I am sure that anyone who knows me at all can attest to the fact that I have never been interested in political things or current events. I really have to push myself to look at a newspaper (besides the sales flyers) or watch the evening news... I made our local newspaper my homepage so I'd at least have to glance at the daily headlines before redirecting myself to more important things... like email. So, obviously, in God's infinite wisdom He put in my path a man majoring in political science who is now finishing up a Masters degree in public policy. So now what choice do I have, right?
Now sure, I know plenty of married couples who have different interests, who fail to really involve themselves with hobbies or interests of their spouse, and this is of course an option available to me. However, at times like "Super Tuesday" while my husband is absorbing exit pole coverage by CNN and MSNBC, and literally watching the votes be counted in Missouri hoping Mike Huckabee can pull off another big win, I'd be pretty bored. So instead I have seized the opportunity to learn a little more about this great country of ours and its unique political system. I now not only know who is running for President in 2008, but some of the differences between each canditate (I'd hope so after watching 17 debates, right?), what the difference is between a caucus and a primary, the political importance of Iowa, and what "Big Mo" means for campaigns when it comes to finances. Heck, I've even started reading political articles on my own time so when Geoff gets home I can dazzle him with my knowledge! For example, I filled him in on the W.Va caucus "back door scandal" yesterday because he was driving home from D.C. and wasn't in front of a computer. Now typically I get some facts mixed up that he has to help me with, but he's always pleased by my attempts :)
I am glad to know that our children will not be as ignorant about politics or current events as I was growing up, for certaintly our dinner conversations will involve that day's headlines from The Washington Post. My hope is to at least to be able to guard the kids from any emotional or psychological scarring which may occur when they are not able to remember the name of the current Majority Leader (just kidding sweetie).
But anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that we are never done learning and growing and that we often have opportunities during our life to get involved in something new, and we should take it! So it may not be something that gives you goose bumps, or leaves you breathless with excitement, but I'm sure that you will become a better person just for allowing yourself to learn and to be taught. I know that I feel like a much better educated American since meeting Geoff, and have lots to thank him for teaching me, even if I do tease him about it more often than not. So at the dinner table tonight, ask your family or friends a question about something new... who knows where it will lead! For as the greatest conservative once said: "All great change in America begins at the dinner table" (Ronald Reagan).
