Good Times...Chicago

Life move so fast.

You've gotta document the good times, man...

The city of Chicago undergoes constant changes every summer.  Changes which only beautifies

 the city and of course makes it even more appealing to its millions and millions of visitors.  

Me I'm always curious at the amount of money being spent in these changes, but not 

complaining because I also love it.  

For one there are flowers and huge planters all over the city sidewalks. 

 Seems storage, to be in a city surrounded by tall buildings yet see

 greenery and blooming flowers all around you.  

The sight is beautiful and I never get tired of it.

The city is also popular for its murals.  Anywhere you o, there is an amazing

display of talent and colors.  Something to see always!

There is also always interesting going on.  Currently the "thing" that everyone is

talking about is the Donald Trump building.

Donald Trump has decide to put the name Trump on the building and this has 

Chicagoans irked at The Donald.  Leave it to a wealthy New Yorker to raise the ire 

of the citizens of the Second City.  It's just five letters, the huge letters of this man's 

last name lit up for the entire Midwest to see: T-R-U-M-P.

Those five letters, are more than 20 feet tall and 141 feet long and will be on the most visible

side of Chicago's Trump international Hotel and Tower.  The location is about 200 feet 

above street level, which is what is causing the people of Chicago to cringe; seeing that 

the skyscraper that is there currently is tasteful and this supposedly is not,

 and when it's finished,  it will be all lit up to glow like a giant bug zapper along 

Chicago's stunning skyline.  For now Arvid and I are keeping an eye on the P.

So far it still is being worked on.  Who knows maybe today it will be done.

 So far we have been having a very good time, but I have to say it's not

the same being in a hotel as having your own place.  Yesterday I had my first 

ever apple martini.  Took me close to 3 hours to drink it, but it sure was delicious.

A little evening outing and what a better way to end the day by having a soft ice-cream?

Wishing you all a good day and keep in mind,

when good times turn out way bigger than you first expected, 

that's when you know you're on a roll

Life is like a camera. Focus on what's important. 

Capture the good times. And if things don't work out, just take another shot.

~Nadiya~

Rain, Movies and More...

You might want to decide fast. We live in a dangerous world. 

If you see a chance to be happy, you have to fight for it, so later you have no regrets...

Rainy day all day yesterday, but it did not stop us from exploring.  Yesterday we went to 

Millennium Park rain or no rain.  Not something we would ever do back home.

It started out as a pretty nice day.  Initially no rain just a little on the cooler side. No

problem because when you walk you get warm anyway.  I was for a change hot, whereas

Arvid was very cold.  Even when it started to drizzle he was the first one to pull out an umbrella.

While everyone else continued on like noting.  

Even the people on their Segways did not seem to be affected by the rain.  Only Arvid.

Even so we had a very good time in the park.  Also got to see the duckies and feed
them.  On of my favorite things to do as well.  rain or shine we always manage to
enjoy ourselves.  No reason not to.  After a few hours in the park, we came back to
the room, relaxed a bit and both Arvid and I enjoyed a little Curious George on TV.
 Quite funny.  After that it was a trip to the movies and a little pubbing afterwards.  Not bad.

Coming home on the other hand was a little difficult.  rained and rained and
umbrella or no umbrella we were soaking wet by the time we got to our apartment.

Good morning everyone.  More rain is predicted for today,
but if you are like us; don't let it stop you from having a great day.
Remember, life's a climb. But the view is great

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
You live and then you die, I thought. It's good to have some good times..

~Nadiya~

Looking Back...

In looking back, I see nothing to regret and little to correct....

When it comes to Chicago, there are too many good moments to choose one that would

actually be considered a favorite.  For me everything about Chicago is special.

It is where Arvid, Brutus and I have had one of the most wonderful experiences.

Some of our good times are best view through pictures.

One of our first trips to Chicago.  Billy Goat, Navy Pier.  We fell in love with the city.

Sue at The Field Museum.

The largest, most complete, best preserved T. rex 

No dinosaur in the world compares to SUE—the largest, most complete, and the best
preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered.  In May 2000, the unveiling of her 67-million-
year-old skeleton at the Field Museum made global headlines.  Since then, more than 16 million
visitors have marveled over Chicago's prehistoric giant.  Arvid and I included.  AWESOME!

Chicago Architectural Tour.

Even Arvid and I take time out to see the sights when in Chicago.  

Why we don't do the same in Florida is something I will never understand.

We took this 75-minute cruise of the historic Chicago River that showcases 

over 40 landmarks of modern American architecture.  Worth doing if you're in Chicago.

We are fortunate that we live in these United States.
Nowhere else I would rather be, and for me Chicago is the place to be.
Yesterday was a day for the beach.  Yes, Chicago does have a beautiful beach.

Looking back at my life's voyage,  I can only say that it has been a golden trip...

~Nadiya~

Making Memories...

The secret of being HAPPY is accepting where you are

in life and making the MOST out of EVERYDAY...

Let's just say I was missed like crazy.  I have come to realize that Arvid does not

  like to do anything anymore without me.  Makes me feel all nice and warm inside.

 I was only away from him for three days, and I have to say he was already bored. 

 That's what he said to me.  Proof were the dozen of roses waiting for me.

We are catching up on all our favorite places.  So far we have been to quite a few.

It feels great to be back in Chicago.  The weather is gorgeous.

We are in the middle of everything so we can just walk.

Every second with Arvid is an adventure.  Just yesterday morning
as we were having breakfast, the toaster stopped working at least I thought so.
But nope, according to Arvid it acts up sometimes so you just have to hold it down
until the bread toasts.  As he was doing this his tea water was boiling so he said,
"damm this is a full time job."  Yes he makes me laugh all the time.  Happiest man I know.

Good morning everyone.  Here is a beautiful Chicago sunrise.

Our days are filled with walking and exploring.  Yesterday we walked so
 much I think I have developed blisters, but don't think I will stop.
So much to see and so much to do.  Here we actually have a vacation.

Wishing you all a good day and remember,
do more of what makes you happy...

I was smiling yesterday,
I'm smiling today and I'll smile tomorrow.
It's simple because life's too short to cry for anything that's worthless....

~Nadiya~

Back In The Windy City...

I adore Chicago.  It is the pulse of America...

It's like coming home.  I have lived in NYC and I have lived in California, and love both.

We now live in Florida, but the city that has stolen my heart is and always will be Chicago.

Somehow it brings out the "craziness" in us.  It's as if everyday was a vacation.

Even when we lived there during the summer.  Magical if you ask me.

Being on vacation and never knowing what day of the week it is.

Here in Chicago it's all about music, good food, outings in the park and long walks.

Yes there is a beach in Chicago.  In the middle of all the tall buildings.

It's where city meets sand and palm trees.  Looks like a tropical paradise.

Yes, if I could live here all year long I definitely would.

For now we have a few glorious day to do what we do best,

Have a good time!!!

Hello everyone, greetings from The Windy City...CHICAGO

I have two homes, like someone who leaves their hometown

and or parents and then establishes a life somewhere else.

They might say that they are going home when they return to see old friends

or parents, but then they go home as well when they go to where they live now.

Florida is home.  Chicago is also home.

~Nadiya~

Better Days...

You have to fight through some bad days 

to earn the best days of your life...

No truer word than these that's for sure.  I have just turned another page and though

 it was a little trying at times I always knew that better times were right around the 

corner.  Sometimes we have to endure a lot of hard times to really appreciate the good ones

My 20 days of tasteless food is over.  Ohhh yeah!!  I'm happy and now I 

can't wait to devour everything in sight.  have to say I need to be careful cause

when it comes to food I really don't have control.  I just love food so you can imagine

how difficult this has been for me.  I who eat chicken everyday have not had it in 20 days.

If someone wanted to punish me well they sure knew exactly how to do it, but I'm back!

Hello everyone...

My worst days in recovery are better than my best days in relapse...

~Nadiya~

Sleepless Nights...

For there is nothing quite so terror-inducing as the loss of sleep. 

It creates phantoms and doubts, causes one to questions one's own

 abilities and judgement, and, over time, dismantles, from within, the body...

1am and Brutus is crying his soul out.  It's heart wrenching and the worst is I have to yell at him

 to stop because I fear he will also do harm to his paw trying to claw his way into the bedroom

 by going under the door.  As you can imagine another sleepless night.  The first night he 

did the same.  He would claw and cry with a passion for approximately half hour, a very

 long half hour; then take a break for about an hour and just pick up where he left. 

I am already exhausted not only from sleepless nights, but from the stress of hearing him

and not being able to comfort him.  Also already fed up of being "prisoner" in my own 

bedroom.  I know it is only for one more day and then things are back to "normal."

3am just have had a few moments of sleep so far.  Waiting to get out of bed and go out

 for a little.  Going out as possible in the living room.  I still have to cater to Brutus,
from far  of course. Clean his litter and make sure he has enough food and water.
 For of this I do wear gloves and make sure he is not close to me.
Once I'm out of the bedroom, Brutus is calm and he sleeps.

Can't do this anymore.  Decided to switch rooms with Brutus.  He can have the bedroom
and I the recliner sofa in the living room.  Spent a few hours "sanitizing" the bedroom.
From that moment on we were both happy.  He no longer needed to go into the bedroom,
now that the door was open; he did not cry anymore and we both got some sleep.

If he tries to get close to me I turn  on the vacuum cleaner; that scares him away

and makes me feel even more horrible than I already am feeling.  Yes, I'm scaring my 

own baby away from me by turning on what he hates mot.  The dreaded vacuum cleaner.

Last day and night of this isolation.  Both Brutus and I will be happy.

Also the last day of being on the low iodine diet.  Definitely looking forward to coffee
with cream and some good food.  It's been a long haul and I am very hungry, tired
and in need of sleep.  Worst of all I think Brutus has injured the paw trying to claw his way
under the door.  I can deal with everything, but not so good with Brutus being hurt and not having
a clue as to what to do to make him better.  I really thought better days were here for him.

To all have a good day.  It is Friday after all.  For me it's the last
day of isolation.  Can't tell you how happy I am.  I have had better days.
For now all I am wishing is for Brutus to be OK.
 As they say, I'm hoping for better days!

Accepting reality yet hoping for great days to come 
is a necessity to keep on going forward and believing in You...

~Nadiya~

Not The Happiest Of Times...

One must work with time,

 and not against it...

You can say I've got time on my hands right now.   Yesterday I took the radioactive 

iodine pill.  Now of course my body is radioactive.  Means for the next few days I can't 

be around anyone.  As I have mentioned before, Arvid is long gone. The man really 

does not need a reason to go on a trip, but this time he sure  had a good one. 

 As he tells everyone, "I kicked him out."  In this case it is true.  Told him that

 the doctor said he should be at least 6ft away from me.  He said,

 "if I have to be in a hotel it might as well be in Chicago."

For the last month all he could think of was going back to Chicago.  Of course I will

 also  be going, but first I need to do my isolation time.  From the day he got tickets to

 Chicago let's just say our days are pretty filled up with music. No place like Chicago

for the Blues, his music.  As far as I am concerned it is the most beautiful city in summertime.

Here at home I am already bored by being "locked in"  I guess it's just knowing

you can't go out is what makes me feel so caged in.  Worst is not being able to let

Brutus in the bedroom, play with him nor touch him.  I don't now if I can take 3 days

of his crying.  Now he thinks I don't love him and worst of all he does not know why.

As you can see all he does is cry, try to get in the room and when that does not work,

he just sits quietly next to my flip flops.  This is breaking my heart.

Have to just be strong because it's for his own good that I don't 

get too close to him.  I love you Brutus.

Yesterday was the first day in isolation.  All I can say is that the days
have never seemed longer.  At least in the night I sleep a little, but then
Brutus cries to come in and my rest is over.   I want to let him in so badly.

Worry is a total waste of time. It doesn't change anything.
All it does is steal your joy and keep you 
very busy from doing nothing...

~Nadiya~

Brutus Again...

When things go wrong, don't go with them...

Always in the back of my mind is the possibility that Brutus will take a turn for 

worse again.  Sadly it seems that I am not wrong.  Brutus' paw is not bleeding.

He is not biting on it, well not the way he used to, but something is just not right.

Sticking out on his paw is a huge soft "ball" I know it's not good and we have been 

monitoring it for a while now.  Even the vet saw it an she said this might always be 

a problem.  The thing is, this protrusion has been getting bigger every day.

As you can see the part circled is the one that's troubling.  Brutus
has already started nibbling on it, and of course he will have it all open and
bleeding when we are not home.  Always happens.  Whenever Arvid and I decide to take
a few days off, Brutus has a bad reaction in the paw.  Truth is i am getting to the point where
I just don't feel like going anywhere anymore.  Being away is stressful knowing he may be hurting.
 
For now will just have to monitor it and see what happens, because I'm sure it's not
 supposed to look like this.  For the next few days I will be in isolation.  Not allowed
to even touch Brutus much less take him to the vet.  As you can imagine, I am
already stressed out.  It is for his own good that I don't touch him.  You see today
 I take my radiation pill and it's doctors orders to stay away  from everyone.
Lucky Arvid, he took the first available flight out.  Heading to Chicago.

Today I am very tired.  Have already done blood work,
and will soon be going to the hospital for the radioactive pill.

Hope your day is a good one and remember.
everyday we are given new opportunities and new chances.

Every day we have plenty of opportunities to get angry, stressed or offended. 
But what you're doing when you indulge these negative emotions is giving something 
outside yourself power over your happiness. You can choose to not let little things upset you...

~Nadiya~

One Down, One More To Go...

There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.

If you're still believing then you're almost there...

I had my first injection yesterday.  Like with everything, the anticipation building

 up to it was worse that the actual injection itself.  We waited for an hour before

I was called into the room.  Where I was told to drop my pants.  Before I 

knew what was going on the nurse was done with me.  All she said was, "see you

tomorrow, and don't forget tomorrow we do it on the other side."

Just looking at the nurse preparing the shot was driving me nuts.  All I wanted

was to get it over so when she said "you're done" I was, "are you sure?"

Yep, turns out I am brave after all.  No crying, no hysterics. 

Now to do the same today.  Should be a breeze!

Hurricane season has begun here in Florida and so has the rain.

Yesterday it rained all morning, Arvid is "afraid" of the rain so he had to pull out his

 biggest umbrella to protect us from it.  As with most umbrellas I  have seen, once the wind

 blows you are lucky to even have an umbrella.  In our case it was only partially blown away.

Once again I am awake very early.  Today is the second shot, and
by now you all know I am a pro at this.  No more fear for me.
First one went well did not even have a sore butt.

Yes, another good day awaits us.
Wishing you all the same and
may you all live in interesting times.

Remember, if you hesitate you can still go forward.

A bend in the road is not the end of the road,
 unless you fail to make the turn...
  
~Nadiya~

Radioactive Iodine Treatment (RAI)

There is nothing wrong with having butterflies in your stomach.  

Providing you make them fly in formation...

On May 19th I began my low iodine diet in preparation for my RAI,

better known as Radioactive Iodine Treatment.  This is only used for

 Papillary and Follicular thyroid cancers. I have the Papillary kind.

Like ordinary iodine in the diet, radioactive iodine is taken up by any remaining 

normal thyroid cells and potentially by thyroid cancer cells as well. The radioactive 

form of iodine is used to destroy any remaining thyroid cells. 

Before this treatment can be given, the patient needs to be prepared so that the treatment stands 

the best chance of working, and in order to do that, it is recommended the low iodine diet.

This is recommended in order to get as much of the radioactive iodine to the treatment

 areas of the body and to stop iodine in the diet from interfering with the treatment. 

This diet is usually recommended for two weeks, but in my case because I am special,

I have to do it for a total of 20 days.  Sometimes being "special" is not all it's cut out to be.

Most of what I should eat and should not eat was found on Internet sites.  

Very helpful information.  This is the first step in preparation for RAI.

Step 2 is producing A High Level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

There are 2 ways of getting this hormone level high enough in the blood to allow 

the radioactive iodine to do what it needs to do.

The first option is to stop thyroid hormone medication and allow the body to make a larger 

amount of TSH than usual. Many people struggle with this and can develop symptoms

 including tiredness, loss of appetite, weight gain, dry skin, greasy hair, constipation,

 mood changes and feeling cold.  

Here I have been lucky again. Unlike many, I did not have to stop taking my 

medication, but the weirdest thing is that I developed a few of the symptoms.

I am tired very fast, I go from hot to freezing cold withing second and if 

you ask Arvid, I have developed some mood changes.  

The second option applies to me.  It is to give the TSH in an artificial way by injections

 (recombinant human TSH, rhTSH, ‘Thyrogen’™). The injections are given on the 2 days

 before the radioactive iodine and are given by injection into the muscle in the buttock. 

This allows the patient to continue on their thyroid hormones throughout

 the preparation and treatment process.

I am not thrilled at all.  Not a coward, but just the thought of a needle being stabbed into

 my buttock is too much.  I can give blood all day long, and not be bothered, 

but an injection..ahhh another story altogether.

According to what I have read, side effects from rhTSH are uncommon and generally mild.

 Some people feel sick, have a headache or feel weak with aching muscles ( like having flu) 

after their injections. This is best managed with rest, plenty of fluids.

A few people have experienced a rash. Well what's a rash among friends these days?

Today I have the first shot.  Tomorrow the second and on Wednesday the radioactive

iodine pill.  Will see how it goes and how well I handle the injection.  I just hope

for my sake and for whoever is giving me the shot that they are gentle.  Otherwise I can't 

promise to stay quiet.  I know for my own good I should shut up!  Maybe my butt will puff up?

For now wishing you all a good day.  Mine is just starting.

It looks great so far.  Hopefully it remains this way for all our sakes.

Mine, Arvid's and Brutus'  Hahaha... 

Just from Arvid, "so how are we going to do this today?"
What do you mean, I ask? and he said, "am I going to go in with you in
 the room when they stick the needle in your ass or should I wait in the waiting room?"
Yep! it is going to be an interesting day today,  especially with someone as "special" as Arvid

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do 

is admit that you are scared...

~Nadiya~

Request...

Remember when you just shut up and went away?

Now is a good time...

Hello everyone.  I do appreciate you visiting my blog and to the many who leave comments, 

thank you.  To the many who leave not so welcoming comments (spam) I am asking you to

please stop.  Most of these comments are inappropriate and downright offensive.

Lately I have stopped commenting because it seems that only increases the spam

comments.  Thankfully the span goes into a spam folder, but of course not

always.  Just yesterday, I noticed that many of these comments were not contained

to the spam folder.  Took me quite a long time to delete them.  Hopefully I got

most of it.  These comments are sexually explicit.  Not necessarily directed to

 anyone in particular, but downright offensive to the readers and to me.

If you are trying to be cute, it's not working.  Comments where you 

disagree with me or find whatever it is I say not to your liking does 

not bother me, but the explicit and offensive sexual comments do not belong here. 

Hopefully I have managed to prevent many from being published.  But if for some 

reason you see one here, it's because I missed it and was unable to delete it.

Unfortunately, it seems all the comments have been heading straight into the
 spam folder.  This has made it necessary for me to limit who can comment.
I can always be reached @:
nadiyas@gmail.com

Thanks all and enjoy your day.
Remember, minds are like flowers, 
they only open when the time is right.

Yes, I understand you are giving an honest opinion.
Yes, there is still a line between being honest and being rude and offensive...

~Nadiya~