Opposing Soundtracks

When dealing with the statistical analysis you frequently come across the term 'normal distribution.'  It says that in any given sample the majority of participants' results will land close to the average, with few outliers on either side.  If one were to plot this data, it would form the shape of a bell; the reason it is called a normal bell curve.  See figure below.

Another example of this graph is how much a person likes something over a given period of time.  Let's use Adele's song, Rolling in the Deep to illustrate my point.  If I had to guess, I'd say that you liked the song most after hearing it more than the first time.  However, after you heard it a few too many times as I have, I'm sure you lost every desire to hear it again.  You liked it least in the beginning and now, and the most somewhere in between.  That's where the bell comes in.  So, a word from the wise: If you really like a song and want to continue enjoying it, do not over play it..

Here in Costa Rica, I have found two 'soundtracks' that for me, the bell curve does not apply to.  The first I awake to every morning, and that is to the sound of a cat whining it's furry, little head off.  I have despised this sound from the very first wail of that self-centered feline.  The second track however, is one that I have the joy of listening to just about every afternoon.  It's one that I have loved incessantly and will continue to do so for the rest of my time in Costa Rica and to be honest, for the rest of my life.  That is the brilliant–sometimes deafening–crashes of thunder that fill San José's skies.  It's icing on the cake when they are accompanied by the sound of the tropical rain pattering against the rooftops and streets.  Though I will say, the icing melts a little when I am caught walking in it instead of being lulled to sleep while laying in my bed.  In any case, there is just something about thunder that I connect with.  It's a great reminder of the awesome power God has, and of how miniscule a being I really am.