Apr 30, 2015

Thursday Morning...

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

Thursday already.  The days are going by was too fast.  Brutus is on his 6th day without
medicines so as you can imagine we are all happy here at home.  Means he is not 
afraid of me anymore.  Cautious at times, but definitely not scared for now.


What to do when one is awake so early?  Been awake since 4:30am, but only just got out of bed.
It is now 6:15 here in Fort Lauderdale.  Still too early to see the sunrise, but if I wait a little
most likely before I'm done with this post the sun will grace us with her presence.

In the meantime I am going to enjoy my early morning cafe and catch up on some 
celebrity gossip.  Nothing like nonsense when you are really not fully awake
as yet.  Have already brushed Brutus several times so all is good for now.


This has been a very strange week weather wise so far.  April here in Fort Lauderdale
has set a heat record,  Combined with that there has been lots of wet weather,
 thunder and lightning.  We can still make the most of it and we did.  


We took a trip on Tuesday to the Norwegian Store where Arvid stocked up on some essentials
 and I picked up a few of my favorites.  That is chocolate.  Norwegian chocolate is the best! 

Also a little trip to the Swap Shop and I am all stocked up with fruit for a while.
The best mangoes are found at the Swap Shop and I also make sure to get me a coconut.


Quite a few things too do today so happy to have another early start of the day. 
Mornings are my favorite time of the day.  Brutus and I are morning people.  
Arvid is more of a night owl, good thing is we meet each other halfway 
there.  Right now really wish I would sleep in a little later.

Everyone has highs and lows that they have to learn from, but every morning 
I start off with a good head on my shoulders, saying to myself, 'It's going to be a good day!'.


~Nadiya~

Apr 29, 2015

Proud Aunt....

The believed they could, so they did!...

As I said in Facebook the other day, today marks a Milestone in our lives. Max, my eldest 
nephew graduated from college. One down 8 to go. Not so long ago it seemed like my sisters
 and I were graduating colllege..time is flying by too fast. Max...Duke University next,
 and as gramdma (Valerie Singh) said, "Congratulations to our Maxie,
 now go on and take on the world". You go Max Dyal, you know we are 
all proud of you and love you. The next 8 have you as their 
role model.. You did good Max.


All of my nieces and nephews are just brilliant.  That's the proud aunt in me speaking.
For each and everyone of them I will always do whatever is in my power to see them smile.

My niece Kimsy is also graduating this year from High School.  Another proud moment
in our lives as she together with a friend were two of the only students to be
 nominated from their class for the 2015 Presidential Scholar Award.

Her mom my sister, Nirvana says it best:"Congratulations to my daughter 
Nirvana Dominguez-Singh and one of her best friends Andrea Contreras for being
 selected as semifinalist of 2015 Presidential Scholar Award!!!!!!! Only 6 students
 were selected from Puerto Rico and 2 are from Saint John's School! .......... How do I feel??? 
Más qué feliz y orgullosa de las dos! Love you both and good luck!!"


Also from their school:
VERY PROUD to announce that Andrea Contreras and Nirvana Domínguez have been 
selected as semi-finalists for the 2015 Presidential Scholars Award.

Saint John's School had twelve candidates out of 53 seniors this year, constituting more 
than twenty percent of the senior class. We congratulate Andrea and Nirvana for this 
special achievement, and wish them the best in the rest of the process.

As you can see I have quite a lot to be feeling proud of.  I have a total of 5 nephews and
4 nieces.  Each and everyone of them are one of a kind and I an very proud of each of them. 
 They have all excelled in their academic lives, but what makes them all even more 
special is that they are good human beings.  


Kind, loving, considerate and all with a determination to succeed and they all know to
 never give up on their goals.  In my world they are all WINNERS!!!!
  What does that make me???  PROUD AUNT!!!!


Good morning everyone.  Rainy day here today, but still feeling good.

The best feeling in the World,  is to know that we are smiling because of you... 

~Nadiya~

Apr 27, 2015

Monday's Review...

There is no love more sincere than the love of food...

Restaurant wise we have been busy this past week.  On a usual week we just tend to eat out on
Sundays, not counting maybe a fast food joint.  This past week however we sampled from a 
few different places.  Yes, it was a very delicious time.  Lots of good food everywhere.


Early in the week Liliana and I visited one of our favorite hangouts.  La Bamba, a Mexican
and Spanish restaurant located not far from either of us.  Makes for the ideal meeting place.

We both like it there and one of the best features are their chips and salsa we get as soon as we
 are seated.  Complimentary of course and with spicy salsa and mild.  I love them  both. The
food is inexpensive and very good.  Both her and I try to sample a little something
 different every time.  Yummy Margaritas and the best cafe con leche you can have.


Another place we visited was Bokampers.  I took Arvid here for a little birthday toast.
Bokampers is a busy place.  Beautiful views of the Intracoastal and amazing sunsets, but
if you are like us and prefer to dine in a quiet surrounding then this place can be way to noisy
 at times.  Especially on a Friday night.  They do have some really good chicken wings,
 delicious mango coladas and yummy desserts.  For now we will wait a while until we go again.


Anytime we are in for noise, we head out to Bokampers.  Interesting fact, TVs galore. If you need
 a bar with lots and lots of TV screens, this is definitely the place to be.  More than 160 of them
 line the enormous property. Bokamper's is so serious about its TVs that every 
urinal is equipped with a small, dedicated television. 

Though not the right setting for Arvid and I, the atmosphere is upbeat and social
Would recommend you trying it if you are in the area.  Valet parking $5.00.




On Saturday we met my girlfriend and her husband at Aruba Beach Cafe.  Beautiful location,
but again not necessarily the place of choice for Arvid and I.  As usual Aruba was over-crowded.
Made it impossible to have a conversation, On the other hand it was bursting with life.

Truth being told is that if Arvid and I go there it will not be the place for uus, but if I 
were to go there on my own with a friend, I would definitely enjoy the ambiance and the crowd.

Every now and again I I love being in big crowds and seeing the interaction among the people.
The food was OK, but my favorite at Aruba is their frozen drinks.  Good Pina Coladas
 and good Mango Coladas.  Enjoyed a few with my friend.


As for our Sunday outing, we decided to go to J Alexander.  It was an extremely hot day and it
 did not seem right to sit outdoors, even though we do enjoy the water views as we have our meal. 
 J Alexander has an excellent menu.  Every time we have eaten there we always leave satisfied.



So far we have not have a bad meal and we have been there many, many times.
Their baked potato is delicious, the Alex salad with the honey mustard dressing is definitely 
a favorite.  Arvid favors the gin and tonic and, the pork chops with a bang-bang sauce.



Monday morning already.  Not sure what the week holds as yet, but I do know that 
whatever comes we will be ready. Yesterday was a heat record breaker.
This week also promises to be another very hot one!  Yikes

Good morning everyone.  Let's make this a good day for us.

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

~Nadiya~

Apr 26, 2015

Relaxing Sunday....

Relax and refuse to let worry and stress rule your life. There is always a solution to every problem. 
Things will work out for you when you take time to relax, refresh, restore and recharge your soul...

Has been a very busy morning, but busy in a very good way.   We have been kept busy
with the parade of boats passing by.  Just one right after the other.  To the point where
all we can do is watch.  Even Brutus is caught up in boat watching.


Today it is hot and will only be getting hotter and hotter.  Temperatures predicted in the upper
 90's (35C).  No way Arvid and I are going to be sitting outdoors at any restaurant.
We live in Florida..Sunshine State, but we don't like to be out in the heat.  


Just going to watch from indoors.  Just like Brutus, will be taking it easy today.

Like most Sundays, Arvid is glued to the TV.  Soccer games galore.  Then tonight all his
favorite Sunday shows are new so more gluing to the TV.  I'm not into the shows like him.
I refuse to be so caught up in a show, but Arvid loves it.  To each their own.  We're both happy.


The Intracoastal Waterways is very busy today.  Hope everyone has a great day.
For many it is still cold.  One of my sisters had light snow flurries as late as last week.


So far this has been a good weekend.  I was very fortunate to have a friend visiting
from NYC.  Have not seen her in over 20 years.  Long time ago from my days in NYC EMS. 
 Arvid and I met her and her husband at Aruba for drinks and a light nibble.
  Aside from the noise inside, it was very good a very good time.

Until next time and may all your days be good ones.

If you do what you love, it is the best way to relax...

~Nadiya~

Apr 25, 2015

Hello Saturday...

It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are
doing that makes you happy or unhappy.  It is what you think about.

I have been awake since 4;30 am.  Both Arvid and I have been actually.  He went back to sleep, 
but of course Brutus and I did not.  Seems like Brutus is having a hard time today.
Since 4;30 this morning he has been puking.  It is now 7;30am and he has
 already puked 3 times.  Now we are getting a little concerned.


That's him now tired and a little upset at me because I had to give him a pill as well.
As of today he begins his 20 day rest period from his antibiotic.  We are all happy about this.

Yesterday I took Arvid out for a little nibble, a few drinks and to watch the sunset.
Everything was good.  Weather was perfect for sitting outdoors.  After a few days of rain 
and storms, it was just the perfect temperature with a little cool breeze.


As you can see from the above picture, it was a beautiful sunset at Bokampers.


Here at home we have a stunning sunrise.  Today because I have been awake so early,
it got me into thinking about my sisters.  Right now I am missing all of them.
Very much.  This is Mala.  I took that picture in Vermont.
Now feeling nostalgic.  Good morning to all.

Sisters...we hang out, we help one another, we tell one another our worst fears and
biggest secrets, and just like real sisters we listen and don't judge....

~Nadiya~

Apr 23, 2015

Arvid's Birthday...

I love you for the man you are, I love you for the things you do, 
I love you for the things you say. But most of all I love you
 because you love me for the woman I am for the things I do
 and for the things I say. 
I love you Arvid Hvidsten...



Most people look forward to their birthday as a special day.
Arvid being Arvid just wishes it will go away.


Getting him something for his birthday is always a difficult task.  First he always claims to not
 want nor need any thing.  I have had a hard time convincing my parents to NOT buy
him anything.  They find it strange.  I have since learnt that the best thing I could
do for him is to take him out to a very nice dinner.  Just the two of us...


This year we actually had an early birthday dinner at our favorite restaurant in Miami.
Both Arvid and I love going to Monty's.  As we said this is our special place.
Went there last Friday and we had as always the most relaxing time.


Today we don't plan on any big celebration, but I do plan to take him out for a drink.
Again no big parties for us.  Just time alone together with our Brutus.  Best of times.


Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.' 
Mature love says 'I need you because I love you...


~Nadiya~

Apr 21, 2015

Stormy Weather....

The storm will pass things will get better.  
It's pouring now. but it can't rain forever....

Arvid is a vodka and coke kind of man, and as you can see below that was a huge bottle 
of vodka.  My dad gave it to him a few years ago, and finally it is empty. Took him 
all of 3+ years to finish it and what better way than to have a birthday toast.


Yesterday the National Weather Service issued a sever thunderstorm watch in effect
until 7p.m. for Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties.  Fort Lauderdale falls under
Broward County.  Here we are used to having Hurricanes, but a Tornado watch in not usual.

The day was pretty windy with dark clouds accompanied by rain on and off all day long.
Arvid, Brutus and I stayed mostly indoors except for a few chores that we had to do.



Thunder and lightning followed the bad weather, but we stayed nice and cosy indoors. 
 Brutus of course was initially scared, but Arvid always comforts him and makes him feel safe.


A funnel cloud was spotted near Miami International Airport and small hail was observed in the
 area of Hialeah, according to the National Weather Service. The strong storm was moving 
across northeast Miami-Dade and Broward County with winds of up to 25 mph.
The storm is capable of producing nickel-sized hail and gusty winds.


Tuesday morning, the "storm" has passed, but we are still getting the not so pleasant
weather that goes with it.  Currently raining and seems rain predicted for a lot of today.

To all a good day.  Stay dry and be careful out there on there.  Here in Florida we really 
need the rain, so for us this is a welcoming occurrence.  Hopefully will not linger for days.

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is 
really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather...

~Nadiya~

Apr 20, 2015

Sunday's Restaurant

People never learn anything by being told, they have to find out for themselves...

Yesterday we tried a different restaurant.  For us change is not something that comes easy.
Arvid loves sitting out on a Sunday and watching the boats pass-by.  Calls of course
 for a restaurant on the Intracoastal.  Yesterday it was Pelican Landing.


The views are impressive.  Boats everywhere.  Arvid even had the nerve to say that the
 boats were too big.  Said they took up his view.  For him his view is important.
The menu was limited, but the chicken wings was definitely a hit.


The restaurant is a definite yes if you are looking for views, but if you are looking
for a nice dinner it is not the place.  Perfect place for a lighter meal.  Arvid and I are
a little on the picky side.  The wings were good, but not sure this will become 
one of our most visited restaurants in the future.  Everyone is different.


The evening was so beautiful, Arvid and I enjoyed some quality time on our balcony.
With that wishing you all a very good start of your work week.  Monday morning already... 
looks like a good day ahead, even with the rain pouring down on us.

Remember even though the outside world might be raining, if you keep on smiling 
the sun will soon show its face and smile back at you...

~Nadiya~

Apr 19, 2015

Sunday...

Every morning starts a new page in your history.
Make it a great one today...

Dear friends.  If you are reading this, I hope you have a reason to smile today.


I'm a morning person.  Arvid is not.  So I leave you with this.
There are two kinds of people in this world.

1.  morning people      2.  people who want to shoot morning people.

Now which one are you.  Good morning everyone.  Arvid and I are on our way home
back to Brutus and to our Sunday morning routines, which today will be a little later than usual.

Every morning you have two choices.  Continue to sleep with dreams.
Or wake up and chase your dreams.  The choice is yours...

~Nadiya~

Apr 18, 2015

Road Trip....

Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn't mean to take...


As my T-Shirt says, "we're on the road again."  Both Arvid and I love road trips.
As usual so much to see, so much to do.  While Arvid drives I take pictures, 
when I drive he listens to the Blues on Sirius radio.  Both happy.


Arvid and his famous peace sign.  Says his dad always did the same.
It is now his trademark and when he forgets to do it, I remind him.  Makes him and I happy.


No matter what time of the day our road trip begins, there is always a picture
 waiting to be taken, and as you guessed, I'm always there.


To all a happy weekend.  Remember in life it is not always about where
you are going, but about having the best time doing whatever it is you're doing.

It's a road trip! It's about adventure! ..  It's not like we have somewhere to go...

~Nadiya~

Apr 17, 2015

Friday...

If everyday at work feels like a Friday, then you are doing what you were meant to do...

Everyday is a good day, but Fridays are even better days.  Friday implies weekend, music and
all sorts of fun things we can do without feeling guilty that we are skipping out on work.
Though Arvid and I have a flexible schedule, we still work the usual hours and some.


Our work takes us to Miami again.  Love these trips to Miami.  It can get a little messy,
but what comes afterwards is just total relaxation and contentment, and if we are lucky 
we get to go to our favorite restaurant in Miami.  Monty's here we come.


To all of you have a good day and enjoy the weekend. As Arvid loves to say,
"come 5 0'clock on a Friday everything gets turned off."

I don't know about you, but I am ready for the weekend..

~Nadiya~

Apr 16, 2015

Moments In Life...

In life, seize the precious moments with loved ones at every possible opportunity
and cherish the wonderful memories of time spent together...

Yesterday we woke up to the sight of Dolphins swimming happily for us.  Brutus, Arvid, and
 I just stopped everything we were doing to enjoy them.  As always and amazing sight
 and best of all we saw them right from our balcony.  Best view in town.


Arvid and I have developed a good eye to spot all the comings and goings in the Intracoastal.  
We find all the creatures living in the waters and we have even been spotting boats belonging 
to friends when they pass by.  The Norwegian flag on them is a good giveaway.


Never a dull moment here.  Yesterday we also had company over.  Not the usual day for
 Arvid to go out and listen to the Blues, but seeing that our friends were heading back to 
Norway the following day, seemed like a good time to make an exception to the rule.


I choose to not go with the boys, so instead I went to the movies.  Love the movies,
especially this Dine-In-Theater.  The best.  I had a little nibble and something to drink.
 Somehow at the movies it just seems like the thing to do, it is a dine-in-theater after all.


Next time we go to the movies we go to see Furious 7.  Here is a sneak peek of it.


Already Thursday.  Time is just flying by.  Going to fast.  My nephew Max is soon graduating
from college.  Where did these last 4 years go?  Scares me a little because they are all growing
 up way too fast, and I am not seeing enough of them.  Makes me sad sometimes.

To all a very good day.  Remember to always make time for the ones you love.
Life isn't perfect, but it has perfect moments.


The clock is running.  Make the most of today.  Time waits for no man.
Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  Today is a gift.  That's why it's called the present...

~Nadiya~

Apr 15, 2015

What Does Your Name Mean?....

It ain't what they call you.  It's what you answer to...

I see a lot of people posting the meanings of their names.  Got me curious so I also did
a google search to find out the meanings of both my name and Arvid's as you will see below.

I was also doing a search on Brutus' name when Arvid said "don't bother doing that.  I can 
tell you that Brutus' name means warrior."  Did not do a search for Brutus because 
warrior was just fine by me.  Arvid said that this was his opinion.  This time 
I will accept it without questioning.


Meaning of the name Nadiya:

You have a vivid imagination who can bring inspired messages to the world. You like to enjoy
 the pleasures of life, and when self is overcome, you can rise to the heights. You have an 
ability to avoid trouble - that is why you often fails to learn from experiences. 

You are restless, sociable people-oriented, a lover of change, and a seeker of adventure
 and new thrills. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. 
You know what you want and why you want it.



You desire to inspire and lead, to control other's affairs. You are giving, courageous and

 bold, action oriented,energetic and strong willed. You want to make a difference in

 the world, and this attitude often attracts you to cultural interests, politics,

 social issues, and the cultivation of your creative talents.

I am not a believer in much of these things, 
but quite a few of these descriptions fit my  character.

Meaning of the name Arvid:




Powerful and complete. You are good intellectually and require several outlets for your
 energies. You are not a builder but a planner, and you want others to carry out your 
plans. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. 
You know what you want and why you want it.
You desire to inspire and lead, to control other's affairs. You are giving, courageous and 
bold, action oriented,energetic and strong willed. You want to make a difference in 
the world, and this attitude often attracts you to cultural interests, politics,
 social issues,  and the cultivation of your creative talents.



Arvid was happy with this description.  If you are curious as to the meaning 
of your name, follow the link and find out.
Meaning Of Your Name.

As I said I don't believe in all of this, but it sure was fun to read.

To all of you have a good day.  Looks good here.  Sun is shining and all is good.



I wrote your name in the sky, and the wind blew it away. 
I wrote your name in the sand, but the waves washed it away.
I wrote your name in my heart, and forever it will stay...

~Nadiya~