Endorphins + Music = no pain

Amazing night once again at Union United. We didn't have quite as many people as our April U2charist service, but there was a large youth contingent and the energy level was sky-high, right from the first song.

A big thanks to Pat Cornwell who did sound for us, it was much better this time. We goofed up once or twice and I had a Spinal Tap moment when my wireless guitar rig quit working (dead battery) but the band was pretty tight - I'll give drummer Craig Sparks deserved credit for keeping us going, he's one of the best.

I felt great Thursday night setting up for Funions Elks show, didn't move anything heavy, careful when bending, etc. But Friday afternoon it was bad and I was wondering how it would go Friday night.

I sat for much of the show and discovered once we started playing, I either forgot about my back or something seemed to happen to make the stiffness go away.

The official Wikipedia explanation: Endorphins are endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during strenuous exercise. They resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a sense of well-being. Endorphins work as "natural fever relievers" whose effects may be enhanced by other medications.

So Friday I behaved for the most part. Sitting makes me play the guitar better and the crowd was ready to dance and party so it worked out great.

Saturday was horrible, one of the worst days ever for my stupid back. Couldn't go on the Woodland Cemetery walking tour, couldn't make it up to Macomb to see Emily play in the district music competition, couldn't do anything. This was one of those golden late Indian Summer weekends and it killed me to not take advantage of it.

Sunday morning was better, plus we had some good music at Trinity UCC and a good service and that always helps.

Felt good setting up Sunday afternoon, and once we started playing Sunday night .... well, as I've often said, "I am not responsible and that was my stunt double."

So it's Monday morning and .... I can't move.

I'm taking the next medical steps this week and things will work out. They always do.

In the meantime ... Funions road trip this weekend, and we are taking U2charist on the road as well! More details coming ...