Crazy Claudia

I have never had a friend like Claudia before, most likely because she is the most one-of-a-kind person ever. She is a crazy combination of spontaneity, generosity, honesty, self-deprecation, joie-de-vivre, family, spirituality, humor and style. There really should only be one Claudia because the world probably couldn't handle another one! Whenever she comes to visit I feel like I have no idea what I'm in for, and I like it. This trip is no exception, she started by showing up totally unexpected at the blog party last weekend and has filled my week with phone calls, lunch, a visit to BYU, Creative Friday, a movie night out, dinner out, a movie at home and sleeping on my couch (under the softest blanket ever which Kristi sent for my birthday).

We went to La Dolce Vita for lunch the other day, and Claudia bought huge gumballs from the machine which ended up entertaining us as we attempted to blow bubbles at the same time for a self-portrait.

We went to the BYU Art Museum and the bookstore, which was fun because we used to walk together every morning (9 years ago) and often circled BYU campus. It was also freaky because we felt so old, the students look like babies! We're officially old enough to have a child in college! (Her more than me, ha!)


This was the scene towards the end of Creative Friday today. Claudia's husband Alfredo had to borrow jumper cables from my neighbor because their car died, the kids were all over the place, Claudia was changing Jorvik's diaper on the front lawn, meanwhile Alfredo was late for meeting his friend for the Father & Son camp out they were going to overnight. It was crazy!


Claudia then opened her 40lb purse and began pulling things out of it while she searched for her taped together phone (which ended up being on the table next to her already). She either carries no purse at all and has a credit card or cash tucked in her bra (hilarious) or she carries an enormous bag full of the most random stuff. Michelle and I just laughed and laughed as she showed us all the crazy stuff in her purse, most disturbing of which was this HUGE letter opener! What in the world??


She also had multiple dvds, a tape recorder, nail polish, lipstick, stationery (including an envelope addressed to me with a card she loves but hadn't written in yet), a bracelet she bought for a friend, the top of her brother's blender which she had accidentally broken when it fell into the fancy waffles she was making for breakfast at his house this week, and so much more. I can't imagine anyone else carrying around such a bizarre bag of tricks...only Claudia!


The three of us had fun trying to get a good self-portrait. Michelle and I were jealous and disturbed that Claudia's face looks so thin, what's up with that? I seem to be growing chins by the day $#@!%.


I guess this could explain why. Claudia and I went to see "No Reservations" last night (very enjoyable) and then went to JCW's for burgers, fries, fry sauce (so good) and a chocolate Oreo shake, plus some good conversation. It was a great night.


Everyone should be lucky enough to have a good friend like Claudia, she is always a burst of fresh air and energy when she visits, and reminds me that I need to be better about going with the flow, seizing the opportunities around me, having fun, and not taking myself too seriously. All good things. She is the most genuine person I have ever known. She never tries to be something she isn't. She can be wearing a faux fur coat, costume jewelry, heels and make-up one day, then pajamas, no make-up, with spots of Oxy10 on her face the next day (in public), both are so her! Oh, and she loves to eat! She thoroughly enjoys eating out and oooh and aaahs sincerely even if it's just a cheeseburger from McDonald's, I love this about her.

**Do you know anyone like Claudia?
Are you spontaneous and easygoing?
Do you have friends that make
you want to be more fun?**