You scream, we all scream, for ice cream

On Sunday Aya and I walked to the market to get some groceries for dinner. I saw my sister in line at the market and scarred her as she exited the store. It was great.

It was kinda hot so after the market we stopped at Thrifty’s for ice cream. There was this ugly fat chick in front of us waiting to order. You want to know why fat people stay fat?? This chick got like a pint of ice cream….for herself! Now I love me some ice cream but a pint….and with all different flavors?? You wonder why Americans are over weight.

Back to the story, so I order mint chocolate chip. Aya and I are walking back home, chatting away and eating our ice cream. Aya stops, looks and me and starts laughing. Apparently, I have a little chocolate on the side of my face. Since I didn’t have a camera, the little chocolate is noted in the BEFORE picture.

I take off my ice cream cone wrapper and ask Aya to wipe it off. Aya laughs at me all the way home. I get home and now I got chocolate all over my face! Apparently, Aya spread the chocolate mess on my face instead of wiping up the chocolate mess. The AFTER picture. See, now I have proof Aya isn’t as nice as she seems.

A whole different world....

A super BIG THANK YOU to Saori. Aya and I met Saori at Babies R Us this weekend and Saori's helped us register for baby stuff. I have to say that I don't think I would have been able to register for stuff on my own. I mean, I could have...but I highly doubt I would have registered for the right stuff.

I did NOT register for any wedding stuff. I figured a plate is a plate. I was NOT going to register for baby stuff because I simply didn't care. If I don't care, then I just make Aya do it because it doesn't interest me. Good thing I went because Aya and I were shocked at how much there is that we needed to take care of a baby. A warmer to heat baby wipes, microwaveable sanitizers, humidifers, bottles, sheets...what a racket this whole baby merchandise market.

I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but do you like registering for things? I feel like a mooch. Registering kinda feels like shouting out to friends and family, "HEY, buy me stuff!!" I kept trying to pick cheap stuff but all those little things just add up after a while. Plus, for a wedding I buy stuff for people off a registry. When babies are born, I didn't even know people registered!! I just go to the store and buy something or else I wait and go in on a group gift. Apparently people do look at gift registries...who knew. Too bad Babies R Us didn't have a video game section!! =)

Oh yeah, you know what else is wierd. Seeing all these women with strollers. It is like watching a pit crew at the Indy 500. The unfold and fold the stroller, plop the kid in and away they go. Babies R Us is full of pregnant women...with guys in tow. Heck, I was one of those guys. I mean, the store is full of preggo's. Blleecch. Who wants to look at preggo people all in one place?! Its like going to the OBGYN and waiting in the waiting room. Nothing but preggo people staring at you....and not in a good way either. Is this what my life is about to become??

It got me thinking, maybe Saori should start charging expectant (not me) parents for consulting fees about shopping for baby products. I think first time parents would totally go for someone taking them shopping and answering questions about baby products.

Well, it is good to get that done and out of the way. Thanks again Saori. This is not a shameless plug, but some people have asked if we registered. We are registered at Babies R Us, registry # 42633231.

Happy belated birthday to Hans!!

Random thoughts...

Ever smell your toenails? How come your toenails sometimes smell like belly button lint? F-u-n-k-y.

Note: That is a NOT a pic of my toenails....it's Jenny's!
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As many as seven teenagers were throwing eggs at cars about 11 p.m. Sunday, according to police. Marion County, Ind., sheriff's deputies said that after the juveniles hit one motorist in the face, the man drove off before returning with a gun, shooting one 15-year-old boy in the leg and another 17-year-old boy in the stomach.

Brandon Dunson, 15, was dead when his friends found him. The other victim, Michael Dyer, 17, was treated and released.

James Patterson was one of the boys involved in the egg-throwing incident.

"I think they should find him (the shooter). I don't know where he is right now, but I hope he regrets what he did because he just shot a minor over some eggs," Patterson said. "He didn't have to take it to the extreme. He could've just called the cops. He didn't have to go home, get a gun and come back and shoot us."

I like how people never like to take responsibility for the actions taken. Sure, it is a tragic loss to be shot and killed over egging people, but the kids didn’t have to initiate the action by egging people. Especially with all the road rage and car shootings nowadays you just have to be careful.

Soul Mates

I was watching this dating show on ABC the last two weeks. It basically chronicles various women who date men via the internet. To start a lot of these dudes are liars. They use pictures of themselves that are 10-15 years old and they lie about their age. Sadly, the women are not much better either. The women on the show come off as desperate just looking for husbands. It really makes me happy that I don’t have to go through any of that.

It did get me thinking about soul mates. Do you think there is just one perfect soul mate for you? Out of the billions and billions of people do you think there is just one? Couldn’t you have a few? Those were just questions I was thinking about and then someone asked an interesting question:

How do YOU define a soul mate?

Interesting because I never thought I needed to define a soul mate. I just thought a soul mate was just that…a soul mate. I never thought about what I would look for in “MY” soul mate.

I guess the obvious answer would be your spouse. You marry your spouse because they are your soul mate. Hmm, I don’t think so. Sadly, I would say people marry for convenience, for security, etc. Even if you were in a great and perfect marriage, have you dated at least 1 million people?? I would say you would at least have to date 1 million people in order to even have a slight shot at finding your soul mate. Even if you did, would you know it right away? Does finding your soul mate equal love at first site?

Hmm, maybe there is no such thing as a soul mate. So, people out there speak up. Do you believe in soul mates? If so, how do YOU define a soul mate?

Friends and Family weekend...

Okay Jen, since you asked you got it, here are pics of Aya at 22 weeks pregnant. Front and side shots. I don't really think she looks pregnant at all but Aya thinks she is as big as a house. I told her just wait until the 3rd trimester when she really blows up!

Thanks to everyone about cord blood info. It's good to actually get feedback since I don't really know who reads the website.

Aya and I had a nice weekend with friends and family. We visited Yosh and Cindy and saw their new house and baby. After that we went down to OC and visited all the usual Thanksgiving relatives. Since Aya and I might be a no show for this Thanksgiving (the baby is due on turkey day) we decided to go to the family outing. What was nice was I got to see cousins who are usually MIA. My sister came after work, Kevin didn't have to work and Scott surprised us with an appearance. It was good to see everyone.

Who listens to their parents?

So I was reading some websites during the week and I saw 30 Days on FX this week and it got me thinking. Your parents (at least mine) would always tell me, don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t do drugs, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t cheat, etc. The list goes on and on.

Now everyone knows right from wrong, but how many of you actually listened to your parents? Who hasn’t had a drink before 21, who hasn’t lied about something, who hasn’t cheated, who hasn’t stole something?? If we actually listened to our parents and did the right thing, why is it that we do the wrong thing?

Do I even waste my breath and tell my child not to do those things? I mean he is going to do it anyway, right? So on 30 Days, this mom tries to show her daughter the problems about binge drinking. For 30 days this mom who rarely drinks, drinks heavily for 30 days. The daughter doesn’t really care and just says, “Welcome to my world, mom.”

Phew, good thing I didn’t have a daughter. I can say right now, the good thing about having a boy is that he can’t get pregnant. Man, this whole parenting deal sounds harder and harder.

To any parents out there, did you consider saving the cord blood?

Lunch with co-workers

How many people out there really like going to group lunches? I am not talking about a group lunch where it is ‘your’ group of friends at work. I am talking the whole department and a few others.

Granted, you may like a few folks in your department but a majority you may or may not be social with at work. Yesterday, we had a group farewell lunch for a co-worker. I had to set it up if you can believe it. Well, the lame thing about a group lunch is that we usually split the bill evenly. For example, 11 people the bill is $100 bucks, subtract the celebratory guest, so $100 / 10 = $10 bucks a person. Great. Nice and easy.

Well, not so much because at lunch some people order the most expensive thing, some people order beer and some people order the cheapest thing. Thus, if you were the loser getting the $5 sandwich you totally get screwed by the guy that gets the fish special and the beer. You would think the people ordering the more expensive dish you just throw in more money but they don’t. I hate cheap bastards that can’t pay their own share!

Can you se"E" me now?

What is 5 months? 5 months is how far along Aya is in her pregnancy. 5 months is about how much longer until my birthday. 5 months is about a the length of a college semester. 5 months is about when Fable: Lost Chapters is released for the PC.

What else is 5 months? 5 months I got to own a Porsche Boxster. A Boxster. Sure, the Porsche with panties. Call it what you will, but I only have wanted a Boxster. No Cheyene, no 911, no 928, 944 just the Boxster. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would own a Boxster. I loved a roadster, I loved being in the sun, I loved having a convertible, I loved the way it drove (just wish it was faster). Is it better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all??? I dunno. It's pretty tough.

Now, this is no pity party moment. It isn't like I am suffering with my replacement. Sunday, Aya and I traded in the Boxster for a family car. I am now rolling in a 2006 Mercedes Benz E350. While it dreams and looks like my dad's car (well not my dad, but maybe white people's dads), it isn't too shabby. Still getting used to driving a bigger car. I am thinking this car will make me less agro as it just doesn't handle like *ahem* a Boxster. Just one more expense we are incurring for this nameless and faceless boy of mine.

I thought it was kinda funny. I think the Celica saw me in the Benz. I went to drive the Celica this morning to work....didn't start. It didn't even pretend to start. Just said, "NO." Of course I came home to check everything out...it started on the first try.

A house outside a gym...

Went down to the eastside this weekend to check out Ron's new house. A nice big house. It was good getting together outside of basketball. I guess we used to get together more often but as we have gotten older, time is limited, priorities are different...at least we didn't go last week when fish tacos and fish corn were on the menu!! Jenny, Saori and Lance got shafted. We had ribs and bbq this weekend!! Pretty soon, everyone in the picture will be married and not just Aya and I!

Random stuff from the week

Okay, I back from being in shock that we are having a baby boy. I can't express how caught off gaurd it took me. I mean it was 50-50, but I never entertained the thought it could be a boy, so I just rolled with it and thought girl. A boy is actually great...I always wanted a boy...but to be 100% honest, I was looking forward to having a girl. Really the important thing is just for a healthy baby and from the ultrasound, we can see two legs, two arms, 4 valves of the heart...things look good.

I don't think this is a good sign. I told my Dad that I we were going to have a boy and he just laughed. After he stopped laughing he says giddily, "What comes around, goes around." What is that suppose to mean?? I am going to have a great kid, just like me?? I mean, I am the greatest child a parent could want. No offense Dawn, but there is a reason you are #2....that is to show the difference between average (you) and great (me).

So just some random thoughts this week. Maybe someone knows the answer to this one. Aya and I were watching the All-Star game on Tuesday. Miguel Tejada. Is he black or mexican? I think he is from the Domincan. Is he just a dark mexican that looks black? Or is he black with a mexican accent??

A helpful tip for anyone over 30 out there. When getting a cramp in your leg, DO NOT TRY to stretch it out before the cramp occurs. I was sitting at work and I felt my calf tingle. I was thinking, "Hmmm, I am getting a cramp." Well before I let it get to be a cramp I decided to shake my leg out. Not a bright move. I ended up straining my calf muscle and creating these micro-tears. I could hardly walk on it for 2 days.

I assume most of you have heard the news about the guy that used his baby as shield. While it is tragic, I really don't know what the big deal is. The guy shot 40 rounds at the LAPD. Bullets are flying around not only the police but the public. Now the LAPD firing 90 rounds is kinda execessive...what did SWAT do...count to 3 and then have everyoneshoot?! Like they don't have a sharp shooter? I am all for police using excessive force. Kill'em all and let god sort them out.

Thanks for everyone on car suggestions. Let me just say as of right now, I have ZERO interest in an SUV or minivan. I personally don't drive those cars. I mean Ferrai could make and SUV and I wouldn't be interested. I like my cars lower to the ground and a sedan is just fine for me.

It is a B-O-Y!!

We just got back from the Doctor's this morning and we are having a baby boy!!! I guess a mother's instinct is right. Aya thought it was a boy from the very beginning. We had dinner with Aya's cousin last night and she dreamed we also had a boy. The only other person that guessed correctly was Ron (who is homo-phobic, so I am not sure why he guessed boy).

In any case, I am still in shock. I had to ask the Doctor to check again. I was 99.9% sure it was a girl. I had only thought, girl-girl-girl so when I heard the Doctor say boy I was caught off gaurd. Aya and I were talking about it last night and I also dreamed if could be a boy...then I woke up sweating and feeling and ill.

Well, if the baby is early, Miles Jr. could be a possibility for a name. If not, we have a babies name already picked out. NO we are NOT telling anyone. Actually Dawn knows so go and call her. =) hahahaa, okay, Dawn doesn't know but I thought it would be funny if people started asking her. Nope, we just don't want to jinx anything by telling people the babies name.

Such Sweet Sorrow

I think I made up my mind. I will be parting ways with my current pride and joy. I have debated and thought up different scenario's but with a baby on the way, it just does not seem viable to keep the porsche.

TRUST ME. I have given it a lot of thought. I was grumpy most of the week. Mostly towards Aya...especially when she told me that a Scion xB would be nice. So, I have to eat the cost of owning a porsche for a few 5 months. I got 3 other cars on my mind and hopefully I will have a new car by August 1st. (So if anyone wants to buy a 2004 Boxster let me know ASAP!)

I am still shying away from an SUV and mini-van. I just can't. I just can't drive one. I don't like driving one. I don't think it is in my personality to drive a SUV.

All I can say is, this future kid of mine better not be asking me for a car. I am giving up by Boxster for this kid.

Still time to make a prediction...

Well so far the tally is 4 votes for a girl and 2 votes for a boy. Although only mean spirited Jenny picked a girl because she thinks that a girl will be harder for me. Um, hello. I actually voted for a girl.

I just do not think I have the patience for a boy right now. I think a girl will help mellow me out some more. I told Aya, she better start saving money now, because I am going to need a gift of extreme value to have child number 2. Child number 1 isn't even here yet and things are costing a fortune.

Single guys out there, let me warn you...you thought weddings were lame???! Buying baby furniture if the biggest scam out there!! HUGE. For one, baby furniture costs the same about as adult furniture!! The sales people totally prey on your emotions. "Don't you want the best furniture and safest furniture for your kids?" Umm, hello?! Not at these prices. You gotta be kidding me?!

A crib and changing table dresser and hutch. Guess how much? No really. Pick a number in your head. Guess. Did you guess?? 1000 bucks. 1000 friggin dollars. Don't even get me started on car seats. I mention car seats and everyone is like you sooo need a car seat. How can you not get one?!

Yes, I know car seats are the law. Umm, people my age, think back say...29 years. 30 years. Um, I remember standing in my dads van while he was driving. I remember standing the back seat on the station wagon leaning over into the front seat talking to my parents. I remember sitting in the rear cab of the station wagon on top of the gas tank!! I remeber ONLY lap seat belts. (funny, this is off the subject, but I remember sitting in the back seat of the car giving my sister ABC gum. hahahahaha!)

I used to tell people who wanted to get married and asked for my opinion that marriage is not for everyone. Sure, having a kid has really been a happy time for us. Very, very happy...but having kids is so not cheap. I do not know how poncho down the street has 9 kids. At least with 9 kids you know he is getting the max ROI on his baby furniture!

Losing...

Boy this week is all about reflecting on one’s self. First, I admit to being a jerk. Second, my sister says that I will be a mean parent regardless if it is a boy or a girl. Third, I am just a poor loser.

I don’t know how pro athletes cope with losing. Sure they get paid a boat load of money but every athlete is competitive. How do you stand losing? Now, I don’t have to win EVERY time, but my Tuesday bball team is probably 10-90 in the last 2 years. That is 10 wins TOTAL. For the most part the guys try….we just aren’t as big, tall or athletic as other teams. If this was the NBA I would so be just hoping to opt out, get traded or be a free agent. Now I know why people leave the expansion teams!

Oh yeah, I was losing in scrabble to Aya the other day. Unexplainably the board flipped upside down and all the tiles came out. Unofficially, I guess I lost the match, but it wasn’t an official game since we did not finish the game.

Thank you...Cingular...Jerk

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend. It was great having the extra time off from work. Let me first start by saying THANK YOU to Saori for lending Aya her maternity clothes. Nothing worse than hearing everyday, "I look fat" or "I can't fit into my clothes". Saori, good looking out!!

Look out everyone. Miles got some technology. I broke down and got a cellular phone ( and NOT because Luda-chrissy was bugging me to get one either). Work is paying for my phone and cable modem access. Of course the 'catch' is that I have to work from home and be on call. Grr. At least for now, I will be accessible for Aya's pregnancy and for anyone else on CINGULAR. Free mobile to mobile for Cingular customers. Any of you out there Cingular customers with downloaded ringtones? If so, hook a techically challenged brother up and send me the ring tones.

I try and try to be a nice guy but sometimes my inner JERK comes out. Aya and I got into an argument and I just couldn't hold it in any longer and just burst out yelling. Yes, I know yelling at a pregnant woman isn't good. You know what is harder?? Actually yelling. It isn't so easy yelling at a pregnant lady without feeling a little bad. Normally I can yell at Aya, watch her cry and then go off on my merry way. It isn't so easy when she is pregnant...I actually felt bad...like a jerk.