Member Of The Week: Angie Parker!!

1.   Name: Angie Parker

2.   Age: 33

3.   Hometown AND State: Fremont NE

4.   Sheltered Reality Practice Site: Fremont NE

5.   How long have you been in the group? 3 years site coordinator; 2 months drumming

6.   ____________________________________________________________________

7.   Were you a drummer BEFORE Sheltered Reality? No

8.   How many HOURS per week (on average) do you play the drums, practice SR beats and songs, or just jam for fun? 3-4 hours

9.   How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on Turbo Jam, work on SR choreography, or just work out? work out?? what's that

10.      If you do your own work-outs, what do you like to do? walking

11.      How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on SR mission related things OR your own missions to change the world? 10-20 hours

12.      ____________________________________________________________________

13.      What is your favorite show you have performed in OR seen from the audience?  Why is this your favorite? Can't place just one, but Sunday services are my favorite. Especially when the pastor or show leader says something that God needed me to hear at the time.

14.      If you could thank one person for something they did in your life at this point in time, who would it be and how would you thank them? It would be a neighbor of mine when I was in elementary school. She first started bringing me to Sunday school and church. I know just telling her thanks isn't enough, but next time I see her I'll do just that, because of what she did to begin with started me on the track where I was able to get involved with SR.

 

15.      If you had to tell a random stranger, who has never played drums or any musical instrument, what Sheltered Reality is and stands for, what would you say? SR is a drum group and they play loud. However, I also mention the phrase "Empowering Others to Succeed." I tell them that whether it is through a drum lesson, learning choreography, encouraging others to use the Steps of Success, or helping others in mission we are empowering others to succeed.

16.      What is something that nobody knows about you? That I like to roll down the car windows on a nice day, crank the radio and jam.

17.      If you were to make a bucket list, what would be top of the list? I don't know why but I have always wanted to go to Australia.

18.      What three things are always in your refrigerator? Milk, Jelly, and Peanut Butter

19.      What is your favorite group/artist? Musical genre (pop, country, Christian contemporary, etc)? Currently it's Kutless. I listen to Christian music the more beat the better.

20.        What do you think people believe of you that is not true? That I'm shy and introverted. Just like Rebekah until I get to know others I am. I also need to get the feel for a person on whether or not I can trust them. I've been hurt in the past so that is why I'm cautious not shy.

21.      What is your favorite beat? Not sure yet

22.      If you were King/Queen of the world, what would you change? I would want to provide more programs to help promote self-esteem. Because if more people believed in their selves maybe, just maybe, the world would be a better place.

23.      How do you hope to apply the lessons learned from SR later in life?Just using the steps in my daily life.

24.      Pick one of the Steps of Success and tell of a time where it has paid off for you. Take a Chance -- I used it when I applied for a promotion at work. Even though I didn't get the promotion I am glad that I tried.

25.      What is your favorite Color? Why is it your favorite color? Purple, don't know why, I've always liked it.

26.      Do you have a favorite Sport and or a favorite Sports Team? Not a big sports fan.

27.      Who or what has been the biggest Influence in your life? My faith. God has gotten me through a lot and still is guiding and putting people in my life to help. I know he has a hand in all things.

28.      Do you like your Personality? Do you wish you were stronger, braver, or bolder?  If you like it, why?  If you do not like it, what would you change? I think we are all a work in progress. I have my good personality traits, but I also have those that I need to work on.  Right now I'm working on speaking out for others and myself.

29.      Have you ever stood up for what you believe, even when it was very hard? I could have done it differently one being more vocal, but I did stand up. Even though it was hard and I did lose a few friends (saw people in different light -- both for the good and bad). I know that this was what was right. I also gained friends and respect for others.

30.      What is your favorite subject in school? I have always enjoyed history and geography.

31.      Are you the person you want to be? I'm not there yet, but God is still guiding me.

32.      If you never joined SR, or never heard of SR would you be the same person you are now? Why or why not? I don't think so. Not only because of the SOS, but because of the friends I have meant.

33.      What are five things that you have in your room that you love? I have pictures of my nephews and a picture that I made in shop class. I enjoy the tv, books and movies, but love the last 3 I could do without.

34.      Can you play any other Instrument other than the drums?  Do you wish/want to play another instrument?  If so, what? No, at this time I just want to spend time trying to learn a few beats.

35.      Do you do the SOS (Steps of Success) daily? How many times do you think you use it in a week? I try to use daily. I may need to remind myself that in the future I need to remember step ....

36.      What is your favorite movie of all time? Why? Facing the Giants -- the themes in the background really shows how you should live your life. Praise God in the good and bad. Not the only, but a pretty important one.

37.      What is your favorite television show and/or shows? 7th Heaven, Gilmore Girls , and NCIS

38.      What movie do you want to see really badly but didn’t get the chance to? Nothing lately because I haven't seen anything of interest. I usually wait until it comes out on tv.

39.      What is your favorite saying that you say? "Whatever" yeah it's annoying even to me.

40.      What's your favorite Step of Success and why? Believe in yourself--Just because it brings all the steps together.

41.      What are you most proud of about your life? I graduated from college, not that many in my family have done this.

42.      What is your favorite theme song? Brady Bunch

43.      What is your favorite mission project, and how did it impact you? Fremont did a scavenger hunt with donations going to low income ministry. Even though I stayed back to work on other SR stuff and get a snack ready for them I enjoyed hearing from the kids that they worked together and had fun. Even though there wasn't a prize they worked together and gathered things for others. I think that is an important thing to learn.

44.      Why did you originally join SR, and what are your reasons for staying? I saw there was a need in my hometown after a very, very hard year. I still see the need in the area, not only in the community, but in our members.

45.      If you were all of a sudden out of the group what is one thing you have learned that you would take with you the rest of your life? SOS, Friends, and some great memories

46.      What makes you, you? Family, Faith, and Friends

47.      How is your friendship different with SR friend and non SR friends?  How are people in SR at your site/in the country different than people you go to school and/or work with? I'm closer with SR friends than with others. We all have a common goal and that really helps with friendships.

 

48.      If you had to move, would you try to stay in contact with Steve and Jordan and your site? I would definitely stay in contact.

49.      If this blog was never created do you think we would be as close as we are now? With out the blog I don't think I would get to "meet" others. Of course it was fun at MTR figuring out who was who.

50.      What is your favorite part about the blog? Besides reading the comments, I actually like the surveys.

51.      What other activities/organizations are you involved in? I am involved with my church's audio visual on Sundays.

52.      What size drumsticks do you play with?  Haven't figured out yet.

53.      What are the first three things you do when you get home from school/work/traveling? turn on the tv, grab a good book and put my feet up

    54.      Who do you choose from the Blog Followers to be the NEXT Member of the Week?? Completely random again...Kyle Kapuska

Book Time Now!!

My apologies for a much longer time away from the Blog then I intended!  I have been traveling like nuts...even for me...and not finding any internet time...I am behind on email, on Facebook, on the Blog, on the schedule, and on booking motels/flights/cars...SO...basically every part of my life!  But, with a lot of Never Give Up...I will get caught up...and made some progress today...so that was good.  The better news...all the traveling has included great shows, great practices, great members, NEW stories (including the almost famous GOB story...you can all wait on this one until your next practice/show with me!)...AND...drum roll...MORE new parts done for my new song..."If I Had U"!  Better...they are complete with Left Hand In-De-Pen-Dence...you favorite, right?  So, look forward to all of this...BUT...it is time...as we prepare for the Summer Mega Event...we need to set goals...and one of those goals is:

1.  To debut "If I Had U" at this event...so WORK HARD on your tick tock beat...get it up to speed...and if you have learned the UnFunkItTized First Verse stuff...work on this too!  Then, work on the really cool triplet 2nd verse-3 drum gallop...and work on it until it is perfect!!  It looks great at sites that have done it...be watching Drum Stick for Jordan to get these parts up sometime in the next 2 weeks I bet.  When sites have these done, all that is left is...FunkItTized Second Verse Stuff...4 drum Mega Gallop...Uber Snake...and Zig Zag...all coolio names if I say so myself.  **WOOT**  When those parts are done, we will choreograph all remaining sections we feel need it...and then work in the Blue and Red glow sticks...for our showiest number ever!  The message will be...all things are possible when we have God as the number one guiding force in our lives...ignoring the draw of money, fame, stage, celebrity, etc...as well as talking about trusting each other/relying on each other/and sharing...all demonstrated through the drum parts...SO...it shall be a great addition to the show!

2.  To see if we can have a rough draft of the Story of SR available for folks coming to the Mega Weekend (so Jovanna, finally get those editing skills ready).

In order to start putting some of this together...I would like to see each of you Blog on here about the following questions:

1.  When did you join SR? (Month and Year if you can)

2.  Why did you join SR?

3.  How has SR changed/grown/morphed since you joined?

4.  What have you learned about being a DRUMMER because of SR?

5.  What have you learned about Succeeding because of SR?

6.  What have you learned about Helping Others because of SR?

7.  What is your FAVORITE SR memory of all time?

There are many more questions to start this process rolling, but I want to start with these and let you all comment on them...and to each other...so get cooking on this.  As we start to see part of this unfold, we are going to start going back in time, and I will give you all assignments to work on that fit things that were going on in different eras of SR...when you joined...so watch for this...and I will do my best to keep it going through the rest of the April shows/travel I am doing...

Enjoy!

Member Of The Week: Rebekah Nauman!!

1.   Name: Rebekah Nauman 

2.   Age: 15

3.   Hometown AND State: Des Moines, Iowa

4.   Sheltered Reality Practice Site: Altoona/ Des Moines (Whichever works)

5.   How long have you been in the group? Just about 3 years.

6.   Do you have any pets? If so how many?

6!!! Two dogs, two cats, then I have a fish and my brother does too.

7.   Were you a drummer BEFORE Sheltered Reality? Nope

8.   How many HOURS per week (on average) do you play the drums, practice SR beats and songs, or just jam for fun?

 Maybe 10 or 11??? I prefer my bedroom floor to the drums though :)

9.   How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on Turbo Jam, work on SR choreography, or just work out?

 7-ish

10.      If you do your own work-outs, what do you like to do?

 Sometimes I'll jog around the block, volleyball practice, I may weight train in gym class (sometimes), I use medicine balls a lot!

11.      How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on SR mission related things OR your own missions to change the world? 3-5 *This may need just a little work :)

12.   What is your favorite passtime?

I like to hang out with friends, whatch T.V, and read :D as many people have said it is like a movie in your head and it is totally true!

   

13.      What is your favorite show you have performed in OR seen from the audience?  Why is this your favorite?

 My favorite would have to be the Reggie's Sleepout. Although it was EXTREMELY cold for fall, it was definately exciting whatching the audience get as crazy as they could. I also loved the cardboard box castles!

14.      If you could thank one person for something they did in your life at this point in time, who would it be and how would you thank them? Wow, there are so many people to choose from! I guess if I had to choose one it would have to be my sister-in-law. Well she married my brother, what more can I say? My brother is in Qatar and he left just before their first anniversary. She taught me to be strong. To thank her I guess I just open my heart to her and stay her rock like she's been mine.

15.      If you had to tell a random stranger, who has never played drums or any musical instrument, what Sheltered Reality is and stands for, what would you say? Sheltered Reality stands for second chances. It is a group that uses music and drumming to get their message across. They offer friends and a second family basically, they help you through difficult times and laugh through the good ones with you.

16.      What is something that nobody knows about you?

 I'm good at hiding things. (No, not your pen or anything like that) I hide how I feel a lot. If I am upset or something you probably won't know unless I tell you ;)

17.      If you were to make a bucket list, what would on be top of the list?

 To help others find their true self.

18.      What three things are always in your refrigerator?

 String cheese, Go-Gurt, and Leftovers.

19.      What is your favorite group/artist? Musical genre (pop, country, Christian contemporary, etc)?

 Country!!!! Tim McGraw, Laura Bell Bundy, Jason Brown, ect.

20.      What do you think people believe of you that is not true?

 SOME people say I am clingy. That may have been true 2 years ago but those people have not hung out with me for a while so they haven't seen my growth.

21.      What is your favorite beat?

 Tic-Toc I enjoy a bit of a challenge.

22.      If you were King/Queen of the world, what would you change?

 I would eliminate animal cruelty. I love my pets and don't see how animal abuse even occurs.

23.      How do you hope to apply the lessons learned from SR later in life?

 I hope to stay confident, take that first step and take a chance.

24.      Pick one of the Steps of Success and tell of a time where it has paid off for you.

 To be a friend. This girl went out for volleyball while I did. When she didn't run the mile in the max. time I was just blown away. I didn't really like her at first but I was friendly. As it turns out Tara is one of my best friends now, and I don't think we would be if I hadn't been a friend.

25.      What is your favorite Color? Why is it your favorite color?

 Orange! If you walk into a room with white walls, you don't really pay attention. If you walk into a room with orange walls you're all like WHOA! This room has orange walls!

26.      Do you have a favorite Sport and or a favorite Sports Team?

 Volleyball. I am the libero (the one with the different colored jersey)!

27.      Who or what has been the biggest Influence in your life?

 My parents. Since I was born all they have done is make me the person I am today which I greatly appriciate.

28.      Do you like your Personality? Do you wish you were stronger, braver, or bolder?  If you like it, why?  If you do not like it, what would you change?  I love my personality. Of course I wish I were a bit braver but I also think that too much bravery can lead to bad decisions.

29.      Have you ever stood up for what you believe, even when it was very hard?

 You bet! I get into HUGE arguments all of the time with my friends and family over little things like making them clean up their mess or making them take the money I owe them for food or something :D

30.      What is your favorite subject in school?

 Spanish. Although I'm not to good, it's entertaining ordering tacos in spanish.

31.      Are you the person you want to be?

 Yep! I would be deffinately missing out if I were anyone else.

32.      If you never joined SR, or never heard of SR would you be the same person you are now? Why or why not?

 Probably not, I dont think I would have the same confidence to talk in front of people or to complete strangers without SR

33.      What are five things that you have in your room that you love?

 My stereo, my dogs (they spend their nights in my room), my signed Taylor Lautner poster (I won that lol), my stash of candy from as far back as halloween, and my sentsy candle warmer (yumm)

34.      Can you play any other Instrument other than the drums?  Do you wish/want to play another instrument?  If so, what?

4 years of trumpet, 1 year of violin. I don't like the way I made the strings squeak on the violin, but I think the guitar would sound so much better as a string instrument so I wouldn't mind playing that.

35.      Do you do the SOS (Steps of Success) daily? How many times do you think you use it in a week?

 I try to use every step at least once or twice a day. I guess since there is 7 steps, I try to use them 49- 98 times a week.

36.      What is your favorite movie of all time? Why?

 The Blind Side! I love how Michael was able to change his life completely. From being homeless and getting D's in school to B's and being drafted by NFL teams.

37.      What is your favorite television show and/or shows?

 I like Malcolm in the Middle and The Nanny, and I've just recently gotten into The Singing Bee on CMT.

38.      What movie do you want to see really badly but didn’t get the chance to?

 I want to see The Bounty Hunter. I know it's still in theaters but I've been busy and probably won't be able to see it.

39.      What is your favorite saying that you say?

 "If you are going to be stupid, you have to be tough" - An Alligator "Hunter" on Animal Planet. I kind of took his saying because I often don't think before I do something and I have to be strong to face all consequences.

40.      What's your favorite Step of Success and why?

 I like to take a chance because it pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me stronger. (Like diving off the high dive :D)

41.      What are you most proud of about your life?

 I am most proud of my will. I don't give up even when it's the hardest of times and look at me in SR and succeeding.

42.      What is your favorite theme song?

 The Malcolm in the Middle theme song. Simple and short, like me :)

43.      What is your favorite mission project, and how did it impact you?

 I like helping the kids against hunger crew. It reminds me that there are people out in the world who have it worse than I do and it makes me feel good knowing that I can help change that.

44.      Why did you originally join SR, and what are your reasons for staying?

 I joined because I saw them at a church service that I was dragged to 3 years ago and I was jealous that my brother got to join and I didn't at first. When I did join later on I stayed because SR offered friends/ family and great time drumming for change.

45.      If you were all of a sudden out of the group what is one thing you have learned that you would take with you the rest of your life? First of all I hope to stay in the group for a while! If I somehow end up not then I hope to take the courage I get out of SR.

46.      What makes you, you?

 Well First off I am very short! The thing about that is that I kind of enjoy it :D. Another thing is the fact that I am alone in my family of men! Of course I have my mom and aunts and whatnot but I have no female cousins or sisters :( It works though because I love hanging out with my cousins.

47.      How is your friendship different with SR friends and non SR friends?  How are people in SR at your site/in the country different than people you go to school and/or work with? It's different because I don't argue with my SR friends. Don't get me wrong I love my other friends but we get in little tiffs every now and again. The people are different in SR from the school people because they are just different people. Everyone is different and that makes this world unique

48.      If you had to move, would you try to stay in contact with Steve and Jordan and your site?

 Yes! I'm not sure how I would be able to survive with out my Sheltered Reality life.

49.      If this blog was never created do you think we would be as close as we are now?

 Ummm, probably??? I think that we would have found other ways to connect such as facebook and myspace, ect.

50.      What is your favorite part about the blog?

 I love how everyone participates! No ones opinions and ideas are turned down.

51.      What other activities/organizations are you involved in?

 Volleyball if that counts, Youth Venture- we did work for the Children and Family Urban Ministries which needed help whatching the elementary schoolers. We also donated markers, crayons, games, etc. for them to play with

52.      What size drumsticks do you play with?

7A I think. lol they fit in my tiny hands.

53.      What are the first three things you do when you get home from school/work/traveling?

 1. Let the dogs out

 2. Grab some food/ relax

 3. Homework/ chores (sigh)

54.      Who do you choose from the Blog Followers to be the NEXT Member of the Week??
I am Randomly picking....... Angie P???

URGENT REQUEST: NAME THE SUMMER EVENT

Hey All,

This post is NOT supposed to interrupt you all working on the post prior to it (Against All Odds: Site Challenge #1!...KEEP working on it please!  We do have sites nearing the goal of all members having made a comment...so keep at it!).  

However, Brenda P has asked that we come up with a truly catchy name for the Summer Mega Event...something besides Summer Mega Event...that we can use for PR purposes...so we can make fliers, posters, t-shirts, etc...things to both promote the event as well as be souvenirs of the event; for us AND the audience.  

We want this event to truly succeed on every level although it is the first time we have Taken A Chance to do it...and the PR part of it is going to be VERY important...from the name of the event right down to the smallest of details...so everyone start thinking and commenting to each other about this...right here, and right now!  We need to have the entire PR packet (name of event, slick looking flier, some video clips and newspaper articles about Mt. Rushmore this year, and even some of your thoughts from the last blog post) all put together and ready for a meeting on MAY 5th!  That will be here VERY soon...so we need you all to be very creative and very quickly.

Enjoy working TOGETHER on this...another great use of the blog that we did not expect.  I will look forward to seeing your ideas when I am next online...probably not until early next week.  I wish you all Good Thinking!

Against All Odds: SITE challenge #1!!

After much waiting and anticipating and excitement, Easter Mega Weekend has come and gone...AGAIN.  It is amazing how fast things we look forward to so much can go, and how quickly our time together is over...but then, part of the fun in life is waiting for something, looking forward to it, enjoying it, and then, taking time to reflect back on it!  (While starting to look forward to the next exciting event in life, whatever that may be!).

Therefore, this is what this blog is about.  I want each of you who were able to attend Easter Weekend to write something about it...what did it mean to you?  What did it show you?  How did it change you?  Who did you meet?  What did you learn that was new (drums or beyond?)  How did being at the Shrine Of Democracy make you feel (besides cold!)  How did it affect your view on what it means to truly succeed at something?

If you were unable to go, then please comment on other comments as you read them...in other words, make a connection with someone who was able to go!

Further, if you were not there, then you are not aware of the "Steve Talk" theme at mega practice this year, which was "Against All Odds".  After a terrific mega practice day, we sat down, and I shared what I felt that day...that we were showing what can be done together in God's world, and against all odds.  I reminded the 116 drummers (our biggest number of SR members together EVER!) that none of them would have ever met each other had it not been for God giving all of us the drum as our tool to connect with, to work with, to laugh with, to meet/greet with, and to change the world with...and we all need to be Thankful for His Blessings each and every day...in all SR setting AND in the rest of our daily lives!  It is awe-inspiring, goose-bump inducing for me to watch this many of our members playing, dancing, working, uniting, connecting, befriending, laughing, eating, inner-childing (a great word!), and WOOTING all together!  I even received my official Woot Woot club shirt (and if you don't know what that is, or you don't have one yet, you need to be on the blog more often!).  I was proud of all of you...whether you were there for the first time or the fifth, whether you are a long running drummer or brand new, whether you are shy our outgoing, whether you are young or adult...you were all united, together, loving the Lord, and changing the world...and you all need to take a moment and reflect on it...and be thankful for it...and be proud of yourselves!

If you want to see TV clips of the service...just google Mt. Rushmore Easter Sunrise Service, and they should be there.  Post a link here if you want to...

And, now, for the first official Steve Blog Site Challenge!

THE FIRST SITE TO HAVE EVERY DRUMMER COMMENT HERE...whether he/she went to MTR or not...(so, again, if you went, talk about it here.  If you did not go, talk TO someone's comment on here...there is nothing to be shy about on here, and there are NO right or wrong answers at all!)...the first site that has all members make ONE comment here, about this topic, wins a pizza part at the next National practice, courtesy of Steve.  If you have members that have yet to even read the blog, then LOAD THIS BLOG UP AT PRACTICE and share it with each other.  Don't make it a negative experience for those not used to reading things online...instead...make it fun...share why you love it, and what you are getting from it, and help others see that the more ways we make a connection to each other...the better!

So, again, the first site in which all members post something here about this topic wins a pizza party...now get to it...Whatever It Takes!

Easter Weekend Upon Us!

It is hard to believe it, but another year has passed, and another Easter Mega Weekend is upon us!  We have THE MOST drummers coming ever this year, which is great...I will post the official tally here once the weekend is over...and we know exactly how many folks made it out to Rapid City.  The weather looks "OK"...not great, but not horrible...but we will survive, again, of course.

Mega Practice will be wonderful, as always, as we work through all current songs, review all the new things we have done so far in 2010, and then, even work some of them into the actual new song they go with (so be prepared to show your fast Tick Tock Beats!).  We will also start to work on other new things that are coming, perfect our Sheila E fill some more...and then, make new friends, have a fun Egg Hunt after practice, and do a community dinner together courtesy of the Rapid City site...all before the actual show on Sunday morning.

I wish everyone safe travels out...no matter whether you are driving across the state or the country...enjoy the time away from your home site...your home community...and look forward to some truly happening SR memories being made...yet again.

Once we are through with this Mega Weekend we will start to pick up with some of the things that have gotten placed on the back burner on the Blog...mainly due to insane travel on my end...and succeed in finishing some of the things we have started.

See you this weekend OR if you are unable to go to MTR this year...start planning your Mega Trip to St. Louis for the Mega Summer Weekend...plans are coming along for it quite nicely :)  I will recap Easter Weekend on the Blog by middle of next week.

Until then...Happy Drumming :)