Anne: Michael, I swear, if I have to spend another weekend shopping, doing housework, or watching movies, I'm going to lose my mind.
Michael: Oh, come on. Shopping can be fun. It's like a treasure hunt, just with a burdened credit card.
Anne: That's a nice way to put it. I mean, who really enjoys buying detergent and toilet paper every Saturday?
Michael: Well, I do like a clean toilet.
Anne: Seriously. We need to do something different. There has to be something more exciting around here than staring at a screen or cleaning the house.
Michael: You're right. What if we do something different?
Michael: You know, we could turn off the Wi-Fi, put away our phones, and turn off the TV. And just enjoy the weekend.
Anne: What would we do besides twiddling our thumbs on the couch? It would be like watching paint dry. I'd rather go shopping.
Michael: Okay, okay. Well, there's something else I heard about recently. Tom told me about it. Have you heard of 99active?
Anne: No, what is it? A better gaming app or something?
Michael: No, Anne. 99active has local indoor and outdoor activities in their actStore.
Anne: Oh, okay. That sounds fun. What kind of activities do they have?
Michael: How about a beginner climbing workshop at the new bouldering wall in the park?
Anne: That sounds exhausting. I think I'm too heavy for my arms.
Michael: Okay, then something for the legs and enjoyment. There's a guided hike by the lake with a picnic afterward?
Anne: I like that. Even shopping sounds fun again. Let's get tickets. That's way more exciting than sliding a feather duster down the stairs. Let's brainstorm some ideas on what we could do.
Michael: How about a badminton game in the abandoned factory, or we build new bedside lamps?
Anne: Are we allowed on the factory grounds? I like the lamp idea, especially if it rains. But how will I learn? I've never done that before.
Michael: Tom told me the 99active providers are experts in their fields, and if someone organizes such a badminton match, they have the necessary permissions and training. And the lamp workshop is with a master carpenter.
Anne: Can anyone become a provider on 99active?
Michael: Yes, as far as I understand, anyone with the necessary skills can.
Anne: That's cool. Then I could offer photo tours. Outdoors in summer and indoors in winter. I could show how the photos can be edited digitally.
Michael: That sounds charming, then you earn money in your free time instead of spending it.
Anne: You can offer and experience anything. These aren't just experiences, but not just courses either.
Michael: Yes, exactly. That's why 99active calls them acts – short for activities.
Anne: Has Tom ever attended such an act?
Michael: Yes. You know, he even burns fried eggs. He went to a beginner cooking class and now he can make fried eggs with salad and fried potatoes. As far as I know, he wants to go again and learn how to cook pasta without burning it.
Anne: And how were the other people?
Michael: They were all about his age and felt super comfortable, like they had known each other forever. They laughed a lot. While eating, they got to know each other even better.
Anne: I'll check out 99active, it all sounds really good. And you buy the tickets for the hike by the lake with the picnic.
Michael: Yes, I'll do that. Something else comes to mind.
Michael: You know, we should talk to Peter. He'd love to work as an outdoor guide. He spends all his time outdoors, exploring the area, and is always a bit short on cash. I bet he has great outdoor activity ideas that he could offer on 99active.
Anne: These are such lovely ideas and offer so many possibilities.
Michael: I'm looking forward to trying something new on the weekends and meeting other people.
Anne: I'll check out how to offer a photo tour.
