Mark's Mind

Photo from Koh Lan Beach

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:14:36 GMT

What a great beach.... I really enjoyed the day.

Pooh and Phu
{both names sound the same}

Will upload videos later of the "boys" playing with the tube in the water, very cute !

Vacation update

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:47:26 GMT

Made it to Thailand without any delays. My dear Mr. Pooh met me at the Airport. We visited places around Bangkok the first 2 days, then it was off to the beach. Jomtien Beach at the south end of Pattaya. We enjoyed a great ocean front room, and had the place to ourselves, as it is off season. So, we were given the Executive suite on the top floor ! How great that was. Mr Lek is the manager, and what a cutie, I will post a photo of him later. We ended up staying 1 extra night. On Sunday we met went to an Island just off shore called Kohlan. Fantastic powder white beach, and crystal clear water. Pooh's friend, Mr. Phu (pronounced pooh) went with us to the Island, and we all had a great day.

We just arrived back at Pooh's apartment, and will go out to dinner soon. This is a dream vacation for sure, so, back to the great dream.....

last minute packing

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:43:05 GMT

So, I have most things packed.... i went to the bank and got some money... I have snacks to carry on the plane...

This time I have some sleeping pills to help with the long flight... Sudoku puzzle book and pencil will entertain me.

So, I am about ready... this is the first time I have counted the days down for a vacation in a long time. Usually my vacations are more last minute. I planned this one as soon as I got home last February.

Boys Boys Boys

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:45:10 GMT

This video is shot on the street (SOI) where all the go go boy bars are at. I am really looking forward to walking down this street again, having all the guys try to lure you into their bar, and watch their show........

Just 4 more days...

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:28:14 GMT

Monday is over, Just 4 more work days before I fly back to the Land of Smiles, Thailand.

I love this video, it is taken on the Beach I will be staying at from July 2nd till July 6th. The reporter also eats at the Hotel I am staying at.

"Room-Club" next to Tui's Place on Jomtien Beach, a 12 room hotel. Gay owned and operated.

Gay Pride Parade VIDEO

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:11:02 GMT

Hot cute boy !!! I love the cute boys !!!!

http://entertainment.webshots.com/video/3057288620030347222JZlyII

Pride Photos

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:57:36 GMT

I had a nice time on this past Sunday at the San Jose Gay Pride Event.

Gay Pride Weekend in San Jose

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 06:02:18 GMT

This weekend is the San Jose gay pride festival. I might go watch the parade on Sunday... http://www.sanjosepride.com

My weekend is filling up... On Saturday at 11am, I am going the Christmas Hill park in Gilroy for our Unions annual picnic. Last year I won a DVD Player. I hope to win another prize this year.

Saturday at 5pm, I was invited to my ex-boyfriends wifes birthday party. I think I will go, she is a nice young lady.

I guess on Sunday I will hang out downtown San Jose. I think my new room-mate will go with me. It will be nice to have someone to hang out with on Sunday.

Two weeks from today, I fly to Thailand. I am excited !

Roommate

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:20:21 GMT

Well, I didn't think a roommate would be a good idea for a long time, but I changed my mind, posted an ad, and rented out a spare room. He moved in last week, and so far, this seeems like a very good thing. It's nice to have someone to talk to, watch tv, hang out..... I think it will be good for me.

And, he is a handsome young man, so I enjoy seeing his smiling face :)

Less then 5 weeks now.....

Mon, 26 May 2008 17:34:22 GMT

So, I am getting excited about my return to Thailand. Got my ticket, and a place to stay... I found this clip, and remembered my great night at DJ Station.

I smell smoke !!!

Fri, 23 May 2008 23:26:00 GMT

A huge fire is burning out of control in the mountains just south of where I live. I am glad the wind is blowing the opposite direction, but overnight the winds stopped, and the fog came in, holding the smoke low to the ground, and all of San Jose was in a cloud of smoke and fog this morning. Even inside my office, the smell was strong. . . . . We got this email at work today: Public Health –Health Advisory The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has issued a Health Advisory for residents to take precautions due to high levels of pollutants in the air. The visible smoke and higher pollutants are a result of the Summit fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Individuals with respiratory problems, young children and older adults should limit their exposure to smoky air by staying indoors as much as possible. Windows and doors should be kept closed to prevent indoor air from becoming dirty. “When heavy smoke is visible outside, it’s important to take steps to reduce the chance the having breathing problems,” said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, Health Officer of Santa Clara County. “People should stay indoors; keep windows, doors and vents closed. If you have one, it is a good idea to run your air-conditioner.” Please see the attached Health Advisory, with a Question & Answer section for more information.

37 days and counting

Thu, 22 May 2008 22:30:48 GMT

ok, not that I am counting...... wait, YES i am. I am counting the days.... until I return to the land of smiles - Thailand. I am sure this is Heaven on earth.

http://www.bangkoksite.com/pattaya/jomtien.htm

I will be spending 5 days at Jomtien Beach - It's just south of Pattaya.

I am so excited, and look forward to my next Bangkok adventure.

California Supreme Court Overturns Gay Marriage Ban

Thu, 15 May 2008 20:50:59 GMT

I like what Mayor Newsom said "It's about human dignity. It's about civil rights. It's about time."

SAN FRANCISCO — Gay and lesbian couples in San Francisco rejoiced Thursday over a California Supreme Court decision affirming their right to marry even as political leaders on both sides of the issue girded for an extended fight in the courts and at the ballot box.

“It’s just amazing to feel like I am a full citizen — I am not a second-class citizen,” said Christmas Laubrile, a nurse, who was with her partner, Alice Heimsoth. “I don’t have to sit in the back of the bus, and I don’t have to take second best.”

Video

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:52:47 GMT

I took this video when I was on Jomtien Beach in Feb. You can see why I want to go back....

bangkok063.avi

Booked my Trip to Thailand

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:34:41 GMT

Well, I was so happy after my trip to Thailand, I have booked another trip. I leave June 28th, and return July 13th. I am really looking forward to this. I keep in touch with my tour guide, Pooh. He has became more then a friend and a guide, I care about him deeply. I am just waiting to confirm what days are best for us to visit Jomtien / Dongtan Beach. I am going to book a room at http://www.room-club.com/ about $80 a night to stay right on the beach, ocean view beach front room. I can't wait.

Pooh

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:50:31 GMT

Backdated and updated

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:48:21 GMT

Great Weekend

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:45:27 GMT

Wow, it was so nice out this past weekend. I worked in my yard, and went for a very long walk around the neighboorhood. On Sunday, I went to the Ocean, watched the waves.... It was so relaxing !

And today, it's cool outside again. And it may be cool all week. This isn't fair at all.

Update

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:59:17 GMT

So, I have been too busy to write in my Journal. Work is keeping me very busy. I am spending a lot of time working Suduko puzzles. It's warming up, so I have been planting some flowers, and working in my yard. I turned my sprinkler system back on, so my yard will stay green.

I keep checking flight prices to Bangkok, but no real deals to be found yet. I have about 11 weeks before I go back, and I am looking forward to that.

Sunny Sunday

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 04:30:14 GMT

I went for a drive down to Santa Cruz today. It was beautiful weather out. I bit windy near the coast, but very nice to be out and enjoy the day. It's been a long time waiting for the winter cold and rains to pass, and today was a great start for what will be another great summer in California.

Back to work

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:43:29 GMT

I have been back at work all week, and very busy. So much going on at work.

Las Vegas was nice, only because I spent time with my son, otherwise, well, it was way too soon to revisit Las Vegas, as I was just there in Jan. And I have plans to attend a meeting there in late July. Actually, I am not looking forward to ANY Vegas trips right now, just not into it that much.

While in Vegas, I did see Zumanity, and enjoyed it. I also had talked to a dealer a lot while there in Jan. and told him, if he remembered my name when I returned this time, I would give him a 20. Wow, he remember not only my name, but that I was going to be there with my son. I was quite impressed at his memory. He must meet 1000s of people. I am not sure I could remember a name 6 to 8 weeks later if I were a dealer.

I still need to finish (or start) my Bangkok updates. I will be back dating them so they appear in order. Too much to do, and not enough free time.

Vacation Plans

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:33:36 GMT

On Wednesday March 5th, I am flying to Las Vegas. My younger son Matt will be there with some college friends. I think it will be a very neat trip. I hope my friend, Drew, will have free time to dine with me, and to catch some more shows.

I have my summer vacation approved.... I am off the 1st 2 weeks of July. I have not booked tickets yet, but I think I loved Bangkok so much, I really
want to go back. And it's only 16 weeks away. That gives me time to really
plan things out for this next trip, shop for the best airfare.

Quiz - But I am done with College...

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:27:48 GMT

WHAT MAJOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Accounting/Finance/Marketing

You should strongly consider majoring (or minoring) in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or related majors (e.g., Computer/Management Information Systems (CIS or MIS), Entrepreneurship, International Business, Operations Management, Public Administration, Real Estate, Risk Management, Sports Management).

It is possible that the best major for you is your 2nd, 3rd, or even 5th listed category, so be sure to consider ALL majors in your OTHER high scoring categories (below). You may score high in a category you didnt think you would--it is possible that a great major for you is something you once dismissed as not for you. The right major for you will be something 1) you love and enjoy and 2) are really great at it.

Consider adding a minor or double majoring to make yourself standout and to combine your interests. Please post your results in your myspace/blog/journal.

Nursing/AthleticTraining/Health

69%

Accounting/Finance/Marketing

69%

Physics/Engineering/Computer

63%

Mathematics/Statistics

63%

HR/BusinessManagement

63%

Education/Counseling

63%

English/Journalism/Comm

44%

PoliticalScience/Philosophy

44%

Biology/Chemistry/Geology

44%

History/Anthropology/LiberalArts

38%

French/Spanish/OtherLanguage

31%

Religion/Theology

31%

Visual&PerformingArts

25%

Psychology/Sociology

19%

Bangkok was GREAT

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:39:11 GMT

Well, I am home from Bangkok. I didn't realize you could simply book a flight to get to heaven. I thought death should occur first, but I am wrong. I found it, it's on the other side of the world from me, but, it is there !

I will write more later, I want to be sure and document my fond memories.

Photos and short video clips now on Webshots

http://community.webshots.com/user/markhand58-date

Overall, the best vacation of my life. Already looking into next possible dates to visit. Looks like June 28 - July 13.

I will be watching airfares.....

Before I went, many of my friends warned me not to fall in love..... but, I failed them, I found a wonderful young Thai guy.... He was my guide and constant companion.

And when I got to the airport, I knew I couldn't hold back my tears, but, I was not the only guy crying in the airport. So many people fall in love in Bangkok.... I talked to one cute Taiwanese boy who was crying, he had visited and fallen in love, and didn't want to go home..... he said he was so embaressed that he was crying in public, so we talked while waiting on the flight, and it helped both of us have something to do, so we didn't think about our sadness of leaving.

Now at home, I am about over my Jet Lag - 15 hrs time difference is tough to handle...
But, I will not get over the guy I met....

2 days till VACATION TIME

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:49:36 GMT

I am getting a little excited about my upcoming trip. I have printed out a lot of information from the computer, and I hope I am ready. I am packing tonight and tomorrow night, I have a list, and just need to be sure I am organized.

While this can seem a bit scary, being my first trip outside of the USA, I am looking forward to it.