Perception

Something to think about....

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children.. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly..

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

The questions raised:

*In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*Do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.

How many other things are we missing?

Found this wonderful article here

Cali Bound

This weekend Aj and I are going to Disneyland! I keep getting more and more excited the more I think about it. It was Aj's idea to go on Superbowl Sunday (which is very surprising because Aj can be categorized as the ultimate football fan. He has to watch every game, read every article and visit every football website. But since the Superbowl doesn't have the Cardinals playing I guess he doesn't care. haha) his sister went one year and it was completely dead. Keeping our fingers crossed that that is the case and hopefully everyone else doesn't have the same idea. I'm looking forward to visiting California, seeing my sister and Aj's family. We haven't been to back to California in about 6 months, which is far too long.


This past week has been quite rough with hearing of the loss of two people I used to know. I've been thinking how precious life is and how quickly one can leave this world. It makes me want to try and to be the best person I can be every day, and to be kind to everyone.

I'm definitely needing a vacation. Work has been extremely busy and some days all I want to do is throw my arms up and say I need to go home and sleep for a week! haha.

Countdown has begun! t-4 days 'till Disneyland!

The Simple Things

So I may have a big passion for dogs, learning about them, all that jazz. So of course I was reading a book about them and it had this list in it. I though it was adorable and definitely somethings I can learn.

*Things we can learn from a dog*

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
4. When it's in your best interest, always practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they have invaded your territory.
6. Take naps and always stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp, and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
10. Never pretend to be something you're not.
11. If what you want is buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
13. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
17. When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
18. No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
~Joy Nordquist

Girl Time

I went out with some girlfriends last night and had a fabulous time!! Sometimes it gets hard to make certain nights just for you and your girlfriends. I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time. I need to make more time to just go out and laugh with the girls more often. :)

Equality should be for all

So regarding the whole issue with the Miss USA pageant. Let me just say, I can't believe what Miss California said. She definitely has the rights to her own opinions and freedom of speech don't get me wrong, but if you are trying to represent a country that is dealing with such a hot topic as Gay marriage.. come up with a better answer.

I'm sorry but growing up in a conservative church you are taught gays are wrong and it's a choice they make that is a bad choice and blah, blah, blah. Well let me tell you I have a gay friend that I have had numerous talks with concerning Gay marriage, and being gay. He has cried to me and said if I had a choice I would not be gay. His own family, friends and even school have badgered him. It's not a choice, it's a part who they are. And you know what? He is one of the most amazing people that I know. He overcame judgments and now is president of his University, and will be graduating in a month.

I also have an uncle that is gay and is the biggest sweetheart. I definitely think that civil marriage should be granted for all.

I just read an article that also stated that two young boys, in different states, killed themselves because so many kids at school and even their parents constantly teased them about being gay. I would rather love and except everyone then have people patronized to the point they would rather end their life, because of who they are. If I were to have a child and he/she ended up being gay you know what that's ok. Everything happens for a reason and God loves everyone no matter what.