The past 19 years of my life have been graced the presence of my sweet little brother.  Not like a typical little brother, Ryan has always been my shoulder to cry on.  He takes care of his little sister, and our family.  His grandma adores him.  See video below, of just how much love she is willing to show.

Grandma got Ryan!

Thank you for the last 19 years, and I can’t wait to celebrate at least 19 more little brother!

There are many “firsts” in life that someone can be proud of.  They are more than just the ”First car” or “First kiss.”  These are things like “First time to watch a movie without your parents” and “First time to buy a pair of shoes on your own.”  These are firsts that you may not always celebrate, but ones that you will NEVER forget.

Last night, Rhissa and I made a tutu!  Her school was having a spirit day, and neither of us knew where to buy a tutu.  After careful research, we found that the only supplies needed were some tulle and elastic. 

This project turned out far better than expected, and now Rhissa and I can add yet another “first” to our list. 

Do YOU have a first that you’d like to share?

Be Yourself! Everyone else is taken.

If it’s 8:30am in Seattle, WA but 4:30pm in Dublin, Ireland…am I allowed to have a beer without feeling like I’m over indulging?

My name is Rhemy, and I don’t drink.  But I do know people that would prefer to be drinking, than be at work at 8:30am.  Is it really so bad to drink that early in the morning?  If so, why?  Most people are responsible enough to know when to stop after your first can/bottle.  Is coffee really THAT much better for  you? 

Any thoughts?  Because, several people here are waiting to have their morning beer.

Here is a link to watch those oh so cute roller skating babies from AlvionHarris.com:
http://www.alvionharris.com/blog/2009/07/dancing-babies/

I am 23 years old, which means that when the original release of “Thriller” aired on MTV, I was -2. Farrah Fawcett’s iconic Life magazine photo hit stands when I was -9. I can’t necessarily say that I “miss” MJ, because for my generation…he’s the “crazy guy on the balcony.” Farrah too, is just that old Charlie’s Angel, before there were Barrymore, Diaz, and Liu.

I’m not saying that their lives weren’t full, or meaningful, or that they shouldn’t be mourned or celebrated. I’m just saying that “timing” just wasn’t there.

Ms. Fawcett spent the last months of her life battling a life threatning disease. She has broadcasted Farrah’s Story and really tugged at the heart strings of the American people. Myself included. I wasn’t even aware that she was sick until that broadcast, then I began to follow her last days with a hope that she would go with out pain. I imagined her “day” would include many crowds around the country celebrating her life, and several news channels covering her full and bright life. Her TIMING was SO off! So let me be one of the few to blog a memorial to Farrah.

R.I.P with the Angel’s

Ryan Delfin * Jason Thepavong * Samantha Pua * Travis Gundram * Jesse Grewal * Raymod Nacario * Mary Nguyen * Brittany Yeamens * Domingo Roxas * Ethan Matsui * Ryan Nelson * Vincent Nguyen * Leighanna Lawson * Jacob Allie * Willie Greer * Amanda Robbins  * Faith Sairez * Gretchen LLantada * Ti Nguyen * Christine Yamaguchi *

Any professional business person will know, that in order to sucessfully accuse another or protect yourself, you must CYA.  Covering your backside means you need to have evidence to backup your accusations.  Having a logical reason for the action you have taken.  In the case of three high school students in Renton, WA this evidence is unavailable. 

Three students from Lindberh High School have been suspended for the remainder of the school year AND were told that they will not be able to walk across stage with their peers on graduation day.  These three boys were singled out and removed from their Senior Prom last weekend. 

Rumor spread throughout the dance floor that drinking may have taken place prior to arriving at the event.  These rumors reached the ears of the schools volunteer chaperones.  A chaperone apprehended the boys and asked them to confess to their allegations, required them to give up names of the others involved, and sign a statement of the confession they had provided.  One pf the boys volunteered to take a breathalyzer test and prove the rumors were just that.  He was denied. 

By midnight Saturday the 30th of May, three boys were stripped of a milestone in their life they will never be able to get back.  By noon on Monday the 1st of June, they were stripped of another, walking across stage for graduation.

The school administration spoke with the boys and their parents trying to come to a compromise of the situation and present a unified solution.  In the end the decision remained.  The boys would not be allowed to finish the last 10 days of their four year high school journey, and they would not be allowed to participate in the ceremony celebrating their four long years of hardwork and continued effort in education. 

Several of the boys’ peers are outraged at the treatment of their classmates.  Students are walking around with the names of their friends inked on their hands, and some are even considering boycotting senior activities in the coming weeks.  This is not because they feel their peers are fully innocent, but because the punishment quite obviously does not fit the crime.

Seven hours a day, five days a week, students roam the halls of Lindbergh High School confident that within those walls they are safe, respected, and understood.  However, the decisions made by chaperones last Saturday evening became a wrecking ball on the walls of this institution.

A modern relationship is vastly different from those in the past.  Many can now be calculated for compatibility, and forged via dating websites. Couples can spend months in different states and “see” each other through webcams.  Long distant relationships are easier to maintain as cell phone service is becoming more widespread.  However, with modern technology and compatibility tests, the national divorce rate is rising.

Communication.  Contrary to popular belief, it is more than just two people exchanging words.  Communicating with your spouse may often times not even include words.  Hand gestures, eye contact, and body language are key ingerdients in successfully commnicating your thoughts.  

Scene 1:

Rhemy: Steven, please take the Blockbuster movie to the mailbox.

Steven: Okay.

In the above situation, I CLEARLY asked Steven to take the movie to the mailbox.  Steven also CLEARLY agreed.  However, the movie never made it there.  Why? 

Scene 2:

Rhemy (standing behind Steven who is sitting in the living room): Steven, please take the  Blockbuster movie to the mailbox.

Steven (sitting in the living room while playing Xbox Live): Okay.

This proves that communication may not always just be in the words, but the time of the conversation, environment, and the combination of both parties actively LISTENING.  The above conversation could also occur via cell phone where each are on their afternoon commute.  In either case, NEITHER are focused.

Scene 3:

Rhemy (while sitting at the dinner table just before dessert):  Steven, please take the  Blockbuster movie to the mailbox.

Steven (while sitting at the dinner table just before dessert): Okay.

In this scene, we’ve made eye contact and have focused solely on the request on the table.  We’ve also listened to each other and allowed the words to truly enter our ears.

Talking + Eye contact + Body Language + Listening= Communication

In 2009 we as a population are well connected.  We can learn about our future husbands/wives from their Facebook or Myspace page.  I challenge you to take the time and find out one new thing about your fiance’/fiancee’ each week.  Throughout time you may find goals, dreams, and thoughts that you may never have otherwise learned. 

Be yourself.  Everyone else is taken!