Gym

I was the kind who hated gym. Why would someone want to use machines to work out? A walk in the park or a zumba/aerobics session would do for me, was what I used to tell myself. But then, it never happened. So like I mentioned earlier, I started my fitness after injury with walking, which slowly progressed to fast walking/jogging on the treadmill in our apartment gym. When one fine day, the only treadmill that used to work, also broke down, I gave up walking too. After a couple of weeks, KK pushed me to use the local gym membership. He had taken it long back which included family membership.  Thats how I stepped into a gym. Looking back, I don't know why I hated it - I guess it was the fear of the unknown. For almost a year, I did the cardio workouts only - scared to try the weights.

Thats when a new trainer came in and asked me to give weight training a try. With much reluctance, I started. I so remember the first time lying down on a tiny table trying to lift the tiniest of weights - it was the first bench press. I couldn't bring myself up on my own and there was nothing to hold on to. Turning to any side would definitely throw me off the narrow bench. After a while, the trainer came back wondering why I was still on the bench. Well, he finally helped me get off it. Thats one more thing to learn at the gym - feeling embarrassed every other day and then finally getting over it. Fumbling around a machine trying to adjust the height and asking the next guy for the nth time how to do it, huffing and puffing with a 2kg dumbbell standing next to someone who is casually pumping 20kg are all part of gym life. Although I am nowhere near the strength I should be for someone who regularly hits the gym - I am far better off from where I started. For starters, I can get myself off the tiny bench on my own now :)

This one habit has motivated me to try new habits and to believe in myself. Hoping to stick to it for longer!

Weekend with friends

This weekend we had one of our good friends over for dinner. The first of this year.  Their little girl and Sid (who are of the same age) had fun drawing and playing games. They look forward to the xbox sessions when the adults get around for dinner. I had made peas pulao, paneer curry, panchmel dal and aloo gobi dry. For a change, my dishes turned out good. Friends had got yummy "Saag" which is a winter special spinach.  We made chapathis together while gossiping about everything under the sun. This was one much awaited meet up - good food, fun and company !

We used the leftovers for an easy Sunday.  A lovely weekend all together.

Gold for the golden boy

Sid had his PTM today. I picked him after school and we started walking towards his class (for the PTM). Thats when I noticed this around his neck. Looks like he was wearing it all day to show me! He had won a gold medal in English Olympiad. His first Gold. I was a very happy and a proud mama.

But once the PTM was over, I was the proudest mom around.  The teachers feedback on his character was what made me even more proud. His class teacher said he was a "wonderful person with a pure heart". Love you my golden boy! Wishing you more happiness and health always!

How I started working out - Part 2

My family was my biggest support through out. Mom and Dad were more than willing to come incase I did require a surgery.

Little Sid would keep telling "Mamma, you will be fine soon". In fact he came with me when I tried my first long walk. Kk was my biggest pillar of support. Almost every day when I was in pain and used to wallow in self pity, he would advise support and if nothing worked, crack the silliest of joke to crack me up!

Dr N advised me to take up some form of regular workout to strengthen my core. And also to lose weight especially around the mid-section as it directly affects the spine. I decided to walk everyday no matter what. Started with a few hundred meters initially and went on to 3km everyday. When things were getting better, I had another slip disc around the neck (thoracic). But this time, I recuperated quickly as I was better equipped mentally. 

Learning to handle pain and not to let it bring you down emotionally was my biggest learning through all this. And of course, never to take our health and mobility for granted. There began my journey of working out every day. Even if I miss out due to travel or ill health, I always get back to my routine in a couple of weeks.

Will write more about my workouts in another blog post !

How I started working out - Part 1

Life has strange ways of making us realise what we are blessed with.

I was a "healthy" (no fat shaming okay) person all through my life.  In my mid 20's,a bad food poisoning rocked the boat. Lost a lot of weight in a few months and have to admit, I was happy to fit into a lot of new dresses. I watched my diet to not gain all of it back. All that was for a couple of years. Then came marriage, a healthy pregnancy and post natal "care".  Gained all of them back and more. I was now a "healthier" at home mom, busy taking care of my son. My only form of exercise at this point was slow walk around the apartment while busy gossiping with neighbours.

One fine day, I woke up with a bad back ache. Went ahead with the usual routine not realising what it was. After a couple of days, had to go to the doctor (Dr. N) as the pain was worsening. One look and he diagnosed it as a slipped disc. After a lot of resting and self pitying I was kind of getting better. only to have a relapse in a couple of months. This time it was worse and I wasn't able to lie down or move without pain. Panic ridden, this time we went to an orthopaedic surgeon.
He clearly advised me to get admitted to have a surgery as there was no other way out of pain. He even gave me a drawing of where the screws would go and how the additional rod would help the spine.  I asked the doctor what is the worse thing that would happen with the operation - he said partial paralysis. But he was kind enough to pacify me saying there are operations to reverse the paralysis as well!

I was alone at the hospital as we did not want to take the little one there. This diagnosis shocked me and I cried right there holding the MRI. But I was very clear about one thing - there was no way I was adding any kind of screws or rods to my back.

Then the next day, we went back to our Dr. N, who actually laughed it all out and asked me to not worry.  He not only ruled out surgery, but also did not prescribe any medicines (his logic was, if I took pain killers how would I know if the pain was getting better!). Not the one to be easily convinced, I did check with a couple of doctor friends who shared the same opinion as Dr.N.
Our doctor also recommended a few simple exercises to begin with (which I could hardly do at that time). He was truly God sent at that time.

Slowly, very slowly, the pain subsided and I was improving. I remember the first time getting back to walking after all this. It wasn't easy but it was a start.

Sunshine with my sunshine

These days we have started spending an hour after school in the terrace. Sid carries his book to read, I my laptop and some snacks in a box.  We talk, eat, do our work sitting next to each other while getting some evening sun. I love this routine so much and have started looking forward to it everyday. The fresh air and the soft sun makes it even more pleasant.

Looks can be deceptive

I definitely did not think, getting to day 2 of blogathon would take so much effort. But then decided to show up instead of hitting the bed.

Had a long day after the travel back from native, Sid is back to school and me to work. When I was wondering what to write about today, this incident came to my mind.

I had to visit Sid's school recently to pay fees. Seeing one of the teachers in saree I asked Sid what her name was. I casually also added that she looks quite tall and beautiful especially in that saree.
He shook his head violently and said, "Don't fall for looks Mama, looks can be deceptive".  I was stunned! I was laughing and wondering how he knew to use that phrase and what he understood of it. He then clearly explained that the teacher was very strict and so not to fall for her looks!

I am in awe everyday seeing him grow. His smile, innocence and reasoning behind everything he says, his love for paneer, his passion for reading and even his anger - I just adore everything.

Mon, mama is your biggest fan ever :)

Twenty twenty

Here comes a new post after a long hiatus. Planning to do the blogathon this year. It is probably the only way to add some posts to my neglected blog.

I want to record the year that went by,

Sid moved on to fourth grade. He is more mature and growing up to be a fine boy.  His noni-noni (holding my hair) continues (had to write this!)although the frequency is reduced. He uses the "ink pen" now and refuses the replaceable plastic ones citing environmental reasons. Boy, am proud of you!

Better half is doing well in his new role and am very happy for him. He is going to make some life changing decisions in the coming year and we have to wait and watch how it turns out. Well, as always, am with him no matter what.

As for me, I am still working from home and this year managed to make some good friends at work. I got more regular with my workouts in the second half of the year and am quite happy about it.

We had fun trips with friends to Cochin and then a long drive to wonder planet - an amazing resort in Devala near Nilgiris. It was a memorable trip.

This year we also had to witness our best friends relationship go sour.  Getting to know how different and difficult some people can be was a learning for us.

With each passing year, I am more grateful for the blessings we have - good health and amazing family and friends. Looking forward to another year of life experience!

Lego

 Sid is a big time Lego boy.

When he is at it, he is in his zone. He can sit, sing to himself and do this for hours together. The focus he has while building Lego is amazing. He is currently building a London bus. He starts playing with it even when it is half built. The bus has a name already - Mack.

Makes me wonder where all the focus goes when he has to study!!

Tamil

I recently made a shocking discovery.

I am having difficulty talking Tamil!  Okay, I can talk absolutely fluently, but find myself struggling to get the appropriate word right in the middle of a conversation. This happened in the last few weeks as I started work and got to talk to a few in Tamil.  I stutter, stumble and sound pathetic. I think the fact that I couldn't find the right word, kills the rest of the sentence too.

Imagine me, someone who grew up learning Thirukkural and Thiruppavai, rattling the brain to find the basic words. What do you say for "difference" ? Is it Vithyasam ? That sounds like Malayalam?What do you say for "again"? Should it be marubadi or thiruppi ? If my friends were to read this, they will hack me to death.

I don't know whom to blame - a decade with one who talks mostly Hindi (He says "en re"and thinks that is Tamil)  or my diminished social circle or plain ageing. No one in the family talks Tamil now. The last Tamil movie I watched was Vishwaroopam and the latest song I followed was "kangal irandal un kangal irandal"!

I think I am completely mallu-ized now. Have watched more Malayalam movies and songs, talk much better Malayalam and love rice jaggery based sweets.

I have to get my Tamil back. High time I start watching Tamil soaps.

Learning sarcasm

From the drafts..

This happened a couple of years ago. Sid had started primary school and was just getting used to the new class.

One day he came back from school and declared he doesn't understand the teachers anymore. After a lot of nudging, out came the story.

That day, when his science teacher walked in to the class, the children were loud and not seated. She was annoyed and told them - "Only those who are interested in studying need stay in the class, the rest of you can leave".

I am sure a lot of us can relate to hearing this.

My little boy, seated in the front row,  closes the book and (loudly) says, "Oh wow! I anyway don't like this class". He got ready to step out - as suggested by the teacher.

You can very well imagine the after effects of this response.  Poor Sid, he was left confused as to why the teacher was angry when he was only following her advice!

I couldn't stop laughing when I heard this incident!

Later on, I explained to him that it was a "sarcastic" way of talking. 

How was your year ? 2018

Blogathon is the monsoon that brings posts to unattended blogs like mine for atleast a month. Thank you Ani for reviving my space this year too.

I realise that a lot of memories are here in this blog than in my brain. So here I go, about the year that went by!

Sid moved to grade 3 - in his words, the last year he will have to use a pencil.

Better half started work that is radically different from what he has ever done - and what probably the world never expects him to. Well, am with him.

Out of the blue, a friend calls up with a work from home offer.  Now officially, I am back to work!

Long awaited road trip for a week. Amazing journey with friends. Lots of travels for weddings and then the trip to centuries old Hampi. Trust me, its a must see in India.

Remember I mentioned minimalism - Been on it for more than a year now. Lesser stuff, lesser clothes and much less confusions. I am sold.

Every year is a learning about life. Looking forward to the next lesson!

After a really long time ..

Back here. 

The new year so far ..

Sid turned 8.  My boy is growing up fast and reminding me every day how quickly time flies.

This year has been big on travels. Wayanad trip with parents, short trip with just us and a long road trip with friends. Travelled for a week with minimal luggage and realised that it was enough and all that actually matters is the experience. More travel with cousins wedding engagement and reception.

I am back to working from home(thanks to a friend). Learning and working on some web development. Long way to go though.


Our tenth anniversary. Best ten years with my better half :)

More to come ...

Minimalism

After reading and learning about minimalistic life, I (well, we) have started (really slowly) following similar foot steps. Having a partner who is already a minimalist helps :) 

Not wanting too many things in itself is so liberating. Will post more about our experiences in this journey. 

Sids birthday

Sid had a low key peaceful birthday at a resort with just us.  We spent all the time with each other playing games, swimming, cycling and just gorging on all the good food. Even though I wasn't sure how Sid would take a family themed birthday, he was more than happy with it. He was even asking if we could do this every year!

Love you Sid. Watching you grow into this wonderful boy is such a joy! Wishing you all happiness and good health always :)

Ammama passes away

In January, my Ammama, the most powerful person I have ever met, passed away peacefully in her sleep. May her soul rest in peace. 

Common sight these days

Patanjali effect

One day,

Sid: Mama, is there a Patanjali TV ?
Me: (confused) No.. why ??
Sid: They say those products are good for health (TV Ad) so if there was a Patanjali TV, it would be good for my eyes! And I can watch it as long as I want.
Me: ???!!!! 

Brother's new bundle of joy

Sep 26th  New addition to my brother's family - a baby boy.  Big sis is super excited and doting over him. We are so excited and waiting to see them all. The little one resembles Sid a lot or at least I strongly think so.

Babies bring so much joy into the family! 

Rainbow, wishing you all happiness always :)

Remembered this cute incident today

Sid must have been a year old then, he was playing with his toys. I was in the same room folding clothes. As I walked back holding the folded clothes, I hit my knee on the bed really bad. I doubled in pain and was almost in tears when Sid (obviously witnessing the scene) pointed his tiny finger towards the bed and started crying loudly. I was moved to say the least. To see my angel feel my pain was very touching. I often remember this incident. Today was one such day :)

Love you my boy. Thank you for loving me so much. Your innocence and pure love makes me wonder if I even deserve this much love!