~SR Uber Wootin' Writeres Blog #19 *Kellex 'n' Dee*~

Hey Everyone!  Sorry we have been failing so badly at keeping up to date on the blog, but this post is special.  Can you tell why?  Look at the title “Kellex ‘n’ Dee”…you guessed it your writers, yes multiple, are Kelli, Alex, and Dee who are all in the same state!  This, for those of you that don’t know, is not normal.  This has been in the works for over a year.  Talk about doing the Im-poss-i-ble!  Dee is spending an entire month in Iowa.  She came in on Kelli’s birthday (July 3) and joined in on the adventures of Kellex (Kelli and Alex).  Let’s just say it has been an eventful month so far.  

Kellex got to spend 45 minutes on a drive home from the Iowa Falls show changing a blown tire after an extremely long week of Nashville Mission Week.  They got up early to go to church and then do more driving down to West Des Moines where they picked up Dee.  Dee came via moving trucks with another member from Ohio, Sophie, who is on the move to Texas.  We got to spend some time together as a trio at the Cheesecake Factory, which is a first for all three of us.  An eventful car ride back to Lake Mills pursued with some interesting times being had as Alex slept in the back seat.  We are only protecting Alex by not telling the stories of him “not always sleeping” in the car.

The next day brought the 4^th of July, and boy was it insane for our trio!  We started the day off in Northwood, IA where we did a parade and show.  The show had some adventures of its own with a lot of noise and the flatbed really rocking.  As soon as the show was done our trio took off on a four and a half hour drive to De Smet, SD.  Don’t know where that is?  Neither did we!  Thank goodness for Garmin (or in the case of Kellex, Gremlin).  The fun didn’t stop there, however, the real fun started on the drive to where we were staying.  What should have taken about an hour in the car to get to Sioux Falls and where we were staying for the night ended up taking over three hours!  The first road we tried to take was covered in water, so we hit detour on the GPS and went on our merry way.  Little did we know that every detour we took would take us to another water covered gravel road in the middle of nowhere South Dakota with fireworks being shot off everywhere we looked!  We felt like we were in a horror movie!  Jordan is still probably laughing at us today, nor will he let us live it down I’m sure.  No worries though, we found our way to the place we were staying for the night.  Be sure to look for videos to be posted on Facebook of that lovely adventure.

The 5^th brought more driving for our group as we headed back to the good ‘ol’ IA.  Alex parted ways with Dee and I and we took off for a week of fun in Waverly, IA.  We have been able to craft it up, have plumbing issues, watch a guy use a blow torch on the plumbing, cook a delicious meal, learn what Hy-Vee is, visit a painted piano in the park and a giant coffee mug, and tomorrow brings Dee’s first HuHot experience.  Alex will be meeting us in Cedar Rapids before we take off back to Lake Mills for a Saturday full of four shows!  We will see Steve and Jordan, and get to have a practice together with Cedar Valley and Conrad.  We will all then part ways until Sizzilin Summer Drummer Bash.

Speaking of Bash, are you getting excited?!? Boy do we have some surprises!  Make sure to keep an eye on the board slave, I mean, assistants…we may or may not have something up our sleeves…you didn’t hear that from us though.  This has all been a dream.  Yes, it is true, you dreamed up this entire blog.  You are really just in the back seat of a car asleep as you ride home from that show.  Well this is it from Kellex ‘n’ Dee.   

We hope to hear from you soon!  In the meantime, keep being you!

~SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #18-Kristen~

Hey everyone!!!

So first off this is one crazy summer already! I am working at Camp MO-Val. It is a United Church of Christ church camp. It is absolutely amazing and I love what I do. Which consists of hikes, campouts, campfires, Life Guarding, singing, and most importantly children! I have never been to this camp before so I am new to the place and I am discovering new things everyday!

But with these great, exciting things; comes a lot of sacrifices. I have given up my computer time, my cell phone, seeing my family, and most importantly seeing my SR family and doing shows. It is very hard to give up these things but on the bright side, I do get to make a difference in the souls of children by bringing them closer to Christ, which is awesome. Sometimes we need to stop and see through the rough things in life to get to the bright side of things.

So what have you given up recently that you found the good side of giving it up?

I hope to see you all at the SSDB!!! :)

~SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #17: Amanda~

Hey Everyone!!!!! Happy Easter!!!!!! In past years SR would normaly have anywhere from 80-116 drummers on the stage in front of Mt. Rushmore. I know all of you have lots of memories of being up at 5 AM or sooner just to get ready and be at Mt. Rushmore at 6am for set up. We all of memories of the late nights in the hotels and the family time we get when to go out and play.We all have memories of Mt. Rushmore.

So my question for all of you is what is your favorite memory/memories of going out to Mt. Rushmore??

~SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #16; Kelli~

Hey everyone! I’m sorry that we are doing so poorly on updating this lately. I guess we all tend to forget about some things with everyone having busy schedules.


So, I don’t know about you guys, but I have had a really off/rough week. I decided to finally let a friend of mine from Wartburg know the real me. I haven’t been fake with my friends all of this time, they just don’t know the full me yet. I decided to tell her my story, and it really got me thinking. After reading it, I emailed her because she is now on medical leave; she said that she understands why I am so into Sheltered Reality. I started to think back about how I first ever became connected with SR. I know I had seen them multiple times before I actually joined, but I keep going back to the Northwood church show the day I joined. I still remember exactly what Steve said to me after guest drumming and my response back to him. I also remember cutting my hand on Matt’s cymbal, which go figure one day mine would be ten times worse than his, but that’s another story. Anyways, I am surprised that I remember that day just like it was yesterday. But if I am able to remember that I am sure you are all able to as well. So, I was wondering, how did you first become connected to SR, not necessarily joined, but just connected? I think it would be really neat to hear everyone’s story, and it gives us all a chance to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.

After what happened this morning a very special guy in my life told me to look at Jeremiah 29:11, which is my favorite bible verse. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” I’m not really sure exactly what God was telling me this morning other that “Hey you! Pay attention, and don’t push yourself so far!” But anyways, this verse is also what gave me the idea for this blog. God has a plan for each and every one of us in SR. He wants to use us, teach us something, or even both. What does God have planned for you?

Have a great weekend!

~SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #15-Jovanna~

Heya, bloggers!

I know you're all thinking it. It's ABOUT TIME for a new post up here! So I must apologize for holding out for so long. It was difficult for me to come up with a topic, and when I finally settled on one, I was simply too busy to write up a post for you. Three days later, much has happened in my life and as a result, I have a new topic for you! So I shall save the old one for a later date.

Let me start out by telling you that I have been one big ball of stress since the weekend began, and it all originates with an essay I will be writing on Pi of all things. As I started my research, I realized that (1) I know nothing about Pi, (2) I'm not finding much scholarly information on the history of Pi, and (3) the paper is due next wednesday.

Anyone who has talked to me over the past few days knows that I was in major panic mode.

But God is good. All the time. He promises to always provide for us (Matthew 6:31-32) and give us peace in times of panic (John 14:27). Do we always believe these promises whole-heartedly, though? Yesterday, I did not. In my mind I told myself that God would never give me more than I can handle, and yet my heart did not believe it. I sank into a panic that only grew and grew and grew.

One verse, one prayer was impressed upon my mind throughout the day. "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" -- The cry of the father of the boy with the unclean spirit in Mark 9. He cried out in desperation after Jesus had announced that all was possible for those who believed. "Help my unbelief." What a God-honoring plea. This father knew that he could not believe without help from God. We only have to ask, and God will reach out to us.

We are utterly dependent on our Father, and I would have it no other way, for if every decision were left up to me, I would make the wrong ones. If my success depended on my own strength, I would not have it.

This afternoon, I received an email stating that my math paper's due date had been pushed back--and it was almost as if God had added His own post-script: DO NOT WORRY! I am in control!

Where do you need to hand control over to God in your life? What worries do you need to give to Him? What has He had a hand in lately that you need to thank Him for?

~SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #14-Kristen~

First off I just want to say I am proud to write post #14. 14 is my favorite number! Haha...

Okay so I have some lyrics this time. I know that pretty much all of you have heard them because they are from High School Musical! :)

WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, were there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this right

Here and now its time for celebration
I finally figured it out (yeah yeah)
That all our dreams have no limitations
That's what its all about(yeah yeah)

Everyone is special in their own way
We make each other strong (we make each other strong)
Were not the same
Were different in a good way
Together's where we belong

We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Hand in hand
Make our dreams come true

Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, were there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this right

We're all here
and speaking out with one voice
we're going to rock the house (YEAH YEAH!)
the party's on now everybody make some noise
come on scream and shout

We've arrived because we stuck together
Champions one and all

We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Hand in hand
Make our dreams come

We're all in this together
When we reach
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this together
Once we see
There's a chance
That we have
And we take it

Wild cats sing along
Yeah, you really got it goin' on
Wild cats in the house
Everybody say it now
Wild cats everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That's the way we do it
Lets get to it
Time to show the world

We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Hand in hand
Make our dreams come true

We're all in this together
When we reach
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this together
Once we see
There's a chance
That we have
And we take it

Wild cats everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That's the way we do it
Let's get to it
Come on everyone!

The reason why I chose these lyrics is because they show us to work together as a team. There is no I in team therefore, when working together it is a group effort. As members of Sheltered Reality we can't do things alone to "Do the Impossible," we have to work together as a group to show that we can "Do the Impossible." So throughout this year lets show the world that we can "Do the Impossible!!!"

So what can you do at your school or work to show that working together makes a difference in lives?

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #13~Dee

Guten Tag!!


First post of this wonderful 2011 year!  Can you believe it?!?! I sure can't.


This post is going to be about bullying.  Today in school we had an assembly about bullying.  Once everyone got in the gym and sat down, this lady started talking to us about depression.  She said that depression is the number one cause of suicide.  Then, she asked us to raise our hands if we know someone that died from suicide.. and I look over and there was so many hands up it was crazy.  Then, she asked us to raise our hands if you know anyone who attempted suicide... more hands went up. 


As I was sitting there thinking about all the students that put there hand up, this guy that was sitting next to the woman talking stood up.  He is 19 years old and he told us a story that happened his freshman year.  (I think his name was Curtis? It was to loud to hear it) He told us how he was a bully and that he would pick on this senior kid.  He said that they used to call this kid polar bear because he was a little big, they would also make fun of him because he was a senior and was still on the bus and that he was very smart.. one of the smarts kids in his school.  One day he went to school and he told us how something didn't feel right.. that something was missing.  He then told us that his teacher was 50 minutes late for class and when she walked in she was crying so everyone started wondering what happened.  On the announcements they said that Andy committed suicide at 8:38 yesterday night.  Curtis had no clue who this Andy person was until his one friend said Andy was Polar bear.  He said that he couldn't even move, speak, think.. anything.  He didn't know what to do with himself.  A few weeks later Curtis went to Andy's house to tell his father that he was the reason for Andy's death and that he didn't mean it.  Andy's dad told him it was alright and that everyone makes mistakes.  In the end Andy's father and Curtis started an organization for helping kids be happy and to get through things and not choose suicide. 


Curtis said it is hard to wake up in the morning and remember everyday that he was a bully and made an amazing person die all because he was being a jerk.  He told us that there are may organizations out there that can help you go through things and change your life around and many people willing to help you.  The last thing he told us was, if you know anyone that is depressed.. talk to them, be there friend.  Tell them that you are there for them no matter what and to believe in themselves that they can help someone.  Right then I of course thought of SR and everything we do. 


Do you think bullying is a big thing happening in this world? What can SR do to stop bullying? 

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #12~Amanda

Hey ya'll!!!!


I see no one has posted in a few weeks so I guess I will post one now. Christmas is Saturday and as I think about this past year I think about how fast it went. When I really think about it I think about how it feels like Mt. Rushmore just happened like 2 weeks ago. It's heard to believe that MTR was the last time I seen most of you. So my question to all of you is what were our favorite memories of this past year. It can be SR related or it can be something at school or anyhting else in your life.

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #11 ~Kelli

Hey guys!


So with it being finals week here at Wartburg I have had a ton of extra (if you can say that) time to think and reflect. I have thought about what I am thankful for, how I have grown over the year, experiences I was able to have, and what college has taught me. The last one has nothing to do with the amazing academics Wartburg has, but the importance of a support system.

As many of you know I have basically been living on my own for many years now being in all my organizations and with my parents running the restaurant. This year is my first time officially on my own, but even though I am technically living alone I don’t feel like I have been alone ever since September 1 when I moved in. I have learned I will always have a group to support me in my Sheltered Reality performance, but since school has started I have only had continuous contact with two people. To make up for that I have found a core group of people here on campus who are always there for me no matter where they are, what time of day/night it is, or what is going on. These people have been able to keep me semi-sane through my first semester at school. They are there as a shoulder to cry on, which I have used often, been my twin, which I didn’t think was possible other than Alex and yes there is another guy like Alex!!!, and will color the night away and spend three hours in the Wal-mart toy section to distress. These guys are like another crazy family to add to my list of amazing people in my life, and I wouldn’t exchange them for the world!

Looking back at these times in the past four months makes me what to thank them somehow, but I’m just not positive how to go about doing it. As Christmas and New Year’s comes around think about who has helped you through some tough times and find a unique way to thank them for all they have done for you, whether you have known them for 52 years, or two days. Let them know how special they are to you, and that you wouldn’t change that for anything.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year if I don't see you!  And I can't wait to see some of you over my 23 days of break!  (Jovanna counted that not me, just so you know!!!)

~SR Uber Wootin’ Writers Blog #10- Jovanna~

Happy New Year!


Hey, guys, the last thanksgiving blog didn't get a lot of replies. So if you haven't replied to it yet, stop over there and tell us what you did for Thanksgiving this year, or maybe some of your favorite Thanksgiving memories. :)


Onto this post. I thought it would be nice to wish you all a happy new year, and if you're thinking I'm a month off, well that's partly true. But some of you probably already know that I'm talking about the church's new year! That's right, last Sunday was the first day of advent and also the first day of this new church year! Finally, we've moved out of "ordinary time," which accounts for most of the church year.


I'm not sure if anyone else finds this fascinating, or if it's just because my comp professor has been reading a short book on the church calendar to us as a devotional every class period, but I do find it interesting. I'd like to use this post to briefly go over the church calendar and then ask everyone what their favorite church season is.


As already mentioned, the first day of the church year starts with the first day of advent (which was last Sunday). Advent means the coming of something new, or a birth. So, during the four weeks of advent, we are looking forward to the coming of Christ Jesus and anticipating his eventual return. Do any of you have any advent traditions such as lighting advent candles?


After Christmas comes epiphany, which is the climax of the advent/Christmas season. During epiphany, we remember the three wise men, who "revealed" Jesus Christ to the world as our Lord and King by bringing Him gifts.


In some churches, the season of  Epiphany extends until Lent begins, and in others, the intermittent time is simply called "ordinary time". Regardless, lent begins on Ash Wednesday and spans forty days. It is a time of prayer, repentance, reflection, and preparation to celebrate Easter. It culminates in Holy week (Maunday Thursday, Good Friday) and ends the saturday before Easter.


Easter. How great is our God? I'd like to spend a little more time talking about exactly what Easter means to us since it is so important. Backing up to the days before Christ, the only way one could approach God was by atoning for the sin that stood between them and God's holiness. When sacrificing an animal in atonement for sin, the priests would place the sinner's hand on the head of the animal, symbolizing the transfer of sin to the animal. When Jesus died on the cross, he became the final sacrifice to atone for the sin of all who would accept him as their Lord and savior. Some of you recall that when Jesus died a great darkness came over the land, the curtain in the temple split in two, and the soldiers watching said that surely He must be the son of God. Have you ever wondered why the curtain split in two? It was because the curtain referred to was the curtain dividing the the inner temple from the holy of holies--the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's very presence dwelt. Only priests could enter the holy of holies, and only at very specific times. The splitting of the curtain resembled that we are no longer split from God, but that we may go to him at any time through Jesus.


Whew, that's a lot to keep in mind. But we're almost done. Finally, we come to Pentecost, which comes 50 days after Easter. Pentecost is so cool, guys! Because during Pentecost, we celebrate the descent of the Hold Spirit upon the disciples. This was God the Holy Spirit literally coming down and 'in-dwelling' in each of us. Remember that God dwelled within the holy temple before Christ died for us? Since Pentecost, our bodies have become the temples of God! Remember that always.


Following Pentecost is ordinary time, which stretches for around 33 weeks until the Advent rolls around again.


Heheh... I'd come here only planning to wish you happy new year and look what you've gotten out of it! Please, discuss your favorite times of the year, post other questions and comments, and again go back to the Thanksgiving post.


Jovanna

~SR Uber Wootin’ Writers Blog #10- Kristen~

In honor of Thanksgiving...here is a post about giving thanks!

Most of us have been with family over the past few days (for me...a week...). With family comes LOADS of great food and family fun. In my family, I get the privilege each year to enjoy 2 Thanksgiving meals with 2 amazing parts of my family. Every day I take the time to thank God for the family I am blessed with. I thank God for the food that we have to eat that many others don't have. And last but not least I thank God for this wonderful SR family that I have been blessed with. Without all of you....my life would not be the same.

 Just because it is Thanksgiving time and you are told to give thanks, doesn't mean it is the ONLY time to give thanks. Give thanks each and every day. Going back to the comment Kelli posted a couple weeks ago....it is the simple little things like receiving a note from an anonymous person saying "thanks for this" are what matters most.

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving....now....it's time for Christmas!!!!!!!! :)

Last Steve Post before Break :)

Hey Bloggers/Wooters/and everyone reading!

I figured today at the airport was a great day to put up my last post until I return from break.  I must tell you all again...I am wiped out this year...goodness it has been a packed, never-ending, always-traveling year for me...and I am ready to rest up for SR 2011.  I must say that looking back on this year, I am amazed at what we have done...the HARDEST SR song ever...and mastered by SOOOOO many of you!  It is great to see you all so excited everytime it rolls around in a show...you have made me very proud at your willingness to Never Give Up, do Whatever It Takes, to challenge yourself and master the impossible.  Though I do think it is what has me more worn out than ever...that darn choreography...teaching it practically everytime has kept me sore and tired since August...but it was worth it!  Now, you can look forward to whatever I decide to do with Music Again...starting in January.

Had a great last show in New Underwood, SD yesterday with drummers from Rapid City and Faith both...and we should have NEW drummers joining Rapid from New Underwood...it was a great school.  Personally, not one of my better shows...I was tired going into it and sounded tired during it, but I guess the audience all had a great time, and they listened well to my updated Kelli meets Amanda 2 story...so that was a good way to end shows for me in 2010.

My annual Christmas letter to the SR family is on its way pretty soon...please read and respond to it, since there is a question for EVERY member in it :)

Elizabeth Johnson, from Faith, had a speaker at school yesterday before she headed to our show...who talked about some great things...from her email to me about this experience:

  V.J. Smith wrote a book named The Richest Man in town and he was at our school today talking to the high school about it.  Anyway today he one of the things he talked about was how people should say thank you more often, and everytime that he does something and doesn't get thanked for it he will give that person a card. So he handed these out today and then afterward if you wanted it signed he signed it. He is such a good speaker thought that he was making himself cry.

This made me think of something to challenge us all in SR for 2011...simply being DECENT to our fellow human beings...saying things like "Thank-you", "Nice to Meet You", "How are You", "How can I help", etc...would make the world a much better place if everyone practiced that golden rule of treating others as you wish to be treated.  (THOUGH keep in mind...to say these things "just to say them" is not enough...you must actually MEAN them, and make a real connection to others, not just be fake and superficial!!).  So, I challenge all of us to find ways to bring more decency into our world...because in my daily adventures I do see so much rudeness and very little human compassion...and maybe we can find new ways to DRUM decency back into people...something for you all to think about.

To my Woot Woot writers, readers, and followers...thanks for a fun year on the Blog.  We will do more with it next year...one way or another, since we did not quite do all I had planned this year, but that is the way of things...some things work, others do not, but you just keep Never Giving Up!

A blessed Holiday period to you all...enjoy family and friends...and I will see a few of you in late December, and everyone else in the New Year!

Until then,

HAPPY DRUMMING!!

The New Amanda Story! ~Kelli

Okay, as many of you read in the Pink Stuff post by Steve there is a new Amanda story. So like he said, we did two shows in Ridgeland, WI this past Sunday. This involved me being insane as usual (and as many of you know and love me) getting up and being on the road by 4:30 a.m. The first show was in a little church where Jovanna did point out that we were a fire hazard. We then had some great lunch and fellowship time with each other and new friends and were also introduced to the now famous (to us) pink stuff. Some of us went to set up at the next show location and the two college students (Jovanna and I) did homework. Seems pretty normal right? That’s what I thought too.



Before Steve starts the show I’m walking around handing out ear plugs and come to a family that doesn’t want any. They said they go to many monster truck rallies and this should be fine. I thought nothing of it. Just before the show Pastor Sue walks up to Steve and I and asks my permission to have my story told because she thought it would be good for them to be able to put a face with the story. Once again I thought nothing of it. It comes time for the second guest drumming song and my former guest drummer picked the daughter of the family that I briefly talked to before the show. From the instant she said “Hi, my name is Amanda” all I could think through all of ‘Every Time We Touch’ was Amanda Maser, Amanda Maser, Amanda Maser. We got done with guest drumming and it comes time for Steve to tell the stories for the day. I am used to hearing and telling my own story, but I know when I’m not the one telling it I cannot make direct eye contact in the audience, I just can’t do it. I didn’t see with this Amanda right away.


After the show Amanda, her brother and her parents came to talk to Steve and I. Amanda and her mom told me how Amanda had problems in school because she was born with a learning disability, a physical disability, and was heavier set. They said she had really identified with my story, and the fact that she was my guest drummer helped her to connect that much more with me, and understand how I was able to change (at least a little bit). Her mom then went on to tell me how she shouldn’t be here right now because of an accident she had had a while back, and that Amanda had an extremely hard time getting through it without the help of her friends. The only reason she is here on this earth today was because of her saving grace the flute. Amanda found a way to express herself and found her only real friend in that flute. Her mom moved on to talk to Steve, and Amanda and I continued talking. She told me how she had finished with high school and was studying at some college in the area. I asked her what she was studying and she replied with music therapy. Right then my jaw dropped. What are the chances that she and I would connect on so many different levels including studying the same things in college?!?! I couldn’t believe it. That family ended up having to get going as Steve and I still had yet to tear down after the show, but as we were tearing down I told Steve all that I had learned about this family.

If you all thought Amanda Maser and I connected quickly, you wouldn’t believe how quickly this Amanda and I connected. She texted me my entire five hour drive back to school, has added me on Facebook, and texts me almost every day. God was definitely working through all of us that day. First of all that family had seen a sign driving home one day and decided to randomly show up to the show, secondly I decided to go against my mom’s wishes (which I don’t suggest anyone else doing!) of going to the show, and also Pastor Sue wanting to have my story told on a gut feeling. Obviously God has a plan for that family, for me, and for SR. Amanda and her brother plan on attending practice with Pastor Sue, and hopefully we could get a site going up there. God was working through each and every one of us at the Ridgeland shows that Sunday, and who would have ever thought that I would have TWO very special Amanda’s in my life???

Comment what you would like to about this story, but make sure to comment on the last two postings as well because they have all come within just a few short days! I hope it all makes sense to you because I'm still out of it with the "mysterious Ridgeland sickness" as Erica calls it. But I would love to hear your comments!!!

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #9-Amanda

Hey everyone!!!!!!

I haven't talked to anyone in a long time. Sorry I have been really busy. I graduated about 2 weeks ago and so I have been busy down here. I am about 2 weeks late on my post I was suppose to do and Sonja thank you for posting when I did not. Because of the fact that I'm running short on time I'm just going to put up some lyrics. All of you know this song. I know you do. Steve is the one who showed me this song and I fell in love with the song from the first time I heard it. Steve likes to think of this song as "my" song. I love this and I know some of you (hint hint Dee Harr) love this song.


According to you

I'm stupid,
I'm useless,
I can't do anything right.
According to you
I'm difficult,
hard to please,
forever changing my mind.
I'm a mess in a dress,
can't show up on time,
even if it would save my life.
According to you. According to you.






But according to him
I'm beautiful,
incredible,
he can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
irresistible,
everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
so baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
according to you.






According to you
I'm boring,
I'm moody,
you can't take me any place.
According to you
I suck at telling jokes cause I always give it away.
I'm the girl with the worst attention span;
you're the boy who puts up with that.
According to you. According to you.
But according to him
I'm beautiful,
incredible,
he can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
irresistible,
everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
so baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
according to you.






I need to feel appreciated,
like I'm not hated. oh... no...
Why can't you see me through his eyes?
It's too bad you're making me decide.






According to me
you're stupid,
you're useless,
you can't do anything right.
But according to him
I'm beautiful,
incredible,
he can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
irresistible,
everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
according to you. (you, you)
According to you. (you, you)


According to you
I'm stupid,
I'm useless,
I can't do anything right.


Well I hope you like it. I will more next week or so. Love y'all!!!!

Pink Stuff

Hey all!  Finally it is time to get something up on the blog again...have some free time today before our show tonight...for rabbits, guinea pigs, and their caretakers...should be interesting!  We had a great day in a very small town yesterday (Ridgeland, WI...population 245)...where Sue Lewan has her first pastor job (at 2 churches...one in Ridgeland and one in Prairie Farm)...among many people who heard SR for the first time yesterday and were very moved by it...Kelli found a second Amanda in the world...(Yes, Amanda Maser, there are TWO of you out there!)...I had to teach how to play SOFT in the church since it was the 2nd smallest performance space we have ever been in...and PINK STUFF became my favorite dessert of all time!  YUMMY!

With that said, I will ask Kelli to post the story about Amanda 2...to show you all how God truly does use SR in ways we simply never expect...so you can look forward to her version of the story since she has more details than I do...and a new friend.  You will love that story...whenever she has a free moment to get it up here.

From me...by VERY popular demand...the recipe for PINK STUFF.

1 small container cool whip

1 box instant vanilla pudding

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1 can cherry pie filling

3/4 cup cooked + cooled white rice

Mix all ingredients together.  If it is too dry, add a little pineapple or cherry juice.  It is beyond yummy...and very PINK...hence our new name for it.

Speaking of new names...Jovanna will have a new name sooner or later...mainly because (a) she thinks I never read facebook posts and (b) she decided that calling me STICK instead of STEVE is simply the funniest thing that has ever happened in her life.  Though, I must admit, I am proud to be part of the STICK family...including my cousins, Drum and Mission.  If NONE of this makes any sense to you at all...well not only am I sure she will have something to say about it all...but you will all meet more of the STICK family soon!!

More from me in the next 2.5 weeks before I take time off for some VERY READY FOR IT R + R.

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #8- Sonja!

Hello, All!


In this day and age, it's easy to find evidence that we are living in a broken world. We see crime in the papers, we hear about how people are losing their jobs, we read about war, hate, and hunger.


But if you look hard enough, we find little glimmers of hope. A few months ago, my archery team had a car wash. While I was working, a man walked by. No car to wash. He didn't want to buy pizza or a soda. He just GAVE us some money for our team. Similar things kept happening. People would give us way too much money, then refuse the change that I brought them. It really stuck me how these people didn't know me. They didn't know my school. They probably didn't have some deep interest in archery. They were just being kind.


Tell everyone about the glimmers of hope in YOUR life. Let's light up the world!

Happy Halloween, everyone! What're you all doing for Halloween?

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ha!  Scared you with that title didn't I?

Just wanted to find out if your schools still have school announcements or not?  I was just at a school last night for a follow up practice and learned that the announcement was never made to all students that we were having a practice because the school has CUT school announcements.  They say that 5 minutes per day to do announcements means kids miss 11 days of school.  First of all, the math is wrong...5 mins per day across 180 days of school (usually) = 15 hours...which is what?  3 days at most of school?  More than that though...goodness...what better way do we have to communicate with each other than verbally?  The teacher sharing this told me that the school is doing announcements via email...which NO ONE is reading (gee, that sounds like my beef with SR and email to newbies who never respond!)...and she said that kids are missing all kinds of deadlines, programs, things they need to do, etc.

At least I had 10 kids come last night (who signed up and read their email from me!)...but we should have had many more...had an announcement been made.

Thoughts on this?

SR Uber Wootin' Writers Blog #7 Dee~

Hello everyone! First blog post from me! :D

Do you guys remember your very first drum practice with SR? Do you remember if you were excited, scared, nervous, all of the above?  When was your first day? I started thinking about this when I was looking at pictures.  It’s mind boggling to look at pictures from four years ago, and then look at recent pictures.  You see how much people have changed, grown up, and become better people.   I think it’s awesome how much someone can change and become a better person when you are in an amazing group like SR. I love when you get new people that join your site, and you get to see them change/grow. At first they are always scared.  They try and look like they are having fun but still scared at the same time. And then pretty soon it’s been a month, then 6 months…, and soon you see them change and have more confidence in their self and start having fun. You get to see them play at their very first show.  I think its awesome being able to watch someone grow in SR.

At the Warren, Ohio Site we have a new member named Vince. He is so funny!  I walk in and he says hi and then asks me 1000 questions about beats, songs, everything.   He went on Sheltered Reality’s website and saw Lauren and Colleen’s picture.   He printed it out and asked me if it was them.  He was excited to find out it was.  He is so thrilled to be in this group and loves every minute of it.  He ALWAYS has a smile on his face and wants to help with anything he can.  He always tells me how he practices a lot.  He told me that he plays on boxes, and how he used to play on phonebooks until he started putting holes in them. :D  He gets beats so fast!  On beat accelerator, he’s on track 6! He is doing an awesome job.  He always says whatever you want to teach me, I’ll do it! Lol.  He seems to really enjoy drumming practices, and I’m happy about that.

Well, this is all I have for now! Super excited for the meeting next weekend!!!!! Woot! :D

STEVE POST; Changes Good and Bad

Actually I really don't have a plan for this blog today, but knew it was time for me to write something!  So, here we go...and who knows where we will end up at the end of it all :)

First of all...the change I want to talk about the most...for our 15th year anniversary year (which I think SHOULD have some special celebrations in it!!) we are going to work up Music Again (Adam again) as the NEW opening song for our shows...goal will be to have it ready by June, 2011, for the busy summer season.  As I said to audiences this summer, some who had seen us for the past 10 years at least, that "this is our 14th year and the opening song is still Cuba Libre" I came to the conclusion that I COULD NOT say this when it was "this is our 28th year and our opening song is still Cuba Libre"...no way that was going to work.  So, it is time to move Cuba Libre to a new "greatest hits section" towards the end of the show, and create something new.  I promise that I will resist making it harder than If I Had You (though I am tempted!)...but we will have to work up some really exciting opening show choreography for it...AND...I promise you all the longest memorized drum solo that will be part of this song (over the 16 measures of guitar solo in the song)...so you can start looking forward to that.  I may have some basic first parts for the last round of practices this year; if not, then for sure in the first set of 2011 practices.  Be ready :)  I am curious though...this is a big change to the show...so vote on the new poll about this and let me know your thoughts.

Second, after a recent crazy interaction with a potential new family at one of our new sites, I have decided that we must get started on the SR book.  I was talking with the Sioux Fall-ians last night about this and they agreed...we must get started on this.  At our upcoming Site Coordinator's meeting, Jordan will be presenting his VERY hard work of this year...putting together all of our press things, from all 14 years, at long last!  This has been something that has been ongoing, and failed at, for many years...mainly because there is so much STUFF about us out there...he has finally organized it all in some great books...and we want to figure out how to turn it into something COOL for everyone to have access to...in some format.  To go along with this, we need to get the book started; Jovanna, are you still up for writing it...or helping write it?  I have some ideas finally how to get started on it, so let me know if you are willing to help...anyone else is welcome to help to...so let me know!  It is time to get down all the stories about up's, down's, and crazies that have helped truly form the NEVER GIVE UP step of SR.  If you are curious about my recent crazy interaction (one of many that happens each month sadly), you will have to wait for the book.  HA!

Third, I am sad to see more and more schools cutting all of the arts programs; music, art, drama, etc.  This seems to be a fast-growing trend, meaning that SR needs to become an outlet for kids who are losing their access to this at school.  We can at least work to meet the musical needs out there.  For those schools not losing them, they have certainly been marginalizing these programs; making kids come at 6am for practice...making it a super-choice between art-oriented classes vs. core-curriculum-oriented classes...which then forces some kids out of the arts area as they work to meet their core needs.  (This of course never happens with sports of any sort) :(   So, you can talk about these changes in your own communities/schools/perspective, as I would be curious to hear about your views on this.

Finally, there seems to be more fear out there economically speaking than at the beginning of the year.  I know it means we are going to have to increase fundraising for scholarships next year, so plan to be talking about this with me at all practices towards the end of this year and beginning of next year, as we are going to pull together nationally and help those who will need extra help to be in SR...because that is what we do...help each other.  We will have to find ways to think more nationally about this...and make sure all our current members are aware that if they are raising money to help a local new member OR a far-away-site new member, they are still meeting SR-goals...because we will never let money preclude someone being in SR...and succeeding at their journey with us...even in times when there IS no money out there...few jobs...and a whole lotta hopeless feeling people...it is up to US to show them that there is still a way...something positive going on...and bring hope to those who need just that.  I will ask you all to be praying on ways to go about this so that we can all pull together when 2011 rolls around.

There...a very long, multi-subject post for you all to enjoy...now to make it pretty colors :)  See you all soon!

Steve Post Again...Shorter this time :)

It is so nice that Fall has finally arrived.  I think.  After the heat and humidity of this past summer I am truly ready for some cooler weather, pretty fall colors, and some great SR shows!  I cannot believe that it is almost October...soon the Holidays will arrive, another SR season will come to an end, and we will all take a break...until January, when we can start the 15th year of SR!  I cannot believe how far we have come, how many struggles we have overcome, and how many lives we have changed.  There are still struggles out there...especially as we fight the economic mess that our country is in, and like any other business, find ways to minimize costs and maximize money coming in to pay bills...especially travel since it just keeps going up, adding fees, etc...but doing Whatever It Takes and Never Giving Up we will survive, just like we always have...and you know why?  Because of our GREAT DRUMMERS, all ages, across this country!  I just cannot believe the terrific folks that make up this SR family...how much you love it, look forward to it, talk about it, live it, and share it with others...it is because of all of you that fighting the good fight is ALWAYS worth it.  Everyday you make me smile, laugh, think, and thank (God) for bringing you all into this drumming world.  This weekend, seeing Hopkinsville and Nashville drummers light up the Hopkinsville International Festival Audience...seeing people from all over the world smile, laugh, dance, clap, and then, come talk to us about how great it is to see people TRULY having fun together...it speaks volumes to what you all have to offer the world...to make it a better place...and to bring something positive into a very negative and bleak society that sits out there.  People need SR's energy, love of life, and compassion more than ever...so Drum On...and know that everyday, somebody who is down feels a little bit better.  BECAUSE OF YOU.

That is all for this one...must go catch my flight home.  Off to Green Bay, WI from there for a full day of shows in Bonduel, WI tomorrow...that is a full day of If I Had You :)

And while we do that, know that Adam himself is singing If I Had You for huge audiences in Singapore to incredibly rave reviews...boy has he come far this year!