Why would I see the same time on the clock?

Question

Ever since I was a little kid I've consistantly had a number plague me, most of the time I look at the clock its approx 9:11. Sometimes both AM and PM and sometimes one or the other.. oddly enough, I actually wrote about this when I was a kid, and still to this day I do it, not everyday but it comes and goes. Imagine the oddity of the terrorist attacks on that day, I often have people call me at 9:11, or arrive places at 9:11, its just plain wierd =( Now much to my dismay, I'm traveling for business tomorrow, 9:11 into Logan airport... Im a little freaked out.. Anyone know why people who have the tendacy to see the same times or have things seamingly occur at or around a certian time?

Answer 1

This is a question of perception. Something about that number triggers a memory for you so you are more apt to notice it when you see it. What you don't notice is all of the other times that you have done things in your life. In fact, I would guess that many of the things that you thought happened at that same time actually happened before or after and the significance that number now has clouds your memory of what the actual time was. Of course the people that call you at 9:11 may know of your theory and are only trying to mess around with you. I wake up every day at the same time. Not that there is anything special about the time its just that is the time I have set my alarm clock.

Answer 2

If you travel for business, look at the times of your other trips. How about the departure time?

I think you're just noticing this because of the significance of "09-11." If the attacks had occurred a day sooner or a day later, you'd notice that number more often.

It's kinda like getting a new car - you suddenly start to notice how many other people drive the same make and model.

Answer 3

humans tend to only notice patterns when they know what to look for. in your case, you only notice patterns when you see the time 9:11. you probably have other patterns, but you just dont bother associating them with a different time

Answer 4

I think the clock needs a new battery

Answer 5

Humans are creatures of habit.