Actually chances are (if you are like me) the only idea you really have is that you recognize them from somewhere and know them enough that you SHOULD know their name, but that is about it. You know you know them well enough that you CAN'T ask them their name. All you can do is stand there and hope that the bring up something familiar that will connect the dots for you.

Really the best thing you can do is just ask. Just ask them outright from the beginning. You have to do it at the very beginning of the conversation or not at all. You can't carry on the conversation and then ask at the middle or end who they are. My best attempt at tactfulness seems to leave me carrying on as if I know while I wonder throughout the conversation and still wondering at the end. Anyways, if I haven't seen you in a while and you come speak to me try to work your name in somehow to rescue me and don't be offended if I forgot, half the time I can't remember my own name... anyways, how is that for the first post of 2007?

Whatever,

Sam...

D'I mean, Dan

Well Staffed

2006-12-22T12:31:00.000-04:00

Well yesterday I attended our staff Christmas party and most of you have figured out by now that I mean Graham, Murray and I went out for lunch. We went to Bruno's at the Delta for the pasta buffet where for a very reasonable price you get all you can eat soup and salad, pasta with unlimited ingredients, rolls, deserts and a refillable drink! It was so good. We were lucky to get in too. Only one table in the restaurant was not reserved and we got it! What luck!

The food was amazing but that was not the draw nor the highlight of the meal. You the faithful readers know that I get overly excited about food and believe me I was, the pasta buffet comes highly recommended by yours truly. The fact of the matter is however that we could have been eating at Wendy's or even someones house and it wouldn't have mattered.

The staff at our church is really something. I count myself blessed to be able to work with my long time friends and mentors. Graham has been a friend to me and my family since before I knew it! He has been a bright spot in my day on countless occasions and continues to be one of the wisest examples I have ever had the privilege of learning from. Murray became my youth minister when I was in junior high and quickly became one of my best friends. He has been there for me on numerous occasions and was perhaps my biggest inspiration to enter ministry. He has kind of been the Mr. Fini of my life, moving when I do.

Lunch was great because we are so well staffed and I praise God for these men everyday.

The Persuit

2006-12-16T17:59:00.000-04:00

This past week I have found myself on a few missoins or persuits if you will. The first was on Wednesday, after hockey which ended very early due to a lack of attendence. For once we actually had enough interest for a bunch of us to go out to Tim Hortons afterword. I have been wanting to try the new Holiday Spice hot smoothe and finally got one Wednesday night... It was really good! Success.

Next on Thursday, I ran my first basketball practice. I have been to a bunch of them but I actually led this one. It went pretty good although I had one of my best players go down during suicides and we needed to call parametics to check him out. Little sceary but he was ok. Other than that I felt it went well.

Then on Friday, I had perviously heard a rumour that the Tim Hortons on Prospect St had hot apple cider! I have been nothing short of devestated since they stopped serving it, so I went and ordered a large and yes Anna it was a really good mix! My mouth and taste buds celebrated with me as we enjoyed every drop.

Finally today, I coached my first ever Basket Ball game. I have to admit I was a little nervous, but I rallied the troops, or the Keswick Valley Coyotes, agaist the Nackawick Jay-hawks and WE WON! 67-48 I was so pumped, and apparently quite loud as Janelle has informed me.

Anyways, it was a crazy week of multiple persuits, really only of basket ball and Tim Hortons but still. Good times!

Why Pack A Lunch?

2006-12-13T13:06:00.000-04:00

Every morning that my bride and I have to work we have a similar morning routine. You probably do too. We get up, get cleaned up, dressed and so on and so on. Every morning Janelle makes breakfast and packs herself a lunch. Personally, I eat breakfast but never pack a lunch.

Janelle is a great wife. There are many reasons for this and making a nice breakfast almost every morning is merely one of them. The reason I don't pack a lunch however is not because she packs it for me. I am sure she would if I asked but why pack a lunch?

I don't because my office days are spent in Burtt's Corner. Around 11:00 I just call my grandparents place and let them know I will be there around noon. Usually Gramps and I eat leftovers, which is fine by me! It is always a nice meal and great conversation. Today however, I called to find that Grammie and Gramps were just on their way to town so would not be available for lunch. As I began to ponder what I would do since I hadn't packed one my grandmother checked with my cousin Dustie if she would be around.

So today for the first time in a long time, just Dustie and I had an awesome lunch that she made. Baked pasta and fresh cinnamon buns for desert. We had a great chat and it was just a really nice time.

I praise God for the way that he takes care of me. Today he has blessed me with a great wife, a great cousin and great food and it is only 1:00 in the afternoon!

Life is good.

Great Trip

2006-12-04T16:05:00.000-04:00

Well on Saturday Janelle and I and Ben and Jac got up at 4:00am to drive through the snow and rain all the way to Montreal. Dispite the poor driving conditions, the drive was really enjoyable. It was so nice to spend time with Ben and Jac agian, we had some great conversation and big laughs.

We arrived in Montreal around 1:00pm EST and actually did pretty well with the Montreal driving. We got rigged up for the game and walked to the Bell Centre. We took the tour which was awesome and then had an afternoon meal at Le Cage aux Sports. Really cool place. We then spent "some" money in "Le Boutique." My Habs room loved it!

At this point we went to stand in line to get in the Bell Centre for the game but they don't open the doors until 5:30. When we got in the atmosphere was AMAZING! There were so many Go Leafs Go chants and Go Habs Go chants before the building was even half full!

When the game started you couldn't even hear! It was unbelieveable. I was high fiving and hugging strangers like crazy!! Things looked bleak for the habs all the way up to the beginning of the 3rd period but with two late period goals from Captian Koivu and a shoot out goal, the Habs took it.

This Janelle and I at the press conference after the game

We drove back Sunday morning and I think Ben and I laughed the whole way. It was SO fun, I can't wait to do it again next year!

Audi Later!

(that was for you Ben, the rest of you don't ask)

God Reads My Blog

2006-11-19T09:56:00.000-04:00

On Friday as you (the blog faithful) read, I was excited about Ben coming but also missing my family, the way it used to be. Well that night Ben and Jacquelyn arrived and we were eating supper sharing some conversation and some laughs, when my Mom dropped in. She said that she might and she came in a sat down to some additional supper. Moments later, my Dad and Shelby (my dog) arrived! We all spent the evening together telling stories, reminiscing, sharing news and laughing! It was so weird because it was so normal. Almost how I had pictured it long ago, the way it should be.

God reads my blog. He saw the prayer of my heart on Friday and answered it. Sometimes in the run of our work, school, church activities and everything else that packs up our lives we forget that God cares about every aspect of our daily lives, including the little thoughts and dreams that go through our heads on any given day. God checks your blog too, and your website, and your diary or journal. He hears your thoughts, comments and prayers.

I really like the comment feature on this blog but on my last post God commented with action. Thank you God, you always know just what to say!

Family Ties

2006-11-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

I have to admit that I am having a little trouble concentrating today. The reason you ask? (and even if you didn't) I am very excited because today my brother and his wife are coming to stay with us. They won't be here long, up today and back tomorrow after the wedding they are here to attend but still it will be awesome to spend even a little bit of time with them.

I often tell my youth group to watch how they treat their family and especially their siblings. I emphasize this because I don't want them or you for that matter to miss out on the blessing their is in family ties that one may not always be able to count on whenever they want. I say be nice to your brother or hug you sister because tomorrow you will wake up and you'll be 19, and you won't live at home anymore and your brother won't live in the same province as you and your sister will be in another country. You will wish they were there to go to the game with you or play a game with, watch TV with or even just have a coffee and chat. Let me tell you, I would love to live near my brother again and I pray that someday I will. Someone told me in college we would lose touch and not be as close when we moved apart and got married but we still talk almost every day.

You know, my family is a lot different than it used to be. I would give most anything to get it back but that is out of my control. But I do cherish the times we spent. Take the time, bury the hatchet and be the family member you would want to have. That way no mater what happens tomorrow, you will always have those times. Don't miss out on the good and perfect gifts that God has for you, take them, hold them and cherish them. I will too.

MCChristmas

2006-11-14T16:18:00.000-04:00

Well as you all know, the Christmas season has been in full swing for me for a while. In face I have only a few more things to pick up in the way of Christmas shopping and one of those things is wrapping paper! I must say though that right now my thoughts have turned some to my college days at MCC. I was kind of Mr. Christmas there for a while. I would dig out the Christmas decorations for my dorm room or apartment and make everyone listen to Christmas music everyday in class and tried to have a cup of cheer each day!
Don't get me wrong, I love being home and wouldn't trade spending more of the holidays here for anything but I do miss the good times spent at Maritime Christian College as well. I know that they are getting ready for the parade right now and that also takes me back. I was always pumped about putting a band on the float and although the weather wrecked my plans one year, it didn't for two! Anyways, to the students of MCC, make Christmas a special time you cherish with your family at MCC before you go home. You won't regret it, I promise!

174 Days To Go!

2006-11-10T10:34:00.000-04:00

Let It Snow

2006-11-06T10:07:00.000-04:00

As I laid in my bed this morning and the alarm came on I listened to the news... ok I wasn't really listening but I could hear it and my wife asked me if I had heard what it said. I hadn't. She said that the weather forecast was calling for 2-4 cm of snow. I told her I doubted if that would be the case as yesterday we got a few flurries but they never amount to much. She suggested that I have a look out side and pulled up the blinds and I was delightfully proven wrong!

I say let it snow! Actually it says that in front of my house right now as for the past few days Janelle and I have been putting up what Janelle calls "winter" decorations and I call "Christmas" decorations. The house is a little messy right now but is looking better everyday. I love the snow and even though the first snow goes away as quick as it comes I do hope it is here to stay. I know that winter is cold and makes for bad driving and short days and so on and so forth but I am glad to live in a place with four seasons. I think the snow is beautiful and I can't wait until there is enough to make snow angels and snowmen!

I think there is enough to make snow balls though... I can't wait for Janelle to get home!

My New Car

2006-11-03T16:07:00.000-04:00

Well this post is certainly happier than that the last one with this title. Yes since October the tenth I have been without my beloved Ion. I had a Ford Fusion for a little while, and no you can't do that cool tie trick and park on the side of buildings like in the commercial, but for the past week or so Janelle and I have been trying to operate on one vehicle. I am not really complaining as I know that many at my place in life would love to have one new vehicle but nonetheless it was a bit of an inconvenience to us.

Well today despite my absence of an insurance check to pay for it Saturn let me take home today my new car. Hopefully I will have this one a little longer! I drove by the scene of an accident yesterday while they were trying to get someone out of a severely smashed up vehicle. I am not sure if the person was hurt or not but it reminded me that my accident wasn't so bad as no one was hurt. Anyways God is good and he provides. This is me with the new wheels!

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T15:24:00.000-04:00

Why I slept soundly last night - Post #100

2006-10-27T20:48:00.000-03:00

Blessings and Rain

2006-10-26T15:07:00.000-03:00

Well I have to say that I believe that I must be the most blessed and encouraged person in the world. I have so much in so many different areas of life and even though it has been raining over the past few days, blessings fall on me like rain everyday!

This past weekend we went to the Exalt conference at Maritime Christian College and it was really awesome. The whole experience of it really. I have an amazing youth group and it really is just a pleasure to spend time with them. God is doing amazing things in their lives and it is a thrill to witness and be a part of it. They are so special to me and I love them to death!Our youth group has been growing as of late which excites me as well. God is so good and never stops blowing me away.

It was also great to get to PEI and see my brother. I miss him so much but give thanks to God for the time we do get to spend together. We just so much fun sharing stories (mostly old but some new!) and laughs. It was wonderful to get to stay with him and his wife as well as his new puppy! Family is a real source of joy to me and I give God thanks for it.

I love my wife too. She is a definite gift from God. She does so much for me and goes above and beyond every day. The love we share from dancing in the kitchen to intimate talks at night is so amazing and I thank God for her every day. I have no idea what I would do without her.

I also have been blessed in where I work. I mentioned the wonderful youth that I have the privilege to spend time with but I also praise God for the work environment he gives me and the people I work with. Both Graham and Murray have been inspirations and mentors in my life and to get to work with them now in adulthood blows me away. I truly am blessed among all people in this regard. God even gives me little blessings to garnish the big ones as this is the view from my office window! WOW!

Last night we played hockey too and man I could go on and on. Isn't funny how God has enabled us to get so much enjoyment out of beating a piece of rubber around the ice with sticks? He is so good. You know, when you stop and actually think of your blessings, life really can be great!

Hockey Hockey Hockey

2006-10-18T12:08:00.000-03:00

Well tonight is the first night of hockey of the season and I am super pumped. I have been itching to play since the end of August and have had to wait until now. This will be my fifth year playing in goal and I love it. I tried it when I moved to PEI in 2002 and this will be my first year playing back home in Burtt's Corner. It always takes a while to prove yourself as a goalie, especially when all you play is pick up. Just like when I started in PEI, I will be playing once a week but hopefully after a while I can get my name around again and more but this is great for now.

Can't wait for tonight!!!

Christmas Time's a Coming!

2006-10-17T13:38:00.000-03:00

I know I know, everyone get ready to groan at the earliness of the above statement but like it or not Christmas time is "a coming." I know because the air is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter and I BOUGHT EGG NOG! That is right this is me enjoying the first glass of egg nog of the season! Tis the season to be jolly and I am! I have been listening to Christmas music in my office this week and I actually drove by a house last Tuesday that had their Christmas lights up and ON!

Now before you all start commenting about how it is too early for this, its so commercial, the Bible only devotes a chapter and half to Jesus' birth and so on, you have to admit that there is a different atmosphere around Christmas time. You cannot deny that most people get a renewed generosity and joyousness about them this time of year. I love that and I welcome it early and invite it to stay as long as it can.

So again this year allow me to be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas!

My New Car...

2006-10-11T14:49:00.000-03:00

TV Troubles

2006-09-23T18:23:00.000-03:00

So a while ago Janelle and I looked at our options for setting up cable or satellite for our television. Up till this point (and currently) we have no stations that come in, not even one! So we don't watch TV. However now that fall is upon us and series are starting up again and most importantly hockey season is starting we both agreed that we would like to have something.

We weighed our options and decided that Bell ExpressVu was the way to go. Mostly because we could bundle it with our phone features. We had just made our initial contact and we found out that Colpits Developments, the company that owns our building, has a deal with Rogers and Star Choice so we would have to pick one of these two. We debated a little bit but decided to go with Rogers because with them you don't have to buy any hardware and RDS was a "digital essential" meaning that no matter what you ordered it came with your package.

To those of you who do not know what RDS is, it is the French TSN. I "need" this channel because it carries EVERY (may I repeat EVERY) Habs game of the season. This settled it for me. So on Friday some guys from Rogers came and set it all up... and no RDS! So I called them up to see what gives and they tell me I can't get it because I don't live in Quebec or Ontario. I went in for clarification to their location on Prospect St. and they told me that I could only get it in French speaking regions like Moncton. So I cancelled and plan to call Star Choice, who does carry the channel, soon.

I had almost told myself that not having RDS and every Habs game was no big deal until I saw this:

I immediately went downstairs out the door and straight to Rogers to cancel my cable.
Should have known with a name like Rogers eh Brad?

Coach Foreman

2006-09-22T10:37:00.000-03:00

Well well well, much to the delight of the youth of Burtt's Corner, the surprise of everyone who has ever seen my play and the joy of every other team in our league, this Basketball season I will be coaching the Keswick Valley Coyotes.

I know what you're thinking, "Dan you are such an amazing basketball player, won't the kids be intimidated by your ability?" and you may be right but to compensate, my good Friend Brad (who is actually good at basketball) is also coaching with me.

So all you other teams better get ready because we come to play!!!! GO COYOTES!! HOWLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL cough cough... ahem.

To You From Failing Hands We Throw the Torch Be Yours to Hold it High

2006-09-21T16:27:00.000-03:00

I cannot wait for hockey season to start! There is just something about investing so much energy and passion in something over which you have no control. Come on boys, this year we bring home number 25!!!

GO HABS GO!!

More Birthday stuff

2006-09-20T11:06:00.000-03:00

After reading Ben's blog I felt inclined to rip him off because that is what we do. No harm no foul. I really miss him a lot right now. I have somewhat been in anticipation of today because it is our first Birthday apart. I know he's not dead or anything and we talk a lot but if you don't have a twin or even a close sibling you probably don't understand.

Anyways, I love you Ben, Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday...

2006-09-20T10:31:00.000-03:00

Well for the last two years I have posted on September 20th as Happy Birthday Mr. President because it was my birthday and I had on both occasions just been named President of the student association of MCC. It is still my birthday but no fancy title to go with it.

The other night a bunch of us got together to celebrate at Boston Pizza for some awesome food and fellowship. Then back to my place to play NHL 2007! Super fun. Also on the plus side Janelle got me a Dairy Queen ice cream cake with the Habs logo on it. Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot! Anyways, good times had by me.

Happy Birthday Ben!

Happy Belated Blog Day!!

2006-09-16T08:42:00.000-03:00

Well I can see from other bloggers that on the anniversary of your first post you are supposed to have a happy blog day and I forgot. Sorry bloggy. My blogday was on September 12 2004, 2 years ago! At that time I had just moved back to PEI and cut all my hair off! What fun. On this day two years ago I had just accepted a job as the youth minister at the New Glasgow Church of Christ. Good times there as well.

Well it has been a good two years and here's to as many as I keep this thing running! Go Habs Go!

School

2006-09-15T18:22:00.000-03:00

Well I think it just sunk in. It is September 15th and I have yet to study for a test, research to write a paper or devote an entire morning, afternoon, evening or night to reading. No more school. I did it for 17 straight years and it is done... for now. I am settled into my job but it is different now that the kids are back in school and I am not.

It's weird... I don't think I miss it really... maybe I do. It is weird to now be going back to my elementary/middle school and high school, now to volunteer and such. It was weird to sit in the office at KVMS for a different reason this time!!! No detention!

I miss MCC too. Mostly just the people. It was so nice to be around so many of my friends all the time and know everyone's schedule was close to yours. I miss my brother too. Maybe that's it. We have spent the last four summers apart but this time its for good.

This post doesn't seem to be coming to any kind of point... oh well at least you read it! Good luck in school this year if you go and um good luck just the same if you don't.

Married Life?

2006-09-08T11:18:00.000-03:00

When you get married a lot things change. A LOT!! There is a change of lifestyle, change of perspective, change of finances, change of relationship, change of schedule and the list goes on. As a result of all these changes, everyone wants to know, "How's married life?" Since everyone has asked, here is the answer.

My standard reply, which I stole from my buddy Corey, is "I haven't felt like sitting in the middle of the floor and crying yet." That is true but not really a complete answer to the question. Married life is great and better than I had hoped. It's not perfect and it takes a lot of work and compromise but I love it. I often ask Janelle if this is how she pictured married life, usually as I dance through the kitchen or sing loudly the songs that I make up, and she admits it isn't, but in a good way.

Janelle has even begun playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the playstation with me! In short, married life is good and it is amazing how great a marriage can be when God is at the centre of it.

Great Trip but a Bad Taste in Bean Town

2006-09-06T14:14:00.000-03:00

So this past week end I drove to Boston and back in about 38 hours. Fast trip but a good one! Brad, Murray and I went down to watch a Red Sox game. What a blast, the drive was definitely half the fun. Lots of laughs and yelling KITRY!!! (don' ask). When we got to the boarder, we even had the drug dog go through the vehicle, he seemed nice...

Anyways we went to Fenway park as soon as we got there and the atmosphere outside the park is incredible. Boston is definitely a baseball town. People just go bananas over the Red Sox. We couldn't get in but it was still cool to go.

The next day we got early to head to Fenway again because our game got rescheduled from a night game to an afternoon game. The sights and sounds are really something. While we were debating the price of street meat just outside the park A.J. Burnett (A pitcher for the Blue Jays, who pitched a complete game that day) stepped out of a vehicle. I thought (once I was told who he was) that he would be swarmed but to my surprise only two little kids, about eight or nine ran up to him in Blue Jay jackets and hats holding balls and pens. What are the odds that such an elite player would walk right by but to my surprise again and this time my disappointment he was stern with the kids and refused to give his autograph.

This is what left the bad taste in my mouth. If someone thinks that much of you that for you to write your name on a baseball would make their whole month probably, then sign the stupid thing. I understand that celebrities get asked for this a lot and you can't sign everyone's but these were two kids. It would have taken two minutes on the long side to ask their names, sign the balls and tell them to enjoy the game. If you are going to sign on as a pro athlete, that is just part of the paperwork.

We all get busy and distracted by our work and such, but don't get so busy that you miss the opportunity to make someone's day. I often think of how busy and focused Jesus was but even so, he took the time and made days. If you know the good you could and should do the do it, its a shame and a sin not to.

A Change of Heart and a Slice of Pizza

2006-08-28T14:52:00.000-03:00

Most people have a favorite Pizza place. Pizza is good and you will eat it almost anywhere but there is usually that one place that does it just the way you like it. For me that place is Pizza Hut. Their deep dish Pizza is one that, in my opinion, cannot be beat.

Most people also have restaurants that they avoid. This can happen for a number of reasons: bad food, bad service, bad experiences and so on. Well for a long time I have not gone to Pizza Delight. They have pretty good Pizza but quite a while ago I went there and had bad food, bad service and a bad experience. So for a long time, unless I had to for whatever reason, I did not go to Pizza Delight.

Most recently though I have given them another chance. They have a really good take out deal on Monday nights and I have had excellent food, service, and experiences in my past few visits.

Now you may be thinking, "Thanks Dan, there is two and a half minutes I'll never have back but allow me to quote the "Sneller" here and say, "Here's why you care": We are very quick to spread bad news. When people go somewhere and have a bad experience they tell everyone but when we have a good one we only share that with a fraction of the later. When someone has wronged us or treated us unfairly we tell everyone but when we hear that Jesus Christ has saved us we remain silent. Perhaps it's time for a change of heart. Perhaps it's time to spread good news instead of misfortune.

Perhaps it's time for a slice of pizza... I'll let you decide.

The Week-End

2006-08-21T21:41:00.000-03:00

Well I spent this past weekend the way I have spent many weekends this summer. I went to a wedding. It was great for a number of reasons. First it is awesome to see two Godly people commit themselves to each other as they commit themselves to God. Joel and Kia are an awesome couple and I really look forward to seeing how God uses them in his kingdom in future years.

It was also great because the wedding gave me the opportunity to spend some time with some good friends, Dave and Anna. My wife and I really miss them and became more aware of how much we did this weekend. It was great to spend some time with them and share some laughs.

Well I guess that is all. Congratulations Joel and Kia! (thanks for doing the thumbs up Joel!!!)

VBStress Produces VBS!

2006-08-18T14:26:00.000-03:00

I will admit with complete honesty that I do not like getting ready for VBS. I am not sure why I dread it, it is never as bad a I anticipate but there is just so much to get ready and I am always stressed that everything is done, done right and looking good. It gives me a condition that many of us now affectionately call VBStress!

There are people who think that all ministry activities are a joy and believe to refer to it as stressful is sinful and we should count ourselves thankful to minister in such a free environment. Believe me, I do count myself lucky to live in a place where I can have a full time job as a minister in such a great church. I will not however contend that ministry is not sometimes stressful. We are dealing the eternity of all people here. Define stress!

What I will say is that ministry is always worth it. You see, mentos produce mass carbonation, ministry produces fruit and thus VBStress produces VBS. I love VBS and I believe that it is a valuable ministry that plants seeds that will be watered throughout the rest of life hopefully leading them to Christ and ultimately to heaven.

V.B.S.T.R.E.S.S.

Vacation Bible School's True Reason: Essentially Saving Souls

Randy was Right!

2006-08-15T10:53:00.000-03:00

I don't believe it!

Extended warranty

2006-08-12T16:01:00.000-03:00

I will attest to the fact that some of the dumbest words ever spoken are "Extended warranty! How can I lose?" I know that many companies make loads of extra cash off of cautious customers who want to make sure their stuff is maintained and covered should anything out of their control happen to it. The tough part with this stuff is figuring out if it is worth it.

Well about a year and a half ago my Mother tricked me into picking up my own Christmas gift. She told me that the Future Shop in Moncton had 3 Canon A60 digital cameras left and she wanted me to pick them up for some gals at work. One of them was for a gal at work and the others were for my brother and I. When picking them up I called her and asked about putting on the warranty. She didn't want to. Most of the time its a rip off. I usually get it though. Maybe I'm a sucker, an easy sell or just cautious but I most often get the extended warranty. So after much convincing I put the warranty on for some extra cash and covered the cameras for 2 years.

One of those cameras is mine now and here we are a year and half later and my camera died last week. Lens went and every picture looks black. However, because I have the 2 year warranty, it is completely covered. I hate to say I told you so Mom... so I won't.

This made me think, I am glad that when I gave my life to Christ that he put an extended warranty on me. In giving my life to him, he promised that no matter how bad it looked when he got it and how much I still abuse it, that he would give me a new one at the end. Free of charge. My camera is only covered for things that are not my fault for two years. My life is covered no matter what, forever.

Extended warranty... sometimes it is worth it.

ION

2006-08-09T13:27:00.000-03:00

I know that I haven't been posting much lately and the posts that I have put up are all about Spider-Man, but given the title of this blog you really shouldn't be all that surprised. On to my life.

So last Thursday I bought a car, a Saturn Ion Sadan. It is a 2.2 4 cylinder. I was going to tell you that it was black but you can probably see that... unless you are colour blind... in which case every car is black... actually that is a very poor understanding about what colour blindness is... good thing this post is about my car and colour blindness.

Anyways, it is an awesome little car and I love it. I must also say that Saturn of Fredericton has got to be the best car dealership in the maritimes. They are so helpful and friendly. We bought our VUE from them and couldn't be more pleased. They really are a different kind of car company. And this is a different kind of post because finally there is content and no video. Enjoy!

I Can't Get It Out Of My Head!!!

2006-07-29T11:34:00.000-03:00

Ok ok ok, I promise the next time I post it will not be a video but an actual post with things you can read about... BUT I cannot get this Spider-Man business out of my head. I have watched both Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 over the past 2 weeks and I can hardly stand waiting until May for the next one to come out. This is kind of a trailer but not really. Whatever it is, it is awesome!

I Cannot Wait For This!

2006-07-27T14:46:00.000-03:00

I don't know about you but I can hardly wait for Spider-Man 3 to come out! I saw the "coming soon" sign for it at the mall today and I am pumped!!!

The Theme is Red

2006-07-18T19:57:00.000-03:00

Today the theme is red. First of all because last weekend two of my best friends in the world got married and it was really awesome. I had the privilege of standing up with my buddy Dave as he married his beautiful bride Anna. It was a really special day and I am totally happy for them. What does this have to do with red you ask? I guess you would have to know/see Dave.

While away I also attended a preaching course taught by Dr. Jeff Snell who works for Lincoln Christian Seminary, whose school colour is red... I know that's stretching it just to keep the theme but I don't care!! Anyways we basically sermonized all week and it was awesome.

What kind of sucked was that while I was away to PEI I got a sinus infection and had to go to the clinic and get prescribed the "red" penicillin pills. As it turns out after 7 days of taking it that I am allergic!! I am a giant rash... from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet and I wish that I was exaggerating... I am red. It really sucks.

Anyways, I am glad you "red" this! hahahaha uggg. (scratch scratch scratch)

Upon Request

2006-07-02T19:42:00.001-03:00

Well upon the request of my half-wit brother (actually he would have to be twice as smart to be a half-wit!) I have now, in the midst of all my installing of appliances, installed a tool or unit to wash my clothes! Yes, yesterday my good friend Corey and I carried a washer and dryer up the stairs into our laundry closet. My dad helped me get it up and running while Janelle helped me clean it up so it didn't ruin our clothes and Janelle's father helped me finish the job today.

In other fun and exciting news, yesterday was Canada Day and we went downtown to enjoy the biggest block party in Canada, or so they say. Man what a parade!!!! Man did it suck, it was one of those things where it just looked like a bunch of strangos happened to be walking down the street at the same time the police happened to be around. However, I will say this. The fireworks were really good. Shut up, I am not being sarcastic. At the Fredericton fireworks you can usually tell its the finale when five minutes have passed and they shoot off two at once! But this year they were close to a half an hour and I thought the finale had come twice before it did. It was really impressive.

Well I guess that is enough excitement for now, have a BIG day.

My Wife The Pharmacist

2006-06-30T19:53:00.000-03:00

Well well well, for the last four years my lovely wife Janelle has been slaving away at the books studying to become a pharmacist. She's been eating the vitamins and saying the prayers just like Hulk Hogan says but at the end of four years and a bachelor of science in pharmacy, it all comes down to one test.

To become a licensed pharmacist you have to take a licensing exam. The tricky thing about it is that you not only have to pass the exam (duh) but you cannot be in the bottom 15% of all who take the test at that time (they do it twice a year). So you could get a great mark but if you are among the bottom 15% in the country you fail and are not issued a license. Well this morning the results were in and Janelle called to find out she is licensed. She was so excited, I never doubted for a second!

So that means in 2 weeks I am no longer the bread winner anymore but that is ok... I married a pharmacist.

Drilled

2006-06-29T15:59:00.000-03:00

Well just call me Mr. HandyDan because the ol cordless drill has never seen as much work as it has lately. This goes for all my tools actually. At Christmas time there was a tool theme in my gifts, I got like two of everything: cordless drills, tape measures, hammers, saw, level, you name it. Now they are getting good use as the "man of the house" ,which I was in PEI too, is installing everything in the house. So if anybody needs a space saver radio installed, a bed put together, picture hung or a tie rack put up, just call Dan the "handy" man.

Table Talk

2006-06-28T10:17:00.000-03:00

Well yesterday Janelle and I had our first meal in our place that wasn't over the cupboard or sink and not on the couch. That's right, we ate at our very own kitchen table. This may not sound like a big deal to you but it is to me. Our place is looking better every day and having the table in the kitchen is awesome to me.

In addition, the handy man of our household (that's me so don't ask CREEP!) installed our space-saver radio/CD player underneath the cupboard with my handy dandy cordless drill. I am patting myself on the back as you read (maybe).

Anyways, I can't really compete with my cruise stories but this what you are going to have to get used to! Sorry I forgot to take pictures.

Back

2006-06-26T10:24:00.000-03:00

Well we are back in Fredericton NB and trying to get our place set up. Today's project is to get the phone hooked up... thus we have no internet LISA! haha. Anyways our townhouse looked great until the wedding but now that we are married and have another slew of gifts (I am not complaining in the least!) our place is once again a mess. It is good though. It is actually kind of fun to get everything unpacked and put in place when it is in fact your own semi-perminant residence.

Well on my trip I had all kinds of neat and interesting things happening around me... today I am setting up my new office...

Here are some dolphin pictures!!!

An Update (Part 11) Packing It In

2006-06-20T18:00:00.000-03:00

Today is our last day at sea. We have started packing and it is kind of sad but it will also be nice to get home. We did some more sunning on deck nine and had lunch in the dinning room for the first time on our trip. It was great. No real big happenings today. Mostly trying to get organized so we can get off the boat with no hassle from customs. If you are not a USA citizen there are a lot of extras to take care of. Oh well, it is certainly worth it.

Well tomorrow after we port, our flight leaves La Guardia New York at 3:40 PM EST and arrives in Portland at 4:55 PM EST. We are planning to eat at the Olive Garden in Portland and then truck it home so that will put back in Freddy in the wee hours of the morning. Should be good though!

It has been a great trip! What a Honeymoon!

An Update (Part 10) Lazy Day at Sea

2006-06-20T17:59:00.000-03:00

(picture 131)
This will be my last update from the ship as the internet is getting expensive! I’ll blog about the last day at sea when we get home. Today was kind of a lazy day. We got to sleep in which was really nice. It is really cool to wake up and look out the window and see nothing but sea, sky and sunshine. We had breakfast on deck nine, (I had corn-pops!) and soaked up the sun for most of the morning.

Around 2:00 we went to try and get on the “Newly and not so newlyweds game” but didn’t get on. This ended up actually being a good thing as some of the questions were not ones you would want to answer in front of a lot of people. It was funny by times though. Then we took the galley tour. This is where you visit the places on the boat where most of the food prep happens. These are really big. It was a long wait but kind of interesting. To clean these rooms they completely empty them and then fill them with water and soap and then drain them!
(Picture 322)
We also got to see a small demonstration of how they fold the towels into animals and the napkins so neatly. You could by a book that showed you how to do them too but we didn’t buy it. Not too likely to be folding them that way for the closet!!

Tonight was formal night again and this is the last one. (picture 114) Once again our waiters are awesome and I am confident in saying they are best on the ship. We also have the best table. (Picture 248) Joy & Trevor and Eric & Sarah are so nice and great to talk to. All six of us have had an awesome time together. (Picture 249)

After supper we bolted to see game seven on the big screen they use to show movies. They served poutine in honour of all the Canadians there and of course Edmonton lost… so to cheer ourselves up we went to the biggest buffet you have ever seen in your life. (Picture 336) Some of the desserts took 18 hours to prepare. It was awesome and I think I am going to be sick. Chocolate is coming out of my ears!

I must comment on this as well as I get ready for bed. The water is rough tonight, it was last night too. I love it when the water is rough at night. It makes you feel like you are sleeping in the world’s largest hammock. Well it feels that way for about 5 minutes and then I am dead to the world in the 9th stage of sleep. I will be there soon.

Good night.

An Update (Part 9) Swimming with the fishes in Tortola

2006-06-19T11:22:00.000-03:00

(Picture 285)
Well this morning we woke up in Tortola, a British Virgin Island and things went quite swimmingly. Much like St. Thomas the water in the harbour was crystal blue and the landscape was beautiful. Not much to do when you walk right off the boat, especially on a Sunday but it was interesting to note that chickens and roosters were just out walking all over the place like pigeons or something but not as many.(Picture 261) We could have taken a cab to the beach on the other end of the Island but opted not to because we had an excursion at 11:45AM and did not want to be late or miss it.

Now I understand that the title “Swimming with the fishes” sounds a lot like what we did yesterday (snorkelling with tropical fish). Today we swam with fish again… but they weren’t tropical fish and we didn’t use snorkels. Today (are you ready?) we swam with DOLPHINS!!!!!!!!!!! It was one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life! They love people. They actually remind me of dogs in a lot of ways. They are so excited to see both familiar and new people, when we walked out on the deck they swam right up to us and started… well making the noise that they make. They loved to be touched and played with too. The dolphin we worked with was Hercules and he was awesome. He was the youngest dolphin there at five years old and as a result he would sometimes disobey. This wasn’t bad though (for us). It just meant that sometimes when she told him to go do something, he would come to us for a belly rub instead!! We all got to rub his belly and back. Then we had a water fight with him, which he clearly won. We got to be kissed by him and kiss him back. Janelle got to dance with him (her and only one other person). The highlight for me though was that we got to call him over, grab a hold of his fins and let him pull us through the water! It was SOOO much fun. Unfortunately due to how wet this excursion was we couldn’t take any pictures to post. (Picture 287)

By the time the excursion was over it was time to get back to the boat which headed for New York, New York at 2:00 PM. Supper is a lot of fun. Tonight the waiters danced for us again and made, as many that would, ourselves included, join in a conga line. Really fun stuff.
(Picture 267)

Sorry again for no pictures, I will go back and edit these when I get home and I don't have to pay by the min for internet!

An Update (Part 8) Oilers Win!!!

2006-06-18T11:24:00.000-03:00

Just so you know we still get to watch the games here! There are a ton of Canadians on the boat, especially on staff and they are seeing about putting game seven on the BIG SCREEN!!!! Too much fun!

An Update (Part 7) Hot in St. Thomas!

2006-06-17T19:28:00.000-03:00

Today we ported in St. Thomas, perhaps one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It literally gave me goose-bumps to look out the window of our ship and see the picturesque landscape of the port. One of the first things we noticed was that unlike New York and San Juan the harbour was so clean, it was crystal blue.

We also went on our first excursion today! This was snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea and it was really fun. We got on a catamaran and sailed for 45 minutes out to Buck Island and snorkelled there for an hour and a half seeing all kinds of sea creatures and tropical fish. I was hoping to see a sea turtle but no such luck. We did, however, see a… well I forget the name of it but the kind of fish Dori is on Finding Nemo, yeah. It was awesome. After our excursion was done we came back on the boat to eat where it is good, safe and FREE! Well not really free because we paid for it to begin with and… So anyways after lunch we went to Magan’s Bay Beach. This was the most beautiful beach I have ever been to in my life and I am pretty sure the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. The water was like… it was like when you draw yourself a bath but get used to it too quick so it is warm but not hot. That is what it was like. The water was blue and clean, the sand was soft and, despite the intense heat, didn’t burn your feet! It was amazing.

Well I know this is not a complete day but the internet is cheap right now so I am blogging now to save cash!

We love you all, thanks for commenting and keep them coming, we love to hear from you!

*Once again blogger needs to start working so that all my pictures work

An Update (Part 6) Greetings From San Juan!

2006-06-17T01:44:00.000-03:00

(Picture 148)
Today we slept in for a while and had a late breakfast on the back deck. You should see the guys make omelets! Really cool. Anyways after breakfast and a little sunbathing we ported in San Juan Puerto Rico. Now in every stop there are excursions that you can do and they can be quite pricy. There was really only one in San Juan that interested us and it was a walking tour of the rainforest here… a four and a half hour walking tour. We decided not to go. It seemed like a lot of walking in a very hot climate so we opted not to take any of the expensive tours and decided to just walk around ourselves. (Picture 154) That is until we ran into Albert. I said, “Watch it buddy or we’ll be sending your butt back to Porto Rico!” (That was for you Ben!) Just kidding. He was a local tour guide who offered to take us all over the city to see the sites and explain the history for only ten dollars! So we did. It was great and he was really funny. It rained a lot too so we were glad to be on a bus!

Once we got dropped off we hightailed it for the boat to escape the rain. (Picture 161) I will say this though, the rain was warm. And I don’t mean like at home, this rain was really warm. But there was a lot of it and I had my camera so, what can you do?

Once on the boat we had a little nap and then hung out on the back deck… we do that a lot eh? Supper was excellent as always and I must comment that we really enjoy who we are sitting with. Trevor and Joy have only been there twice but they are great and we see them around the boat quite often. Eric and Sarah have been there every night and they are great too. Supper time has been a treat to look forward to each night and not just because of the food… by now you are well aware of my thoughts on the food.

After supper we went to the show which featured the village idiots and holy cow were they ever funny! I mean I thought I was going to die! They did tricks and stuff but Wally the Great’s one-liners were killer! Like when the two of them were juggling 6 knives between them, picking them up one at a time, he said “Watch as I grab the sixth knife with my tortoise like reflexes and arthritic grip!” It was a great show.

(Picture 117)
After the show we went to the sail away party on, you guessed it, deck 9 which was a Mexican theme. HUGE Mexican buffet and a lot of dancing! We are a sweaty mess!
(Picture 181)
Having and unbelievable time,

Good night.

Ok so blogger seems to be having mega problems with pictures and internet is expensive so you will have to wait untill I get home to see these I left the #s later.

An Update (Part 5) Sunny Day!

2006-06-16T11:51:00.000-03:00

What a beautiful day it was today, WOW! We woke up this morning to the bright Caribbean sun and it was hot… really hot. We got up and had breakfast out on the back deck. What an experience. Yesterday we had breakfast in the main restaurant and it was really good. This morning we got our food from the main buffet and wow it was amazing.

A lot of today has been just hanging out on the deck and sitting in the pool. It is really nice out and Janelle and I have been soaking up the rays! It has been super relaxing. Another perk was that I got on TV today. Just in-boat television but still. I was teasing the guy who was giving the shopping talk and he called me up on stage and gave me a prize for being married only a few days. That was fun.

The only real thing we did today that took effort was swing dancing lessons! That was super fun. Janelle and I got most improved as the instructor said that I started out with 12 left feet!

Before supper we went outside and watched the sunset. This was amazing. Sun and water as far as the eye could see. Supper tonight was also special. The food and service were exquisite as always but tonight the waiters all danced for us and SO DID JANELLE!!! They all sang “Won’t You Be My Girl” and it was frigging hilarious. Our waiters are awesome. After dinner Janelle and I skipped the show and danced on the back deck instead. This was a beautiful setting which was lit with stringed lights and stars. We had the whole deck to ourselves and finished the evening in the hot-tub on the same deck with some other newlyweds. Great day.

*Once again, blogger keeps messing up so I couldn't put up all the picture I wanted.

An Update (Part 4) First Full Day at Sea

2006-06-15T01:10:00.000-03:00

We woke up this morning to the light reflecting off the ocean shining in our cabin. Absolutely breath taking. It wasn’t very nice outside weather wise but that didn’t really bother us that much. There is so much to do inside that it was nice to have a day to take it in without worrying that you were wasting such a nice day. I will spare you the details of everything that we ate today and just say that it was a lot! I can’t say enough about the food.

In the afternoon we went to the middle deck to see if I could play survivor but I didn’t get called. It was still fun to watch though, really funny. Then we went to a game show in the lounge witch I didn’t get to play but once again fun to watch.

This evening we met the captain of the boat at a cocktail party with free drinks and hors d’oeuveres. Tonight was also one of two formal nights where we got dressed up for dinner. Don’t we look nice? Thanks mom! After dinner we went to a Vegas style production which was pretty good.

At the end of the night we came to this little critter on the bed… hope he doesn’t bite!!!

Good night

An Update (Part 3) Wow...

2006-06-14T01:13:00.000-03:00

Ok, so we have been on the boat for approximately 11 hours now and we are so glad that we came!!! As soon as we got on the boat we went to our room and it is really nice. Then we immediately went to the unicorn café. Here you can eat pizza, sandwiches, salads, Asian food, bistro style, burgers, desert bar, ice cream parlor… those are the options that I can remember! So good. By the way, at this point the boat has not left yet. When it does leave we cruise by Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty which was really cool. Then we went back for a little tour of the boat by got sidetracked by the unicorn café and more food! Then supper! Notice a theme here? At supper we sat with two other couple and really enjoyed their company. For appetizers, I had hickory smoked salmon and a romaine and cherry tomato salad with ranch sauce while Janelle had chicken skewers in peanut sauce. For the main course she had the sirloin steak with three peppercorn sauce while I had the zini pasta with sausage and bell peppers in tomato sauce with a side of sirloin steak with three peppercorn sauce. For desert we had milk chocolate champagne truffle cake and it was awesome. Before serving desert they asked if anyone at our table had a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon or anything of the sort…. You have not lived until you have had 2 Slovaks and a Chinese person sing “happy honeymoon to you” followed by, “boom boom boom back to the room!” After having our picture taken 18 times, including by one guy who just wanted Janelle in the picture (I don’t get it!), we went to the evening show with a New York comedian. He was really funny. Anyways, I am really tired and ready to turn in. Going to wake up to the ocean, no regrets, so far this is worth every penny!

... well for some reason Blogger is being stupid and won't let me put the rest of the pictures on, I'll try later.

An Update (Part 2) All Aboard

2006-06-13T15:08:00.000-03:00

Hello all! We have just boarded the Carnival Legend! Unbelievable and we haven't even done anything yet! Just wanted to let everyone know that we are on with no problems and I will give you a better update later!

An Update

2006-06-12T21:40:00.000-03:00

Well well well, right now I am in New York, New York at a Best Western with my new wife! Today is the first day of our honeymoon and we are having a great time. We didn't do much today really, lots of traveling. We drove from our place in Fredericton to Portland and stopped at the Olive Garden to eat. WOW! That has got to be my favorite restaurant! As you can see I was stoked to be there and Janelle was loving the food!. This was easily the highlight of the travel. Then we arrived at the Portland airport and had to carry all of our stuff... my back and shoulders are sore. Anyways, they, for some reason, never gave us seats so our tickets had us in seats not really near each other. A little friendly conversation later and we had side by side seats in the front row. Took a little while to get our bags and then finally get picked up and taken to the hotel but we are just settling in and having a great time.

That's all for now!

The Reason Why

2006-06-09T11:52:00.000-03:00

I am going to tell you right now that I will probably not be blogging for a while because tomorrow I am getting married to the the most wonderful gal in the world. So LILY before you start leaving comments about how this post is old and how I'm old and (insert something exeptionally funny and or clever here), that is the reason why.

On a personal note, thank you in advance to everyone who helped out with my wedding. I have the best wedding party ever.

Little is Much

2006-06-05T09:28:00.000-03:00

What is the measure of a life well lived
If all I can offer seems too small to give
This is a song for the weaker, the poorer
And so-called failures

Little is much when God's in it
And no one can fathom the plans He holds
Little is much when God's in it
He changes the world with the seeds we sow
Little is much, little is much

Who feels tired and under-qualified
Who feels deserted, and hung out to dry
This is a song for the broken, the beat-up
And so-called losers

Consider a Kingdom in the smallest seed
Consider that giants fall to stones and slings
Consider a child in a manger
Consider the story isn't over
What can be done with what you still have

This is a song by Downhere that really inspired me. God really does use litte things and underqualified people to acomplish big things in his kingdom. That is the only reason I am in ministry today.

Moving On

2006-05-31T16:38:00.000-03:00

If you've been wondering what I've been up to lately the answer is MOVING!!!! This is what I do. I moved home from PEI and helped Janelle move home from Halifax and have been storing things in my Dad's basement as well as Janelle's parent's basement. I am now in the process of moving things from these basements into my townhouse. Then getting everything else set up.

When I moved home and got settled into my new job I moved things back in my office and am now in the process of moving things into my new office down stairs! So I go to work and move and come home and move some more. So much fun. Anyways, I will post some pictures of my new place and new office soon.

A Weekend To Remember

2006-05-17T08:39:00.000-03:00

I can tell that you are already thinking that this is another post about Ben's wedding because that certainly was a weekend to remember but this is not. You see, when you don't post for long periods of time and have limited internet access, things that you want to blog about happen but you don't get a chance to post them... Until now!!!

So a few weekends ago Janelle and I attended the Family Life Marriage Conference A Weekend To Remember and that it certainly was. We had a lot of fun but more important than that, we learned some very practical things that will be a huge advantage for us as we enter married life. They basically just teach you how. How to communicate, how to resolve conflict, how to fight fair and so many other helpful things. They would say things like, "You may do this..." and I would be thinking, "I do that..." Janelle and I already refer back to what they said on a regular basis and it has helped us a lot. I really recommend that you check it out and if you are married, engaged or even dating very seriously I highly recommend that you go. This thing has even saved marriages that were all but over. They have had couples arrive in separate vehicles, staying is different hotels who had not been living together for two years leave the conference with hope and a new start.

On another plus side the one in New Brunswick is at the St. Andrews Algonquin. Wow! That place was awesome! They must have ran out of regular rooms because they put me in a room with a KING SIZE BED! I was stoked! Free soap, free shampoo, free shower cap, free shower curtain, towel robes. It was really cool. The bed was so big that when I got up in the night to use the bathroom I got back in on the other side! It was like getting into a new bed, all cool with new pillows... good times had by me.

A Big Day

2006-05-16T16:07:00.000-03:00

Well this past Saturday was a BIG day! My twin brother Ben got married to Jacquelyn. It was an awesome day. He looked great, she was beautiful and they made a covenant promise to love each other.

I was an emotional wreck because I was so happy for them and at the same time kind of sad because this is an end of an era for Ben and I. Twenty-two years together and now instead of living in the same residence we don't even live in the same province. We will definitely keep in touch but I will miss him a lot. He is the best brother a guy could ever have and I am grateful to God that we had the amazing opportunity to grow up together.

I love you Ben!