Behr Blather 2010 Look Back

I am not sorry to see 2010 leave. It's not been the worst year of my life but it also hasn't been the best. I believe that it can be a good thing to recap or review the year...we realize our accomplishments and failures and it helps us to enter the new year. So briefly here is my Behr Recap:

The first month of what was then the new year set the tone for 2010 and it sucked. My PC and laptop both crashed on me. The upside is I bought a Macbook (and I'm loving it). Unfortunately with the crash of the PC, I suffered a loss of some fantastic pictures. Here on Behr Blather I shared my story Love, Not Love. It was a cathartic experience and one into which I hope I have gained some additional insight.

In the February I had the opportunity to do sound for a production of "Almost, Maine." It was a wonderful show and a tremendous experience.

Not much happened in March. Boring month. I attended a one-day seminar training (it's part of a longer training) for work but other than that I can't remember much.

In April I took my first 2010 trip to SF for work, which was fantastic! I am so thankful for those friends who make time in their busy schedules to see me. I had dinner at favorite places, reacquainted myself with "the wild wood weed" and of course saw my favorite bear in the world.

May brought a new first for me: I hired a gardener. He mows and trims and it saves me from doing it. He's also cleaned out flowerbeds for me and he's always trying to get me to improve the quality of plants in my yard. I'm just thankful I don't have to do the lawn; it's always been the bane of my existence.

June was a busy month, being involved with another theater production and participating in the Arthritis Walk again. On the career front, I co-facilitated a soft skills class so that was an exciting experience.

July was the catalyst for a couple of events and changes in my life. Toward the end of the month I began experiencing sharp pains in my head. I had x-rays of my sinuses and a CAT scan of my head for probable causes.

August brought my second trip to SF for work, just a quick couple days. It ended up being a waste of time, work-wise. However, I again visited favorite restaurants and had the opportunity to cuddle with my favorite bear. I also underwent endoscopic sinus surgery to remove a cyst and straighten my septum. It was quite an experience and I can honestly say that 4 months later I am very glad I had it done.

September saw some recovery time off from work. Other than that, nothing exciting happened.

In October I a sonogram of my carotid arteries done to see if that was causing some dizziness. I also participated in the National Kidney Foundation walk at the Rose Bowl. I obtained some valuable information. I also had the opportunity to do lights for a theater production of "12 Angry Jurors." A lot of fun. I made my annual trek to Universal Studio's Halloween Horror Nights with my friends M, C, K and M.

I started using vacation time in November. I silently celebrated being in my house for 9 years. There are days I still cannot believe this is my place. It's not the Taj Mahal but it's home.

December has been an emotional month for me. On the work front, a not good thing happened to me. I had to move out of my office into a cubicle to make room for a higher level officer. This was naturally a blow to my ego and also has me fearing for my job, despite what my boss says. I do not look forward to returning to work in the new year. Despite the rest of the year being fine, this new change has really shaken my confidence, drastically changed my attitude, and has increased my stress level. On the other hand, I took three weeks of vacation during which I had a new garage door installed, cleaned out the garage, made a little dent in cleaning out the spare bedroom, bought a new chair for the living room, and basically vegged out.

In looking back over the year, among all of the changes one stands out way on top: I quit smoking. With the exception of one cigarette I have been smoke-free since the end of August. I've had very few cravings and don't miss it at all. Yay me!

There you have it....Behr Blather's 2010 Look Back. My wish for today is that everyone has a safe New Year's Eve. I want you all around for 2011.

BEHR HUGS!

Gay Days 2010 Recap 2

Continuing from yesterday, here are some pictures of additional decorative places at Disneyland. Across from Zocolo Mexican Restaurant (very good food if a little pricey) is a little alcove area set with Day of the Dead decorations including the band and lady in blue (she reminds me of something from Tim Burton's Corpse Bride). Along the path between Frontierland and Fantasyland is an area where goats and pumpkin carvers are on display at this time of year.

Did I mention that it was terribly crowded? Aside from all the Red Shirts, there seemed to be an over abundance of straight people. Or at least I presumed they were straight. Here's a couple shots I took of the seating area at Hungry Bear Restaurant:

One of the main reasons I go to Gay Days - aside from the feeling of community and rebellion - is to see friends, many of whom I don't see but once or twice a year. People like Steve with the mohawk! It's a new look for him.

This is Glenn...he used to be the "leader of our band" before he moved back home to Seattle. He built my now dead PC and is just one of the nicest cubs you'll ever want to meet. It was good to see him; I've missed our Mongolian BBQ dinners!

Glenn is now partnered to Wendell, the gentleman in the tan hat on the right. Nice man, bearish, woofy. That's Jim-James in the white shirt, he's recently engaged! And that's another Steve in the green hat.

This is Greg; he's one of the friends I ran around with. He's partnered to Jeff who I only caught a bad pic of (he lowered his head). Greg was pissed off when I took this!

This handsome fellow is Tim. What can I say about him? He's smart, employed, furry, hung, quiet....why someone hasn't snatched him up yet I don't know! Tim is another friend from my little group.

This is Topher. At one time I think he had a little crush on me. He's a nice guy and we occasionally go to the bars or movies together. The beard sans moustache is a new look for him - I like it!

The couple in the middle (third/fourth from left) is Scott and Raymond with their friends on Main Street. They're fun, woofy, recently new members of a leather club in Phoenix...and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (obviously not in face). They're currently enjoying a sabbatical from the Sisters.

Another reason I go to Gay Days is to check out the cute men. Here is a cross sampling of what you can see (check out the one in the white wife beater!):

So there you have it - my two-day recap of my adventures at Gay Days 2010! Lots of eye candy, lots of fun rides, lots of laughs (I'll save the personal story for later), and good food, good friends, and just an overall great time. I hope you enjoy perusing the pics.

BEHR HUGS

Congratulations Howard!!

I just discovered via Joe.My.God, that our resident music friend, Howard, has been nominated for a 2010 Bloggie for his insightful music blog: Soundtrack to My Day. If you're not a fan yet, please give him a look and listen. This man really knows his music!! And Howard is one of the sweetest, nicest guys you'd ever want to meet.

Vote for Howard for best music blog.

Behr Hugs Howard!!

Welcome to 2010

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, prosperous, and equal New Year!

BEHR HUGS!!

Countdown to 2010

I don't know about anyone else but I'm freaked out that we're entering the year 2010. It's one thing to look at my credit card and see that it expires in 2012 or to know that my mortgage will be paid off in 2035. But to actually ring in 2010? Unbelievable. Or so it seems to me. We're entering the age of Science Fiction. Did anyone actually believe the earth would still be here?

Okay enough "wonder" aside. In anticipation of tonight's festivities (sangria and my annual watching of "Sunset Blvd."), I present 12 favorite men. For the most part I don't know who they are - although I know the bear networking website screen name of one or two.*wink* But I only know these men in my fantasies. I hold each one in absolute awe.

I want to thank ALL of my followers and those who comment on Behr Blather. I do this for you. Each one makes this old behr's heart fill with gratitude. Have a safe and fun New Year's Eve. Happy 2010! BEHR HUGS!!