When a new Community Center opened in Mason, I had to admit that I was very skeptical on its importance. Many renovations and new buildings had appeared where I lived, along with an overall growing sense of what I term “Yuppieism.” A good example of this was hearing a high school student complain about “there only being one flavor of smoothie” available. As one might guess, I was thinking something like this-“Ah. A new community center. I suppose it is going to be one that involves high-priced cocktails, waiters in white jackets, and charity balls every few months.”
Yet, quite surprisingly, it wasn’t an attempt to “yuppify” my side of the
planet at all, as I soon found out when I first walked into the place.
Moreover, it wasn’t a random call to change a quiet town into a swank city, but rather an interesting hangout for anyone who felt a need to get in shape.
For one, the basketball courts, swimming pool, and exercise machines were on the same floor; with a nice little walking track above. And for my walk-deprived little self, it turned out to be just what I needed.
Nowadays, I try to take at least one walk a week with my parents, whether or not I manage to keep up with them. It is somewhat of a long road for me, however, because I cannot make it past fifteen minutes without feeling dizzy and thirsty. Yet unlike the times when I walked out in the cold or inside the frozen locker that is the basement, I feel as though I might want to do this sort of walk more than the other two. And if I get enough daring to try one of the exercise machines, then I probably will not have very far to drive.
Friday, July 4, 2025