Mar 31, 2015

Welcome Vanessa...

Just when I thought I was too old to fall in love again, I became a grandparent...

Yesterday Arvid and I became grandparents for the 2nd time.


Baby Vanessa arrived at 6:39 am in Norway.  Florida time 12:39 pm.  
She weighed in at 8.2lbs,  (3705g) measured close to 19 inches (48cm).

Baby Vanessa joins her sister Aleah who just turned 2 on March 22, to become our newest 
little princess and the apple of her mom and dad's eye.  Welcome to our world Vanessa.  Now 
yours as well.  Wishing you and Aleah always a bright future filled with love and laughter.


A new life begins and though we are not there to see her right now, we
look forward to meeting our newest grand-daughter soon.  Very soon.  
For now we send our love to all of you, see you in summer.

The world need grandparents because those kids aren't going to spoil themselves...

~Nadiya~

Mar 30, 2015

Monday Morning...

New day.  New week.  New possibilities....

Never thought I would be happy to see the weekend done with.   Sunday was pretty hectic
 for me.  Yes, we had a great time at the Delray Blues Festival, but somehow the rest 
of the day was just rush, rush, rush.  Good thing the evening was quiet and relaxing. 
 Arvid watched his favorite shows and let me tell you there are 
many shows Arvid watches. 


 He actually watches more TV than I ever would.  I spent the evening reading and 
relaxing with Brutus.  Also watched a movie.  Something Arvid not very keen on.
  Good thing is we both had a good time doing what we like.

Everyone asks how I am doing health wise.  I'm good, but the weight is still an issue. 
 Can't seem to get rid of it.  I try and try, but as of now I'm not succeeding in that battle. 
 Give it time the doctor told me.  I'm not that patient of a person,
 but I have to learn to become patient.


My cough is mostly under control with medication, but it seems to be coming back 
every so often.   Yesterday at the Blues Festival I must have eaten the wrong
 kinds of food and drank the wrong drinks.  To much acidity in everything 
so last night I suffered because of it.  My fault I guess.

Very busy week awaits us.  Both Arvid and I have tons to do.  Together and on our own.  
Brutus is a happy kitty these days.  As I have mentioned mo medicines for him for 
another 10 days or so.  Yesterday was a chilly day, but so perfect for an 
outdoors festival.  Back to being warm again.  Yes, a start of a perfect 
day begins.  Don't forget to start each day with a grateful heart.


A brand new week.  Start all over.  Let go of yesterday. 
 Don't worry about tomorrow.  It's called the present because it's a gift.  Live in it....

Happy Monday everyone.

~Nadiya~

Mar 29, 2015

Sunday..

Wake up, relax, breathe, and smile.
That feeling is called LIVING!  Enjoy the moment...

Woke up today to a fairly chilly morning.  55 degrees in march is not usual (13C), 
but the good thing about it is that it makes for very good sleeping. 


Brutus loves my Mexican poncho so much he was still covered up with it sound asleep.
Saturday was just a very relaxing day.  Filled with soccer for the boys, a little running around for
 me, and best of all no cooking.  Pizza for Arvid and some Chinese take out for me. So good.


Friday we had a fairly windy day here.  Made for a beautiful outing
and the sound of the palm tress swishing around made it all even more special.


Not sure how the day has gone by so fast, but I am already way behind my chores.
Yes a busy Sunday for me.  Arvid is relaxed watching TV and I am just doing chores.  
Seems like housework never ends.  Folding and washing laundry is an ongoing thing here at home.

Somewhere there is a Blues festival and we are going.  Still so much to do, but it
is Sunday after all and time to do a little relaxation.  Always tomorrow to 
fold laundry and finish up with the chores.  Brutus still sleeping.  
Happy because he's off pills for a while.  Life is good.


Happy Sunday all.  Take a deep breath and just enjoy your life.

Life is so much easier when you just chill out...

~Nadiya~

Mar 27, 2015

Friday...

I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh.
 It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person...

A good start of any day is a little humor so that begin said I want to share this with you.
 
 
Two policemen call the station on their radio.
"Hello.... Is this the Sarge?"
Yes?
"We have a case here Sarge.  A woman has shot her husband
dead for stepping on the floor she jus mopped"
 
"Have you arrested the woman."
"No sir.  The floor is still wet."
 
 
Tip of the day:  you may already know that eating smaller, more frequent meals
 during the day can make and keep you slim.  A new research from the U.K
 shows that frequent eating also lowers your cholesterol.

No matter how flexible our schedule is, Friday is always something we look forward to.
 We are more relaxed and come five o'clock Arvid is officially on weekend mode.
  Goodbye cell phone.  Goodbye laptop.  Hello music and a few specialty drinks.

Yes somehow Friday brings out the relaxed part in him.  For me it is a time for a break
from cooking and cleaning.  Saturday is Pizza day and Sunday is our day out
to just relax and watch the boats go by as we enjoy a good meal.

Though we don't normally have alcohol during the week, this weeke we made an
 exception and went to the beach for a mango colado,for me and a beer
for Arvid.   Was a beautiful afternoon and  we deserved it!
 
 
The morning is already looking very good.  Arvid still tucked away in bed.  Brutus
 and I woke up early to watch the sunrise and to enjoy some quiet time.  Friday,
 just saying it makes me already relaxed.   Wishing you all a very good
weekend and remember it's not what you have, but what you do with
 what you have that makes all the difference. 
 
 
 Me I try to enjoy every moment and to live life to the fulllest for
you never know what tomorrow holds.  Happy Friday all.
 
Sending you a big hug to say.. keep smiling, keep shining
and have a bright and happy day...
 
~Nadiya~

Mar 26, 2015

Time Flies...

Time is precious, waste it wisely...

Today we will be having company again and even though I am a little tired, I always enjoy
 having the company of Victoria.  We always have a very good time together and we can 
talk about any and everything.  For that reason I look forward to her coming and best 
of all I enjoy cooking for someone who enjoys my foodies.  They like it and I am 
happy to do it.  Today is their last night in Florida.  Time has just flown
 by so very fast.  We have had some good times together again.


They leave on Friday.  Arvid and I will be working Friday heading to Miami, but
we will definitely make a stop over and see them a little before we take off.
She loves shrimp scampi so of course I will make it for her, again :)

Today begins Brutus' days off from the pill.  Yesterday he just finished 10 days, so now he 
is rewarded with hopefully 20 days off.  Not sure we can go that long without his paw acting 
up, but will at least try and see how he handles it.  I know Brutus will be super happy
 not to have to hide from me for the next few days and so will I.  I just don't like 
seeing him scared all the time. Yes, will be good with no meds for a while.


Already Thursday.  Like I have been saying for a while, time is flying by.  Any day
now we will be getting the news that Michelle has given birth to our second grand-daughter.


You know they say that time is free, but its priceless.  You can't own it, but you can
use it.  You can't keep it, but you can spend it.  Once you have lost it you can never get it back.

Happy Thursday everyone.  Make each moment count.  
Arvid already planning our weekend.

Who you choose to spend your time with says a lot about how you see yourself...

~Nadiya~

Mar 25, 2015

Some Me Time...

I think it is very healthy to spend time alone.
You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person...

What a difference a day makes.  Yesterday was all beach and sunshine in the morning 
and today it is a foggy morning.  Either way the day is still beautiful just different sceneries for
a short time.  This being Florida the weather always clears up and sunshine is always what we get.


Not often seen, but this is how a foggy morning  looks like for us here in Fort Lauderdale.
I find the change pleasant and I am always into change knowing that it will 
of course not last for too long.  Best of everything.


Every Wednesday Arvid goes to his trade meeting.  Today I go with him.
Sometimes I find someone who has an interesting proposition going on and I
 feel like i should be involved.  This is the case right now so let's see how it goes.

Arvid and I are looking forward very much to getting back into our routines and to being 
alone again.  It has been good, but we are so set in our ways that for us quiet time together 
is much appreciated.  Friday we look forward to once again going to Miami. Work
 of course, but being Friday we will end the day at our favorite restaurant, Monty's.  
Just the two of us.  Already can picture us there.  Good times ahead


Yesterday Arvid was gone all day.  I took the day to do some stuff I enjoy.  Started
with a nice walk to the beach.  Breakfast at Einsteins Bros.  Saw a movie at the Dine-In 
Theater,  which by the way was really good especially that Watermelon Crisp Margarita.  


Then it was time to go to my favorite Buffet.  The only Buffet I go to.  Bombay Cafe. 
 Indian is my favorite food.  After that I went to the mall and spent a few very productive hours.  
Of course in between I did some work as well.  One can't just have fun all the time or can one?


To all a very good day.

Alone time is when I distance myself from the voices of the 
world so that I can hear my own...

~Nadiya~

Mar 24, 2015

Another Good Day Here...

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive -
 to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love...

One thing that never seems to get better is the traffic.  Seems as if this year
it is even worse than ever.  Yesterday on our way to Miami this was just a little of it.
We always try to go in between the rush hour.  Truth is, not sure anymore what hour that is.


As usual Arvid and I had a very good time.  Yesterday we drove the big bad Raptor.  Belongs to 
a friend of ours, and we were transporting his items in it to the warehouse in Miami.


Today I have all day to myself.  Arvid and a friend are touring around Florida.
Work of course, but Arvid and this man are very good friends and I am sure that the
 best time will be the time they spend just chatting away.  They will be all day together
 so what else can the do.  Good thing they are both very fond of the other.

I already have my day all planned out so looking forward very much to it.  To being alone.
To spending the day just doing what I like.  Work and fun combined, but at my tempo, and when
 I say.  Could not be any better than that.  I have to say the day is looking very good for me.


Hello everyone.  May today be a good one for us all.

Lose an hour in the morning, and you will spend all day looking for it.
I get up every morning and it's going to be a great day. You never know 
when it's going to be over so I refuse to have a bad day....

~Nadiya~

Mar 23, 2015

Hello Monday Morning...

One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day...

Dinner for 4 it was yesterday and I have to say we had a great time. 
 We always do with Vijay and Hema. 


Monday again and another busy week begins.  Today we go to Miami once again.
It is for work purposes, but the trip is always so pleasant.  Both Arvid and I
 are very fortunate to be able to work together and still like each other.


Some of our best times are spent on the road.  Hopping from place to place, 
having a good time always.  Little work, little fun... best of both worlds.
The things we see while on the road always makes me smile.


Well it's still early in the morning.  The sunrise as always was stunning.


Good morning everyone.  Let's get this week rolling.  Let's start with good
thought, a big smile and with an attitude that always says YES I CAN!!!!


Today's weather is courtesy of my gorgeous niece, Reshma.

The way you start you day can affect your whole day.  Begin it with a smile,
calmness of mind, coolness of emotions, and a heart filled with gratitude...

~Nadiya~

Mar 22, 2015

Happy Birthday Aleah....

Blow out the candles.  Wish away.  You are the super star of the day.
You may be just 24 months old, but you have given us the happiness
of a lifetime.  Happy 2nd birthday Aleah...

 2 years ago today in Norway a little girl was born. Arvid and I became grandparents for the
 first time to baby girl Aleah. Within days we will soon again become grandparents 
to another precious little one, Vanessa. Aleah you light up our lives and we 
adore you happy birthday Princess!!!


My mom is always telling us that time waits for no man.  Her dad used to tell it
to them.  Looking at Aleah both Arvid and I are shocked at how fast the years have gone by.
I remember not so long ago meeting her for the first time here in Florida.  Just a little thing.

Now she is a big girl.  Soon to be a big sister.  I love this little girl with all my heart and we can't
 wait to see her again and her little sister.  I may not have had children but, I have been very 
blessed with nieces and nephews and a grandchild who I am happy to say loves me also.
  I can't wait to hold her in my arms again and have her around us for a little when
 we visit Norway this summer.  She is after all our little baby girl. You know 
they say heaven is a place on earth.  Yes it is, and we have a piece of it.


Wishing you all a very happy Sunday.  Enjoy it with the ones you love.  Aleah,
may the rest of your life be exactly like your second birthday. 
 Full of treats, goodies and the love of your family.

You are like a warm blanket. Whenever we take you in our arms, 
we feel warm and cuddly.  Whether you turn two or twenty two, 
all you need to remember is that we Love You. 
Happy 2nd birthday Aleah...

~Grandma and Grandpa~

Mar 21, 2015

Quiet Saturday...

Never assume quiet is weak and loud is strong...

I practiced making Cosmos until I think I got it right.  Had to make one for Victoria and myself.


It does look really good if you ask me, Hope Victoria thought it tasted good as well.


I have to say I just love the look of it.  Not a fan of alcohol, but when it looks this good you
know it tastes even better.  At least you hope it does.  We had it last night, then we
enjoyed some good music and good food.  Today sadly I have a killer headache.
All I had was one Cosmo and part of a drink at the restaurant.

Today is just a day for Arvid and I.  No company.  Just the two of us.  Today we
make it our day to go out and have our outing since tomorrow we will be having company 
once again.  As Arvid says, "will be nice to get back into our routine."  It's been months
 now that we have been entertaining.  Has been good, but also will be good to be quiet again.


I do my best thinking in the mornings when everyone else is still asleep.
No interruptions.  No noise.  I like the feeling of being awake when no one else is...

~Nadiya~

Mar 20, 2015

Hello Weekend...

I believe in love. I believe in good stories. I play really hard on the weekends because I like to 
have those stories. My wife and I go off and do craziness all the time. We're just like, 
'What can we go get into this weekend?' Then we have other ones where we 
just sit and do nothing and then we have work that we do. It's all memories....

Fridays are synonymous to music and this Friday is no exception.  This evening we go
and listen to music with Victoria and Michael.  Since 2015 has started we have been
very busy.  There are lots of people visiting during these months from Norway,
so we try to do a little something with everyone.  Has been good.


That being said it is also very nice to have some alone time.  Something we both want very
 much and which we look forward to a lot.  This weekend we will also be enjoying 
the company of two other great friends - customers.  Not Norwegian,
 but from Indianapolis and of Indian heritage like me.

We have a very amazingly good time with them.   Both Arvid and Vijay have so much
in common, and Hema and I just laugh at everything.  Looking forward very much to 
having them over for dinner.  Just hope that I can make as yummy foodies 
for them as they did for us.  Have to wait and see.


Brutus is back on his medications.  Fortunately so far no more paw flare ups.
Everyday he is looking better and better.  Of course he gives me a hard time to take his pills,
but with Brutus you always expect that.  Guess all that cuteness has to have at least a little drawback.


Hello everyone.  Have a very good day and may your weekend start of with a blast!

Sometimes the weekend gets hijacked by work, 
but as my mother would say, this is the right problem...

~Nadiya~

Mar 19, 2015

Thursday Already...

When life puts you in tough situations
Don't say "why me"
Just say, "try me"...

Most mornings I wake up to a sky all lit us with different colors of sunshine.


This morning was no different.  I am awake with Brutus and together we watch the 
sun rise as I have my coffee and enjoy some quiet reading.  Some days like yesterday,
I was awake earlier than I would like.  4;30am  is a little too early for me.  Today I did better.


Early in the morning is a good time to check out the latest fashions and to catch up on some
so not needed celebrity gossip.  I relax, I enjoy the sunrise and then ready for the day.

It is already Thursday.  The days are flying by so fast.  Before we know it, it will be time 
to go to Norway.  Time to leave my little Brutus for way too long, but for now it's
 time to soon start the days chores and to catch up with some much needed
 to do work.  Life can't always be a beach. So let's do it!


I wish you a tolerable Thursday. That's all any of us can hope for..

~Nadiya~

Mar 18, 2015

American Life...

I thank my lucky stars to be living here today. And I'm proud to be an American 
where at least I know I'm  free.  Where we have choices...

Arvid being from Norway means than many of my friends are also Norwegians.  They visit 
Florida quite often and when I listen to them I realize that many things we take for granted living
 here in the United States are pretty much a big deal for them.  For instance, going to the 
grocery stores here is one huge treat for them.  That I can understand because the 
first time I visited a grocery store in Norway I was very disappointed.  
Compared to the ones we have here in Florida the ones
 in Norway were just nothing to brag about.


Here we have tons of grocery stores.  The isles are paced to the brim. Take for instance
 the Wholefoods store, once you walk into that store you never want to leave.  As one 
of our Norwegian friends has said all the time, "there is so much good food here."

Yes everything here as far as I am concerned is better.  I have not traveled the world, 
but I have been to a few places in Europe, and as far as I am concerned nothing compares
 to being here in the United states.  Every time we go to Norway Arvid is always 
amazed again of how little everything is.  Meaning here we have space. 
 On the roads, in our homes.  Just space to move around.  

That being said, there are beautiful sights to be discovered in Arvids homeland.  
The mountains are amazing.  Something I really like, but Arvid does not.

Here in the US almost every restaurant you go to you will find great food.  Free refills
 for coke and coffee.  Another thing we take for granted, but in Norway there is no 
such thing as a free refill.  One day Arvid and I will have a place once again in Norway.


We will soon be having our second grand daughter.  It is time for me to learn the language 
so I can be able to talk to them.  It is also time to start being more positive about being there.

Every year has been better and better, but I always worry about Brutus and I don't like being
 away from him and from home for so long.  I'm not sure how anyone can be away from
 their pet for so long.  For me it is the most difficult thing to do because 
everyday seems like forever without Brutus.


  It's good to see everyone, but my heart is always home.  This year we get to see Vanessa our
 newest grand daughter and of course ALEAH and everyone else.  That is always
 something we look forward to.  Summer is approaching very fast.


My day started out with a walk on the beach followed by breakfast with Liliana.
It was a perfect morning until I came home and found my computer crashed.  Now I will not
have my laptop for at least 2 weeks.  Luckily Arvid has a spare laptop.  Which I am now using.


Three hours on the beach.  Just Liliana and I while Arvid worked.
  As they say "PRICELESS."

Hope you have all had a good day so far.  I will probably be late posting my blog because
this laptop I am using for starters is very old, very slow and constantly freezes.  All I
 can say I what did we do before technology.  I definitely need my internet
and my gadgets to make for a pleasant day, time and to be happy.


Only in America can someone start with nothing and achieve 
The American Dream.  That's the greatness of this country...

~Nadiya~

Mar 17, 2015

Tuesday...St. Patrick's Day

A good life is a collection of happy moments...

When I think about the things Arvid and I do it always makes me smile.  Our life is so
not typical.  We are constantly on the move. There is no one I know who
can get as  much accomplished as we do in short time frames.
  I have learnt to be ready in under 10 minutes.


Yesterday we worked on our shipping business.  There is always something interesting
 going on or to see.  Yesterday we transported some cars to be shipped to Norway.
In the process we also saw some cool cars.  The things people export sometimes


 leaves me wondering, but it is our business so we are always happy to oblige.  Arvid
and I are the types to always be part of everything.  We lift, we unload and yesterday I helped
to push a car that would not start.  Not a problem.  If we can do it we will.  Of course we
always end up with grease all over us, but what you gonna do?  It comes with the job.

Today some more running around and then hopefully a little visit to see Victoria and M.
Today is also St. Particks Day here in the US.  Another reason to party, drink and celebrate.


St. Patrick is the foremost patron saint of Ireland.   The day commemorates Saint Patrick and 
the arrival of Christianity in Ireland as well as celebrating the heritage and culture of the Irish
 in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, ceilithe and the 
wearing of green attire or shamrocks Christians also attend church services and
 the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day,
 which has encouraged and propagated the holiday's
 tradition of alcohol consumption.

To all a very good day.  If you're going to celebrate tonight remember.  Do not
drink and drive.  If you don't care about yourself, just think about others.

Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups:
 alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat...

~Nadiya~

Mar 16, 2015

Monday....

Monday is a fresh start.
It's never too late to dig in and begin a journey of success...

And just like that the weekend is once again over.  Arvid and I have had a pretty good one.
Music, friends, good food, good drinks and some work made it just right.


Saturday night we had 2 couples over for a little nibble and drinks.  Have to say the evening
 could not have been better.  Though I speak no Norwegian, the couples spoke English
 all night long.  This made the entire time even better.  Sometimes being married
 to a Norwegian everyone tends to fall back into their native tongue
 leaving me wondering what just happened.  This did not happen
 and that made it very pleasant for me.


Lots of good food, music and drinks was the main event for the weekend.  All
of this shared with good friends was a combination not easy to beat.

Monday again.  As usual busy day.  Lots of running around, but as you all know, both 
Arvid and I do pretty well when we run around.   Our work takes us many places and once
 again today it takes us to Miami.  Miami is very beautiful so as we work we get to enjoy the sights.


Good morning everyone.  We woke up to a beautiful morning.  Busy already,
but with the promise of good things happening.  Wishing you all the same
 and may this be a good week for all of us.


It's Monday, let's do this.
Success rarely comes without a struggle...

~Nadiya~

Mar 15, 2015

Working Sunday...

Life is like a bicycle.  To keep your balance you must keep moving...

Being Realtors our schedule is flexible.  We can work at any given hour or day.  That being
 said, we work today.  For Arvid and I it is fun to take customers around.  Especially when 
they are also friends.  We get to see beautiful houses and meet interesting people.


Together with our customers we are in for a treat.  So many beautiful homes to see.
Sundays are a good day to take customers around.  Usually less traffic and everyone is relaxed.

For the rest of the day we plan to take it easy.  Just relax and maybe visit Victoria and 
Michael for a little.  Seems that we see them even less when they are in Florida.  
Strange. They are busy doing their stuff, and we are busy doing our stuff. 
 Hopefully we get to see them a little more this week.  

They just got back from a cruise so we need to catch up and she and I need to 
"gossip" about stuff.  Stuff Arvid could care less about, but we have a good time with.


Well time to get our day started.  Customers are waiting and we would like to sell
 a house today.  Happy Sunday everyone and remember when you love what 
you do then it's not work.  It's exciting and it is always a fun thing for us.


Above is my first manatee of the day.  Promises to be a good one.
Leave you with a quote from my friend in the Bahamas, 

Go for it.  Life is too short..

~Nadiya~