The Pictures are up!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

.
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

Marvel vs DC 4

Marvel vs DC 3

Marvel vs DC 2

Marvel vs DC

This is great!!!

How to Save a Life...

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

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

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

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.

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!!!!