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~

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~

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~

Music and Friends...

Live richly.

Life is the greatest bargain.  We get it for nothing...

As you all know our life is centered largely on the music scene.  We tend to be drawn to it

 more than most people we know.  That is Arvid is and I go.  I like it but he lives it.

Last night we went to Fritz and Franz Blues Festival in Coral Gables.  This is the 17th annual

festival and we have been to quite a few of them.  As always we have a good time, 

but when we go with good friends we have even a better time all together.

So far has been a very relaxing day.  We Skyped with Aleah, Michelle and Emil.

Was a very good start of our Saturday.  Tonight we will have some friends over

 for drinks and pizza.  Another good evening awaits us.

To all a very good day also.

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves...

~Nadiya~

Friday...

If you must have motivation, think of your paycheck on Friday...

Friday morning.  Sun is rising and the day holds the promise of good things to come.

This week has gone by incredibly fast.  Very glad it is finally the weekend.  Come 5 o'clock 

today our weekend begins and what a day awaits us.  As you know nothing like some
 music to brighten up the day and the weekend.  Tonight we go to
 another Blues festival weather permitting. 

 This one in Miami.  We have some friends going with us so it should be even more fun. 

 As usual I will be the designated driver.  Arvid says he is so happy I don't drink.  

Hmm...sometimes I wonder what would happen if I did drink.  Hmmmm...

Brutus has now been 8 days without pills.  So far he is still doing good.  The doctor said we 

can give him a rest for 10 days, but I am not sure I want to go this long without giving

him his medicines.  he looks good.  He eats well, and is happy.  Come tomorrow

I will once again being his routine.  Ten days of pill.  He will hide again.

I saw this posted on Facebook and it so reminded me of Arvid.

To all a Happy Friday.  Remember if everyday at work like a Friday then 

you are doing what you were meant to do.

'Friday' is about hanging out with friends, having fun.

 I felt like it was my personality in that song...

~Nadiya~

Life Is Good....

But I can say that life is good to me.  Has been and is good. 

 So I think my task is to be good to it.  So how do you be good to life?  You live it...

The days are just going by faster and faster.  Good and not so good at the same time. 

Already Thursday morning and still so much to do.  Two days in the Bahamas and

 so much that needs catching up with.  But after all it was 2 beautiful days.

From start to end the entire trip was scenic.  As you see the above is from the plane as

we approach the Islands of The Bahamas.  Once you get to the airport, you are 

greeted with island music.  Best way for the perfect start of any vacation.

Everywhere you turned there was a view, be it of the clear blue waters or the

color of the building and the people.  It was just pleasing to the eyes.

The trip was mostly business, but we always found time to do something fun.

I was happy with my mango coladas, walking on the beach and just taking in the sights.

We even enjoyed a limo ride through scenic Nassau to our hotel.  Yep!  we were 

living it up.  Though we only had 2 days we did do lots of walking and running around.

Back home and many things to do.  Also many friends are visiting so catching up with them
 as well.  Yesterday I had a glass of wine.  For me this is very unusual.  I don't ever
drink wine, but yesterday it tasted really good shared with friends and
combined with the Florida warm temperature,it was just good.

Good morning everyone.  Wishing you a beautiful day.

Good morning.  Life is like a mirror.  It will smile at you if you smile at it...

~Nadiya~

The Biggest Differences Between Men And Women...

The difference between men and women?
Men always have questions to what women never have an answer to.
And women always have answers to what men never wanted to be questioned with....

Women and men.  Can't live without the other, but boy we sure

are very different, and not counting physical differences.  I looked up online

and I asked around a few of my friends and more or less everyone kind of 

agreed that these are some of the most outstanding differences.

You don't have to agree.  This is just for fun so hopefully

everyone will take it as such.  I know for sure that 

there are quite a few of these that would apply to Arvid and I.

I asked Arvid what he thought about was a main difference between men and women.

His answer did not surprise me.  He said, "why is it that women are so mean?

why is it that women hate other women and can never seem to let go?"  Good  questions

indeed.  I have also always wondered about this.  Anytime a woman is in the same room as another

woman you feel tension rising and you know that sooner or later there is going to be a fireworks!

I know this because I have seen it so very often.  I believe that women can get along just fine.

Arvid believes that the can't, at least not for too long.  I always try to prove

him wrong.  And so far still doing a good job...

Men socialize by insulting each other, but they don't really mean it.
Women socialize by complimenting each other,  
and they don't really mean it either...

~Nadiya~

Nassau, Bahamas...

Happiness consists of living each day as if it were the first day of

 your honeymoon and the last day of your vacation...

Luckily for us, business brings us to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas, a place we once called 

our second home.  Though not one for beaches here I am definitely going in the water.

The Bahamas is known for their spectacular beaches and some will say the clearest 

water on earth.  I will definitely agree  because we have lived it and experienced it for years.

 One very distinguishing thing about the island of the Bahamas, the colors are beautiful.

After business, I plan to walk the beaches, check out the straw market and of course
we plan to go to Atlantis.  The aquarium there is a favorite of mine.

The Island is stunning, the hotel is breathtaking with fantastic views and I am out to enjoy it.

Arvid and I on one of our trips to Atlantis, Paradise Island.

To all a very good day.  Work combined with some fun can't be beat.
 Time to go and do a little of both.  Can't wait to sink my toes into that soft white sand.

Salt water heals everything...

~Nadiya~

Me And The Ones I Love...

I knew the second I met you that there was something about you I needed.

Turns out it wasn't something about you at all.  It was just you...

March 5th marked 15 years since Arvid and I met.  For both of us this has been

our longest relationship.  My first relationship ended with the death of my first husband.

Arvid is my second chance in life and we are having the time of our lives.  Life is very good.

This year will also be 9 years since we have had Brutus.  Arvid's first ever pet.

Brutus as Arvid will be the first to say, has made him a better person.

Together everything is possible.  We have our differences, but at the 

end of the day there is no one I would rather share my life than with Arvid Hvidsten.

Life has given us our ups and downs, but who does not have them?  Through it all we continue

 to learn everyday, and we cherish the opportunity to have each other, to be each others best 

friend and to share our lives together..  He makes me laugh.  We make each other happy. 

 It's all that matters.  We are good for each other and Brutus is just the icing in our lives.

Good morning everyone.  Early Monday morning.  May we all have

a very good week ahead.  Time to rock and roll.

You will forever be my always...

~Nadiya~

More Musical Weekend...

Music can change the world because it can change people...

Bonita Springs Blues Festival. This is where we are.  Started yesterday and continues on today. 

 The festival is held in the park.  We bring our lawn chairs and blankets and try our best to 

not burn to death.  Yesterday we were lucky to find some shade.  As I've told Arvid, 

the only time he and I get a tan is when we go to some Blues Festival. 

We live in Florida but we stay away from the sun.

Yesterday was a very good day. We saw our friend and musician Albert Castiglia perform. 

 He is always always good and last night was no exception.  He had the people jumping.

We saw Albert last Saturday at McGuire Hill 16.  Like last night, he was also spectacular

that night.  Arvid and I follow the music.  More like Arvid craves music and I go with

 the flow.  I do enjoy it, but for him it's a very big part of his life.  Come next Friday

 we will also be going to another Blues Festival.  Another local festival.  This time
 in Coral Gables, Florida.  Maybe with some friends.  Will see.

Music sure does wonders.  It calms, relaxes and soothes the soul and the mind.

Arvid never brings his phone, he is even proud to say "they can call me until they turn blue,

see if I care."  Me I always have mine.  Have to stay in touch with the world.  With family.

Good morning everyone.  Awake and getting ready for the day, but to relax a little
more Arvid and I are just watching a little Curious George.  Very cute cartoon.

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music...


~Nadiya~

Musical Weekend...

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

Once again Arvid and I embark on a little road trip.  This time it will be all fun and music.

No work.  No laptops and for Arvid no phone as usual.  Relaxing is what is called for.

This has been a very hectic and stressful week for us in more ways than one.

For Arvid nothing like the music to soothe and calm him.  For me it takes a little more,

but it is a good start and I hope to be able to also relax and enjoy the weekend together.  

Arvid has been looking forward to this for months.  So have I.

Brutus is well cared for and that makes it fun, he is on a break for a few

days from medicine so it makes it even better for him and for his pet sitter.

Wishing you all a very good weekend.  Remember music
is what feelings sound like.

Go on a road trip with someone fun.  NOW!!!

~Nadiya~

And So Another Day Begins...

Each new day has to be better than the last...

Our apartment is geared to being comfortable for Brutus.  He has a bed everywhere.

Sheets, towels, pillows are placed in strategic spots just for his comfort.

Not exactly sure how I am feeling today, but I know that as another day approaches another 

chance we are given.  Thursday almost the weekend already.  Arvid and I are looking 

forward to a little weekend of music.  My heart is not really into it, but it will definitely

 be a welcoming distraction.  Arvid really needs it and he says I do as well.

A bright spot for the day is having company over for lunch.  Gives me something

to do and something to keep me distracted.  Today having Michael, Victoria and Liliana.

It is a beautiful day here at home.  Very warm compared to most of the nation.  My 

sisters are snowed in.  Kids are happy of course because no school today.

They say that sometimes when things are falling apart, they may be actually 

be falling into place.  Better be so.  When it rains it pours but soon, the sun shines again.

Sometimes a hug is all you need to make you feel better...

~Nadiya~

Already Wednesday...

When people refer to 'Back in the Day,' it was a Wednesday.

 Just a little fun fact for you....

Already halfway through the work week.  Everyday that goes by is a day 

to get stronger, healthier and it's a day with new hopes and good things coming.

Last Wednesday, I stupidly dropped my iPhone in the bath, 

and my life has sort of spiraled almost out of control.

Yesterday was a very beautiful day here.  A little trip that took us alongside of the beach, a short 

visit to Victoria and Michael, and a trip to Holiday Isle Yacht Club, a place we once called home. 

 It was where Arvid lived when I met him, and then it was back home to a busy afternoon.

There was a beautiful moon in the evening and the sight of the boats all lit

up as they cruised by our apartment made for a very pleasant ending of the day.

Good morning everyone.  My heart and my thoughts are somewhere else right now.

I have to keep reminding myself over and over again, "use your head and your heart together."

Life changes in unpredictable ways...

~Nadiya~

Wishing For A Good Day....

Where there is hope there is faith,

where there is faith, miracles happen...

Good morning everyone.  Every morning I wake up and I hope for a miracle.

Miracles happen all the time so I know we are due for some ourselves.

Tuesday morning.  Nice and bright.  I feel it is the start of good things 

coming our way.  Wish you all the same as well.

The moment you are ready to quit is usually the moment right

 before a miracle happens.  Don't give up.

To all a very good day.  You know what they say, everyday is a winding road.

Positive thinking and positive attitude can sometimes make miracles happen.  Beautiful day

 today here at home.  Not all is great, but there are a few things that sure can brighten up one's life.

The morning started with a good vibe and I am sure that it will continue to be so.

One can always hope and sometimes ones prayers get answered.  Yes sometimes they do.

When some bad things happen you have three choices.  You can either let it 

define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you....

~Nadiya~ 

Busy Monday..

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is 

wrought in our life, or in the life of another...

Busy Monday as usual.  Right now I welcome as busy as can be days.  Keeps the mind 

occupied from other thought that try to creep in.  Arvid and I are in the shipping 

business as I have mentioned many times before.  We ship anything, but mainly

 cars, boats motorcycles and parts for the above mentioned.

  

Today we had to take a car down to our warehouse in Miami.  Work and fun combined

is always a good thing.  We get to see unusual items that people buy and as mentioned

 before, it is always in the eyes of the beholder.  What I see and what 

the customer sees it two entirely different things.

Just a typical Monday for us.  Lots of running around and way too many phone calls.

It is a warm and beautiful day here at home in Fort Lauderdale.  Everything is as good

 as can be right now.  Hope you all have a good day and that this is the start of a very 

good week.  Arvid and I waiting for the weekend.  We will be going to a small Blues Festival.

Happy Monday everyone.  My heart and my thoughts are with my sister,

one of the most brave, strong and amazing woman I know.  All my sisters are.  We 

took after our parents.  We never quit, we never give in and we always push forward.

We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.

Monday is like a math problem, add the irritation, subtract the sleep, 

multiply the problems and divide the happiness....

~Nadiya~

Another Day....

When life gives you a thousand reasons to cry, 

show life you have a thousand reasons to smile...

There is a deep sorrow in my heart and nothing can take it away.  There is also happiness

 because I see how close knit a family we are.   Through the distance we all pull

 together among ourselves for the same goal.

In times of tragedy you see the strength that comes through. You see how a child 

becomes an adult. Not something one wishes for so early in life but it happens 

and once it does there is no turning back.

A little girl and a little boy are now old beyond their age.  Not right but 

it's called  life and there is no stopping it.

It's Sunday morning.  All is not good in my world.  One of my sisters is going through

 a rough time and nothing we can do about it.   Time and time alone holds all 

the answers and time waits for  no one.   A little doggie also patiently

 awaits his papas return. Get better soon he prays.

Life is not easy and it seems we are having our share of those not so good times.  

Yes it's easy to say "be brave". "be positive". bla bla bla  and move on, but it is hard.

 It is very hard.  Just thinking of my sister is tearing me apart. I can't imagine

 what her days and nights are.  I mean I can imagine, yet I know it must

 be a thousand times worse. I cannot rest, cannot concentrate

 until I see her.  Until I see them with my own eyes.

  I need to be with her

I prefer to be the one hurting than to see one of my sisters or parents hurting. 

 More painful for me this way.  Especially the helplessness involved.

They say music helps one escape from reality at times.  Last night Arvid thought it

was a good way to distract me so we went to listen to the Blues.  Sadly, it

did not distract me at all. My thoughts were and is far away.

To all hope this Sunday is a good one.  Appreciate what you have.  Be thankful

 for it and don't hesitate to show it.  Life my friends is tricky.  One day all is good.  

Next day you never know what it holds.  Nothing in life is ever guaranteed.

Play the moments.  Pause the memories.  

Stop the pain.  Rewind the happiness...

~Nadiya~