View from the Prairie Box

Hah. If only they knew how many have the Word written on their hearts! How difficult then would it be to get the Bible out of the jury room?

Reading: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Watching: American Idol
Eating: Fruit Loops
Gardening: pole beans and radishes
Organizing: the books in our library
Wanting: a vacation
Loving: warm weather and sitting on the porch
Despising: people who vandalize public art
Wearing: sandals
Thinking: what verb I can use next
Completing: this silly blog entry

About 10 months ago I bumped into Alyssa and her husband at Barnes & Noble. A quick look at the books in our arms revealed we were both anticipating babies… Her choice, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” and mine, “The Idiots Guide to Adoption.” This past Sunday we sat next to each other in church—she, bottle-feeding an 8 week old baby, and me… wait a minute! Where’s my baby???

Ah, adoption. Ah, the Hand of providence. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Do good things really come to those who wait? Or is that just a stupid saying?

At least the friends in my life share their adorable children with me. I’ve enjoyed some of the best company over the past several days… Chunky Dawson dreaming peacefully while I read a book in our study. Sweet Cadence drifting asleep in my arms to “Jesus Loves Me” and rhythmic back-thumping. Two year old Andrew gleefully yelling my name into the phone his mother was holding: Beba! Beba! Bye-bye Beba.

Some days the waiting is harder than others. But the cute little pookies in my life remind me that the hardships and joys of parenting are well-worth waiting for.

I have successfully seen the movie. Let the reviewing commence.

In short, I’m not exactly sure what I saw or how I feel about it. I feel a little confused actually… ‘The Matrix’ will remain on my Top 10 list. ‘The Matrix Reloaded’? Probably not.

I was pretty darn bored in the fight scenes with the multiple Agent Smiths. Upon seeing the trailer for ‘The Matrix Revolution’ (which followed the credits) I groaned at the idea of a third movie with Smith and his darned “inevitability.” Another complaint, the l-o-n-g sex/dance club scene. Besides the fact that many Christians probably shuddered in horror at the gyrating, dirty-dancing Zionists (okay, so it was me shuddering!), the sex scene was too much… No one needed to be literally in the room with the sweaty Neo and Trinity — and definitely not for that extended length of time.

Despite a few things, I did enjoy the film. Loved being back with the favorite characters and seeing them in action. Liked the whole Keymaker bit. Though it confused me, I liked the whole Architect thing. I thought they would use Persephone more, but the kiss scene was fun, albeit strange.

Blah, blah, blah… Tell me what you think. An interactive blog is what I’m aiming for.

Stu is preaching on the book of Ruth right now… I used to read this book (and Esther) all the time during church when I was younger — it was my way of checking out of the sermon and into “interesting” reading. Anyhow, I’d like to get my hands on literature about the historical setting in which Ruth takes place. I’ve done a little googling but can’t find anything very helpful. Maybe I’m searching with the wrong words. I just think the Bible becomes more fascinating when we understand the cultural/societal settings of the books… especially Ruth. So, what’s up with her laying at Boaz’s feet on the threshing floor? If you have any comments, try to back them up with sources. Thanks!

Clay. Ruben. Tough choice. I’m leaning towards Ruben just a little — but both are worthy of the American Idol title. Who gets your vote?

Nineteen years ago, little Bethany Koenig was born. The world has never been the same.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Bethany! The Tredways are sending loving birthday vibes your way!

(Really, I knew it was your birthday… Ummm, I was just messing with ya earlier.)

I went to Zoo Hell today.

It was dark and humid, full of people and a little stinky. It was the Nocturnal exhibit at Henry Doorly Zoo.

I went in against my better judgment, at the desire of my loving husband of five years. Afterall, it was a special date day and marriage is nothing if not compromise. So in we went. Within minutes, standing in almost pitch-darkness in the child-congested corridor I knew I had entered some strange netherworld. It was only a few steps further where the younglings’ loud shouts and shrieks echoed off the black cavern walls into displays of various creatures of the dark, where the warm, stifling, stagnant air practically sucked the breath from my lungs that I knew I had entered Zoo Hell. We then double-timed it past the reptiles and insects, past the bats, past the swamp area where we briefly saw a ghostly alligator (or was it a crocodile? don’t care, just get me out!!), jostling millions of small children, big children, strollers and backpacks, and finally out the exit door.

Zoo Heaven is sunshine and a clean breeze. Room to smile at and walk alongside the large numbers of yellow-shirted 4 to 10 year olds from McKinley Elementary School. It’s a special date day with my loving husband on an absolutely beautiful day in May. And it was appreciated all the more after Zoo Hell was conquered.

This morning I dealt with my usual internal struggle, What to eat for breakfast? The double-chocolate Oreos — come on! the bag’s already open and there are just a few left — and a glass of milk? Or bran flake cereal with strawberries — bran, not very exciting, and I’ve gotta wash and cut the strawberries, blah.

After making the decision, and throwing in a load of laundry (the life of a part-time homemaker), I checked my email and read the following from the American Diabetes Association:
“Currently more than 60 percent of Americans are classified as obese or overweight, which raises the risk not only of diabetes, but also of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. New findings report that increasing numbers of children, adolescents and even toddlers are becoming obese, with many young people showing early signs of diabetes and other diseases associated with being overweight or obese.”

Though somewhat shocked by these findings, I smiled and took another bite of bran flakes and strawberries.

I am somewhat overwhelmed by two great viewing experiences this past weekend… [warning: potential “Alias” season-finale spoilers included]

First was Saturday night’s “Thirteen Conversations About One Thing” at the Koenig’s house. It’s a rare occasion that I actually discuss a movie immediately after watching it (Jeremy usually needs more time to digest it). But Saturday 12 of us analyzed the film for an hour or so and now my brain is missing the details of the entire movie! Maybe I didn’t give it enough time to really “soak in.” Even though I can’t easily recall the technical twists and turns, my body somehow retains the emotion of the film and I simultaneously feel contented, sad, joyful and distressed.

Second was the season finale of “Alias” last night, enjoyed on a crystal clear television screen at the Cutler’s house (and in the presence of a delightful, three week old Cadence Cutler!). So much to think about — again, details are evading me. Oh my goodness, Will and evil Francie! Jack and Irena! The Evil Sloane and hysterical Marshall! Not to mention Sydney and Vaughn — TWO YEARS??? If you’ve got the show on tape, let me know.