It's Life ~

Thank you is the best prayer that anyone could say.
I say that one a lot.  Thank you expresses extreme
 gratitude, humility and understanding...

For the rest of the month and the first 10 days of February,

 I will be going through intense treatment all leading up to finding 

out if my body is still cancer free.  I am positive that this will be 

the case, but in the meantime it's a very draining process.

I started a few weeks a go with doctors appointments. 

 Many doctors appointments.  Then came the  blood 

work.  I have lots of blood work scheduled. 

As mentioned a while back, since we have been in Branson

 I never had the time to follow up on all the tests required. 

Fortunately, now I do.  This week is packed.  Started yesterday

 and it will go on until Friday.  One test after another. 

The days are different but this weeks tests follows the

 above schedule.  After I got home yesterday, I did not realize that

 the injection was what was causing me to be so tired and nauseous.

  You see I have a high tolerance for this stuff, but when I fell

 asleep and Arvid had to wake me up, I knew something

 was not right.  I NEVER nap during the day.

I feel better today and am ready for the other injection.

  The right side of my butt is sore from yesterday so 

today will be on the left side.  That will even it out.

I am looking forward to the results of all these test.
 Will hopefully get them by mid February.  That is if all the
tests are done.  On the fifth day of my first week of tests I will
 be having the entire body scan.  Have had one before. 

Just don't like to be still for long, but nothing I can do.
 Have to just lay down and stay still.  That is the
hardest part for me, other than that a total breeze.

This all sounds like a lot of "work" , but the truth is it's not.
 Just have to show up and do the test.  There are others
 going through a much more difficult time right now. 

My aunt is currently going through one of those very
 difficult times in her life.  One day she was fine.  Next thing
you know her life was turned upside down.  I may have a few weeks
of testing.  My aunt has been going through this for months now.

So when you start to complain and say how difficult your
 life is (me included) think about the millions of people, who
you don't know, and some of who you do.  Their lives are lived
day to day.  They have no idea what the next day holds.

Stop and look around you.  Be thankful for what you have,
for what you take for granted someone else is praying for.

There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as
 though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything
 is a miracle.  Be thankful for what you have. Your life, no matter
 how bad you think it is, is someone else's fairytale...

~Nadiya~

Mornings ~

In a world where you can be anything, be kind...

There is something to be said about being an early riser 

and catching a glimpse of the first rays of sunlight. It's calm, 

it's peaceful, and nothing nor no one to interrupt my thoughts. 

As the new week begins, we are once again given the 

opportunity to correct last week's mistakes.  For those who did 

not make any, kudos to you.  For me life is always a learning path,

 and always a chance to make things better.  At least to give it a try.

My friend Anna in California is missing her Taino so very much.

Her Taino was with her longer than many, and I know she aches.

  Unfortunately, there is not much anyone can do to take away 

her pain, other than to bring her Taino back.  I feel her pain when we

 talk and my heart breaks, for I know what she is going through.

For many of us today is just another day.  For others

 it is a struggle that seems never ending.  It's not always easy. 

What else can we do?  When we face our darkest moments that

 is when we need to focus even more on all the goodness 

surrounding us and all we should be grateful for. 

 This is easier said than done.  When I was facing these intense

 moments of grief, nothing anyone said to me made it better.  

NOTHING.  It took time to ease that agonizing grief.  

It still comes back, but now it is more bearable.

As the new week begins, let's try to be a little kinder to 

each other for we do not know what that other person is 

going through.  Remember, sometimes the brightest

 of smiles hides the most agonizing pain.

A cold start of the week.  At least it will get warmer
 for us, for many the cold will linger for quite some
 more time.  Good morning all, happy Monday, 

The things you take for granted someone else is praying for.

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about...

~Nadiya~

Hello Sunday ~

You will never be happy if you continue to search for

 what happiness consists of. You will never live if 

you are looking for the meaning of life...

As we were driving to Miami yesterday to meet J and Alexandra, 

Arvid said to me, "looking forward to seeing our nephew."  I smiled

 for a very long time, and thinking about it I'm still smiling.

  Arvid gets along with all my family and with the nieces and nephews. 

 I am so happy he has taken an interest in J.  Especially now that 

they live so close to us.  J and Alexandra are easy and down 

to earth people.  No pretense and no supercial anything there.
Looking forward to V and M meeting J and A.

J took us to a Mexican restaurant.  He said he wanted to take

 us there because he and Alexandra really like it.  I love that 

boy and I'm so happy he's just a half hour away from us.

Max also lives in Florida (Naples), but he's a little further

 from us, but I am happy for that as well because now

 we can see both of my nephews every so often.  

After lunch with J and Alexandra, Arvid and I did a little 

touring of our own.  We had a very nice time at the Wynwood Walls. 

 Though we live here in Florida it's our first time there.  

Everyone who visits have been there.  My sisters and my nieces

 and nephews have been there.  Guess it's our turn now.

Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum of international street art.

  Free to all.  Pretty much one of the coolest sights we have seen

 in a while.  We even had the pleasure of seeing one of the street

 artists at work.  Incredible talent all over the place.  Of course 

it was "obligatory" to take the picture with the wings.

I am really enjoying being back in Florida.  We have been going out of

our "comfort zone" and trying new things and going to more places. 

 Hope it continues because I am loving it.  Make life interesting. 

Back in Branson I have heard from some of my friends/former tenants.

  There was snow today, and it's very cold.  I'm really happy to be 

in the warm climate.  I miss everyone, but I do not miss the cold.

Here in Fort Lauderdale even on a so called "cold" winter 

day it's typically warmer than most summer days in Norway.

Sunday here again.  Lots of soccer in store for Arvid.  Today we

 plan on taking on the Boardwalk.  That is the Hollywood

 Boardwalk.  Long time ago before I met Arvid I lived 

close to the Hollywood Boardwalk.  I loved it.

To all a happy Sunday.  For many it's a three day weekend.  

Enjoy and keep making memories.  Life is to be lived to the

 fullest.  Remember, very little is needed to make a happy

 life; it is all within ourselves, in our way of thinking.

When one door of happiness closes, another opens,
 but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not 
see the one that has been opened for us.  There is 
more to life than increasing its speed...

~Nadiya~

Start Of A Beautiful Day ~

Never stop learning because life never stops teaching...

About yesterday.  Let's just say it was amazing.

Also very delicious.  Winter in Florida.  Unbeatable.

After all is said and done, nothing like enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Saturday is here and what a beautiful day awaits us.  Wishing everyone

good times and happy moments.  Life is to be lived.  Live it.

Just because I am awake does not mean I am ready to do things..

~Nadiya~

Friday ~

It is up to you to see the beauty in everyday things...

I have been awake for quite a few hours already.  

Sniff has been brushed and fed.  Now he's once again in 

bed with his dada.  Life is good and both boys are fast 

asleep as it should be.  It's not even 6am as yet.

As I woke up I automatically check to see if the sun 

was up, but it being before 4am the sun sure was not. 

 On the other hand  saw this and of course I had to 

step out.  Zoom in and capture the shot.

Though I try to go back to sleep, once I'm awake it's pretty difficult

 to fall asleep again.  So I already had my cafe.  Watched a little 

on Netflix and finished up my online Real Estate continuing

 education class.  Overall a pretty productive morning so far.

Our day seems pretty open so far, but that can change

 as soon as Arvid wakes up.  He is busy, busy all day and sometimes

 pretty late into the evenings.  This is supposed to be a slow

 down time for us, but I don't think we can do slow down.

It's wintertime, but judging from the above picture 

taken a few days ago who would believe it?  On the

 other hand, "winter" in Florida is exactly this. 

 Yes, we are very fortunate to be living in a place where 

no matter what the season is, you can always go to the

 beach, and your dress code is flip flops and shorts.

Pina Coladas go hand in hand when living in Florida.

  At least for me they do.  Our weekend has already begun 

and who know maybe today we have a few more of these 

tropical drinks with the little umbrella in them.  I am ready.

Wishing everyone a great day and a magnificent start of the weekend.  I woke up.  I have clothes to wear.  I have running water.  I have food to eat.  Life is good.  I am thankful.

Everyday may not be good, but 

there is something good in everyday...

~Nadiya~

Ready For The Day ~

Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking. 
 In order to carry a positive action we must develop a positive vision...

Early morning workout out of the way.  Feels good. So far,

 I have been pretty consistent at it.  Definitely a start in a 

good direction.  Let's hope I stay with it for the long haul.

Both Arvid and I have been busy this week.  Each of us 

with our own agendas taking care of different things.  

At least we got to do things by ourselves.  Always good.

Snis is being adorable as always.  He just loves

 Arvid and when Arvid goes out, Sniff paces 

around until he returns.  Very cute to see.  

We have had some very nice cool temperatures

 these last few days.  Love it.  Reminds me of cooler 

days in Branson. Some days i really miss Branson and all the

 good people there.  Arvid and I have made lots of friends there.

Come summer I know we will be going back for a visit. 

 Already counting down the time for that visit.  Just the 

other day Arvid said to me, "you know I have been 

thinking about Branson and all the good times we had."

The next few weeks will be busy ones for me.  At least as
 far as doctors appointments go.  Come february I will finally get
 to find out what's going on my my body and my hormones.

 Having no Thyroids is not really fun, on the other hand
 I did beat the cancer.  All in all not a bad outcome.

How does your day look so far?

I know that life is difficult. People have challenges.
 Family members get sick, people get older, you don't
 always get the job or the promotion that you want. 
You have conflicts in your life. And really, life is about your 
resilience and your ability to go through your life and 
all of the ups and downs with a positive attitude....

~Nadiya~

A PET’S TEN COMMANDMENTS ~

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals....

I always like to start the New Year with a little reminder as 

to how fortunate we are to have these fur babies in our lives.

Today I dedicate my blog to pets, for all of us that 

are lucky to have a pet you will relate to this, for those

 that don't I believe you will also be able to understand

 the bond a pet owner and their pets share.....

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. 
Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up
 as punishment. You have your work, your I friends, 
your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words,
 I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember

that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative,

ask yourself if something might be bothering me.  Perhaps 
I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun 
too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old.
 You too,  will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with 
me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't 
make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me
 if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!

BRUTUS…LIL MYSULF

I love you with all my heart and we will always take care of you.

You came to us on October 18 2006.  You died November 5th,2015.
My world changed, and because of you your dada is a better person.
Brutus, no matter what other kitty we have, you will always be my baby.

SHADOW. you came to us November 10th.  You were fearless.
Your life was cut short too fast.  We never had the chance to 
see you grow up.  You died tragically on March 5th, 2016.

Enter Sniff.  March 7th 2016.  Today he is our little bundle of fur.
He makes us happy and is the right fit for us.  How lucky 
we are to have had theses little fur babies in our
 lives.  How lucky we are to have Sniff.

If you are fortunate to have a fur baby in your life. 
 Take care of them for they give unconditional love 
and all the ask in return is to be loved,

An animal's eyes have the
 power to speak a great language...

~Nadiya~

Monday Is Here ~

New Monday.  New week.  New goals...

Monday already.  Happy for the new week to kick off. 

 Pretty soon I will be having tons of tests for my Thyroid. 

 It has been close to 3 years since I had any check ups so 

 looking forward very much to seeing and finding out
 what has been going on with my hormonal system.

The weather here in Fort Lauderdale has been pretty amazing. 

 We are experiencing warmer than expected temperatures

 for this time of the year.  Best part no humidity.

Mom and dad have been in California close to month already.

  Miss talking to her very much.  Because of the time 

difference, it gets difficult to call her everyday.  

By the time she is waking up we are already busy with our day.

  Can't wait for them to be back in North Carolina.  Same time 

zone as all of us.  That is of course except Rima and family.

Yesterday we had another open house.  Quite a showing of
 people came.  All I can say is that it's not in the quantity,
 but quality of people.  Just have to wait and see.

I love open house days.  Takes downtown Fort Lauderdale
 to get the signs and then take them back to our brokers
office.  Gives us time for a nice outing in the area. 

We have had a good week.  I was able to talk to one of
our friends in Branson.  He always cheers me up with his chats.
Happy Monday all.  Let's get this week rolling.

No one is you.  And that is your superpower...

~Nadiya~

Hello Beautiful Day ~

The way you treat yourself sets the standards 

for others on how you demand to be treated.  

Don't settle for anything other than respect...

One thing that will never change for me is my

 love of mornings.  While Arvid sleeps, Sniff and I are

 wide awake.  Well sometimes Sniff is partially awake and has

 to spy around the corner and decide if it's time for him to come 

out, but as soon as he sees his brush, he's all ready to go.

This morning was quiet with just a few boats passing by.

When my nieces were here they did not want many pictures 

taken of them nor did they want me to post anything.  For

 two young girls they sure wanted their privacy protected.

  I asked them, "don't you want to be like everyone

 who as soon as they go someplace new, posts so 

much that anyone can track their whereabouts?"

Their answer surprised me because it sounded just like

 what Arvid would say.  Both Reshma and Danielle said, 

"we don't have to impress anyone.  We know who we are and where

 we are.  The world does not need to know our every move."

I had nothing to say because I was also very impressed. 

For young girls you would think they would be posting all day 

long in Facebook and all other social networks.  They did not. 

When I mentioned this to Arvid he said, "smart girls.  I like that."

I of course had to get a few pictures of them.  Lots of protests, 

but I managed. They said, "because you're our aunt."  I had to

 promise not to post them.  I sorta did not tell them everything.

I wish more people would start taking their lives and
 their privacy more seriously.  I have seen and heard of
way too many things just because someone had
to broadcast to the world where they are.

Our home is quiet again.  The girls did quite a bit while

 they were here.  They even managed to get Arvid and 

I down to the pool. 2019 is already in full swing.  

Hope so far it is treating everyone good.

Today we have another open house.  Always fun
 because as mentioned before, we get to meet interesting people,
hopefully one will buy the house and at the same time
we get to go downtown to our brokers office.  

There are two ways to live your life.  One as though nothing 

is a miracle, the other as though everything is a miracle....

~Nadiya~

Friday Vibes ~

It's not that we spend five days looking forward to just two.

 It's that most people do what they enjoy most on those two days. 

Imagine living a life where everyday are your Saturdays and Sundays. 

Make everyday your weekend. Make everyday a play-day...

Waking up to really nice and cooler temperatures.  Loving it. 

  Arvid of course can't stop saying how cold it is.  Perfect 

time to open some windows and the balcony doors.

  Get some of that fresh air circulating.

As you all may know, I love t-cups.  Not just any kind. 

 Has to be just right and only I can buy my own t-cup.  

My mom also knows what I like and has bought me a few.

Sniff is already tucked in next to Arvid.  As Arvid

 put's it, Sniff is helping him to do our income taxes.

Started working out a little since we got back to Florida.

  Can really do with a few less pounds.  Long journey ahead,

 but it's been a few months already and I keep pushing on.

Friday is looking good.  Not sure what we have in

 store for it as yet, but that's the beauty of our lifestyle.  

We make decisions in seconds and run with it.

To all a good start of the weekend.

Friday fills your day with excitement as it waits

 for the weekend to pay a visit.So, don't let it down....

~Nadiya~