Tuesday Morning...

Everybody deserves a second chance, and if you're lucky

enough to get that second chance don't waste it...

Sometimes there might be a second chance.

 Cause maybe time wasn't ready for the first one...

~Nadiya~

Monday All Over Again...

New Monday.  New week.  New goals.
Monday, the perfect day to correct last weeks mistakes...

As usual Sniff Sniff and I are awake early as Arvid sleeps.  I fed him his soft 

foodies and automatically he runs into my office aka his room and starts "talking" 

like crazy.  He's letting me know that it's time for his brushing.  Just like Brutus,

 Sniff loves being brushed and he sure will let you know.  Sniff is a talker.

He loves being brushed so much that I bought him his own brush.  Now he 

can brush himself anytime he likes.  He just got it so for now he does not know

 exactly what to do with it.  Of course after sniffing it, he started to chew on it.

  He did manage to get a few brushings in.  I'm sure he will learn how to 

do it.  If not between Arvid and I he sure will.  Arvid goes on his knees 

just like he did with Brutus and Shadow in order to "train" him.

Last week was very cold.  Today it is predicted to be one of those "warmer" days.  

The weather in Branson is very strange.  Sorta getting used to it's erratic behaviour.  It's 

very strange that neither Arvid nor I have gotten the cold/flu as yet.  Just happy about it.

  I feel it coming, I get the symptoms, but for some reason (and I'm happy)

 it dies away in a couple of days without developing into "the flu."

Time is flying by, or at least so it seems to me.  It's already February.  Our Brutus

 has been dead for 1 year, 3 months and 1 day.  On March 5th it will make a year 

without Shadow.  I won't lie.  It's not as if I am sad everyday.  No Sniff makes

 up for so much, but I do miss Brutus everyday.  I do miss him everyday.

We have had a good weekend.  Lots of good food and met some nice people as well.
Always makes for happier times.  Leaving Florida I thought we would miss
 chicken wings, but Branson definitely has one place that serves the best
we have ever had.  Better than Flip Flops back home or at least as good.
Yesterday we had some of that.  Made for the perfect Sunday.

The fruit here s also very good especially strawberries.  Very sweet.  Yesterday
 I stocked up on some for the next couple of days.  Weather is going to be nice
and warm.  Not exactly sure if to wear my Florida clothes or sweaters.

Happy day to all.  Hopefully you will also be having sunshine coming your way.
Don't forget, we all make our own sunshine.  Time to rock and roll all.

It's Monday.  Time to sparkle and shine.  May your clothes be
comfy, your coffee strong and your Monday short...

~Nadiya~

A Pets 10 Commandments....

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.
Brutus, Shadow, Sniff...a heartbeat at my feet...

Today I dedicate my blog to pets....for all of us that are lucky to have a pet
 you will relate to this....for those that don't I believe you will also be able 
to understand the bond a pet owner and their pets share...

Arvid and I have been fortunate to have had Brutus in our lives.  What Brutus 
did for us and mostly for Arvid I don't think any human person has done. 
 He taught Arvid about love, patience, caring, gentleness and yes, 
when Brutus died he showed Arvid that it was and still is OK to cry.  

I can say that Brutus made Arvid more human that ever.  I can't say anyone 
has ever come close to doing that.  Arvid is a better person today because
 of Brutus.  Brutus took my heart.  He was and will always be my baby.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. 
Any separation from you is likely to be painful.  

Our Brutus lived for 9.5 years only.  We had him for 9 years.  
Not enough as far as I am concerned, but those 9 years will forever be
 9 of the best years we have had.  There is not a day that goes by that my thoughts
 don't veer to Brutus.  Then came Shadow.  We had him for 4 months.
  Even in that short time, Shadow left his paw prints in my heart.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. 
You have your work, your I friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

Yes, Brutus had only us.  We were his guardians as Arvid loved to say.  I can
definitely say we took great care of him.  He never wanted for anything.  Why should he? 
 He gave us the best there is and we in turn did the same for him.  Shadow was also 
starting to have the same, but his time with us was just too short.  He was just a baby.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words,
 I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

Not only did we talk to Brutus, Arvid sang to him every night without fail.  
Unless of course we were not home.  We had a routine with Brutus.  One we both miss.
Now we are making new routines with Sniff.  Every day with Sniff is interesting.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember

that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if 
something might be bothering me.  Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I
 have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

The last month before Brutus died Arvid and I noticed he was not eating well. 
 He was always a fussy eater, but the last month was hard on him.  The doctor 
prescribed an appetite stimulant pill.  Worked at first, but then nothing. 

 Sometimes he cried as if he were in real pain.  I can still hear those cries. 
 We both can, and it still tears my heart apart. Something was not right with 
our Brutus.  Shadow had no problem eating.  He had fresh chicken all the time 
with carrots.  Thankfully Sniff is also a good eater.  He loves his Sheba.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

I was devoted to Brutus, we both were to his care and well being.  We 
tried everything possible.  Laser treatment.  Hyperbaric treatment.  Specialists. 
 Internists.  And for a while I guess it helped, but in the end his body was too weak.
If only I could turn back the clock.  I want my Brutus back again.  I want my Brutus back!

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't
 bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for 
me if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!

Brutus, dada and I held you while you were put to sleep.  Mama and dada
 held you like the baby you were/are to us.  Unfortunately we were not there for 
Shadow.  He died while we were in North Carolina visiting my parents.

Our Brutus.  He is never far from my thoughts and my heart.  He made life so 
much better for us.  He made Arvid a better person.  No matter how many 
kitties come through our lives, none will ever compare to Brutus. 
 We love our Sniff dearly, but my Brutus took my heart.

In another home.. my sister and her family also miss their Golden Boy.

BRUTUS…LIL MYSULF

I love you with all my heart and nothing will ever change that.  Shadow
for those few months you were with us, you gave us an exciting time. 
You were fearless and non stop all day long.  Mama loved her Shadow.

Brutus came to us on October 18 2006.  He died November 5th 2015.
Shadow came into our lives November 10th 2015.  He died March 5th 2016.

   

       
  One of the happiest days of our lives was October 18th 2006
Not a day goes by without us realizing how lucky we were to have Brutus in
 our lives.  Never imagined he would die the way he did.  We have Sniff and it's
 now time to make memories also with him.  For Sniff is a very good boy.

"A house is not a home without a pet"  "Dogs have owners, cats have staff"
The past beats inside me like a second heart.  Nothing is ever 
really lost to us as long as we remember it....

~Nadiya~

One Day At A Time...

A strong person is the one who knows how to be quiet, 

shed a tear for a moment, and then picks up their gloves and fights again...

 My day was cold. Just very cold. Went out a little to do a few errands

 and by the time I got home I was frozen. My hands were numb and my 

ears had frostbite. At least that's how it felt to me.  No warm from my Starbucks cafe

 was enough to really warm me up at least not then.  Hot chocolate in the evening did the trick.

Today is not expected to be any better.  Two days ago it was sunny and "warm".

 Boy did that change fast.  Good thing for magazines.  For a little they keep one occupied.

Our Sniff is doing really good. I sometimes have to stop and remind myself 

that though Sniff is not Brutus, is is an adorable little kitty who loves us and

 just wants to be loved in return.  We love him.  He gets lots of play time. 

Lots of brushing and lots of chasing the laser light.  In between he bird watches and

 sleeps. His life is pretty entertained.  Sniff is a good kitty and I'm so happy he's ours.

Soon it will be a year since we've had Sniff. Means Shadow has also been dead 

for a year and our Brutus a year and 4 months.Yesterday was also 5 months since my 

sisters doggie Jaxen died.  Sachin and all of them were sad.  Just like I miss our 

Brutus, they miss their golden boy Jax.  Breaks my heart to know that

 my sister and family are hurting as well.  Knowing Sachin and Reshma

 are sad is just too much for me.  Their sadness tears me apart.

Time flies.  So much had happened, but the one thing that has not nor will ever 

change is how much I miss our Brutus.  Shadow was with is for such a 

short time, even so he did leave his paw prints in our hearts.

I miss my little kitties very much.  My Brutus took my heart.  Sniff is now the one

 we share our lives with and the one who keeps us on our toes every day.  

We do love him very much.  He has inserted himself into our hearts 

and has made our lives and for that we are grateful everyday.  

To all a very good day.  Always remember to appreciate what yo have, for you

 never know what tomorrow holds.  I have learnt that more than once. 

 For me everyday is a promise of better things to come.  And I remind

 myself to never take anything nor anyone for granted.

It will be the little things that you will remember.  The quiet moments,
 the smiles, the laughter.It will be the memories of these little things 
that helps to push away the pain, and bring the smiles back again...

~Nadiya~

Better Days...

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do...

The best investment I have made for the winter are my boots.  They are not pretty 

to look at, but boy they sure are comfortable.  I have worn them just about 

everyday without even bothering about what matches or not.

As you can see, not the prettiest of boots, but definitely my most comfortable

 pair of shoes right now.  In Florida all I wore were flip flops or 

open toed sandals.  Here very different everything.

Yesterday my sister shared a picture of Kimsy and J when they were just tiny 

little things.  Today they are college kids living in Boston and Connecticut. Where did 

time go and why did it go by so fast?  Everyone is growing up too fast.  Way too fast.

My parents have been instrumental in the lives of their 9 grandchildren. J and Kimsy

 were fortunate that my parents lived in Puerto Rico when they were very little.  The 

bond between my mom and dad and the grand kids (all 9) is special.  Today no matter 

what age they are they all want to go and spend time with grandma and grandpa.

I can't believe that it is already Thursday.  Time is flying by.  Guess that 

is what happens when you're staying busy and having a good time.  

Yes, its been a good week so far.  Warmer temperatures, sunny 

and blue skies.  Someone said the weekend will be very cold.

I have been enjoying some outdoor time these last few days.  

Yes, I try not tothing of the boats passing by and of palm trees too often. 

 Making the most of my scenery for  now.  It is how it is.

Update on Taino.  He's been eating a little the last few days.  He loves Sheba

soft foodies the same as Sniff, so yesterday he received a little delivery from me.

We are so happy he is doing better.  Now Anna can breathe again.  Love you Tino.

Yesterday we had Mexican food for lunch.  Suddenly it has become one of our favorites.  

There are a lot of Mexican restaurants in Branson and this one was actually open. 

 Was a good day.  Wishing everyone a happy and productive Thursday.

Storms don't last forever.  In the middle of a difficulty lies opportunity...

~Nadiya~

Branson, Missouri

From the outside looking in, it's hard to understand.
From the inside looking out it's hard to explain...

Branson is an Ozark town in southwest Missouri known as a family vacation
 destination. Its 76 Country Boulevard is famously lined with theaters, which once 
hosted mostly country music performers but today present diverse entertainment. 

Also along the strip are the Marvel Cave, the Wild West-style Dolly Parton’s 

Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction and Silver Dollar City, an 1800s-themed 

amusement park with live music.  Branson is a seasonal place. 

The average age of visitors to Branson is 57. That means that for every

 teenager, there is a 100 year-old person. That ratio seems about right.

 Currently all attractions are closed.  The months of January and February are SLOW. 

 In every sense of the word.  Restaurants just open for a few hours in the weekend, many

 people are without jobs, so many live on unemployment for these 2 months. 

 From what I have been told, it is a very rough two months for most

 people living here who depend on the tourism industry.

We have also been told that come March the city booms.  Hotels re-open, 

restaurants, most attractions are back up and running and the best thing 

is that just about everyone can find a job if they so wish.  Everywhere 

I go I am already seeing signs saying, "we are hiring."

When we first arrived here people mentioned this to us, but it was not something I 

really paid attention to.  After all it was not going to impact us in what we do,

 but today after being here now for a few months, after talking to people

 and hearing their stories I feel differently. 

Very sad to hear.  Now I have a better understanding of what it is like for many to 

live in a place where 2 months out of every year they face hunger, and find 

it very difficult to make ends meet.  As someone said, "what we take for

 granted someone else is praying for."  Life is not easy for so many.

I keep hearing "come March the traffic will be horrendous."  "Come March the

 lines in the restaurants will be forever."  At the same time I keep thinking, "come 

March most people will have their jobs again, be able to buy food regularly, 

to eat, and to not have to worry if they will have a meal tomorrow.

Here Thrift Stores are big business.  I have found myself going to them often.  

There is a Thrift Store in every corner.  It's impossible to not pass one on your way to 

just about anywhere.  Yes, and I talk to people.  That's how I found out about how

 harsh and rough January and February are for them.  I'm happy January is over,

 and that February is a short month.  Means soon most will be gainfully

 employed again, and will be able to stock up on some of life's basic 

necessities.  I don't take much for granted, but now even less.  

Whenever I hear about people's suffering my day is not so good.  It bothers me

 tremendously that there are people going hungry right here in the city we live in.  

Now when I see someone i wonder, do they have food to eat today?  

They say difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.  I really hope so.

People say you don't know what you've got until it's gone..

truth is, you knew what you had, you just never thought you'd lose it...

~Nadiya~

Picture Of The Day..

The best thing in life are not things, they are moments...

These two definitely have their moments.  Pictures don't often lie.  Every night 

it's bonding time by the TV.  So tuned into each other that they even yawn

 together.  Makes for happy moments and treasured memories.

Appreciate life as it happens.  Moments will soon pass and you will wish 

you had treasured them more.  Good advise for all of us.  I definitely am listening.

 They say that without sad moments in your life you won't know what the happy moments

 are.  As we all know life is not perfect, but sometimes it can have perfect moments.

Good morning everyone.  May today and everyday be 

the day for positive changes in our lives.

Best moments happen when they are unplanned...

~Nadiya~

New Week... Here We Go Again

Everyday is a new beginning.  Problems and mistakes of yesterday 
are now just memories of a lesson learned.  I absorb the energy and the possibilities 
of each new day,acknowledge the simple beauty that can be taken for granted, 
and look forward to tomorrows new beginning....

This time last year Arvid and I were in the Keys and Isla Morada.  Right now sounds like a 

long time ago.  Warm weather, sunshine, the waves splashing at my feet and sand 

between my toes.  Yeah, sounds so far away.  For now, but not for long.  I hope.

Looking forward to another week full of promises and definitely good things 

coming to all of us.  My sister after all is a true believer in this Chinese
 New Year, and has told us many of the to do's to make things
 run smoother and better for all of us.  Why not give it a try.  

I have already taken steps to make it better.  I called Liliana and we spoke for a while.  

She also did us a favor.  No matter what has happened, she is still the only one I trust

 with certain things.  She is a good person.  We may not be where we were once, but

 hopefully one day it will be better.  Shadow is still too fresh a wound in my heart.

The next two days are looking good here.  High in the 60's (about 16 Celsius),  

lows in the 30's (3 to -3 Celsius) and 20's for the week. You have to take the
good with the not so good. 60 degrees Fahrenheit sounds like heaven right now.

My friend Anna's kitty Taino is still not doing great.  He has been hand fed, but as 

of now it's just in small amounts.  Still better than nothing.  Anna is living a terrible time 

right now.  Her baby's time with her is limited and she knows it.  That's what's killing her. 

Wishing everyone a good week ahead.  Just remember that sometimes when you

 think you have it hard, there are others living through much worse times.

Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while

 they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step...

~Nadiya~

Let's Strive for A Happy Day..

A good life is a collection of happy moments...

Sunday~Funday.  Time spent with the ones I love.

He does look scared.  Truth is he does not like being photographed.  Very unlike Brutus,

 who loved when we picked him up and took pictures of him and with him.  If he did 

not like it he was so used to it he never complained.  Sniff will get there as well. 

 Shadow was to active and still a baby so for him to be still was not happening.

After waking up to a very cold day, yesterday turned out to be pretty nice in 

the afternoon.  Not having the beach to go out for our mojitos, we decided to make 

the most of the weather and do it at home.  While Arvid indulged in an

 adult beverage, I enjoyed strawberries.  One thing about Branson, 

their strawberries are super sweet and delicious.  

Back home in Florida, I was never able to eat many without my mouth 

getting all sore.  Here I can eat an entire package without problems.  I stock up

 on strawberries just about every other day.  Just yummy and very sweet.

Sunday.  Peaceful.  Quiet and with the promise of lots of sunshine.  Yes it's cold,

 but when the sun comes out it makes everything better.  If only we could 

get rid of the wind.  That now will make for so much better times.

Happy Sunday to all.  Someone said, "there are far far better
things ahead than we leave behind."  Time will tell,

You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of 
your life.  Take time to do what makes your soul happy...

~Nadiya~

It's Not Always Easy...

Life is about doing the things that make you happy.

Not the things that please other people...

Yesterday was a bad day for my friend Anna.  Her Taino is not doing well.  

He's not eating and all he does is lay down.  Sleeps and sleeps. When

 I was talking to her all I heard in her voice was the desperation of 

someone who is grabbing on to any lifeline that life throws.  

I know exactly what she is going through and I can tell you is in not easy. 

 Every minute is more agonizing than the other.  If only we lived a little closer.

  We could comfort each other, but Anna lives all the way in California.  I hope

 today her Taino is doing a little better today.  Will know in a little.  Little Taino
 is not doing so good right now. Has not eaten since Wednesday

It was another cold day yesterday.  Not much difference today.  Looking forward 

to doing a little Skype with the little ones.  Aleah and Vanessa.  We have been missing 

each other for one reason or another.  Somehow with the 7 hour difference 

our schedules just don't seem to be at odds.  Today fortunately we 

can finally do it.  Good start of the day for sure.  Yes, indeed.

Friday night in Branson was quiet.  Some TV, snacks and of course Sniff Sniff 

laying in his favorite spot between Arvid's legs.  He tries to lay between my legs,

 but I move too much so he get upset and move away.  He's a cute little kitty.

Any day that starts with Lilly Vade's smile is definitely going to be a good day.  

My mom is doing better.  Still hurting quite a lot, but she is not a quitter.  She does

 her physical therapy 3 times a week with a therapist coming to her home and on the other

 days my dad is her therapist.  My dad is just the best.  I have to say I am one of

the luckiest people in the world to have been given the parent I have. 

 We are lucky kids and we never take them for granted.

Happy Saturday everyone.  Just remember that the things you take for

 granted are the exact same things someone else is praying for.

At the end of the day all you need is hope and strength.

Hope that it will get better ans strength to hold on until it does...

~Nadiya~

Hello Friday ~ Weekend Mode...

Coffee in hand: check.  Smile on face: check.  Pajamas all day.

If this weekend goes as planned it will not  include any actual plans...

Yesterday was ridiculously cold and windy.  the temperatures never whit more than the 

mid 30's, that is less than i degree Celsius.  I have not been feeling so good.  Not sure it it's

the cold or what but I have had a terrible sinus headache that just won't quit.  Very annoying.

The car was frozen as were my fingers and toes.  Did not stop me from going out for a

 little, but I have to say that it was not that pleasant.  Sunshine and warmth would

 be welcoming right now.  The wind is something that seeps right into your 

skin and bites.  I was told that the wind here can be challenging. 

 Seems that just like Florida with it's hurricane season, Branson has a windy 

season in March.  At least that's what I have been told, but that remains to be seen.

It was so cold that I decided to make some hot chocolate and surprise Arvid.  He 

claims that it's his specialty and with him there is always a lot of preparation 

and planning before making it.  I just made it and said, "let's have some

 hot chocolate."  He was surprised and happy.  Said it warmed him up.

The next few days are not looking to be any warmer, but the weather people

 have been know to be wrong before.  Let's hope they are again.  

Friday.  I wonder what we will be doing today?  Hmmm...music?  Don't think so.

Branson is a very seasonal place.  It has as slow period, tourist wise and that period 

is right now.  December to February.  At least that is what everyone says.  

Right now many of the restaurants, quite a few hotels and all the attractions are closed.  

I guess it's what you would call a ghost town, nut come March as everyone says then 

it will be buzzing.  Will be interesting to see what everyone is talking about.

Well friends, it's Friday again.  What does your weekend look like?

For sure I know we will be going to Home Depot.  Probably Staples.  I need 

a few things for my "office"  And the always Walmart.  Gotta get some cold medicine.

Happy Friday all.  Enjoy the weekend with the people you love.

I will face whatever comes today with a positive attitude.  I have learned 

so much from my mistakes.  I'm thinking of making a few more now...

~Nadiya~

5 Moves That Make You Look Cheap..

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly 

Give without remembering.  Take without forgetting...

Reading the finance news I came across this article... hope you enjoy it.  In our 

lives we have all been "cheap" at some point probably, but when it is to 

the extreme then that can become a very ugly trait.

Thanks to the recent financial crisis, frugality and thrift are increasingly becoming 

positive attributes. But if, like many people, you find yourself looking for ways to trim

 your spending, you may find yourself flirting with what can be a very fine line. 

You know: the one between making smart financial choices and being outright cheap.

 In fact, in many cases it's a line between thrift and outright thievery. You know you've 

hit it when your savings become someone else's loss - or your own.

 Here are a few common examples where thrifty become

 downright cheap. How far would you go?

Thrifty: Buying Items That Are on Sale

Cheap: Only Buying Items That Are on Sale

Seeking out sales can be a great way to help make groceries, clothes and virtually any 

other items you need fit into a tight budget. At the grocery store, for example, you

 might choose the cereal that's on sale, rather than the one that's on your list.

When people cross the line to cheap, however, is when they refuse to buy anything that 

isn't on sale. This can often backfire by causing you to buy things that might be of

 lower overall value or that you wouldn't have even considered buying otherwise. 

You may find yourself spending more than you would have had you just purchased 

what you needed. It can also put shoppers out of touch with the value of what

 they're getting for their money - and isn't that what thrift is all about?

Thrifty: Tipping According to Service

Cheap: Never Tipping at All

Common etiquette requires that customers provide tips for certain services. As a result, 

some of these service providers are actually paid considerably less by their employers,

 because they expect that tips will make up the difference. In some states, this may 

even be less than minimum wage. If you get rude or indifferent service,

 it may be fair to leave nothing, but if you never tip, ask yourself why. 

Is it really because you feel your waiter or taxi driver makes plenty 

of money, or is it just because you can't bear to part with it?

Thrifty: Putting Money Aside for Savings

Cheap: Saving Everything and Living on Nothing

Living a very Spartan lifestyle can a great way to achieve a big goal, but it's no way to live.

 If you're working toward retiring early, buying a house or taking time off work to spend

 with family, travel or pursue other goals, digging deep to make this happen just 

might be worth it. But if you find yourself saving nearly every penny 

and scrounging to make ends meet, it may be time to ask yourself

 just what you're saving for. If you don't have an answer, 

you've probably gone too far.

Thrifty: Taking Advantage of a Good Deal

Cheap: Taking Advantage.

If you find a great way to stretch a dollar, there's nothing wrong with making
 gooduse of it. For example, if you're in a coffee shop that provides free refills,
stick around and enjoy a few cups if you're in the mood. But please, don't
keep the cup and come back later (or every day thereafter) for more.

 A couple of extra cups of coffee probably won't put a dent in a business's  bottom
 line, but if more people follow your lead, it might just quash its free refills.

Thrifty: Cutting Out Internet and Cable

Cheap: Stealing It from Your Neighbors.

If you start cutting costs, you'll soon learn that you can get by with a lot less. But if you want
 to be able to brag about your frugal living ways, you have to actually do without. If you
cut out your Internet but then log on through your neighbor's wireless signal, you're
 about as enviable as the guy who parks a Prius in his driveway
but keeps a Lexus Convertible in the garage.

The Bottom Line

If you've cut your budget so far that you need to resort to taking advantage of others,
 consider yourself cheap. The same is true if your sense of frugality begins to look
 more like austerity or self-denial. Budgeting and saving money should be a
measured approach to reach a financial goal or survive tough times, not an
 end in and of themselves. While being frugal may be trendy right now,
taking this trend to its extremes may be no better than falling prey
 to overspending. After all, neither approach leads to living well,
 which is what smart financial planning is all about.

Nothing wrong with wanting the best deal available...who doesn't? However,
it is possible to go too far...and this can definitely be a turn off rather than an asset. 

 Like the article says there is a fine line between being thrifty and being downright CHEAP!!!

The two most generous people in my life

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by 
what we give.  If there is one thing I have learnt from my 
parents it is to give without expecting anything in return. 

 In my life my best example will always be my mom and
 dad.  They live their lives the way many only wish 
they could.  Simple and always thinking 
of others.  Sometimes too much. 

 A a child I remember my dad taking the shirt off his
 back only because someone said they liked it and give
 it to them.  He did the same with his watch.  Just because 
as he put it, "someone needed it more than I did." 

This from a man who grew up dirt poor and who 
at the time also did not have much, but as he said he 
probably had more than the other person at the time.

The generous man enriches himself by giving; the cheap man hoards himself poor.

A miser grows rich by seeming poor;  an extravagant man grows poor by seeming...

~Nadiya~