We are 23 days and counting until move day which has required me giving several "30-day notices" over the past week. One notice I was particularly stressed about was to my gym, because I remembered there being several items of proof necessary to cancel.
I always keep my card in the middle console of the van, because I have always driven to the gym (it would be a better story if I walked or biked, but isn't the point of a gym to sweat indoors??). After our trip to D-town, I couldn't find my card anywhere and had to use my driver's license several times to get in. I asked the friendly towel folder at the front desk for the cancellation number and once I called, was told I needed my membership number to cancel. Of course.
Thankfully, I found it several days later and called immediately. The first time I tried calling I was disconnected after nearly ten minutes of holding not once....not twice....but three times. The next time, I just put the speaker phone on and started doing chores but the customer service rep came on after only 20 seconds and I had to make a mad dash to the phone before they hung up on me.
Membership number in hand, I explained the reason for cancellation and was told, in broken English, that my membership would expire in April 2010. I knew full well that I did not sign up for a two and a half year membership and told her she was wrong. I explained several times that where I was moving to did not have a 24 hour fitness and I was not interested in keeping my membership. She kept saying that it didn't matter, it would just expire in 2010 and that it was already paid. Again, I knew full well that I did not pay upfront for this membership. I signed up for a new year's special that waived the first three months dues and added another month for free if I did the two personal training sessions. I paid a $50 initiation fee and planned on two months worth of $45/month dues.
We continued to go back and forth until she finally put me on hold and came back telling me that they had no EFT (electronic fund transfers) information for me and it would be impossible for them to continue to charge me so I really didn't need to worry about canceling my membership - it was paid for. I went to view my online bank statements and after going back several months realized she was correct, there were no payments to 24 hour fitness, even though that is how I signed up to pay...with XCEL Fitness.
Something happened when the gym got bought out by 24 hour fitness - something glorious. Somehow, my bare boned membership to XCEL transferred over into the full VIP 24 Hour Sports Club package that includes free daycare, free access to all clubs nationwide...until 2010!
I bugged her about it or a few more minutes, and then hung up - membership intact - wondering about life's little ironies. If you remember, when I was pregnant with Sam, I did sign up and pay for a membership to 24-Hour Fitness...and I never used it! I've been going to this gym several times a week and could continue to do so - for free - but we are moving! And, believe me, there is no 24-Hour Fitness in D-town.
A little tooooooooo ironic? Yeah, I really do think.
Did this video make you uncomfortable too? All that convulsing in the car? Loved the song - hated the video.
16 comments:
I'm totally laughing right now. The story of your life. That's a sweet deal though, and whenever you're visiting somewhere with 24 hr. fitness, I guess you can go...until 2010 that is:)
She always cracks me up. Makes me think she has some sort of weird involuntary movement disease like tourettes or Parkinsons.
You need to get Wii-Fit. It is motivating to me, and I get to stay home and work out! :)
Love Alanis, but have to say, I saw her on one of the morning shows last week, and she could use a gym membership herself. I was surprised.
I know, who am I to cast the first stone? But I just found it - ironic -that you invoked her classic song in your fitness post.
Too bad the membership isn't transferable. You could sell it for half the cost, and still come out ahead!
i was just involved in a very raucous, spontaneous rendition of this song last night. every woman, between the ages of 25 and 24, knew every lyric. the one song of the evening that brought the whole crowd together for one brief, convulsing moment.
isn't it ironic?
(needless to say, i about croaked when i just read the title of your post...)
That is crazy!! YOu should see if you can sell your membership! Make some money off of the irony!
It's nice that the situation you have found yourself in actually IS ironic, unlike Alanis' song, which is just about unfortunate events. Strong work.
Very ironic! This is just how life works I think. But a free VIP membership? With free daycare, holy cow, is it transferable? :) Maybe it's a sign that you're supposed to move somewhere with a 24 hour fitness?:)
The song was never my favorite, and I never saw the video. But the cd, jagged little pill, was and still is one of my favorites ever.
I can't believe its only 23 days til you move! Let me know if you need any help packing or cleaning or anything.
Very ironic!! That video bugged me too. What was her deal? I could never figure it out.
I loved your "Sunday Thoughts"...can't wait to read more.
I thought you did a great "professional" review...it's not your fault that the book lacked.
I love the song, and now I'm glad I've never seen the video. (Video killed the radio star?)
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