Summer Mega Event Coming Together!!

Start spreading the word...the Summer Mega Event is really starting to come together...make sure you have marked your calendars...Aug 6, 7, and 8th...and if you are unclear, this is simply Mt. Rushmore mega-event done without Mt. Rushmore...but WITH mission projects!  We have some really great folks in St. Louis and the IL side working on all the details...with awesome mission projects lining up for Aug 6th...where you will all be divided into teams of 10-15 drummers and parents...and with members you do NOT know so you can make even more new SR friends!  Then, on Saturday, we are going to shoot for SEVEN hours of practice...given that many have asked for a longer mega-practice...so we are going to do it!  Then, on Sunday we will do an ecumenical morning service in our host town (Troy, IL) followed by an all-community BBQ (YAY!), followed by our 1.5 hour concert...which will be an awesome end to an awesome weekend!

So, if you are still wondering about the weekend...time to mark it down and start making travel plans.  We have special rates on hotel rooms throughout the area for those who want to stay in a hotel...we have MUCHO host housing space if you want to save that cost...we have many people feeding us everyday, so no worries there, and we will drum so much your hands will bleed!  YAY!  (well, maybe not bleed!).

Start talking this up at your sites...start texting, emailing, and calling your SR friends, get the word out there...cause we want to do whatever it takes to have 100 or 150 or 200 drummers there this summer.  We know you all have a million plans in the summer of things to do, places to go, camps to attend, vacations to have, but squeeze this one in too...so our first mega Summer event can be a true success!

We have almost finished the official name of the event...it will be finalized with the help of the OH members today and tomorrow...and then, we will open up T Shirt orders, since we are going to commemorate this one with an official summer T shirt.  For sure we are calling it Gateways of Change in memory of the STL area...but we are still needing the other part of the title...something along the lines of Sheltered Reality Drums O Fire or something like that...to bring together SR, summer, and drums...we will figure it out and get this posted ASAP.

SOOOOO...be excited!!

Changing Lives and Fun Pictures!

Some fun pictures if you have not yet seen these!  First of all, Dee (from Warren, OH) TRULY brightened my day on Friday in Toledo, OH.  For whatever reason I was feeling down in the dumps all day, and was really not quite focused on doing the show that evening...see even I have down days!  We are all only human!  But, anyhow, she came to the show complete with an entire BOX of Gobbs (if you have yet to hear that story at a show, you will soon!) and they all said SR on top!  And, for whatever reason, that is all I needed that day to cheer me up.  See, when I say that every day, in every way, we can change someone's world for the better...WE CAN.  Rock on Dee!

Then, most of the members who played in Toledo (and got soaked in the downpour during the show) got together and had some fun times after drying drums off...and so, here is the picture of them enjoying Gobbs together (sadly I was not able to stay since I had a very early flight out of Cleveland the next morning and hours of driving ahead of me...but I DID get to enjoy my 2 Gobbs on the return to Cleveland)...

Then, I wanted to make sure to share with you pictures of when I got to meet both the band I Fight Dragons (who are VERY VERY good and have created a VERY unique new musical approach...mixing together guitar driven rock with Nintendo games, sounds, and controllers!  Very cool!)...as well as most of Cobra Starship the same night...so here are those pictures for you to enjoy.  I must say that Victoria, from Cobra, is VERY nice and down to earth...and Ryland, from Cobra, loved my shoes that night and told me!  However, I Fight Dragons members, who are new to the touring scene, were incredibly nice to talk with, and reminded me again that for the most part we are all the same in life...with God given talents that can be put to Great use.  I say MOST PART because sadly, at the same concert, I had to not only suffer through 3-oh-3 who were very offensive...beyond anything I have ever experienced in a rock band before, but also had the RUDEST FANS I have ever been crushed, stomped, hit, pushed, shoved, and cussed at by...and most of them were 12 year old girls doing the crushing, stomping, hitting, pushing, shoving, and cussing...thank goodness they all left before Cobra took to the stage, letting those of us who were normal fans enjoy the actual headlining act that night. 

Enjoy these too...and more soon!  And, sorry for my stupid smile in the I Fight Dragons picture...I was tired and sore and ready to head home :)

Summer Almost Here!

I truly enjoyed reading all of your comments from my Going In Circles post...so here we go again...just another one to write about in between all of my travels (like my 11 hour drive to Eau Claire from Rapid City tomorrow to do a school-show followup...then 2 more hours to Madison tomorrow night before calling it a day...that will be a LOT of bird watching from the interstate for sure!).

So, for this post, I want to know what you want to do on your first day out of school.  That is always such a special time of year...for both kids and teachers...that awesome feeling of those days ahead of you...on your time...being able to do what you want relatively stress-free...at least I hope your summer days will be stress free!  SO...what do you want to do on your first day off?

Then, so we don't leave out the working adults who are not teachers...what is your favorite memory from childhood of your first day off of school in some particular summer?  I will respond to that one...because for some reason, every year, I have the same nostalgic memory as I start to hear our youth-drummers talking about summer being almost here...and being excited about being out of school...I have two VERY fond memories of summer...one that makes sense, and one that is kind of geeky, but oh well :)

My favorite summer pastime was always riding my bike...and I always looked forward to that first day out of school when I was able to ride all day, all over town (West Burlington, IA, my home town) and having no schedule to follow.  There is something awesome about any day that is simply ours...to do what we want, when we want, on our own schedule, with no deadlines, no time commitments, and no place we HAVE to be at any certain time.  Savor those moments in your life...whether summer as a kid or vacation as an adult...(or your weekend for that matter, for those that have normal weekends!!)...

My other favorite summer memory, perhaps my all-time favorite one, is the geeky one...but most of you who know me well know that I love flying, love airplanes, and still want to get my pilot's license someday.  Anyhow, when I was in junior high, I got a telescope, and although I did use it for astronomy at night...my FAVE thing to use it for was to identify jets going over my house, at very high altitudes, all day long...keeping a logbook of the jet type and airline...I have NO idea why this was always so enjoyable for me...but I got to be outside, got a great tan, and at the same time learned to ID a passenger jet by its contrail (the "cloud" that forms behind jet engines at high altitudes)...and to this day, I can still do this ID...geeky, but oh well, it is a memory that still brings back feelings of freedom, warmth, peace, and taking time to slowly enjoy the days I had to myself.

SO...your turn...everyone share.

And, Kelli, Alex, Renee, Brenda, and Jordan...have your fangs ready...Cobra is on Sunday!!

Going In Circles

Well, I have decided it is that time of year...or at least one of those times of years.  I know that as May gets going, we all tend to find ourselves in a whirlwind of end of the school year things (tests for you guys, graduation if appropriate, etc) and for me...wrapping up of school shows before summer begins.  It always seems that many things get lost in the shuffle this time of year...and communication on the Blog has been one of them...I have had very little posting time, and you guys have had very little commenting time.  It is understandable on both ends, but for those who have heard the Gob Story by now...the point of that story truly is not putting off until tomorrow what should be done today, and that even goes for something that we all love to do...simply talking to each other!  It is one of the best parts of connecting with others...simply sharing something in your life...and laughing about it, or even crying about it.  SO...here is what we are going to do in this particular blog...each person who comments needs to describe the most FUN thing they did in the past 7-10 days that is NOT NOT NOT related to anything about SR, drums, or even mission...because sometimes we just need to take a break from what we love the most...and in this case...I want everyone to do the following in this order.

1.  Sit down, in case you are reading this standing up!

2.  Take a deep breath and relax.

3.  Think of the most fun thing you have done that you want to share on here.

4.  Post your comment....then read and comment on other posts.

5.  Finally, give thanks to God for this moment of peace and tranquiity amongst the business of life...and then, take more of these moments for yourself...because even when the point of the Gob story is about not putting off until tomorrow what you could/should do today...it includes...taking a moment for yourself...to be thankful for all in your life...and to take a deep breath and just slowly let it out...savoring the moment.  I think we no longer have enough  moments in life like this!

For all of you...my most fun non-SR thing in the past 7-10 days was dinner/movie night out with my friend Nancy this past Thursday evening...the one day a month that I am always home to be able to do that.  Nancy is a teacher and has had a very rough year, as many teachers have had, and she needed a night just to laugh...and we spent a very fun-filled dinner laughing about nothing really...just stupid things we had done in the last week...talking about past memories we have shared...relieving old TV shows we love (like my current old favorite, the Dick Van Dyke show...boy did those folks KNOW how to act and how to make a person laugh!)...and then, following dinner, we put on the 3-D glasses to learn how to train our pet dragon...which by the way...I have always wanted a pet dragon, and wished they truly existed.

So, there is my moment for you all to think about...and I am smiling reliving it...

And, now that I have had my moment to take a deep breath, and savor it, and be thankful for not only Nancy, and laughter, but all the people that I care about in my life...I have to RUN out the door to get to practice on time...so, here we go again :)

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???