Not to brag but generally speaking I’m a smart girlie. Well okay, I guess that’s bragging but I stand by the statement. Reading comprehension, critical thinking, decent (enough) math skills — all credited to my teachers, all tools which help me navigate the world.

We’re in some crazy times and sometimes part of that smartie goes on the fritz, usually critical thinking when something egregious pops off and fear makes my brain slide sideways. I almost always recognize when it’s happening but if I don’t I have people close to me that help me get back on track.

But that smart girlie status takes an unfortunate hit with geography. I genuinely suck at knowing where things are in relation to one another. GPS and online resources have made a huge difference for me in this area but I’m not gonna lie, I wish it was in my brain.

Anyway, that geography thing is why I’ve gotten concerned for anyone in the eastern hemisphere. (Yes, I googled hemispheres to make sure I got the right one. Insert huge eye roll here.) The U.S. has escalated things in the Middle East and because I suck at knowing where countries are in that part of the world it’s made me feel troubled in general for people there. My logic brain knows not to discount trouble here, it’s not that I think we’re out of reach. It’s just the proximity to warring countries that worries me.

At any rate, I’m deeply sorry a small contingent of our leadership has quite literally blown up this situation. Most of us know we have no business in that conflict. Please stay safe, and if you’re the praying sort keep those suffering in mind.