Rachel Spangler's Blog, page 31

25 Songs of Christmas: Day 6 – Welcome to Our World

Things are starting to get holiday hectic at the Spangler house.  Susie is preparing for final exams, I’m making insane amounts of cookies for an upcoming Pampered Chef show, and Jackson is obsessing about the Elf on the Shelf.  It’s only December 6th and I’m exhausted! How did things get this crazy all ready?

I can’t take another 19 days at this pace. I’m going to just stop right now and sit still for a few minutes and reflect on this song. It won’t grade papers, make a snowman cheese ball or wrap presents, but hopefully it’ll give me a peaceful reminder of what I’m doing all that for.

25 Songs of Christmas: Day 5 – Let It Snow

I’ve only posted religious songs so far this year, and there will be a lot more of those to come, but along with celebrating the holidays of this season I also take joy in the season itself.

I’m blessed enough to live in a climate with drastic shifts in season.  We have enchanted summers, flowerful springs, visit falls, and snow laden winters and we celebrate them all, but especially winter.  Winter is our playground.  We sled, and ice skate, have snowball fights, and build snowmen.  Most of all we ski.

From the moment the leaves are raked to the curb we begin a winter watch. We check the ten day forecast three times a day, and stop to sniff the air every time we step outside. We snuggle into coats, and smile conspiratorially  when we see our breath fog in front of us.  It’s so close we can almost feel it as we glance hopefully toward the clouds, but still the ground it bare.  It’s time, we’re ready, and waiting.

Please, soon, let it snow.

25 Songs of Christmas: Day 4 – Joy To The World

Hello friends. Happy 4th day of Advent.

We’ve done something a little different with our Advent calendar this year. Susie knitted some cute mini sweaters that she’s strung on garland across our mantle, and in each one we’ve put a strip of paper with a task on it.  Someone of them are serious like attending charity events or taking groceries to the food bank, and some of them are fun like  ”decorate gingerbread houses” or “pick out a tree.”  Today’s, though, was down right raucous in that our slip of paper called for a Christmas music dance party.  We cranked up the speakers, kicked off our shoes and busted a move to some upbeat tunes.  If you’re looking to tap into the joy of the holiday, I highly suggest you do the same.

Here’s a great tune to start with:

25 Songs of Christmas: Day 3 – Gabriel’s Message

I heard this song for the first time last Christmas, and it stuck with me all year.  I don’t know if it’s the lyrics or they way they are chanted, but it seems to just seep into me.  I’m not one to meditate, but I get the sense that if this song were to go on long enough, I could fall into a trance that would put me at the feet of Gabriel himself.  An of course it doesn’t hurt to bring it all to life with Sting’s tantric voice.

Press play, close your eyes, and breath deeply while this one washes over you.

25 Songs of Christmas: Day 2 – Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy

For today’s song I’m sticking with the theme of peace with Peace on Earth/Little Drummer boy.  I’ve heard this mash-up before, but the Bing Crosby/Davis Bowie version always seemed like an odd fit to me.  I suppose it’s still a little oddly overlapped, but in this version, Anthony Rapp and Everett Bradley’s voices seem to blend more evenly.

Honesty, when I listened to this for the first time this year I couldn’t put my finger on why it struck me so hard, but it nearly dropped me.  Tears filled my eyes and I darn near choked up, standing there in the midst of  flossing my teeth.  Maybe I was just overly emotional that day, but then it happened again.  In the car.  Just stopped at a red light, listening to this song and almost ended up sobbing.  It took me one more listen to realize it’s the same line that hits me every time:  ”I pray my wish will come true, for my child and your child too.”  I think the pure simplicity of that sentiment played over the first Christmas carol my son ever sang that just drives home the wish I share with every mother world wide.  I wish so hard, with every fiber of me, that we live to see a day when men of goodwill live in peace. I pray fervently that Jackson is someday one of those men of goodwill.

And now I’m crying again.  Here, just listen to the song!

25 Songs of Christmas

Or as I like to think of it, Wonderboi rocks your holidays.

This has become my favorite wonderblog tradition.  Every day for the next 25 days I’m going to share a holiday song with all of you. I mostly focus on Christmas because that’s what I celebrate, and what these 25 days lead up to for my family, but there are so many wonderful people celebrating so many wonderful things this season, so stay tuned to see some of that celebrating here too.

One of the things we all celebrate is peace.  Given recent international, national, and personal animosity, issues of peace have really been weighing on my mind.  It’s so easy to get overwhelmed. I can’t negotiate a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.  I can’t bring our troops home.  I can’t make Republicans work with Democrats.  All I can do is try to foster peace in my own life and in my daily interactions.  I can also pray that others do the same.  That’s why I want to start all our holidays with the wish for peace on earth and a reminder that it needs to start with me.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Dear Blog Readers,

Susie and Jackson have left for her parents’ house to celebrate with their side of the family.   My dad is frying a turkey to take to his sister’s house, and my mom is cooking up her portion of the feast to take in a few minutes.  Sadly, I won’t be joining any of them for any of the festivities.

I’m running a fever of 101.5 with body aches and a chest flu.  Bleck.  I’m uncomfortable, but not totally miserable, which means I feel good to enough to really be aware of what I’m missing.  I’m wide awake and lonely, missing the chance to hang out with family I don’t get to see often enough. I’ve also still got an appetite, even though I can’t taste anything, which seems a cruel punishment on Thanksgiving. 

Needless to say I’m feeling a little bummed out.  But this is Thanksgiving, and feeling sorry for myself just won’t do.   Self pity is the antitheses of this holiday, so in order to get and stay in the spirit, I’m going to make a list of all the things I’m thankful for today.  And since “30” seems to be the theme for this year, along with this being my 30th Thanksgiving, I think that’s a great number of things to be thankful for.

I’m thankful for:

Jackson, the best, sweetest, cuddliest, and most fun angel of a boy I could ever imagine.
Susie, after 11 years together I’m still in love with my best friend, and she loves me so much more than I deserve.
For Big Papi who gave Jackie to us and continues to bring so much love to all of our lives.
My church and its thoughtful, welcoming, and affirming fellowship of believers.
My Godsons, Jack and Charlie, who bring so much joy, love, and playfulness to my life.
My parents, who support me and care for me unreservedly.
My brother, and the relationship we’ve built especially over the last few years, as well as the relationship he’s built with Jackie.
My extended family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins near and far that I could call any time and they’d rush to my side.
To friends who are like family, with no limits to their love, compassion, and devotion.
10. To live in the great state of New York, especially this year when they allowed us to get legally married.
For our hometown, which is both small and educated.  A great place to raise a child, build a career, and be part of a caring community.
For people who give up their own comfort to make my world safer, from soldiers and firefighters to peace corp workers, human rights advocates, and humanitarian aid workers.
Having the best job ever that gives me a chance to make a living telling stories that I love.
For all the wonderful people I’ve got to meet through my job, from readers to fellow writers who feed my enthusiasm for the work I do.
Four more years of a president and senate who care about the middle class, trust women, and affirm my family, and for my fellow citizen who voted them in.
The ability to travel, all the places we get to see and all the people we’ve been able to meet along the way.
Our Prius that gets us where we need to go for half the gas, which relieves our wallet and our tree-hugging sensibilities.
Sports that bring me joy and bring me together with other fans across gender, race, economics, and political differences.
Great schools filled with dedicated teachers, for my wife and I so that we can chase our dreams, and now for Jackie to make sure he can learn more than we can even imagine.
Our house, while it seems to have a never-ending to-do list, it’s dry and warm on a safe street surrounded by good neighbors and filled with love.
Access to good food, a thriving local farmer’s market a freezer full of grass-fed beef, and the local organic farmers dedicated to providing us with healthy and earth-friendly options.
Good health, aside from minor inconveniences like allergies or the stray virus, we suffer no chronic illnesses and since our employer offers great insurance we have reliable access to quality healthcare.
Good books, they are more than entertainment. They are education, vacation, adventure and good company all in one.
The wealth of technologies (computer, phone, iPad, TV) that helps me connect with friends, family, and events all around the world.
All the basic comforts I too often take for granted like clean water, safe roads, freedom of religion, free speech, heat, shelter, and so many other things people in other areas can only dream of.
Access to and ability to afford skiing, which is not just a fun hobby, but also a chance for our whole family to spend time being active together, enjoying each other and nature.
Music, all the different kinds that can inspire me, change my mood, express my feelings more eloquently than I can, and spark memories like the personal soundtrack to my life.
Hugs.  Touch is my love language, so there’s nothing better than being wrapped in caring arms.  A good hugger is someone to be cherished always.
New adventures, this year was full of them, with zip lining, curling, and skydiving.  Pushing myself reminds me to live life to its fullest every day, doing so is a privilege denied to many.
Each and everyone one of your who follow this blog!

 

My 30/30 List

So I’m thirty.  The big 3-0.  I’ve been fearing it for a year and depressed about it all week, but now that it’s here I’m not sure what to think. I suppose it doesn’t feel any different, that is if I can keep myself from dwelling on it. But let’s be honest, I’m a dweller.  I like taking time for introspections, and damnit, milestones mean something to me.  The question is, what does this one mean?

Well, first of all it means the end of an era, namely my twenties.  And I know, I know, twenty is just a number, except mine were more than that.  I feel like I became me in my twenties.  I graduated college (twice) in my twenties.  I married Susie (twice) in my twenties.  I published my first book (and four more) in my twenties.  I learned to ski, and moved half way across the country, and bought my first home, and taught my first class, and made friends whom I now consider family in my twenties.  I gave birth to my son in my twenties.  People keep telling me it gets better, and I hope they’re right, but I can’t imagine ever being more blessed than I’ve been over the last ten years.  I don’t mean to brag, but you’d be hard pressed to find someone who got more out of the last decade than I have.

I look back on the awesomeness that’s been my life and I find myself wondering what adventures I could possibly have left I think that’s the idea that’s been depressing me most (that and the gray hair). Don’t get me wrong: I’d be thrilled with more of the same, but shouldn’t I be chasing something else?

I started trying to deal with this by making another bucket list of things I wanted to do this year, the 10 for my 20’s list, but nothing seemed big enough.  Compared to zip lining and skydiving it all felt tame…or stupid. Was I just trying to one-up myself?  Or was I settling for more of the same, just in a different set up?  Where was the purpose?  Where was the meaning?

Hmm, meaning.  Purpose. Adventure with a reason.  Maybe there’s something to be said for new horizons.  Instead of focusing on what I can get out of my thirties, I can focus on what I can give. I mean, most of the awesome things from my twenties weren’t things I earned or won; they were blessings.  What if instead of asking for more, I said “thank you” more.  What if I went a step further and instead of making a list of things I wanted to do for myself, I made a list of goals I wanted to do to show my gratitude?

With that though my 30/30 list was born.  Here are 30 things I want to do this year, whether they’re things that help me say “thank you,” or help me give back, or help me be more aware of my place in this amazing world we all share.

1)   Make a meal for someone sick

2)   Donate to a new charity

3)   Pick up trash along the roadside

4)   Invite someone new over for dinner

5)   Take a big batch of food to the food pantry

6)   Clean out my closets and donate things I don’t need

7)   Be a mentor at GCLS

8)   Help with an event at church

9)   Volunteer at the animal shelter

10)   Bake something for Jackson’s teachers

11)    Put change in someone else’s parking meter

12)    Serve at a soup kitchen

13)    Buy Christmas presents for a kid in need

14)    Host a charity show with pampered chef

15)    Pay for a stranger’s meal

16)   Take toys to a children’s hospital

17)   Make Valentines for people at the nursing home

18)   Introduce myself to someone I don’t know

19)   Return someone’s else’s cart to the store

20)   Donate books to the LGBT library in Buffalo

21)    Help out in Jackson’s classroom

22)   Let someone cut in line

23)    Give up my seat in a crowded place

24)    Send a note to someone I haven’t heard from in a while

25)    Babysit free of charge

26)    Compliment someone I don’t know

27)    Write a thank you note to someone in a thankless job

28)    Be nice to a telemarketer

29)    Pray with someone

30)    Do a chore for someone else without being asked

Spanish Heart Time!

Spanish Heart is finally out!  While it has been shipping from BSB for two weeks, and available in PTown last week today is the day you can find Spanish Heart anywhere fine books are sold!  Those of you who follows this blog know what a long journey this novel has been for me and I want to thank everyone who’s supported and encouraged me along the way.  Now I get the greatest reward of all, I get to share it with each one of you!

I hope you’ve already ordered your copy, (if not what are you waiting for?) so to celebrate I wanted to share with you my first official interview on Spanish Heart.  Over the weekend I got to chat with the lovely and funny folks at Cocktail Hour, and I had a blast laughing with Andi and The Rev. Here is the link to the podcast for your listening pleasure.

http://cocktailhour.us/archives/315

Incase you haven’t gotten around to reading Spanish Heart yet, don’t worry because we worked very hard to keep the conversation spoiler free.

I can’t wait to start hearing from all of you both about the podcast and the book itself!

10 for my Twenties – Update

Try Curling

Ride A Zipline

Go To A Hookah Lounge

Go To A Drive-In Movie

Go A Whole Week Without Using A Car

Fry A Turkey

Sky Dive

Get Down to my ideal BMI (21.5)

Learn How To Tie a Bow Tie

Pay For A Stranger’s Dinner

As I am now less than one week away from my 30th birthday  its time to give you the final update on my 10 for my Twenties project.  As you can see I’ve crossed off several items in the last few weeks here.  The first was “pay for a stranger’s dinner.”  While it actually ended up being a stranger’s lunch I really enjoyed the warm fuzzies for this one.  I wanted to let the spirit guide me here so instead of picking someone myself, I went to my favorite crepe place in Buffalo one morning and just dropped off my credit card.  I told the girl behind the counter to use it to pay for the next person who came in and ordered a full meal.  Then I went and met up with a friend for awhile.  When I came back I found a lovely note waiting thanking me and saying the gentleman who’d received the free lunch was so happy he was already looking forward to his chance to “pay it forward”.

The next item to cross off was “Get down to my ideal BMI.  I’ve been slowly but steadily changing my lifestyle in ways that promote a healthy weight for just over 3 years now.  I’d been embarrassed about my appearance for years, and hated pictures of myself but it wasn’t until  Jackson started to walk, then run that I really found the motivation to make a long term commitment to getting in shape.  I didn’t want to miss out on his activities because I was unhealthy.  I learned about portion control, and calories in vs. calories out.  I went slowly, celebrating one pound at a time, and paying attention to my natural biorhythm, and then found the type of exercise I could do without totally hating them. Now three years and almost 40 pounds later I finally dropped below  my target BMI of 21.

With such a serious goal accomplished I was ready to have some fun.  I took off to Niagara Falls one morning to learn to curl.  I’ve been wanting to try curling ever since I first saw the event during the Turin Olympics.  I don’t know what it is I find so addictive, its not fast, or dramatic, but I just can’t stop watching it.  Turns out I don’t want to stop playing it either!  Despite falling on the ice several times, missing every shot for hours, and sweeping until my whole body ached, I loved it.  And then when I finally did land the perfect shot to win an end I was a goner.  I’m already looking in to going back in a few weeks!

 

Last but not least, I went sky diving!  This was by far the most adventurous undertaking of my the list and maybe of my life.  While on Cape Cod for Women’s Week I took a plane two miles up and with an instructor strapped to my back we  jumped out.  I was prepared for fear and honestly worried it might overtake me.  I wasn’t at all sure I’d be able to make myself step out onto that ledge until the time came and I really love knowing that I’m capable a taking a leap like that.  I was also expecting a rush of adrenaline, and I wasn’t disappointed.  I’ve chased some pretty big thrills and only falling in love tops the rush of free falling from 11,000 feet.  Still, I was totally taken aback by the overwhelming sense of wonder I felt when they opened the door to the plane.  There was nothing between me and the expanse of God’s creation and what a beautiful creation it is.  I jumped over the breath taking expanse of Cape Cod and I have never seen a more beautiful sight in all of nature. In the moments before my cute opened I wasn’t consumed with fear, or even thrills, I was awash with gratitude and awe for all I’ve been able to experience in my first 30 years on this earth and that was the greatest birthday present ever.