Why Cats Are Better Than Women...

If you have one eye on yesterday, and one eye on tomorrow, you're going to be cockeyed today...

Rejoice in the things that are present; all else is beyond thee...

I came across this and it just made me smile.  I think it must have been written by a man, trust a man to always make light of everything, but no matter what it is cute, funny and will also leave you smiling...Happy readings!

Why Cats Are Better Than Women...

• A cat doesn't know what a remote control is.
• A cat loves you until it dies.
• You don't have to tell your cat you love it - it knows you do.
• A cat likes to be petted, anywhere, anytime.
• Cats don't expect breakfast in the morning.
• Cats don't lie, quibble, argue, pout.
• Everything you do is interesting.
• Cats need little space, a sunny spot in the window will do.
• Cats don't smoke, drink, do drugs.
• You don't have to tell a cat it's pretty.
• A cat doesn't care if you haven't shaved for two days.
• A cat doesn't want to borrow money from you.
• Cats love to scrap bills and taxforms.
• You don't need to buy your cat expensive presents on it's birthday.
• You don't need to buy your cats mother expensive presents on her birthday.

I cannot say all men are the same, but using Arvid as my example I have to say that he rarely likes to deal with personal issues.  He is great when it comes to dealing with business, finances, money and that sort of stuff.  Put him in a situation where there is conflict and he will take the easy way out.  Most times he prefers to wait it out hoping the "problem" will disappear.  His favorite expression in times like these are "time will take care of it"

Today is life - the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today...

~Nadiya~

NC....

we are at mom and dad's

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you all it, whoever you are, you need one...

Finally here at my mom and dads. As always, we look forward to seeing them even if for just a brief visit. Sometimes these are the best of times. Gives us all a lot of quality time, and we all enjoy each others company without overstaying our welcome.

sister and family

As mentioned before, we are staying with my parents in what's known as our bedroom. Yes, we even have our own bathroom.  Perfect set up. This way I also get to spend every moment with them. My mom always makes all of my favorite foodies and she even makes a few dishes she knows Arvid likes.

Arvid is a good man. He knows how much I miss my family so he always tries to make sure we get to NC after Norway. My parents also visit Florida quite often which makes me a lucky girl. When home at my parents it is so easy to get used to having all the things one had when a child, especially your favorite meals. My mom is an excellent cook so everyday is a culinary delight. Arvid not very keen on spicy Indian foods so I normally prepare most of his meals. Works out great we are both happy:)

dad and Lilly Vade

Leaving Brutus was difficult because since we got back from Norway he has started crying all the time. That is he cries whenever he does not see one of us. Arvid very stressed over this. He was not sure he was going to be able to walk away and hear Brutus cry. His little cries are soul wrenching.  As we left he was starting to fall asleep again.  Poor dude was so exhausted because he follows Arid all over the place and refuses to sleep.

For the next few days all I will do is enjoy the company of my parents, sister and family. I have been looking forward to this day for a long time and now it's finally here. Looking forward to having a girls day out with my mom, sister and niece. Would like to take them all for a manicure and pedicure. Will be fun and hope we can do it.

For now have a good day all.

The love of a family is life's greatest blessing. Other things may change us, but we start and end with family...

~Nadiya~

On The Road Again...

Love makes a family...

Just back from Norway and we are already to go on a road trip.  This time we are heading to NC to visit my parents, my sister and family.

As a rule, every time we come back from Norway, we go to visit my family.  We only spend a few days, but they are quite enjoyable.  We stay with my mom and dad. They has this bedroom and has designated it as mine and Arvids.

 Even Arvid likes staying there. He and my dad always have a few cold ones and some good conversations. Luckily for us one of my sister and family will be there. Very excited to be seeing them and spending time with my niece and nephew.
 They are growing up too fast and I feel like I am missing out too much. Will spend as much time as possible with them. Fun, fun:)

Well time to hit the road.

Hope your Sunday is a great one also.

Family is what grounds you..

~Nadiya~

Little Ones....

Children are great imitators.  So give them something great to  imitate....

You teach them right from the day they were born,  and they will grow up to be wonderful human beings.  Many say that they are the way the are because when they were little there was no role model to follow.   As parents, the best role model a child can have is you. 

Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.   

 I remember once hearing this, "Children begin by loving their parents; after a time they judge them; rarely, if ever, do they forgive them"  Don't be one of those parents.  Remember a child is a gift and in their eyes you are their everything.  make the most of the time you have with them because before you know it they are all grown up and soon their own person with their own lives.  Never forget to tell them how much they mean.  Never forget to show them how much they are loved.  A child never forgets.  I know because my parents always showed us much we are loved and still do.

  Enjoy your day:)

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about....

~Nadiya~

Humor With Common Sense...

Because you can't argue with all the fools in the world. It's easier to let them have their way, then trick them when they're not paying attention..

Something I "stole" from one of my Facebook friends.  Whoever said common sense was common? In our kind of work, we meet people from all circles of life with as varied a background as can be.  Something that stands out is always their lack of common sense.  I have always taken this for a given.  I mean common sense is so basic, now I know differently.  Most people have none.  They can talk and talk and talk, but what it comes down to is pure ignorance based on a lack of common sense.

 All the education in the world cannot compete with plain common sense. 

Have a good day and let's all practice some common sense:)

Don't be afraid of being scared. To be afraid is a sign of common sense. Only complete idiots are not afraid of anything....

Just Happy...

The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that matters....

We got home and the first thing we noticed was the warmth.  Such a good feeling until we stepped out and we were really hit with the heat 100F.  Boy what a difference from Norway.  Does not matter we were happy.  We were home and was on our way in the taxi to see Brutus.

As soon as we opened the door out runs Brutus all excited and happy to see us.  It was as if he was just standing waiting for us. Both Arvid and I just dropped everything and followed him onto the rug.  We laid down next to him and boy was he purring.  He wanted to be brushed immediately and we both proceeded to do just that.  You would think that we were gone for years the way both Arvid and I acted.

We were just so happy to see Brutus.  We checked him out made sure all was good with him and concluded that he was looking great and healthy.  We played with him for quite a bit and of course he hurt his paw.  Brutus has always had paw issues, but for once we just played and played with him.

Then it was time to go and get some food for breakfast.  We both decided to go and told Brutus we would be back in 20 minutes or less.  As we left we heard his cries all the way down the hall.  We looked at each other and Arvid said, "one of us has to stay with him.  We can't make him cry."  I stayed and Arvid went shopping for 4 items.

In the meantime, I continued to play and hug and kiss Brutus.  We were happy.  As I went to shower he started crying again because he did not see me.  Luckily Arvid came home.  At 10 pm we were very tired.  Brutus was just laying by Arvid's feet, making sure his paws were always in contact with Arvid.  Time for bed and Brutus was the first one up.  He ran to his little condo where he and Arvid have a nightly routine.  Arvid sang to him, gave him snacks and put him to bed.

Just like always Brutus came to our bed in the middle of the night curled up on Arvid's side.  They both love that.  By 6am Brutus wants us to get up and starts walking all over us meowing non stop.  Of course this is too early.  We talk him into laying down some more, and he did, but not for long.  Finally we give in woke up earlier than we would and played with him some more.

This has been a great day so far.  I unpacked both suitcases.  Put everything away.  We did all our laundry.  Changed the sheets, did some grocery shopping and I just finished making lunch.  Brutus napped as usual and now we are all happy again making plans for the weekend.  Arvid is too funny he says to me, "we have to live again.  We have to go out and do something."

Well tomorrow is already planned.  I am happy to be home already spoke to my mom and sisters.  So good. I have missed them so much.  Soon visiting my mom and my sister and family.  We stay at my mom's she has this bedroom and says it mine and Arvid's.  So looking forward to seeing them and telling about my summer in Norway.

Hope your day is also a good one.

A well-spent day brings happy sleep.  Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking...

~Nadiya~

Routines..

A pet reminds us that playtime is an essential part of our daily routine...

Just like everyone, Brutus has certain routines that are essential to him.  His routines are divided between Arvid and I each being assigned to something specific by him.

With Arvid he always has to go and eat foodies.  This is usually an all day event.  Brutus stands next to Arvid or stretches on him making him know its time to go and eat.  They both love this routine.  Arvid is also the one who puts him to bed everynight, sings to him, and gives him snacks.  Arvid also enjoys carrying him around and just showing him things.

 Brutus wants me to feed him grass, play with him, chase him around the apartment, and nibble on fruit.  I also have to watch him drink water.  We have actually had to find ways to trick him to get him to drink more water.  Fun for both of us.

Brutus and I wake up earlier than Arvid.  He loves to lay on the rug in the sun.  At that time he is very active and ready for a good fight.  I am always ready to oblige.  We have a good time both of us.  Me trying to wear him out, and he trying to really attack...
What counts is that you're having a good time doing what you are doing.  Everything we do is fun and even when it's not we try to make the most of it.

Marriage must fight constantly against a monster which devours everything: routine...

until next time

~Nadiiya~

Already Home...

Where we love is home, Home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts....

Home is where Arvid, Brutus and I are together.  We are back home and what a good feeling it is.

Home again....and happy.

The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does...

~Nadiya~

Heading Home....

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned....

In a few hours we will be leaving on a jet plane....yes again. This time though we are heading back home to Brutus. Home to Chicago. Have waited for this day it seems like forever and now it's finally here.  Here in Norway it is already Wednesday and off we go.

As usual when the last day is here it's a bit sad, but at the same time happy because we will be going back to what we like and what is truly home for us.  Once a year to Norway is OK.  We saw everyone.  Had some good times and it's time for goodbyes to all.

I look forward to walking into our apartment and seeing Brutus waiting for us by the door.  I look forward to seeing Arvid drop everything and pick up the little dude and say, "now we are home.".

Even though one has good times with family, nothing compares to being home.  Doing our own things, going out to our favorite places, living again.  I miss going to the gym.  Something I never thought I would.

I miss our daily walks, the hot tub, the food, the TV programs, the life that you find as soon as you land in the USA.  Of course that all goes with some not so good things as well. That I accept, and for us it's just how it is.

We miss our alone time.  The quietness of being together, but not having to say anything. The best days were with friends, Arvid's brother and girlfriend and with Michele and Victoria.  The two girls made our time interesting and was always a pleasure to be around them.  I love both their pets so that is also something nice to see every year as well.

Well in just a few hours we will be home.  First stop is Copenhagen, Denmark.  Next stop is Chicago, O'Hare International Airport.  Then I know we are home.

Already looking forward to visiting my mom.  Something we do always after returning from Norway. I feel like I need to see them after not being in contact for so long.  Then a few trips here and there.  Yes, we are home.  

"Holidays" are enticing only for the first week if so long.  After that, it is no longer such a novelty to rise late, visit family, and have little to do, then it's time to head back home..

~Nadiya~

Final Hours...

You never leave someone behind, you take a part of them with you and leave a part of yourself behind...

And so the time is soon here to go back to our home.  I know I have been waiting for this day for a very long time, but now that it is here it feels strange.  All of a sudden there are goodbyes.  This is always a little difficult to do. 

We have had some good times after all.  The days helping Michelle and Emil in their new home was fun and a pleasure doing.  The time spent chatting with both Victoria and Michelle is also something I always enjoy and look forward to.

This year was no exception.  I am especially grateful to Victoria for always remembering I spoke no Norwegian.  She tried to always speak English when I was around and for that I am happy.  It made our times even better.  Thank you both:)

We spent time with Arvid's mom almost everyday so for Arvid and her this was good.  We met up with friends and had even better times.  Plus this year we were able to see more of Arvid's brother and Siv his girlfriend.  Always enjoyable and always something we look forward to again.  They have been very kind in providing us with a place to stay here in Norway.  Now we look forward to doing the same for them in Florida.

This year has also been an eye opener in how expensive Norway is.  Not having been here in two years one forgets, but just yesterday I bought a small cup of coffee.  Shock.  Price tag $4.00 and it was not even Starbucks.

had some good times

I have had some good times also at the mall.  Did manage to get me a few tops and some jeans.  Always fun to shop in a different country and compare the clothes, but after all is said and done we are so ready to be going home.  All I can think of is home and Brutus and just wishing for today to go by as fast as possible.

Have a good day everyone.

Hello America, goodbye Norway...

~Nadiya~

My Today's Song...

summer was great but gettting back to school, seeing old friends, and making new ones is great too! Time to go home again...

Another summer day

Is come and gone away

In Paris and Rome

But I want to go home

Mmmmmmmm

Maybe surrounded by

A million people I

Still feel all alone

I just want to go home

Oh I miss you, you know

And I've been keeping all the letters that I wrote to you

Each one a line or two

"I'm fine baby, how are you?"

Well I would send them but I know that it?s just not enough

My words were cold and flat

And you deserve more than that

Another aerorplane

Another sunny place

I'm lucky I know

But I want to go home

Mmmm, I've got to go home

Let me go home

I'm just too far from where you are

I want to come home

And I feel just like I'm living someone else's life

It's like I just stepped outside

When everything was going right

And I know just why you could not 

Come along with me

But this was not your dream

But you always believe in me

Another winter day has come 

And gone away

And even Paris and Rome

And I want to go home

Let me go home

And I'm surrounded by

A million people I

Still feel alone

Oh, let go home

Oh, I miss you, you know

Let me go home

I've had my run

Baby, I'm done

I gotta go home

Let me go home

It will all right

I'll be home tonight

I'm coming back home

We all know it's nice to go on vacations, but we also know it's better when it's time to go home.  Hope you are all enjoying your summer so far.  Our time in Norway is soon done and I wanna go home....

Have a good summer everyone.

Never look back unless you’re planning to go that way...

~Nadiya~

Julian...

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance...

Two years ago we first met Julian.  Tiny little thing and seeing him again today we noticed all the changes in him.  So very big, tall and as cute as ever.  I have been looking forward so much to seeing him again and was almost giving up on it.

You see Julian was in Sweden with his dad ever since we got to Norway, but lucky for us he came home yesterday and his mama brought him over for a visit.  Arvid and I enjoyed the time spent with him.  Even though brief it was full of laughter, games and more laughter.   I was even able to grab him and hug him up a bit before he even realized what was going on.  By the way, he's reading the instructions to us on how to assemble his toy train.  He read quite a few times until we got it right.  Smart little dude.

Something about this little dude that just pulls my heart strings.  Now I can say the trip to Norway is complete.

Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them...

~Nadiya~

Brutus..Brutus..

Who would believe such pleasure from a wee ball o' fur...

Being away from Brutus is not the easiest thing in the world.  He is such a part of our lives that when he is not with us, life is not complete.  We woke up this morning as the first thing we both said  again was, "it's time to go home."

If I am ever having a not so good day, all it takes is for Brutus to do what he does best and before you know it life is good and smiles are all abound again.  Cats just seem to know how to enjoy life and to never let anything nor anyone get them down.  The truth is if I had to comeback in life, I would love to be a cat where your only worries are...absolutely nothing!   Being away from Brutus is very difficult for me.  He is our baby and I can't wait until we are back home with him. 

waiting for us

Everything I know I learned from my cat: When you're hungry, eat. When you're tired, nap in a sunbeam. When you go to the vet's, pee on your owner

until next time..

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts...

When we are home in Chicago or Florida, Sunday is usually the day Arvid calls his family, and when we are here in Norway, Sunday is the day we all get together for some family time and a meal. 

Today we will all gather at Arvid's mom's place for pizza, something easy and a favorite of all.  Arvid's mom will have dessert for us.  Lots of fresh strawberries and ice-cream.  Always a winner.

Last night we all gathered at Michelle's and Emil's place for a few drinks and some snacks before hitting the pub.  The evening combined with good music and good company made for a good Saturday. 

Today also looking forward to having a good time with everyone.

Have a good Sunday all.

And thank you for a house full of people I like.  Amen...

~Nadiya~

Saturday...

There are moments to indulge and enjoy, but I always know when it's time to go home and call it a day...

Our last Saturday in Norway for this summer.  Today the weather is beautiful.  It was perfect to sit at our favorite restaurant by the water, Fishland and to have a good meal and just see the boats go by.  Always something interesting going on.

The day was also very sunny which made it even better to enjoy one of those soft ice-cream cones we have once a year when visiting.  

As you can see from our clothing, even though the day was nice, meaning no rain as yet it was very cold.  I had on 3 layers of clothing plus a scarf.  This is summer in Norway.

Last night was a great evening out in the boat.  Music, good food and good company made it even better. 

Norway, land of the Midnight Sun

We have had some very good times in company of Arvid's brother and girlfriend as well.   Soon our summer here is over.  We have had an OK time.  We have visited friends and family.  Arvid has had time to bond with his family which is always good.  We have been to a few places neither has been to.

Tonight we will be enjoying the company of family again combined with some music.  Should be fun.  We leave in a few days so for now the last few days will be with family and getting ready to go home.  I can hardly wait to see Brutus and I know neither can Arvid.  We miss our little baby kitty too much.  All I can say, "It's time for us to go home."

It's been an adventure, everything one can hope for. But it's time to go home. I miss my family. I miss our world and our life.

~Nadiya~

Ultra-Secluded Hotels

 Normal is not something to aspire to, it's something to get away from...

If you are in the mood to get away from everything and from everyone (just talk to Arvid and I, haha) here are some amazing hotels that will help you accomplish just that.  Sometimes we just want to get away from the world and its craziness, where there are no phones, no computers (our usual actually), just you and the one you love where the only thing you hear are the sounds of the ocean waves and the birds, then here are some ideal spots for you.  Take a change, be daring, try something different... If you're lucky enough to be different, don't ever change.

You won't have to talk to anyone at any of these six exclusive vacation spots:

Little Torch Key, FL 

 Though it's separated from the Florida Keys "mainland" by just a few miles, Little Palm Island (a 2012 Gold List resort) is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Once on the 5.5-acre island, guests can stay in one of just 15 thatched-roof bungalows—all of them oceanfront—and no televisions, phones, or kids are allowed

CordeValle, San Martin, CA 

 Tucked into the foothills of Northern California's Santa Cruz Mountains, Gold List-ranked property CordeValle claims 1,700 acres of countryside for guests seeking tranquility. But there's also tennis, golf, a spa, and the Clos La Chance winery and vineyard if you're looking for activities.

The Wakaya Club & Spa, Wakaya Island, Fiji 

To get to this 2,200-acre private island (owned by Fiji Water founder David Gilmour), you'll need to board the Wakaya's own private Cessna Grand Caravan. After touchdown, guests can either choose to be the center of attention, courtesy of 12 staff members for every person, or opt to be completely alone: The resort offers a private beach picnic, during which guests are left with only a walkie-talkie to communicate and a guarantee that there is no other human being within three miles.

Hotel Arctic,  Ilulissat, Greenland

 

Jane Goodall, John McCain, and M. Night Shyamalan walk into an igloo ... What sounds like the beginning of a bad joke is just a partial list of celebs who have sought solitude at Hotel Arctic. It offers a front-row seat to the Icefiord, one of the fastest and most active ice streams in the world (icebergs as large as 30 miles long have been known to break off and lie stranded for up to a year in the Disko Bay). With dog sleds as the main method of transport and an igloo as an accommodation option, it’s easy to forget about civilization.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Vabbinfaru Island, Maldives

Vabbinfaru resort earned a 2010 World Saver nod from Conde Nast Traveler. Which means that while it feels as if it's a world away from anything (thanks to 48 elegant, thatched-roof villas on their own pristine Maldives island), the Banyan Tree getaway is actually quite involved with the world outside its doors. The marine lab is using low charges of solar-powered electricity to regenerate coral, and Banyan Tree is providing health care to marginalized Maldivians.

Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, MT

At this 37,000-acre working cattle ranch, the staff aims to make you one with the environment (whether or not that includes fly fishing or white-water rafting is up to you). Paws Up offers first-class amenities (think camping butlers for guests staying in tents), but it never abandons its outdoor vibe. Cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, skating, and snowmobiling are just a few of the Big Sky Country activities available during the winter months.

HAPPY TRAVELS!

If we did all the things we are capable of doing we would literally astound ourselves...

~Nadiya~