Seriously.

Okay, so Friday and Saturday's weather was completely bogus. Rain and snow drenched Denver. It was miserable. It's the middle of April, people. Seriously. I hated it, the dogs wouldn't go potty, and the ground turned into a freezing pool. 

Saturday night, we were watching Zack and Miri (which is crude and hilarious) when we heard a loud banging and scraping noises from the roof. When it came time to take the pups outside, I made Blake go with me - just in case. Outside the a disaster services company was just finishing shoveling snow off of the roof. Someone in our condo building must have had a leak from all of the water. Lovely.

One good thing: the dogs got to wear their new coats. Nacho was peeved, and Mia was just plain confused (as usual).

Today, it was lovely out, and I'm happy to say the snow is gone. That's the good thing about Denver. Here today; gone tomorrow.

Oh, and I'm really happy about my new pink-stemmed, crystal Riedel wine glasses for my Rose Ste. Chapelle wine. Call me a wine-o, but it is delightful.

Warming Up.

It's taken a few weeks, but I think Nacho is really warming up to Mia. She's rambunctious, wild, and a little crazy, but she does like to sleep. Nacho is a fan of that. He is not a fan, however, of wearing a sweater. Mia likes it.

They love to play tug-of-war, and whatever toy Nacho has, she wants. Last night, something magical happened. They both slept on my lap, nestled together. Aw. It made my day.

By the way, she went to the Vet yesterday, and she's a growing girl - 3.8 lbs.

Jack's Mannequin, Black Kids, and Mates of State! Oh my!

Does it get any better than two concerts within five days? I think not.

I first witnessed Andrew McMahon's amazing charisma and talent at a Something Corporate show in 2005. Now, four years later as the lead in Jack's Mannequin, Andrew McMahon simply shines on stage. 

The show wasn't easy to get into, though. After arriving extremely early so that I could get to the front of the Fillmore to see, I couldn't get in because the ticket office didn't have the pre-sale ticket list in yet. Imagine my fury: you buy the tickets before anybody else, arrive 3 hours early, and as the doors open, watch you place in line go to someone who probably bought their tickets the day before the show. Luckily, I weaseled my way up to the front, only to get claustrophobic during the last two songs of Matt Nathanson, who sounds like a really awful Howie Day. I fled the sweating bodies in search of Blake, panicking because I couldn't find him. After cooling down, we ventured together back in to the masses. I finally made it to the side. Yes, I could see, and it was glorious.

Jack's Mannequin played nearly all of my favorites, including "Dark Blue," "I'm Ready," and "Caves." Oh, and because the Boss was in town at the Pepsi Center, Jack's Mannequin played a beautiful cover of my favorite Bruce Springsteen song, "I'm on Fire."

Five days later, we ventured to the Oriental Theatre to see Black Kids and Mates of State. Before the doors opened, we discovered a quaint Italian Deli/Restaurant/Market and had a couple scoops of gelato. Then, it was time to put on my indie-pop dancing shoes. 

Black Kids' set rocked. Period. "Hurricane Jane" and "I'm not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You" were my absolute favorites. I loved watching them live, and the energy of the crowd buzzed. 

Mates of State were just as good, if not better than when I saw them in 2006 with Death Cab for Cutie. The married duo's chemistry on stage is simply cute. Mates of State performed several oldies, but goodies including "Like u crazy" and "Goods," which are my personal favorites.

There is nothing like the high after going to a show. Coming up: Ladytron and the Faint! 

Home for a Bunny.

"Sping, spring, spring!" sang the Robin.

When I was little, Home for a Bunny was probably one of my most favorite books. Every night, my mom would sit my brother and I down for a bedtime story. I am reminded each Easter of the beginning of longer days, warm sunshine and greening grass, and Home for a Bunny encompasses those feelings.

Blake and I dyed Easter eggs together. I, of course, got in trouble for getting dye on the counter. Blake quickly followed behind me with a damp rag. Messy, messy, messy. 

Here is our finished result: 

Tiffanny Love.

Not only did I have a great faux-birthday in Abq., but I had a great birthday in Denver with Blake.
He planned one of the best birthdays I have ever had, including taking me to Tiffany's to pick out this little number:

We wined and dined at Osteria Marco, and he surprised me with more presents, including a new desk, flowers, 21, an apron, cupcakes, and lots of love. The whole night was full of surprises. I loved it.
Lucky me!

Best Friends.

Mia met Nacho last night for the very, first time.

He nearly took her head off.

But, I admit, it was probably my fault as he came racing around the corner as I called his name to see her standing there. It was traumatizing for the three of us.

It took just over an hour, but grumpy Nacho likes her. They played all morning while I was getting ready. He was very nice and gentle, even allowing her to jump and bite his hair and tail.

She's pooped, sitting on my lap and sleeping. Nacho is in the other room sleeping.

I think they will be best of friends. I love my Mia and Nacho.

Clearly she is trouble. Nacho still loves the camera; just look how smug he is

.

Nacho is mad that Miss Trouble has his frog. At least he's trying to share.

Abq.

I just returned from Albuquerque. My pup and I visited the g-parents, and my family came down from Idaho also. I could have stayed there the rest of the week. That would have been nice. 

There's something about the air, dry but refreshing. There's something about the Sandias at sunset, ominous before the sunset but a piece of art during sunset. There's something about the comfort of being at Grandma's, not home but home. I'm in love with Albuquerque. Yes, I think I could live there.

Mia loved it, too. She cried when my grandpa took my fam to the airport. It was just my Grandma and I packing the rest of my things, and Mia didn't know what was going on. I'm sure she could have stayed there for the week. 

Amid the extreme sight-seeing at the Sandia tram, shopping in old town, eating New Mexican food (sopapillas), celebrating a pre-birthday, I most loved the time sitting with my family, playing with Zoe and Mia, and sitting in the sun the first day I arrived. 

I'm wishing to be there right now, as there is a skiff of snow on the ground in Denver... and more coming tomorrow - just in time for my birthday.

Tyler and I in Old Town.

Cate cheating on Tyler with her new bf.

Before getting on the Sandia tram.

Albuquerque ♥

Blowing out the candles on my cake!