Feeling Better...

Use your smile to change the world,

but don't let the world change your smile...

Been a while since I felt like really doing much, but this weekend was not the case.

Guess it means I am getting better and I am really liking this feeling of being "normal" again.

To make our Sunday even better, we went to the beach.  Walking distance from us.

Just impossible to not have a Pina Colada or two and people watch.  So much to see.

Our best times are just spent quietly.  Sometimes we do a lot, other times we just

sit, relax and observe.  As far as I am concerned, some of the best times are

spent watching people and seeing all the crazy stuff they do.  Very entertaining.

Overall it has been a really good weekend.  Best was being able to do things we used 

to do before.  Small things, but when you can't do them it's a big deal.  Now I can!

So far our day has been really filled with lots to do.  Love it!  Staying busy

makes us happy and keeps Arvid out of trouble :)  Well both of us really.  Getting

ready to receive Arvid's brother and family tomorrow.  Have to stock up the fridge.

We are getting very excited.  No matter what having family visit is always fun.

As for the rest of the day, some more work and believe it or not tonight we have been

invited to a friends home for "movie-night"  The believe it or not is that Arvid actually

said YES!  Most times when we are invited out he says no.  Happy cause I really like

these friends and can't wait to see what they have in store for us.  Hopefully a good movie!

You might want to decide fast. We live in a dangerous world. 

If you see a chance to be happy, you have to fight for it, 

so later you have no regret...

Wishing you all a productive and happy day, and

may you always live in interesting times.

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

Sunday is a day for family time. 

RELAX, indulge, enjoy, and love yourself, too...

We have had company since December.  Be it my family, Arvid's, friends and or customers.

Nice and dandy, but also very nice to hopefully have this Sunday all to ourselves.  Seems

that combined with my medical issues and Brutus' we have not really had much alone time.

It's been good to have everyone over, but it is also nice to be by ourselves.  In just a few

more days my sister and her husband will be in Florida.  Yes!  I am happy and I am looking

forward to seeing them.  They are not the type to sit around.  Knowing them we will be lucky if

we saw them for a little.  They like to see and do as much as they can whenever they travel. 

That way they always make the most of their time and enjoy each moment of their vacation.
Victoria and Michael are also the same.  Very self sufficient and adventurous!

Coming next is Arvid's brother and part of his family.  A total of 6 people.  Have to say we are
also looking forward to seeing them.  Arvid is especially excited to see his nephew.
To tell the  truth I am also starting to get excited.  Best is that I will be feeling so much
better and  will be able to do the things I did before surgery.  Good feeling.
Best for last, my niece Reshma will also be visiting for 5 days.
I guess I like company after all!  YEAH! And now that I have
 been driving a little over the last few days makes it even better!

This I am looking forward to so very much.  Can't wait to see her and
 to do things with her.  I already know we will be doing a
manicure-pedicure together.  I like to treat my nieces to that
and to some shopping. I love buying them stuff. Fun times!!!

But today as I mentioned, today is all ours, and I am definitely looking forward to it!
Don't know what we will do.  Yesterday was a pretty full day.  Friends/customers were
visiting, we had lunch with them at our favorite restaurant, had them over later for drinks
and then some more fun in the evening.  All in all was a good day.
Sounds good to just stay in and relax with Arvid and Brutus.

Whatever it is your day holds, enjoy it!  Be happy you are
alive to appreciate another beautiful day.
Remember everyone, live life to the fullest
because you only get to do it once!!!

Relax. Refresh. Renew. Play. Sing. Laugh. Enjoy. Forgive.
 Dance. Love. Hug. Share. Kiss. Create. Explore. Hope. 
Listen. Dare. Trust. Dream. Learn. TODAY..

~Nadiya~

Hello & Goodbye...

Good times come and go, 

but the memories will last forever...

Today my heart goes out to my stepdaughter, Victoria.

Got good news and not so good news yesterday.  Good news being that I had my follow up

with my endocrine surgeon and was told that  I am doing extremely well and that I am healing

very fast and that all the pathology reports came back negative for additional cancer.  Good news.

Now I just have to get better 100% and I'll be back to my usual self.  I also have to keep 

monitoring my hormone levels with blood tests, but this is all easy street from here on.

The not so good news is that Victoria, my stepdaughter's grandmother just died yesterday.

Knowing how she felt about her is enough to make me very sad for all the hurting she 

is going through right now.  Brings back memories of my grandmother dying.  Not fun at all.

Life is unpredictable.  Just makes me realize to never take anyone or anything for

granted because what you have today can suddenly vanish in thin air within seconds.

When someone you love dies, something in you goes with them.  Today 

Victoria and her family are hurting.  Death of a loved one is not something I wish 

anyone to have to go through, but it is part of life and unfortunately, at some

 given time we will all have to face it and deal with it. My heart goes out 

to them today.  Remember you will always  have the memories.

She and her grandma had a special bond.  Not everyone has.
I remind her that to the last minute her grandma was loving her, and
will forever be watching over her and making sure she is doing good.
Today Victoria has a guardian angel in heaven, whom she calls grandma.

Someone once told me that the most painful goodbyes are 

the ones that are never said and never explained.

Have a good day all

 and always remember that life is full of surprises.

Life goes on.

Whether you choose to move on or take a chance in the unknown.

Or stay behind, locked in the past, thinking of what could have been..

~Nadiya~

Feeling Good Friday...

Everyday is a new beginning.  Stay away from what might have been

and look at what can be.  If you're happy, if you're feeling good, 

then nothing else matters...

Woke up feeling very good.  Ready to catch the sunrise.  See I am almost grabbing it.

Today I go for my post-op check up.  I expect everything to be all right.  Aside from the

tiny little scar on my throat, nothing seems to be different in me. Hoarseness is going away,

sore throat soon 100% better and yes!,  I'm on the way to being the "old" me again.  Life is good!
Made even better because Arvid and I had a little outing by ourselves and a nice lunch  lunch out.

We are extra happy because it seems that Brutus is also on the mend.  Hopefully

for good.  Also it's Friday and even though we may not go out and listen
to music as is our norm we will be having a good time...

 To all I wish you a good day, be happy and be safe.
Remember to always do something that your future self will thank you for.

I'm working my way steadily back and I'm feeling good...

~Nadiya~

Brutus Again..

The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.

As you all know, Brutus has been going through quite a bit lately.  He has had 10

Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber treatments and I have to say that I do believe that this has

helped the swelling tremendously.  We just hope it is more permanent rather that temporary.

He no longer takes a liquid medicine. This was causing all kinds of problems.

He is now taking a pill.  A pill prescribes for humans.  Giving it to him has not 

been as bad as we imagined thanks to some advise from Victoria and to her brown

Norwegian cheese.  He takes the pill rolled up in a little piece of cheese and then I gently

shove down his throat.  Sounds crude, but that's how it is.  Goes down smoothly and no fuss.

As you can see it takes some time to get it all together. During the preparation Brutus

is of course in hiding.  I then have to look all over for him.  He's very smart.  After he

takes the pill, rolled up in the brown cheese, I have to squirt some soft foodies into him

so that he does not get an upset stomach.  Once he takes the pill he refuses to eat and like us

 humans this medicine has to be taken with food.  Not always an easy chore, but we do it all the time.

Everyday I am getting better and better.  We had company for lunch and it made the day

a pleasant day.  I was in the celebrating frame of mind so we had Pina Coladas and 

some other stuff.  Food was good, company was good and it made for pleasant times.

To all of you, have a good day.
And when you think you have exhausted all
your possibilities, remember this... you haven't.

Anything is possible.
Possibilities are endless..

~Nadiya~

PLANTAIN BISQUE...

I think that women just have a primeval instinct to make soup,
 which they will try to foist on anybody who looks like a likely candidate...

My sister is one of the contributing authors in the DC Ladies magazine, and this article 

really caught my attention and I just wanted to share it with all of you.  Especially now 

that it is cold,  this recipe of hers will come in and hit just the right spot.

The Article is as follows:

In case you missed it, February 4th was National Homemade Soup Day. 
No matter, with this harsh winter, every day should be NHSD.
 I wanted to make something that wasn’t your 

typical soup you can pick up from your grocery store. 

Something more in tune with the “Caribbean flare” I grew up with.I looked around the kitchen 
and what I found was that I already had the ingredients I needed. Plantains, cilantro, sweet 
peppers, garlic…So here goes something you probably have never tasted, but I can guarantee, 
if you are a plantain lover (or even if you’ve never tried one!), this soup will become a favorite. 
Bold, rich & satisfying, I give you…Plantain Bisque.

Ingredients:

3 large green plantains, peeled, cut into thin round slices

Handful of garlic cloves (less or more to your liking)

Half, minced purple onion

2 large, minced, carrots

1 bunch cilantro (add to your liking)

2, minced celery stems

Half, minced red or green bell peppers

2 cans (or homemade) chicken broth

1 to 2 teaspoons of cumin (to taste, this is a very strong flavor)

Salt to taste

1/4 cup Olive oil

Directions:

1. In a large pot, on medium heat, add the olive oil, garlic, onions, carrots, celery & bell peppers. 

Let simmer approx 5 minutes, turning to avoid burning.

2. Add the two cans of chicken broth, and the plantains and one teaspoon of cumin.

3. Reduce to a low heat and let it simmer for about an hour, until you can mash 

the plantains easily with a fork.

4. Once the plantains are soft enough to mash, take out your food processor.

5. You will scoop up half of the plantain soup a little bit at a time, and blend it in the food 

processor to make it a puree. Make sure you don’t seal the food processor completely, 

the liquid is hot and you don’t want an accident! 

6. Depending how chunky you like your bisque, you can puree the entire pot or you can leave

 half or quarter of the plantains in the pot and mash them with a potato masher.

7. Add more cumin & salt to taste. Also, if needed, you can add more water 

if the consistency is too thick for you.

8. Once you have returned all the soup to the pot, turn the pot off and add the chopped cilantro 

(as much to your liking) and let it sit in the pot for at least 10 minutes.

9. Stir and serve hot.  

Don't know about you, but I am ready to make my soup.  

Yes!  this is going to be a good day.  For more recipes visit her at:

The DC Ladies

Have a good day every one and warm up the some soup!

Remember soup is liquid comfort.  We can all use a little of that!

I always think if you have to cook once, it should feed you twice. 
If you're going to make a big chicken and vegetable soup for lunch on Monday,
 you stick it in the refrigerator and it's also for Wednesday's dinner....

~Nadiya~

One Day At A Time...

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.

 The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time..

It's been a month and almost five days since my first surgery, and just about 10

days since the second one.  Let's just say that in a month and five days I have had two 

surgeries.  Just when I thought I was feeling so much better I got a little surprised today when

after just a little physical work I was completely exhausted.  Yeah after bubble wrapping some

parts of a car I was finished.  Just had to sit down and do what I have been doing so much..relax

I was exhausted for the rest of the evening.  I have not talked to my parents nor sisters

since my thyroid surgery.  Being that I can't, but being tired and a little let's say not in

the best of spirits i wanted to hear my mom's voice and that of my sisters.  I talked to

one sister and to my mom.  Did not realize what a big effort it is.  Afterwards, I felt even

more drained and more exhausted.  I'm not used to being "sick" and it's not fun anymore.

Though we have not done much lately, we still had a good weekend.  Little relaxation and

a little outing made for some pleasant times.  It was nice to go out again just Arvid and I, just

like before, just like always.  can't wait for these days to be here again soon.  

For now I wish you all a good day.  Everyday I am getting stronger and stronger.

Feeling better and better.  I now have a new accessory on my neck.  A small scar.

I don't really mind.  I do feel as if my voice has changed a bit, but only time will tell.

It's Tuesday and we have the whole week to be productive and think positively. 

 That's my plan always, and sometimes it's a good idea to know your limitations.

Happy Tuesday friends.  Remember, life is a balancing act.

If you're going through hell keep going.

After the storm comes the calm...

~Nadiya~

Mocha Cooler....

Anything worth doing is worth overdoing...

Why must there always be a price to pay for every indulgence, 

and why must it so often be withdrawn from the bankrupt accounts of the innocent.

Well to enjoy one of these drinks the only price you will be paying is maybe a

little extra pound or so, but if you stop to think about it, you will say as 

I do..definitely worth it.  And of course you don't have to do it everyday.

Today I think I will try the Mocha Cooler.

Mocha Cooler:

1 cup reduced fat (2%) milk.

1/4 cup coffee or vanilla ice cream

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

1 tablespoon chocolate syrup

Whipped cream and grated chocolate (optional)

Combine milk, ice cream, coffee granules and chocolate syrup in blender.

Process until smooth.

Pour into glass.  Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate.  Serve immediately.

Now all that's left is to sit back, relax by the pool with a good book

and enjoy your mocha cooler.  For now this sounds like a perfect plan.

Enjoy the warmer days coming our way.

Remember, anything that feels good couldn't possibly be bad.

Learning is pleasurable, but doing is the height of enjoyment...

~Nadiya~

Funny Stuff...

Why are there no Polish doctors? 

 Because you can't write prescriptions with spray paint...
 
Directly from my aunt. I'm telling you.  You will laugh!

The Polish Divorce

 A Polish man moved to the USA and married an American girl.

Although his English was far from perfect, they got along very well.

One day he rushed into a lawyer's office and asked him if he could arrange

 a divorce for him. The lawyer said that getting a divorce would depend on the 

circumstances, and asked him the following questions:

Have you any grounds?
Yes, an acre and half and nice little home.

No, I mean what is the foundation of this case?
It made of concrete.

I don't think you understand.

Does either of you have a real grudge?
No, we have carport, and not need one.

I mean what are your relations like?
All my relations still in Poland.

Is there any infidelity in your marriage?
We have hi-fidelity stereo and good DVD player.

Does your wife beat you up?
No, I always up before her.

Is your wife a nagger?
No, she white.

Why do you want this divorce?
She going to kill me.

What makes you think that?
I got proof.

What kind of proof?

She going to poison me.

She buy a bottle at drugstore and put on shelf in bathroom. 

I can read English pretty good, and it say:

~~~Polish Remover~~~

Did you hear about the Polish Helicopter crash? 

 The pilot got cold, so he turned off the fan. 

~Nadiya~

Relax Mode...Via Pictures

There are times when we stop.

We sit still..and breezes from a whole

other world begin to whisper....

A nice change of scenery.  Little relaxation which I sometimes find very difficult to do,
 but not this time.  We both needed it and we will sure make the most of the time.

Good start of my day is always with cafe.

For Arvid it was sitting on the balcony and looking out into the blue waters.

It reminds him of our balcony inn Mexico.  We had no plans but to relax
and just enjoy whatever comes.  Some good food.  Strolls along the beach, and I 

already spotted a hammock around the corner.  You know where I rested.

As for Arvid he enjoys just siting and doing absolutely nothing.  

I am sure he will find quite a lot to look at from the dock.

Well gotta go.  One of those fancy drinks have my name on it, and

I sure don't want to miss out on anything.

For now, enjoy your day and I wish you a relaxing time like

we are planning on having.  Remember, relax, refresh, revive!

Be still.  The quieter you become,

 the more you can hear....

~Nadiya~

Long Over Due...

Make time for the moments that you both will remember...

It's  not really a vacation.  Even better than that it's a mini weekend getaway,
which by the way was long over due and which we were very much looking forward to.
We have had to cut it short, to just one night instead.  Still something to look forward to.

Due to medical reasons (which is an unpredictable thing) and to customers coming,

whom we believe deserve for us to be around; we have cancelled quite a few little

outings we had planned for the month of March.  Sometimes situations are unpredictable 

and one has to do what is best.  No one could have foreseen me being in the hospital.

Customers are what keep us in business so that was a no brainer.  Does not mean

Arvid nor I was ecstatic, but we do what needs to be done.  We have met with our 

customers, I have already had two surgeries, Brutus is more or less the same.  Now it's

just a little time for the two of us.  Something we have been missing in a very long time.

I know it was going to be a good time, but unfortunately like so many things we
have also had to cancel a few days on our little getaway.  Brutus needs medicines.
Also needs to be monitored  so he can eat and drink.  Sometimes I have to force feed him.

As you can imagine, life is stressful for me when Brutus is not well, two days ago,
Brutus started on yet another medication.  This replacing the horrible one.  It's a pill.
Given once a day.  He take it rolled up in a brown cheese given to him by
Victoria and Michael.  So far it has not been that difficult to give to him.

 In the meantime, we will have a little outing in the Keys.  One day, so that we can
come back and take care of Brutus.  Yes, I still am not 100%, but a change of
scenery sometimes does wonders.  Tonight we celebrate with some Pina Coladas.

So from now I would like to say CHEERS!

to everyone.  Wishing you all a great weekend as well!

Anything can happen to anyone at any time and you shouldn't just live through the days,

 or you lose them. You should do what you can to enjoy every moment..

~Nadiya~

Humor...

Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. 

A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing...

I feel like humor today so these are the ones that caught my attention this week.

Came to me via my sister and every time I feel like I'm getting the blues

this thing here perks me right back up.  Smiling right now.

This came to me from my aunt.  She supplies me with lots

of material for my blog.  Thank you auntie Prem!!!  It follows:

A young boy went up to his father and asked him, 

'Dad, what is the difference between potentially and realistically?'

The father thought for a moment, then answered,  'Go ask 

your mother if she would sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars.

Then ask your sister if she would sleep with Brad Pitt for a Million dollars, 

and then ask your brother if he'd sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars. 

Come back and tell me what you learn from that.'

So the boy went to his mother and asked, 

'Would you sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars?'The mother 

replied, 'Of course I would! We could really use that money to fix 

up the house and send you kids to a great University!'

The boy then went to his sister and asked, 

'Would you sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars?

'The girl replied, 'Oh my Gawd! I LOVE Brad Pitt I would

 sleep with him in a heartbeat, are you nuts?'

The boy then went to his brother and asked,

 'Would you sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars?'

'Of course,' the brother replied. 'Do you know what a million Bucks would buy?'

The boy pondered he answers for a few days and then went back to his dad.

 His father asked him, 'Did you find out the difference between 'potentially' and 'realistically'?

'The boy replied, 'Yes, 'Potentially' , you and I are sitting on Three million dollars .

But 'realistically' , we're just living with two hookers and a queer. 

Now if this does not  make you laugh, something is wrong with you.

Even Arvid was laughing after i finished reading it to him.

Wishing you a day fun of laughter and humor to ward off those Thursday blues. 

It's Thirsty Thursday after all so CHEERS!!!!

Don't forget, a good laugh makes any interview,

 or any conversation, so much better.

Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. 

And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, 

you can survive it...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday...

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself:

I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today.

I can choose which it shall be.  Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't

arrived yet.  I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it....

It seems like all we have been doing these last few months were doctors and vets visits.

Today for a change we won't have to do either of the two and boy what a nice change it is.

Today is like a "normal" day for a change.  Woke up happy and early to a beautiful morning.

Brutus' blood tests results came back yesterday and everything with his liver and kidneys

are fine.  No damage.  You can imagine our relief.  The paw is still the same, but we are 

working on it.  The medicines he has been taking are causing his temperature to sky

rocket so after a whopping $220 in medicines that was taken for a mere 13 days, we 

discover his body-stomach does not tolerate it.  At least we are happy to know why he has 

been feverish and not eating all this time.  Now we have something to work with and of

course we are hoping it will cure him.  We are always hoping.  What else can we do?

It's a nice change to feel excited about what the day holds for us.  I feel again

more optimistic and hopeful.  I look forward to seeing family and having a 

good time with them without the guilt.  I feel that all is possible because we were
told that Brutus has no liver damage, no kidney problems and no urinary tract infection.

They sure are happy.  Took their picture as they passed in front our our apartment.
I want to feel even for a day as carefree as these girls are.  Just for a while.
Well it's a beautiful day and I see no reason to not make it a fantastic one!

Have a great Wednesday everyone.
Remember it takes so little to be happy.

Yes, I'm happy.
No my life is not perfect...

~Nadiya~