To Gym or not to Gym ? That is the question.

There is a new Gym in town and it is called Balance Health and Fitness. It's nice. It's like a Gym would be in the real world. It's got qualified instructors, top of the range equipment and beautiful showers. Let's be honest, it's the showers that sell it. Most houses here in Muscat are old. Our house is old, it's a lovely house, probably about 25/30 years old and neither the bathrooms or kitchen have been updated since it was built in all likelihood. We have many, many bathrooms in our house - like 6 and they are all seriously outdated. The ensuite in our bedroom is pink - the suite is pink and the tiles are pink and it's all just one big pinkfest - disgusting. This is the downside to living in rented accommodation. So, going somewhere that has tasteful Italian marble, lovely rain showers and Molton Brown products everywhere is a real treat.

The Gym is something that I have always hated. I'd rather play a sport, like tennis or take the dog for a walk than go to the Gym, but I have found that as I get older and older and older, it gets harder and harder and harder to shift the unwanted pounds that are still hanging around 5 years after having Oscar. I want those pounds shifted, they have outstayed their welcome and it's time to get them gone. So we joined the Gym. It's a pricey business this Gym thing, but hopefully it will be worth it in the end. I am hoping that I get taken over by some kind of mad desire to exercise morning, noon and night and that you just won't be able to get me out of the Gym. Yeah - not likely to happen, but at least if I can go two to three times a week and sneak a swim in there as well (well at least sitting by the swimming pool reading a book with the odd dip) that should help - shouldn't it ? I mean seriously - what does it take to loose weight when you are over 40 ? I just can't fathom it - I feel like whatever I do this blasted excesses poundage does not want to leave. I know I've got a magnetic personality but this is ridiculous !

I don't do new year resolutions, ever. However this year I have decided to try a different mind set and try to spend more of my time doing things that I want to do instead of doing things that other people want me to do. I am learning to say NO just a little more - it's not easy, it doesn't come naturally but I'm hoping that in time it will become a habit and I'll be able to decline people's lovely offers to help out by cooking a three course meal for a school inspectors, or making 50m of bunting to decorate the staff room for teacher appreciation day - I love to help I really do, but enough is enough. This is the year of me and I intend to spend as much time as possible with my children, exercise, eat well and knit and sew as much is humanly possible. These are the things I should be doing with my time not all that other rubbish that sucks you in.

I took the decision when Jacob was born not to work. I took that decision in order that I could be there with my children as they grew helping in whatever way I could, over the last year, the time I have spent with them has become less and less and I hate it. This year I am claiming back my family life and enjoying my children instead of seeing them as an annoyance that has to be dealt with before I can make 5 cakes for the school coffee morning - that's just wrong. Time to slow down, appreciate the little things that make our family unique and do things that suit us.

So I shall be Gyming it as much as I can, but when it doesn't suit me I won't be doing it, I shall let go of the guilt and be me - well I'll try anyway !!!!

An Unusually Fabulous Day

Yesterday started out like any other - well almost - James and I went to the gym, which is quite an unusual way to start the weekend for us, we usually go to breakfast and have a cake - so not so usual after all. We went for a nice cup of tea afterwards, so that was more normal I guess !

Then the day got really odd. I went to the Opera House to see the Deborah Colker Dance Company, the weird bit was, I went on my own. Now this is very unusual indeed, a show, on my own, in the day time. Unheard of.

It was most fabulous to go to the Opera House and be alone, I love being with other people, most of the time, but sometimes, it's just lovely to be on my own, doing something I enjoy. Even odder, when it was over a friend who had also been at the show, asked me if I'd like to join her for afternoon tea, which I did and was most enjoyable indeed. After that I had to pop to the rugby pitch to see the boys in my high heel shoes, so it was back to earth with a bump !

So the dance company. I am not what you might call a fan of Modern Dance and this was most certainly Modern Dance. I really enjoy watching ballet and there was lots of ballet in there for sure, the rest was, well, unusual, much like the day really. Lots of sharp, short aggressive moves, sticking out of tongues and pulling of funny faces, along with jumping about and rolling around. It was interesting and great to watch, I did enjoy it, but I have to say I prefer the classical stuff.

Having said that, the final section of the performance was fabulous. The back of the stage was converted into basically a massive climbing wall and the company of dancers performed on the wall. It was totally amazing what they could do with their bodies, the strength of them was unbelievable. I loved it so much. The shapes, the rhythm, just fabulous. I'd love to see the last section again - the rest, I could give it a miss to be honest.

I've been knitting too. I'm ploughing my way through Dominka.

I am really enjoying knitting it to be honest. It's not too difficult and it's growing really quickly. As I knit I dream about knitting a fairisle circular yoke sweater or cardigan. I'm really keen to give one a try. I've never attempted anything like it before but I'm really keen to try something like this beauty.

However, it involves steeking - something that frightens the life out of me - I'm thinking though, it's the year of me and time for a challenge, so I just might give it a go - I'm sure I can do it and honestly, it's beautiful. We are planning a summer holiday in Scotland this year. Mull to be precise and I'd love to take this with me - do you think I can do it ? It might seem odd to be going on holiday to Scotland from Oman, but we long for seasons and I'm hoping it's going to be a bit rainy and damp - what do you think ? is it likely to rain in Scotland in July and August ?

Newsflash

Well, it's been ages since I posted anything on my blog and there is a good reason for that - computer trouble - well more accurately user error. I forgot my log in for blogger and I forgot my password, so there was no chance of me being able to post - now though techno husband has come to the rescue and I can post again !

Christmas is over, visitors have nearly all gone now and the new year beckons. I am looking forward to year of me. I plan to do lots of stuff this year that makes me happy and yes that involves healthy eating and exercise as well as lots of crafting. So I am hoping that I will actually have something to say here in the near future rather than the nothing that has been my life recently.

See you again soon.