Just a Very NIce Observation

In my position and business, I get to experience some things that some don't get to experience in a life time. This past weekend, I was privileged to, not only be in the audience for the Martina McBride/Trace Adkins concert, but I was also, with my wife and a couple of others, given the added privilege of sitting in the sound board area to watch the show. That turned out to be a memorable experience but NOT for the reason you might think. You see, Martina McBride's husband, John, is her sound engineer. He controls the sound board for her part of the show. He is one of the best in the business being the man behind the legenday Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
Trace Adkins rocked as he normally does and then the show took a bit of a turn, obviously, with Martina with lots of love songs, ballads, etc. There was one point in the show when Martina made her to the back of the arena to a small circular stage right by, you guessed it, the sound board. Again, the memory is not what you might think. As Martina sang several of her exceptional love songs, I couldn't help but notice John running the controls and turning back looking at Martina with a loving smile. He did this over and over again and that's when it occured to me that this is the same show she has been doing since the beginning of the year, week in and week out, yet there was John looking at her proudly and lovingly on what was the 10th or 11th week of the show plus probably the 10th or 11th YEAR he's been doing this with her. That my friends is total, true love. He sees the same thing over and over again from his wife yet still shows the real feeling he has for her. It was a fabulous show and that was the icing on the cake. Take the time to notice those everyday things that you have always loved about your loved ones. I'll bet you'll be smiling proudly and lovingly.

Nothing Like Being There In Person

In case you haven't figured it out, I'm a huge sports fan. Love watching them all, especially live and in person. And nothing, and I mean NOTHING, compares to being at a live, professional baseball game. Here, we are fortunate to have a Minor League Triple-A team, the Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Orioles affiliate). Got to my first game this season recently and walking into a ballpark conjures up all kinds of memories. You've got the smell of freshly cooked hot dogs and french fries; two big rosters of players warming up for the game; LOTS of souvenirs. PLUS - no hot dog tastes better than one that is served and eaten at a ballpark. It's totally psychological but it's the best!
Every time I walk into a minor or major league ballpark, I'm reminded of the first time I ever walked into one - in my case, the old Connie Mack Stadium in Phildelphia. What a feeling seeing all of that - the fans, the players in the white and bright red Phillies' uniforms and, of course, the chance to pick out the stars from each team and just stare in awe. Plus, you know what?....every game I've attended, I can tell you, I was into the game, the atmosphere and the experience. Any job issues, family "things" or personal problems all were forgotten for that time period. Spring and baseball - what a combination! Enjoy it when you can.