Yoga!

Some time back, I wrote about signing up for Yoga lessons and I finally was able to get my first two lessons. I had been looking forward to these lessons to begin as I had heard so much about how Yoga is good for the body that I cannot wait to try it out myself. Unfortunately, I did not manage to take any pictures during the first session but I managed to take some in the second session, so it's time to share them.

The first session, was kind of interesting. I wore my favorite running shoes and long exercise pants and tied my hair up in a bun so they do not fall all over. However, when I reached there, I realized everyone was carrying a rolled up rubber mat. I promptly asked them what it was for and they explained that it was for lying down and doing exercises. How did they know that they have to bring such a mat while I did not know??? I ended up being the only person lying on the bare, cold floor!

Then when we went into the room, they all took off their sandals while I had my shoes on. The Yoga teacher had to come to me to tell me to take off my shoes... ha ha! How come all these new people knew that they had to take off their shoes while I don't? Stupid me! Nevertheless, it felt good to do our exercises bare-footed!

Next when we had to lie down, my bun got in the way! And I was the only one lying on the floor while all the others had their yoga mat! Then I realized almost everyone had their hair down and many of the exercise were done lying down. Again, how come I did not know? Actually I should not be asking, "How come I did not know?" as I really do not know since it was my first time. However, this is also a beginner's class which means it is first time for many others. So my question really should be, "How did they know?"

The following week, I asked my friends if they had a Yoga mat to spare and one of my colleague had an old yoga mat which she gave to me. This time, I felt a lot better. I had my mat to lie on, my hair was loose and comfortable and I wore sandals so that I can easily take them off!

The session was fun and I really enjoyed it. The second session was tougher as we had to do more stretching and I think it is going to get even tougher as we go along! I hope I don't break any bones!

Learning English!

Some of my readers (particularly Urich), has been very helpful to me by letting me in on some of the places where I can learn English. However, I never did have the time to go check them out, much as I wanted to. Recently, one of my working colleague told me to check out the local Community Center as they tend to be cheaper and that was what I did on Saturday.

My first task was to find the nearest Community Center and I had to ask around quite a bit for that, not knowing there is one, just about 500m away. A nice lady pointed this out to me and I made my way there to ask if they have any basic English classes available. Well it turned out that they do... so I was rather elated. However, after some further checks, I realized that the class had already started at the end of Jan and they had already finished 2 classes which means that there is no way for me to catch up, even though they allowed me to join the class mid-way through. The next class starts in May, and I decided I must sign up for this one. However, registration is not opened yet, so I have to wait at least one more month or so.

I decided to look at some of the other classes available and chance upon some Aerobics and Yoga classes. I had heard about Yoga but had never tried it. I hear it's really tough... and good exercise for the body. I was quite interested and so inquired more. For whatever reason, I do not know, I decided to sign up for it even though it cost $65 for 10 sessions and the next class starts on the 24 February. Maybe it was my disappointment in not being able to sign up for the English class immediately that caused me to part with my hard-earned money. Somehow, I just wanted to start learning something quick, rather than wait till May to start my English class.

Was there buyer's remorse after I got home?

I don't know... but I do feel the pain of losing $65 just in a few minutes! I've never been so extravagant! Hmm... maybe I was letting my emotions get in the way when I was deciding what to do from now till May when the English class will start. Well, I will decide if I regret after my first Yoga class...

I just felt I needed to get some flexibility into my body, as jogging is making me a little stiff...