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~

Mornings ~

Sometimes you need to sit lonely on the floor in 

a quiet room in order to hear your own voice 

and not let it drown in the noise of others...

My most favorite thing to do in the morning is to have

 quiet time with my thoughts and of course with Sniff.  No one 

to talk to, just listen to the quietness of the day before it all 

comes alive.  A great place to do it is always a little

 walk along the beach. Perfect start of any day.

really love my quiet time.  It makes me re-evaluate 

life and all that is really important.  In my quiet

 moments, Brutus is even closer to me.  

Shadow also plays a role in my thoughts and my 

heart breaks for him.  I enjoy my quiet time with Sniff 

very much.  I sit and he curls up next to me.  If I stayed sitting 

for an hour, Sniff would not move.  It is always I who

 moves first.  In all of this, Arvid still sleeps.

Others inspire us, information feeds us, practice 

improves our performance, but we need quiet 

time to figure things out, to emerge with new 

discoveries, to unearth original answers

~Nadiya~

No Words Needed ~

Photographs open doors into the past.

But they also allow you to look into the future...

A wise person knows there is something

 to be learned from everyone.

Spend your time loving your life.

You were born to be real.  Not perfect.

You don't take a photograph.  You make it.

I am having a wonderful day.  Out of the blues, 

my nephew calls and says, "auntie Nad.  I want to invite 

you and uncle Arvid out to dinner.  They opened up 

this really cool restaurant next to where I live and 

I thought of the two of you."  My heart is full.  

I told Arvid and he said, you know I really like J" so that's

 a big yes.  I love all my nieces and nephews and having them

 close by is such a special  treat.  J lives in Miami and because

 of that we have been more often to Miami than before.

Hello everyone.  Already halfway into the week.

Have a good one and never stop smiling.

Everyone has a story.  Everyone has gone

 through something that has changed them...

~Nadiya~

Believing ~

Always believe that something 
wonderful is about to happen...

Whenever I feel like I am getting into a slump I think 
of my sister.  Rima is one of the most cheerful persons I know.  
She is always optimistic about everything in life.  If you knew
 her you would would see it right away. The girl is energetic, creative 
and she definitely knows how to make the most of everything.

There are days when I feel a little down, then I think 
of her and I realize it's not so bad after all.  Rima has three
 kids, a catering business and still manages to always send cheer 
to others.  She motivates her friends and also inspires me to be
 more positive even when things sometimes seem dismal.

When I think of strength 2 people come to mind.  My mom
 and my sister Nirmala.  Mala took after our mom in her 
quiet disposition, but an unbeatable amount of strength.  

Like many, life has not been the easiest for Mala, but you 
would never know because she has never displayed any other 
attitude than one of "I can and I will"  Mala is like our mom.

We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but when 
it comes to my parents and siblings then I am biased.  
For we have encountered everything life can 
throw at us and we always bounce back.

This is the survival instinct in everyone.  I'm sure we 
all have it, but I am also positive some demonstrate it better
 than others.  Life will forever throw challenges at us.  

Sometimes we are not sure what to do, but take it 
from me somehow we manage to come back stronger
 than ever.  My friend Anna is an example of this.  When life 
kicks her down she is up and ready to overcome any and 
all obstacles with more determination than ever.

Something we should all remember when we feel we are sliding
"she turned her can'ts into cans and her dreams into plans"

Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude
 is going to determine how you're going to live your life...

~Nadiya~

1st Sunday Of 2019 ~

Allow yourself to rest.  Your soul speaks to you

 in the quiet moments in between your thoughts...

Needless to say Arvid is happy for the peace and quiet.  He is not 

one for two young girls chatting all day long.  Can't blame him. 

 He's set in his ways, but I was happy that he was agreeable to have

 then both with us at the same time.  Truth is it was his idea.

We woke up a little "late" this morning.  Arvid jumped

 out of bed saying, "holy smokes! I have to get

 to my Sunday responsibilities."

Sunday is looking good. Sniff is happy and eating like 

"normal" again.  Lots of cleaning to do, but not a problem.

  Both of the girls are back home with their families.  Reshma is

 on a skiing trip and Danielle is busy working on her book.

 First Sunday of 2019.  Starting it out by going

 to dinner to our favorite restaurant today.

2019 has been great so far.  can't wait to see what 

the rest of the year holds for us.  Wishing everyone 

a great Sunday and happiness always.

Be wise and don't let good things

 crowd out those that are essential...

~Nadiya~

1st Saturday In 2019 ~

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. 

Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy

 in the future. Think how really precious is the time you 

have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family.

 Every minute should be enjoyed and savored...

Arvid, Sniff and I are back to being alone.  

Company is nice, but even nicer when they are gone.

 Home is back to being nice and quiet.  

We have no kids with us so we are used to just us. 

 It does not matter if it’s his family or mine.  Company 

is nice but it’s better when we are alone.

  I handle it better than Arvid does.  Arvid is very 

set in his ways.  Even in Norway, he enjoys company, 

but looks forward to having alone time.  I'm the same.

Sniff is like his dada also. Likes being alone with us. He was

 a little cautious with where he went and what he did.

That all being said we had a good time. 

I took the girls out to many places, restaurants,

 beach and shopping. They were satisfied 

with their stay and that’s what matters.

First Saturday in 2019.  It’s been great so far,

how about yours? So far so good?  To all, take a few minutes 

to sit quietly and just be thankful for all that you have.

Those who  are happiest, never did have everything. 

 But rather they are thankful for everything they do have... 

Nadiya~

Then And Now ~

And we will look back at one

 another with a smile on our face...

A long time ago in Florida.  Michelle, Danielle, 

Reshma, Kimsy, Max, Gabby and I.  Visiting my parents in Weston.

Today the same girls but all grown up.  Add Lilly Vade to the mix.

Life takes us places, but it always leads us back to family.

The only time you should ever look back 

is to see how far you have come...

~Nadiya~

Time With Danielle And Reshma ~

Life moves so fast. You gotta document the good times, man...

So far 2019 is good! We have 2 of my nieces visiting.  

Busy days because I like to take them around and show them
 as much as possible.  Granted both have been here with us
 before, but this is their first time meeting Sniff. Lucky us,
we also got to have Max visit.  What a good time.

Sniff is a sweetheart and loves everyone.  He greets them. 

Runs up on them and like most cats walks away and comes 

back when he feels it’s necessary.  When Danielle used to

 visit, and Brutus was alive those two used to stare each

 other down.  Danielle used to say that Brutus would 

give her the mean stare.  No one like Brutus.

Our days are filled with lots of shopping. 

 Girls love malls.  Walks on the beach and a 
few of those fruity drinks with umbrellas.  

Yes I am happy my nieces are here.

How has your 2019 been so far? 

The year is going let’s approach it with

 a positive mind and I can attitude.

Don't live the same day over and over again and call that a life.
 Life is about evolving mentally, spiritually, and emotionally...

~Nadiya~

January 2nd 2019 ~

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

Another beautiful day.  The sun is peeking out and we are together.
Having time with two of my nieces makes it a good start into 2019.

Have my two nieces staying with us.  For Arvid and I this is
not "usual" We are used to just being on our own with Sniff.
Have to say he, Arvid is handling it pretty good so far.

We have Reshma and Danielle with us. Danielle is 24,
and Reshma is now 19.  The years are going by fast.  Kimsy is now 21.

Wishing everyone a great January 2nd 2019. It's about time to head
 out with the girls and see what kind of trouble we can get into.

Good Morning.  Today is a new day, don't let 
anything stand in your way!  Make it all it can be...

~Nadiya~

2019 ~ Happy New Year~

You've done it before and you can do it now. 

See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial

 energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, 

effective, unstoppable determination...

2019 started with a positive vibe for us and I hope 

the same will be for all of you.  December 31st

 we enjoyed some of the day doing what we

 do best which is work hard then play hard.

 We brought in the New Year with our niece Danielle.  

Very relaxing and easy going.  Simple little things, 

but that's what we enjoy the most. Perfect.

As always on the 31st, 6pm Florida time we get a call from Norway.

Arvid's eldest daughter calls to wish us a Happy New Year. 

 With the time difference (6 hours ahead) it is already 

New Year in Norway. Some traditions are what makes 

life so beautiful and this one sure makes us happy.

 Like everyone, we are very positive that this will be a great

 year with lots to look forward to and lots happening,

always positive and things seem to fall in place.

Arvid, I and Sniff feel very fortunate for what we have

 been able to accomplish together and to know that together 

we can do just about anything we set on minds on.  

This is Sniff's 3rd New Year with us. I miss our Brutus everyday.

I think of Little shadow and it makes me sad, but now we

 have Sniff. He is precious.  He loves us and we love him. 

For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much 

use being anything else.  As it's been said, every day may not

 be good, but there's something good in every day.

Wishing everyone the best of 2019. To my Almost Home 

family, I always think of you.  I hold each of you close to my heart, 

and because of you, I have become a better person.  Thank you 

again for the memories, the experiences and for opening my 

eyes even more to this thing called LIFE.

To 2019! Always bear in mind that your own resolution

 to succeed is more important than any other.

And now we welcome the new year. 
Full of things that have never been...

~Nadiya~

Goodbye 2018 ~

This New Year may you rediscover yourself and 
emerge as a more confident and contented soul...

Last day of the year.  What do you plan to do for the rest of the year?

Danielle and Sniff have already hit it off really well.  Sniff

 sniffs her and realizes she is no threat to him, but even so, he's 

not too happy because his dada has not been spending as much 

time with him.  His dada is busy chatting up with Danielle.

We are having a very good day.  Danielle is easy
going and fun to be with.  Looking forward
 to the new year.  Thank you 2018.

 It's been a very good year.  We have met wonderful people
and have had experiences that will forever be with us. 2018
reinforced the bond I have with everyone at Almost Home.

For the friendships, for the memories,
2018 will always be one of the best years.

Let’s make a wonderful farewell tο the past year 2018 
and welcome the New Year 2019 with anticipation and hοpe, 
Wish yοu a Happy and Prosperous Νew Year

~Nadiya~