Lunch With Liliana ~

I think if I've learned anything about friendship,
 it's to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let
 them fight for you. Don't walk away, don't be distracted,
 don't be too busy or tired, don't take them for granted. 
Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together...

Friendships are born in a million different ways,

 and all good friends strive to achieve the same 

goal, to be a source of love and support.

 Finding a true friend is a unique gift even when

they are thousands of miles away. A best friend is

 there for you in the good and the bad. My best friend 

Anna lives in California and my 2nd best friend

 Liliana is in Fort Lauderdale. I am Grateful.

Liliana and I have been through some difficult times, 

but at the same time she is one of the people I trust the most.  

Liliana is from Argentina.  She and I met one day many 

years ago at the gym.  We had both just moved into

 a new building on Las Olas and neither of us 

at the time knew any of the other neighbors.

We bonded right away.  Like me she says what she 

means, and does not disguise it with fluff and fakeness.  

What you see is what you get, and that I believe is what 

makes us so good together.  She gets me and I her.

Life has not always been "fair" to her.  Just like for many,

 but Liliana is always optimistic and faces everything 

with an I can attitude.  She like all of us gets dragged

 down at times, but she never lets it take over.

  Many of us are like that, my friend Anna in California 

is one of those persons.  In the face of adversity she

 just keeps on going. Life has not been the kindest

 to Anna.  She is a fighter and always will be.

Today I look forward to another entertaining time 

with Liliana.  We still have a lot to catch up on.  For her 

the last few months have been very difficult, and I just

 hope that today as we chat, laugh, and tell stories I can

 help her in some way to feel better.  Guilt is a terrible 

thing to live with.  And it's dragging her down.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day filled with love
laughter, good friendships and all things good.

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

~Nadiya~

If Tomorrow Never Comes... Thinking Of You Brutus ~

Memories are bullets. Some whiz by and only spook you. 

Others tear you open and leave you in pieces...

November 5th will be 4 years since 
Brutus died. I'm having "panic" attacks.  It's been 
going on for some days now.    I know it's because I think 
about it too much, but Brutus was my life, and
 when he died a part of me died as well.

November 4th 2015

You know how they say that sometimes all it takes 

is a song, a smell, a picture, a little something to 
start a flood of memories you once thought
 tucked away somewhere deep in you.

 Last night, all it took was this song to transport
 me to another place another time.  As they say,
 "Every man's memory is his private literature. " 

The song was sang in Americas Got Talent,
 and there was not a single dried eye in the audience.
 Had to do with the man singing it, and with the emotions 
that were involved.  Even if you are not into Country music,
 this song would have pulled deeply on something in you.
  It did that to me.  Even Arvid was not dry eyed!

If Tomorrow Never Comes

Sometimes late at night

I lie awake and watch her sleeping

She's lost in peaceful dreams

So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark

And the thought crosses my mind

If I never wake up in the morning

Would she ever doubt the way I feel

About her in my heart

If tomorrow never comes

Will she know how much I loved her

Did I try in every way to show her every day

That she's my only one

And if my time on earth were through

And she must face the world without me

Is the love I gave her in the past

Gonna be enough to last

If tomorrow never comes

'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life

Who never knew how much I loved them

Now I live with the regret

That my true feelings for them never were revealed

So I made a promise to myself

To say each day how much she means to me

And avoid that circumstance

Where there's no second chance to tell her how I feel

If tomorrow never comes

Will she know how much I loved her

Did I try in every way to show her every day

That she's my only one

And if my time on earth were through

And she must face the world without me

Is the love I gave her in the past

Gonna be enough to last

If tomorrow never comes

So tell that someone that you love

Just what you're thinking of

If tomorrow never comes

Here is the original version performed by Garth Brooks.

If Tomorrow Never Comes

It's not for everyone maybe, but I loved it.
  Memories are what warm you up from the
 inside. But they're also what tear you apart.

Another day and I'm grateful for it.  Some days 
are more difficult that others, but it's called life 
and life is not always the way we want it to be. 

 That being said, I am always grateful for Arvid, Sniff,
 my family, friends,  and all the blessings I know I have in life.

Remembering is easy. 
It's forgetting that's hard...

~Nadiya~

Monday ~

Complaining about a problem without 

posing a solution is called whining...

No matter what our day holds both Arvid and 

I have made it a little routine to finish up our coffee/tea 

on the balcony.  After breakfast we head out for a few 

minutes.  Watch the boats, watch the people, and

 suddenly the day seems so much better.  Just the little

 things in life that brings the most pleasures.

A busy week ahead for us, I like it.  Wishing

 everyone a great week ahead and may your 

goals get closer to becoming a reality.

Either you run the day or the day runs you...

~Nadiya~

Happy Sunday ~

There is no hope unmingled with fear, no fear unmingled with hope.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment 

that something else is more important than fear...

Lately it's been too many people I actually know

 or know of who have been diagnosed with one form 

of cancer or another.  It does not matter who you

 are, what you have, CANCER spares no one. 

 The most recent was my former classmates 15 

year old daughter.  Just 15 and she died.  Cancer took

 her away from her daddy, mommy and all these who

 loved her.  Cancer robbed her of the chance to live.

It's already Sunday.  Soccer on later on in the day
so Arvid is happy.  Sniff as well because
he will be fast asleep on his dadas lap.

From our balcony we are fortunate to be able to
 watch some amazing sunsets.  yesterday's did not
disappoint.  I am happiest with the little things in life. 

Sunsets being one, and right now I look forward to
 some peaceful, quiet time with my coffee and Sniff.
  Arvid is still asleep.  Happy Sunday everyone.

Wake up every morning with the thought that
 something wonderful is about to happen. 
Sometimes your heart needs to accept what your
 mind already knows.  Good morning all...

~Nadiya~

Hello Saturday~

A smile is happiness you'll find right under your nose...

After a busy day running around, yesterday turned

out to be a very good day for us.  Especially for Arvid. 

 He had one of his favorites, baby back ribs.

When he was done, there was not a shred of meat on

 the bones, and he ate the entire rack without any problems.

 He also ate all of the garlic rolls.  After that meal,

 let's just say he was not able to move for quite 

some time.  I had my usual.  Chicken wings.

Saturday.  Lots of soccer games today for Arvid.  

Both he and Sniff are happy little dudes.  Arvid will 

watch and Sniff will sleep either on him or by him.  

Either way he's a happy boy.  They both are.

It's a beautiful morning here.  Wishing everyone a great 

weekend.  Remember calories don't count on the weekends.

May your weekend be filled with positive 

thoughts, kind people and happy moments...

~Nadiya~

Friday Vibes ~

You just can't beat the person who never gives up...

Friday..start of the weekend and who knows

 what will happen.  It's been a long time since we have

 had a weekend alone at home.  Feels good and strange

 at the same time.  I'm so liking being home.

Today we plan to go out for lunch and to also

 go to the Swap Shop.  Hopefully nothing happens

 to change our plans.  Looking forward to my fresh 

fruit and my coconuts.  It's been almost 5 months

 now since I had my last fresh coconut.

Since coming back from Las Vegas Arvid has

 been very busy.  Lots to follow up with.  After all, 

trading is our business and it sure keeps

 him busy.  Arvid loves it as do I.

It feels good to take the boat across the River, and 

to just walk to restaurants and music venues again. Exactly 

what we used to do in Chicago, and now we no do it here in 

Florida as well.  Grateful and happy for all the blessings

 we have.  We have worked hard and continue to do so.

Wishing everyone a happy day.  Let's not forget

 that happiness is a direction, not a place.

Have a fabulous Friday.  May your cup overflow 

with Peace, Love, Joy and pure Awesomeness...

~Nadiya~

Everyday Is A Good Day ~

The only difference between a good 
day and a bad day is your attitude...

Happy hour on a Wednesday.  Does not get any better than this.

Started with my favorite, a Pina Colada, 

but then I could not resist the watermelon Mojito.

  All of a sudden it is now a favorite.

Yesterday I started going to the gym again.
  I hope to be consistent.  I have already had one of my
many checkups since coming back to Florida.

 Unfortunately, my thyroids are not working well.
I have a very high TSH level.  I should be
at a .4 -.1   Unfortunately I am at a 2.37

From what I have read and what the doctors have
 told me, weight gain is what I have to look forward to.
It's been an uphill battle since getting thyroid cancer.

 In under 2 months I went up 4 sizes, and no matter
how much I try I just can't seem to get rid of it.  I'm
bummed out at times, but I will continue to do
whatever I can to help the situation.

I have been given a new dosage of mt Thyroid meds.
One can always hope that one day it will be regulated.
  Since the cancer, it has been a roller coaster.

  There are days I am totally exhausted without
having done much.  Then there are days I just can't
 seem to control what I eat.  It's just one day at a time
 and I'm not winning the battle of the bulge.

Whatever you decide to do make sure it makes you happy...

~Nadiya~

Be Happy ~

It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is. As long as 
we are together, it will always be a beautiful day...

Sunset yesterday from our balcony. 
Yes, we are loving being back home.

As I was working on my laptop, Sniff grabbed 

the opportunity to sit on it when I got up.  He loves laptops

 for some reason.  Every chance he gets he sits on it.

Yesterday as I was making lunch, some of the grease

 from the pan splattered, and went straight onto my face. 

 I now have 5+ burn marks on my face and the largest 

one is a big dot right on the center of my forehead. 

Not bothered by them.  Hopefully they will fade, 

otherwise I will just add them to the many scars 

I have already accumulated.  It is what it is.

Yesterday afternoon/evening we had our first walk 

since coming back to Florida.  As we were walking, 

we noticed a lot of new construction everywhere.

 Both Arvid and I looked at each other and said, 

"just like Chicago"  You can tell we always have Chicago

 in our minds, even though we are happy to be home.

In Florida we are experiencing higher than usual King Tides.

King Tides are technically called “perigean spring tides,”

 but they occur in both the spring and fall seasons.

 In fact, the highest tides in southeast Florida occur in the
 fall, in part because the water is warmer and the seasonal 
winds drive water levels higher at that time of year.

The streets are flooded in many areas.  Cars are flooded

 and people in some parts even use canoes to get

 around.  They say it is only going to get worse.

Yesterday "our" Azimut came back.  It's usually 
parked in front of our apartment from October to May.
  In May it goes home to Texas.  For now we will be 
enjoying the shenanigans of the "boat life"

It's still very early here.  Arvid is sound asleep 
as it should be.  Sniff is awake with me, just 
roaming around the place.  Everyone is happy.

 Good Morning! I hope your day is as positive 
as you are. Happy thoughts are the only cure for
 a sleepy morning… Nothing is impossible when you
 put your mind, heart, soul, and sweat into it.

Although time seems to fly, it never travels faster
 than one day at a time. Each day is a new opportunity
to live your life to the fullest. In each waking day, you will 
find scores of blessing and opportunities for positive change. 
Do not let your today be stolen by the unchangeable 
past or the indefinite future! Today is new day!...

~Nadiya~

Still A Little Tired ~

My hard work finally catching up with perfect timing...

Being back home feels good.  We are enjoying a few of

 our favorite things here as well.  Walks along the New River, 

restaurants and yes we are busy again.  I love it.  We have

 already cleaned the house we have for sale, and made it 

ready for an open house this Sunday, weather permitting.

Arvid, Sniff and I have been a bit jet lagged after Vegas. 

 Yesterday all three of us were actually very tired and we

 all kinda snoozed as we were watching a program on TV.  

This was early in the afternoon.  Not usual for us to

 all doze off at the same time, during the day.

Sniff is just loving being home and always finding a 

spot in the sunshine.  I love watching him just lay

 in the sun and doze off.  That being said, his 

favorite spot is always next to Arvid.

Soon it's time for our walk.  In about 

an hour's time it should be a little "cooler" 

perfect for an afternoon walk along the river.

You gotta know when to be lazy. Done correctly, 

it's an art form that benefits everyone...

~Nadiya~

Start Of A New Week ~

New week.  make sure you focus on the 

few things that matter and move forward...

As the new week begins, never forget all the

 things in life one should be grateful for.  We must 

not forget that even though life at times is very difficult, 

we have the privilege to wake up to another day and to 

make things right,  Not everyone is as fortunate.

 Never forget that there is always someone,

 somewhere, wishing they had what/who you have.

 Don’t take things and people for granted. 

Remember, what you take for granted, 

someone else is praying for. Happiness never

 comes to those who don’t appreciate what 

they already have. Don’t wait until what 

you HAVE becomes what you HAD.

Hello Monday.  Let's do this

 and let it be AWESOME!!

Happiness isn't about getting what

 you want all the time.  It's about loving 

what you have and being grateful for it...

~Nadiya~

Sunday To Relax ~

The magic thing about home is that it feels good 

to leave, and it feels even better to come back...

Always good to be back home no matter where we go. 

 Our Las Vegas-California trip was a fun time.  I got 

to enjoy time with my sisters, Anna and Arvid.

Our first stop on the way to California was to my 

friend's Anna's home.  We were met with a little feast.  

Anna being Anna made quite the meal for us, and everyone

 ended up with a present.  Now myself and all my sisters 

have something from California given to us by Anna.

Of course I got reacquainted with Anna's fur babies,

  Bowe Bowe and Edwina.  Fortunately for me, 

they seemed to like me and I love them.

It was lots of fun to walk the strip with my sisters 

and Arvid. Together we had a lot of fun and shared

 laughter.  An experience I will always remember.

That being said, it's so good to be back home.  

To sleep in our own bed and to have breakfast at home. 

 It's been too many days eating out.  Now we look 

forward to eating at home for a while.  Danielle left 

this morning.  It's quiet and we like quiet best.

Wishing everyone a relaxing day.  The simple things

 in life are the ones that brings the most joy and 

makes us the happiest.  Everyday.  Always.

The mind should be allowed some relaxation,

that it may return to its work all the better for the rest...

~Nadiya~

Good Times In Las Vegas ~

A little bit of this town goes a very long way...

In a few short days we managed to do quite a bit.  

Hope next year we can repeat it.  Having the best

 time with my sister.  One can see the same things 

year after year, but when shared with a sister it

 is more fun and much more of an adventure.

Seriously, why tour the world when all 

you have to do is visit Las Vegas and see

 all the highlights in one location

Together we walked all of the Strip and did a

 few of the things I normally would not do on my own

 nor with Arvid.  With a sister everything you do is 

exciting even sometimes when it's "wrong"

 If you know how to live in Vegas you can have the best time.

Everything and anything you 

want to do, you can do in Las Vegas.

Wishing everyone a good day, and what

 happens in Vegas, I'm telling everyone.

Vegas embodies every brash, joyous cliche about the 

U.S. that the rest of the world hopes might be true....

~Nadiya~