H-A-P-P-Y......

Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. 
It means that you've  decided to look 
beyond the imperfections...

A relationship as we all know requires work..lots of work at times to keep it happy 
and healthy.  Like everyone else we have had our bumpy times be
 it for whatever reason..

We come from very different cultures yet, that has not been such a big issue in our relationship..
if anything it has only made the relationship more interesting and of course the challenges 
just add to make for an always not knowing what will happen kind of a situation.

If there was anyone in this relationship that could be considered difficult that would have to
 be me.  Arvid is more of the peacemaker and I am more of the let's say volatile type. 
 Not always easy for him I guess, but never boring as he is very fond of saying.

Someone said: "Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when 
you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay 
awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to 
show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, 
who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of
 how much he cares and how lucky his is to have you.... The one who turns to his friends
 and says, 'that's her.'”  I have found that person in Arvid.  To this day he still holds my
 hand anywhere we go...I LOVE this about him.

I have  a way of getting into trouble more than anyone I know...not sure this is good, but does

 that mean I will change?  Not sure, but for sure I will try to be less opinionated.  Ahhh...there
lies my biggest problem.  I love to voice my opinion and be it right or wrong you will hear 
it if the situation so merits it.  Maybe not always so smart, but I can't stand seeing people 
being taken advantage of.  I feel it is my duty to say something and I do...then comes the trouble.

We have gotten to a point in our relationship where we are at peace and at ease with everything.  
Our lives blend into each other and as Arvid says we have found the perfect rhythm.  
I think this began even more when we brought Brutus into our lives.  Brutus has showed 
Arvid a side of life I think he has rarely witnessed.  With Brutus came patience, calm, 
serenity and relaxation....amazing what this tiny furry kitty has done.  Today I can say
 our live is complete and full of peace.

We are having the time of our lives.  We are happy.  Considering everything 
that has happened, this has been a really good year so far
 and hopefully it will be so always....

You don't love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for 

their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear....

~Nadiya~

Flashback..

That random flashback which brings back painful

memories and breaks your heart all over again...

Last night I had a dream.  When I woke up this morning, I had forgotten all about it.

As I was having breakfast, I suddenly got flashbacks of my dream.

Nothing I could really piece together.  Just little details of people laughing and

vague images.  Struggle as I did, I was never able to recall much of the

dream, all I know was that it left me feeling sad.

I then got caught up in many other things forgetting all about the dream.

After lunch, I was doing the stuff again.  Suddenly I get the flashback again.

This time I was able to "see" a little more of the dream.  Why was I suddenly sad?

I really don't know.  I can't explain it, but for some reason my eyes started tearing up.

Before I knew it I was crying, and even though I tried to remember more, 

nothing came to me.  California brought back many memories.

 What I did remember was a house, a backyard with flowers.  I also

saw a man.  Not very tall.  Well dressed, big smile, very blue eyes

and most of all I remember a head full of blond hair glistening like gold.

I knew him.  At least I did in another lifetime.  I tried to talk

to him.  To make him look at me, but he did not recognize me.

I cried even more the second time.

The present and the past coexist, 

but the past shouldn't be in flashback.

Wishing you all good times.  Memories are life's way

of always keeping loved ones in our hearts.  Of cherishing what 

is most precious to us.  They are forever with us.  Guess we are lucky.

Goodbye Califorina.  It was a short visit, but I accomplished what I needed to.
Now it's time to head back home to Brutus and stay there forever.  Right now 
I don't want to ever travel again.  Just stay put at home

When someone you love become a memory, 

that memory becomes a treasure.

~Nadiya~

Remembering Way Back Then...With Pictures

Some choices we live not only once, but a thousand times over,

remembering them for the rest of our lives...

I remember the first time arriving to California and going to Beverly Hills.  We stayed 

at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  I was impressed to say the least.  I was young and had not 

experienced anything like California before.  Everything for me was exciting.

I clearly remember going into one of the stores in Rodeo Drive.  The salesperson looked

 at me and right away decided that I was not the type who could afford to buy in "her" store.

She was wrong.  My husband at the time came over and asked me, "what would you like?"

Unfortunately both Arvid and I are sick.  All the places we planned on visiting,
and seeing not exactly happening the way we expected.  Yesterday we did go
to Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Walk of Fame and we walked around
 a little in  between of coughing, sniffing and lots of heavy breathing.

 Still I remembered being in many of these places years and years ago.  I even found
 the exact steps on Rodeo Drive I sat on years ago.  Lots of memories here
in California.  Next time we come for longer and we on't be sick!!!

The present changes the past. Looking back you do not find what you left behind.
The past is always tense, the future perfect so though nice to reminisce, I love the now.

Back in California I had 5 kitties.  To this day I remember them and think of them.
There are days that I really miss them and can't help but wonder what might have been.

Going down memory lane is not always the easiest thing to do, but for me it was good. 
 Going back to California with Arvid is good.  Will be time for new memories there.

Wishing everyone a very good day.  Remember,
the past is a nice place to visit, but not a good place to stay.

I'm making more new memories with the one I love.
I'm gunna love you like nobody loves you.. Arvid Hvidsten...

~Nadiya~

Remembering..

It is good to remember the past, but don't let the past capture your future...

Recollection is not something that I can summon up, it simply comes and I am the servant of it.

My memories of California right now are very much on the surface.  Even though I 

lived there so many years ago, right now everything is crystal clear in my mind.

Sometimes I'm not so sure having so good a recollection is always best.

When I lived in California I remember my mom and dad visiting for the first time.
 We drove all the way to Las Vegas.  My dad was amazed at so many things.  In Palm
Springs it was one of the first times he really saw lots of people of the same sex
holding hands and showing affection in public.  He just stared and stared.  Every
 new sight for us was mesmerizing and exciting seen with new eyes.

See the shadow taking the picture?  Can you guess who that is Carol Riley?

The next few days will be one of new memories being made with Arvid and a combination
of old memories that keep coming back to me.  I loved my life in California. Do I
want to go back and live there?  If it were not that far from family maybe.

Yesterday we visited my old home and the the courthouse where Paul worked.
The memories came rushing back so strongly that I could only cry and cry.  Arvid was there
all the time with me and just held me.  I mean how lucky can a girl get.  We had lunch
with my very best friend for over 20 years.  We met her kitty cats and I saw my plants
still growing in her home.  So far It has been good.  I an still teary, but glad we are here.

For now we plan to make tons of memories and enjoy this beautiful place
 called California.  Right now I am in a Golden State of mind.

To all a beautiful day and let's go make memories.

Memory is never pure.  
And recollection is coloured by the life lived since...

~Nadiya~

There Soon..

Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. 
Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning...

 

Imagine my excitement when moving to California in the 1990's.

Life changed suddenly.  I had my very first car.  This shiny brand new red Mazda RX7.
We bought a pair of them and just toured around town.  I also had my very
first home, and what better than to be overlooking Big bear Mountain
from the bedroom windows.  It was heaven right here on earth.

Life in California was laid back.  What I really enjoyed was the change of seasons even
though where I lived was always in the 70's.  It was nice to look out of the windows
 and see snow in the mountains, but nice to step out of your door in shorts.

It was the first time I experienced how cold the desert gets and what a Joshua tree was.
 I remember leaving home with the temperature in the mid 70's, going to meet
 friends in Victorville (desert), imagine my surprise when the temperature
 gauge hit the mid 20's.  WOW! cold indeed.

There are a lot of things and places I look forward to seeing, and hopefully meeting
some of my friends when there.  Soon we will be there.  California.  Where life
was once a fairy tale for me and my heartbreak.  Today I go there with Arvid,
 with fresh eyes and with great expectations.  A changed woman from
 the "girl" that once lived there.  Yes I am very excited.

Our first stop in California is going to be Palm Springs.  Another place that has tons of
 memories,  but the place I really look forward to going to is to the house that was
once home.  Home to me and five kitties who are no longer with me.
 Next stop, San Bernardino, Califorina.  Can't wait!!!

Winners make a habit of manufacturing their own positive
 expectations in advance of the event...


~Nadiya~

The Day... Gold Digging..

Anticipation makes pleasure more intense...

Almost 8 hours on the road yesterday, but we made good time getting to Winnemucca. 

 We have the necessary tools to go digging for gold.  I am not feeling well.  This is

 truly the worst time ever to get the flu, fever, chills and a head that seems to be

 exploding no matter what I take or do.  We have been looking forward to this

 day for almost a year now and flu or not I am going to dig for gold.

At least I did  not have to do any driving yesterday.  We have with us a "tour guide."

The man is a bottomless encyclopedia of knowledge and we are absorbing quite a lot.

I catnapped quite a few times, but mostly was soaking in the views of the Nevada desert.

Maybe not the view for everyone, but for me it was just perfect.  Reminded me of living

in California.  The Joshua trees always have been a favorite of mine and the flower they 

produce is just beautiful.  This from a cactus that grows in the rocks basically. We saw

 wild life.  Coyotes, wild donkeys and horses and maybe antelopes tomorrow.

We got in last night to temperatures in the 50 F.  Tomorrow morning they will be dropping

 even more.  Can already feel my body protesting and wanting the sunshine again.

Good morning everyone.  Early start for us if we want to make it 

back to Vegas for a last evening out.  Depending of course how I feel.

What's life without a little suspense...

~Nadiya~

Gold Digging....

It get's better...

Today Arvid and I go looking for gold.  We're super excited.  Hopefully we will find 

gold at least a few nuggets, if we don't the experience alone I'm sure will be well worth it.

  The one draw back is that neither of us took the time to check what kind

 of temperatures we will be facing in Winnemucca, Nevada.  Making our
way to Winnemucca today, and Saturday going to dig for gold.

Coming from Florida to Las Vegas we did not need too many sweaters.  I brought nothing, 

but if we have to be in temperatures in the 30-50 F I know I need more clothes.  So of 

course I had to buy us some warm pieces.  Was going to buy them anyway, but nice

 to have a "reason" to do so.  I actually had to wear one of the sweaters in

 the room because for a change I was so cold.  The flu!  Horrible

Arvid and I have been looking forward to panning for gold for almost a year now. I can't

 wait to use the metal detector and some other equipment we will be renting.

Hopefully I will be able to get a few pictures of us finding gold.  I'm

in it for the excitement, and of course hoping we can find gold.

There were many tests done on these gold mine claims.  Heavy duty equipment

was uses by the previous owner, and he found gold nuggets.  Can't wait.

Hopefully the flu that wants to flare up takes a detour.  Fingers crossed.

Yesterday morning I was in no mood to go with Arvid for breakfast.

Thank goodness there is room service.  Just coffee and toast was all I craved.

Look carefully and you will see Arvid standing next to :the world's largest limo."
For our last evening in Vegas we treated ourselves to a ride around town in it.
Blurry because of the IPhone and because Arvid would not stay still.

Nights in Vegas are just BEAUTIFUL.
To all of you a good day.  I'm feeling excited
 about everything.  Flu or no flu.

The flu in a nutshell.  At first I was afraid I was 

going to die, now I'm afraid I'm not...

~Nadiya~

Good Times...

Good times come and go, but the memories will last forever...

It sure is a pity Arvid and I never use the pool anywhere we go.  Heck we hardly

ever use the pool at home either.  The hotel has a beautiful pool and a great hot tub.

There are dozens and dozens of beautiful palms line the entrance and the entire grounds

 of the hotel.  They are all full bloom and green.  Looks better than the ones at home.

Yesterday I went o a humongous mall.  To be honest, it was a bit too much for me. 

 Could be because I was not feeling my best.  Still am not.  Even so I did

 manage to buy me a few things.  Even got Arvid a couple of things. 

 Good day for both of us,  He worked and I shopped for us.  Makes for two 

happy people.  In the evenings we get together, have a good meal, and some adult drinks.

I have done quite a bit of exploring these last two days.  My feet are sore 

from walking, but I am having a good time and .  Good morning 

everyone and may you also live in interesting times.

Best moments happen when they are unplanned...

~Nadiya~

A New Day Begins...

Once you learn to be happy, you won't tolerate being around

 people who make you feel anything less...

Did not wake up feeling  that great today.  Getting the cold and I m definitely blaming

 it on Arvid.  He still has it and yet he kissed me.  Guess I could have also said no.

Still happy and looking forward to another beautiful day in Las Vegas.

What can I say about Las Vegas that you don't already know.  There is something going on 

in every corner of the Strip and I am just having the best time exploring it and getting 

lucky every s often to be able to get a picture.  Almost everyone dressed in a

 costume of some kind be it a Disney character, a prostitute, dancers you

 name it you have to pay to get their picture. 

 I paid the guy with the sign that  says he need money for weed.  I did tell him 

that I did not agree with him, but thought it was pretty cool.  I have seen interesting stuff.

As Arvid continues his day in his trading Seminar, I will continue to explore some more 

on my own.  I really enjoy this time on my own.  I get to take my time and do as I

 please when I please.  Yesterday I also tried out one of Vegas' Buffet.  

Spice Market Buffet

Delicious and more food than one can eat as is with all buffets, but I promised myself 

that every time I am in Vegas I will try a different buffet.  I googled Vegas Buffets and 

came up with The Spice Market Buffet located in Planet Hollywood.  After that it 

I spent hours just checking out the rest of Planet Hollywood.  Had a great day.

About ready to start my day exploring.  A little setback because of the sore throat, 

but will definitely do my best to have a great day.  I'm sure it won't be that difficult.

To all a very good day and remember there is always something to be grateful for.

All you can eat buffet?  I'll take two.

To love oneself is the beginning of a life long romance...

~Nadiya~

Day 1 Las Vegas...

Vegas is the Answer no matter the Question...

Las Vegas is the place to be.  Left home very early yesterday morning and we ad a very 

good flight.  We both managed t seep a little.  Best part was that we had great seats ad I was

 able to get some pretty good pictures of Hoover Dam.  Arvid and I went there last ear and

 I will tell yo it is pretty impressive.  If you get the chance to go, take it.

Being awake from so early made us very tired once we got to Vegas.  Especially with the 

3 hour time difference.  That however did not stop s from exploring a little.  Arvid

 will be very busy for the rest of the week so at least we had the opportunity to do a little 

of the Vegas Strip together.There was a time I did not care for Vegas, now I love it.

I'm impressed with the High Roller both day and night is is awesome t look at. So far 

still have not tried it.  Arvid refuses to go with me and I don't know if I want to do it alone.

A favorite place of ours is Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.  

We made our way there yesterday.  Margaritas are always good.

Good day to everyone.  For now I am out to explore.

Life is too short to worry about stupid things.  Have fun.  Fall in love.
Regret nothing and don't let people bring you down....

~Nadiya~

Monday...

Goals are dreams with deadlines.

If it doesn't challenge you it won't change you...

A new week begins.  Pretty exciting one for us and I hope the same for you.Everyday

 I see on Facebook some kink of a test people take that defines something about them, their

 personality or some other aspect about their likes, dislikes you name it Facebook has a test

 for it.  Usually I ignore all of them, but the other day I was awake pretty early and decided 

to try it out for myself.  Since I liked what was said I decided to share it here.  

Arvid and I are back on the road again.  Next stop is Las Vegas.

Wishing you a great week.  Hope we all get most of our goals accomplished. 

 We have quite a few we would like to see happen so fingers crossed that this is the

 week that makes us all break out in smiles and happiness.  Happy Monday friends.

Focus on your goal.  Don't look in any direction but ahead.

It's Monday.  Don't forget to be awesome...

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

Life is good.  Small things make me smile.  Good people make me

 laugh and amazing family and friends keep me blessed...

If you're looking for a good place to eat, you don't mind waiting, you don't mind sitting

 really close to each, and you don't mind that they bring you your food bits by bits,

 then Benihana's is the place to go to.  The food is really good and when you are

 in the company of friends who are not only nice, but also very interesting

 and entertaining then it's a win-win situation for everyone. 

 Yesterday evening we had such an outing.  We laughed, and we enjoyed good

 food maybe one too many mojitos for me, but we left satisfied and happy.

Yesterday as Arvid was watching one of his many soccer games on TV, I decided to

 go to the Galleria Mall.  Yes, I really like it there.  I have a few of my favorite stores right there. 

 One being the Michael Kors store.  Of course I decided to visit my friend Stephanie and 

check out their latest collection.  I have been a MK fan now for several years.

  Way before MK became that popular.  I still like it of course, but I was not really

 impressed with much of the new collection and I realized that the leather

 was really hard, not like Coach whose leather is very soft.

Before MK I was mainly a Coach girl.  My mom and sisters still prefer it than the MK

label and now I think I see why.  I saw the new Coach collection and I fell in love with it

right away.  The leather is amazing and the quality is so much better.  As of now I am 

taking a break from MK and returning to Coach.  Got my eyes set on a handbag.

Does not necessarily mean I am giving up all of my MK handbags.  Not happening.

In preparation for our upcoming trip, I also treated myself to a mani-pedicure. One 

feels so good to just pamper themselves and I am into some lighter colors these days.

Good morning everyone.  Brutus and Arvid still asleep.

  I'm enjoying my cafe. Life is good right now.

Life is only as good as you decide to make it.

So stand up, be BOLD, and don't let everyone else define it...

~Nadiya~

RC 350 Sport Lexus...

It only takes one person to change your life...

We changed cars (again), I love Lexus and Arvid saw this car while I was away 

visiting one of my sisters.  He really liked it so we went to Lexus gave up

 my "old" one (less than 3 years old) and got me this one.

I love it!  But now Arvid says he is too big for the car.  I know what that means.

I once had a Jeep.  Arvid loved it at first.  2 months into it he claimed it was not a smooth ride.

He changed it for another.  Have a feeling this may be heading that way.

At least I had a few months to enjoy it, even if some of those months were

when we were in Norway and Chicago.  Guess you can say I have hardly had much 

time to actually drive the car.  At least my sister had a ride in it and a few friends.

Well nothing in life is permanent.  I am not attached to the car, but I do like it.

Whatever happens happens, but I know I would prefer to have an Arvid who is happy

 when we drive rather than an Arvid complaining how little the car is for him.

Happy Saturday amigos.  Dinner tonight with friends.  I am

looking forward to a very delicious evening and hope yours is great as well.

Grateful.  Keep in mind that someone else is happy

 with a lot less than what you have...

~Nadiya~

Friday Again...

Happy Friday!  Let the weekend begin...

Today I am excited because I am expecting a phone call from one of my friends from

far far away.  You can say from the other side of the world.  We have a "date" with each other.

Friday already.  Arvid still not 100% at his best and I do not feel like going anywhere.

Hopefully today we will just take it easy and relax at home with Brutus.  When Brutus 

is not at his best I am always stressed.  The last few days have been stressful.

The last few days I have had many doctors appointments.  Yes they have begun again. I have 

also had tons of blood work.  Not crazy about that either.  But now it's done, at least for

 this month.  Next comes my appointment with the endocrinologist to see how I have 

progressed in the last year with medications and side effects.  Still have a weight problem.

Yesterday Brutus was supposed to go to the vet.  More like I wanted to take him, but I listened 

to the voice of reason.  In this case Arvid.  He claims that because I am stressed Brutus feels

 it and reacts accordingly.  All of this I know, but when i see him not eating what else to do, but 

get worried?  Especially since he needs to eat in order for me to give him his medications.

Yesterday was stormy but beautiful.  We were out driving, working and as always

I have my camera handy.  These days I manage only with the IPhone camera.

It takes great pictures and it is always ready and conveniently handy to get to.

To all a good day and may this be the start of a great weekend ahead.

Dear week.  I'm so over you,

 I'm leaving you for your best friend...WEEKEND...

~Nadiya~

Time With Nirvana...My Sister

Sweet, crazy conversations full of half sentences, daydreams and 
misunderstandings more thrilling than understanding could ever be...Sisters

The last few days have been spent in the company of my sister.  I could not have asked 

for anything better than that.  Both Arvid and I picked her up at the airport on Friday

 evening.  Arvid who was and still is not better insisted he wanted to go.

From the minute she landed Arvid had her laughing which always makes me happy. I love 

to hear my sisters laugh and whenever Arvid is around they seem to laugh louder and 

even more and.  Arvid being Arvid did not hesitate to show her around and talk 

about his hobbies and collections.  They talked stamps and of course 

about our gold claims in Nevada among other things.

Everyone who knows Arvid know he loves his TV shows.  Well while my sister was here he 

said that the TV shoes can wait.  Even I was a bit surprised about that, but of course happy.

 Instead we spent the evening chatting away and just enjoying ourselves.  Best times.

Saturday Nirvana and I went to Orlando to meet up with family.  Arvid was not feeling well 

so he could not go.  Not the worse thing that could have happened.  We had three hours

 in the car.  The music blasting at times and the conversation always going on.

  We talked abut anything and everything.  Just the way sisters and best friends do. 

 I was very happy to have had these hours alone with her. After a good dinner that evening,

it was time for some Pina Coladas.  I really think we had a tad bit too many, but who

 was counting?  I sure was not and neither was she.  Made for a great evening.

We visited with family.  Spent several hours laughing and catching up with everyone.

I met an aunt I had never seen before and at the same time I found out that I 

have 2 cousins living in Amsterdam.  Through Facebook we will hopefully get to know 

each other well and already Arvid and I are invited to their homes.  That's family.

When Nirvana and I got back home to Fort Lauderdale we were surprised by Arvid.

He had the apartment glowing with lights and music from the jukebox.  Once again he

 was missing his favorite TV shows.  As Arvid later said, "the scene was set for

 a night of celebration." And celebrated we did with vodkas and coke.  Not something 

Nirvana and I would do, but the mood was set and we were willing.

With Arvid pouring the drinks she and I got happier and happier by the minute as did he.

Arvid having a cold said that he should probably not have any alcohol, but because

my sister was here, "why not.? and so we continued until the wee hours.

Sunday we did not get to do our usual outing so we decided that the 3 of us should 

do it on Monday instead.  One of Nirvana's favorite restaurants here is J Alexanders and that's 

where we took her.  As always the food was delicious and the carrot cake a little too 

filling.  We sure did not complain about that.  Made for a good evening snack.

Brutus was as always a little skeptical.  He was not afraid, but he kept his distance.

Whenever she was not looking he would run all over her bed, sniff it and lay

on it for a little.  Whenever Nirvana was o the balcony, Brutus would keep an eye on her.

When it came time to eat, Brutus made sure Arvid was around to "protect" him.  

Brutus as you can guess is not the bravest kitty, but he sure is one of the 

cutest and that's good enough for us. For us the cutest  of course.

Monday night we decided to go to the beach together with Liliana for Margaritas and Pina 

Coladas.  Yes, it was happy hour at the beach and we were there getting happy. Guess 

it did not hurt to have a few of the guys flirt with us.  Made for an even happier time.

By the time we left the beach we were pretty much not fit for more.  Arvid was  quietly

waiting at home.  Still with the cold and the sniffles.  Yep, even though he would have

 liked to go with us he was not feeling that good and after the vodkas from the night before

 he decided it was best to stay home and just take it easy.  No complaints from me there.

It is quiet without her.  I enjoyed our talks and our quiet moments.  I miss her very
much and I am thankful for the few days we had together.  Hopefully it will be repeated.  I
really enjoy seeing how comfortable Arvid is around my family and they around him.  Relaxing.

Back to being on our own.  Busy, busy but in a good way.  Clouds are rolling in right now.
Seems like the weekend will be wet and dark, but this being Florida that can also change
 in the blink of an eye.  Have already started with doctors and labs and more doctors.

Not so happy about that, but it needs to be done.  Today at the lab the girl who drew
 my blood was not very gentle.  Not too happy about that.  Otherwise all is good
and it's a good day to be happy and grateful.  Happy Thursday everyone.

Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world 
simply by being there for each other...

~Nadiya~