The Calm Before the Storm

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  • Ryan_5's picture
    The Calm Before the Storm
    Posted by
    Ryan
         
    May 31, 2011

    Hi, Chaser faithful - 

     

    It's just me and Rusty - who is perched high atop one of a speaker in the studio - chiming in today.  Actually, he won't be allowed to type anything, because it usually comes out looking like o;liueryFEEDMENOW!!!984tr-op0=IOJREAGGEGRUHI.  That was...interesting pretending that my hands were paws just now.  I'm surprised *he* managed the find the all-caps key.

     

    If the 10 of us have come across as a little distant and/or quiet on the site lately, it's because we're simply enjoying the time we have left at home before the craziness of the rest of our year hits us.  It's going to be a busy summer in Atlantic City - with two full weeks of intense music/choreo rehearsals once we hit the ground at Harrah's - and an even busier fall/winter with the tour down the road.  That's not meant to sound like a complaint at all, by the way - if we know one thing, it's how much we're blessed to be this busy doing what we love to do professionally.  

     

    Those of us that are arranging music for the summer run at Harrah's are very excited to share our ideas with the group.  Guys are taking vacations while they can to mentally prepare for the time away from home.  Other guys are fine-tuning their golf swings for the summer, while others are working on their tans in Las Vegas (Seggie, I'm talking about you).  Some of us have recently added to our families, and even gotten engaged (Congrats, Charlie and DR, respectively!).  Wherever we are, whatever we're doing, we're getting ourselves ready for the (good) storm ahead.  It's a healthy mixture of excitement, reflection, good nerves, and the occasional tinge of melancholy that comes with knowing that we'll be away from home for some time, too.

     

    In recent SNC-related news, we're celebrating two birthdays today:  the first being our road manager Richard Korby, our unofficial den mother and an all-around awesome human being.  Korby's been a part of our team and family since the Summer of '09 and is a constant wellspring of positivity, wisdom, and encouragement for all of us.  The second celebration is for our pal and Atlantic-SNC-alum Mike Itkoff's new daughter, who was born in the wee hours this morning (Congrats to The Itkoffs!  Mom and baby are doing great...).  I'd be remiss if I didn't mention The Mechlings' new baby boy, who was born while the other 9 of us were in the UK recently (rumor is that he's already got a low D-flat).  As we celebrate these amazing milestones and others, we are reminded of how good God is.

     

    I'd love to keep writing, but I need to get back to work on some music for the summer.  Thanks, as always, for your support and encouragement to us as a group and as individuals.  

     

    PS - We look forward to seeing those of you attending the show next week in Gettysburg!  It's going to be a fun time.

     

    Ryan

     

     

    Comments (34)
    Hi, Chaser faithful -    It's just me and Rusty - who is perched high atop one of a speaker in the studio - chiming in today.  Actually, he won't be allowed to type anything, because it usually comes out looking like o;liueryFEEDMENOW!!!984tr-op0=IOJREAGGEGRUHI.  That was...interesting pretending that my hands were paws just now.  I'm surprised *he* managed the find the all-caps key.   If the 10 of us have come across as a little distant and/or quiet on the site lately, it's because we're simply enjoying the time we have left at home before the craziness of the rest of our year hits us.  It's going to be a busy summer in Atlantic City - with two full weeks of intense music/choreo rehearsals once we hit the ground at Harrah's - and an even busier fall/winter with the tour down the road.  That's not meant to sound like a complaint at all, by the way - if we know one thing, it's how much we're blessed to be this busy doing what we love to do professionally.     Those of us that are arranging music for the summer run at Harrah's are very excited to share our ideas with the group.  Guys are taking vacations while they can to mentally prepare for the time away from home.  Other guys are fine-tuning their golf swings for the summer, while others are working on their tans in Las Vegas (Seggie, I'm talking about you).  Some of us have recently added to our families, and even gotten engaged (Congrats, Charlie and DR, respectively!).  Wherever we are, whatever we're doing, we're getting ourselves ready for the (good) storm ahead.  It's a healthy mixture of excitement, reflection, good nerves, and the occasional tinge of melancholy that comes with knowing that we'll be away from home for some time, too.   In recent SNC-related news, we're celebrating two birthdays today:  the first being our road manager Richard Korby, our unofficial den mother and an all-around awesome human being.  Korby's been a part of our team and family since the Summer of '09 and is a constant wellspring of positivity, wisdom, and encouragement for all of us.  The second celebration is for our pal and Atlantic-SNC-alum Mike Itkoff's new daughter, who was born in the wee hours this morning (Congrats to The Itkoffs!  Mom and baby are doing great...).  I'd be remiss if I didn't mention The Mechlings' new baby boy, who was born while the other 9 of us were in the UK recently (rumor is that he's already got a low D-flat).  As we celebrate these amazing milestones and others, we are reminded of how good God is.   I'd love to keep writing, but I need to get back to work on some music for the summer.  Thanks, as always, for your support and encouragement to us as a group and as individuals.     PS - We look forward to seeing those of you attending the show next week in Gettysburg!  It's going to be a fun time.   Ryan    
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Ryan_5's picture
Submitted by Ryan_5
on May 31, 2011

Hi, Chaser faithful - 

 

It's just me and Rusty - who is perched high atop one of a speaker in the studio - chiming in today.  Actually, he won't be allowed to type anything, because it usually comes out looking like o;liueryFEEDMENOW!!!984tr-op0=IOJREAGGEGRUHI.  That was...interesting pretending that my hands were paws just now.  I'm surprised *he* managed the find the all-caps key.

 

If the 10 of us have come across as a little distant and/or quiet on the site lately, it's because we're simply enjoying the time we have left at home before the craziness of the rest of our year hits us.  It's going to be a busy summer in Atlantic City - with two full weeks of intense music/choreo rehearsals once we hit the ground at Harrah's - and an even busier fall/winter with the tour down the road.  That's not meant to sound like a complaint at all, by the way - if we know one thing, it's how much we're blessed to be this busy doing what we love to do professionally.  

 

Those of us that are arranging music for the summer run at Harrah's are very excited to share our ideas with the group.  Guys are taking vacations while they can to mentally prepare for the time away from home.  Other guys are fine-tuning their golf swings for the summer, while others are working on their tans in Las Vegas (Seggie, I'm talking about you).  Some of us have recently added to our families, and even gotten engaged (Congrats, Charlie and DR, respectively!).  Wherever we are, whatever we're doing, we're getting ourselves ready for the (good) storm ahead.  It's a healthy mixture of excitement, reflection, good nerves, and the occasional tinge of melancholy that comes with knowing that we'll be away from home for some time, too.

 

In recent SNC-related news, we're celebrating two birthdays today:  the first being our road manager Richard Korby, our unofficial den mother and an all-around awesome human being.  Korby's been a part of our team and family since the Summer of '09 and is a constant wellspring of positivity, wisdom, and encouragement for all of us.  The second celebration is for our pal and Atlantic-SNC-alum Mike Itkoff's new daughter, who was born in the wee hours this morning (Congrats to The Itkoffs!  Mom and baby are doing great...).  I'd be remiss if I didn't mention The Mechlings' new baby boy, who was born while the other 9 of us were in the UK recently (rumor is that he's already got a low D-flat).  As we celebrate these amazing milestones and others, we are reminded of how good God is.

 

I'd love to keep writing, but I need to get back to work on some music for the summer.  Thanks, as always, for your support and encouragement to us as a group and as individuals.  

 

PS - We look forward to seeing those of you attending the show next week in Gettysburg!  It's going to be a fun time.

 

Ryan

 

 

Comments

jillyj98's picture

June 09, 2011 — jillyj98
I can't wait to see all of you this weekend too :) It should be fun :)
cruiserkelli's picture

June 09, 2011 — cruiserkelli
Yippee...a Ryan/Rusty blog!! Perfect timing, as my six month waiting period between SNC shows is coming to an end. I must say, you guys have made the 6 months not seem so endless because of how available you have been on Twitter, Facebook and on this website...so please, don't feel you need to apologize for anything. We (Chasers) are extraordinarily grateful for the time and attention you all give to us and we are very grateful to your families and friends for sharing you with us. So, enjoy the last day of peace and quiet because me and a RIDICULOUS amount of Chasers will be cheering, sweating, clapping, sweating and enjoying every single minute of the Gettysburg show as it begins our SNC Summer!! I'm counting the hours until Friday night!! God bless you all and keep you safe.
Paula_5's picture

June 07, 2011 — Paula_5
I don't know how you guys do all you do. You are away from your families so much, all for our entertainment. Sometimes I feel guilty about taking you away. We Chasers really appreciate their patience, love and support for "our boys". Congratulations to DR on his engagement and Charlie's baby. He is adorable (both father and son). Enjoy your down time. We'll all be here when you return.
DaisyKary's picture

June 06, 2011 — DaisyKary
Oh please.... what all the chasers below meant to say was: "Get off your lazy butts and get back to work!" Just kidding. I hope you guys are making memories now to help you through the long second half of 2011. And if there is ever anything we chasers can do to make your journey better, you just have to ask.
amerszzz's picture

June 05, 2011 — amerszzz
:) I to am looking forward to seeing you on Friday in gettysburg! I'm extremely excited! See you Friday!
Minda Ramsey's picture

June 04, 2011 — Minda Ramsey
"A low D-flat" LOL!!! :-)
Laurie_2's picture

June 04, 2011 — Laurie_2
Hey, Ryan !! Thanks so much for your blogs. They are really appreciated !! Distant? I think not. We Chasers totally appreciate the time you all give to us. I really think it's a rare bunch of artists who give so much back to the people who follow them. You guys "get it" and never fail to include all of us and make US feel appreciated--that's amazing! Down-time is a necessity of life and maintains one's sanity. Not to mention the "honey-do" lists that awaited many of you upon your arrivals at home. So excited for all the new and exciting things going on for you guys and your families--babies, engagements, weddings, birthdays, new music for US... :) Hope you all enjoy the rest of your well-deserved break, and hope you have a blast doing the summer shows and Harrah's. In the meantime, we'll continue to keep your Fishers DQ on their toes (like your DQ better--it's a brazier--ours isn't), and will toast your upcoming fall tour with a celebratory blizzard or two this summer! Your Nobletucky neighbors, Laurie and Lizzie
Lori_6's picture

June 03, 2011 — Lori_6
Hi Ryan ! I am so happy to hear that you all are taking time for yourselves....You do need to recharge for your incredibly intense tour...I can't imagine being on the road like that and for so long...I will take the challenges of teaching Special Ed. kids any day! BUT on the reverse SNC offers the most unique and energy filled performance that I have seen anywhere ~ anytime. So take the time for you and know you are so appreciated for your professional talent and the open friendship you offer all of us! See at the end of the month in Atlantic City! Thank-you! Lori
Brittain's picture

June 02, 2011 — Brittain
Oh Ryan- No apologizes are needed, all the hours you guys spend for us chasers are appreciated and we thank you for every minute of them! Time with family is so important, we never want to take that from any of you! I love reading your blogs it’s easy to tell that they’re truly genuine and come from the heart. Thank you once again! Blessings and safe travels as you ten take on the coming months! –See you in Seattle
MaryDSinTX's picture

June 02, 2011 — MaryDSinTX
Hello Ryan and Rusty! Thanks for the blog! I must say that "distant" does not seem to be my feeling at all. Y'all have been doing SNCTellAllTues and posting pics of what you're doing and tweeting! Distant? Nah, we just haven't been able to go to shows and actually see you perform in person, that's all. We feel you, though (not in a bad way where you have to call the police, to quote Charlie from some AC shows last summer). You guys have nothing to apologize for. I am so happy that everyone is spending quality and quantity family time. I hope you all are enjoying and savoring every single minute of it. We love the updates & pics when they do come, however, so keep them coming, please and thank you! Wish I was going to G-burg to see all of you live, but I will have to wait a little longer for a live show... looking forward to the videos! (new songs or suits/outfits possibly?) Maybe, I will get to AC sometime during the summer... We are so proud of how hard you guys work, and how good you are to your families and especially to us fans!! That is why we are so loyal to SNC and so crazy about you guys. It is not just the great music. It is because each of you are so special in so many ways. (See the *Love* threads) I have the greatest respect and love for you all. I hope Rusty appreciates you, Ryan. See you soon, I hope! Cheers!
ChaserJulie's picture

June 02, 2011 — ChaserJulie
Ryan, Since everyone has already said in some fashion or another what I would have said, let me just mention, you've never experienced a countdown until you've experienced an Annie LaDuca countdown. It's a thing of beauty. See you in Gettysburg!
EileenR's picture

June 02, 2011 — EileenR
Hi, Rusty!!! (Why am I waving to a cat through my computer as if he can see me?) Oh- hi, Ryan! :-) Ryan, I don't think Tell-All Tuesdays counts as being "distant". SNC has been having a well-deserved semi-break. I'm a teacher, and you can bet that no matter how much I care about my students, I take a big break from most things school-related when summer rolls around. Then I can come back refreshed & ready to go in August. So, please don't feel you need to explain yourself. I think we can all agree that we Chasers know you care about us no matter how much we see you in cyberspace. (Unless we wind up being the topic of a "creeper" blog.) Keep doing what you're doing. You all need time away from Chaserville and time to spend with your families.
kayzie's picture

June 02, 2011 — kayzie
Ryan: I can only DITTo what everyone has said. You are more appreciated than you will ever know. Keeping us in the loop in so many ways on your ever so precious time off the road. I want you to let the families of all theyguys know how very much we appreciate the sacrifices they make (and you make.) Love always.
Lisa N.'s picture

June 01, 2011 — Lisa N.
Ryan, I was thrilled to see you had posted a blog - made my day even happier! I completely agree with every other comment - you guys deserve your time, need your time and it is healthy to retreat and relax. We know it isn't all fun and games either though while you are still keeping busy with arranging, planning, and preparing for show season. One of the things making y'all so successful (other than amazing voices, charm and good looks) is keeping your priorities straight. God first, spouse & family next, friends, work and your Chasers! Use this time focusing on God, wife, family and homefront - that will keep you and the guys strong and healthy on the road. Besides, we Chasers can entertain ourselves while y'all lay low. We are busy making travel plans, buying tickets, getting tips on the meet & greet line, discussing the fine line between being appreciative/ being a stalker/ and qualifying for a restraining order. Sharing videos, photos, and expressing our love on all the love threads, etc. So see, we are doing just fine. :) Rest up, I am praying for you and the guys. Love ya'll in the appreciative, not stalker/restraining order kind of way! ;) Blessings, friend!
Annie L's picture

June 01, 2011 — Annie L
Hi Ryan! As always, I sit up a little straighter when I see you’ve posted a blog entry-I always enjoy reading whatever it is that you care to share with the SNC Community. Thanks for the update, and for taking the time to share tidbits with us! I’m very (can’t emphasize that enough!) excited for Gettysburg (only a mere ~778,820 seconds until show time!) next week. It’ll be great to see the performance as well as catch up with friends, Fellow Chasers. Thanks again!
S. Brandon's picture

June 01, 2011 — S. Brandon
No offense, but I've been happy to not see so much of you guys, for all the reasons listed below! And even though I still don't do Twitter, I have followed some of the Tuesday stuff (thanks, Dottie!) and couldn't believe you got into all of that during your "time off." We'll all line up to do the Gibbs slap thing if you keep this up. We appreciate the update and are thrilled to hear the good family news all around. I'm assuming that Mike and Charlie and Courtney F. M. will be setting up a play date for the little ones soon. You all deserve every bit of time off/time with family that you get, and no real fan would begrudge you that for a minute. Wish I could be in Gettysburg, but maybe it's better not to be lost in the crowd. ;-)
bkjk111 Aunt KLS's picture

June 01, 2011 — bkjk111 Aunt KLS
I can only repeat what everyone else has said--we are glad you are enjoying your time off and know it is well-deserved! And still, you keep the Chasers in the loop! The time and information you share with us means so much! Looking forward to catching up with everyone (hopefully in A/C--definitely on the Fall tour). So many good things happening for SNC, past and present-blessings all around! Kay
KristinC's picture

June 01, 2011 — KristinC
Thanks, Ryan. You all do a great job of keeping in touch with us, and we're so thankful. I count myself as blessed to be a fan of SNC and to be able to see you guys NEXT WEEK (!!!!!!) in Gettysburg. Everyone has already said what I'm trying to say, but in short, the Chasers love all you guys. A lot!
AngieTheCanuck's picture

June 01, 2011 — AngieTheCanuck
Ryan, I came here to make a comment as well...but I see that all the others have expressed almost the exact sentiment that I was going to post. But, I'll say it anyway. It deserves repeating. I don't think you have *anything* to apologize for. I can't believe how interactive all of you already are with us Chasers. A lot of groups certainly don't take this kind of time and put this much effort into connecting with their fans. I'm glad you are all getting some time to spend with your families and some personal down time - if you were all just "go, go, GO" all the time, you would all burn out, and we certainly don't want that! A little R&R is just what you need to make this next part of your journey fun and exciting, both for you AND for us! Thanks again for the blog, Ryan. Heartfelt posts like this really do endear you to us all the more. :)
ToriCanuck's picture

June 01, 2011 — ToriCanuck
Thank you Ryan, for another beautiful blog. I got teary half way through, can't express how much I appreciate the sacrifices you and your families must make in order for you guys to be on the road for such an extensive period of time. I hope all of you are enjoying your time with your family and friends. You have all been so great to us Chasers, answering questions on Tell All Tuesdays. Definitely not distant at all. Happy birthday to Richard and baby Itkoff!! And congratulations to DR, Dan and Charlie!!! Definitely a lot of milestones for the group this year! How exciting!! Thanks for taking the time to write this blog, Ryan. I love you guys, and all you do for us!!
DottieK's picture

June 01, 2011 — DottieK
Ryan, first of all...I love reading your blogs! :) Secondly, how can you say that you have been distant?? I think that you & the guys keep in touch with us in an incredibly personal and meaningful way, and it is appreciated immensely! We certainly do not begrudge you downtime, even if we are a bit selfishly eager to see/hear you again! I hope that your short time at home has left you rested and refreshed for the road ahead. I, personally, am so excited for all the wonderful things that lay ahead of you this year! I know great blessings are in store for you guys! And, yes, I'll admit...I am a bit giddy with excitement about Gettysburg! Congrats & blessings to the Itkoff family & happy birthday to Korby; he's s great addition to your team! :) Thanks so much for your blog today, Ryan! See you in about ten days!
Jeanette P.'s picture

June 01, 2011 — Jeanette P.
How many times can I say I love Ryan? Well, I do! Another sweet blog.
Kerri_2's picture

June 01, 2011 — Kerri_2
Never.ever.ever. apologize for spending your free time relaxing! You've certainly earned it and deserve it (as do your family and friends!). Enjoy your last few weeks 'off' before everything catches back up with you again...can't wait to see you guys again (in Chataqua) and take my 5 year old to her first concert that *isn't* Curious George or The Wiggles.
SingForMe's picture

May 31, 2011 — SingForMe
Hey Ryan! I always love reading your blogs and I'm so happy to hear you guys are enjoying the much needed time off before the whirl wind begins! :) We Chasers are so grateful to be a part of Chaserdom and enjoy the blogs to no end. Thanks for keeping us in the loop! :) Have a great time in Gettysburg. Looking forward to hearing the new music you all have in store for us! Alex
Terry_4's picture

May 31, 2011 — Terry_4
Ryan, I get so excited when I see that you have written another blog. I just love reading about your thoughts for the future and your experiences so far. How can you say that you feel you have been a little distant with us! You recently developed "Tell All Tuesday's" on Twitter that has been a complete success with all the Chasers (and might I say a whole lot of fun too). Many of the guys have been participating in it as well and it has been great. We are getting absolutely beautiful pictures and video's (even little ones) of your escapades while still enjoying your time off with friends and family. You include us (always) as part of you, and to me that means so much. So for now, have a blast because so much more fun is to come in the up-coming months. You so deserve it. See you soon!
cindy_13's picture

May 31, 2011 — cindy_13
Hi Ryan and Rusty, First if I was "Gibbs" from NCIS I would hand slap the back of your head for even thinking you all have been distant. Ide say it is quite the opposite. I admire the way all of you have managed to have your down time yet still make all of us feel remembered and appreciated. This has been a great journey for all of you and as a "chaser" who will admit to being abit selfish I hope there is no light at the end of the tunnel. My hope is that when I am old and drooling you all will be silver haired and still performing lol. As you all gear up for a busy summer and fall tour please enjoy the rest of your downtime with family and friends. As always all fo SNC and their families will be in my prayers. As one the "Mac's" I can say I look forward to Gburg and AC. Sadly for you all you will be seeing repeat appearnaces of this "chaser". May God continue to bless you in all aspects of your life. Each of you are doing exactly what God intended you to do in this place and moment. : ) Opps almost forgot... Rusty it's really amazing how your typing skills look very much like my own. : ) Sending you a "virtual" scratch behind the ears.
Diana L.'s picture

May 31, 2011 — Diana L.
Ryan, thanks for the update... No need to apologize, you or any of the other guys, for being quiet lately. Down time should be just that- a time to focus on family and yourselves is important fuel for all the time that you all give to us when you are on tour. Hope the end of your downtime is fantastic, looking forward to seeing you (and some of the Harrah's material?) at Chautauqua.
racer8and9's picture

May 31, 2011 — racer8and9
Rusty should chime in more often. He has a way with words. Enjoy your time off! Don't feel like you're distant, you're awesome and deserve this time! We will have our share of you and the guys soon enough (10 days until Gettysburg, but who's counting?) We're always here for support and encouragement. You are blessed on this wonderful journey. I will speak for all chasers when I say that we feel equally as blessed to be able to share even a piece of this journey with you! Thank you for including us in the SNC family, Megan
SheriS's picture

May 31, 2011 — SheriS
Ryan, thanks for the updates! It is my belief that the "real Chasers" are grateful to see all of you with "time off" as we know when you are touring, it is not easy being on the road for long stretches of time and difficult to be away from your loved ones--specially those that have children at home. I for one am grateful for the little snippets we get just so we know all are well and enjoying the down time you all so deserve so much! Have fun with your families while you can and get some well deserved rest!
Michelle Z.'s picture

May 31, 2011 — Michelle Z.
Ryan, you and the guys haven't come across distant at all. You deserve to enjoy your time off. Thanks for the update, and Congrats (and Happy Birthday...) to all. May God continue to Bless you all. :)

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