Hello November

October is over and we are now into November. I love autumn: the colors, the weather, the holidays. I've a new reason for loving autumn: my new job.

It's only been a week but that one week has nearly erased the previous 18 years. I am so happy to be where I am. The people are the best. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, accommodating, understanding of being new...and yes there are quite a few not unattractive men. Here's a quick rundown of my first week.

Monday: Orientation day. Not only did we complete the usual first day paperwork, we watched videos about the company, the manufacturing process, and took a 2-hour tour of the plant. I was fascinated by the whole thing. The company provided coupons for lunch at the on site cafe, which is run by Bon Apetit. 

Tuesday: I participated in my coworker's class. A Continental breakfast and lunch were provided. Again, the food was delicious. My coworker has a great relaxed training style. I enjoyed the interaction and meeting some new ladies (I was the only male).

Wednesday: I started my online certification to be able to train a particular class. Attended meetings with my coworker and met more people. I'm understanding a bit more the scope of the company. My North Carolina boss was in LA for a few days for meetings so I got to meet him in person. He and I met at a restaurant in Pasadena for dinner at a swanky spot, Smitty's Grill. I was a little anxious about it but once we were both there it was fine. He ordered a bottle of wine and that really broke the ice.

Thursday: A meeting and a couple of projects received. I continued my online certification program and met more people. After work was a Halloween Happy Hour, complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, pasta salad, beer, wine, soda, water, cupcakes, cookies....and a costume contest. No I didn't dress up. Here's our Payroll department:

Unfortunately they didn't win but I voted for them. I thought they rocked! Plus I wanted to be sure I got on their good side!

Friday: Halloween proper. I probably shouldn't talk about this day but I will...so I got to work REALLY early. And started my thing. My coworker took me and another newish employee to lunch. Then I left work at 2pm. Because that's how we roll.

So basically I did nothing this week but eat! It's been fabulous. A way to a man's heart truly is through his stomach. *wink* 

So I had a nice time last night. I had bought candy and thought I'd pass it out but no one came to the door. I don't know if it was because I haven't passed out candy in the past, the fact my porch light is on a motion sensor, or because I didn't have a pumpkin or any indication of Halloween participation. It might have been the RAIN we got! Yes! It rained last night! Woo Hoo! It was so fucking awesome, like God just turned on the shower full blast.

Another nice thing was O came over and we had dinner (pizza, salad) and watched a movie and some Buffy episodes. I haven't seen him in four months. Pretty much since I got laid off. He looks better now I think, he's let his hair grow and his beard. He has a boyfriend now but I didn't quiz him. It was nice to see him and spend time with him. I have a feeling that it will be a while before I see him again. Not sure what's going on but life happens. 

Tomorrow is the Kidney Walk. Mom and I plan to go. We registered but didn't donate/raise money because I've been unemployed and she doesn't have the extra money. And we don't like asking people for money. Next year hopefully we'll be able to fund raise.

It's about 8am and it's raining again. We desperately need it but I had errands to run. Guess I'll wait and see if it moves on this afternoon.

Welcome November!

BEHR HUGS

Sunday Favorite: 96

I love this picture...there's nothing like jumping into the arms of the man you love and giving him a big smooch. You can tell this isn't just sex or making out...this is PASSION. 

We finally had rain in the LA area! It started sometime last night - possibly about 9pm where I am. I noticed about 9:15pm. It rained fairly good off and on throughout the night. The driveway is still damp as is the patio. But it as raised the humidity. I seriously feel as if I'm in the deep South. Poor Winston is having to put up not only with the humidity but with his Daddy fanning himself, saying "I declare!" When it gets like this my inner Scarlet O'Hara comes out. 

I accomplished something yesterday that I've been needing/wanting to do but kept putting it off. I finally changed my kitchen faucet! Shortly after I moved into my house - within the first couple of years, I'm sure - I had changed the original faucet to a Delta. Because I have "hard water" that causes calcification and rust rather easily, the Delta faucet eventually started rusting and leaking. So I bought a new faucet for much less than I paid for the Delta...and yesterday switched it out. Now this new one is far more simple than the Delta. But it will do. And I'm proud of myself for changing it out without help. I usually run into some kind of problem. I really need to learn to do more things for myself. The feeling of accomplishment is nice.

Tonight I start taking care of my sister's menagerie for a few days while she attends a conference. Two cats, a dog, two tortoises, and nine turtles. I don't mind taking care of the cats and dog but the reptiles are a little involved with their feeding routine. Thankfully she wrote everything down. Oh and I got a little lecture on the difference between tortoises and turtles. OY! It was rather interesting though when we walked out to the turtle enclosure - they all came running out of the grass, heads held high! Okay maybe "running" isn't the right term but they do move faster than expected. 

Last night I watched Disney's latest princess offering, "Frozen." It was okay. I liked Sven the reindeer. I was a bit confused because I know Disney has been pushing the Elsa character but the story really is about the sister. They should have gone ahead with the original evil Snow Queen approach rather than trying to make her a sympathetic character. And I could have done without the stupid snowman Olaf. But what can I say...it's formulaic Disney. "Brave" was far better.

That's about all I have for this Sunday. 

BEHR HUGS

Behr Bits

I leave for San Francisco this morning. What was I thinking when I booked a 7am flight the morning after closing night of the theater?!

I'll be in SF for a week...Sunday through Saturday, doing the usual commuting to Alameda for the actual work part of the time. I'll be staying somewhere new for me...down in the Embarcadero area. Just hope I remember to get off BART at the proper station.

Tonight are the Oscars! I'm a little excited because I've seen a small handful of the movies. I'm a lot sad because I'll be SF in a hotel room and not at my friend's annual Oscar-viewing party. 

Here in the Los Angeles area we've had much needed rain. Yesterday saw colder temps, thunder and lightening, and periodic torrential downpours. It's been great. The only down side is I'm going to SF where - at last look - the forecast is for a week of rain.

So that's about it for now. I won't be taking my laptop. Just don't want to worry about lugging it around (it's a Macbook and a bit heavy). It also precludes looking at some sites like Blogger on my iPhone because it's just too damn small.

Enjoy your week!

BEHR HUGS