Always sweet

Always too short
It's been about two weeks since I returned home from a ten day visit with Brandon, and it already feels like it has been forever. We had an amazing week together, as always.

Much of the time was unfortunately spent solo while Brandon was at work, but that time alone with no other obligations gave me an opportunity to get myself organized, get some career goals in mind, create a career game plan and set of rules and rewards for myself (rules and rewards are how I maximize my productivity - super lame, but it works!). I spent a lot of time (and money) in the coffee shop across the hall from Brandon's office, and met some very interesting people. I spent awhile talking to the barista (and coffee connoisseur) and my favorite: was quoted scripture at and blessed by many, many religious folk who study at the theological school on the 2nd floor of the building.

My favorite encounter involved two men who were having a private but loud conversation in which they made it very clear they were really REALLY excited about Jesus, then brought me into their conversation when I sat back down at my table which was next to theirs. When they saw I was wearing bird earrings, I got a stream of scripture about birds (doves, sparrows etc.), then a kind "bless you young lady". Now, as a Jewish girl who has never been quoted scripture at (or verbally blessed in English, not Hebrew) - I had no clue how to respond! I awkwardly said: "thats lovely, thank you".

Although I had dozens of interesting encounters in that coffee shop, I wasn't terribly shocked by any of them... until I sneezed and didn't get a bless you! Surprised? I was too.

Of course, when the alone time ended, I was thrilled to spend every second with Brandon. We went to the Denver Science Museum and had a blast with the exhibits. It was a very well designed museum, engaging the children, and the "big kids" (aka Brandon and Michelle) equally. While we were there, we decided that we ruled the place, and got this fantastic photo. I think we should dress like that all the time.

We also got tickets to see War Horse. I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous taking Brandon to see it. Since he grew up with horses (lucky duck), I was concerned he would be disappointed by the movements, sounds, or something horse related. My concerns however; were unnecessary because the show was BRILLIANT. We had good seats (cheap, but good): orchestra seating, four rows back, stage left. Since I had read (and loved) the book, read every article I possibly could about the puppetry and watched a great documentary on Netflix (Making of War Horse), I was ecstatic to be that close to the mechanics and action. Watching actors ride life size horse puppets across stage was dazzling and I had goosebumps (as I often do when I'm amazed) through the entire show. (Note: I also think we should dress like the picture on the left all the time).

It seems to have become somewhat traditional for Brandon and I to try to catch something artistic while we're visiting each other. This time, we went to the Clyfford Still Museum. The exhibit was great, and we enjoyed getting lost in color. I found myself most absorbed in the paintings that were largely blank canvas, but had what I called "bird-like" wisps. They were light and feathery and often soaring upwards such as this one.

Brandon, being the gentleman he is, took me out on a lovely date.  I can be difficult to pick a restaurant for since I'm a serious vegetarian (this Feb marks my 9th year!), and I don't (actually "can't" is a better word - it's sad) drink alcohol, so, naturally, he seemed nervous picking out the restaurant (which was really sweet). I'm glad I made him pick the place though, because he hit the nail on the head! Brandon chose a modern spot with an almost entirely vegetarian (even largely vegan) menu, great (non-alcoholic) drink selection, and trendy setting: City O' City. Before we even got our food, I loved the place. After we got our food, I wanted to stay forever. Both of our (vegan) dishes were out of this world, and we both had more than enough food for another meal the next day (please note: after a year of dating him, I don't think I've ever seen him fill up enough to take leftovers home). Great job Brandon!

On my last morning, we hit our favorite Jewish deli, and emotionally ate giant meals. Then, as all of our visits go, this one also had to come to a teary end (mostly me...... ok, it was all me), but this bit of nonsense made me smile the whole way home.

I'll leave you with that because it cracks me up.

(Sorry Brandon!)