Need discipline? Enroll in martial arts!

Today was the first official day, my son participated in a martial arts class. What I mean by official is class started last week, however, we missed it because our paper had the wrong time printed. We ended up watching the older group of kids practice martial arts.

Martial arts does teach discipline for children and adults. My son is enrolled in a three-six year old class. Imagine dealing with their attention span? I have to give the "master" (martial arts teacher) his props because he has lots of patience. Some of the three year olds did not pay attention at all to their master, but by the end of the session, most of the children paid attention.

It was cute and funny to see my son copy like his master. Every time, he looked my way, I would smile and give him a thumbs up. My son felt proud. When we came home, my son showed what he learned in front of family. He kicked and yelled "Ice!"

Before we left, my son's master told everyone that parents must record one good deed in a notebook a day done by our children. This is to strengthen character. I thought that was a great idea because this will be a learning process for my son on gaining self discipline and control.

Although, this is the second class, my son and I are already pleased with the process. I strongly encourage parents to enroll their daughters and sons in sports--it doesn't have to be martial arts. There are many advantages that outweigh disadvantages.

Not only will they gain physical strength, they will gain the mental strength needed for them to handle the world when they become adults.

5K Walk/Run Hospital Event

I just wanted to post that several colleagues and myself completed the 5K event. It was an awesome experience. I love trying something new because it can be a new activity that I may like and continue to do.

For those of you don't know, 5K comes out to about 3.1 miles.

The event took place last Sunday at 8 a.m. It was a nice, breezy and sunny morning. Over 100 people should up for the first annual 5K Walk/Run Hospital event.

I learned several things in doing this:

• Since I like to write, doing this event reminded me of writing. You need to stay focus and concentrate on what you are doing now.
• It helps to walk or run with a buddy to help get over the miles or kilometers. You can talk about stuff. Next thing you know, the walk/run is over.
• You also need discipline. It is easy to quit in the middle of the even, if you are not used to exercising.

After I finished (by the way I placed third in my age category), I felt really energized--I wanted to do it again! I mentioned this to my colleagues. They said it was what runners had a "high", an addiction. That is one of the reasons why some keep doing these types of events and marathons.

This was my first time doing something like this, and it will not be my last time. Not only did I do this for a good cause, I also did it for myself. I gave myself a challenge, and I was able to do it. This will motivate me to stay in better shape (which is necessary for a long and healthy life).

I am truly addicted with the walk/run events. The cool thing about this was medals were given to different age groups. I saw kids as young as 10 and adults as "young" in their 70s. How awesome is that?

Take Your Kids Outside

Spring if officially here! Take your kids outside as much as you can. Forget about cleaning the house or some other indoor project. Play games with your kids. Study nature with your kids. Playing outside is better than sitting in front of the television. This also encourages kids to be lazy. Laziness tends to lead weight problems that many kids have today.

I am not saying neglect the house chores and indoor projects forever. No. Just save those tasks for rainy days. Maybe your kids can assist you in these items. That is what I am going to do. Every time it is a warm, sunny day. I will be outside playing with my child. Those other things can wait for a rainy day.