Member Of The Week: Samantha Hurst!!

1. Name: Samantha Hurst {Sam}

2. Age: 13

3. Hometown AND State: hometown: Champion // state: Ohio

4. Sheltered Reality Practice Site: Warren, Ohio

5. How long have you been in the group?

About 2 years now..

6. __________what is your favorite food?_________________
________stuffed shells.__________

7. Were you a drummer BEFORE Sheltered Reality?

No. I was never really interested in it before SR.

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

Maybe 4 to 5 hours a week..

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

To be truly honest, I probably don’t work on turbo jam as much as I should.. But I love choreography. Maybe like 2 hours a week. Sometimes more…

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

I like to run, walk and jog.. Im really slow though. ^_^

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

Between SR and Church, probably about 6 hours.. Maybe…>_>

12. ______________Who‘s your hero?_______________
________Lacey Mosley_ (lead singer of Flyleaf)_________

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

The one we did at the Champion Presbyterian Church. a lot of people I knew where there.

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?

I don’t think I could thank just one person. All my friends, for keeping me together. I would.. Buy them all candy!

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?

We're a group of Christians who try to change the world by inspiring them through music. We use the drums to try to bring them a positive message.

16. What is something that nobody knows about you?

That I want some pie.. Really bad!

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

Traveling the world. I absolutely LOVE to travel.

18. What three things are always in your refrigerator?

Umm.. milk, eggs and…. Coldness.. Idk the contence of my fridge is ever changing.

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

Flyleaf!! There a Christian rock/alternative band.

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

That im shy.. I can be but once I get to know a person, I cant stop talking.

21. What is your favorite beat?

Tic-tock! Im so psyched I got it!!! xDD

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

I would try to change the way a lot of people in other countries live. My church is doing a thing called the 30 Hour Famine. And it really opened my eyes to how so many people are living in poverty. I mean im not trying to be a downer but this is ridicules! Did you know that one child dies every 7 seconds form preventable causes like hunger and disease?!? No Lie!

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

Well I guess I would want to use the same lessons to help me when I get a job and to probably teach my children. that’s not going to be for a while though… ^_^

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

“take a chance.” when I tried out for my school musical, I didn’t know if I wanted to or not. Now im playing one of the leads. Its going to be awesome! xD

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

Blue! To be more specific, the color of the sky on a cloudless day. Why? I just think its beautiful!

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

No. I really don’t like sports..

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

Sheltered Reality. Hands down.

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?

For the most part im ok with my personality.. If I could, I would change how quiet and shy I usually am when I meet new people.

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

Yeah, I always try to stick up for the underdog in situations. And more often than not, for myself for being a Christian..

30. What is your favorite subject in school?

Ummm…lunch.. Haha. No, probably World History.

31. Are you the person you want to be?

Not yet. But im getting there. -_o

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

No. SR played and is playing a big part in my life and without that part im sure I wouldn’t be the same person.

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

Bed. CD player. CD’s. Posters. And my awesome bed spread.

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

No. but I wish I could play piano.

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 the SOS daily. I don’t know if I cant tell how many times I use it in a week…

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

The Crow. I just thing the plot and the message is so beautiful. “Love never dies.”

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

Modern Family, psych, and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

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

Princess and the Frog. Haha. xD

39. What is your favorite saying that you say?

Silence the violence. Increase the peace.

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

“never give up.” I just think there good words to live by..

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

Well, Im not on drugs or anything. So I guess I can be proud of that..

42. What is your favorite theme song?

Like TV shows? The psych theme song!

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

A few Christmases ago, we collected pocket change for some charity. It was cool to see how loose change terned into a little over $200. ^_^

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

Haha, funny story.. I originally went because my friend made me. But she quit and I kept coming. My reason for staying was I wanted to see where it took me..

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?

One thing that I learned and will always take with me is even though you think you cant do something, if you work at it you can do whatever you want.

46. What makes you, you?

Well, I’m not entirely sure. I guess all the things I like to do. I don’t think I would be the same if I didn’t do things like camping and going places with friend.

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?

My friendships in SR are really different that with other friends. I’m not sure why. I think because people in SR are a lot more open and just overall more friendly. Haha. ^_^

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

YES!! I don’t thing I could make it if I didn’t talk to Dee and Sophia and all of them at least once a week.

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

Well I still cant get on the blog so I’m not really the person to ask about that..

50. What is your favorite part about the blog?

Well I can read it sometimes so I guess that’s my favorite part.

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

I’m really involved in the Youth Group at my church.

52. What size drumsticks do you play with?

Umm. Let me go check! 808. I think.. that’s what it said on the stick.

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

Hmmm.. Eat. Take a nap. Get on myspace..

54. Who do you choose from the Blog Followers to be the NEXT Member of the Week??
How about Tom from Toledo. xD

RANDOM CHAT THREE

Since I have been traveling nonstop this week, and had many late drives, I have not had a chance to think about the next major posts I want to put up...which I will work on getting some new good ones up for you over the next few days.  For now...here is your chance to post what you want to talk about next...so whoever is first here gets to set the chain in motion.

Enjoy :)

Tick Tock and Sheila E Fill Update...

Now that I have seen LOTS of people doing the Tick Tock beat, and some doing the Sheila E fill (if you have not learned that yet, you will at the next practice with me, and/or from Drum Stick)...I want to know how fast each of you are with both of them...it is easier to talk about Tick Tock beat in terms of beat accelerator songs...so go ahead and comment on how fast you are...and how you worked on it (since very few of have 2 sets of drums at home)...and if you are getting really fast (say up to song 10 on Beat Accelerator 2009)...then give advice to those who may be struggling with it.  For example, David and Drew send me a video of David working on it...which we will post on Drum Stick here very soon...and he had a great method to work on the beat (and I must say...he is VERY fast).

Since the limiting factor of getting the new song into the show will be:

a.  The Tick Tock beat needs to sound clean and tight

b.  The Sheila E fill needs to sound clean, tight, and dynamic

c.  The Sheila E fill needs to succeed WHILE doing the "gallop" middle section of the song...

...we NEED to help empower each other to succeed at speeding up these harder drum parts...so go ahead and comment to each other, support each other, and help each other work on these things...and if you are still needing to get these up to speed...hopefully you will get new ideas here...that you can try...Whatever It Takes!!

Everyone MUST comment on this one :)

Hey All!  A new song is on your horizon as soon as we finish my new song AND Jordan's new song...and I want you all to see the words to it...and figure out what I love about them...so here they are...and I want you all to analyze them, and then COMMENT on what you think they mean...and then, talk about this with each other...this should be a great discussion :)  (and, yes, sorry, it is like English class, but this will keep your writing skills up for the book-to-come) :)

This place is not quite what it seems
Or anything that I was told it'd be
New York, you know you make my heart skip
In my dreams I make it into Vegas

Seattle hits me every time
I can't get Chicago off my mind
New Jersey taught me how to let go
And I've learned that's all that I need to know

In this moment we're connected
If we fall, we fall together

Get up, get up
Sing it like you're screaming at me
Get up, get up
I love the way you make it look so easy
East coast, west coast, show me what you've got now
Let's go, let's go

Get up, get up
Make my heartbeat pickup
Get up, get up
Be-be-be-beating to the rhythm

I spill my heart from coast to coast
Fall in love with everyone I know
Sometimes it isn't where you're going
It's who you're with

In this moment we're connected
If we fall, we fall together

Get up, get up
Sing it like you're screaming at me
Get up, get up
I love the way you make it look so easy
East coast, west coast, show me what you've got now
Let's go, let's go
[x2]

Get up, get up
Make my heartbeat pickup
Get up, get up
Be-be-be-beating to the rhythm

Get up, get up
Sing it like you're screaming at me
Get up, get up
I love the way you make it look so easy
East coast, west coast, show me what you've got now
Let's go, let's go
[x2]

Get up, get up
Sing it like you're screaming at me
Get up, get up
I love the way you make it look so easy
East coast, west coast, show me what you've got now

Time for Thanks

Last night, after a GREAT practice in Columbia, MO we were packing the car and Jordan said LOOK UP.  It was night, and at first I didn't see them, but then I heard them...an entire flock of snow geese calling to each other as they flew through the dark, heading north, on their way home.  Most of you know my love of all of our avian (feathered) friends...and this really made my day...as it was one more sign that spring is almost here (Columbia practice started with robins outside the church, another good sign).  It was one of those little things that God gives to us everyday that we need to be thankful for...a reminder of how awesome and wonderful ALL of God's creation really is.

Therefore, and since it has been quite awhile since I have had a chance to post a thought-provoking question for you all to work on...here it is...what is ONE thing that you are VERY thankful to God for in the last FIVE days...something that truly made you smile...outside and in.  Something that reminded YOU that God gave us all an amazing world and we need to always remember to give our thanks and prayers back to God for all of the wonder around us.

Have at it!!  More from me probably NOT until Sat, Sun or Mon morning, all depending!!

Next Member of the Week...Dee's Assignment :)

OK, as you can all tell, I have been traveling, showing, and practicing a lot the last few days, and therefore, you have been seeing no new posts (though you have been random chatting WELL...YAY!  I saw lots of new names on there making comments...that is great!).

Anyhow, Ben did not list a person for his next member of the week...but picked out two sites...Faith or Warren.  SO, Dee...here is your assignment...I will pass this to you and tell you that I have picked out Sam from your site.  Your goal is to get the questions to her (I emailed them to you) and have her email them back to ME...and then see if we can get her on the blog.  Deal?

For the rest of you...new posts by the weekend from me...hang on until then and enjoy getting to know Ben!!

Member Of The Week: Ben Arnold!!

Name: Benjamin J. Arnold

2.   Age: 19

3.   Hometown AND State: Ripon, WI

4.   Sheltered Reality Practice Site: Fox Cities

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

6.   ____________________________________________________________________

7.   Were you a drummer BEFORE Sheltered Reality? Yes

8.   How many HOURS per week (on average) do you play the drums, practice SR beats and songs, or just jam for fun? I practice every night before I go to bed and I'll jam out in the middle of the day so between 12 to 15 hours.

9.   How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on Turbo Jam, work on SR choreography, or just work out? I work out 3 hours almost every day and try to throw some SR choreography during my workout. Some people look at me weird when I'm doing Greased Lightning on the tread mill haha!

10.      If you do your own work-outs, what do you like to do? Run, Bench Press, Curls & Crunches, Push-ups

11.      How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on SR mission related things OR your own missions to change the world? It goes from week to week, I've been working hard this past week so I'll go with 9 to 12 hours

12.      ____________________________________________________________________

13.      What is your favorite show you have performed in OR seen from the audience?  Why is this your favorite? The best show I have done would have to be the Relay For Life in Ripon. I got to lead that show and it felt super great to deliver the message Steve & Jordan give to people. I got a ton of great feedback from the crowd and made me feel great!

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? I would have to thank my father. He has molded me into the person I am today. He brought me into SR and paid my dues every month and drove me all over the state to do the thing I love the most in life. I'm going to have to take him fishing this spring because that's what he loves the most.

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 is organization that gives you the strength to believe in something very important... yourself! Through our Steps of Success Sheltered Reality has music with meaning. Whether if you have played the drums or not you will find that Sheltered Reality will hand you the tools to help you become a better person and help change the lives and change the hearts of others.

16.      What is something that nobody knows about you? I am terrified of clowns!!! I watched Stephen Kings' It at a young age (google it) there's a really scary clown that gave me nightmares!!

17.      If you were to make a bucket list, what would be top of the list? Crazy Frog! Over 3 years I still don't have the triplets down and neither does our site! When we play it at shows we look ridiculous and I get upset.

18.      What three things are always in your refrigerator? Orange Juice, Salad, and JELLO!!!!

19.      What is your favorite group/artist? Musical genre (pop, country, Christian contemporary, etc)? Bullet For My Valentine, they are a heavy metal band. I love playing double bass on the set!

20.      What do you think people believe of you that is not true? That I'm a quitter, no matter what it is I'm going to bust my bum 'til I succeed.

21.      What is your favorite beat? Metal/Tick Tock Beat

22.      If you were King/Queen of the world, what would you change? I will banish all clowns!!!! But on a serious note I would give everyone the opportunity reach a life-long dream. Lets say for me I've always wanted to be a pilot, but to get there I need to go to school which is really expensive. I don't have the money to do that right now but I'm not giving up! I would give everyone the chance to go to school and help them accomplish their dream.

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

24.      Pick one of the Steps of Success and tell of a time where it has paid off for you. Believing in myself, things have been pretty tough lately but I hung in there and tried to make the best of it. It's not easy but I knew that if I believed in myself things will get better. I've always told myself that there will always be sunshine after the storm.

25.      What is your favorite Color? Why is it your favorite color? Blue (can't you tell already) I don't know really, it looks good on me!

26.      Do you have a favorite Sport and or a favorite Sports Team? My favorite sport is Hockey, I love the Detroit Red Wings

27.      Who or what has been the biggest Influence in your life? Sheltered Reality without a doubt! It has turned my life around completely!

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'm pretty content with my personality. I'm the funny guy at practice but have a serious side of me.

29.      Have you ever stood up for what you believe, even when it was very hard? I've been caught in situations where I knew it was wrong and I had to do something to keep me and my friends from doing the wrong thing. It was really tough, some of my friends thought I was a chicken but some respected what I believed in. It just shows who your real friends are!

30.      What is your favorite subject in school? Study Hall, I can catch up on my sleep!

31.      Are you the person you want to be? I want to become better and move up in Sheltered Reality. Maybe someday I'll be like Steve or Jordan... well maybe not like Jordan, I'll never be as cool as Jordan!

32.      If you never joined SR, or never heard of SR would you be the same person you are now? Why or why not? Not at all, I'd be going down a bad path with some worse people.

33.      What are five things that you have in your room that you love? My drums, My California King Size Bed, My photo album from my childhood, my medals and trophy's  from sports, my patch of the U.S. flag from the air force.

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

35.      Do you do the SOS (Steps of Success) daily? How many times do you think you use it in a week? I use them when it's called upon

36.      What is your favorite movie of all time? Why? Top Gun, it's a movie for fly-boys like me who loves fighter jets like me!

37.      What is your favorite television show and/or shows? Dog Fights on the History Channel. No its not dog fighting and little puppies get hurt. A Dog Fight is a battle in the sky between two combat fighter jets. It's a show about the greatest dog fights in history.

38.      What movie do you want to see really badly but didn’t get the chance to? Valentines Day, it looks pretty funny!

39.      What is your favorite saying that you say? The best thing in life is... life!

40.      What's your favorite Step of Success and why? Taking A Chance, if I never took a chance in the beginning I wouldn't be in SR.

41.      What are you most proud of about your life? That no matter what I'm doing in life, I'm loving it every day!

42.      What is your favorite theme song? The Benjamin J. Arnold theme song!

43.      What is your favorite mission project, and how did it impact you? Making pizzas for the local youth group. It was a lot of work but it all paid off in the end... free pizza!!

44.      Why did you originally join SR, and what are your reasons for staying? I joined to prove to myself that I could actually do it. Now that I've succeeded I want to show everyone that they can succeed as well. Also I'm one of the leaders of my site and helped create Fox Cities.

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? I can succeed

46.      What makes you, you? People have always known me by my sense of humor. So I'd have to go with that

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 treat all my friends the same but I tend to do crazier things with my non SR friends. Like try to sing Poker Face by Lady Gaga with an electric doggy shock collar! Good times...good times!

48.      If you had to move, would you try to stay in contact with Steve and Jordan and your site? Most definitely! I'd try to even start my own site!

49.      If this blog was never created do you think we would be as close as we are now? Not at all, especially for me because I havn't been to Mt. Rushmore before and it looks like I won't be able to this year. Most people make friends there but I've met a lot of people off the blog!

50.      What is your favorite part about the blog? Keeping in touch with the SR Universe!

51.      What other activities/organizations are you involved in? City league softball in the summer

52.      What size drumsticks do you play with? A5's, I actually carbon-fiber drumsticks that last 6 times longer than wooden sticks. They produce better sound and get better bounce.

53.      What are the first three things you do when you get home from school/work/traveling? Dive into the frig! Pull out a soda and maybe get some doritos and kick back and relax

54.      Who do you choose from the Blog Followers to be the NEXT Member of the Week? Anyone from the Faith, SD Site or Warren, OH Site. They are living examples of SR. They havn't given up and they are doing whatever it takes to keep SR alive for them and their community!