Album Review: NMHTP from Stryper…Best Album in Their 30 Year History?

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I don’t make a habit of writing album reviews, but this material is so good I felt compelled to give it a plug.

Has any band in the history of music released their best material to date in the 30th year of their existence? Well, this past Tuesday, Christian Hard Rock / Heavy Metal band Stryper released their 11th studio album, No More Hell to Pay, and this might just be the best in their 30 year history. It is the first Stryper record in 23 years to feature the original lineup of Michael Sweet (vocals, guitar), Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (backing vocals, guitar), and Timothy Gaines (backing vocals, bass).

I’ve been listening non-stop since Tuesday, and it has everything you could hope for in a Stryper record…hard rocking sound, inspiring lyrics, tight vocal harmonies, high-pitched screams, and virtuoso guitar solos. Every song on this album is fantastic, and Michael Sweet has NEVER sounded better. His vocals continue to amaze.

Highlights of the record include my favorite song Sympathy (in the video above), as well as Legacy, Saved by Love, Water to Wine, and a cover of Arthur Reid Reynolds’ classic Jesus is Just Alright. If you’re a fan of Stryper, or hard rock music, I highly encourage you to grab a copy of this great record. I can’t wait for my blue-vinyl copy to arrive next week!

The Next Chapter: Two Runs Down With No Hip Pain!! (Update on “Pinched Nerve”)

Screen Shot 2013-11-08 at 8.19.03 PMNext Chapter: November 7, 2013

While I originally intended to get a run in on Wednesday, my crazy schedule just wouldn’t allow that to happen. So, I ended up running on Thursday afternoon, and it felt sooooo good. As a matter of fact, it felt so good that I caught myself a couple of times pushing the pace down below 8:00 during my running segments, which is a bit faster than I need to go.

I ended up doing just over 3-miles through Bellevue, using a 4 min / 2 min run-walk pattern. Just like Monday, I didn’t experience any pain or discomfort in my hip, and it still feels good today. I keep having this nagging worry that it’s going to start hurting after I run, but so far, so good.

In related news, I found out the “pinched nerve” causing severe pain and weakness in my left shoulder and arm is not really a pinched nerve. It is very likely an autoimmune disorder called “Brachial Neuritis” that attacks the peripheral nerves in the shoulder and arm as a reaction to a virus present in the body (I had a bad cold at the time this happened). This has basically left me without the ability to make any external rotation movements with my shoulder. The good news is that this is usually temporary and strength should return to the affected muscles over a period of 2 to 4 months. There is still a slight possibility that this could simply be a mechanical problem with my shoulder, so I’m going to see an Orthopaedist next week to cover all my bases. Anyway, I’m no stranger to autoimmune disorders, since the Small Fiber Neuropathy I continue to live with is also of this origin. I’m just happy that the pain is starting to subside, and we’re slowly working our way toward a definitive diagnosis.

All-in-all things are going very well, and I’m extremely blessed!

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The Next Chapter: Nothing Impressive About Today’s Run but it Was Glorious!

Screen Shot 2013-11-04 at 6.35.46 PMThe Next Chapter – November 4, 2013

There was definitely nothing impressive about today’s run, but every stride was still glorious! It felt so good to hit the road again after missing over 8-weeks with a hip injury. I have no idea what my hip will feel like tomorrow, but everything felt just perfect tonight. No goals this time around except for just getting to the next run, which I hope will be on Wednesday.

Tonight I did 4 x 4 min / 2 min run-walk sets in addition to my warmup and cooldown. I started to get a little bit tired by the last running set, but overall felt much better than I expected. Good start to the next chapter in my running story.

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Nashville’s Nutcracker: Purchase Tickets for Kate’s Performances at 30% Off

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To purchase tickets for Kate’s performances of the Nutcracker at 30% off, call 297-2966 ext 10 and ask for the group of reserved tickets for Olivia Agee. Kate is scheduled to be in the following performances: 

  • Sunday, December 8th at 2:00pm
  • Sunday, December 15th at 2:00pm
  • Thursday, December 19th at 7:00pm
  • Sunday, December 22nd at 7:00pm

If you have not already told me you want tickets you can still call and be added to the group but please let me know so we can update the number. We plan to attend the December 8th performance, but you can attend any of the shows and get the discounted rate. Thank you for supporting our sweet little ballerina.

Notes From the Bench: The Day That Should Have Been

NotesBenchToday was supposed to be the day that I lined up with over 40,000 other runners at the start of the New York City Marathon. Instead, it has now been 8 full weeks since I’ve completed a run of any distance. As a matter of fact there are many days where I don’t even feel like a runner anymore, much less someone who has completed 13 marathons and 13 half marathons over the past four years.

My plan had been to try and maintain fitness and build a good base for the future by completing P90X while on the bench. However this was also derailed by a pinched nerve in my neck that I’ve been dealing with for the past two weeks, which has significantly limited the use of my left arm (prayers for this would be appreciated).

Needless to say this is all been very frustrating ,however I’m determined to turn the page and begin writing a new chapter in my running journey. With that in mind I’m going to attempt to begin running again tomorrow. Even if things go well I’m going to take it very very slow, and just try to enjoy each and every stride. I don’t know if or when I’ll race again but I desperately want to run.

Thanks to everyone for your continued encouragement.

Nashville’s Nutcracker – Kate’s Performance Schedule (Group Tickets)

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Since we’ve had so many requests, this post is to let everyone know Kate’s performance schedule for Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC.

  • Sunday, December 8th at 2:00pm
  • Sunday, December 15th at 2:00pm
  • Thursday, December 19th at 7:00pm
  • Sunday, December 22nd at 7:00pm

On Monday morning we will be setting up a group to purchase seats, which will save 30% off the ticket price. Please let us know ASAP if you would like to be added to the group. We do not need to know the performances you would like to attend, just the TOTAL number of tickets you wish to purchase. After you have been added to the group, we will provide you with a phone number to call and complete the purchase.

We’re very excited!!

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