December 25, 2013

To all of my followers, have a very Merry Christmas!

BEHR HUGS

Jason Momoa as Aquaman?

OMG! OMG! OMG! From a Yahoo article about whether Superhero movies getting too "overstuffed" comes this quick blurb:

Meanwhile, "Batman vs. Superman" has already made Gotham and Metropolis overcrowded with the addition of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) and whoever "Game of Thrones" alum Jason Momoa might be playing (fans are speculating either Martian Manhunter or even Aquaman).

Do you know how much of a hardon the Behr would have if the demigod Jason Momoa played Aquaman?!

Yes dear fans....I am an Aquaman fan. Always have been since childhood. Admitting it is like coming out of the closet again.

Take a look at the following iterations of Aquaman:

I can just see it! Fingers crossed that this happens!

Here's the link to the rest of the article: Yahoo SuperHero Article

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Behr Gift Suggestion 6

Last minute gift idea: Nothing says Happy Christmas like a penis.

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Behr Gift Suggestion 5

To ensure that everyone finds the "perfect gift" for the Behr, any (and all) of the following are acceptable. More than acceptable, in fact. Order now - operators are standing by. Christmas is in TWO days!

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Behr Gift Suggestion 4

The Behr can use reading material. Pinups is a phenomenal periodical that is transformable from book form to poster. Click the link and check it out.

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Behr Gift Suggestion 3

A warm scarf would be a nice gift. And yes...we wear scarves here in Los Angeles. 

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Merry Christmas from Talking Animals

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Oscar Promo: ELLEN

I love Ellen...I think she'll rock it on Oscar night. Love the promo...some really cute guys in the dance company.

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Behr Gift Suggestion 2

Remember: I never say no to jewelry.

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Behr Gift Suggestion 1

If you're anything like me, sometimes it is difficult to find that perfect gift. No matter what the other person hints or says throughout the year, finding something that will not only be useful but appreciated can be a chore.

So. To help all of you out there, I thought I would provide you with the above gift suggestion for my Christmas present. Don't worry about the possibility that I may receive more than one; be assured I can use more than one.

BEHR HUGS

Random Guys

I was scrolling through my posting history (looking way back) and realized that I haven't posted much this year. So to help make up for it, a throw back to my photo posting days. Here's a selection of random guys. Enjoy!

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Happy Friday

Thanks to antibiotics and a nasal spray I'm feeling MUCH better. So much so that I may attempt to decorate for Christmas this weekend. 

 Stay healthy and happy!

BEHR HUGS

PS: I don't like repeating pictures but today's hunk of fur just might be one I keep for reuse in the future. What say you? Would you mind seeing him again in the future? Show the Behr some love and let me know!

Behr Update

Where the hell have I been? Although I posted on Thanksgiving, the prior post had been early November. Time to catch up.

Basically I have two excuses: work and illness.

Work was incredibly crazy for the Behr during October and especially November. I'm not sure if I've shared what I do to earn my living before or not. If I'm repeating myself, forgive me. I am a corporate trainer, specializing mostly in technical training and customer service. I assist with leadership training as well. I work for a bank so the technical part is usually those computer programs/applications that apply to the industry. In mid-November an upgraded system was rolled out and I conducted training via Webinar. I did about 18 Webinars over a three week time period so I did a lot of talking. It was late October when I started developing chest congestion and a little nasal congestion. By mid to late November it felt more like a cold. And I still have it. I've been having headaches, jaw aches, and my teeth hurt, too.

Today I am finally going to the doctor. An actual otolaryngologist. I decided it was time to see a doctor who can actually treat this.

About 3 years ago I saw another otolaryngologist who performed sinus surgery to remove a cyst from my sinus cavity. I can't go back to that doctor because he closed his practice and shortly thereafter passed away. I'm just hoping that today's visit doesn't lead to more surgery. I'm hoping antibiotics and feeling better.

I didn't go to work yesterday and it will be early afternoon before I get there today. I feel kind of bad since I start my vacation next Tuesday but I think this is evidence that I really do need the rest. This past weekend was wonderful napping with Winston.

So that's basically what's been going on. Cross your fingers that this new doctor can help me.

BEHR HUGS

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is the American Thanksgiving holiday. An official holiday since 1863, it hearkens back to the early American Colonists of 1621 who often held days of "thanksgiving" - days of feasting and prayer  - generally after an event such as surviving drought or a military victory. It's a day set aside to count blessings and - for the religiously minded - give thanks to God. 

Ask anyone about their list of what they are thankful for and you'll get common responses: family, friends, job, home. My list includes those as well plus other responses. I want to share one.

I'm thankful for heartache. It means I still have the capacity to love, to care, to believe that each 'next time' I behave differently and approach the relationship in a different manner. If there is no long lasting 'next time' then my heartache is a reminder that - for what it is worth - I truly loved someone. As it is sung in "Les Miserables" - To love another person is to see the face of God.

There are, of course, other things for which I am thankful. But for this year, this will suffice.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

BEHR HUGS

PS: This is my 1,000th post!

Dear Anonymous

I recently received your comment which I published on my previous post:

My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post's to be just what I'm looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs? I wouldn't mind producing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write in relation to here. Again, awesome website!

First, thank you for the kind words. Usually when I get an "anonymous" comment it's threatening me with legal action for posting pictures of hot guys. It was nice to receive a positive message. It always surprises me when told that someone gets something out of Behr Blather. I realize that my posts are far and few between. It does seem to me though that my posts of late have been a little bit more substantive. A far cry from the early days of this blog.

As for offering guest writers...I'm afraid that's not something I want to do. This blog is really for me...that others follow it, comment, and appreciate it is icing on the cake, so-to-speak. And although I'm sure you and others have insight and words of wisdom for me and my followers....Behr Blather is about the Behr. I hope you understand. 

Thank you again for your kind words. I hope you'll continue to read Behr Blather and feel free to leave comments.

BEHR HUGS

Another Loss

I first met Steve and his partner Mikey at Gay Days 2004. Steve was this tall, big, gregarious ginger bear, Mikey a furry dark-haired pocket bear. Steve was talkative, Mikey a bit shyer, but both very attractive and fun men. I consider them acquaintances because I only saw them once a year, at Gay Days. For the past couple of years I've been Facebook friends with Steve. 

From the first moment I met them - introduced to me by my ex - I could tell these men were in love. I didn't realize how much that was true until one year - and I honestly do not remember in what year - Steve and Mikey didn't show up for Gay Days. Rumor was that Steve was ill. As with all gay men, we all automatically thought the worst. But it wasn't...it was skin cancer. 

Steve lost an incredible amount of weight, becoming half the man he was. He had so many skin grafts on his face that he no longer looked like himself and it affected his speech. Steve underwent several operations over the years and always kept his sense of humor and sharp wit. The amazing and admirable part of the story is that Mikey never left Steve's side throughout the entire ordeal. And you could see the love between them. 

I called them the Poster Boys of Love.

About a week or so again, there was a post for prayers and good thoughts for Steve and Mike. Steve was in the hospital. As the days went by we got posts about friends visiting, that Steve was moved to ICU, that his mother and sister had arrived.

Steve passed away this past Thursday, Mikey by his side, his mother and sister present. Mike and Steve were together for 18 years. 

I'm going to miss Steve. Sure, we weren't friend friends but I always looked forward to seeing him and talking to him. His strength and spirit are a lesson to us all to persevere. Mikey's love is a lesson to us all to look to the spirit and character of those we love when the physical body fails. And for those of us who knew Steve - he will always be with us in spirit.

BEHR HUGS

Sunday Favorite: 92

For obvious reasons.

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Friday Furry Hotness

I needed something that would cheer me up and this example of furry hotness just about does it. I'd start by counting the hairs on his chest. Then licking each one.

I'm determined to get out of the house today, even if it is to go shop for work clothes. It's far better than sitting on my ass all day like I did yesterday. 

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A Couple of Days

I'm taking today and tomorrow off as vacation days. No plans, just knocking out a couple of days before the end of the year. Thinking I'll do stuff around the house (if I find motivation) and perhaps see a movie. 

Wouldn't mind having an encounter with the above furry hunk. That nipple tat drives me wild.

BEHR HUGS

The Perils of Facebook

There I was....scrolling through the newsfeed, reading posts, smiling at cute pictures of kittens and puppies, clicking links, etc. when I came across a post by a friend about a trip he's taking on Thursday for a long weekend. Someone asked him where he was going and it turns out he's coming back down to SoCal (he moved back to Oregon a couple years ago) for "Halloween fun" with two friends...and he named them.

One of those friends is my ex.

Seeing my ex's name in black and white on Facebook caught me off guard. The thought of him and the others running around SoCal's Halloween events brought back memories - good and bad. It made me realize how the mere thought of him can still make my heart ache.

Ironically, I'm taking Thursday and Friday as vacation days and I have no plans. 

FML.

BEHR HUGS

On The Voice: Austin Jenckes

Did you see this gorgeous man on "The Voice" last night? He definitely raised something more than my spirits.

Austin won his battle so we will see him in the Knockout Round.

Good luck in the next round, handsome bear!

BEHR HUGS

Sunday Check In

I keep meaning to blog but get distracted by other things and so it hasn't happened for a while. This is actually becoming an ongoing problem for me - finding the motivation to do things. And I'm not talking just blogging, it's also things like doing the dishes or cooking a meal, finishing the laundry or cleaning house, watering the yard or dead heading the roses...it's bleeding over into my work life as well. I find it extremely difficult to feel motivated to get up and go, to actually DO something at work...the only task I am mastering is the "going home" part. 

I suspect it's depression although I have no idea what is causing it.

Anyone else have this issue? What did you do about it? 

BEHR HUGS

Sunday Favorite: 91

It's Autumn! There's a nip in the morning air and the nights are cooler. Only the days still reflect the heat of summer. Major League Baseball continues to drag on in its interminable season...not that I care since my boys - the Arizona Diamondbacks - blew their National League West number one position after the All-Star Game. And now we have football reigning supreme on Sundays. I'm not much into football but do try to follow one team - you guessed it - the Arizona Cardinals. They're not doing as well as they could but not as worse as some other teams.

I've been feeling fairly beat down lately. I've been dealing with a cold for over a week, which as you know can wear one down physically. I'm also fairly beat down emotionally. I've mentioned O occasionally here...he's someone I've been hanging out with quite a bit for the past year and a half. Against my better judgment I started developing feelings for him. I thought he was doing the same. We've both said the "L" word (no, not lesbian!) and I know we both enjoy each other's company. 

Last weekend O and I were supposed to go to lunch with a friend of mine. Since I woke up with a cold, I decided to cancel as I really didn't need to pass it on and I needed to get over it. I was disappointed because I really wanted to see O but he said he understood and for me to not be upset, that I need to rest and get well. He reminded me that he loves me and all will be good. What a guy, right? Later than day I texted him to see what he was doing and he was out with friends walking about in LA. He mentioned feeling lonely though. I asked him about that and he said he's still in love with his ex-boyfriend and can't stop thinking of the guy. WTF?! O decided he needed to be alone so he can work things out. He did text a couple days later and I tried to respond neutrally. I initiated another conversation on Thursday and told him that I only want the best for him even if it doesn't include me. He responded that he does want me in his life, that I've made a positive impact on his life, but that he needs to get over this other guy. Evidently O doesn't feel anything for me, otherwise this other guy from his past would not be an issue. Or am I wrong about that?

So here it is Sunday and I've been alone all weekend. I had a good conversation with a friend I haven't talked to in a long time (this was live on the phone!) and I saw my folks for about an hour yesterday. I didn't go over there today because my mom isn't feeling well and I'm still hacking up globs of green gunk from my lungs. Sorry - TMI? I want to text O but then I feel that if I do I'm swaying him or bothering him or sounding desperate.

I used to say that being alone doesn't mean having to be lonely. Today...I'm feeling alone. I don't understand what is wrong with me...I'm educated, employed in a good job, I own my own truck, own my home, am a loyal friend, and oft times overly generous...I don't think I'm that bad looking although for a majority of the population I could stand to lose 100 pounds. 

Since this is a mystery to me, I've decided I need to reevaluate my life. I need to figure out what it is I want, who I want in my life - romantically and platonically, and where I want to be in five or ten years, etc. I need to make a plan and execute it. So I've started a period of soul searching.

I'm open to advice...both positive and critical criticisms...please feel free to comment or email me (see sidebar). It's probably too late to do this sort of thing at age 50...but what the hell. I'm tired of being on the brink of happiness to have it snatched away.

BEHR HUGS

Another Year Another Walk

I've survived another National Kidney Foundation walk! This was the 4th annual Los Angeles area walk, once again held at the world famous Rose Bowl. The route was the same for the 3-mile option (click to enlarge):

I was happy with my participation this year...I raised $450. THANK YOU to those of you who supported, I truly appreciate it. As I told the local division president, we all support charities but when we support a charity that affects us personally then we become even more passionate about it. That's how I am with the NKF walk. I've not done a very good job of showing that passion because I'm afraid of taking advantage of friendships...but this is a serious disease that affects millions, many of whom do not know they have it.

She was a bit surprised when I mentioned that I've participated in all four walks to date.

Here's the best part: I walked the 3 miles in 48 minutes! That's a personal best. Considering I weigh over 300 pounds, have gout, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and oh yeah kidney disease, I'm rather proud of myself. My mom walked the 1 mile option and trust me....that's a lot for her. 

Now I'm sitting at home, watching movies and napping and gritting my teeth from my ankles hurting!

Oh and a word about the dorky sunglasses...while on vacation I went to the eye doctor and ordered new glasses and new lenses for my sunglasses. Unfortunately the sunglasses had to be shipped off to have the new lenses inserted. So I bought a pair of those "over sight" glasses that fit over my regular glasses. I didn't realize how Atom Ant I looked! But they're doing the job until the real ones come back (hopefully this week).

That's how I ended my weekend...and am starting my week. Hope everyone has a wonderful week, wherever you are and whatever you do.

BEHR HUGS

Friday Trio

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How the Staycation is Progressing

I've been on vacation all week and today was the first day it truly felt like it. It started, of course, last Friday night when I joined my two dear friends Dan and Mark for the wedding celebration dinner at their favorite Italian restaurant. It was a nice gathering of old and new friends and the food was delicious...the lobster bisque was divine.

I awoke on Saturday with one of those nagging headaches that tells me I have a sinus problem. I lived with the pain through yesterday when I finally got antibiotics. Hopefully on the mend now.

On Saturday, Omar came over and we went out to eat then returned to my place to watch "Wreck It Ralph" and a second movie that now escapes me. Yes to all of you nosy nellies....we also engaged in coitus. *grin*

Sunday I worked in my yard, trimming the overhanging trees from the neighbor's yard. My parents helped (long story but it was much appreciated) and we had a nice lunch of green salad, pesto pasta salad both made by moi and little sandwiches made by Mom. To relax, we watched "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."

Monday was spent lounging and napping, trying to get rid of the sinus headache.

Tuesday I had an eye appointment...I'll be getting new spectacles and the lenses of my sunglasses changed out. I also spent time going to the pharmacy twice and waiting for my damn antibiotics!

Today I went to the movies, saw "Blue Jasmine." It's a typical "let's start in the middle of the story and end in the middle of the story" Woody Allen film. All of the performances are fine, especially Sally Hawkins as Ginger. The standout performance is of course Cate Blanchett as Jasmine. Her mental breakdown and attempt to maintain her social and mental standing while trying to cope with the loss of her money, husband (a sexy Alec Baldwin who unfortunately does not remove his shirt), son, social position, and sanity. 

After the movie I waited around for Omar to get off work. We had a really nice dinner and then went to  Barnes and Noble to look around. We ended with dessert at Beard Papa's. It was really nice to see him fully clothed in the middle of the week. *wink*

Tomorrow I'm going to attempt Disneyland. Imagine my surprise when I looked up their hours and find they're only open 10am to 7pm. And no fireworks. Damn. My thought of going when the kids were in school might backfire. It's okay, that's probably way too much Disney at once. Omar and I have tentative plans to see "The World's End" at Downtown Disney.

So that's how the staycation is holding up. Oh...did I mention it's been bordering 100 degrees? Yes, it's been freaking miserable. Poor Winston does nothing but sleep in the closet and in the cooler living room where the window A/C is running practically 24/7. How does one order an Arctic cold front?

BEHR HUGS

2013 Kidney Walk

Once again I will be participating in the Los Angeles Area Kidney Walk. Last year I blogged as to why I participate: I have kidney disease. Thankfully, with an excellent nephrologist, diet, and medication it is somewhat under control. I am somewhat prepared for what very well could be the inevitable choice: dialysis or kidney transplant. 

Like many diseases and conditions, many people are unaware that they have a kidney condition. I encourage everyone to read this article. It could just save your life.

I'm not good at asking people for help. It's the stubborn Taurus in me. But this last year has shown me that I do indeed have a serious condition. I know so many of my followers are also struggling with health issues. Once again I'm reaching out to this blogger community. If you feel so inclined and can help, all donations are greatly appreciated. No donation is too small. Or too large! 

Here's the link to my page:

Mark's Kidney Walk Donation Page

Thank you.

BEHR HUGS

Sunday Favorite: 90

On this past Friday night I had a nice phone call from my friend who - with his partner - moved to Illinois last year. They're in the Los Angeles area house sitting and they've decided to "tie the knot." They've been together for about 20 years and FINALLY their union will be legal. He was calling to invite me to their as yet to be planned post-nuptials dinner party. 

A female coworker informed me last week that she and her partner of 17 years also made a trip to the County Clerk's office and officially got hitched.

A coworker in my department announced a couple of weeks ago that he and his partner (not sure of how many years, double digits though I believe) also have officially gotten married.

Love - and equality - is in the air!

As for me, I continue to be single although seeing a bit of O still. Not sure if we're friends with benefits, fuck buddies, or boyfriends. I'm not questioning it. He's grown a lot since we first met: now employed, paying rent to his father, and being a responsible adult. He's also grown in size! He's gained weight, which looks good on him, and he fits my idea of "cub" or "bear" although such labels are unimportant. Last Saturday we spent a major portion of the day together and had a really good time. I enjoy his company and he finds me attractive so there's not much to question. 

One more week! Then we have our long Labor Day weekend. I'll be taking the other four days off that week. I've only had five days of vacation so far this year. That leaves me 17 days to take by year end. So I decided that would be a good time to knock off four days.

I'm looking forward to Gay Days this year; my friends Roger and Dave will be coming down from Washington again. I hope to be able to hang out with them. They're really woofy and friendly and just really great guys.

Does anyone have a pet-safe remedy for ant invasions? I've dealt with ants this entire past week. Every night when I've gotten home I've had to battle them. Poor Winston's food takes the brunt of it. I've tried the Blue Dawn, the Bounce dryer sheets, boric acid...nothing seems to keep them from coming into the house. And most times I cannot tell where they're coming from! It's frustrating. I'm thinking of calling an exterminator that a friend with pets uses.

That's about all of an update I have. Boring! 

BEHR HUGS