Making the most of life

My life is wild.

The weirdest, funniest, craziest things happen to me. Or at least I think so. Perhaps the real reason my life is so exciting is because it's filled with exciting people. When I'm around my family and friends, a completely ordinary and normal situation becomes the runner-up story for the next "Funniest Home Videos." If only we'd gotten it on tape!

For example, a few days ago, I stopped at a red light. Then I spot this guy in the right lane next to me who looked just like my old drive instructor. He was wearing sunglasses, so I couldn't really tell, but I got super excited, thinking, "I bet he's wondering why I'm driving without an adult." After the light turned green, I peered to get a second look. Can you guess? Totally the wrong person. In fact, this man (who I had no idea who he was) excitedly pulled out his phone and mouthed, "Can I have your phone number?" The look of horror that crossed my face surely spoke more than my vigorous shake of the head. Then, after he took his exit, he turned to me and did... the wave. You know it. Where you wiggle your fingers at somebody. The had gesture someone might do if they were saying toodles. Yes, I know. I have the heebilie-geebies just thinking about it. Although I have resolved for next time to just give him Philip's number.

The point is, I probably told that story six different times, each to the same group of people plus one. You know, for that ONE person who didn't hear the story. And every single time, we all died laughing. You'd think it would get old, but then again, my family loves to have a good time. Even if it means repeating the joke several times to watch everyones reaction.

I love my family and friends. But, we're crazy. Not in the "you are insane I need a restraining order" kind-of crazy, but the "you do things that no one had enough guts to do and we love you for it" kind-of crazy.

Just yesterday, all the girls in my family (plus one... nevermind, Gabbie you're family too :) went to My Fro Yo to get some delicious ice cream. It was a special night- it was the last sleepover Gabbie and I will have before she leaves for Idaho.

Since Gabbie is the kind-of person who fits in with us crazy Andersens so well, why not do something insane? I mean, it's our last sleepover! Come on!

Soooo. We did something crazy. Watch the video.

Me, Lizzy, Gabbie in our matching pj's dancing it up in the (mostly) empty

My Fro Yo. What we didn't know was that there were more costumers

on their way in while we were doing this- they came in at the end, but

with those huge windows, I don't doubt they saw the whole thing...

  

This video pretty much sums up the story of my life. Believe me, I've had my fair share of awful situations, broken hearts, and betrayal. There was a time when I wondered if I'd ever be happy. And sometimes it doesn't feel like life is giving me a joy ride. But God has put people in my life who remind me to find joy in the little things. My family encourages me every day, and they help me to be uplifting in what I say and do.

I have also been blessed with wonderful friends like Gabbie, who challenges me to live out my wild side, even when I want to sit in the store and cry while I'm picking out jewelry (true story!). She reminds me that I deserve to be respected and cherished, even when I feel like a pile of muck and want to beat up on myself.  She tells me daily that if "if anyone messes with my Dani, they better watch out." I know she's always got my back. And she's always willing to be crazy with me. Hence the dancing in My Fro Yo :D

Gabbie is moving in two days. The girl I met five years ago is so much different than the girl I know now. We have both grown up and matured (I guess the video doesn't really back that up, does it?) and become young women instead of girls. We understand the importance of friendship and would do anything for the other. We can tell a loser guy from a mile away, and will never cease to remind the other to wait on God's timing. Gabbie is a true friend. And I will miss her. She feels more like family and less like a friend.

But Gabbie- near, far, wherever you are, I believe our frienship will go on :) Cottonwood, here I come! 

"The roads to a friend's house are never long." Danish Proverb*

*I'm not Danish, but what the heck :) I like the quote*