Manually checking for new messages - Gmail

Hello,

I am on Mavericks on a 2011 Macbook Air. Earlier, I used to POP Gmail and therefore could choose when I received messages. With Mavericks, I can only set up Gmail over IMAP. So, now I get mail pushed even when I dont want it

Here's my requirement

1. I want to send mail whenever I want to - As I am completing my tasks, ideas etc.,

2. I want to receive mails only when I choose to - Perhaps twice a day

3. I should be able to do this with the default desktop mail app - not on gmail web client

I have tried setting "Manually checking" and disabling "IDLE" etc., but it doesnt seem to work

Any help would be appreciated