Day 1 in Gym

I actually made it to the gym today! Wasn't too sure if I know how to operate those machines, but I was managed to figure them out. My objectives are very focus - flatter tummy, firmer butt and arms! I ran on the treadmill to warm up and it is good for the heart. Very embarrassing but I ran 1.7km in 20 mins. Dominic was teasing and asked if I was walking. It will get better for sure. Then I had this biceps exercise where I lift some weight (2kg to be precise) for my legs. I had another exercise for my arms where I lift another 2 kg. OK...the weight will increase slowly . :)
I couldn't find any machines for my butt! I remembered there was a machine that can do that. Need to look harder on my next trip.
The personal trainer is so darn expensive. 24 sessions for RM3,900 (US$1,300). If the trainer can guarantee I can lose those fats and not gaining them again for the rest of my life, then I will sign up for that course. lol.

New Year Resolution

It is not too late to make new year resolution, isn't it?
I am determined now to stay fit, for a start. I had my complete blood test earlier this month and cholesterol is on the border line. The doctor said, maybe exercise a bit and reduce the alcohol. To top it off, my pants and skirts are getting tight. Tummy is buldging a bit too much...lol

So, a brilliant idea came to me. On the day I work from home, I can actually make a trip to the gym in my neighbourhood after I drop the kids to school. I can easily exercise for 30 mins and then go home to start my work. Not a bad idea at all, right.

Then, I was looking for my sports shoes. Boy, I never had a proper  pair of sports shoes since uni days. I was actively playing tennis on the first few years after uni and were wearing the uni shoes. I was doing pilates for a few years before the kids arrived. That's how little exercise I have.

Now, even more determined, I must really do something about it. When you hit 40s, exercise matters :). Today, I make a quick trip to the mall to get a pair of shoes. Yes, tomorrow I must hit the gym. My resolution is smaller tummy, firmer butt and less flabby arms!

Weakness

Last night, we were reading Wizard of Oz, the children version. Somewhere along the line, Lucas brought up the word weakness.

Lucas: The witch turned into paddle of water after being splashed with water is the witch's weakness, right?
Me: Weakness means you are not good at it. Your weakness is you talk to much and don't listen well.
Lucas: And your weakness is you scold too much!

Dang....see how my kid give it back to me.

Unpredictable Lucas

My son Lucas is quite unpredictable. I thought he is shy and easy going but now I have my second thought. I find him rather competitive and can be very motivated without much pushing from me. Here is why I said so. He always had excuses when I tried to get him to learn swimming. He had a swimming instructor and quit after 4 lessons. After our trip to Hard Rock Hotel in Penang, we made a pact. We will only return to the hotel if he can swims. He loves the swimming pool in Hard Rock Hotel. So, when I enrolled him for swimming lesson, he was very excited and very keen. No more excuses for not wanting to learn. In fact, he wanted to be the best and was very pleased when his swimming coach told him he is the champion in the club i.e. he can swim the best amongst his peers. When I casually suggest to him that if he is really good in swimming may be one day he can represent his school in swimming competition, his excitement grows. He is seriously considering to be a good swimmer.
Now he is into watching this Japanese show called Ninja Warrior. It is a physical obstacle game show where competitors have to go through various physical obstacles like climbing the wall, lifting weight etc. Today, he asked to buy a dumb bell. I was curious why he needs one. Then during the show, it just crossed my mind and I asked him, "Do you want to participate in Ninja Warrior?". He replied, "Yes, when I'm 27 year old I will join the competition." I asked further, "Ïs that why you asked to buy a dumb bell?". He said", "Yes, so that I can practise to be strong." I am very very impressed with his spirit and hopes it stays.

Lucas's art has also improves tremendously. He never has patience for art and his school teacher said he just rushed through his art work just to get over it. I found an art teacher that comes to the house for Chloe. Chloe loves drawing and coloring. While the teacher is at home, Lucas might as well just join Chloe. His first art work was so so. Take a look.

First painting

Most recent painting

 

The teacher said he did this all by himself with her guidance. He chose the colors to use. I am very impressed. Even the teacher is surprised with the vast improvement. That's my son, Lucas, full of surprises.