Steelers Update

So, since we are an hour behind Easter Standard Time, the game started at 9:30, my time. The first half was not looking good. We went into the half down 10-3. We did not look good...Big Ben couldn't connect with his receivers. He was holding the ball way too long and got sacked a few times. Running backs were hurt, defense was doing ok but giving up many 3rd downs....
I watched a different Steelers in the second half. We scored a touchdown (finally), and then the next time the Baltimore Ravens had the ball, we knocked it out of the QB's hands and scored a defensive touchdown. We were up 17-13.
That's when sleep was calling me...I drifted off and woke up around 1 a.m. to see the 4th quarter ending, tied 20-20. AGH!! Well, sleep was pushed into the background...I mean really, this is MY Steelers team. They need me to watch!
Ravens get the ball first...NOTHING. We get the ball and drive close enough to make a 46 yard field goal.
Ah, sleep...sleep....sleep...
Steelers 23
Baltimore Ravens 20
:)

September 30

and now ladies and gentleman...for my final post on September's Nablopomo, we have a dedication, for my wonderful husband. He was feeling a little slighted that I put him in the "30s" on my 100th post. I tried explaining to him that I was thinking in a chronological order, but I am not sure he bought that ;), so
here is a favorite NPR show of his. While we are overseas, he downloads it into his ipod and we listen to it every week, as if we were still in the States! It is from Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers...on Car Talk.
Click here and a happy HA! to all of my blogging friends!

September 29

I know that this has been done on many Nablopomo's sites, but it is a favorite song of mine. So here we are, for today's HA post we have....A-Ha, Take On ME...click and watch the video and hear this great 80's song~

September 28

30+ something years ago today, I was born....
so, though it is not a true HA post...it does have the letters in it...
HAppy Birthday to me :)

September 27

If the eyes tell the whole story, here is what my cat, Tiger seems to be saying to me:

1. your HA! is almost finished right? because if you want to get on this computer, you'll have to get through me, and
2. so, what were you thinking getting that puppy? that I would want to play with her? HA! are you joking?

Happy Saturday!

Bella, the Airedale Terrier & my new puppy

The cat sounds like Dracula and bats at her, the other dog tolerates to a certain point and then growls at her.....
but for me, I just love her! She is so adorable, very smart, funny and just the best!!! Her name is Bella, and she was born on July 22nd, so she is 9 weeks old. I am sure there will be many more posts on her, but here are some pictures for now....
Have a great weekend!

September 26

So, are you trying to be green? Want to help in saving the planet?
Well go to this writer, tv presenter, environmentalist and sustainable living advocate best known as the Eco Coach, Tanya Ha....
she has a great website and quite a few books on how to be green...just like a favorite character of mine...
the ultimate Mr. Green in my book...

September 25

The symbol of Dublin is the Wellington Bridge. It's nickname?The Ha'penny bridge, so named for the toll paid to cross the river....one old half penny.
It was refurbished in 2001 to it's original piant color, and used to be the only pedestrian bridge
to cross the Liffey until the Millenium bridge was built and opened in 2000.

September 24

As stated in my 100th Post...I love to travel. There are so many different places to visit in this world that I feel like I do not have the time (nor the money, hahaha!) to see everything I would love to see.

Here is a boutique hotel located in an older district of Hoi An, Quang Nam, Viet Nam...
The Ha An Hotel....

Located in another district called Bac Ha, Viet Nam, is the SaoMai Hotel...ah, so many places....
Happy travels :)

September 23

There are not one, but TWO dive centers in Playa del Carmen, Mexico with HA in their names! Lucky HA me!
First we have Tank Ha Dive Center
and then Dive Center Cyan Ha
So, for those underwater breathing challenged friends of mine....you may be wondering what it is like down there. Well, let me tell you, it is absolutely amazing. You really feel like you are entering a world so not our own. Nothing I can imagine comes close to the feelings that I have when I dive.
I learned to dive many years ago from two friends. They trained me with a semi-hard hand...always joking around with me in a way that helped me really learn my stuff.
I went for my first open water dives in a quarry in Pennsylvania. Basically, mucky water and hardly any visibility. Kinda made me think...and I am doing this why??
Then I went to Cozumel on my first open sea water trip...and WOW! Way to hard to describe...it was unbelievable, amazing, enchanting...well all the incredible words you can ome up with...that's what it was.
The life down there is so cool to watch. I like to watch how the animals interact, when they hide, what they feed on, how they swim...ah, how cool it is!
I have been fortunate to dive in many wonderful places....and hope to dive in many, many more. Our next dive trip is to the Maldives... I CAN'T WAIT!!!

September 22

Yes, you may think I have lost my mind and put this post on yesterday but look again my friends! It is the Brew Ha Ha that took place on August 22 and 23. It said there would be a million laughs!!
This is Cincinnati's tribute to it's brewing history. Supposedly there were 50 comedians, 70 beers and many laughs! Anyone close to this and like comics and beer? Let me know if you saw this...or have been in the past!

Black and Gold

So, my Steelers lost tonight.
Steelers-6
Philadelphia Eagles-15.
They just didn't click....their passes were off, they couldn't get the running game going, and Big Ben was sacked and hurried too many times.
Well, onto next week..put it behind us, learn from our mistakes and move on.
Go Black and Gold! You can do it!

September 21

For your Sunday morning breakfast...
Brew Haha, a chain on espresso coffee stores located in Delaware and one in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Check out their webpage here for more information on locations, menus and how they came about.
Enjoy your coffee and Sunday!

Happy Saturday, my favorite day of the week!!!

Wow, it amazes me that I have gotten to my One Hundredth Post!
It seems that everyone wanted the usual "100 things about me"...so here I am (or at least 100 of me)
I have also included a HA! in my 100th post in keeping with my Nablopomo theme of HA! for September

1. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2. I have a Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Sister-in-law, 2 nieces and 1 nephew (just my side of the family, not including my Husband's)
3. I was a ballerina with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
4. I learned how to scuba dive with a Navy Seal and his buddy...
5. I LOVE to scuba dive
6. I have 2 tattoos
7. I have brown eyes
8. I used to wear glasses and contacts for MANY years
9. I had Laser Eye Surgery, the BEST (anecdote: the first night after the surgery, I woke up and could actually see the clock without pulling it to two inches from my eyes!)
10. I have brown hair, naturally. Other times it has been blondish, reddish, highlighted, permed, short, long....I like to change my hair!
11. I am not tall :)
12. I am a Libra
13. Hence, my birthday is coming up shortly
14. I went to the first year of a special program for high school aged future ballerinas in Pittsburgh. It combined our ballet classes with high school...a high school for the performing arts!
15. I was the first local to become an apprentice and then accepted into the company of PBT
15. I have travelled extensively, and hope to continue doing that for a long time
16. I like many colors, but my favorite in the Crayola 64 box is Raw Umber
17. I like to look good but do not follow any particular fashion trends
18. I like to read
19. I was in my high school's plays: "The Leader of the Pack", "A Chorus Line"
20. I am worried that I will not be able to put 80 more items on this list ;)
21. I can not ski, snowboard...only build snowmen and make snow angels
22. I like to play tennis
23. I like to swim
24. My favorite TV show is 24
25. I was also hooked on Design Star this year on HGTV
26. Ok, I like the Backyardigans that I love to watch with my daughter!
27. I am voting for....(HA! no chance, I am not getting into my political beliefs here!)
28. I believe in fate
29. I love to talk
30. I am worried that I will not be able to find 70 more interesting facts about me ;)
31. I married such a great guy...therefore...
32. I feel so lucky to have married the greatest guy in the world!
33. We have two children
34. My children are the best in the world, too
35. I am a bit indecisive (the Libra in me, I guess)
36. I am fascinated by sharks
37. I wanted to be a marine biologist and study either whales, dolphins or sharks
38. I am a floral designer, as my second career!
39. My first priority is my family
40. I am a little less worried that I have 60 more to go
41. I wear my feelings on my sleeve
42. I like to laugh and smile
43. I am a good friend (right, friends?)
44. I try to listen to others
45. I have VERY strong opinions (except when it comes to choosing a restaurant for dinner!)
46. I do not like confrontation, but yet, if I am faced with it, I can hold my own
47. I try to improve myself every day
48. I hope to be a great Mother and Wife
49. I hope to leave an imprint of myself in this world, even if just to the smallest percentage of people
50. Still worried, only half way through, but feeling good about 50 more :)
51. I like to take pictures, above ground and underwater
52. I like to stare at the sky and see the beautiful colors and shapes of clouds
53. I like to find the beauty in every day life
54. I like to help others see that beauty also...stop and smell the flowers!
55. My favorite flowers are: Roses, Tulips, Lilies, Tropical floweres, Iris (ok, too many to name:)
56. My favorite POP is Inca Cola from Peru
57. My husband is from Peru
58. I speak Spanish (though not to my husband or children!)
59. I have lived in Houston, Maracaibo (Venezuela) and Rio de Janeiro
60. Wow, they are flying off my brain now...worrying less!
61. I went to summer camp for ballet in Philadelphia and lived on my own at 16 for 6 weeks there!
62. I would like to own a house in front of the beach
63. The sound of the ocean is so soothing to me
64. I love to hear my children laugh
65. I tend to cry when they cry (even if it is on the inside)
66. I can not stand throw up...to the point that I have to leave the room, and my great husband takes over!
67. I loved pregnancy and childbirth, yes even the pain of it!
68. I am wondering who thinks I am absolutely nuts after that last one ;)
69. I am afraid of someone close to me dying
70. The worry line between my eyebrows, which I really dislike because it makes me look mean, is relaxing
71. I said to my husband at one point...a computer? What would an ex ballerina need a computer for?
72. I practically LIVE on my computer, thank you great husband for getting me one anyways!
73. I really enjoy blogging, though it was originally intended for my family and friends to keep up with our lives since we are so far away, and they hardly ever read it! Instead I have made great computer friends!
74. I use Google way too much (but you try to do 30 days of HA! without it)
75. I didn't think I would ever say this either...BUT, I really love my MAC and will not buy anything else
76. I prefer mornings
77. I like to walk, but if I have someone to talk with, it is even better
78. I loved my dance classes in Maracaibo and miss them so much! Salsa, merengue, reggaetton
79. I still try to dance in my living room for exercise!
80. Wow, I am almost done...worries no more, only 20 more to go
81. My favorite sports to watch on TV are tennis, Steelers football and Michael Phelps in the Olympics!

82. I need to restate the Pittsburgh Steelers because they are my absolute favorite! I even have a special tv box that lets me watch them no matter what part of the world I live in!
83. I have a small mole on my wrist that my brother used to call my pet spider
84. I really dislike being surprised (BOO!)
85. My favorite holidays are my birthday, Thanksgiving for the yummy food, Christmas for spending time with family, and Valentine's Day for love
86. I prefer to have a few close friends that are really close to me/me to them and that I/they can trust
87. Some favorite movies are: The Moulin Rouge, Forrest Gump, Chicago, The Titanic, Schindler's List, Life is Beautiful, Sliding Doors.....but there are so many good movies it is hard to list them!
88. My music taste varies wildly....Latin, Love Songs, Classical, 80's, Rock, I like many different types....
Sarah Brightman, Il Divo, Juanes, Mana, Los Bacanos, The Cure, ABBA....

89. I like Victorian houses, wood floors, marble floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, mixing old with new, big back yards
90. Ten more and I feel good :)
91. I have a dog and cat (currently)
92. I am getting a new puppy (very soon)
93. I am excited to go to the Maldives this December with my great husband, just the two of us...relaxing, diving, eating good food, enjoying being just the two of us!!!
94. I look forward to seeing how my children change and grow (just not too quickly please:)
95. I prefer to see the sun every day, but when it rains/snows, it can be beautiful too (indecisive Libra)
96. I have a positive personality
97. I am not one of those "if I could do it over, I would...or If I only knew then what I knew now..."
98. I would not change anything about my past, everything happens for a reason
99. I am very content with my life, and feel very lucky to be in this position
100. I hope that you all enjoy this :)

September 19

For today's HA! topic we have....
HA! Magazine...and kindly copied here is the description from it's website:

"HA! Magazine is the online manifestation of Australia’s only magazine dedicated to humour. We welcome your thoughts, what you like and even what you dislike."

Enjoy it for your HA! moment of the day...TGIF!
Have a great weekend....

as a side note...the next post will be my 100th!!! make sure you check back soon :)

September 18

Made up of close to 2,00 islands and islets, Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, Viet Nam, forms a seascape of breathtakingly beautiful limestone pillars. It became a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1994. It's islands are mostly uninhabited, about 1,600 people live on floating houses in four fishing villages.
Ha Long Bay consists of 2 ecosystems...a tropical rainforest and a marine coastal ecosystem.

So, yet another interesting place that I would like to visit!

September 17

Enjoy it...
you have to watch the whole thing to find the HA!....
Did you hear it? Which city did he say it in??

HA! LINK

September 16

There is not much else to say except...

HA! HA! HA!

September 15

This looks like a place that I want to visit!
Xel-Ha, Mexico....
let's go and explore the beautiful waters, underwater nature, rainforests and more!!!

Game 2

My Black and Gold did it again, and against a rival!
Steelers 10
Cleveland Browns 6

Pizzeria fun

This past week, I went on a field trip with my daughter's 2nd grade class.
They had been reading a book called "Little Nino's Pizzeria". It was a short story, but the teachers had spun a whole theme for it. They all made their own menu's, learned about how to run a business and then the culmination of actually going to a Pizzeria to make pizza.
The man that owns the pizza place has children at our school. It started when his child was in the 2nd grade, and he has continued to offer it to other 2nd graders through the years.
When they first arrived, he told them all about safety near the ovens and wearing hats over their hair so as not to get hair in their pizza! Then he pulled up small groups of 8-10 students, and explained everything in such detail....which cheese they use, the olive oil was from Italy, the sauce goes on after the cheese so as not to make the dough soggy...and so much more.
He also had a worker there to show them each step.From there, they went into the part in front of the ovens where they make the pizzas and they each, individually, made their own!
The chef had dough already rolled out and ready, and they got to put on the cheese and sauce, choose and add their toppings, and then help put it in the brick oven.The result was a delicious pizza!
It was informative and fun all in a few short hours! I loved the field trip as much as the kids!

September 14

On my latest HA kick concerning the [physical ailments one might have...here is another site that can help all of those living in Hong Kong :)
The Hospital Authority....

c'mon, give me a break....It is the fourteenth day of doing these informative HA! posts

Happy Sunday to all!

September 13

So, you think you have chronic joint pain...
well maybe you should consider this page, and learn how to Conquer HA

:) Happy Saturday!

September 12

There is an ethnic and linguistic group in Tanzania called Ha. The estimated population, in 2001, was 990,000.....

September 11, 2001 remembered

I have chosen these two images because they are the exact thoughts on my mind today...
Our world did change forever....and it is a day I will never forget....

I did not have anyone that I knew personally affected by the terrorist's destruction, but my heart aches for those that did. May they rest in peace and may their friends and families continue on throughout this life, strong and encouraged, knowing that we will all

NEVER FORGET...

September 11

Gene Ha is a comic book artist....
check out his website here
(or not if you don't feel like)((can you tell that my ideas are running amiss))

HA! have no fear....

September 10

To all the critics that were doubtful of his ability....
was he getting too old? was he having troubles?
Whatever it was....
HA!


Roger Federer, my favorite tennis player, did it again. He won the US Open in NY for the fifth time in a row, another record he has broken, and 13 total Grand Slam totals in all...one away from all time legend, and another of my favorites, Pete Sampras' 14 total Grand Slams.....
and I am sure there will be more to come!

your help is requested....

Hello my blogger friends, and all those that read this.
I am 15 away from my 100th post....
So, what I would like from you, kindly put your ideas/suggestions on what you would like me to post for this special occasion!
Almost anything would be a help seeing as I am HA! CLUELESS as to what I should post!
Thank you in advance!