He's Gone....

Losing someone is the worst feeling. Loss carves out a deep, hollow pocket. There's no magical way to fill it, no medicine or Band-Aid or surgery to cure it. I suppose that over time you get used to it, but the feeling never totally goes away. And the more time you spend on earth, the more pockets you'll collect. But it's part of living. It's life....

Why does it take death to make us appreciate what we have and what life is all about?  Too often we all gripe about all the things in life that we don't have, that we need or just complain without ever stopping to appreciate what we have and to give thanks for it.  All it took was a phone call from Arvid saying, "he's gone" and I realize again how life is a gift and how we should to be grateful for what we have rather to just complain about what is wrong.

I am no different, wish I could say I was.  We all spend so much energy complaining about the little things that we forget the bigger picture.  It takes the death of a loved one, of a friend , of someone we know to bring us back to earth and make us realize that what we have is worth celebrating and what we complain and gripe about is just no big deal.

Today we learnt that someone very dear to us has died.  A very good person, friend and human being. Life offers no guarantees.  What is here today can be taken away in a blink of the eye.  I have lived through the deaths of a few loved ones.  Each time has been different, but each time it has been devastating to me.  Each time I tell myself that we have to slow down and take into perspective what life is all about.  That we have to appreciate what we have today and not leave it for tomorrow.

i love you brutus

Honestly, Arvid and I have been getting better and better at enjoying our lives and living for today.  We are always trying and I believe succeeding in never taking each other for granted.  We make it a point to point out how lucky we are to have found each other and to enjoy our lives together.  We have decided to never let anything nor anyone come between us because you see what we have is special and the good thing is that we know so but, even so with this new death it puts everything again into a stark reality that life holds no guarantees and we must cease the moment while we can. 

For me every time someone I know dies brings back all the memories of the loss I suffered years ago.  Of all the things left unfinished, of all the plans made and never completed of the life I once knew for a little and was taken away in seconds.  I have moved on and have made a promise to myself to never have to look back and say "I wish I had done so and so...". 

 There is a place in my heart that memories still live on.  

I love you arvid hvidsten

With Arvid life is wonderful and our promise to each other is to enjoy every day, every moment we have together to the fullest.  I never take him for granted.  We never leave for tomorrow what we can do today.  We always tell each other how grateful we are and how lucky we are to have each other in our lives.  Second chances are not that frequent.  We were given a second chance and we make it count every day.  Life with Arvid is complete and I can definitely say that together the two of us have done just about everything and more we have set out to do. The things we have done together are unsual and, amazing and sometimes just plain crazy, but neither of us would have it no other way.  There is still lots more we want to do and I know we will do it. 

They say nothing in this life is certain except death and taxes.  How true.  I hope that all of you reading this take a moment to say thank you for what you have, thank you for waking up to another day, for the birds that sing, the sun that shines, and for everything that you normally take for granted

Goodbye to a wonderful person and someone I called a friend.  You will be missed.

As they say, "Why does it take a minute to say hello and forever to say goodbye"?

eventually, everything goes away....

~Nadiya~

Perfect Saturday....

Rules should always be bent, if not broken. It's the only way to have any fun...

It has been a fun and wonderful day so far.  Out a bit late last night so today was a lazy start, but once we got going things picked up a bit.  After breakfast, there was some playtime with Brutus a little chore around the house and then to the mall we went.

My birthday is coming up and Arvid asks what I would like.  Truthfully, I don't need anything, but I

told him I would like a handbag from Louis Vuitton.  For sure he does not knows the difference between Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Cole Haan, Coach, you get the idea, but being Arvid he say "sure."  He's happy because now he has something in mind and does not have to spend time thinking what I would like.  I prefer to guide him when it comes to buying me anything.  I don't need a handbag, but what girl does not want one more?

So we go to Nieman and Marcus looking for my LV handbag.  Well we found it.  I asked Arvid what he thought it costs?  He said "maybe $600?"  I said close $1600.  He was "that's not even close"  Now he's worried that I might actually want this handbag and then he would have to buy it for me.  Fortunately I did not like the shoulder straps.  They fall off all the time.  To smooth me over he says why don't you get a Coach one instead?  They look exactly the same. 

have a great day!

Anyway, we walk around the mall.  I get a few things from Macy's compliments of Arvid (and these do not qualify as my birthday presents).  We also get him a few items as well.

To be fair, I decided to treat him to lunch at PF Chang's a favorite of his in the last few years.  I have always liked this restaurant, but convincing him was difficult in the beginning.  Now it's his favorite.

Back home it rained like crazy.  Good because the car needed a good rinse.  Too much dust on it lately.  We found Brutus hiding.  Arvid finally got him out and now it's the three of us having a quiet evening home on a Saturday.  I Love It!  Have a great day all!

We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything, than when we are at play...

No, I'm not being immature, I'm having fun. You should try it....

~Nadiya~

Just Because...

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough...

I'm sitting here in bed contemplating on how lucky I have been in my life.  Even though I have lived through some very tragic times I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met Arvid and to have the life we have together.  I know that life is for living and to never have to look back and say "I wish I had"  The time to cease each moment and make the most of it is now....

We have one life to live and we never know what tomorrow will bring so why not live every moment to the fullest.  Just relaxing here at home contemplating about our life and just wanted to say that I am really grateful for what we have.  By this I mean I am grateful for having Arvid and Brutus in my life.

I am grateful for the wonderful parents, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends and family.  It is not often we take the time to really appreciate what we have.  Life being busy and hectic we all get caught up in our daily routines, our "problems" 

and just the craziness called life.

Sometimes it is nice to slow down, take a deep breath, enjoy the simple things and people that make you happy and to let them know they are appreciated.  Not a day goes by without Arvid telling me he loves me and how he loves the life we have made together.  He tells me I'm the best thing in his life.  I also try to never miss the opportunity to reciprocate.  We are good together.  He is right we have a beautiful life together with our Brutus and I hope that it lasts forever.  Just remember, be grateful for what you have.

“Yesterday is but a dream, tomorrow but a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day. Such is the salutation to the dawn"

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on....

Life is simple, it's just not easy..just live it!!

~Nadiya~

Simple Pleasures...

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things....

A few days ago Arvid and I went shopping and one of the stores we visited was Bed Bath and Beyond.

heavenly scent


Bed Bath Beyond.  A very cool store I might add with a little bit of everything you will need for your home.  We did not really go for anything in particular, but since we were in the neighborhood I suggested we call in.  I really enjoy browsing around not necessarily having to buy, but if the opportunity to buy something we may need presents...well

Arvid is a good person.  He may not have wanted to go, but because he knows I like this store so we went in.  We browsed around for a bit.  I found some very nice scented vanilla candles and since ours at home was almost all done I suggested to Arvid that we may need some more.  He looks at me as says, "you sure" of  course I said I was.  So in the basket it went.  I was happy.

Further along the isle a few more items came into the basket, but the item I was most excited about was my Milk Frother.  I have one of these in Chicago and love it so much that I just could not resit it. It is easy to use, easy to clean and best of all it makes the best frothy milk for many of your hot beverage toppings or you can just have it as is.

Very simple to use 

few simple steps to many delicious drinks....



Top off the morning! Give every good drink a boost to great by adding a delightful dose of frothy, creamy milk. This easy-to-use frother puts a café-style finish on your favorite drinks. Simply plug in and start your morning off right.

me happy:)

I just made myself the most delicious cappuccino and topped it off with milk froth...delicious.  With all the ideas provided I can't wait to try out my next creation....such a simple thing, but I'm happy.

We are all so caught up in the rush and clutter of modern life, that we have forgotten to delight in the day-to-day simple pleasures in life. Small delights may seem nothing at the time, but when you look back and look deeper, you will realize it is the accumulation of these simple pleasures that make life enjoyable and memorable.

Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like....

~Nadiya~

Women...

You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation...


 I received this as a forwarded email and I liked it and wanted to share it with all of my women friends out there.  Being a woman for me is just wonderful.  I have choices, I have my own opinions and I have the freedom to do and say as I please.  So different from years ago.  I know because for many in generations before us none of this was possible.  I know in many cultures it is still rough being a woman and not having the freedom to make your own decisions and choices.  I am grateful to be living in a culture where I can do anything I please.....

It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities... 

When life gets you down look up

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

So love the people who treat you right.

Love the ones who don't just because you can.

Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.

If it changes your life, let it.
God never said life would be easy.
He just promised it would be worth it.

Women are made to be loved, not understood.

If there is a woman you has made your life better send this 

to her.  We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them
There is no such thing as an ugly woman.

I am only as strong as the wine I drink, the hairspray I use and the friends I have

To the cool women who have touched my life...here's to you

What would most of us do without our sisters, confidants, and shopping, lunching

and travel girls?

Let's celebrate each other for each other's sake...

To all my girlfriends...

It is good to be a woman

Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. 

 Luckily, this is not difficult. 

Remember you are woman, you are strong, you are beautiful

don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think....

Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, "She doesn't have what it takes"; They will say, "Women don't have what it take"

~Nadiya~

Interesting and Different....

What is so brilliant about the gadgets is their simplicity...
When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things....

Today as Arvid and I were waiting for a parking spot at one of our favorite restaurants along came a father and son all done with their meal and ready to pull out from their space.  The son was the driver and he told us, "just give me a few minutes and we'll be right out of here".  We were happy since the entire parking lot was full and we had been waiting on a couple who seemed like they were leaving but 10 minutes after they were still sitting in their car texting on their phones.

The father and son team was really nice, only thing is that the son was in a wheelchair.  Not a problem, except we thought we would be waiting another 10+ minutes for them to actually manage to pull out.  By now we were extremely hungry and our only concern was how soon can we park so that we could finally get to the restaurant and order our meal.

To our surprise the son wheeled himself into the car, pulled himself onto the seat and with not so much as a hitch he pulled the back out of the wheelchair, stored it in the back seat, and the surprise is what we saw next. At the top of the car was something that looked like a little storage/luggage rack. Well the son pressed a button and this thing opened up and with something similar to arms it stretched down to what was left of the wheelchair pulled it up and stored it into this so caller camper looking thing. See for yourself.

We were both amazed.  This entire process took less than 5 minutes and before we knew it we were parking into the space just vacated.  Sometimes we see and we judge too fast without really knowing all the facts.  Even though this young man was in a wheel chair he did everything at a much faster speed and with such a pleasant disposition.  The fact that he was in a wheelchair and someone was waiting for him to pull out of his spot did not faze him.  He was cheerful, happy and with a personality that said I can do anything I set my mind to.  So unlike the other couple who were still sitting in their car texting and looking pretty grim and sulky.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything... 


~Nadiya~

Cheers To The Weekend...Again

When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask,

"Compared to what"...

Let the good times begin.  Cheers all to a great weekend.  So far ours has been quite relaxing.  Late breakfast (late night last night).  A little shopping in the morning.  Some Soccer in the middle of the day and a delicious meal cooked at home.  So far so good.  Catching up on some reading and looking forward to tonight, a little music some good food and friends.

Have a good one and CHEERS! to another wonderful weekend!  There is more to life than increasing its speed...

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths... 

~Nadiya~

Our Pets...

Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function....
The difference between friends and pets is that friends we allow into our company, pets we allow into our solitude. 

For those of us who have pets I can almost guarantee you feel the same as Arvid and I. I have always know what it is to be raised with a pet, but for him having Brutus in our lives was a brand new experience one which he, Arvid loves. Having a pet is sometimes as many have said even better than having kids. All they ask for you is love with those big eyes.

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms

I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul

Brutus needs no introduction.  He is ours and we spoil him endlessly.  Brutus has become a calming effect in our lives.  Arvid says that he thinks having Brutus in our life will prolong it and has made it better than ever.  He asks for nothing and he gets everything...

In my family we have been fortunate to have been raised with a pet.  Today as grown ups we all have our own pet and as each would tell you it is one of the best experiences we have all experienced.  Never a bad moment with our pets. 

To err is human, to forgive, canine

My sister in Philadelphia and her family own a Golden Doodle named Tex (pictured above).  Tex is big, but he is one of the gentlest dogs I have encountered.  At time you don't even know he is around.  Among the naughtiest things Tex has done was to eat a piece of the wooden steps in their house and to chew up some of my parents' blinds.  We all have our days:)

A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself

Thunder pictured above belonged to my sister and family living in Puerto Rico.  He is a Golden Retrieve and another very  loving and gentle dog.  When I think of Thunder I always have a smile.  His most mischievous thing was to escape from the backyard.  My sister had this electronic fence.  Thunder figured if he sprinted he could actually jump over it.  Which he did all the time.  He was once kidnapped, this brought the entire neighborhood rallying around for him.  he was found living in another luxury home being treated like a king, but he got back to his rightful home.

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole

From the day Jaxen came into my sisters world he was a handful, but only in the best possible ways.  He was a baby when I first met him full of spunk and energy which to this day he still has.  Living in Florida he loved swimming in the pool in his backyard and chasing birds.  His favorite pass time was playing in the rain with his dada.  Living in Vermont he now loves to roll in the snow and swim in the lake in their backyard.  Jaxen like Thunder is a Golden Retriever with one beautiful color.

My little dog -- a heartbeat at my feet.

Dexter comes from Texas, and now lives with him family in Virginia.  He is one furry ball of energy and love.  When I first met him he jumped right on my lap and fell asleep.  Never moved.  He slept with me during the night and when I woke up early in the morning he gave me a peek as if to say "I'm not ready to get up."  It was 7am.  In Texas he loved to jump on the Trampoline with Gabsy, Riley and Lilly Vade.  This doggie has no fear.  He is the smallest of all but, boy probably can bark the most and scare anyone away.

Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet

Joey (above) belongs to a friend. I met him for the first time a few weeks ago and he was all over me.  Another ball of fur full of energy and play.  Like all the others he is pampered and spoilt.  As a pet owner I will say we spoil our pets more than we spoil ourselves and we love it!  Joey gets a trainer coming to his home once a week.  He will soon become international also.  He will be heading to Norway for 3 months...

A cat is a puzzle for which there is no solution

Mama D lives across the street from us.  She is still scared to come too close, but with each passing day she is getting friendlier and friendlier.  She knows I will give her treats everyday so she comes asking.  Brutus is a bit jealous when Arvid and I talk to her.  We have a very kind neighbor who feeds quite a few of the strays in the area.  I love kitties so I have also joined in the feeding of them.

Until one has loved an animal,  a part of one's soul remains unawakened...

~Nadiya~

Be Happy...

 People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness.  Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost...

I have noticed that many people spend too much time worrying about what's going on in other people's life to actually have time to be happy themselves.  It seems like most people would rather be certain they're miserable, than risk being happy.  Happiness for me is waking up every morning next to the one I love.  Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. It is knowing that in good times and bad times Arvid and I will face whatever comes our way.  It is knowing that and any given time Brutus is right around the corner waiting for us and loving us. Could not ask for more.

Happiness is being comfortable with who you are.  It is that feeling of security that comes with knowing that you like the person you are.  Happiness does not mean that everything is perfect, but it means that we strive each day the be the best we can.  Do not look back on happiness or dream of it in the future. You are only sure of today; do not let yourself be cheated out of it.

 Those who can laugh without cause have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone stark raving mad...

~Nadiya~

Gossip...Hollywood's Ugliest Divorces:

When two people decide to get a divorce, it isn't a sign that they "don't understand" one another, but a sign that they have, at last, begun to

We all hope that when we meet that someone special in our lives, that someone we can finally call our soul mate that that relationship would last a lifetime.  Celebrities are no different from us in that respect.  At least I hope so, but there is that one little thing we sometimes forget to take into account.  It's called life and it sure is unpredictable.  Someone said, "When people get married because they think it's a long-time love affair, they'll be divorced very soon, because all love affairs end in disappointment. But marriage is a recognition of a spiritual identity".

Madonna & Guy Ritchie.
Married for eight years.

Alex & Cynthia Rodriguez
The New York Yankee's wife filed for divorce in July after reports of his extramarital affairs and a close friendship with Madonna. The couple wed in 2002 and have two daughters: Natasha, 3, and Ella, 3 months.

Christie Brinkley & Peter Cook
The salacious divorce trial between model and the architect ended in October 2008 after much media attention. Cook admitted to cheating on his wife with his assistant and spending $3,000 on porn sites

Star Jones & Al Reynolds
After three-and-a-half years of marriage - which began with a lavish and highly-publicized wedding - the talk show host quietly filed for divorce in March. "[I] look forward to emerging from this period as a stronger and wiser woman," she said.

Jennifer Aniston & Brad Pitt

America's golden couple exchanged vows in 2000, but after four years of marriage, they were done. In 2004, rumors swirled of an on-set affair between Pitt and his Mr. and Mrs. Smith costar Angelina Jolie. Jolie and Pitt now have six kids.


Robin Williams & Marsha Garces
The pair fell in love in 1989 when Garces worked as a nanny for the comedian's son, Zachary, but in March, after 19 years of marriage, they filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.

Britney Spears & Kevin Federline
Their chaotic two-year marriage came to an end when the singer filed for divorce in November 2006. Federline now has primary custody of their two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James.

Pink & Carey Hart
The singer proposed to the motocross racer in 2005 - but after two years of marriage, the couple separated in February 2006.

Hulk & Linda Hogan
The wrestler and his wife parted ways in 2007 after 24 years of matrimony and four seasons of the VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best. Linda called their union "irretrievably broken."

David Hasselhoff & Pamela Bach
After 16 years of marriage, the couple split in 2006. The actor now pays $21,000 a month in spousal support to his ex-wife and they share custody of teenage daughters, Hayley and Taylor

Charlie Sheen & Denise Richards
Wed in June 2002, the stars' stayed together just shy of three years. The couple has two daughters, Sam and Lola.

Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey
After three years of marriage, the singers called it quits in 2005. What went wrong? Their MTV reality show Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica. "It was among the dumber ideas I think I've ever seen executed," Lachey once said. "It got to a place where it was so invasive, so it became a problem"

Nicole Kidman & Tom Cruise
Kidman has said she was "shocked" when, after 10 years of marriage and adopting two children together, Cruise filed for divorce in February 2001. Kidman has since remarried Keith Urban and Cruise has a 2-year-old daughter, Suri, with new wife Katie Holmes.

Sophia Bush & Chad Michael Murray
The One Tree Hill cast-mates, who were also an on-screen couple, tied the knot in 2005 and were divorced five months later. "I can't say there are no hard feelings. I feel hurt, humiliated and broken hearted," Bush later revealed.

Jennifer Garner & Scott Foley
The former Felicity costars met on the set in 1998 and tied the knot in 2000. Their marriage lasted just over two years.

Pam Anderson & Rick Salomon
Anderson and Salomon, who dated for just one month before saying "I do," annulled their two-month marriage on grounds of fraud in March.

Reese Witherspoon & Ryan Phillippe
In 2002, the Academy Award-winning actress admitted she and her actor hubby attended couples counseling. It didn't work. In 2006, the couple of seven years announced they were separating. Phillippe and Witherspoon - who is now dating Jake Gyllenhaal - share custody of their two children, Ava and Deacon.

Paul McCartney & Heather Mills
They couldn't work it out! The Beatles crooner and Dancing With the Stars contestant had a daughter before splitting after four years of marriage in 2006. Mills was awarded a $48.6 divorce settlement.

No one ever said relationships are easy.  Long time ago someone told me that in order to keep a relationship alive you really have to work at it.  I am fortunate to have a good relationship with Arvid despite many little stresses that may pop up now and again in our lives.  We made a promise to each other to never let anyone or anything come between us.  Does not mean it is perfect, but between the two of us we work very hard to try and make it better everyday.  I would love for this relationship to be forever, but life is life....you always hope for the best and always keep striving for it. Nowadays love is a matter of chance, matrimony a matter of money and divorce a matter of course....

If you made a list of reasons why any couple got married, and another list of the reasons for their divorce, you’d have a hell of a lot of overlapping...

 until next time...

Our Neighbor's Kindness....

Just for today, I will let go of anger. Just for today, I will let go of worry. Today, I will count my many blessings. Today, I will do my work honestly.

 Today, I will be kind to every living creature...

mama d




named after
arvid



 I always have claimed that my preference is condo living rather than a house, but even I have to admit that there are quite a few things about living in a house that I really like.  Right now one of the nicest things is that the neighboorhood has a few kitties. 



Every morning when we wake up we are greeted by 2 kitties sitting under our window sill.  One is Cyrus and the other is Mama D.  I have fallen in love with them and I look forward to giving them treats every day.  In the beginning they were scared, now they come to us with no fear. 

another rescued
kitty



Our neighbor Connie has made it her job to "save" them.  She has opened her home to many and to the ones living on the outside she also feeds them and gives them shelter from the sometimes harsh weather.  Not often, but can happen.  Remember, when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someones life forever.  Connie has changed the life of her many rescued animals.

When we lived in a condo I never saw another kitty, unless of course I went to my friends home and played with her kitty.  Here it is an everyday thing and one I have gotten very used to and one we enjoy very much.

always # 1



The other day Connie rescued 3 new born kitties and she is taking care of them until they are old enough to be adopted.  One of these kitties is very white with very blue eyes.  This one she has named in honor of Arvid.  I help out a little by buying them food and milk, but it is Connie here who has the biggest heart of all...No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion...
Choose being kind over being right, and you'll be right every time...

~Nadiya~

Game Night...

Ice hockey is a form of disorderly conduct in which the score is kept....

Before I met Arvid I was not one to go to a Hockey game.   I knew of it, but that was all.  Arvid has introduced me to many wonderful things in life for which I will be forever grateful and happy for.  Among the many things, Hockey is one of them.  With Arvid I went to see my first Hockey game 12 years ago.  His enthusiasm is contagious and one cannot help but get caught up in the game.  From that day on we have been to many games and each time it's an experience.  

Our team is The Florida Panthers.  This year they are doing amazingly well and hopefully they will make it to the playoffs.  Fingers crossed.   



with friends:)



Tonight we went to another game.  Lately we have been getting some special tickets to Duffy's Sky Club...  Duffy's Sky Club   which includes an all you can eat buffet and some very good seats.  Food  combined with the game is always a winning time.  



best of all
Panthers won!



The truth is that anything we do we try to make it into a celebration and we never fail to have a good time.  Arvid and I together always have a great time.  This has been a very good weekend (just like last weekend).  We had the game, good food and we had the company of good friends and music.

We worked a bit taking some customers around, and in the process we were also treated to some spectacular views of the apartments they saw.  Hopefully the customer will purchase something.  What more can one ask for?  Hope your weekend was also special.  Now to prepare for the week ahead.  Lots to do so that is always good....    

Black people dominate sports in the United States - 20 percent of the population and 90 percent of the Final Four.  We own this shit.  Basketball, baseball, football, golf, tennis, and as soon as they make a heated hockey rink we'll take that shit too....

~Nadiya~

Sundays...

Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week..

Who does not have a "favorite" day of the week?  Well ours is Sunday.  This is the day we have chosen to be just ours.  We call it our lazy Sundays.  It normally begins with waking up a bit later than usual, probably because Friday and Saturday we did some "partying" as Arvid likes to say.

 During the rest of the week our days are a lot busier so we do not normally have time for a leisure breakfast, but on Sundays we have bacon and eggs and really enjoy sitting and chatting with each other at the breakfast table a luxury we don't usually have.


Sundays are also the designated day Arvid calls his family in Norway.  More relaxing than during the week.  He gets to talk leisurely with each of them without the constant ringing of the phone.  I talk to my family at any given time which makes it really nice also.

We do a few fun chores together then go out and have a very nice lunch and outing somewhere on the water where we can watch the boats go by and enjoy the afternoon.

Have a good day all.  Time for us to get going.

Living up to ideals is like doing everyday work with your Sunday clothes on...

~Nadiya~

Web Surfing.....

Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks...

I'm a google girl



 Surfing the Web is one of my favorite hobbies and I find that my favorite time to do so is during the evenings when we are supposed to be watching TV. I am not that crazy about watching TV, but I sit with Arvid who loves his shows.

I will tell you he can watch just about any and everything. Having the iPad makes it so much easier and so much more fun. Tonight I have it in my mind to just surf everything on EBay for a Louis Vuitton handbag.  I have a particular one in mind.  The truth is I am not sure I want it, but today as we were out having dinner I saw this girl with such a classy handbag which turned out to be a LV; of course now I have to find it.

I did a google search and found the handbag for a fraction of the price on another site, but I am almost positive it's a fake...but I'm so tempted, so very tempted. So far I will not buy it because I do believe it to be a fake even if it is costs quite a few hundred dollars. The real thing costs over a thousand dollars..sigh.

Now EBay, that's different. I am only interested in sellers in the US and have found quite a few, but none of them have the purse I want...sad. Oh well, the fun is in the surfing and testing myself to see how much I can uncover.

Another of my favorite sites to buy from is Amazon. Still have to look there. I tried Zappos, but they do not carry LV, pity because Zappos is such a reliable site to buy from. Time to continue my search and I just hope to not like the purse enough to want to really buy it because then I will really have to go to the mall and do some serious shopping. Just the thought of buying it is already making me happy:) Happy surfing to all of you..

  One of the Internet's strengths is its ability to help consumers find the right needle in a digital haystack of data.  Hooked on Internet?  Help is a just a click away.