A Chris-less Thanksgiving

This is going to be a weird Thanksgiving.

My sister and I have always been the two youngest members of our family until our cousins started having kids. But the past few Thanksgivings, we've had those little tots running around. But things are going to be very different this year.

My cousins are all spending the holiday with their spouses' families, which has happened before. Usually at least one of them is there, but I've kind of gotten used to them trading off holidays where we see them. Last year was really fun because we had a big crowd at my aunt and uncle's house, which I loved because my family is pretty darn awesome. And, while I will miss my cousins and other extended family members who aren't there this year, that's not what bothers me.

This will be the first Thanksgiving where my brother won't be there.

I understand that things change as we get older, and his girlfriend spent last Thanksgiving with our family, but does he really have to go to Mississippi with her? I mean, he's never not been there with us. Who is going to hog all of the mashed potatoes? Who is going to be the only one to eat that nasty cranberry sauce that keeps the shape of the can when you pour it out? Who is going to sit and watch the Cowboys game with me and not try to make small talk when I'm clearly focused in on this beautiful holiday tradition?

I love all of my family and am so thankful for those who will be there this year, but I can't say that I'm not a little disappointed. I even think my brother's girlfriend is so cool, but I wish they were going to stuff their faces with us on Thursday.

I guess sometimes the more things change, the more they don't stay the same.

Goodbye Cavy, hello Ravy!

I know material possessions shouldn't be the focus of life, but I really do love my new car.

A couple of weeks ago, the Crapalier (my hated little Chevy Cavy) pretty much reached its breaking point. I couldn't take it anymore, so I had my brother take me car shopping on a Tuesday, and I found the perfect fit for me: a Toyota Rav4. So, that following Saturday, I spent five hours at the dealership bargaining with those sharks known as car salesmen. They really are a different breed, I must say. At one point, I found myself negotiating with the general manager of the whole place.

In the end, I finally got what I wanted. The best part? The Ravy actually works! I mean, the check engine light isn't on, the break light isn't on (even though the emergency break isn't even close to being in use), I can roll down any window at any point in time without having to lean across the space of the car and put my arm muscles to work, I can lock all the doors at once, and there is still that new car smell, as opposed to the smell of a vehicle about to explode when you shut the engine off.

This is the first big purchase I've made on my own, so I suppose that's an added joy to the fact that I won't find myself seeking alternate methods of passing my inspection each year.

Gotta have faith

There are simply some things in life that I will never understand.

I know I'm not supposed to know why everything happens the way it does, but sometimes that frustrates me to no end. Just at the point where I think I may have figured one of life's great mysteries out, another unexpected obstacle pops up and reminds me just how clueless I can be on occasion.

And all that's left to do is sit there and think: "God, why?"

And I wonder if I'll ever know. Because right now it's unclear to me why God does some of the things He does. Yes, I trust Him with His plan and purpose, but the human nature in me frequently gets a bit perturbed at the fact that I can't be all-knowing. Where are my superhero powers when I need them?

I guess that's what it means to have faith, though. You have to be confident in something you don't know or maybe can't even see. You have to be certain in that in which you hope. And you have to keep that hope and trust alive.

Faith. It's funny because, while having faith is completely in my hands, it's that same faith that takes everything out of my hands entirely.