Another Good Day...

I try to learn from the past, but I plan for the future by focusing exclusively on the present.

 That's were the fun is...

The days are just going by so very fast. Having Arvid's brother and Siv visiting us is very nice. 

Yesterday we had lunch at our place.  Was a seafood feast day and seems like everyone had a really good time and the food was also a hit.  Arvid's brother is an excellent cook and for him to say to me that I could open up my own restaurant was the nicest compliment.

even Brutus was impressed with the food:)

After dinner it was time to listen to some music.

  Every Friday night the street is closed off and there is live music at one of our favorite spots.

It has been quite a while since Arvid and I have gone out.  He is still not 100% good as yet, but getting better every day.
Today we will also spend the day together and maybe more music in the evening depending how Arvid feels.  I know he want to go, but... 

Sunday we have some friends/customers coming for a visit so will be busy with them for a while, but the evening is open and we plan to spend it with Arvid's brother and Siv. 

Yes, February is a good month.  Busy but that's always good!
Wishing you a good day!

If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.

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

~Nadiya~ 

Company..

Life is like a roller coaster, live it, be happy, enjoy life...

Arvid's brother and Siv have only a few day here in Florida with us and we are hoping to make everyday count by spending time and doing something different everyday. Their time is very short here so we hope to make the most of it.  Normally when in Norway life is very hectic and Arvid's brother is very busy with work, making it difficult to spend as much time with them.  So here in Florida we try to do just that.

  Wednesday night they arrived and the first stop was dinner with some music and then a drive along Fort Lauderdale Beach.  Always a beautiful drive, but spectacular at night as you can see on the above picture.

From there we went to the hotel chatted a little and left them to get some much need rest.  

Yesterday we met again by their hotel, which by the way has a spectacular beach.  White sand, quiet and incredibly beautiful to just sit relax, talk and enjoy a cold drink which we did.

We took our time and had a wonderful afternoon/day together.  Then it was another drive along the beach.  Quite different views by day and night so we had to take them around a bit and do the tour thing again.

After that it was back to the beach at Arubas.  Hmmm...frozen fruity drink with the umbrella thing.

Like I said this is a busy month with friends and family.  

Aside from Arvid's brother quite a few friends and also Victoria the eldest daughter will soon be visiting.  She will be here for quite a long time compared to his brother so them we will also get to see quite a lot..  This is also something we look forward to.  

 family time

Yes February is a good month..

Life is good and we are living it!  Hope you do the same.  

When you look at your life, the greatest happiness's are family happiness's.

~Nadiya~

Brothers...

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero...
A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams...  

I have sisters.  Four of them with me we are five.   Mom and dad never had a son.  Not that it mattered we always had a dog and my dad always said that was his son.  

I never missed not having a brother because we were happy with just us girls.  Sisters rock and we were the best.  I am the eldest and I took care of the others when our parents could not.  That was just how it was.

Then I met Arvid.  He has no sisters.  All he has is one brother.  Through the years, I have seen their relationship blossom into something really special.

Like many siblings, they also had a period when not everything was honky dory, but when I came into Arvid's life I always encouraged him to reestablish that special bond that only brothers and sisters can share.

The more I met Arvid's brother the more I liked him.  In many ways he reminded me of my dad.  Happy, generous and very hospitable.

Arvid and his brother have a wonderful relationship today.  There are times we talk and talk and he will tell me of days long ago in Norway with him and his brother. 

this is Arvid "hiding behind the post as his brother and Siv arrive last night.

Today I would say they are not only brothers, but also good friends.
Arvid is not one to discuss much with everyone.  He does at times though ask my dad and his brother their opinions on certain matters.  His brother and girlfriend are here to visit us.  I know Arvid is very happy for this visit.  He said that this was the visit he was most looking forward to.

We are just planning on the many things we would like to do together.  Restaurants, pubs and all the things Arvid wants to show to his brother.  Yes he is excited and I know that he is really looking forward to his brothers visit.  Arvid is after all the big brother....

It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on! 

~Nadiya~

Liliana...

The antidote for fifty enemies is one friend...

Liliana is one of my best friends. 

 She's from Argentina and when we speak it is half English and half Spanish, 

but always fun, interesting and very entertaining.

As I have always mentioned, she is a character and and time spent with her is always a good time.

She was here for lunch with Arvid and I yesterday.

She arrived and the first thing we did was go to the vets office.
Yes, I wanted her to know where the vet
 is in case she needs to take Brutus there when we are not home.
We have a few trips scheduled and our first concern is always
that Brutus is well cared for.  No one better than Liliana.

Liliana has been Brutus' pet sitter from the start.

When we got Brutus, we had already planned a trip to Tennessee (2006).

Brutus was only a week with us before we left him in her care and from that day on we never
looked back.

In Florida she is the only person we really

trust to take care of him.  She comes and goes as she pleases in our home and can do whatever she likes.

In Chicago, Hylda is the only one also for him.  

For lunch I made a variety of dishes.  Most were for her to take back home.

We had quite a few hours of  fun and just talking away about all the people in our lives...both hers and mine.

Was a day well spent.  Did some people bashing (all in fun) and we got off our chest all the things that annoy us about certain people.  This as you may imagine took quite a long time.

Poor Arvid was just sitting there listening to this without saying much.

He is always amazed at Liliana at at her vocabulary.. graphic and colorful to say the least.
After she was gone, i grabbed Arvid and we went grocery shopping in preparation for his brother and Siv's visit. Can't believe they will be here later on today.  Nothing much planned.
Maybe if they are up to it a little trip out to Aruba's and some dinner.
Yes, we are looking forward to them being here soon!

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart

~Nadiya~

Soon...

I'm happy, I'm in a good place, I'm looking forward to what the future holds... 

Just about all the time everything is always about Brutus and his needs and wants.

After a lot of misunderstandings on behalf of the vendor of course, the baby bag finally arrived.

The first to inspect it was Brutus.  He is actually the first to inspect any and everything.

This got his approval so I guess it will also get the approval

of  little Aleah and her parents.  We could not be at the baby shower for Michelle, but

we always have them in our hearts and thoughts.

Soon Aleah will be coming into this world.  

Her mom Michelle was only seven years old when Arvid and I met.  Soon she and Emil will soon be proud parent of Aleah.. their little Princess.  Here she is the proud soon to be mom.  She is BEAUTIFUL inside and out!

Aleah is already loved by all and we look forward to meeting her in July..

I am still amazed that little Michelle will soon be a mom.  What does not surprise me is that I know she will be an excellent mother!   Both Arvid and I are very happy and cannot wait to meet our new granddaughter!!

A baby is God's opinion that life should go on....

~Nadiya~

Good Morning...

From the moment I woke up, I could tell that it was going to be a good day..

Good morning to all from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Wishing you a day full of all things good.

Everyday is looking better and better.  January is already over.  Very fast if you ask me.

February as usual is a busy month.  Lots of friends and family visiting from Norway.

In only a few days Arvid's brother will be here and from then on the visits continue.

Arvid is still in recovery mode so this year it will be shorter visits.

Does not matter will still have a good time.  Plus Arvid will be getting a few
Norwegian goodies from his brother.  Something he is definitely waiting for.
He has been lucky in that a few friends have been back and forth and have
brought him some goodies found only finds in Norway.  Made him happy.

The weather is beautiful and for a few weeks everyone can enjoy some Florida sunshine before having to go back to the cold.  Always nice to be able to "escape" the bad weather for a bit.

Yes, it's going to be a good time for all.

cheers to a happy start of the week

Just remember everyone, 

every day is a good day to be alive, whether the sun's shining or not. 

Everyone has highs and lows that they have to learn from, but every morning I start off with a good head on my shoulders, saying to myself, 'It's going to be a good day!'. 

Today has really going to be good. 

Tomorrow is another fine day we are all looking forward to. 

Be hopeful.  You are is in control...

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

In life, as in football, you won't go far unless you know where the goalposts are...

Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week...

It's Sunday again.  Time to relax and do whatever it is that pleases you.
Soccer all day long for Arvid so early start of his calls :)
Brutus and I were awake for a while now, while he slept.
Relaxing to watch the sunrise and enjoy my cafe while Brutus runs and runs around me.

Most people today here in the USA will be tuned in to Super Bowl XLV11

Arvid and I though not football fans will also tune in for the game.  Normally Arvid has a bet going with a few of our nephews.  Have to see what teams the are going for so Arvid can also decide who he wants to bet on.

Not crazy about either team.

Our favorite part of the super bowl are the commercials.  Pretty awesome if yo ask and so very cool.  Just for that it's worth watching the game.  We also like the halftime entertainment.  This year it is Beyonce.  Should be good!  The game is being played in New Orleans, and you can expect that at least a part of the halftime show will play on the Big Easy's rich history of music.  That's entertainment!

For my nephews and cousins who are crazy about football, ( like most Americans) part of the fun is the before parties, the snacks and all the preparation that goes on to make this day a huge event.  Even here in our building there is a huge party going on with a wide screen TV for anyone who wants to join in the celebration.  Arvid's response to if we will be going.."definitely no thanks."  For us the snack part is not a big deal.  Some potato chips, peanuts and candy.  For every American football lover the snacks are a huge part of the whole Super Bowl process.

our typical snacks

Our celebration is a day out, the two of us as usual.  Good meal, good company and just relaxation.

Remember, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
Hope you also enjoy the day whatever you are doing and wherever you are!

The Super Bowl is like a movie, and the quarterback is the leading man...

~Nadiya~

Smile Be Happy...It's A New day

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully...

Today's a new day. Its your day. You shape it. 

Don't let it be shaped by someone else's ignorance or fear..

Today I woke up to a beautiful sunrise.

Yesterday I was downtown Fort Lauderdale, walking around our old neighborhood.  I really enjoyed the time we lived in the Las Olas area, but I also really love where we live now.  Still it was nice to have the afternoon to myself, do a few chores and at the same time have some me time.

On the way to a haircut, I went to our Broker's Real Estate Office caught up with the news, got our mail and re acquainted myself with some of the newer people.  We almost never go to the office.  We work from home and prefer it that way, but occasionally we check for mail and also just go and say hi to everyone.  

After that I had a few hours to just browse around.  Enjoy a little cafe outdoors and a little nibble at one of the few new restaurants that have opened up. 

Yes, my friend Liliana lives there and we met for desert at the Cheesecake Factory a favorite of ours.  When we lived on Las Olas, I would treat her to lunch regularly and we would enjoy big cappuccinos and the occasional Malibu Colada at The Cheesecake Factory.  What I miss sometimes is Liliana and her humor.  She will be visiting Brutus, Arvid and I next week so looking forward to that and am already planning the menu.

I love to cook and both Liliana and I enjoy food so I normally make tons of stuff and send them home with her.  She never cooks... sad.

After a nice lunch and good conversation, it was time for a haircut.
I was greeted with a mimosa.  Sadly I had to decline because I was driving.

I look at it now and wish I had accepted it.  Oh well next time.
Today is beautiful.  Cool breeze and beautiful sunshine.  This is the Florida I really like.
Not too hot not too cold, just perfect.

Quiet day today.  Not much planned.  Maybe a drive with Arvid to the mall and to show him the new happenings on Las Olas.  Lunch out and a visit to Pet Smart for a few things for Brutus.

Life is good and everyday they are both doing better.

have a good day!

February started on a positive vibe.
Soon company starts to arrive.  First to arrive is Arvid's brother.
I see the excitement in Arvid.  Constantly calling his brother asking this that just making sure they are ready
and to let them know we are also waiting.


We will be picking them up and we are looking forward to being their tour guide and private chauffeur.
Nice!
Well have a few things to do so for now, have a great day and always focus on the positive in life!

Having a bad day? Hold your hand over your heart; Feel that? That beating? That's called purpose. You're alive for a reason.

~Nadiya~

Water..

Drink more water

your shin, your hair, your mind and you body will thank you...

Does not matter that I know  how good it is for me, the truth is I just don't like to drink water.

Everyday one of the first things Arvid does as he wakes up is to drink a bottle of water.

On the other hand, I find it so difficult to finish a bottle a day.

Yes, I know how important it is and if I did forget for a minute Arvid is always reminding me of it.

Luckily, I have figured out a way to "trick" myself into drinking water.

There is a saying that goes like this, "The water was not fit to drink. To make it palatable, we had to add whiskey. By diligent effort, I learned to like it."  
In my case I add fruit or citrus to the water to give it a flavor.  

Sometimes it is a slice of lemon, a strawberry, an orange slice or cucumber.  You get the drift, but for some reason this also seems like too much work if you ask me.

Lately I have been buying this flavored water called HINT.  It has no artificial flavors and no artificial sweeteners.  I refuse to drink or eat anything that has artificial anything.

So far I have found a few flavors that I really like.  I just blend it with my water and next thing you know my water tastes delicious and I am readily drinking more than a bottle a day.
I know does not sound like a big deal, but sometimes a bottle of water can last me a few days and I know that this is not good.

cheers!

We are very fortunate that Brutus also loves to drink water.  Right now with all the medication he has been on one of our main concern was that he was not having enough water, but with a little bit of work and a lot of patience he is well on his way t being very hydrated.  
Yes, sometimes I have to also trick him by putting a snack in his water, but it's worth it to see him drinking away like crazy.
Well for now, I have found a way to enjoy water more than I did before.  I'm happy and Arvid's happy. 

A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. 
Be a carrier...

If you're happy, if you're feeling good, then nothing else matters... 

~Nadiya~

Strange Behaviour

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned...

I wrote this post a few months ago and just came across it. 
 Somehow it managed to get "lost"   even so, 
I still decided to publish it.

Today my blog is more like a question. The question is what makes a person dislike another so much that they go out of their way to voice their opinions in such a personal and angry way, especially when they do not know the person they are being angry towards? I see it often on TV shows and even though I know it is just TV it is also something very real and happens more than we think especially among family and friends.  I have my ideas, but would like to hear yours. 

Is there something specific one should be on the look out for, and if so what?  So many times we go about thinking we know someone, that this someone is a good friend, but then all of a sudden it's like we are confronted with this alien of a person. Alien in a sense that their behavior is so bizarre from what we know.  Being sweet one moment then bitter the next, what? why?

I have noticed at times hostility.  I don't mind the hostility, the rage, nor the anger I sense, but I am curious as to why.  Especially if  you don't know someone.  Just a curiosity more than anything.  I am intrigued at the behaviour because it is something I don't understand.  On the other hand, if I knew you and we had some kind of history maybe that would make better sense.
There could exist some kind of petty jealousy, envy or something.  At least there is a reason.  Right now as it stands...can't figure it out...and I am intrigued.  I have many readers leaving comments; I don't know many of them personally.  We have never interacted personally.  Only via the blog and none have been so fierce as a particular reader...this is so puzzling and that's why I am so intrigued.

kindness and love....best recipe

 Nothing wrong with remaining anonymous, because I do know some readers have written to me saying this was the only way they know of leaving a comment. I am OK with this, but to this particular reader my question is why so vindictive? Why do you take everything I write personally? This is supposed to be just a place where I share different aspects of life, where I write informative articles all for the purpose of entertaining the reader and of hopefully bringing some humor into their day.  Just simple reading without complications.

This reader has taken it on herself/himself to take it way too personal. I ask why?  I ask the same questions to my readers.  Why would a person who claims to not know you take everything so personally?  Why would they be so full of hostility and anger to someone they don't know?  I have just been going back to different posts and in those that Anonymous has commented they are all full of anger.  I would go so far as to say hatred.  I would still like to know why??

The reason I am asking this is because a few of my readers have asked me who is this person who always seems to attack without reason. I have seen this in many other of my blogs.  I guess it must have gotten to the point where even the readers thought it was a bit odd for a total stranger to be so personal.  Like I said I am more intrigued than anything else. 

To you my anonymous reader I will say...slow down. Always remember to slow down in life;  live, breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never forget everything and every person that has a place within your heart.   Don't take everything so personally because sooner or later you might get an ulcer....Life is too short to hold grudges...and this is only a blog meant for entertainment....

Anger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind. Anger will disappear just as soon as thoughts of resentment are forgotten...

~Nadiya~

Lucky Me...

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

Before you complain about life think of someone who died too early on this earth...

Just the other day I was  reflecting on our life and I realized how fortunate we are.

Yes, we may be going through a few difficult times, but I know others have it much worse. 

Occasionally I may get impatient that things do not progress as fast as I would like, but then I slow down.

I look at Arvid and I see a man who is kind, generous, loving, dependable and funny.  I see the man i fell in love with and I know that everything is going to be all right.

I see the patience he has with Brutus and I know that things are right.  I know that no matter what Arvid and I will always be there for each other and for Brutus.

Even with pain and unable to bend, Arvid finds it in him to give Brutus his treats every night and to sing for him.  Sometimes I see how much he hurts, but he insists that he wants to do it. 

Both he and Brutus love this nightly routine and I love them both even more when I see it.

I go to bed happy every night and with a smile because right before turning off the lights I see the two of them together.  Life is good and together we are happy. 

 Remember, "Each day is a gift, not a given right."

Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need..

Never let the things you want, make you forget the things you have. If you are truly rich, count the number things that you have that money can't buy... 

~Nadiya~

One Day..

The one who is meant for you encourages you to be your best, but still loves and accepts you at your worst... 

A long time ago someone said to me:

Today I want to say to you,

"you're not alone and we'll brave this storm"

To know that someone cares makes all the difference in the world.  

The only thing I care about is you...

 ~Nadiya~

AT A Loss...

Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself...

To say that I am heartbroken is an understatement. 

Sometimes in life when you least expect it things happen.

I wish I were able to take away sadness and to make things better.

Unfortunately I can't.  All I can do is sit and watch.

Nothing more difficult than not being able to do anything.

Knowing that you hurt is breaking my heart and 

knowing that I can't do anything is tearing me apart.

Look deep in my eyes, past all the lies. Past my act, past this disguise.

 Past the scars and past the tears, you will see only fear...

~Nadiya~

That's Life...

Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn...

I saw this the other day and it made me smile.  It also made me think of a few people who I know this applies to, and that made me smile even more.

I have gotten to the point where I really don't care what anyone thinks of me as long as I know I am a good person, and this I know.

No I'm not the perfect person, I have a lot of flaws and a lot of screw ups. but you live and learn. That's life!

I just have to look into Arvid's eyes and I know that all is good with us.  I know he loves me and that's what matters.  

When I was younger it bothered me if I thought someone did not like me.  I guess as you get older you learn what is important in life and you learn when to walk away from those people that don't matter and from situations that are petty.

Experience is the best teacher and I have had quite a few lessons in life.

What I take from each is what has made me the person I am today.

As someone said, 

"A woman's life can really be a succession of lives, each revolving around some emotionally compelling situation or challenge, and each marked off by some intense experience."

Many live their lives full of envy, jealousy, hatred, grudges etc.

I have learnt that life is too precious to waste on this and on these kind of people.

Both Arvid and I are always grateful that we have each other.  As he says, "nothing else matters"

All I know is that we have a good life and for us that's all that matters.

Have a good day and never let the pettiness of people drag you down!

Never apologize for being you!

Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely...

No matter how great or how nice you are, not everybody is going to like you.

 That's life...

~Nadiya~

Happy Sunday All...

The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things...

Sundays are usually days to just relax, Arvid calls his family and then the rest of the day we either plan a trip/mini vacation or just something just for us.  Always there is Soccer.  Lately we have not done much planning of any kind.  We have actually cancelled a few trips we had due to everything that has been going on. 

One of the best outings Arvid and I have is on Sundays.  He says he likes it because it's just him and I, a good meal and some pretty scenery.  Arvid is very peculiar when we eat out.  He prefers it quiet and with no "babble" as he calls it.  He is not one for loud conversations at anytime especially during mealtime.

Today will be the first Sunday in a long while we will be able to have our outing.  Arvid is like a kid looking forward to this.  We have all been "cooped" up it seems for too long and it's now time to get back into doing a few things we enjoy.

Yesterday was a very good day as well.  We visited friends.  After that I drove us by the beach a bit then it was back home.  Being such a beautiful day decided to go to the pool.

We relaxed, I read a little and we just got some much needed sun.  We live in Florida and we almost never go to the pool.  We NEVER go to the beach and we never sit out in the sun.  Whereas all the "foreigners/tourists" are always sunning and they are always tanned.  I like the warmth, but I do not care to sit and cook in the sun.  I have seen the damage it has done to people, and I understand when others visit they come from the cold and would love to get as much sun/tan as possible.  It is always something they can ho back home and brag about.  A tan in winter.  Cool!  

Soon everyone will be awake.   Today promises to be another beautiful day and it is extra special because both Arvid and Brutus are feeling better and live is slowly getting back to "normal" here.  Hmmm... maybe it's time to plan something?  Maybe a little too early yet, the doctor said no trips for now so for now we have to listen.  I'm happy with this!

Wishing you all a good day.  Today and everyday!

The only thing that will make you happy is being happy with who you are, and not who people think you are...

~Nadiya~

Good Day...

On a day when you're tired, it's important to just say good morning to everyone so they're kind of aware that it's gonna be a good day...

Yesterday was the first day in a long time I did not have to rush Brutus to the vet, go to the hospital or take Arvid to a doctors appointment.  It was nice to just wake up and not have to spray Brutus with his medicine nor trick him into getting into the carrier for a trip at the vet.  Happily no more hospital for us.  Today hopefully will be one of those days as well.  So far all is looking good.

I woke up to a beautiful sunrise and it was relaxing to not do anything and to not have to think what different chores were waiting for me.  It was also nice not to be awake at 5am.  Yes, I am now also sleeping better as is Brutus and Arvid.  Brutus always finds it most comfy to sleep as close to Arvid as possible. 

Slowly things are getting back to the way they used to be.  We are still concerned about Brutus' paw.  The swelling is still there and the doctor said that if it did not go down by next week we might have to consider reopening the paw, yes cutting him open again and do another culture to check for bacteria.  I hope it does not get to this.  I am more worried about Brutus than I am for Arvid.

Arvid is healing and recovering everyday , Brutus I'm not sure.  In the meantime, Brutus seems to be happy and very active as usual.  We are just happy to see him play and run around.  The paw does not bother him, it just bothers me that it is still swollen.

Yesterday was also the first time in over a month I had a few hours to do something for me.  What better way to pamper oneself than a manicure and pedicure.  It felt really good and for a change I had some time to allow the girl to give me a foot massage.  I felt like a new person already.

Right now I feel positive that everything is going to be all right.  It has to be.  I feel more rested and  better prepared to face what lays ahead.  Arvid continues on a weekly trip to the doctor to have his blood tested.  Brutus has a break from the vet until next week.  This is all good.

Soon Arvid's brother and Siv will be here.  Arvid says he will be doing everything to be better so we can spend as much time with them as possible.  Yes, he is very happy his brother is coming.  He says it's the best medicine.  I am also looking forward to seeing them.  We always have such a good time together.  It will also be nice to go out a bit and enjoy each others company.  Always a relaxing time with the four  of us.  Relaxing...., sounds so good now.
Sometimes we tend to take the smallest things for granted.

For now, wishing you all a good Saturday.

Life is very interesting... in the end, some of your greatest pains, become your greatest strengths...

~Nadiya~