Random At Best

Subaru

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:16:00 +0000

Haiti Mission Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:31:00 +0000

On Dec. 27th, I'll be heading out with a team from my church on a mission trip to Haiti. We will be partnering up with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) to help clear rubble, work on small building projects, and do whatever else may be needed.

I am super excited for this trip and know it will be an amazing experience. There is much preparation and work ahead of me in the days leading up to the trip. Most importantly, I have to raise $2,000 to cover the cost of the trip. Although it is a large amount of money, it provides an opportunity for friends and family to partner up with me financially to serve in Haiti.

Below is a copy of my support letter. If you feel led too, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting me. You can click on the picture below for a full size version of the support letter.

I'll try to keep updating this blog as we continue to prepare for this trip, as well as update you on the trip as well.

Damon Bruce

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Sun, 02 May 2010 16:26:00 +0000

I called into the Damon Bruce show a few weeks ago for a hilarious segment I had to call in for. It was the "3 O'CLOCK Three Play", and the three questions where 1. Best Cry Moment in sports 2. Are you confident in the Sharks in the Playoffs 3. Give love to Giants Fans who waited out the 4 hour game rain delay.

My call was alright, but the guy who called after me was pretty hilarious. Not so much his call but Damon's response.

Damon Bruce.mp3

Happy Fathers Day

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Man I suck at blogging lately, but I figured there is no day like fathers day for getting back on the horse. My Dad is definitely one man very worthy of a blog post. I have a list of about a hundred things that makes my Dad a great Dad, and I figured I would share the top 3:

1. He is a man of his word and keeps his commitments.
2. He is generous with everything he has been blessed with, and lives life with an open hand.
3. He is incredibly good looking, and he passed those genes on to his sons.

Happy fathers day Dad!

Hemophilia Coastal Ride For Zach

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:19:00 +0000

I know it has been awhile since I have blogged, and for that, I apologize.

My good friend Bobby is embarking on a bike trip across California this summer for a great cause and and I wanted to take a quick opportunity to share it with you. He made a video explaining what it is all about. You can watch it, or visit http://www.myworshiprevolution.com/bobbym/coastalrace09.html to get more info.

Good Luck Bobby!

Catalyst: TOMS Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:22:00 +0000

I got the opportunity to hear Blake Mycoskie speak at the Catalyst conference last week. It is really inspiring to hear about people being successful while making the world a better place. I really enjoyed the ATT commercial.

More on the Catalyst Conference to come.

Catalyst 09 Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:51:00 +0000

Wow. The first day of catalyst was amazing. By the sounds of things, the lab day doesn't even compare to the main session days, so today should be even better.

One of the highlights from yesterday was a lab I attended by Rick Yamamoto entitled "Becoming an Expert". The topic of expertise is really interesting to me given that technology today has allowed us all to become experts at everything, while being an expert at nothing at all.

We talked about the two models for strategic thinking, managerial vs. entrepreneurial, and how to achieve expertise. Did you you know that on average, it takes about 10,000 hours or 10 years of deliberate practice to become an expert. Bobby Fisher took about 9 years, while Tiger Woods took about 15 years.

All in all, I really enjoyed yesterday, and am really looking forward to today.

Catalyst 09

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:21:00 +0000

I made the trek down south with some friends from church to attend the Catalyst 09 Conference at Mariners Church. Needless to say I am really looking forward to this. Today's session consists of a couple of lab sessions they are calling origins. The one I am looking forward to the most is called "Conscious Capitalism: Blending Business, Passion, and Giving Back".

I'll try to keep you updated on all the events here if I can find spare time in between all the fun and interesting events. You can also keep up with whats happening on my twitter @ryanlipert.

Ronn Owens Show

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:44:00 +0000

I called into the Ronn Owens Show today on my way into work.

Ronn Owens.mp3

Arm Wrestling

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:07:00 +0000

We did a little bit of arm wrestling at work.

Condom Sales Experiencing Strong Growth!?!

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:56:00 +0000

I read an interesting article today in "The Week" today about the recent strength of condom sales despite the economic downturn. No Pun Intended.

One might expect that with the economic problems we are experiencing today, you might expect condom sales to go down like everything else. In addition, the gloomy economy could have adverse affects on peoples sex drives.

But in fact, it is quite the opposite. There has recently been a surge in condom purchases, and forecast don't show it slowing down.

Many have speculated as to why this is the case. Some argue that it is these hard times that people turn to their romantic relationships to ease the pain and stress of the economic downturn. With people loosing their jobs and their homes, they are turning to sex for comfort.

I would tend to think that there is a more economic rationale for the increased condom sales. Quite frankly, an unexpected pregnancy in uncertain economic times is much more devastating than it would been during financial booms. As the economy begins to slide, an unexpected child could be very expensive.

Fair Tax

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:36:00 +0000

I finished a book a few weeks back that everyone should read. It is called "Fair Tax" and it is basically all about getting rid our our current tax system and replacing it with a national sales tax.

Although the idea is pretty radical, it makes perfect sense. At the heart of the argument in favor of this change, is the fact that it only taxes people when they spend money, and by default encourages people to save their money.

You should all go to the wikipedia site or web page. Both have wonderful information on them and can do the topic more justice.

Hawaii

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 20:09:00 +0000

I'm back in the game, at least for today.

I had the awesome opportunity last week to go visit my good friend James in Hawaii. Needless to say it was amazing. Warm weather and warm water. Surfed, hiked, snorkeled, saw the sights, and much more.

The highlight of the trip had to be hiking to Maunawili Waterfall, which also happens to be the location where part of the Jason Mraz Video "I'm Yours" was filmed. Good stuff.

Thanks for your hospitality James. It was an amazing trip. Looking forward to doing it again realllllll soon.

Moment by Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:27:00 +0000

I read a post from a friend of a friend of a friends blog today and I thought it was great. I want to share it with you all.

The author of this post is going through an agonizing time of pain as she deals with the loss of her husband.

Such a tremendous sadness. In the morning I wake to it. It’s a reality that is so difficult to even let my mind think of. Every morning when it sinks in just a bit I can’t help but throw up...
...But what I thank God for is that it’s not like that all day. I think it would be without hope. In the morning, as soon as I start to awake it’s like I’m slapped in the face with reality. Mark is gone. It wasn’t just a nightmare. He’s really gone and he’s never coming back. But moment by moment God takes me through the day. And I don’t stay so sad. Life doesn’t stay so dismal. God truly gives me hope. I am hoping that He will redefine my purpose. Give me direction and set His plans before me. I am encouraged throughout the day through God’s promises. Knowing where Mark is. Thanking God for the amazing love that we were able to share and the time that He gave us. That helps so much…to look at all the blessings that God has given us.

The pain we feel is very real. Sometimes I wish God would just get rid of all the pain and hardship we have to go through. Even though I don't understand it, it will always be there. But I love how she talks about God taking her through the day, "moment by moment". Isn't that great? Each moment, good or bad, God is there, taking us through the day. It definitely spoke to me at a time when I needed to hear that.

Ponzi?!

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:19:00 +0000

You hear a lot in the news about ponzi schemes these days.

The definition is: A Ponzi Scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors out of the money paid by subsequent investors rather than from profit.

When I read that, I can't help but think that we are all currently being fooled by the biggest ponzi scheme of all. As it stands now, the government is bailing us out of our current financial meltdown with dollars that will ultimately be paid by younger generations sometime in the future. We are doomed!

Doheny Surf Video

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:23:00 +0000

Little video my buddy Ryan made of our surf trip this past summer to Southern California. We had a much better song on it, but YouTube stripped it off because of copyright infringement. Such garbage. What can you do. Enjoy.

Winter... I'm Sorry But You Suck

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:21:00 +0000

I haven't posted in awhile, and for that, I am sorry.

There is just something about the middle of winter that gets me down, among other things of course. I guess we can call it the post holiday hangover. The days are ridiculously short. The weather is depressing. It is just hard to get motivated for anything.

And when it rains, it poors right? To add to the wintertime blues, my back is still bugging me a little bit, my friends and family are going through some trials, and work is getting a little stressful.

I guess I am in a "funk". But it's OK to be in a "funk" every once in awhile though, right?

Hopefully I can snap out of it soon.

CLC Santa Cruz Goes To Mexico 08/09

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:01:00 +0000

I had the opportunity to go to Mexico and build a house last week with my church. We had a great time. My apologies if you have seen this video. If you haven't, then enjoy.

2008 In Review

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:08:00 +0000

I thought it would be good to look back on 2008 as we enter into 2009. It is easy to forget all that went on in this busy year.

1. I put one full year of blogging under my belt.
2. Moved into a new place in Mission Springs.
3. Lost a great roommate in James to Hawaii and gained a great roommate in Luke.
4. My Grandma past away and got to see a lot of family I hadn't seen in awhile.
5. Took a couple trips to Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake.
6. Got a new high powered cell phone.
7. Went to many Giants Games.
8. Started infrequently taking spin classed.
9. Turned 24 and celebrated with an amazing sailing trip with a bunch of great friends.
10. Went to the Indianapolis 500 with my Dad and some family friends.
11. Got to see my little brother graduate from highschool.
12. Got ordained by the "Church of Latter Day Dude".
13. Went to Atlanta to visit family and see my cousin graduate.
14. Had a couple great parties at my house, including the White Trash/Gulchie Party.
15. Bought a road bike.
16. Hurt my back pretty badly and was laid up for a week.
17. Won the Scotts Valley Co Ed Rec League Softball Championship.
18. Took a business trip to Chicago.
19. And I finished up the year building a house in Mexico with my church.

All in all it was a good year. Work was very busy and we were very blessed despite the economy, I continued to help out with YoungLife and volunteer at my church as well.

Looking forward to 2009.

Westy Engine Replacement

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:05:00 +0000

I spent the day after Christmas helping my Dad replacing the engine in his Volkswagen Westphalia, or as we call it, "The Westy". Many camping trips to come.

The Evolution of a White Elephant Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:42:00 +0000

I run in many circles, and this year, had the opportunity to attend a few Christmas Parties.

What Christmas Party would be complete without a White Elephant Gift Exchange. I figured this year, I would track the life of a White Elephant Gift. I started out with a Barrel of Monkeys, and when it was all said and done, after the last party, I was left with a very festive Christmas Mug.

For those of you who can't tell what that doll is, it's a Boyfriend Voodoo doll. Apparently if your mad at your boyfriend, you can inflict pain the doll and it will in turn, inflict pain on your boyfriend.

The best gift by far, was the pirate puffy shirt from Seinfeld. One of the best Seinfeld episodes ever. I was sad to see that one go.

Theme for Christmas: "Presents" Vs "Presence"

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:29:00 +0000

I wish I could say I came up with this, but it was actually in a video at church we watched a few weeks back.

This Holiday Season, while I will still give "Presents", I will focus on giving more "Presence". After all, isn't that what Christmas is all about? The celebration of God sending his "Presence" through his son Jesus Christ.

Somewhere along the line, we may have confused the two. Clearly, this season has become largely about giving each other "Presents". I'll be the first to admit, I have given and received many gifts as recently as last year that I can't even remember.

So this year instead, while still buying "Presents", this year they will serve to facilitate and demonstrate "Presence", just as Jesus Christ modeled.

CyberChondriac

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:15:00 +0000

I had a little medical scare last week. I went to the doctor last week for a couple of issues. During the course of the appointment, my doctor found something that led him to believe I may have an aorta aneurysm. Needless to say, I kind of freaked out.

Now don't worry, everything checked out normal. My doctor was just being extremely cautious, which I think is a good thing. But after he mentioned an aneurysm, I turned into a total CyberChondriac.

CyberChondria is defined as follows:

"A colloquial term to describe the behavior of individuals who use the Internet to gather information on health or healthcare, for themselves or people in their care."

I instantly went and Googled Aneurysm and Aorta and all kinds of horror stories came up. I started manifesting symptoms in my head, and had a restless night of sleep.

There is an interesting article here about how CyberChondria is spreading. I now find the whole thing kind of amusing, as worrying over your health is rarely beneficial, although I don't want to belittle the struggle of some people dealing with chronic illness and disease.

What Would Jesus Buy

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 05:32:00 +0000

Christian Life Center put on a free showing of the movie What Would Jesus Buy at the Rio Theater last week.

Well when I walked up to the theater and read the sign, I couldn't help but laugh.

Only in Santa Cruz.

What Would Jesus Buy Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Lipert) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:19:00 +0000

Everyone needs to come see this movie tonight at the Rio Theater. It is free and is absolutely hilarious. Show starts at 5PM. The Random at Best Blog community and friends will make the long trek across the street after the movie for dinner at Charlie Hong Kong. See you there.