Virtual Adoption....Kairi

The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he

 can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed...

I am new to this so please bear with me should I say something that is not really true.

Yesterday I finally made the decision to VIRTUALLY ADOPT a kitty cat.

I have been donating and helping out with foodies, but was not sure

if I wanted to virtually adopt one particular kitty.

The way i saw it was that all the kitties could benefit from my donation and I would

rather have that than just give to one kitty in particular.  My misunderstanding was

 rapidly cleared up by Sylvia P. Kasch, founder of Jaded Paws Rescue.

Yesterday I adopted little Kairi pictured above.  When she was rescued, her eye was

 already badly infected and damaged.  Little girl ended up losing the eye,

 but not her desire to survive.  She is now mine.  At least virtually.

There she is below on the day she was found and rescued.  She was given a second 

chance, and I am very happy to be able to be part of that second chance.

To all of you out there, if you can find it in your heart to help you won't regret it.  If you can't 

give money-wise maybe you can donate something to the organization so that

 they can raffle it and make some money.  You will get a tax write off.  

Not only will you help these babies, but at the same time you 

will help yourself by reducing your taxes.  Win-Win.

Visit their page and you will see all the kitties waiting for you.

Looking For Forever Homes...TOFU

Many will say that this is just another rip off to get their money.  Truth is what

 do you call Starbucks and all those fancy places that sell a cup of coffee for over $3.00?

If there is a rip-off it sure is that.  yes, I also enjoy a cup of coffee when I go out and yes, 

I also pay premium dollars for it, but today I said to Arvid, "if I can skip a few cups of this a 

month imagine what I can do with that money.?  It not that much money and that is the beauty

IT IS NOT A LOT..so that being the case if we all put asid one dollar a day into a little jar by the

 end of the month we will have enough money to sponsor one of these kitties and make like so 

much better for them.  Not that difficult so how about giving it a try?

To everyone a good day.  Please think about what I have said.

I know many would like to help.  Take that first step.  You won't regret it.

Remember, if you can't change the situation, change how you feel about it.

Yesterday ended with a heavy rainfall.  Right now it looks to be a glorious day.

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot 

change their minds cannot change anything...

~Nadiya~

Updates...

Life is partly what we make 

and partly what it is made by the choices we choose...

As most may know the first half of this year has been quite tiresome, health

wise for both myself and Brutus.  Fortunately we are both on the mend
and everything is going as good as it can with just a few bumps here
and there, but expected and manageable.

One of my favorite pictures I have taken at Fort Lauderdale Beach...

Between February and March I had 2 surgeries.  An abdominal surgery and

thyroid surgery to remove cancer.  Thankfully I am doing great and am happy to 

say that everything so far has been fairly smooth.  There are a few things that still need

to be stabilized, but as the doctors keep saying, "it takes time."  Most likely I am always
too impatient and I want everything to be "perfect" right away.  Does not work like this.  

As far as the abdominal surgery goes, I am still hoping to get back some
kind of sensation to the area that was cut.

As for the thyroid situation, I am still trying to find the right balance.  My doctor has

 changed the dosage of my medication about a month ago and he told me that I may

 gain weight.  Sadly he was right.  The new dosage seems to make me "lazy"  

 I feel slow, sluggish and constantly tired.  Not happy about this, but...

At the end of the month I will be once again having some blood work and seeing two

 different doctors.  Hopefully they will figure out the right dosage and speed up 

my metabolism once again.  I'm tired of being tired but, always hoping 

for the best and whatever it is just have to work with it.

As far as Brutus goes, we are happy to say that his paw is still on the mend, that is until a 

week ago.  There is one troublesome spot and he has begun to once again bite on. Nothing 

excessive right now, but enough for us to keep an eye on. It is all puffy with a few bites

 and seems like it needs to be drained.  Maybe a trip to the vet is called for.

Good day to everyone.
Good advise that I need to listen to myself.  Sometimes, no matter
how much you want things to happen, all you can do is be patient and wait.

Patience is not the ability to wait,
but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting...

~Nadiya~

Just Another Beautiful Day...

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. 

 The other as though everything is a miracle...

One of the best things about living in Florida is that no matter what time of the year,

the water is always warm.  Be it at the beach or in the pool.  For a change, 

Arvid and I decided to venture out to our pool.  It is after all quite

 nice and it sits  right on the Intracoastal so we always have something 

interesting to look at even while swimming.  

Before going to the pool, we always peek out from our living room to see if there 

is anyone in it.  Usually if there are people we do not go.  Both Arvid and I like 

to have it all to ourselves and yesterday we did.  The water was refreshing 

and we found ourselves staying for quite a long time.  I told Arvid that 

we should do this more often.  He agreed.  We had a good time.

Wednesday morning already.  The week is just flying by.
Woke up early and almost crushed Brutus who was as always under one of
of feet.  Today I just want to send out warm hugs and good vibes to a special young lady.

Victoria you are in our thoughts and in my heart.  Wishing you a good day
and always look at life in a positive way.  We love you and we are thinking of you.

To all a good day.  Sometimes you just wish you were next to
 that person so that you can give them a big hug.

You know what they say, sometimes all you need is a hug from the right person
and all your stress will disappear.  Consider yourself hugged :)

So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling,
 because life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about...

~Nadiya~

Little Things....

The first impression is the truth, and all 

that follows is merely the excuse of memory....

Sometimes it is the littlest of things that make a big impact on us. Sometimes it is
 what  we take for granted.  I guess if you are not used to it it does impact you. Case
 in point yesterday Arvid met with the boyfriend of one of our friends' daughter.  

The "boy" came to our place to pick up some keys. We have every one's keys with us.

 After the meeting Arvid came back upstairs and he seemed very amazed or more like lost

 in thought. I of course asked what's up?  Arvid tells me everything, so he looks at me and says,

 "he is a very nice boy.  I am so surprised at how polite and how nice he is."  I have been raised in 
a very nice and polite family so for me it is the rule that people should be the same .  Wrong.

We talked some more mainly about this "boy" and Arvid kept saying how much he liked him. 

This was only their first meeting so I guess he left quite an impression.  A pleasant one.

I thought it ended there, but this morning as we were having breakfast, he suddenly said, 

"you know that boy is so nice."  Then he said he does not mind helping him out

 because when someone is as nice and polite it makes it easier to want to

 help them out.  As I said this young man left an impression on Arvid. 

Our Monday was different.  We had many little things to do combined with showing
 our apartment for rent.  Some of our errands took us by the beach to our 
friends' apartment.  Always a beautiful sight as you can see.

No matter what the job is, Arvid is always smiling and we are always enjoying ourselves.

Monday was one of those days.  We did a variety of things and though not typical we 

sure had a lot of fun.  I always enjoy taking pictures of Arvid in action, even when 

he is yelling at me to stop that nonsense and get back to work.

Work or play we have a lot of fun together.  Must be because we always do it as a team. 

 Neither of us is afraid to get our hands dirty, and yesterday we sure got dirty, 

but that's why we have soap and water.  We do any and everything.  

Arvid just has to do something and of course that means me as well.

It was a very good day, we worked, we laughed and had 

lots of fun in between.  Simple things.

Good morning everyone.  It is the start of another good day. 

Wishing the same for all of you, and never forget that 

the most  simple things can bring the most happiness.

~Greetings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida~

Only those who have patience to do simple things perfectly 

ever acquire the skill to do difficult things easily...

~Nadiya~

A Favorite Outing...

Show me a mall, and I'm happy.

I love shopping! I'm impatient though. 

I'll go to the mall and in 30 minutes be ready to go...

One of my favorite place to have some alone time is going to the Mall.  My favorite being 

The Galleria Mall, right here in Fort Lauderdale.  Not too big like many others so for my needs

just perfect.  It's a good way to be alone and at the same time get some exercise in an air conditioned

place.  Perfect any which way you look at it.  So just the other day I had one of theses days to myself.

Most of the times when I go to the mall it is just merely browsing, although I do enjoy

trying on clothes.  This can take quite some time and the good thing is that Arvid is not with

me to rush me.  He says he likes to go with me to the mall but, all he does is stand and just stare.

When I go I like to walk around the entire mall.  Not necessarily go into all the stores.

Three stores are a must, Macys, Dillards and Michael Kors.  This time I was in luck because

Michael Koors was having a special autum preview and I had a VIP invitation to go and see it.

Was very tempting to buy something, but I was "good" truth is I did not see anything I wanted badly.

The Galleria Mall has an enormous food court.  Anything and everything you crave.

On top of all of that there are tons of very good restaurants.  For us it is always a stop at

PF Chang's for lunch.  Good food and as far as Arvid is concerned good beer.  Happy both of us.

One of my favorite things is just having a cafe, sitting down and watching
people pass by.  So much to see and not always pleasant, but always interesting.

Monday morning already.  Busy day ahead and as you can see
Brutus is all ready to make himself useful.
Already on all his dada's papers.

To all a good day.  Monday already; start of a new and productive week ahead.
But on the off chance someone should ask, I'll be very happy to go to the mall tomorrow.

Good morning everyone.
Here is to the start of another exciting and productive week.

As we grow up, we realize it becomes less important to have
 more friends and more important to have real ones...

~Nadiya~

Apartment For Rent

To be successful in real estate, you must always and consistently 

put your clients' best interests first. When you do, your personal needs 

will be realized beyond your greatest expectations...

As I have mentioned before, Arvid and I are both Realtors.  Something we both enjoy 

very much.  As Realtors you don't have a schedule.  Your schedule is whenever the customer

is ready.  Not a problem because we are both flexible.  Him sometimes more than me.  Always.

As they say those who are flexible in thought and action will inevitably succeed.

That being said, we are currently renting out one of our units in the building we live in.

The building is located directly on the Intracoastal Waterways.  

As far as we are concerned it is the best location.  The view we currently

 have is the best we ever had. Pictured above is just the external location of the building.

We are renting out the apartment that at one time was supposed to be where 

we would live forever.  It was redone from floor to ceiling.  Being in the same

building makes it a lot easier to show the unit even though we have tenants in it. They 

have been quite cooperative about the whole thing.  What has surprised me was the fact that

just about all of the people who have come to see the unit have been or are still current homeowners,

but have decided to sell their homes and to just rent.  They claim that home owning is too much work

these days.  Surprised me quite a bit.  Trying to get my parents to do the same.  Too much work for my mom.

The unit itself is immaculate and it does boasts a pretty good city,

 ocean and Inracoastal view.  Just listed and so far we have had quite some showings.

Well it is Sunday again.  Last Sunday I was in Virginia with my sister and family.

Today we have some showings and as Arvid says, hopefully we will have time to go out 

and have our Sunday outing.  Something we look forward to always.  Just the two of us.

To all a good day and a little reminder.

Choose a job you love and you will never have to work another day in your life.

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.

Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game...

~Nadiya~

Birthdays...Nirvana's and Sachin's

Birthdays give us the opportunities to stop and 

appreciate all the little things we have been blessed with...

Today we celebrate 2 birthdays in our family.  My sister Nirvana's and my nephew Sachin's.

Nirvana is sister number 3 of 5 girls.  Mother of Kimsy and J.  My niece and nephew.

Here they are.  Many years ago, but somehow it always seem not that long ago.

They live in Puerto Rico and though I don't see them that often I always have them in my heart..

Nirvana today on your birthday I just want you to know that a day does not go by

without me thinking of you, loving you and missing you.  For you and all my other 

sisters nothing is too much to ask for.  I only wish we were closer especially today.

From a little girl she was always a beauty.  Today she is even more beautiful, but the beauty 

is not only from the outside.  The woman she is is exceptional.  I am happy and fortunate

 to have her as my sister and my friend. Though distance may separate us, 

I always carry her in my heart..

You know the saying, you can kid the world, but not your sister. She is wiser than

 her years and she is my sister and my friend.  I love you and that is forever.

Sachin was born just just two days after 9-11.  Today the little boy born during one of the 

worst times for the US turns 13.  He is all boy.  There is no sport that he will not play.

As a little boy we were fortunate to have him and all his family live close to us in 

Florida.  Those days are forever cherished by me and are part of memories that will

never leave me.  Sachin like all my nieces and nephews holds a very special place in my heart.

From very little he knew how to relax and find a comfy spot.  In Florida that 

was his favorite spot to sit and watch TV or play games.  I miss that face.

Sachin and I many years ago in his Florida home.  Wish I could also

spend the day with you Sachin.  I love you so much and uncle Arvid always remembers

all the good times we have had together.  At 8;15 this morning we called him and and
we both
spoke to him.  The first thing I noticed was the voice change.  Little Sachin is on
his way to manhood.  Have no idea where and how time has gone by so fast.
One day he was little today he is a big boy and as he told his uncle Arvid,
he plays soccer and uncle Arvid called him the next Messi.

Little Sachin is no longer little.  He's now a 13 year old teenager.
Happy birthday to my sister and my nephew.

To my sister Nirvana,
Count the age, not the wrinkles you have. Count the blessings and 
the wonderful experience not the mistakes you have made.  Love you both.

May your birthday and every day be filled with the warmth of sunshine, 

the happiness of smiles, the sounds of laughter,

 the feeling of love and the sharing of good cheer....

~Nadiya~

The Dine-In Movie Experience...

I love going to the movies; I love watching good movie actors. 

They must know something I don't...

Thursday had a little twist to it.  Around 4:30 pm Arvid all of a sudden asks me if 

I would like to go to the movies.  I love going to the movies so was pleasantly surprised 

when he asked.  Of course I said yes.  I googled all movies showing  at the AMC Coral Ridge 

Theater close to us.  His only request was that it not be too late since he had to come back home

 and watch his TV shows.  Not a problem.  The earliest movie was at 5:10.  Gave us a short time
to get ready and go, but we are fas so we did not need much time.  Even got to the theater by 5pm.

We have been to this movie theater many a times before, but we have not been there 

since they underwent a complete transformation.  We got there and after Arvid bought the 

tickets the girl said,  " you will be going to the suite section."  That meant we were going 

into the section with the reclynable chairs.  The other section did not recline.  They just had 

rocking chairs.  I was happy with either section.  A big improvement from the previous chairs.

The experience did not stop there.  The theater was transformed into a dining experience

 as well.  Beer on tap was also on the menu.  I went to the counter to buy some pop corn and 

was told that all I had to do was go inside, sit and press on the call button and a waitress

 will appear.  Well we did just that and before you know it she was there.

Arvid was super excited because they served all kinds of beer on tap.  

There is also an entire menu of all kinds of foods.  I already saw what 

will soon become a favorite. Yep they had chicken wings.

The movie we saw may have not been that great, granted it had a lot of funny stuff going on, 

but the entire dining in experience at the movie theater sure was great. 

 I really believe it will soon become a very frequented spot for Arvid and I. 

 We were both pleasantly surprised by the entire thing.  Needless to say,  I see 

a lot more movies in our future.  I love going to the movies, so already happy.

This kind of dining experience at the movie theater already exists in many places.

For us it is a new thing and the fact that it is only five minutes from home makes it even better.

Good morning to all.  Let the weekend begin.

Beautiful day here in Fort Lauderdale and Brutus is all ready to help.

Show me something different, along with loyalty and respect.
And you will have me swept off my feet...

~Nadiya~

Mr. Busy...

Being busy is better than being bored. Bored left a long time ago.

 Busy is always around for me...

I always knew Arvid was one of those people who can never stay still;  heck I'm the same, 

but it seems as if he has gotten even more restless during the time I was away. He just can't 

seem to sit still for a single minute.   Me saying this is weird because I am the same, 

but some how he seems even more  restless than normal.  OK with me.

Even Brutus is busy trying to catch is toy mouse.  In between 

we always take a break and watch the neighbors do water aerobics.

Never a dull moment.  Busy but never boring.

I came home midnight Monday, with a bad cold or as the doctor believes bad allergies. 

 Coughing and wheezing, let's just say very tired.  Already Tuesday morning 

Arvid was ready for us to run around.  For a change I had to decline.

Combined with the hot weather, the fluctuations of my body still adjusting

to my Thyroid medicine and the fact that what the doctor calls an allergy,

I still don't feel so very good.  Tow doctors appointments by the 

end of the month should hopefully give me answers.

Yesterday we did go for a walk in the late afternoon.  Felt actually really

good even if I was coughing quite a bit.  Exercise no matter what is always good.

That we walk through a pretty neighborhood also makes the walk more enjoyable.

Thursday already the week is just flying by.

Arvid is still in his "I missed you so much mood"   I hear him telling Brutus

how good it is that mama is back home.  Said it was very very quiet without me.

All is good here at home.  Few issues like everyone else, but then life is not perfect.

We get out of it whatever it is we decide to put into it.  Me I give it my all.   I'm happy.

Greetings from Fort Lauderdale.  Brutus watching as the people disperse

from the pool area.  Water exercises all done for today.

Be happy and remember, life is made up of surprises.

Said Arvid to me:

I keep myself busy with things to do,

but every time I pause I still thing of you...

~Nadiya~

Good To Know....

It's all very simple. 

But maybe because it's so simple, it's also hard....

It's always good to know a few things that are not necessarily considered as Arvid

would say "important"  They may not be important, but they sure can be 

useful in making life easier, simpler and more manageable.

Knowing it and seeing it are two different things

Even though there are no ways of knowing for sure, 

there are ways of knowing for pretty sure

If everything fails, there is always coffee and wine.

To all a very good day.

Remember, suspecting is not knowing.

Good morning from Fort Lauderdale.

Opportunities are like sunrises. 
If you wait too long, you miss them.

Simple things bring infinite pleasure. 

Yet, it takes us a while to realize that. But once simple is in, complex it out - forever.

Nadiya~

Home Again...

We didn't realize we were making memories.

We just knew we were having fun...

Usually when I go away from home I always look forward to coming back.  Leaving

Rima and family was sad, then anytime I leave from one of their homes it is

always a sad day.  Made it home fine and I guess Arvid really missed me. 

He always surprises me inside of the terminal by sneaking up behind me.

  Last night Ir really looked for him, but did not see him. 

 All of a sudden there he was hugging me really tight.

Nothing more beautiful than looking out from the window and seeing "home" knowing I 

will soon see Arvid and Brutus again.  Fort Lauderdale at night from the plane is an awesome view.

The ones I miss the most are Lilly and Dexter.  Both are just too cuddly.  Dexter just 

waits to be picked up and carried around all over the place.  Lots of good memories made.

Arvid and Brutus are all lovey dovey today.  Guess they missed me.  Arvid said to me

"I saved a lot of money you know.  I ate for 3 days for under $20.00.  Now that you

are back we have to go out and do stuff and spend some money on ourselves."

He is funny, but as long as he feels this way, at least for now..well 

Home again and as you can see, there is always something going on.

Wishing you all a good day and may you always live in interesting times.

Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them...

~Nadiya~