I feel more affection for Mandy than I do for anyone else. I think she may actually be the best little sister. EVER. She went through that great submissive stage, during which I could trick into giving away pretty much anything I desired: half her rights to the playhouse, her halloween candy (she always saves the best for last), or her shotgun rights (mom used to try to make us take turns...hah). (Note to those with misconceptions about Ohio: that last comment about shotguns was about the car seat). ANYWAY. Other good things about Mandy. Eventually, one sad, sad, day, I confessed to Mandy that she actually didn't have to do what I said, that she could just "say no". She took it to heart and whenever she feels like being stubborn, brings up that conversation. I regretted having said anything.
One of her most stubborn moments was on a day when she refused to go to orchestra practice. I think mom was waiting in the car for her and she refused to go, so I tried to bodily remove her to the car. It didn't work. It was pretty funny, though, actually, because now that I think about it I have no idea why I thought I was strong enough to win. So, yeah, Mandy's really really stubborn, and this is probably a reaction to what a domineering sister I was in her early childhood (or so she would have me believe), but all in all, Mandy's sweetness, her loyalty, her weeeeird sense of humor, her honesty, her independent spirit, and her complete cuteness make her the most lovable girl in the world. I've only ever been one year and four months ahead of her, and I guess that she's pretty much caught up now, although maybe I'll still be able to rent a car earlier? so I should probably break myself of the habit of calling her my "little sister". Thanks mom and dad, for giving me such an amazing friend. Happy birthday, Mandy.
