You're not the boss of me! ;0)

Just this morning, I commented on my friend's blog. T is a very giving person...I think, almost to a fault. As I left the comment, I thought I'd post what I had referenced.

(1) So it's somewhere where I can easily access and read it when I need a reminder, and
(2) For anyone who needs a little reminder of who is most important in your life here on this earth.

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

I know, I know...tough agreements to live with, but I think if you can implement them into your life - even a little - your heart will be much happier!

It's August already!...seriously?!

Wow!...apparently, being (way) behind on blogging is the way I do business.

I took a look at the calender today, and realized that we are well into August...and although Jon & I have been home-bodies for the last couple of weeks, we had a very hectic July when we went back home.

Our first stop was New Jersey to visit with Jon's family & friends.

Jon's brothers (he has 4!) have lovingly dubbed him "War Hero"...by lovingly, I mean...well, you know what I mean...

Mom & Pop Chango inadvertently fuel the "War Hero" Fire

...but they're so proud, they can't even help themselves!

Before we arrived on the 2nd, Jon's parents had informed us that they were having a July 4th "block party." I won't lie, Jon & I were a little concerned...there aren't alot of...uh...people our age in their 'hood. Initially, we were thankful that 2 of his 4 brothers-and their families-had been roped in too!

Well, it turned out to be one of the best Independence Days I've enjoyed in a long time (that may have something to do with not being in the States for the last 3)!

The weather was beautiful, and I love love love Jon's family!

Proud Poppa Chango flies the AF flag with the Stars & Stripes

Poppa Chango & Jon
Mom Chango, Meri & me...baking in the sun and not yet knowing it
Jon & his mom, Joanne
DELICIOUS cool-whip flag cake...YUM!

That, of course, was cut & served by the "War Hero"

After a day of sunshine, food & drinks what else would a mature group of people do but set-up to play a game of...beer pong?!

This is the throw of someone long-acquainted with Beer Pong!

that's Andrew in the striped shirt - one of Jon's college fraternity brothers...hmmm...college...beer pong....wonder where that idea blossomed!

Lots of food and a bit of beer...Jon's looking a bit uncomfortable. Maybe we should wrap this up?

...or put on our game faces and keep goin'!

(note Andrew's backwards ball cap...and tie?! He's serious about this!) (I was going to crop the kid on the left out...but he just screams "I'm a Jersey kid!"...HA! It makes me laugh. I had to leave him!)

And, yes, I also got involved in the action...look closely, Lindsay and I are actually playing Root-beer Pong...good thing, since she's only 15!
Lindsay & and I weren't any good - neither one of us had ever played - but, boy were we good sports!...and hyped-up on Root Beer!

Jon & I love living in Europe. Unfortunately, we don't get to see our families very often. So, when we do, lots has always changed.

I had some fun with my camera, and took some pictures of my beautiful niece, Lindsay...who I swear was just a little girl last I saw her.

I was diggin' on her different color socks. I love this picture! I just think it screams Summer-time!

...and let me not forget to mention that my nephew Jason's birthday falls on July 4th.

Doesn't he look thrilled to be hangin' out with us?! ;0)

Do not fret...we did indeed celebrate, and shower him with gifts!

The Changos 2009

(We had taken a couple more "serious" shots, but I like this one - it's more representative of us!)

L to R, F to B: Antoinette, David Jr., Mema, Lisa, Meri, Lindsay, Sabrina, Mason, Nichole, Fr. Anthony, Dave, Big Poppa, Joe, Nick, Jon, Anthony and Jason

Have I mentioned that I LOVE this family?!