Monday, November 9, 2009

A Workout at NorthPointe

My friend, Lynn, who lives near Boston was here in Beloit in September, visiting her father and brother. A day or two before she returned to the Boston area, she called me and asked if she could come over because she had something for me. Of course, I became excited and told her to come as fast as she could. "I'll be waiting in the street in front of my house!!!" I added. Goody, goody, another treat from Lynn.

When she came to the door (I didn't really go out in the street, although I wanted to), I whisked Lynn and her beaming smile inside.
"I know you're fixing dinner and I'm not going to stay but here's a gift for you," she said and she handed me a deep red tote bag with NorthPointe printed on the front. "I loved NorthPointe so much when I was there with Dad and Dwight. I want you to see and experience it for yourself so here's a bag for your exercise gear and a one-month membership pass."

I was speechless for a few seconds, but after I settled down I hugged Lynn and thanked her once again for her generosity. Lynn has showered me with her friendship and kindness on numerous occasions and beyond measure. A few days ago, during her visit, I finally had an opportunity to in a very small way reciprocate by taking her to lunch at Houlihan's in Lake Geneva. We took a walk on the path that goes along the shoreline after lunch and then went back to Houlihan's for dessert. Why not!! We earned it.

I 'd heard a lot from friends and acquaintances about NorthPointe, but have stubbornly maintained my membership at the more convenient Beloit YMCA. I didn't even want to see the facility for fear I'd be hooked by its grandeur. Last week, I drove to the "health and wellness campus" to check out the wellness facility and to use the first of seven visits available to me with my "holiday pass."
*
NorthPointe is a great facility as I knew it would be. I had a glimpse of it when I had a mammogram there a few months ago. On my first visit, I was taken for a tour of the pools, the locker room, the workout areas and the running track.

I'll take my camera with me next time and give you a first-hand look at it.

13 comments:

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

You are so blessed to have a wonderful & generous friend! That is one great gift!!
xo*

Cheryl Peters said...

Lenore: She's one in a million!

Annie said...

How wonderful to have such a great friend!!! Am looking forward to your pictures of Northpointe...sounds like an absolutely divine place to enjoy exercise!!! P.S. I mailed the Mitch Albom book Saturday. You should have it by Tuesday....Have a great week and hurry up and get those pics taken so I can delight in your holiday exercise spot :)

Cheryl Peters said...

Annie: The book arrived already today! I'm going to start reading it in a few minutes. When I'm finished reading the book, I'll give my thoughts about it in a blog post and then volunteer to pass it on to the first person who indicates he or she would like to read it next. I really like this idea of yours, Annie.

Anonymous said...

Sounds wonderful! I know you will enjoy yourself as you use this exquisite gift. You friend is very thoughtful and generous.

Cheryl Peters said...

darksculptures: Lynn's not just thoughtful and generous. She's upbeat, full of life, kind and totally amazing. She's like a breath of fresh air; thinking of her brightens my day.

Thanks for taking time from NaNo to visit!

mary.anne.gruen@gmail.com said...

It sounds great! I'm looking forward to some of your wonderful pictures! I get most of my exercise trying to keep my two wild dogs under control while walking them. LOL

Cheryl Peters said...

Mary Anne: Keeping two wild dogs under control is a total body workout for sure!

I'll get pictures posted ASAP.

Gullible said...

Keep on writing, Shaddy. You are almost half way to your goal and the month isnt half over.

Natasha said...

NorthPointe sounds great! Enjoy it! And thanks for sharing this.

BTW, I added you as a NaNoWriMo buddy.

Cheryl Peters said...

Gully: I crossed the half way mark a few minutes ago. I'm ready to read someone else's writing for the rest of the evening for a change. Does that ever sound like fun!!!!

I hope you're enjoying your time in Mexico. Drink up, I'll buy the next round. The way I talk, you'd think I was a big drinker. My first glass of wine isn't empty yet and I've been sipping from it for an hour and a half, typical for me.

Natasha: Yay! The more buddies the merrier. Thanks for taking a break to pay me a visit.

Anonymous said...

I think we all need a Lynn in our lives.

Cheryl Peters said...

Haddock: :)

dayner: For sure!