Well, it is my Birthday tomorow (actually in like in less then 18 minutes) and to be honest I had a hard time remeber what I was turning. It is kinda a freaky thought when that happens. I am very happy and excited none the less since this makes me just one more year closer to my retirement. Just kidding, I am excited at yet scared, since I realize every year a bit more clearly how higher my age is getting and how lower my maturity is heading.
It is sweltering here. 30+ celcious and the humidity is not helping anything. Working in this weather is imposible. Thankfully my car is pumping out brain freezing air conditioning. I am missing edmonton the more smog alerts come over the air waves. If I dont leave the summer without a cancerous growth I will be in good standings.

Wedding planning and dance lessons are going very well. Excitment building and the countdown is starting unofficially. The costs are all worked out and my stress level is easing. I am really excited at the ministry oppurtunities this coming summer and cant wait to head back to Edmonton at the end of the summer. I guess I am not writing to much on issues or real concerns... are there any suggestions? I am not sure if I am blogging in the right manner. Do I present controversial findings? Do I state the obvious, rant, or complain; or perhaps simply "dear diary" it up? Let me know for next time.

Simon Out

Niagra Falls was quite the expieriance! I had the brilliant idea of bringing the smart car, since it was the romantic place where I propsed. We get down to the falls and drive through the touristy areas. All of a sudden, Jacquie tugs at my sleave and states, "everyone is watching" followed by, "that guy is video taping me!" It appears our nieghbors to the south are unfamiliar with this vehicle. Stopping at traffic lights, many would come up and ask us questions and give comments. It was very interesting to say the least. We went on the made of the mist and had an enjoyable and wet time. It was increable. The afternoon was concluded by a nice cat nap in the shade. Jacquie and I also managed to take pictures of us with the timer on her digital camera since both of use were scared to ask strangers to snap a shot. I had vissions of these compleat strangers running off with her camera. I chuckle at the thought of what we must have looked like. Jacquie standing in her pose as I race from proping the camera up on a rock to stand beside her. Oh the memories...

Today on top of a smog alert was the hottest day. A whopping 30+ I could almost feel the flesh peel off my body. Fortunately the only thing that kept me sain was the fact my air conditioning kept giving me a massive brain freeze (blowing at my face). I got to bring my own car to varrious jobs and felt sorry for my buddy matt as he had to sand blast in the heat while cruising in a work fan that was a toaster oven on wheels. I am just spoiled.

Hoping for a cooler tomorow;

Simon Out!

Hello again friends;
Just to clarify and re-cap: I appologize if I did not articulate myself well earlier. Just for the record the recently acquired gun is not something I take lightly. I doubt it will ever enter my residence. I currently have it at our farm for safe keeping and contrarty to some reports, I am not a gun toting pastor. I look at it as a right of passage and protection for the end days (ok the last end days thing was a total joke).

Anyway, today was a glorious Saturday. I traveled up to the church camp today to clean out our (my brother and mine) cottage. It felt good to do some much needing clean up and prepair it for a summer of ministry as I will be there for for a kids camp and youth camp. I mowed grass, cleaned siding, dusted, vacumed, cleaned the bathroom, mirrors, and windows, washed the walls, and got the pesky spots off the carpet. Jacquie will be happy to know I am totally domesticated. I went out by myself which was nice just for some quite time and reflection on some issues and such.

Tomorow afternoon Jacquie and I will be venturing out to Niagra Falls to celebrate our 1 year (belated) dating aneversary as of April 26 (i think). Her desire is to go on Maid of the Mist so I am praying that things will work out for us and that the maid of the mist does not get sucked into the falls preventing us from riding it. I think she has high expectations and I just hope I can fill them. I got my hiking/walking shoes all set and mentally set to get in high gear. We are taking out the Smart Car (the place where I proposed) because of sentamental reasons (and the cheap gas) lol. I just want to show her how much she means to me and how much she not only completes me but my ministry also.

So wish me luck, pray, and God Bless you all. Just for the record the wedding is mostly all planned and getting finalized. If this does not bankcrupt me or my family we will be in good shape. I regret have fancy taste, Jacquie is a great gal and she desirves this day. I sometimes envy my brothers modest budget and subsequent taste, however, Jacquie has had this day planed from her third trimester in the whom so it is all I can do to make it happen.

Take Care;

Simon Out

Surprise! I did not have to go to Toronto Island to work. Apparently the 4 days of continual rain has caused some nice hefty insurance claims. I was teamed up with my long time friend Matt Q, and had a great day. Work was fun and seemed to fly by. Who would of thought that sucking up fecal matter with a shop vac could seem like a fast job. Nonetheless, my day was swell. Joking and pranking like old times. Alberta is still heavy on my heart. With this recent oiler win I feel especially homesick and just wanting to be back in the city celebrating. So I had my own little celebration today by purchasing a Edmonton Oiler bumper sticker. My own little slice of Edmonton. People on the street and at gas stations start talking to me because they see my Alberta license plate, now my oiler support should spark added conversation.

My mind was racing with rage after work today for no apparent reason. I needed shoes for my suit to go along with it for my friends wedding this Saturday. The Moores stated that they could not place another order and I was out of luck for this week. Furthermore I needed a hair cut. I went to the haircut place (FIRST CHOICE) and walked in at 8:15 pm the nice people "hair dressers" sitting arround talking and drinking coffee said they were closeing shortly. While noticing the sign on my way in I noticed it said they closed at 9:00 pm. I inquired about this discrepency and found the anger sharks swimming in my head at their response, "We had a long day." First Choice hair salons is now my LAST CHOICE! We all have long days, I wish I could have thrown in the towel at the 3rd watter dammage where a soupy mess of smelly stew steamin in the basement covering the floor, but NO, I sucked it up got down and sucked up every last particle. All in a days work. Lets all go the extra mile. I am just ranting and venting but bare with me.

All in a days rant.
P.S. I love my new phone. Thanks for sending me your phone numbers continue to do so!
Simon Out!

Its amazing how the small things can really ruin a day. Today the unthinkable happened. My faithful and loyal cell phone fell victem to an attack by my keys. Apparently at aproximatly 8:45 am while awaking from my slumber in the van while at work, I attempted to phone my fiance to give her my neck size for my shirt (that she is purchasing for an upcuming wedding), and a black sploch of death was in the veiwy thingy of my phone. I cant access my phone numbers or anything stored. So please, Simon requests the publics help in gathering his phone book list back. Please e-mail: bandpromos@hotmail.com for your numerical contribution (i.e. phone number)

Aside from that, the rest of the day I spent wallowing and mourning the loss of this cherished member of my pocket family. On the upside I spent some cash and got a replacement. Jacquie and I have the same phone now and we are able to walie talkie eachother. We are now so hip and with it. All this is free no long distance. Life is good.

P.S. I am sure tomorow I will write something more meaningful and deep.
(My cell number is the same)

Simon Out!

Today is Monday... need I say more. Today was another fun filled day at work on Toronto Island. I found myself doing the neglected and dirty jobs everyone was pushing to a later day. From polishing tarnished brass on door handles, to cleaning dishes; today was a humbling day. I found myself taking on the roles nobody was willing to do out of lazyness and carlessness. I also found myself in prayer, praise, and excitment upon the finializing the wedding preperations. Missing Edmonton huge and the close friends I made.
See you soon.
Simon Out!

Happy Mothers Day! And what a great moms day it was. I found myself rushing arround at the last minute and buying a simply marvelous yet bank breaking bouquet of flowers and card. I was shopping for cards and found myself a little misty eyed pouring through the countless thanks for mothers. I think there is a good sermon in the mix out of this whole day.
I humbly went with my mother to her own church. If anyone of you know me you will no something about this and why it would be mildly difficult. Never the less my mom and I had a great day. The evening was spent with Jacquie's mom and family at her place in Guelph.

On Saturday, I went up North to my cottage for our anuall work weekend with all the family. We went big and buldozed a huge walking path and sweet trail through the woods and arround our property. My family tends to go overboard which is why we would not bother by hand or anything....that would just be foolish. I also was chose to inherit one of my uncles 22 caliber rifiles. I am guessing this is an honour but it truely is a weird feeling to be a youth pastor packing heat. I guess this gives a new meaning to convert...or else. Ok so the last part is a joke. The gun is something discussed with my future wife, and although she is not excited she is ok with this. It is more of a airlume thingy I guess. Your coments are appretiated and welcomed in this matter. Is it right? Is it wrong?

I also went to a stag for a good buddy Dan. His wedding is this weekend and I am really looking forward to it. We had a great time camping and for Dan, his last weekend of being single. I am happy for the guy and excited. God Bless you Dan as you start this road of marriage. Make sure to pave me a path for me to follow.
P.S. I have known Dan all his life and would like to think I was some how an insignificant person who helped Dan come out of his shell.

Simon Out!

Cold play sums it up best when they sing"...everybody's changing and I dont know why..." It appears change occurs faster then I originally imagined. Hamilton is a different place then when I left which is only further beckoning me to the province of Alberta to reside. My heart and ministry is in Alberta yet my family is here.
Today I worked for the uncle again. We continued to work on Toronto Centre Island at a boat club where we puttered arround and cleaned up after the construction workers all day. Not knowing entirely why we keep on getting sent out there is a mystery but hey, it is work, and work equals money (working for family equals good money). Jacquie and I are busy planning the wedding and I am overwhelmed at how extravagent this is turning out to be. She showed me the hall and the church, we met with the pastor, and saw where we are to get photos done. It is very impresive and I am anxiously awaiting the Big day. Jacquie and I have continued to discuss Edmonton possibilities. A rather large door is in the process of opening there for ministry there and I am anxiously awaiting God's leading and direction. If this ministry oppourtunity avails then Jacquie and I have agreed to make things work in Edmonton. Jacquie is being tested in her job as a special ed teacher and if nothing else God is burdening on her heart those less fortunate and those whom stem from very poor family backgrounds.

As I continue to miss Alberta, my thoughts, prayers, and love are with all those whom have befreinded me there.

I was supposed to go to a stag party for my long time friend this weekend, however, we have had non-stop rain in whcih I am thinking going up to our cottage up North for the family work day is a better option. We will see. I will keep you updated on my summer ramblings and travels.
Simon Out!

After having much difficulty accessing my blog and the fact of depleating time, updating my blog has been falling behind. I find my days working with the family ("Work" being a very lucrative term). It's really been great to connect with some close friends I have at work like Matt as well as work alongside some of my unlces again. Recently we have been on Toronto Island; a small island in Toronto containing a handfull of houses, small airport, and schools, at a yaht club. The beauty of it all is there is virtually nothing to be done and the "waiting game" is being played between several other trades. To make a long story short, I am getting paid to walk arround, look at boats, fool arround, and get caught up with old work friends. Its been great. Other than that I am working lots and coming to terms at the great changes of Hamilton life. The church I had left here has changed dramatically. The youth group is virtually non exisitant and still pastorless. On the upside, I am looking forward to youth camp were numerous churchs will gather and youth will unite in all out crazyness. In perperation for the camp ground season at the Church camp, we had the anual clean up day. Josh (my brother), Justin (my cousin), and I spent over 5 hours of continuous raking of leaves. Needless to say we wanted to clear cut the camp when we were finished. Anyway I am off to sleep for a good day tomorow. Will try to update more often.

Simon Out!

Well, I am finally home. My exams all completed and the weight and pressure of school has been lifted by an industrial strength crane. My trip home was fantastic. I made it accross 2.5 provinces in 1 day. I left with a fellow class mate on Sunday at 1:00 a.m. and we arrived in Ontario Sunday at 9:14 p.m. What a drive. My old man "Chrystler Sebring" cruised nicely accorss the Canadian landscape and after some close calls with the O.P.P. reduced my cruising speed of 140+km/hr to a more tollerable 120km/hr. I coasted into the driveway of my parents home on Tuesday and took several days in Northern Ontario to visit family and our cottage. It was swell and I enjoyed it greatly. My parents were happy to see me and I am somewhat excited to start working for the family and my friend Matt this summer. We will see how long the excitement lasts. As much excitement there is for being in Ontario there is a part of me that is filled with mixed emotions and even some sorrow concerning leaving Alberta. I made some really close connections and friends there in such a short amount of time. I am in love with the landscape and the hospitality of Edmonton, Vanguard, and Millwoods Church.
To all my Millwoods Peeps: You guys are great and have left a lasting imprint on my life, ministry, and memories. Thank you for your support and friendship. Wow that kinda sounds a bit cheasy, but honestly I love you guys.

Update on previous posts:
Church Membership
It seems that many on and off my blog are opinionated on this matter. Here is my stance. In being truthful and faithful to the promises I made to the pastor before leaving, I am holding my membership at my "old" church for a year. Since it has been well over a year now, I am re-evaluating my stance. I will transfering my membership, however, I am still make some decisions as to where it will be transfered. I do agree that my membership within the church must be with a church that I agree with, one I support, one I am connected and involved in, and one I feel apart of. Comunity is vital for me and I have grown to love my church in Millwoods. Jacquie and I are in the process of making fundamental decisions as to which we will live. Membership will be on the move soon.
Simon Out