The founder of Modern Psychiatry, Sigmund Freud, wrote a book entitled "Interpretation of Dreams" addressing the subject of dreams. Generally, he asserts, dreams are wish fulfillment. However, problem solving, also takes place in dreams according to him. Also, he asserts that  self psychoanalysis occurs during dreams. It is interesting to note that many individuals with significant psychiatric problems have difficulty with sleeping and dreams implying that this "self psychoanalysis" that occurs in dreams is requisite for sound mental health. Physical illness, outside stimulation during dreams, anxiety,  and internal irritants (like alcohol) can, also, result in "nightmares", he asserts. The book is extremely long but very interesting.

GITANO, how did you know the Lion was my favorite Wizard of Oz character????  If you're the Lion I can definitely be Dorothy! 

I guess I did kind of figure it out, huh?  Maybe I was just looking for affirmation or another possible explanation.  The dreams aren't typically scary.  Actually I'm usually very calm and level headed during them.  What I typically feel during them is this kind of excitement....strange.