Articles written by Tina Haapala

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About me - Tina Haapala

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I've enjoyed writing since I was a kid; my diaries go all the way back to 2nd grade. As an adult, I've taken creative writing and journaling classes, and I've joined writing groups to keep me motivated. I've been published

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Arts & Humanities > Dance Styles The benefits of belly dancing: 1 of 14
As Shakira sings, "hips don't lie". A belly dancer enjoys benefits for the body as well as the mind. If you are considering belly dance for fun and fitness, here are some of the advantages you will enjoy. As you begin to belly dance, you will notice some of the physical benefits right away. Some of the positions and movement... More..
Jobs & Careers > Education Jobs Should I be a substitute teacher?: 3 of 21
Top 4 Reasons to be a Substitute TeacherIf you are considering taking a position as a substitute teacher, these are some of the top things that you are looking for. Substitute teaching can be rewarding and challenging, depending on what you are looking to get out of it.1. Experience in the ClassroomIf you are considering beco... More..
Relationships & Family > Break-Ups & Exes Relationship reflections: Breaking up: 9 of 59
After a home improvement project went bad, my lungs were practically solidified, and my brain wasn't getting enough oxygen. That's my excuse for worrying that Dr. Boyfriend (he insisted on the title, having a PhD in Chemistry) would be upset that I would have to cancel our date for that evening. I called his voice mail, and m... More..
Health & Fitness > Cancer Detection and treatment of breast cancer: 4 of 21
All over the world, people are displaying their pink ribbons, reminders that breast cancer has no absolute cure. While that search continues, it is important for women to realize they have the means to uncover the disease early. By doing so, they can take advantage of available treatments that can save their lives. Screenin... More..
Health & Fitness > Pilates & Yoga Making the most of your yoga class: 2 of 8
One of the most rewarding things you can do for your body and your mind is to begin a yoga practice. As with any new endeavor, it is important to know the basics. Following are the top 5 things you should be aware of before you honor yourself with the yoga experience: 1. Yoga gives you room to breathe Don't: Hold your breath... More..
Arts & Humanities > American Literature Book reviews: The Glass Castle, A Memoir, by Jeannette Walls: 1 of 3
For most of Jeanette Walls' adult life, she's been a top journalist, telling the stories of the Hollywood elite, the rich and famous, the people constantly in the spotlight. Reporting on kings and queens of pop culture kept sturdy walls around her own childhood struggles. By writing The Glass Castle she has made her past tra... More..
Health & Fitness > Healthy Living & Wellness Are you "skinny fat"?: 4 of 11
Are you Skinny Fat? Lucky you. Your friends sigh with envy at your tiny waistline and curse their own family genes as you dive into the dessert they can't share. "I'd have to spend hours on the treadmill to pay for that cake," they whine. But not you, you're the lucky one. Right? Maybe not. Even when everything looks just ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing for Success Speed writing: Producing a novel in just 30 days: 4 of 9
When the leaves start to change color each fall, thousands of wannabe novelists challenge themselves to write a whole book in 30 days. NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, started in 1999 and now has a worldwide following. The general idea behind NaNoWriMo is to encourage writers to achieve a lofty word count goal: 50,... More..
Arts & Humanities > American Literature Book reviews: Gods In Alabama, by Joshilyn Jackson: 1 of 2
You can't go home again? Well, that's just fine for Arlene Fleet, the main character in "gods in Alabama" by Joshilyn Jackson. She left her small Alabama town just about a decade ago for a new life in Chicago. Her old life constantly rattles her thoughts, however. She has made promises to God to keep her mindful of the sins s... More..
Arts & Humanities > American Literature Book reviews: Plain Secrets, An Outsider among the Amish, by Joe Mackall: 1 of 1
If America were a big high school, the Amish would be like those kids who always dressed a little different, talked a little different, and certainly didn't have as much fun and frivolity as the majority of the kids. Just like those misunderstood kids who often sat alone in the cafeteria, The Amish are looked at with a mi... More..