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~

Rough Times...

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.....

Life as we know it is not a bed of roses.  Not in a long shot.  Many of us go through the motions of presenting to the world someone not necessarily real, someone who we would actually like to be or some make belief persona we want people to think we are. What the reasons are I can't really tell.

We all have our own "secrets" as to why we do what we do.  I don't believe that most people are this way, but I do believe many are.  I at one time would have had my opinions and without knowing all the facts may have "judged".  Today I am not so fast to judge.  The reason is my friend, yes the same one who is a bundle of laughs is also a bundle of sadness.  It seems to go hand in hand with her.

After another long conversation with her (seems we have many of those lately),  I have learnt that not all is what it seems.  Here I was thinking she was relatively happy and content with her life.  I mean she's always smiling, being funny and not seeming to have too many worries until recently...

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a fellow turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

 

Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that..!

 

~Nadiya~

Water Before Bedtime...

One day, someone showed me a glass of water that was half full. And he said, "Is it half full or half empty?" So I drank the water. No more problem...

Dear friends.  I received this email as a foward from another friend.  The information shared here is very important and can help us prolong our lives.  Take a minute to read it.  It might save your life.  I will admit I am not the very best drinking enough water, but hopefully after seeing this I plan to do better.

About 90% of heart attacks occur early in the morning and it can be minimized if one takes a glass or two of water NOT grog or beer before retiring in the evening.

I knew water is important but I never knew about the special times to drink it.

Did you??

Please pass this to the people you care about.... I JUST DID...!!!

Aspire to inspire, before you expire..

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody.

~Nadiya~

One Day At A Time...Let's Go

Where I am today... I still have my ups and downs, but I take it one day at a time and I just hope that I can be the best that I can possibly be, not only for myself, but also for the ones around me that need me to be strong and consistent....

Someone they can rely on...

I tell people that the best we can do is to live one day at a time.  Live it to the fullest.  Live it with dignity and with courage, to never lose sight of the real issues we face.

The time to really pull ourselves together and to give it our best are the times when we feel like giving up.

When our defenses are at it's lowest, our morale is not at its best, that is when we have to pull from deep within us and to say, "I will not give up.  I am a fighter, and if I can believe it I can achieve it."

To everyone out there, when things appear at be at their lowest, it is then time for us to do something.  To just sit back and say, "it is God's will," to me is the easy way out.

I believe that if I need help it is up to me to do something about it.

If I want results I must be an active participant, and not just sit in a corner praying and hoping all will turn out OK.

That is just not me.  I need to be a part of the solution and I need to be informed.

With this in mind, I am ready to face whatever it is the day holds for me.  Does not necessarily mean I will always like it, but at least I know and I am better prepared to deal with whatever life throws my way.  Not always easy, but a good attitude goes much further than a bad one.

Arvid says, "sometimes you sound much braver than you really are, and it's OK.  I love you for it."

I'm trying to stay as calm as possible and focus one day at a time, but when reality sets in, I feel everything: anxiety, excitement, nerves, pressure and joy..

Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means every thing's possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment. You live in the light, you die in the light. You take it all one day at a time...

~Nadiya~

Just Another Day...

Sending good thoughts your way to brighten up your day!

Good morning everyone.

Busy few days ahead of me so just wanted to take a minute

to wish you all a good day.  Remember no matter what the day holds always look for that bright spot.  

We all have busy and hectic days, and we all have difficulties we cope with, but it is always up to us to make it a better day and to enjoy it to the fullest.

There is a little kitty far from here.  He lives n Norway and like Brutus he is also having some very bad days.  His mama and his Dada are also very sad right now.

I know what they must be going through and though far apart our love goes to them and to their baby.  Get better little Loffen.  Brutus send hugs and lots of love your way.
We all have our problems and right now nothing matters, but what we are going through.
Get better little kitty.
Does not matter if it is a child, a pet or who/what as long as we love them our hearts are breaking when they are in pain.
Two kitties in two continents, both going through rough times.
Tell me why?
Yes, I am a positive person, but sometimes you still wonder...
Have a good day and remember somewhere out there someone else needs some good luck their way.

Wishing that each day brings your renewed strength, Brighter times, and a healthier, happier you.

~Nadiya~

House Cleaning...

A bright person can always think of something better to do than housework...

Cleaning... we all have to do it, whether it's spring cleaning 

or just your regular unload-the-dishwasher-for-the-fifth-time-today cleaning.  

You're not the only one who finds cleaning to be less than thrilling...

 What better time to take inventory of what you have at home than after the holidays.  Since you will be getting raid of the tree and some other stuff what better time to also spruce up things a bit.  Here according to the experts at Better Homes and Gardens are a few things you should consider tossing out:

BEDROOM
Pillows

Worn out pillows can mess with your neck, spine, and deprive you of sleep every night. Replace good, quality pillows every 2-3 years, and less expensive synthetic pillows once a year. Want to make them last longer? Buy a pillow protector. “For $5 to $20, you can find a great, quality pillow protector in many stores.

Mattresses

Your mattress needs to be replaced every 5-10 years.  If it’s visibly saggy or lumpy, consider replacing it sooner!

CLOSET:
Apparel

When it’s time to clean out your closet, it’s too easy to be conservative and shy away from tossing stuff you haven’t worn in a while. Just do it! Adhere to the two-year rule by getting rid of anything you have not worn in two years.  I should definitely do this.  Every so often I do give bags and bags of clothing and shoes to the Salvation Army.  Today is a good day to do some sorting again.

Bras
Toss bras that are more than a year old because they lose elasticity and support. While bras can be pricey, take advantage of the deals that stores have this month.  Here I cand definitely toss a few away.  It's just so difficult to toss away my Victoria Secret bras especially since they still are in good condition.  Even if some are over two years old.  Hmmm.. these I will hold on to.

Running shoes

Replace them every 300-500 miles.  When the back of the sole is noticeably uneven and you can easily bend the sneakers in half, that means they have lost the proper support you need.  Don’t even walk in them, say the experts.  Definitely agree here.  When it comes to shoes I make sure my feet are protected. Having problem feet means my shoes are fairly expensive and they last long.  I do replace my sneakers when they look pretty ratty.  

BEAUTY PRODUCTS:
Makeup brushes

Good, quality makeup brushes need to be replaced every three years.  To maintain them, wash them - weekly - with mild dishwasher soap, and lay flat to dry. The best, affordable makeup brushes can be picked up at Target.  A Sonia Kashuk set is about $11.
Though I like MAC  products, I do have a couple of Sonia Kashuk brushes and they are fairly good.

Other
Definitely replace mascara every 3 to 6 months, otherwise your eyes will eventually itch and will always be red and watery.  They say to replace lipstick, foundations, sunscreen,  and creams once a year.  I don't and so far have never had a problem. 

Bath loofahs

Do away with bath loofahs altogether! They’re especially prone to bacterial growth and you have to replace them every 1-2 months. Consider an alternative like light nylon washcloths, which easily lather up and dry - fully - within hours.  You can get them on Amazon for about $5.  Agree here loofahs also smell after a while.  I like the nylon gloves.

KITCHEN:
Spices

time to toss stuff away

Spices, which need to be kept away from your oven and stored in a cool, dry place like your pantry, need to be replaced every year.  Just do the sniff test: if there is no aroma, there is no taste.  I replace when the spice is done.  Never before unless of course it has turned green or something very obvious is going on.

Cookie sheets and baking pans

Are your cookie sheets and baking pans no longer shiny? Say goodbye! Old pans don’t cook as evenly.  Mine do and mine stays.

HOME SAFETY:

Smoke detector batteries and HVAC filters

Replace them every 6 months.
If it were up to Arvid he would rip it off because once a year it is tested and the noise is more than he and Brutus can handle.

Now it's up to you to decide if you want to toss out some of your stuff.
I will give it a try, mainly clothes and shoes, but no guarantees here. Last time I did it was a month ago so I am hoping not to have too much more stuff that needs to be tossed out.
I have also gone through Arvid's and Brutus' stuff.

Brutus has given tons of toys to the vet's office.  Two almost new drinking fountains.  Lots of unused litter, food and treats he does not eat.

Well time to get moving and see what we can get raid of.
Hope your day is good and 
maybe you also find stuff you don't use.

Remember just because you don't need them does not mean someone else can't use it.  Be kind and give it to someone who can benefit from it.
It feels good to know you are doing a good deed.

Call me a fashion disaster, but I refuse to disregard 1/2 my wardrobe just cause some fool said white wasn't okay after labor day, 

and just because I have not used some of my favorite items in years...

~Nadiya~

Special Bond...

The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance...

As Arvid sleeps, Brutus is never far away.  Somehow he has taken it up as his mission to be with Arvid at all times.  To watch over him and to make sure he is all right.  It is very cute to watch, but sometimes early in the mornings when Arvid is sound asleep, Brutus walks all over the bed and all around him just pacing back and forth.  It is as if he just wants to make sure his dada is doing OK..

Arvid at this hour just wants to sleep and does not get much this way.  He is also a bit worried Brutus will step on him and that worries him more than anything right now.  So far all Brutus does is walk around him.  This routine has become more pronounced since Arvid got back home from the hospital.

When Arvid is awake Brutus grabs a nap, otherwise he sleeps close to him and makes sure not to leave his side.  I know there is a special bond here, but sometimes there is something even stronger happening.  It is as if Brutus knows his dada is not doing so good and feels it is his job to protect him. Even cats grow lonely and anxious. As they say, time spent with cats is time not wasted.

It is Sunday.  Brutus has a day off from shots and I a day off from the going to the vets office.  Both boys are  still in bed.  All is good right now in our home.
Wishing everyone a good day and always stay positive...

If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally; not only because they love you but because they are teaching you how to love and opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them..

~Nadiya~

Not Normal...

Every child is innocent and every child should be given a proper childhood which would result in having a fighting chance in life. Not having proper parenting and coaching guidance in their corner they only stand to hurt and be hurt and overall be knocked out very early in life. A child's hardest thing to learn in life is learning good manners, strong values, respect and a good attitude without seeing any. Kids learn by example, its natural, they just do. Kids will automatically do what they are taught, but teaching doesn't come through words alone. 'Do as I say, not as I do' doesn't mean a thing. They watch how adults around them act and they learn to act that way as well.  As that adult in their lives it's up to you to set values and examples...

Where do we draw the line here?  As I have mentioned before we like condo living.  We have done the house thing, but always comeback to the condo lifestyle.  For us the advantages more than make up for the disadvantages until this recent ongoing occurrence.

Not so long ago, maybe less than a month a new family moved into the building exactly on our floor.

Fairly young couple with two beautiful children between the ages of 9 and 11 I believe.  

Arvid is very particular.  His hearing is extremely sensitive.  He hears everything and like Brutus all noises disturb him especially if those noises are right outside of your window before 7am.

This family with the young children pass by our bedroom every morning.  The kids, scream as they run towards the elevator. Sounds like a herd of elephants if you ask me.  This has now been going on since the beginning of the year.

Unfortunately, we have not done anything about it because we were also dealing with our own issues, Arvid's and Brutus' surgery.  I had no time to talk to the neighbors regarding this, but that never stopped Arvid from getting upset everyday and spooking the life out of Brutus who just also had surgery.  Every time the kids passed and screamed Brutus was all scared and nervous.  Hardly slept at all.

Yesterday morning as I was awake with Brutus, same thing happened.  Screaming and running like elephant right outside our door.  I opened the door and saw that the father was with the kids.  I nicely told him if it was possible for his kids to walk instead of running and if he could tell them not to scream especially since it was still very early and Arvid was sleeping.

The father looked at me like as if I were some creature from another planet and did not say a thing.  I looked right back at him and said, "did you understand me?"  Unfortunately, the elevator came at that moment and they left.

A little after 8am I was coming home with Brutus from the vet.  Who do I meet next to the elevator?  Yep! The father.  At that time I asked him again if  it was possible he could tell his kids to not scream and run as they go towards the elevator.  Again he looks at me, but this time he says, "why?"

What kind of a dumb question is that?  I said, what do you mean by why?  I also said it is just common courtesy and respect to teach your children how to behave and how to be respectful of others.  He kept looking at me and again said, "why?"

Finally I said, "do you understand English?"  I mean our conversation so far was in English.  The man just had this dumb look on him.  You know me.  I was mad so I started to speak in Spanish now.  He looked at me like I was growing extra heads or something.  Then said,"I don't speak Spanish."

 I just could not understand why parents cannot teach their children that it is wrong to do certain things.  Living in a condo is different than a house.  Here we have rules and regulations and for sure running and screaming early in the morning as you pass your neighbors door was unacceptable.

I mean that's my way of thinking.  The man said they are kids and this is what they do.  I said, "does this look like a zoo?"  Then he said, "are you calling my kids animals?"  I said not necessarily, but their behaviour does not reflect good on the way you bring them up.   I also told him that if they needed to run and scream there are many parks nearby.  No one minds and they can do whatever they like there.

Well, let's say this did not sit well with either parent.  My whole point was for them to be respectful of others.  Their thing is this is what kids do. I said I don't think so.  I believe that parents should teach their children boundaries and to have respect for others.

Why is it that some parents have such a difficult time teaching their children that there are others that also matter and not just them?

Dont be afraid to stand up for yourself, you should speak up even if you dont get the answer you were looking for; its the fact that you said something that matters...

~Nadiya~