Being Himself

If anything simply cannot go wrong, it will anyway...

Some days are just hellish and today so far has been one of those.

Woke up feeling great, had a tiny workout felt even better.  Brutus doing good and so is Arvid.  Nothing planned for the day but paperwork and gathering papers for the filing of  out tax return. 

The day is gloomy looking, perfect for catching up on paperwork or even going to the mall for a little.  The way I put it to Arvid was, "the mall is a good place for you to walk and get some exercise."   Seems like the rest of the week will also be getting colder and colder.  Chill for us here in Florida.

Nothing really goes as plans.  Early in the morning the phone rings.  8am is very early for Arvid who was still in bed.  He told the caller, call me back in an hour, I look at him and said why didn't you take the call?  He looks at me and says, "if I start doing that everyone will be calling this early.  We have to start training them from early on."

That was that.  Then the doctors office called to remind us of our appointment tomorrow.  Blood check once a week, but then the girl said "sorry we don't have the tubes we need to draw your blood.  We have scheduled you to do the test elsewhere."  We went to the elsewhere and walked right back out.

OK, now Arvid is annoyed.  Says he will ask the doctor how come her office is run in such a disorganized fashion?  Then he went on and on about how to run an office more efficiently.  I listen patiently until the ranting is over then ask him if he is done.  Was not too happy then either.

I asked him if he would like to ask the doctor a few questions when we go there next time.  His answer, "I'm sure she will not know the answer.  You know more than she does."  In a way I guess he is cute when not ranting and raving about incompetence.

So we had some chores to take care of and off we went.  Was fruitless since neither of us found what we needed.  That also made him rant some more, this time about how we just wasted so much time for no reason at all.  I listened and then said, "OK let's go to the mall for a little so you can walk around."  He said, "OK" and to the mall we went.

I got some time to do a few things I needed to do and he walked.  Then it was back home to gather more paperwork..from the looks of it this will be a long day and tomorrow promises to be more of the same.

Thankfully, in between of all of this there is soccer on TV.  Then he is happy and calm that is until his team does not score then it's back to the ranting and raving....

You know I love this man:)

It sounds funny, but my biggest fear is that I'm not perfect. 

I'm a perfectionist, and I get upset when things go wrong or when I don't do well. 

I used to be very uptight, but I've learned to loosen up...

~Nadiya~

Happy Thoughts...

Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen...

Whenever I feel like I am getting into a slump I think of my sister.  Rima is one of the most cheerful persons I know.  She is always optimistic about everything in life.  If you knew her you would would see it right away. The girl is energetic, creative and she definitely knows how to make the most of everything.

There are days when i feel a little down, then I think of her and I realize it's not so bad after all.  Rima has three kids, a catering business and still manages to always send cheer to others.  She motivates her friends and also inspires me to be more positive even when things sometimes seem dismal.

wishing you all a good day..

She is my baby sister, but she is also my friend.  Babe always stay as positive as you are even when things don't always go your way.  With that attitude of yours you are already way ahead of the game.
Have a great day all and always try to see the positive in life.

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

~Nadiya~

See Me...

If a man stops giving you the same attention, 

it's because another woman already has his...

Even though I knew she was crying, she told me she was doing all right. 

 She said she did not need him, yet everything she did screamed that it was a lie.  I have seen many times in her in her eyes that she was just waiting for him to call, to say yes I will come over and spend the day with you, just something that said, "yes, I care. I also love you"   She still waits for that day.

All she wanted was a little attention from the man she loved.  

Too often we are so busy with our own lives we forget the ones closest to us.  

The ones that never ask for much, but have so much to give.  

We forget that a little attention goes a long way. 

I look at my friend and so many others and I know they are good persons.

  I know they deserve better, yet life so far has been very unfair to them.  

I am just grateful and happy to have Arvid and I will treasure him for the rest of my life. 

 Neither of us is perfect, but that's what makes us so human.

They say actions speak louder than words.  I absolutely believe this.  

Anyone can tell you anything they want.  

They can say I love you, I need , you, I miss you, you are the best... etc, 

but saying it is not enough.  

You also have to show it and here is where Arvid comes in...

and for that I love him.

Whatever you do, never forget to let the one you love know you care.
Sometimes all it takes is a kind word followed by an action showing you care.
For some it's that touch, that look.

 Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity...
As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. 
I just watch what they do... 

~Nadiya~

Kaluz...The Verdict

My weaknesses have always been food and men - in that order..

It's been a little over one week now (Valentines Day) since the opening of Kaluz on Commercial Blvd.  Arvid and I as I have mentioned before have been keeping a close eye on the rebuilding of what was once Roadhouse restaurant.  The wait was definitely worth it.

It was less than a 10 minute walk from our home to the restaurant.  

As you enter, the view is what grabs your attention right away.

Though not a big steak eater, both Arvid and I had the tenderloin. 

 Excellent choice it turned out to be.  Another must was the lobster mac and cheese.  

Definitely will go back just for that!  It was really good!  

Arvid still raving at how good the Parmesan smashed potatoes were.

Even though I was totally stuffed, I had to try the apple tart with ice-cream and of course coffee. Excellent choice if I may say so.  The service was also excellent.  Our waiter was very helpful and attentive. 

 Yes, definitely looking forward to our next time there!

Good food...puts me in such a good mood!

We had a great experience and we will definitely be back!

One of the very nicest things about life

 is the way we must regularly stop  whatever it is we are doing 

and devote our attention to eating...

~Nadiya~

Kaluz..

One should eat to live, not live to eat...

Food taste better when you eat it with your family...

Kaluz is that new restaurant where the old Roadhouse used to be on Commercial Blvd.. Since Arvid and I have moved into the area we have been waiting patiently to see what restaurant was coming up.  Today we will be going there for the first time since its opening.  Hopefully we will not be disappointed.  

The old Roadhouse was a favorite restaurant of Michelle, Arvid's youngest daughter.  

Every year she came we were there even if we thought the food was not that great.  

She liked it and that was enough.

The view from the restaurant is spectacular.  Let's hope the food also is.  Will let you know afterwards:)

Hope your day is a good one.

A recipe has no soul, you as the cook must bring soul to the recipe...

~Nadiya~

Good Morning Everyone...

You're the reason I wake up every morning with a smile hoping I get a good morning text from you...

Another beautiful day.  The sun is peeking out and we are together.

It's Sunday.  Time for family and time to relax.

Let's see what the day holds.

Hope yours is also good.

 Good Morning. Today is a new day, don't let anything stand in your way! 

Make it all it can be!

~Nadiya~

Relaxing Times...

I'm on the road a lot so when I get some time to relax I definitely take advantage...

Feels so good to be home and to be just the three of us again.  Had a great time in the Bahamas with friends, but also nice to just get back to our regular routines and to just go at our own pace again.  Being around Brutus is just a happy time for both of us.  We got home and Brutus never stopped running and playing.  After about two hours of non stop running he collapsed and slept for a very long time.

Arvid and I stopped all that we were doing to just watch this little kitty sleep and sleep.  We were happy to be home.  

Usually our Fridays are filled with music, Pina Coadas and an evening outing, but now since Arvid is not up to it 100%, we do other things.  On this Friday it was a little trip to Galleria Mall where I had a makeover.  Felt wonderful and when Arvid saw the results he said, "you look even more beautiful than usual."  I was happy.  Better yet, I ended up with tons of goodies:)

makeover

After a wonderful seafood lunch, I love snow crabs and I had my full; it was time to go out again and do some shopping and browsing.  We had a great time checking out shops.  Arvid even helped me choose some stuff in Sally's Beauty Shop.

The best part of the day was when Arvid asked me if I would like to go and have ice-cream.  He knows I really like it, but he is not the kind to just sit while I have it.  Today he surprised even me by not only sitting, but by also having some.  A rare thing for him.  This made a good day even better.

After all this activity it was time to head home and rest the foot which by now was starting to be very swollen. Travelling right  now is not the best thing we can do.  Arvid needs to constantly elevate the leg which is what we will be doing.  The weekend will be nice and quiet. Lunch with some friends today and as usual Sundays are just for the two of us.

Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction...

~Nadiya~

Home Again...

He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home...

When we see Brutus we know we are home...where we belong.

Now a few days to relax with just Brutus and us..

then back to entertaining company:)

The worst part of going away is being away from Brutus.

Now we are back home and he is as happy as we are.

I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself...

~Nadiya~

Moments...

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life...

Sometimes words are not needed.  This is one of those times.  The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.  
Special moments:

We have been in Eleuthera for a few days and soon it's time to head back home to Florida.

As usual our time in the Island is always filled with moments to remember.

Time to leave, and as usual we are taking back some great memories.

Looking forward now to seeing Brutus.  Missed that little kitty so much.

Soon back home with Brutus.  Yes,life is good:)

Life can be like a roller coaster... And just when you think you've had enough, and your ready to get off the ride and take the calm, easy merry-go round... You change your mind, throw you hands in the air and ride the roller coaster all over again. That's exhilaration...that's living a bit on the edge...that's being ALIVE....

~Nadiya~

Miracles Do Happen...

Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see...

After reading this, tell me you don't believe in Miracles.

On Marco Island, Florida a group of dolphins came to the aid of a lost Dog that had fallen into a canal and couldn't get out. The dolphins made so much noise, it attracted the attention of people living nearby, who then rescued the dog. The Dog was believed to have spent 15 hours in the canal water before he was pulled out by fire personnel and reunited with his owner.

Dolphins Help Save Dog from Drowning!

One of the people whose attention was captured by the noisy, demonstrative dolphins said, "They were really putting up a ruckus, almost beaching themselves on the sandbar over there. If it wasn't for the dolphin, I would have never seen the dog.” (Source: ABC7news) He said also if the dolphins hadn't persisted enough to get their attention, they dog would have died in the canal. The dog had fallen over the edge of a concrete wall down into the water far enough that it had no chance of getting back up by itself. The dog was exhausted from being in the cold water for hours, and most likely suffering from hypothermia.

Dolphins have been known to sometimes help stranded or injured people as well. In 2007, a pod of dolphins formed a ring around a surfer who was injured and bleeding after being bitten by a Great White shark. The surfer survived because they prevented further bites. No one knows exactly why dolphins have intervened in such emergency situations, and helped save the lives of other species. Suffice to say they are capable of empathy and heroic actions.

Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature...

~Nadiya~

Living.....

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning... 

As a new day begins, it is always good to take the time and appreciate what we have and to be thankful that we are able to wake and see and enjoy another day.

Lately I am once again learning to never take anything or anyone for granted.  I know this, but sometimes life gets comfy and we fall back into certain patterns.  I know I have, but then something happens to make you realize how precious life is.

Makes you realize that everything can be taken from you in the blink of an eye.  Then of course you begin to put things in perspective once again.

good times in eleuthera

We have to learn to not wait too long to realize this.
Life  gives us many chances.  We just need to appreciate them and
make the most of them before it is too late.

Every day is a new day, and you'll never be able to find happiness if you don't move on... 

~Nadiya~

Hello From Eleuthera...

Everything you do can be done better from a place of relaxation...

Greetings from Eleuthera.

Once again we are happy to be back in this beautiful island with friends.

Looking forward to a few days of relaxation

and yes, always a bit of work.  The combination can't be beat.

Quiet, peaceful and relaxing.

For a few days it will be a welcoming change from the usual 

hustle and bustle of our lives.  Our friends love the island.  They are all ready to leave Norway and come live here.  A little time at the beaches and they say they do not wish to ever leave this island.  What a dilemma :)
Now to relax a little before the evening begins:)

May you all have a good day and never forget to take a moment to appreciate what you have.

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

~Nadiya~

Day One...

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun...

We left home early this morning.  In Fort Lauderdale it was cold.  Travelling with a family from Norway they could hardly wait to get to Eleuthera and experience some warm weather.  Unfortunately for them, from the day they arrived it has been very cold in Florida.  They did not have a very first good impression.  Hopefully when we get back the weather will be nice and sunny again.

 Everyone was super excited as we boarded until they youngest daughter saw the plane.  She claimed it was so little and she just burst in tears.

For us this was a big plane.  We are used to travelling in an eight seater. Her parents thought it best she sat next to Arvid and I since we were "experienced" travellers in this plane.  Well they were not wrong.  We held her hand throughout the flight and Arvid who normally sleeps during the flight stayed awake all the time while we talked to the little girl.  Before you know it she was laughing and not long afterwards we landed.

After a very nice lunch we did some shopping and a little touring of the area.  After a nice walk along the beach everyone is now taking a little rest before we head out for dinner in the evening.  So far it has been the perfect start of a few days in the island.

The purpose of our lives is to be happy... 


~Nadiya~

Back In The Island...

Give your stress wings and let it fly away...

After a rough start of the New Year,

it will be quite nice to have a few days off

to just relax and enjoy some island time.

For Arvid I guess no phones and no laptop.

I did say that we were not going to be travelling for a while, but both Arvid and I are restless people.  We find that we relax when we are constantly on the move and right now we are headed to Eleuthera...

Just thinking of the blue waters and the quietness of the island and I am already relaxed.

The entire trip is one pleasant experience.  From the start to the end of the flight, 

the sights are unmistakably an experience to savor.

Going there with friends to show them around this beautiful island that was once a second home

to Arvid, I and Brutus.

May you all have a great day and whatever it is you do, do with pleasure and always have fun.

There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want..

~Nadiya~

Relaxing Sunday

The best moments are the ones you try to explain but in the end... you just say

"you had to be there"

Sunday, as usual a very relaxing day and today was no exception.  Early morning calls to family then it was time to visit and spend some time with friends that just came from Norway.  Today I got to see Madeline again and as she came out of the car she ran straight into my arms and gave me  a huge hug.  Reminded me of my nieces, especially Lilly Vade.  Madeline is six and Lilly Vade is five, but when they hug they sure squeeze the life out of you.  Yes, I loved every second.

Madeline is from Norway and when she wants something she will speak English.  I love it!  Arvid also loves little kids and he and Madeline laughed for a good half hour non-stop.  Then she wanted to show me her games and together we had some more fun times.  As you can see she also had her very first mani-pedicure.   Like my niece Lilly Vade, Madeline is a bundle of energy.

It was very good to see them and spend a few hours together.  Looking forward to seeing them some more while they are here.

After that it was to see another friend and his family.  Together we will all be going to Eleuthera. We will all be staying in the same beach house (separate units of course).  Looking forward to that. Met the wife and the two daughters.  Very nice family so should be fun showing them around and spending time together.  It has been quite a shock for them coming from Norway hoping to experience the warm Florida weather.  Surprise!!  When they landed in Norway it was in the 40'sF close to 8C this morning.  It will get warmer and in the island it is much warmer.  Good thing is that they are staying on the beach and their hotel ghas a great view.  They said the view made up for the cold.  Judge for yourself.

the view from the hotel lobby

After a good lunch Arvid, Brutus and I will be spending the rest of our Sunday at home.  Relaxing and getting ready to the Bahamas.  Brutus has seen the suitcases and is already looking sad.  He just does not like when we leave him alone:( 

Wishing you all a good day...

Every moment we share together is even better than the moment before. If every day is as good as today,then I cant wait until tomorrow comes..

Until We Meet Again....

The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, 
the story of love is hello and goodbye...until we meet again...

When someone you care for leaves it is always a bittersweet moment.  One is happy because we were able to see them and to spend time with them.  Happy to share moments and times that will make the next time we meet even better.  

Time is up and Arvid's brother and Siv have left.  Ten days went by fast.  It seems just like yesterday we picked them up from the airport.  I remember Arvid's excitement when he saw his brother, when he showed him where we lived and walked him around the building.  Something Arvid loves to do.  Just the same when my family visits he gives everyone the grand tour.  He is in his element then.

By now you may have realized they they are camera shy.  We had a few hours with them on their last day here in Florida.  As we were saying goodbye the thought crossed through my mind, "did we spend enough time together?"   Always something one thinks of.

The day is cloudy.  Perfect day for Arvid to watch some soccer.  A little company in the morning and then time for Arvid to elevate the leg again.  Yep the leg needs regular elevation.  Soon we will be travelling so best to take it easy because once we are on the road it's constant movement...

Have a good day everyone..

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

~Nadiya~

Healthy Habits...

I'm the best at living life to the fullest cause life's too short! 

Get fit & eat healthy! I'll start tomorrow...

We have decided to start Brutus on a more healthy way of life.

  His diet now includes fruit and vegetables all of which he seems to enjoy quite a bit judging by these pictures.

Once he is done eating, he has a little bit of bottled water and he is a happy camper.

Added to his healthy eating, we have incorporated a vigorous exercise routine 

into his life.  Yes, everyday I spend quite a lot of time chasing him and playing with him.

We both love it and the best part is that he sleeps like a baby.  Nothing unusual here.

Yes, sounds crazy, but sure keeps us entertained and happy just to see

what Brutus does.  As long as he is healthy and happy we are happy!

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well...

~Nadiya~

Friday = Weekend Begins...

Friday is like a superhero that always arrives just in time to stop me from savagely beating one of my coworkers with a keyboard...

Need I say more?  Obama said, 'Yes we can!' but I said, 'Yes weekend!

Whatever the weekend holds just make sure you have a great time.

Fridays are always the start of something interesting.

Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it! Happy Friday...

~Nadiya~

February 14th Valentine's Day...

The best smell in the world is that man that you love...

I am very lucky  to be able to share my life, my dreams and my everyday with Arvid and Brutus.

Arvid and I met through a dating service.  Neither of us had any reservations about meeting this way.  For us it was fun!  I remember the day he called me and invited me to go with him to the The Beach Boys concert.

I said no, but that I would not mind going out the next day with him.  He was all for it and we met at a very nice restaurant on the water in Dania Beach, Florida.  The restaurant no longer exists.  It was destroyed by a hurricane and never rebuilt.

Over dinner and drinks we chatted and learnt more about each other.

We both had previous relationships and we both knew what we wanted.

I clearly recall at the end of our date I said to Arvid, "and now you can kiss me."

To this day that makes him smile.  Says he has never met anyone quite like me and I take it as a compliment.

From that day on we were already a couple.  We went out often and we got to know each other fast and we liked what we saw.  When I met Arvid he was going to Norway twice a year.  That same year we met he took me to Norway to meet his parents.  This was in July and we met in March.  My parents met Arvid in April.  We are very traditional and my mom and dad wanted to meet the man I was always talking about.  Unlike today, where couples really don't care if the parents meet.  In our family it's a prerequisite.

A year after that we were married.

Our life has had a few up and downs just like everyone's, but at the end of the day it is always just the two of us.  We are each others best friends and each others best supporters.

We make each other laugh and in times of trouble he is there for me and I am there for him.

In my life I have been through quite a lot then I met Arvid.

From that day on there was no looking back, not then not now.

He will always be my Valentine's in good times and bad times.

Arvid says there is no one else in the world he would rather spend forever with.

For me, he is also the one I want to spend forever with as well.

The one I want to hold my hand and never let go..
.like he did when we met and the way he continues to do everyday..

Hold my hand and I'll take you there, somehow, someday, somewhere.
The best is yet to come.

Happy Valentine's day to all!

Valentines Day is cute and all, but that one person making you feel special daily is priceless...

~Nadiya~

Good Herbs and Spices...

Some remedies are worse than the disease...

Before running off to the doctor's office, take inventory of what you have in your kitchen cabinet. 

 You will be surprised at what you may find.  

You will be surprised at the uses of many of the herbs and spices right at your reach.  

Now who needs a doctor?
Remember,
"To keep the body in good health is a duty... 
otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.

They that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils...

Of all the home remedies, a good wife is best...

~Nadiya~

Busy Good Times..

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; 

there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather...

It's the middle of February and here in Florida we are experiencing some very warm weather for this time of the month.  No matter what, Florida in winter is warm.  Here you can drive with the top down ally year long, and we have been doing so quite a bit these last few days.

Arvid and I are not one who enjoys sitting much in the such, but we do love the warm weather.

While most of the country is bundled up with sweaters and winter jackets :( here we are in shorts and tank tops.  Pretty nice for being in the middle of winter.

Sending everyone warm wishes and if you ever get the chance to visit Florida definitely do so during our "winter" months.  Always good to get away form the cold even if for a few days.

A few friends came from Norway on Sunday and they insisted they had to rent a convertible to experience this climate.

just arriving from Norway

Yes, February is a month for company.  More friends arriving today.
Time to spiff the apartment again :)  Can't have people visiting and stuff, mainly Brutus' all over the place.

Wishing everyone a good day and whatever you do
make it fun!

Friends and good manners will carry you where money won't go. 

~Nadiya~

Flashback...

Good relationships are not just about the good times you share; they're also about the obstacles you go through together...and the fact that you still say I love you in the end...

February and March are always  busy months.
Meaning that I may not always be able to write a daily post,
 but so as to not leave the page blank,
 I will try to always post at least a picture or an uplifting quote

With friends and family visiting, we would like to spend as much time with them as possible and of course still continue to take care of business.  So if you don't see me here everyday, don't worry.

I will be around just maybe a little less often as usual.  

This picture was taken a few years ago when Arvid took me on one our my first trips ever to Norway.

One of my favorite times always in Norway are our trips to the mountains.

Breathtaking, beautiful and makes me miss the mountains.

Florida is flat, and growing up in Puerto Rico, and living in California I grew to love the mountains.

Good times becomes good memories and bad times becomes good lessons..

Love isnt just in the good times, its more importantly in the Bad times as well...

~Nadiya~

Progress....

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success...

It's been a little over a month since Arvid and I have been able to actually go out to lunch, sit for at least an hour and also the first beer he has had since surgery and his being rushed to the ER.

It has been a long year so far with both of them having been ill at the same time.  Thankfully both are doing great, but Arvid still has to be very cautious, take meds every day and have a blood test once a week until his INR levels are stabilized.  At that time hopefully the blood test will be less frequent.

Like everything, some days are better than others.  He wants to do too much right away and unfortunately his foot gets very swollen after two hours of being on the move.  At that time we know it's time to sit down and elevate the leg.

While his brother and girlfriend are here we looking forward  to being able to "run" around a bit with them.  We are after all the tour guides:) and we are fortunate so far to spend time with them everyday...yes, it's a good month so far!

Have a great day and always strive to be happy!
Happy Sunday to all!

I've got to admit it's getting better. It's a little better all the time...

~Nadiya~