I've Got It All...

Happiness is like jam.  You can't spread 

even a little without getting some on yourself,

so stop worry about what you have to lose and 

start focusing on what you have to gain....

We all have one life to live.  How we live it is all up to us.

Mistakes are always there to help us realize that we can improve.

If we do so it another matter all together.  Remember money and material things

does not necessarily buy  happiness.  Happiness comes from within and 

we are all capable of having it and of giving happiness.

For me happiness is seeing my family,  hearing the kids laugh and spending

time with them.  Happiness is soon being able to see Aleah for the first time

and to hold her and cover her with kisses.  My biggest happiness is Arvid and Brutus.

I think I know very much how to appreciate what we have and how to be happy.
 We may not have everything we want, but we have everything that makes us happy.

Wishing you days of laughter and happiness.  Just look and you will find it.
Remember life is too short to wait.

Let your dreams be bigger than your fears,
your actions louder than your words,
and your faith stronger than your feelings.
Life is not a matter of milestones, but of moments....

~Nadiya~

Happy Thanksgiving....

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," 

that would suffice...Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace,

 the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival 

that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty 

of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - 

and the deep,  deep connection of all these things with God..

Today we return home to Florida, home to Brutus.  This has been a 

very good stay in Mexico and what made a good stay even better was

having my sister and nephew with us. For me it will always be one of the best

times ever in Mexico.  We did so many thing and we just bonded even more.

Thanksgiving is such a big celebration here in the USA.  It's one of the holidays where 

hundreds of thousands of travellers make their way back to home.  Everyone looks forward 

to being home with family and loved ones, and enjoying a very traditional Thanksgiving meal

 during this time of giving thanks.  Traditional Thanksgiving Meal.  Interesting tid bit, 

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare.  They are consumed in twelve

 minutes.  Half-times take twelve minutes.  This is not coincidence.

For us it's has already been a good Thanksgiving.  Though it would have been 

the best to be with the entire family, I will take what has been given as a special gift 

and for that I am grateful.  Will soon see Brutus and that will complete our day.

For now wishing you all a good day and don't forget, "as we express our gratitude, 

we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them"  

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  Be safe, enjoy and yes put on those few extra pounds...

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, 

much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes

 from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds...

~Nadiya~

It's Goodbye For Now...

Every goodbye makes the next hello closer.

We have had a great time here.  

Made much better by having my sister and nephew.

Hopefully on our next trip to Mexico another of my sisters will decide to visit.

Both Arvid and I happy to have them and we always have a good time.

Time to say goodbye and until the next time.

I have had some very special moments with my sister and together 

the four of us have had many good moments as well.  Makes me always 

happy to see my family get along so good with Arvid and he with them.

Last coffee here with her.  maybe one day she will come visiting again.

I can only hope so.  For now good morning everyone.  It's almost 7am 

here.  Time to have cafe and sit on the balcony a little with my sister.

It’s all said and done, it’s real, and it’s been fun...

~Nadiya~

One Of A Kind...

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter 

and those who matter don't mind...

Before leaving for Mexico I noticed that Arvid was wearing a watch.  This is

not unusual for most people, but being Arvid I found it very strange so I asked

him how come he was even taking a watch.  Usually when he has a watch I 

end up keeping it in my handbag.  Like Arvid, I do not use much jewelery or even

a watch anymore.  Too hot where we live and I do not like the tan lines they leave.

Back to why he was even taking a watch.  This is what Arvid said to me,

"this watch is to protect you against bad people."  Of course I look at him and

not having a clue as to where this was going or what he was saying I had to ask.

Answer, "should we get mugged or attacked, I can just give them the watch."

I looked at him again and first thing I said was,"but it's safe where we go, and

who the heck is going to attack us."  His answer, "you always have to plan

for the worse."  And with that he packed his watch in his backpack for use 

in Mexico.  Once in Mexico he wore the watch in the evenings.  I asked why

not during the daytime as well?  Answer, "nothing will happen during the day."

For two evenings he was good with the watch.  Wore it with out complaining,

but always halfway through the evenings it ends up in my handbag because, 

"I really think the watch is too heavy and it aches my entire arm."

So much for protection.  Guess if we get attacked I just have to pull the watch

out of my handbag and show it to the supposed mugger and hope it will

save our lives as Arvid seems to believe.

In the meantime, we are enjoying my sister and nephew's visit.
Though it rained quite a bit yesterday, Arvid still managed to watch the soccer
 game with JC while my sister and I enjoyed Pina Coladas and Margaritas on the
beach... in the middle of the rain.  It was just a lot of fun.

Being one of a kind makes you that much more special, 

being a copy of the next person make you even easier to replace..

~Nadiya~

Cozumel...

This is my life. I'm happy to be living it,

and would not let anyone ruin these moments...

Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, nestled just 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, 

and is world renown for it's dazzling white sandy beaches and the remarkable clarity of 

the multi-hued azure Caribbean ocean in which it rests. 

Yesterday we spent the day in Cozumel together with my sister and J.  We started out

very early because we had to take the ferry over.  From start to 

finish it was an good day.  We were all in a festive mood.

As usual all I was able to get were pictures from the back of these three.

Once in Cozumel, my nephew decided he wanted to tour the island on a beach buggy.

Well the only thing left to do is to rent a beach buggy and to tour the island.

We all hopped into the beach buggy and away we went.  J was our driver.

We were all having a blast until all of a sudden it started to rain.  

Even Arvid who hates rain did not complain; that is until the rain came harder.

No problem there.  We just got out and away to lunch we go.

After lunch it was a little trip to the Hard Rock Cafe and then a tour through

Playa del Carmen before heading home.  Once home J and Arvid watched 

movies and episodes of Mr. Bean while my sister and I relaxed over coffee

and desserts.  Over all we had a fun filled day.  Yes, I'm happy.

I am having a wonderful time.  In the mornings my sister and I are awake 

early and together we sit in the balcony, enjoy the view, the peacefulness of 

the morning, and yes enjoy our coffees together, and each others company.

You will find as you look back upon your life that 

the moments when you have truly lived are the moments 
when you have done things in the spirit of love...

~Nadiya~

Simple Pleasures...

It is the sweet simple things in life which are the real ones afterall...

I'm happy just having my sister and J here with us.  It's not like

we have all these extravagant plans, but it's the fact that we have quality 

time for the next few days is what I appreciate more than anything. Unfortunately,
my sister nor her son likes their pictures taken much.  Similar to Arvid.  So
I have a battle the next few days to see if I can get anything other than their backs.

It is not often my family visits us.  At least Arvid's family visits every

year in Florida and stays for quite some time.  This way he also gets quality 

time.  Then we do the Norway trip and we are there close to three weeks.

Now it's my time to enjoy my sister and J.  I'm just happy.  I want

to show them so much and do so much with them.  At he same time, I 

look forward to walks and a few fruity drinks with umbrellas with them.
Guess the umbrella is sometimes optional depending on where you go, but
the taste is always good no matter where you go.

Happy that Arvid has a few soccer games he wants to see.  This means

that he will be seated in one spot and we can roam around doing whatever we 

please and then meet up for lunch or drink on the beach.  Could not be better.

Yes, like many, I find happiness in the simplest of things.

It's funny how it's the simple things in life that mean the most, 
not where you live, what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes.
A good friend knows all of your stories.  A sister has lived them with you....

~Nadiya~

Smile, It's Sunday..

If you're not using your smile, you're a man

 with a million dollars in the bank and no checkbook....

Pretty excited today.  My sister and her son, my nephew are visiting us here in Mexico,

and best part of it is that they are staying with us.  Both Arvid and I are so looking

forward to having them here.  They arrive later today and we will be 

right there at the airport in Cancun to pick them up.

I have already started planning on what we would like to do and where we 

would like to go.  Knowing my sister, she is going to want to just take it easy and 

relax.  Nothing wrong with that.  Actually this is good because we have discovered 

many a relaxing places.  First place to go will be to have our Pina Coladas on 

on the beach.  Of course Arvid and I have tried it out to make sure it is suitable.

Suitable it is.  Too excited to sleep too much.  Up early.  Missing Brutus,
but can't wait to see my sister and JC.  Life is good and it is the simple
things that make them even better.

On a typical Sunday, it phone calls to family for Arvid but today email will be the
way to go.  We are in Mexico after all.  I did speak to my mom a few times.  I have to.
 Hearing her voice always makes me feel good and then I know all is good with everyone.

Well time to enjoy the sunrise and my coffee.  Yes a few
things never change no matter where you are and for that I am grateful
and happy.  Just Brutus next to us and it would be complete paradise.

For now have a great Sunday friends. And remember,
everything is possible it you want it badly enough.
Smile and enjoy the day.

There are HUNDREDS of LANGUAGES around the world,
but a SMILE speaks them ALL...

~Nadiya~

Swimming With Dolphins...

Yesterday is forgiven.

Today is a moment.

The future is NOW.

Becca is just a teeny teeny little thing yet she and her friend Samantha were definite 

that they were going to swim with dolphins.  Yes, they are two new friends I made as

I was walking around town yesterday.

This here is little Becca.  She did everything the instructor said and the dol;phins loved

her.  She clapped her hands which made the dolphin come up to her and kiss her.  

Made her laugh and the crowd as well.  Of course her daddy was always

there with her to make sure she was OK and not afraid of the dolphins.

Dolphins are social mammals, capable of enjoying their lives. 

They form close bonds with other members of their group.

Becca was one brave little girl and the dolphins and the crowd her.

For a little while she was the center of everyone's attention.  She waved at me

and i was very happy.  I have not tried swimming with dolphins.  Unlike Becca 

and Samantha, I am not that brave as yet.  I love the dolphins, but have not yet decided.

After the show was over the dolphins of course gave the audience a little extra.

I love watching the dolphins swim.  I love seeing the little ones smile and

have fun with the dolphins and most of all it's nice to see how well cared

for they are and how much they love their trainers/caretakers.  After dolphin watching,

it's always time to go down to the beach and have a fruity drink or just watch the sunset.

Wishing you all a good day.  Remember,

happy people love life most of the time.

To get rid of depression, try swimming with dolphins...

~Nadiya~

Things Happen... :)

Things happen and opportunities appear most often
when we are moving, not standing still...

Everything is going so good, until my camera fell and now it's broken.  This for me is 

terrible. Everyone who knows me knows that one of my hobbies is to take pictures.  

I take of anything and everything.  Most end up being discarded, but as Arvid says, 

"it keeps you busy"  Yes! It does.  It also makes me happy.

Fortunately I brought a spare camera, but I still prefer my little one to the

big one.  Everyday as usual we go for our morning walk around town.  I take

quite a few pictures and before I knew it, the camera slipped out of my hand

and hit the ground.  When Arvid saw it he said that the camera had expanded from

the heat.  I agreed.  He said I should put it in the fridge to cool down.  I just looked at him.

As a back up I also have my IPhone.  Guess you can say that all is not lost.  The truth

is that without my camera I feel at a loss now just have to figure out what to do

in my limited spare time.  Hmmm....this for me is a big BUMMER!!!

Anyway, we are enjoying ourselves.  We even had a little midday drink yesterday.

Not our usual but felt good and I was happy again.  IPhone worked great to take a few
pictures.  The days are fairly warm, but by 4pm the sun starts to cool down.

This is another of our favorite parts of the day.  It's nice to walk around
the "town", browse in the stores or just sit and enjoy the happy hours
that seems to be going on all the time.  I still and always will find the
dolphins fascinating and can watch them for a long time.  Not so much Arvid.

He loves to listen to his music and to do a little bar hopping.
Either way it's a win win situation and we are both happy.
Brutus is never far from out thoughts.  Both Arvid and I constantly
seem to see Brutus' shadow all over the place.  Stranhe how that little kitty
cat has filled up our lives and no matter where we go we are always wondering
"what's Brutus doing right now?"  Everyday Arvid asks me, "have you heard from Liliana?"
Liliana is his pet sitter, and yes everyday she texts us sends a picture of Brutus.

It's another beautiful morning here.  Coffee time and some reading
while Arvid is still asleep.... Now all that's missing is Brutus.

Have a good day everyone and remember,
seize the day, put no trust in tomorrow.

It's a beautiful day, don't let it get away.
Live it well,  for you may not get a second chance

~Nadiya~

Happy....

Love the life you live,

live the life you love...

It's time to sit out in the balcony and watch the sunset in Mexico.
Yesterday's sunset from one of the beautiful spots around us.

And since we are winding down what better way than to enjoy something 

cold?  Hello everyone.   For the next few days I will be blogging

from Mexico.  If you don't see me around every day, could be that the Margaritas

finally caught up with us.  Margaritas and sunshine a dangerous combination.

Salud!  Life is beautiful!

Oh! Do remember to drink and drive responsibly, 

but since we walking, another one can't hurt :)

Happiness is not about collecting material things or beautiful memories.

It's about having a deep feeling of contentment and knowing,

that life is a blessing...

~Nadiya~

So Far....

Relaxation is releasing all concern and tension

and letting the natural order of life flow through ones being...

On a supposedly "power walk" we just had to stop and see the dolphins play.

As a result we caught them in action.  Actually Arvid did.

As he was capturing the dolphins, I was catching him taking pictures of them

They are just amazing to watch.  I can watch them for hours and hours.  So

beautiful and they just seem to love all the attention the crowd is showing.

I do believe they are smiling at us and are happy to make us happy.  Today 

we learnt that there is one dolphin here that is 40 years old.  Amazing is what I say!
Arvid was also in the mood to do some balcony cleaning.  He enjoys sitting and
listening to Sirius Blues.

So far we are having a really good time.  By Sunday it will be even better.

It's warm, sunny, the food is good, the people are friendly and best

of all it's vacation...  Arvid refused to bring his cell phone and laptop.

Claims that he does not wish to be bothered by anyone.  Good thing is I always 

have my phone and my laptop which he can and does use every so often.

It's not how much we have, but how much

we enjoy that makes happiness...

~Nadiya~

Hello Mexico...

Those that say you can't take it with you never saw a 

car packed for a vacation trip.... 

It has been quite a while since we went on a vacation. 

 Here in Mexico we definitely relax.

The last time we were here was in March.  We had an absolutely relaxing

and good time.  As usual Arvid does not carry his laptop.  He occasionally uses

mine.  Say he does not want to be bothered by anything or anyone.

Our condo overlooks a Marina.  Perfect for Arvid because he loves to sit

and watch the boats go by.  He also enjoys listening to his blues station

in Sirius FM.  For him this is vacation.

It's time to just get away from it all and have a little relaxation time.

Good for the soul, good for the body and good for the mind.

Wishing you all the same.

Vacation used to be a luxury, but in today's world 

it has become a necessity...

  

~Nadiya~

Early Monday Morning...

Doesn't matter when It's always A GOOD TIME

then Doesn't matter, where It's always A GOOD TIME there...

Busy busy morning so just wanted to say "good morning everyone"

Good to get an early start on things, but also very nice to have a 

few moments to myself and just enjoy that first cup of coffee before things get 

too hectic here.  Brutus as usual sitting right next to me enjoying some catnip.

Of course now he is getting a little to riled up and starting to run all over

the place.  Now I have to keep him quiet so Arvid can get his beauty rest.

Hope the week ahead is a good and productive one for everyone.  We are looking 

at a few relaxing days coming up.  Yes a much deserved vacation.

No worries Brutus is well cared for.  His sitter will be with him.

I know she will take as good care of him as we do.  Liliana took care

of him when he was only one week with us.  We had already made 

plans to travel when Brutus came into our lives.  He loves her and she him.

Quite a few things to do before Arvids gets up.  

Wishing you all a good day and an even better week ahead.

Just trust in a good time no matter how long it takes...

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

Nobody is ever too busy.  If they care they will make time...

Usually I am early posting my blog, but today there was too much to do.  Though I was 

awake pretty early, I just got carried away with chores and no time to write a blog.  Now I 

am more relaxed and fairly caught up so it's nice to just sit and relax.  Writing relaxes me and 

the best time is early in the mornings before things get hectic.

As usual Sundays are our so called "lazy" days, but honestly I can hardly remember a Sunday

we did not have a whole bunch of stuff to do.  Arvid for some reason like to leave all the 

"little chores" and the running around for Sunday.  I always try to tell him that he should

just take it easy and concentrate on just doing relaxing stuff and catching up with family.

These are good chores for a Sunday combined with a nice outing somewhere on the water.

Today I was busy making food for Liliana.  She watches over Brutus and is 

always so very kind to him.  We also pay her of course, but I know she does not 

cook often so for me it is no bother to make her a few dishes.  This time she has enough 

food to last her at least 8 days.  I feel good knowing she appreciates it.

Yesterday was a perfect day.   Not so much weather-wise, but we had some

good company with us out at lunch.  We met three new friends and just

had a great time.  Of course I had my mojito again.  Kaluz is the place.

We were actually going to go to Benihana's, but once we got there, 

there were too many kids and noise so we left.

The evening was special in that we went to listen to music at a place

we have not been to before.  Called BB Kings Blues.  Located in West Palm Beach.

The club is in the middle of City Center.  Here I have been to a few times before and

as usual it was beautiful.  Already decked out for Christmas.

The place was hopping with life and activity.  I loved it and can't wait to

go back.  For now I have some packing to do and still some more cleaning.

Wishing you all a good day and remember, if you want to 

be happy, think yourself happy...

My motto is: more good times.
Life moves fast.
You gotta document the good times, man...

~Nadiya~

Special Moments...

I enjoy moments alone with myself.

My energy is restored and I'm reconnected with my soul....

Yesterday was a pretty good day if I may say.  I had five hours all to myself.
Of course Arvid had the same to do as he wished as well.  Worked out great for
both of us.  Most of the times we do just about everything together.  Not bad, but
having some alone time is also so very nice.  I can do as I please and when I please.

I choose to do absolutely nothing.  That is, I did not go out.  I stayed home
made myself a very delicious lunch.  My favorite, Chicken Curry and I did not 
have to rush and eat.  It was quiet, peaceful and I even caught up on some reading
while I was eating.  My only company was Brutus sitting not far from me sound asleep.

After five hours it was good to have Arvid around again.  His energy is always
something I enjoy, even when he is at times exhausting.  Being alone is good,
but having someone around is even better.  Once he came home everything 
came alive with sounds, laughter and lots of planning.  It was a very good
Friday evening.  We did not have to go out to have a great time at home with 
good friends.  Some good food, a few drinks and music was all we needed.

Friday was good.  Now let's see what Saturday holds.
Wishing you all a good day and don't forget,
life is a blank canvas and you are the artist.

Alone time is when I distance myself from
the voices of the world so I can hear my own...

~Nadiya~