And So Begins Another Day...

Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in on.
Never explain yourself to anyone.  You don't need anyone's approval.
Live your life and do what makes you happy...

Just the other day my errand took me to Miami.  Was happy because Arvid was 

also busy so I had the chance to go on my own and of course I could not miss
 an opportunity to check out Aventura Mall.  Christmas is in the air.

The Aventura Mall is an upscale shopping mall in Aventura, Florida, a northern suburb
 of Miami. It is the largest conventional shopping mall in Florida, and is the third
 largest shopping center in the United States. The mall has three floors of retail space, 
comprising more than 300 retailers. In addition there is a food court with eighteen fast 
food eateries, as well as several chains and other restaurants at the mall's entrance.

Once upon a time I worked there.  I have worked in many places doing many different things, 
but my most favorite jobs have been those where I have had direct contact with people.  
I consider myself a people person and for me there is nothing better than meeting new
 people and getting to know more about other cultures.  And by the way I am not
 one of those who believes the customer is always right.  Sometimes there are,
 and when they weren't being "nice" they definitely heard it from me.

Yes one of my favorite jobs was working retail at Aventura Mall.  I started one Christmas,
 and I did something I had absolutely no experience in, but like I told the man interviewing
 me for the position, "if it's learnable then I am your person."  I got the job selling 
blown glass for the holidays. Yes, I did really well and I made lots of friends.  It was
 at a time in my life when being around people was essential for my well being.

I enjoyed walking around and browsing.  Arvid never likes to really do much of 
this and when he does it's always a rush.  Yes, it was a good time in my life.

Already Thursday.  Halfway plus into the week, and I am right now really looking forward

 to the weekend already.  Already making plans and enjoying it.  Halloween is still not over, 

neither is Thanksgiving, but Christmas is also in the air.  It's a mix of everything in the stores.

Let's just say I spent a little longer than I should have.  It was a delicious outing and 

one that made me miss being around people.  Aventura mall is very cosmopolitan. 

 People from all over the world were there.  And because Arvid is from Norway, I will 

just mention that there were quite a lot of Norwegians shopping there today, but the

people who were really buying up everything were the ones from South America.

Wishing everyone a day filled with wonder and all things good.  Life is meant to be

 lived and to enjoy.  We only have one life and if we don't enjoy it now, when then?

If shopping doesn't make you happy, then you are in the wrong shop.

I could give up shopping, but I'm not a quitter.  Peace, love, shopping...

~Nadiya~

Beautiful Saturday...

Very little is needed to make a happy life.
It is all within yourself, in your way of thinking...

Waking up to cooler temperatures and a cool breeze.  Can the day start any better?

Unfortunately, Arvid is not feeling that great.  He has the cold and a cough.  Best to
take it easy and hopes he gets better before we have to travel.  Yes, this is our last weekend
 here in Chicago before we leave for Norway.  That time of the year again.

Soon we will be seeing everyone, holding the two little ones and having summer vacation.
Hopefully we will also have better weather than last summer.  Looking forward to
seeing everyone and looking forward to doing a few of the things we like.

Yesterday we had a little outing and went to one of our favorite hangouts for lunch.  Always good
to get out and to be on the move.  I love it and even though Arvid is not so well he also like it.

After lunch he went home and I stayed out for another few hours visiting a few of
my favorite places as well and taking in the sights.  I love city life and here in Chicago we
get to experience it to the fullest.  It is a big city.  It has a huge downtown and I love it.

The days are now flying by.  I am excited, but at the same time I know I will worry about Sniff.
 Not the way I did with Brutus, but nevertheless I will worry.  It's just how I am.  Funny
thing is that when Brutus was alive, we stayed in Norway close to a month.

  Last year we were there for 28 days.  Now that Brutus is dead we will only be there
for 18 days.  Seems like it should be the other way around. Guess all that matters is that
 we will be spending time with family.  Family times are always the best of times.

Happy Saturday to all.  Hope the weekend is a good one and that everyone is enjoying
their summer so far.  Here it is gorgeous and we will be making the most of it.

We always have something interesting to look at.  Right now from our balcony.

The best things in life are unseen.  
That's why we close our eyes when we kiss and dream...

~Nadiya~