An Explanation-

About a year ago I decided that I was just way too unaware, uninformed and frankly, intentionally stupid when it came to politics and current events. I had been busy being a mom and my focus was in my living room. The rest of the world was on their own. Didn't know, didn't care.

I had just moved to Florida so I went to the local library and decided to get a book or two on politics. I started with Wake Up Call: The Political Education of a 9-11 Widow by Kristen Breitweiser.

It sounded perfect. Written by a woman and was about a political education. Just what I needed. I started there (and it was a great book that I highly recommend) and then I read more books on the Bush Dynasty, Dick Cheney, The Supreme Court, The 2000 election, 9-11 theories, and Al Gore's An Assault on Reason.

Then my Netflix queue became filled with documentaries. I watched everything I could find about the Iraq War, Oil Wars, The Federal Reserve (I had no idea what it even was), 9-11, The World Bank, the Bush Family, etc., etc. Netflix was very confused because I suddenly went from romantic comedies and space themed movies to documentaries of every shape and color.

My sister and her family started introducing us to current topics and theories. I had to repeatedly say, "I have no idea what or where that is"- "What are you talking about?" And then I would add that to my list of topics to explore. I have become great friends with Google and Wikipedia.

And through many discussions and much research, some things started to fall into place. And it was good to be more aware but very alarming at the same time. My head still threatens to explode on a daily basis. But I am learning and questioning all the things I thought I knew. I realized that so much of what I thought I knew was spin, rhetoric and cover up not truth, not facts, not even logic. I felt like Alice in Wonderland or Keanu Reeves in The Matrix. Red pill or blue pill?

Now that I understand more and question everything, I just can't not talk about this stuff on my blog. It is a part of who I am as much as my beloved scrapbooking and picture taking. This stuff is important.

But with knowledge comes many things: questions, concerns, confusion and awareness. Also comes emotions like disgust, fear, outrage and compassion. It is a busy multi-lane highway this road to awareness. It is much different than the country dirt road that I frequented.

A year ago I knew very little about Dubai, politics and what is being done in the name of Americans. Now I know more and it has become a part of me and my voice. I can no longer sit idly, intentionally unaware, of what is happening on the global front and in my wallet.

So, I have no idea where all this will take me but I would love to have company along the way. I love your comments (Sara, Bobbie, Sarah - my three lovely commentors). Let's just see where we end up - I am up for the journey and I am bringing snacks for the gang (they will be Market Pantry brand - hope that is ok! : )