Feb 28, 2014

Brutus...Hurting Again

 Pets are our close companions because they provide love, comfort, safety, 
warmth, happiness, levity, wonder, laughter, and friendship. Pets teach us to have
 more patience  with life and to enjoy the simple things...

When Brutus is hurting and there is nothing we can think of to do to make him feel better 
is about the worst feeling I can have.  At least if Arvid is hurting or I am hurting,
we can communicate with each other.  Brutus just sits in a corner and if he comes
out of his hiding spot he just stares at us as if asking, "why don't you do 
something so that I can be better?"


Yesterday was pretty bad.  All of his cuts are starting to open up again.They are oozing 
and  as one doctor recommended, I soaked a cloth in some cold water and antibacterial soap
 and just cleaned the wounds.  Even before I touched his paw,Brutus pulled back and as I 
applied the cold cloth he literally screamed.  Yesterday and the day before he was hidden
behind some of my clothes all the way in the closet.  A spot he has not used before.
Took us quite a long time to find him.  He stayed there most of the day, unless he was
hungry in which case he showed up.  He ate then went back in his hideaway.

That tells me he is really hurting.  He has not used his scratching pad which
he loves.  He has not followed Arvid around much, which is also his pass time.


This morning he woke up and slept with us for a little on the bed.  His usual routine.
He is also as of right now is not in hiding so that's good, but the paw is looking
gruesome and  I am afraid to apply the wet cloth for fear of hurting him.

Today we go yet to another doctor.  This doctor was recommended by
a friend who said that his doggie was saved thanks to the unique treatments given
by the doctor.  Supposedly the doctor blends modern medicine with a little bit of
holistic treatment.  Right now we are so open to suggestions.  If there is anyone out there
who has any suggestions, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.


You can INBOX me to:nadiyas@gmail.com or you can inbox me via Facebook.
I know you all care for Brutus. You have all been here for him, for us throughout this
 entire process and I do appreciate the kindness you have shown and the recommendations
 you have always given me.  Today we are still looking for suggestions for his care and
for a treatment.  Has anyone seen something like this?  Please Please let me know.


For now he's not yet hiding.  Both Arvid and I are just looking at him and
trying to anticipate what he wants and needs.  I do not want to leave him alone
I am probably over cautious, but that's how I am.  Our baby is hurting and
I am sad because I cannot stop his pain.  What does that say about me?
Soon it's time to take him to the vet.  Hoping always for a miracle!!!


For now wising you all a good day.  Remember our pets may not be able to talk to
us, but they definitely know how to tell us what's going on in many other ways.
The question is not, "Can they reason?" nor, "Can they talk?" but "Can they suffer?



The universe is big, its vast and complicated, and ridiculous. 
And sometimes, very rarely, impossible things just happen and we call them miracles. 
And that's the theory. Nine hundred years, never seen one yet, but I will never give up.
Maybe it's soon time for a little miracle to work its wonders for us....
~Nadiya~

Feb 26, 2014

Good Morning...

Be someones else's sunshine.  
Be the reason someone smiles today....

Sending warm wishes and hopefully some warmer to all my friends and family
going through another terrible snow storm.  Sending you a little box of sunshine to 
brighten your day as you always brighten mine.

My sisters are freezing.  Mom and dad just got back to their home in North Carolina.  
They left sunny Florida and are now bundled up with lots of clothes and with the heat 
running.  My nieces and nephews are probably off school today due to heavy snow. 
 At least someone is having fun in the snow.


Here at home in Florida the sun is shining and the temperatures are rising.
As you can see in the picture above taken from our living room.  Sunshine is already here.

Good morning everyone.  Stay warm.  Drive carefully and drink lots
of hot chocolate.  As I have mentioned before, Arvid is a true believer in this.


have a good day everyone. 
Remember just think..today the sun will shine on me.

A little spark of kindness can put a colossal
burst of sunshine into someone' day...

~Nadiya~

Feb 25, 2014

Hard To Say Goodbye....

It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad 
and I'd much rather say hello.
 Hello to a new adventure...

I don't know what's wrong with me!  I'm acting like a big sissy.  I'm grown up, but somehow
 I keep thinking, "mom and dad are gone" and all I want to do is cry.  Yes cry.  It's not like I 
will not see them again. But you know we have had them here in Florida close to two months
 and then comes time to say goodbye.

Goodbyes are not my thing.  I doubt it's anyone's thing.  But last night I was just sitting in bed 
and all I could think of is how much I am going to miss them.  This year they stayed back this 
long for me.  Because I was going to be in the hospital and now all of a sudden they are gone and
 I feel an emptiness.  Going to the house they stayed in will not be the same.  Usually I would go 
and moms aromas filled the air.  I miss her already and I miss my dad.  But she and I would do
 stuff all the time and now there is no one to go and have coffee with whenever I feel like it.


Since they came my fridge was always stocked with all sorts of my favorite foodies.  There is 
still some left.  Why is it so hard to say goodbye???  At least I know they are not that far from me, 
but still it's far. My mom and dad are getting older and I want to be able to spend so much more
 time close to them.  Yeah, as I write this my emotional state is in high alert.  Could be from the 
pain I am feeling or from the painkillers I have taken.  Whatever the reason, all I know is that 
I am sad.  I am missing them.  I am thinking of the next time we will see them.


My mom is my friend.  I can tell her anything and she always listens.  Sometimes we don't realize
 (us children) how harsh our words can be.  But she listens and she comforts and she's always there
 for us.  She and my dad are always there to give a helping hand.
We may not always agree but one thing is for sure, we know
that we have their unconditional love and support. 

Arvid knew I wanted to see them one more time so very early yesterday morning we went 
to the house to say goodbye.  It looked so empty, but at least I got to hug them and kiss 
goodbye before they left.  I know they want to get back home and that they have been away 
longer than they thought they would, but..  Anyway, I am grateful always for time with them.


A daughter may outgrow your lap,
but she never outgrows your heart..
A mom and dad's hug last long after they let go....

~Nadiya~

Feb 24, 2014

Lucky Me...

I've been lucky. Opportunities don't often come along. 

So, when they do, you have to grab them...

Some might think that just because they have many things happening all at once to 
them, that must mean that somehow life has turned maybe cast a "bad" spell
on one.  Me I see it as in many ways being the lucky one.  Well if I were not in
the hospital, I would have not had the opportunity to see two of my sisters for a long time.
to come.  Also, I had an extra long time with my parents.  Which is a treat.  ALWAYS!


I even snagged a beautiful bouquet of roses yesterday.  Thanks Victoria and
Michael, and I was not even that "sick" anymore.  Oh yeah!  I am feeling
good and I am so fortunate to have wonderful people with me.

I wish you all a good week ahead.  Remember sometimes when "bad" 
things happen we all have the ability to do something about it.
As they say if you can't change your  fate, change your attitude.  Mine has
always been to look at life and everything in a positive way.  Yes, I have many 
doubts and fears at times, but the way I see it is that if  you keep your face always
 toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you


A bad attitude is like a flat tire,
if you don't change it you will never go anywhere....

~Nadiya~

Feb 23, 2014

Sunday...

Life is not always a matter of holding good cards,
but sometimes, playing a poor hand well.

My sisters came and my sisters left.  Though I had told them not to come,
I was really happy to see them and to be able to reassure them that I was OK and for
them not to worry so much.  Mom and dad are also soon leaving and because I am not feeling
as good as I want to I will not be seeing them on the last day that they are here.  All I know
is that I have a wonderful family.  Mom and dad stayed much longer than they normally would 
just so that they can be near by for me and for Arvid.  Of course before my mom and sisters left 
they came to us with tons of foodies for me.  Lots of soups and chicken made just the way I like.


I'm already missing them all.  Coming from a big family has so many advantages as far 
as I am concerned.  The sad thing is that when they leave the place is so empty and quiet.
Even though they did not stay with us, I knew they were just a few minutes away.  I will
miss y mom the most because she and I always did something together even if it was only
time for a cup of coffee at Starbucks.  We both had a good time and now I just have to wait until
 next time we see them.  


People come and people go.  That's life.  Today we see Victoria, Arvid's eldest daughter
and her boyfriend.  Looking forward to this also very much.  Hopefully we will have 
some good times together.  Other than that, I am getting better all the time.

Not being able to move around as much as I would like, it is nice to at least be
able to sit and enjoy some relaxing views from our apartment.  Very soothing,
relaxing and Arvid swears it promotes good health.  I agree of course.


Happy Sunday everyone.  Hope the day brings out the best in everyone.
Remember, a quality life is more valuable than a quantity life.

Life, it's either a daring adventure or nothing at all.  
LIVE IT!!!!...

~Nadiya~

Feb 22, 2014

Better Everyday...

Everyday is a good day. 
Some are just better than others...

I was so excited about doing so good after surgery that it never occurred to me that 
the pain might come on later on in full force.  Unfortunately that's the case at least right now. 
Yesterday was a breeze compared to now.  Yesterday I was still completely numb so I really
did not feel much.  Today everything is taking much longer.  Took me about 10 minutes to 
just get out of the bed all by myself.  Yes, I want to do it all alone without much help.

Arvid as usual is always right there ready to assist.  He has done everything so far
to make me comfortable and pain free.  Overall I had quite a good day.
Woke up still feeling good.  My parents and sisters visited and  brought
me a lot of foodies.  Since I can't eat too much solids there is a lot of soups
to choose from.  All my favorites.  I did make lunch for Arvid.  With his help.


Towards the evening the pain kicked in.  I did something I am not used to doing.
I napped in the middle of the day, and it felt really good.  When I woke up Brutus
and Arvid were lying right next to me.  Arvid just watching and Brutus stretching.

I'm looking forward to the day when I can move freely again.  Boy we take such
little things for granted.  I never thought that I was not going to be able to
get out of the bed on my own.  Who thought that just a little showering could
wear you out this much?  Sure not me.  It's like you have to relearn
everything you already knew.  For me right now many things are baby steps, but I 
also know that with every passing day I am getting stronger and better.


Cheers everyone to better days ahead!

Today I am excited about everything.
Life is about moving on, accepting changes and looking
 forward to what makes you stronger and more complete...

~Nadiya~

Feb 21, 2014

I'm Home...

Going home and spending time with your family 
and your real friends keeps you grounded....


The best feeling ever!  I'm home with the ones love.  
Yesterday after almost trying to bribe my way out of the hospital, the doctor
finally showed up.  For a good three minutes.  Looks at me and says, "you look
like you are ready to go home."  I said to her that that's exactly what I have been telling 
everyone all day long.  Anyway, did not want to argue with the good doctor so I thanked her.


Hospital stays are no fun whatsoever.  One is hooked up to all sorts of contraptions.
The food is not so desirable, that is if you can even eat much.  In my case at least I was
able to have yogurt and more yogurt.  Yeah the milk was also good with the medication.


My favorite time was ordering room service.  Unfortunately, all I could manage to 
eat or rather drink was the chicken broth.  Did try to eat the tuna salad, but hurt my stomach.
Now a few days home and I will start to feel better,  Just being with Arvid and Brutus is good.


Again, thank you everyone for your kindness and concerns.
First surgery is done with.  Time to recover and wait for surgery number 2.
Feeling good.  Hurts some, I move slowly but am glad to see another day....

Waking up to another day is a blessing.
Don't take it for granted.  Make it count  and be happy you are alive....

~Nadiya~

Feb 20, 2014

Checking In...

Suddenly, you know you are alive.

When I look back on my life, I wonder how I survived-my mother said I had a guardian angel.
Surgery is over.  I made it through the night.  I am one of the lucky ones because you see I know
I have a guardian angel.  My guardian angel is fair with golden hair and eyes the color of the sky.


The last few hours have been very traumatic for Arvid and our families.
I'm happy to say that I have made it through the surgery.  I hurt more than I care to admit.  
Well heck I am never afraid to admit to my weaknesses and one of them right now it that I don't
 handle pain so well.  So bring me medication please.  I think I will now go to sleep.  

Thank you everyone for your thoughtfulness, kindness and concern. 
My belief that people are good always pays off.
Little by little I am going to be getting better.


Thank you and for me it's goodnight.

I've got to admit it's getting better.
 It's a little better all the time
~Nadiya~

Feb 19, 2014

The Day Is Here...

No matter what you're going through, there's a light at the end of the tunnel 
and it may seem hard to get to it but you can do it and just keep working towards 
it and you'll find the positive side of things..


Finally the day for my first surgery has arrive.  For me the toughest part of this whole process
 has been waiting to get it over with.  For Arvid and our families it has been a little more stressful.
  I am confident that everything is going to be OK.  Though they also believe it,  I guess it's
only natural they worry.   If we switched positions I would feel exactly the same.

I woke up at 4am.  Showered.  Took care of Brutus.  Gave him medicines, brushed him
and hugged him a lot.  He just sat and looked at me with those big green eyes as if
trying to tell me how much he loves me and that everything is going to be OK.


The day before I changed out his litter pan.  Washed his water fountain and gave him
all clean linens on his beds and of course ours.  Making sure Arvid has as little to worry
about as possible.  He already is worried about me so don't want him more stressed.

5:30am I go to the hospital and begin my registration and check in for surgery. So far
I have been pretty "brave" about this whole thing, but somehow today I don't feel that
brave. Yes, I have been telling everyone it's just "routine" but the truth is when they open
up your stomach and move things around it can get pretty dicey.  Sine I will be knocked
out, I guess I have nothing to worry about.  I just hope my parents, Arvid and sisters
fare well while I am in surgery.  For them it's most stressful especially as they are
there waiting to hear news.  I felt the same as I waited for Arvid during his surgery.

Again at this moment I call for my blue eyed, golden hair Guardian Angel.
PMR... now you can watch over me as you always promised.  Take care of
my family, Arvid and Brutus.  These are the ones I cherish with all my heart.


Well I have been waiting for almost 3 weeks for this day.  Now it's here.
Leaving home this morning I spent extra time just hugging Brutus.
Don't know if he sensed something different, but he just let me hold him for
the longest time.  He slept very close to me this morning and then it was time
to say goodbye to him.  For now and yes, I became very sad and I cried like a baby.


It's time to go now.  I look at Arvid and it breaks my heart to see him
like this.  he is taking it much harder than I am as are my parents and sisters.

You know I love you all.  To all my nieces and nephews.  Don't ever forget
that I love you all and not having children of my own you have made my life very happy.


Mom and dad, thank you for EVERYTHING and I will see you when I wake up!
My sisters, all I can say is that you are all my best friends and I want to say that
in the good times and bad times I always know where to go and who I can count on.

Nina...you and I faced a lot together.  From Puerto Rico to New York.  Life showed
us that if we want something we have to fight for it and go after it.  Looking
forward to seeing you when I open my eyes.  I love you.


Nirvan... you have showed me through your strength that all is possible.  You are an
encyclopedia of information and your love and support has helped us all during
these stressful times. The things you have gone through and lived is enough
to fill a book with.  I love you and I will see you when I wake up!

Mala.. there is a place in my heart that only belongs to you.  Something about
you that brings out all the tenderness inside of me just making me want to protect
you from everything and everyone in the world.  You are the epitome of quiet strength
and I loved you fiercely as a baby and I never stopped.

Rima..my baby sister.  We shared the same bed as kids.  Well you were a kid and
I was already a teenager.  My sister that never quits and never gives up.  Your love
of life and your sense of humor is contagious and though sometimes I think I'm mad at
you for not picking up your phone, it never lasts.  Babe, be good and call your mom! :)

There is NOTHING I would not do for anyone of you!


Aleah.. I am happy I saw you.  I LOVE you and will see you, your mom and
dad  this summer.  Michelle thank you for coming this December.
I loved every moment spent with you and Aleah.  We both did.

Victoria, I look forward to what's turning out to be a beautiful friendship.

Thank you friends and family for your kindness and concern.
Thank you Anna for always being there.. for the last 21 years.

To the one I love, you better be holding my hand when I wake up!
Forever with you is what I want and what we will have.  I love you
because with you I can be myself and because you bring out the best in me.
You are EVERYTHING I ever wanted or dreamed of having...I'll love you
till the end of the word..my Arvid.  You and Brutus are my world and I'm not going to cry.


In worst case scenario, I become a guardian angel to the ones I cherish and love.
It's time to sign off.  The big moment is just around the corner.


I am  very fortunate to have the family and friend that I have.  To all of you, I say thank you.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness, your kindness, your good wishes and your
prayers.  Through my parents, private messages, good luck cards, phone calls
 and other venues you have all touched me deeply and it is with my most
sincere gratitude that I say thank you.  I know you are all wishing me good luck.
This quote was sent to me by a friend and I will end my blog with it.

This morning may you be infected by the virus of positivity, 
success and good luck. Here is wishing you a very 
happy and memorable day...

~Nadiya~

Feb 18, 2014

Day Before...

Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little

everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human....

Getting excited already.  Two of my sisters arrive later today.  How lucky can a girl get?
Parents have been here for over a month, now my sisters coming and soon Victoria
will also be here.  Yep.. feeling good and feeling fortunate to be surrounded by family.

Yesterday was chores day.  Tons of things I had to do before the big day.  Today
I just plan to relax, take it easy and enjoy some quality time with family.


Everything is set for Wednesday.  At the urging of my parents and sisters, I even packed
a bag to take with me to the hospital.  In it I have socks, don't want my feet cold and
I have a nice soft blanket.  Hospital blankets are a joke.  Thin and hard.

You can say I am ready.  Everything for Brutus has been cleaned and stocked.
Although Arvid  did not want me to make him any dinners, he is also 
stocked with goodies in the fridge Said he could not just sit in.  
He had to be on the move.  He gets restless just sitting waiting.


So far I am feeling good and ready to go.  Again I wish to say thank you
to everyone who sent me cards, called, texted, emailed etc.  
Very much appreciated.  Thank you, thank you...


Kindness the most valuable gift you can give
 to someone or that someone can give to you...

~Nadiya~

Feb 17, 2014

Hello To A New Week....

People say you don't know what you've got till it gone.
Truth is, you know what you had, you just never thought you'd lose it...

Just something I came across the other day.  Not saying I agree with it.
Actually I don't because that does not say much for either one of us.


But if we take it in the way it was meant (humor), then I think it's
pretty funny and right now funny is good.  Good relief for stresses, 
even when one does not believe there is stress in one's life.


Sounds familiar?  Very familiar for me, minus the Red Bull.
That thing is going to kill you.  Monday morning already.  Don't believe
that I am getting nervous as yet.  There are too many things to do today so I will
be busy and as Arvid always says, "busy is good."  Can't disagree with him.


To all of you, good morning.  May this be the start of a wonderful week.
Remember, a little step may be the beginning of a great journey.  Take it.

Sometimes we are too quick to count down the days.
that we forget to make the days count...

~Nadiya~

Feb 16, 2014

Make It Count....

Capture every moment because
 it could just be your last....

Just an ordinary day yesterday, but even so very special.


Arvid and I did our regular chore and then I had time to spend
with my parents.  We had a good time out and since were raised with Spanish foodies,
it was a good treat to go out and have Spanish food.  One of my favorites of all time.

One of my hobbies is taking pictures.  I take of any and everything.  One day I would
like to be better at it.  Right now just experimenting and getting to know my camera.


Yesterday as we were sitting by the pool there were boats and boats passing by, and
of course I was just clicking and clicking away.  Later on I have the task of sorting and
deleting.  Not easy, but something I enjoy.  Thing is I just can't seem to delete any of Brutus.


As you can imagine Brutus is my model.  Somehow he seems to know that no matter
 what I will get the right shot of him.  Many a times he tries to hide, to turn away 
but most of the times he is just resigned that it is going to happen.  Not always happy though.


Capture every moment that you can for one day you will look back at them
and will be able to relive it.  If I would have know this many years ago trust me
 I would have done it, but it's never too late to remedy a situation.  I am working on it.


Wishing you all a very pleasant day.  It is Sunday after all.
Time to sit back relax and for me time to enjoy some cafe con leche.

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
I promise myself that I will enjoy every minute of the day that is given me to live...

~Nadiya~

Feb 15, 2014

Hello Saturday...

Even in my darkest times I knew I had a good future ahead of me.
Everything will be fine.  Nothing but good times ahead...

Just four more days and four more nights.  Not sure if excitement is the correct word to 
describe what I feel right now, but whatever the word is I know it is with
great expectation I look forward to the coming week.


Two of my sisters want to come and visit and just the thought of seeing them 
makes it feel like a celebration.  I am so looking forward to them coming.  Hope
they make it.  My other two sisters as of right now though they also want to come,
have to take care of the kids and the fact that they are snowed in does not help.  There is
snow everywhere as you can tell from the picture below.  See the contrast.


Saturday morning.  A little cool start of the day, but trust me no snow here.
The sun is shining and only four days to go!!  

Time to start breakfast,  Brutus has already been given medicines.  As usual
he hates it and tries to hide.  Poor thing I catch him everyday.  The process has
gotten much easier and though he know he has to have it there is always a big 
performance before hand.  We hope one day he will not have to take medicines anymore.


Wishing you all a good day.
Remember to always try and keep bad situations from getting worse.

Sister. She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. 
She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway.
 She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows
 when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney,
 your personal press agent, even your shrink. Some days, she's the reason you wish 
you were an only child...

~Nadiya~

Feb 14, 2014

Valentine's Day Fashion Tips:)

 You know when you have found your prince because you not only have
 a smile on your face but in your heart as well.....

Everyone looks forward to Valentines day even if you are or aren't in love, it gives us hope that something special can happen on this so called most romantic day of the year..... so with that in mind here a few tips I read about that will help to make it even more special for you....there will be people who say, love is not based on external looks but the truth is that if one comes specially dressed for you and wears your favorite color, it adds on to the mood of the day. Thus, fashion is the need of the hour, as cupid is just round the corner. 


1. A Cute Dress – This day is a the day you spend together and are in complete ease, away from the hustle and the tensions of life. Thus, flashy fashion is not for Valentines Day's. Be yourself, wear some thing cute. A T and a skirt, a frock, a pair of jeans with a cute top etc. Look feminine with your cute dress and relive the admiration of the first day once again.  Long time ago I had my favorite red dress.

2.  Accessories – Simple and sleek jewelery will suit your cute dress the best. A bracelet which rests elegantly on your wrist and a chain which lays beautifully around your neck, adds on to your delicate beauty. Jewelery brands have loads to offer this season. Accessories both for hair and matching your dress is now available.


3.  Footwear – Footwear fashion tip for Valentine's Day is to follow the high heels trend. Heels make you look elegant and also matches your cute dress. Footwear's are also going retro this season. Polka dots, strips, bright colours include in the fashion tip for Valentine's Day. 


4.  Hit The Beach – The best place to be on this day is on a romantic beach. Wear hot pants, with a tuck in shirt, shades and red jewelery. Look stylish, sexy and cool on the beach with your guy holding your hand beside you. 

5.  Light Make-up – The last but not the least fashion tip is to be yourself. Flaunt your natural beauty and preserve it from all the heat and sun, with a light makeup. Keep your make up to the minimum. As for lip colour, stick on to a light colour lip gloss. The lip colours in trend are peach, pink etc. Nude Make-up is the fashion tip this Valentine's Day.  Go easy on that eye makeup.  


Follow these tips and and get ready for the most romantic day of the year... 
 For my valentine's for life ( Arvid) I say to you:



There are only two times that I want to be with you – Now and Forever.
Come live in my heart, and pay no rent...

~Nadiya~