The Dog Days of Denver

There are few better ways to wake up than to surprised laughter as your hear the thump thump thump and POUNCE, of a dog in your bed. As excited to wake me as a child on Christmas morning, Jack's slobbery snout nuzzles me into my first few moments of alertness. And we are laughing.

A good start to any day.

Jack and I have been enjoying each other's company immensely since Laura and Andy left on Friday for their extremely delayed Italian Honeymoon. The dog has got personality. I am sure that I have never laughed so much at another animal, and certainly have laughed more with him than with some people I know. He is quirky and silly and seems to have it in his mind that it is his purpose to entertain me.

And a good thing, too! I don't know anyone here in Denver and am reluctant to try too hard to make acquaintances that I will shortly be leaving once again. I am seasoned at alone-time though. Travels, and pet sitting and my personality are fairly well suited to the solitary life. Still, I wouldn't mind a friend to go to dinner with now and again. I'm getting tired of cooking for myself, but can't seem to justify spending the money on a dinner out without someone to share with.

Denver is growing on me, though. The people are friendly. The food is good. There is a healthy, green vibe. And though “no one comes to Denver because it is really sexy” according to my sister, I can certainly appreciate the appeal. We are close enough to mountains for hiking. There are lakes to walk around and fields to play in. And if you are into winter sports, well, there are few better places in the US. (This being said, I am not into winter sports, in fact hate winter, but would surly be converted were I to stay.)

And happily, I've rediscovered my love for sitting in coffee houses. Working in coffee houses can have the unfortunate effect of leading one to avoid them in their off-hours. I am learning to resist the urges to head behind the counter and make my own coffee (better than they can, of course) and bus other people's tables. I am no longer judging customers when they don't tip. I don't care if they are abusing their wi-fi privileges. I laugh if the barista scowls at me. It feels good to be an anonymous face during the morning rush.

I am currently writing this from the most “1369” like Coffee House that I've found nearby. Though it doesn't really compare, I can appreciate their efforts, at the very least.