Summer 2011 In Review

Well what a crazy summer it has been, multiple weddings, a great book series, vacation, disc golf, and lots of running.

I had the honor to be in two amazing weddings over the summer, one for Crystal and Ben Bobier, and one for Derek and Samantha Martin. They both had amazing weddings that really spoke to each of the couples personalities. But I think my favorite part of both weddings was decorating the cars. I learned a lot from the men of suite 104 in Travis’s wedding in regards to car decorating, and in these two weddings I had a chance to really let my skill shine. (of course 5th degree car decorating black belt Travis Waters aided in the decoration/vandalism of said vehicles). Both of the weddings were awesome celebrations, there was much merriment and dancing for all.

Last spring I stumbled upon a book series named “A Song of Ice and Fire”, it had dominated my reading over the summer. The majority of my vacation was spent reading the third book in the series ‘A Storm of Swords’, which I would rank as the second or third best in the series thus far. (I would say ‘A Clash of Kings’ is number one, followed by ‘A Game of Thrones’) It is a fantasy book set in the middle ages in a land called Westros where kings die (as well as main characters) and Lords and Lady’s fight using war and politics to obtain a crown.

I also went on vacation with family. We went to Battle Lake MN, and stayed in a cabin for a week. It was fun, I didn’t watch much TV other than the Women’s World Cup Final (which was a great game, hats off to Japan). I ran, read, and kayaked to my hearts content, and even visited with my wife’s family on occasion. It was HOT while we were there which made it uncomfortable outside, but it gave you a great excuse to get in the lake. The lake itself was incredibly clean, and in most areas you could see the bottom.

On our way to Crystal and Ben’s wedding Travis and I decided that we should take a disc golf trip across west central northish Iowa, so we stopped and played 3.5 disc golf courses on our way to the hotel. It was great fun and Travis and I were very competitive until we played a course that had poles instead of basket at which time Travis took a commanding lead from which I never recovered. I also had one of my favorite disc golf experiences at the Cedar Falls course. Travis and I set off to play the Cedar Falls disc Golf Course on the Friday afternoon before the wedding. Upon our arrival, a pair of red tailed hawks greeted us, and by “greeted” I mean they were screaming at us. We think they had a nest near by and were concerned we would eat their babies. So we got to see some hawks up close, and played some good disc golf. (on a side note I made a 30 foot put, which I was pretty proud of).

The months of June and July were both running months. In June we had to run 10 miles a week, and in July we had to run 15 Miles a week. I would say that I got back in to shape during those months and have maintained said shape since. (Kaci and I are running a half marathon in October) During my long runs (Runs of 4 miles or more) I usually listen to a sermon, which is awesome because it keeps me from getting bored.

So there you have it folks, that was my summer. I also had many fun times with my wife Kaci, but I’ll have to leave that for another post.

-Ryan

This summer I had an opportunity to read some books, mostly (OK all) fiction and all political thrillers. Some were good, some were not so good, but I’ll give you the skinny on all three. I’ll try not to give too much away is a give my opinion and give my supporting case.

The Overton Window: By Glenn Beck—This book follows a PR agent, and an aging FBI agent on two different story lines that never really come together as they try to stop a major terrorist attack on the US. It is filled with political diatribes that pretty much give Glenn’s point of view on the world minus religion (see other Glenn Beck posts). The book was long and since I was already aware of most of his political views it tended to drag on. It was an easy read but very anti-climatic. The story had some suspense; however the character development didn’t really happen. The book does keep you guessing (mostly because there is no character development). My Rating: Three out of five stars. It was ok; I wouldn’t recommend this to friends who disagree with Glenn Beck, or to any thriller fans.

The Last Patriot: By Brad Thor: Wow! This book is probably the best political thriller I have read to date. The plot is essentially a mix of “National Treasure” and “The Da Vinci Code”. It follows several characters, an FBI agent, a former Secret Service agent (Scot Harvath) and a former Black Ops agent turned Muslim extremist. They all end up looking for the same book/manuscript, “Muhameds final Revelation” which would change the way Muslims view their faith and traditions. Lots of action and twists, enough back story to each character so that you understand how they got to where they are. There was a healthy dose of history (twisted at some points) to make the book seem more real. The ending gave me chills. My Rating: Five out of Five stars. I recommend this book to everyone.

The Apostle: By Brad Thor: This book wasn’t quite as good as The Last Patriot. The Plot was much more direct. A major presidential campaign contributors daughter is captured so, with the help of the president, she recruits Scot Harvath to go to the middle east to break out a captured terrorist to exchange for her daughter. (per the demands of the kidnapers). There is a secondary plot that I found more intriguing involving the President and the death of his former campaign manager. My Rating: Seven of Ten stars. A good book, but I would recommend “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell as a much better book on Middle Eastern combat/intrigue.

There you have it folks, those are the three books I read this summer. My current reading schedule dabbles in more non-fiction, as I am currently reading D-Day by Steven Ambrose, and I also have Founding Faith on my future read list. I am also going to be reading “Lions of Lucerne” by Brad Thor (Yes, The Last Patriot was that good).

Much Love,
Ryan