Hello Brent, welcome to Permies!
I also feel the same way about Xeriscaping & Xeroscaping. Albuquerque will get 10 inches of rain a year, but if you have a hard surface like your roof and some rainwater catchment you can start growing plants that might be happy with 20 inches.
If you haven't visited in a while you might be surprised how many "weeds" might be growing. The last two weeks we (Albuquerqueans) have seen a lot of atypical rain. Vacant lots, dirt fields, and other barren soil is now covered with volunteer plants.
Do let me know when your in town. We can get together, chat, share some seeds and advice, etc. I'll send a PM (purple moosage) with my email and telephone number.
I too am new to Permaculture. You can see my first years progress with think this
link to Greening the New Mexican desert
Ciao