Accents

How many of you have seen a Jet Li movie? Okay don’t picture Jet Li in any crazy fight scene or what he looks like. Instead, focus on what he sounds like. Trying to picture it? It is a little hard to picture isn’t it because he doesn’t have a lot of dialogue in his movies. There is a reason for the lack of dialogue…it is because no one can understand him.

Why is this even relevant? I now work with this dude that sounds like Jet Li. The main difference is that he talks all the friggin time. He brings up lame topics, talks about the same thing every day and he kind of talks loud too. On and on. Geez. I thought it was bad when I worked with other people with accents. It just sounded like bok-bok-bok. The problem with this Jet Li fool is that sometimes you can understand him. His voice get high sometimes too.

The biggest dilemma is should I eat lunch with him and two others consultants like I normally do, or just eat on my own like I want to do. Hmm, be social and try to fit in or be anti-social and alone?

Cars in LA

What is it about the way you dress or the car you drive? Are we so conditioned to just look for appearance rather than substance?

For example, when I drive my 1983 Celica, nobody asks me about my car. (Other than you seriously drive that piece of crap). In the Celica nobody, winks or waves at me when I am stuck in traffic.

Right after I started driving the Porsche, I had people saying nice car. I had girls waving at me in traffic. It was generally a conversation piece. The subtle differences are huge. In the Celica people don't smile when making eye contact. In the Porsche, you might get a longer glance and smile.

The thing is, does having the Porsche make me a better person? Does it mean I make more money? I mean I could be leasing the Porsche, living at home and getting by check to check. On the other hand, who is to say that I am not living in a beachside house, with multiple cars, financially stable while driving the Celica?

If I was single now, I wonder if I would pick up a girl on the first date in the Celica or the Porsche. Good thing I don't have to worry about that ever again. I was able to marry Aya while driving the Celica. Thus, further proving my greatness. Sure I could have pulled the wool over Aya with my dazzling personality but no way she was blind and didn't see the Celica.

Press PLAY button to view the video

New addition to the family...

Aiden Sukeichi Di Carlo was born. 6 lbs 11 oz. 19.5 in

Congratulations to my cousin Melissa and her husband Dino.!!!

1 Hour and 45 Minutes equals 5 miles

Oh good god!!! I left work at 4:50 to meet Brentt, Christie and Sydney (that is Sydney pictured above 2 1/2 years old) and Aya in Westwood for dinner. If i listened to AM radio or had a cell phone I might have known that there was a 'suspcious' suitcase left on Wilshire and that they closed Wilshire. Oh nooo. All you nay-sayers jinxed me with this cell phone business. 1 HOUR and 45 minutes to drive 5 miles. Needless to say I was late for dinner. God damn retards.

Baby Update:

Two for two…not it a good way. So we had our 4 month baby checkup with the OBGYN and once again we had to wait. Last time she was late in getting to the office. This time they just ran late and we waited 45 AFTER our appointment. Our appointment was only like 5 minutes. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat and get blood drawn for some tests. So far so good. Everything seems normal. We just have to wait 7 days to see if the baby has Down's. Keep your fingers crossed that everything comes back negative.

Why is it if you don't show for an appointment they bill you, but if they make you wait there is no repercussions? At least validate my parking if you make us wait. Our OBGYN actually looks like jenny except she is nice.

So fella's here is the baby appointment schedule on when you need to go:

1st visit to find out you are pregnant: Don't go. Nothing happens.
2nd visit at your 2 month check up: Go to see the ultrasound.
3rd visit at your 3 month check up: Go to see the ultrasound.
4th visit 4 month checkup: Don't go. Hear the heart beat.

Phone home...

Sure, why not have everyone jump on the band wagon. I got this in my email yesterday.

Okay, Aya, I am Christy. I used to work with Miles when he was at DirecTV. I just looked at his website. I think you should beat his Osama butt for some of the things he says about your cracker eating. (Don’t tell Miles, but my husband said the same thing about me with the Ginger snaps that DID NOT help.)

So basically Christy won’t admit that she too tortured her husband with Ginger snaps. See my website is like the lone guy on Oprah who answers a question and then gets bashed by the 299 women in the studio audience. See now you realize why men don’t go to tapings of Oprah.

Back to Miles bashing. I think he needs a cell phone. What if you have an emergency, like you need him to pick up a cantaloupe and a steak from the grocery store because you start to have cravings? He needs a cell phone. My parents are so not modern and they have cell phones. At the least, he should spring for the additional $10 it costs to add him to your plan and get the free phone. We will continue to harass him about this.

Exactly my point about NOT having a cell phone. Why would I want to stop off to grab a cantaloupe or a steak???

Number 1: groceries is not my chore.
Number 2: ever hear the Virginia slims ad? Their mantra is, “You’ve come a long way baby!” Thus, Aya can go shop for her own food cravings.

Number 3: Christy’s parents are ‘not so’ modern because they live in the sticks. North Carolina. Who do you know that lives in Carolina?? (MAK does not count for you DTV smart asses)

$10 bucks for a phone really is not a bad deal. Maybe for $10 bucks but not a penny more I might look into it. The thing is I am a pocket minimalist. Thus, I have one key, one wallet. Nothing else. Where am I going to put this phone? Do I have to leave it on? What’s the deal?? Just one more thing to take care of. Plus, if I leave the cell phone in the Celica then someone may break it to steal it…since the phone would be the only item of value in the car.

Tom's Video...

Okay, lets see how this online streaming works out.
David and Kamal, this one's for you. Hope you like Denver!

Our baby will be a Rooster

THE SIGN OF THE ROOSTER

Roosters are very loyal individuals. They do not like dishonesty or mockery of any sort. They are blunt, up front and honest people and expect those around them to be the same. Roosters are happiest when they are surrounded by others, at a party or just a social gathering. They even enjoy the spotlight and will exhibit their charisma and wit in a minute. This star quality can be overbearing, for a Rooster expects you to listen to him while he speaks and can become agitated if you don’t. Roosters do have a tendency to brag about themselves and their achievements and demand an attentive audience when doing so.

The Rooster is a flamboyant personality, feisty and obstinate. He is quite the extrovert who loves to strut his stuff and is proud of who he is. Outwardly confident, the Rooster is also a trustworthy, hardworking individual. He’ll tell it like it is with no qualms or reservations.

THE WOOD ROOSTER 2005

This Rooster is different in that he enjoys being a part of the team rather than in the spotlight like other Roosters. He likes the company of others and is a genuine friend. These Roosters work for the betterment of society, working diligently to change the evils of it. They expect quality attempts from others involved with the causes and sometimes expect too much of their co-volunteers, as they do of themselves. Often, because of this desire to help society, these Roosters overcommitt themselves, unable to finish what they’ve started.

HEALTH

Roosters are typically fit people. They enjoy sports and active hobbies such as hiking and swimming. They don’t get sick very often because they tend to fight illness fairly well. However, when they do get ill, they usually bounce right back. Roosters can be a little high strung, suffering from dramatic mood swings and stress.

AT HOME WITH THE ROOSTER

As proud as they are of themselves, you can only imagine how they are about their homes. Roosters put a lot of effort into their homes as they reflect the Roosters assets and taste. They are very neat and clean and have everything in its own specific place. They make a chore out of cleaning out drawers and closets with a knack for rearranging them better and better each time they attempt it. This habit is enough to drive anyone berserk, but a Rooster’s family understands his need for a dramatic appearance.

THE ROOSTER AT WORK

Roosters are more motivated than most other Animal Signs, making their careers a priority in their lives. They are hard working, flexible individuals able to stick to the given tasks. They are generally successful individuals who reach the top of their chosen professions.

MONEY AND THE ROOSTER

An eye for detail means the Rooster is pretty good at handling his finances. He is able to give others good financial advice and can help get budgets under control. However, when it comes to his own finances, the Rooster is either or. He either spends it all or hoards it for a rainy day.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

Friends of the Rooster cannot be sensitive people. As bossy, overbearing and blunt as the Rooster is, you can imagine just about anyone wouldn’t last without a sense of humor! That’s why Roosters tend to have more acquaintances than actual friends. Still, any friend of a Rooster knows how dependable and honest he is and treasures his friendship despite his arrogance.

Compatible Friends

Best Friends: Oxen and Snakes
Mortal Enemies: Rabbits (Um, Aya is a rabbit)

ROSTER INFANT AND CHILD

Children born in the Year of the Rooster are bright, intelligent children. They are creative and alert. They easily play and interact with other children and generally like to learn new things. They are eager to please parents and teachers alike. However, Rooster children do not make the best scholars and they tend toexcel in subjects where interaction and social skills are required.

ROOSTER PARENT/CHILD KINSHIPS

Some parents immediately click with their children and others find they will never have a close relationship no matterhow hard they try to make it happen.
Following are compatibility ratings between Rooster parents and their children.

Rooster with Under the same roof Compatibility Rating

Rabbit (Ayako) a bit of erratic behavior **
Dog (Miles) very loving and understanding ****

*uphill struggle **some complications ***easy bonding ****on the same wavelength

EAST MEETS WEST

SCORPIO ROOSTER

These are the most determined of the Roosters. Once they set a goal, they cannot stop until they achieve it. They are motivated, industrious individuals who work hard to satisfy their employers. They are deeply emotional people, something one wouldn’t know by seeing their surfaces.

SAGITTARIAN ROOSTER

This Rooster is relaxed, down-to-earth and likeable. He is a free spirit, honest and openhearted. He does have a tendency to put his foot in his mouth if he speaks before he actually realizes what he’s saying.


Uh-Oh. Looks like we are going to have a bossy and unruly child. The only good news is that Denise, Aaron, Sheri and Melissa will all be ushering in the next generation of jerks and bully's.

Batter up!

I am not sure what it is. Maybe I like atheletic girls. Maybe I just like girls that can play softball. In any case, I was hooked on watching the NCAA Softball world series. For the past two weeks I have watched a lot of women's softball.

Luckily, Texas, UCLA and Arizona have been onTV a lot. I think the Texas softball team has the most players that actually look like girls. I am not into the big, fat, manly looking girls. I had no idea that some of these girls were so tall. The Texas pitcher Cat Osterman is 6'2". In addition, Texas is great because both the catcher (Megan Willis) and pitcher are good looking. Obviously, the pitcher and catcher get the most TV time. UCLA has a good looking first baseman, Lisa Dodd.

That pretty much sumed up my weekend. Expo, more home repairs, Dim Sum with Aya's friends and NCAA softball.

Not broken....

New job, new co-workers. I figured a good way to meet some of the guys was to play pick up bball with them. Considering at the last dot com where they all sucked in sports I wasn't expecting much. On Friday, the CEO rented out the gym so we could play after work. Normally they play at lunch time. Surprisingly, half the guys where pretty good. I forgot how pick up ball is played...especially with white folks. They bump, they grab, they hold...basically just try to play physical except when you do it back to them it's a foul.

Sadly, early into the game I was hurt. Great. I guess things do happen in 3. Although I think this makes 4.

1. A week ago I got hit knee to knee. Just a bruise.
2. Three days later I get my legs cut and I land on my knee. Bone bruise.
3. I fall and a guy steps on my shooting hand. Swollen and bruised hand.
4. Ball get deflected straight into my right pointer finger. Bruised & swollen.

The good news is that my sister said it is not broken. The bad news is that I can't move it, grab anything or type. In addition, I got this weird bump on my forearm. I have had it for 2 weeks now and I thought it would go away. I told my sister and she has no idea what the heck it is. I guess she hasn't gotten to that class in school yet.

Guess I will be off from bball for a few weeks. =(

Morning Sickness

Let’s get one thing out of the way quickly, it must suck to have morning sickness. One it isn’t always in the morning. Two, it lasts for quite a while. Good thing Aya isn't feeling as queasy anymore.

Now, on to the real story...for those that will never get morning sickness. When it first happened it is the strangest thing. You would be talking to Aya in a normal conversation. Nothing is wrong and then *BLAM* gag. Gag again (kinda like listening to Brian on the basketball court). It’s like watching someone that laughs silently. The gag noise is made and then nothing. Just random out of the blue. It’s kinda nasty really...and just straight weird.

Someone said that eating saltine crackers BEFORE you get out of bed in the morning helps. Well, it might help Aya but it doesn’t help me. Have you ever heard someone eat crackers in bed??? First thing you hear at 4:30 am. , . It sounds like someone cutting lumber. Not only do I wake up because Aya’s pee frequency is that of a 1 year old, but now I get woken up by Aya the cracker eater. I haven’t slept more than 3 hours in the last 3 months!

My Memorial Day gift...

Okay Tom, last time I just had Jessica Alba with no sound. This is why I watch Soul Train. =) Video and sound...best of all free Comcast web hosting. About time I use the service I actually pay for!

The file should load in a few seconds and launch Windows Media Player:

http://home.comcast.net/~employee-8/uploads/tinalee.wmv

Tigers Tournament

The holiday weekend came and went in a blur. Jeff entered us into the Tigers tournament and basically took our NAU team, Miles, Jeff, Ron, Eric, Ryan and Rodney. We played three northern cali teams. It was the most fun I have had playing ball in a long time. The team was balanced. Everyone contributed. No drama. It was just 6 guys playing hard and competing. Win or lose when it is like that I love to play.

Unfortunately, we lost in the Championship game. We lost our composure a bit on the press, got tired and ran outta gas. One of our players got hurt so we didn't have a sub the second half. Our center also fouled out late in the game. Nevertheless, we had a great effort....and it was fun again.

Another plus of the tournament was that Hans came out to watch us play. I think that reminded me why I liked playing with the Big Dogs. I liked everyone on the team so it was like seeing the guys you like and playing together. So thanks for coming out Hans.

Outisde of bball I spent the weekend working on two bathrooms remodels with my dad. Of course nothing was as easy as I thought and nothing went as planned. The guest bathroom took us 3 days to complete and I thought it was just be a 1 hr slam dunk! Geez, goofed that one up. Spent 10-11 hours working on the main bathroom today.

Today is the type of day you realize having stairs suck. Demo'd the bathroom and I had to carry a 98 inch marble counter top, mirror, and 2 vanities down 3 flights of stairs. Easily went up and down 50 times today. The good news is that we were able to get a lot of the work done and we should be done by next weekend. It's good to have a dad who is handy. Not only handy but you really need the right tools to make the job easier.

Sadly, that is my entire holiday weekend. I am so NOT looking forward to going to work. I also have bball Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday this week. My body is just too old to be playing so much. My left knee is sore, I got my right hand stepped on and swollen. I feel old.

Women in sports

What can I say? I am a guy. I do not like watching women atheletes or women sports...unless the woman is hot. Even then, they usually aren't model hot, but hot for being an athelete. I guess Anna Kournokova is the exception of just being HOT. There was Logan Tom from Stanford Vollyball. Amanda Freed from UCLA softball, Kat Osterman from Texas softball, Sue Bird from the Seattle Storm. Maria Sharapova from tennis.

Now everyone is talking about Danica Patrick. Sure she is okay looking for racing, but racing is about the car and the driver. The driver that is fully clothed wearing a helmet! How you going to check her out in a car, zooming around the track, fully clothed? What is the appeal?

All the other girls I listed get a lot of TV time. Tennis has short outfits. Softball, I am amazed they look like girls and not men. Volleyball...tall girls with short shorts. =)

Tom this clip is for you:

http://www.blondeblog.com/vdestr.html (give it a few seconds to load)

Just common courtesy...

Okay, so the first two days on the new job is like any two days. You are the new guy. You are trying to fit in. All is good. I can't say it is great and I can't say it sucks. It is just alright for now. I can comment about the crapper. There is like 100 LowerMyBills employee's. Say half are women, so that leaves 50 guys for 3 toilets and a urinal. That makes for a pretty busy bathroom. I like to do my business and not feel rushed or hurried.

Well today I came home and explained that to Aya. I then proceeded to fart a smelly and told Aya I gotta go take a crap. So here I am at home. 2 people and 1 toilet. What happens?! Do I get privacy? No!! Aya bangs on the door and says I have a phone call. WHAT?!

1. I just told her that I can't take an enjoyable crap at work because it is busy;
2. I just told her I am taking a crap;
3. I have told her do not bother me in the bathroom.

So now I am interrupted and just mad. Of course I yell at her for not giving me some peace and quiet while on the throne. Naturally Aya tries to cry and justify bothering me. She wanted to know if I was in the crapper. Lets review again:

1. I told her I was in the crapper;
2. The bathroom door was closed;
3. The bathroom radio was on signalling I was either taking a crap or showering;
4. The bathroom fan was on.

It is not like we have a shortage of bathrooms either. We have 3 bathrooms and 2 people. Yet whenever I am in the bathroom Aya likes to stroll on in and start a full on conversation or wait until I am done showering. Like she can't leave me alone for 5 minutes. When we remodel the master bathroom I am going to make it MY bathroom just for me. Not for the kid. Not for Aya. Just me. The king and his throne! Peace at last!!

Face Analyzer

Okay, so Aya and I did this face analyzer on the web:

http://www.faceanalyzer.com/default.aspx

What is up with the results? I am 98% middle eastern? What the hell? Am I Bin Laden? Look at Aya. She is 100% South East Asian. hahahahhahaa!! I suppose the key factor is that I have a very low gay factor. No gayness for me!!