Author: ambermoon

Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for 5/15/23

I recently realized I have 4 books going. No, make that 5 – 1 is on Kindle for times i’m waiting between clients, at various out & about things. Anyone else do this? I keep Weather Shamanism in my Austin Studio bag, and partake of a few pages between clients. The top 2 books are by my bed, to gently fall asleep with. The Urban Farmer is beside my recliner, and typically read a few pages with morning coffee, and when I do the longer icing on my knee (20 min on, 20 min off, 20 min on – need something to help pass the time!). My Kindle book is on coaching. Is that enough variety?

But here’s my issue, courtesy of my high histamine response (part of my overall immune issue), I am not able to read long before the brain goes to mush. I’ve gotten better with the infusions, but it’s still a challenge. I can read about 20 min before I need a break. The last book I really focused on finishing ‘quickly’ still took about 6 months.

Today I was thinking about my friend & bizbestie Ryan over at Organizing4Good. She’s a big advocate of audio books. While dislike and intolerance of sound is also a part of high histamine response, it’s actually gotten a lot better since the infusions. I’ve also found taking these Systems Integrated therapy courses virtually for the past year that I really learn well that way. So why not give books a try? I started one – yep, that makes 6 in progress. It was great to do dishes & cook breakfast & get a few chapters under my belt. My next question will be if I can listen while driving into Austin. That would be some productive time! I can hear Ryan now, “Yaaaaassss!” We all get there in our own time, right?

Oh, the audio book? Next Level by Stacy Sims. “Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond”. I’ve got a lot of clients entering into this, including myself. I’m gonna have them all covered. Yeah, that DOES make 2 coaching books.

Friday question

If I opened up more sessions in Austin on Fridays, would you come? I need 2 to make it worth the drive in. I still don’t want to do it weekly, but maybe 1 Friday per month each – driveway & in studio? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Texas Mamma Jamma training update

I’ve started! Last Friday I got in my longest ride yet – both in terms of distance (my first double digit mileage to boot!) and time. Knees, ankles and all associated muscles felt it the next day – in a good way. In March, I biked a total of 9 hours. It’s only mid-May, and I’m almost at 6. I’ll call that progress! Knee feels better every day. Biking every other day has been most helpful. Consistency really is key.

Next up, I add in more strength training. Stronger legs = better biking, better knee recovery when I have #2 done (still TBA).

If you’re interested in joining in on Texas Mamma Jamma, please take a moment and fill out a questionnaire so you get on the list!

Not ready to commit to biking, but willing to support me?  Donations being accepted now thru 9/15/2023. If you prefer, you can send to me, and I’ll add it to the fund – just specify that it’s for TMJ.

Specials – now & upcoming

It’s the last week to try a virtual class FREE…

Now through end of May, the first 5 new class attendees get any of my virtual classes for FREE. Your choice of :

• Pilates Mat (Tues 1045a, 1h)
• Everything Under the Moon (Tues & Thurs 5p, 30 min)
• Viniyoga (Wed 1045a, 1h)
• Vini-Chair-Yoga (Thurs 11a, 30 min)

Use code MAYSHOWERS, and hurry! Must be used by end of month, and once 5 are registered, that’s it.

Limit 1 per person. What makes you new? Have you been to a virtual class of mine before? No? Then you qualify!

Ready? Set! Sign up! Do it right now, then mark it on your calendar. Right now.

and for June’s New Client Special to start!

Prepay for Personal Pilates, get a class free. I find this is a really good combo for new people. Quality time for 1 session, exposure to group stuff and trying things under less guidance, and then circle back around with questions during your next personal sessions. I’d go ahead and schedule now while I’ve got more openings.

I’ve you’ve been doing other sessions with me but not Personal Pilates, this is your chance to get it on it. Maximize your results. Once you get it on the calendar, I’ll send you a coupon for classes so you can pick and choose, see what works for you.

Prefer Personal Training instead? Ok, I can make that work instead of Personal Pilates.

Class sessions must be used the week of your personal sessions.

Taylor & virtual session updates

I have added a Tuesday 545p slot that’s not going to show. You’ll need to ask if it’s available. Why is it not showing? Cuz there’s only a 15 min break between EUTM class & this appt. Here’s what’s available for the next bit.

• Thurs, 5/18/23, 130 & 315p
• Tues, 5/23/23, 330p
• Thurs, 5/25/23, 345p (45 min session)

Austin updates

Breaking this up by days – since you probably have a preference what works for you. Schedule your time ASAP!

Wednesdays

• uhhhh…..see my question above about Fridays…

Fridays

Book your session now to make sure you get it in!

• June 23, 130-4p (now open for scheduling)
• July 21, 3-530p
• August 18, 130-4p
• September 15, 130-4p

Studio closings

• 5/26-30 (F-Tu)
• 7/3-4 (M-Tu)
• 8/21-25 (M-F)
• 10/5-6 & 12-13 (Th-F) – virtual conferences
• Thanksgiving & Christmas breaks TBD

Class schedule

Tuesday

• 1045a: Pilates Mat, 1h 
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)

Wednesday

• 10:45a: Viniyoga, 1h

Thursday

• 11a: Vini-chair-yoga, 30 min – last month for this class (at the moment)
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)
• 6p: Taylor Track Time! (1h) 

Whew that was a LONG one… Lots going on. I appreciate you reading this far! If I said something to inspire you, I’d love to hear about it!

Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for 5/7/23

My lil chick Blueberry (a cream legbar hen) just wanted to pop in & say “PEEP!” She & the rest of this lil flock are growing so fast! Work starts on the outside space that will house them next weekend, so they can be separate from my grown flock and still be safe – from the big siblings & predators. The 2 flocks will be mixed when these lils are as big as the growns, which will be around 4-6 months old.

And I must say, it feels good to feel good again. Aside from loving on the cats, the flocks, taking care of house & plants, I can bike & walk now, and I’ll be swimming again soon. I’ve got energy and capability for doing life. My goal is to be hiking again by the end of this month. Short hikes, on TRAIL. Out in NATURE. *sigh* I miss my time walking in woods, trails & natural areas.

Texas Mamma Jamma Ride & Fundraiser

My fundraiser for this summer is the Texas Mamma Jamma ride. Pedaling to beat Breast Cancer and support the Big Pink Bus. I’d love for you to join me!

We’ve got a new bike shop in Taylor (Taylor Bike Company), I’ve been by to introduce myself (now that I can ride!), joined them for a casual shop ride, and am looking forward to collaborating with them. We’re working on something to get you to the 15 miles (like ME! I do have a new knee, after all), 25, 50 and 70 miles. If you’re interested, please take a moment and fill out a questionnaire so you get on the list! Wheels are also turning for future collaborations as well.

Not ready to commit to biking, but willing to support me? Donations being accepted now thru 9/15/2023. You wanna do a straight donation? Awesome. Sponsor $”X” per mile I train? Days I’m on a bike? Get creative! I’ll be posting my journey regularly on social media, so you can follow along.

See, start now, by September YOU TOO can do 15 miles. Consistency is key. I’ll help you get there.

Try a virtual class FREE

Now through end of May, the first 5 new class attendees get any of my virtual classes for FREE. Your choice of :

• Pilates Mat (Tues 1045a, 1h)
• Everything Under the Moon (Tues & Thurs 5p, 30 min)
• Viniyoga (Wed 1045a, 1h)
• Vini-Chair-Yoga (Thurs 11a, 30 min)

Use code MAYSHOWERS, and hurry! Must be used by end of month, and once 5 are registered, that’s it.

Ready? Set! Sign up! Do it right now, then mark it on your calendar. Right now.

Limit 1 per person. What makes you new? Have you been to a virtual class of mine before? No? Then you qualify!

Taylor & virtual session updates

I have added a Tuesday 545p slot that’s not going to show. You’ll need to ask if it’s available. Why is it not showing? Cuz there’s only a 15 min break between EUTM class & this appt. Here’s what’s available for the next bit.

• Tues, 5/9/23, 545p (I’ll need to book)
• Thurs, 5/10/23, 130p
• Fri, 5/12/23, 11a
• Tues, 5/16/23, 330p
• Thurs, 5/18/23, 2p (30 min), 315p
• Fri, 5/19/23, 11a

Austin updates

Breaking this up by days – since you probably have a preference what works for you. Schedule your time ASAP!

Wednesdays

• May 3, 5-630p
• May 10, 1p
• May 17, 1-3p, 5-630p
• May 31, 1p (30 min)

Fridays

Book your session now to make sure you get it in!

• May 12, 130-4p – FULL
• June 23, 130-4p (now open for scheduling)
• July 21, 3-530p
• August 18, 130-4p
• September 15, 130-4p

Studio closings

• 5/26-30 (F-Tu)
• 7/3-4 (M-Tu)
• 8/21-25 (M-F)
• 10/5-6 & 12-13 (Th-F) – virtual conferences
• Thanksgiving & Christmas breaks TBD

Class schedule

Tuesday

• 1045a: Pilates Mat, 1h 
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)

Wednesday

• 10:45a: Viniyoga, 1h

Thursday

• 11a: Vini-chair-yoga, 30 min
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)
• 6p: Taylor Track Time! (1h) 

Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for 4/24/23.

Spring, a time of change, new growth. Of repotting my plethora of plants. Of hatching & raising baby chicks.

Just this past Saturday I finally was able to clip both feet in on my mountain bike. That right knee had just not been cooperating until then. I was on the verge of happy tears. Progress. Finally. Over 4 months of rehab finally coming to fruition. I’m beginning to feel the right knee is approaching some new place. Being able to get my ankle adjusted has made a huge difference.

If you’re on my social media, you may have seen the post with this already. I want to reinforce persistence. It is what you do daily that makes you great. It’s your foundation.

And my mind has been churning on how to grow the studio, what am I willing to do, what schedule adjustments am I willing to make? The results are below:

Massage session length updates

I’m re-opening 75 & 90 min sessions in Taylor AND Austin (Wed only). Masks still required. Book early to make sure you get your time slot, cuz there aren’t too many days that this is an option! Here’s quick links to get you started:

• Taylor: 75 min, 90 min
• Austin: 75 min, 90 min

Fridays in Austin: Driveway sessions – bodywork, CST & personal training

I’m adding about 1 Friday per month in town on a driveway (the last place I was at near Spicewood & Anderson Mill). After we see how it goes for May & June, I’ll schedule dates thru October. I’ll be offering bodywork (on top of the sheet), as well as personal training. Just need a small area worked on, or a couple areas? Does your home exercise program need a tweak? This is for you.

Would you be willing to come, since Wednesday tends to run full?

Thirty, 45 & 60 min sessions available in both formats. I’ll need to have a minimum number sessions/time scheduled to come in. Personal Training clients – you will be responsible for bringing equipment. The massage table & accessories are enough for me to bring in.

Book your session now to make sure you get it in!

• May 12, 130-4p
• June 23, 130-4p

May New client offer (or if you haven’t been since COVID)

Prepay for the May 2023, and receive 15% off these month’s sessions, up to 4 session. New clients only. Please use coupon code APRILMAY. Good for massage, CST, Distance healing, Personal Pilates, Personal training & Personal Viniyoga sessions. Not valid for group sessions.

Taylor & virtual session updates

At the moment, I seem to have regular openings on Tuesdays & Thursdays, with occasional Friday slots available. I have added a Tuesday 545p slot that’s not going to show. You’ll need to ask if it’s available. Why is it not showing? Cuz there’s only a 15 min break between EUTM class & this appt. Here’s what’s available for the next bit.

• Tues, 5/2/23, 330p
• Thurs, 5/4, 4p (30 min)
• Fri, 5/5/23, 1230p

Austin updates

Breaking this up by days – since you probably have a preference what works for you. Schedule your time ASAP!

Wednesdays

• May 3, 5-630p
• May 10, 1p
• May 17, 1-3p, 5-630p
• May 31, 1p (30 min)

Fridays

• May 12, 130-4p
• June 23, 130-4p

Class schedule

Tuesday

• 1045a: Pilates Mat, 1h 
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)

Wednesday

• 10:45a: Viniyoga, 1h

Thursday

• 11a: Vini-chair-yoga, 30 min
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)
• 6p: Taylor Track Time! (45m-1h) – new DAY!

What? April? Wait a minute…!!!!

It’s been 4 months since I got my bionic knee. I’m finally beginning to feel like myself. I’ve gone from 4-5 medical appointments per week down to 1 or 2. Sometimes none. I’ve got energy for other stuff now, like house work, gardening, picking up more client sessions, you know, Sharon things.

Knee still a bit more stiff than I’d like, and I’m able to get out on the mountain bike for 20 minute rides a few times a week. Also starting to add walking in, now that we are figuring out the fibula. And arm crank (bike for the arms) a couple days a week for variety, and to get me ready for outdoor swim season. Plus lots of rehab strength training still going on.

I finally got a decent garden in the ground, in pots, and in the tower garden this year. Also trying straw bales. Took a lot of work initially, and grateful for the help from Amy, #cousinextraordinare.

I’ve got a new back of chicklets in the incubator at the moment. My youngest chicken is 2yo now – the others are 4. It’s time to add some new blood. And it’s time for those cute little peep-peep-peeps!

Studio closings

I’m still not up for taking my regular longer vacations, but definitely feeling the need for some shorter ones, as well as some education. Knee #2 will be happening at some point as well – TBD. I see that doc again in June.

• 4/28-5/1 (F-M)
• 5/26-30 (F-Tu)
• 7/3 (M)
• 8/21-25 (M-F)
• 10/5-6 & 12-13 (Th-F) – virtual conferences
• Thanksgiving & Christmas breaks TBD

On to studio stuff

I’m back in full swing. Still have 30 min spaces between most clients (family & format sometimes shortens it). Yes, I’m still COVID-ing. Why? Aside from my own immunocompromised status, I’ve got lots of clients that are also immunocompromised. So asking you to wear a mask isn’t necessarily about YOU or ME, it’s about those other clients. I am also reading more info on the effects of long COVID, and I’m just not willing to risk it with my or your health. I appreciate your continued willingness to wear masks, and I promise to let you know when/if I choose to loosen my policy.

April & May New client (or haven’t been since pre-COVID client) offer

Prepay for the April & May 2023, and receive 15% off these month’s sessions, up to 5 session. New clients only.

Please use coupon code APRILMAY. Good for massage, CST, Distance healing, Personal Pilates, Personal training & Personal Viniyoga sessions. Not valid for group sessions.

What service do you want to try? What do you want to get back to? I’m having great results with virtual Pilates/personal training sessions, 30, 45 & 60 min sessions available to fit your schedule and budget. I’m looking for more CST clients. More Shift your Epicenter clients. This is your chance to give it all a try! Book ASAP for the best available times. I’ll send an invoice with all your discounted bookings once you’re set.

Taylor & virtual session updates

At the moment, I seem to have regular openings on Tuesdays & Thursdays, with occasional Friday slots available. Here’s what’s available, thru the rest of the month, subject to change, as always:

• Tues, 4/18/23, 330p
• Tues, 4/25/23, 330p
• Tues, 5/2/23, 1p & 330p
• Fri, 5/5/23, 1230p

Austin updates

I’m installing a new screen door on the slider this week when I get there. Depending on the format of your session, we might have some fresh air coming in!

• Wed, 5/3/23, 1p (30 min), 5-630p
• Wed, 5/10/23, 1p
• Wed, 5/17/23, 1-3p, 5-630p

Class schedule

Tuesday

• 1045a: Pilates Mat, 1h – new time!
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)

Wednesday

• 10:45a: Viniyoga, 1h

Thursday

• 11a: Vini-chair-yoga, 30 min
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)
• 6p: Taylor Track Time! (45m-1h) – new DAY!

2/10/2023

In order to keep up with the rising cost of life, I’m updating the Austin studio rates. I’m choosing to raise only these due to the extra costs associated with them – rent, gas & highway tolls.  

• If I’ve already got you in the calendar thru March, you’re good for the current rate until next quarter. If you are an every other week client, this is you.
• If you are an “irregular” client, prices will go up with any sessions booked after March 1, 2023 – so go ahead and book now to keep the current rate for a bit longer. If you are a once a month or at random client, this is you.
• If I end up rescheduling a current session and you’re on a monthly pre-pay, you’ll get the current rate as well.

How much is it going up? $10 per hour. Just like current rate, it’s this rate x the length of your session, ie:

• 30 min session – $50
• 45 min session – $75
• 1h session – $100
• CST sessions – $130

As my knee & ankle permit, I’ll be doing more standing work, but I’m also still going to need to be seated to keep swelling down. Starting next week, it’ll be more normal than it’s been. 

Thanks for understanding, and I genuinely appreciate your understanding. 

Got questions? Please ask!

2/8/2023

Saw my orthopedist on Tuesday, and he finally took x-rays of the ankle that has been bugging me since I came out of surgery. My fibula (2nd lower leg bone) is somewhere on the spectrum of “jammed” to “displaced”. So I’ve got an appt with an ankle specialist coming up. 

And cuz my knee isn’t where it should be, the knee Doc wants to do manipulation under anesthesia (end of Feb), and I’m required to have PT daily for 2 weeks after that. 

Needless to say, this is all going to have to take precedence. If I can schedule these PT sessions without affecting the studio schedule, I will. Alas, I’m sure I’ll need to make some adjustments. The good news is that I’ll need to have these scheduled before he does the manipulation, so we’ll have advance notice & should be able to shift. I know Friday will be affected, cuz the place I’m going is only open Friday til 12. 

The knee will get inflamed again. I don’t know if I’ll be able to drive, or how long I’ll be out. 

This has certainly not been the recovery I expected. I genuinely appreciate your patience and understanding as I continue to go thru this process. 

And then we’ll have to see what the ankle doc says…

What a week.

lLooking back on my calendar, my original surgery date was Jan 30, I got in on a cancellation for Dec 7. I am so grateful. Not sure I’d like to be in the initial stages of recovery with no power. I was freezing right after surgery as it was – for about the first 2 weeks. That on top of no power. No. Thank. You. As it is now, the house is about 60 degrees with no power, which is just camping for me. My worst part is that I need to move – just my nature and it helps me keep warm. My knee is protesting as I write this (Saturday), saying I’ve been on it too much. Once I get power, I’ll gladly show hole myself with Discovery+ and catch up on my home improvement shows. Evidently I should get some power saws… I would have been able to work on more projects. The oscillating tool has its limits.

The storm hit on Tuesday, I lost power Wed morning ( 6-8a or so), the really lost it at 8p… as of this writing (Sat noon), I’m still without power. Having almost 3 full days off due to lack of power – no bueno. I had just been thinking how grateful I am to be able to do virtual sessions since COVID started. Depending on the week, about half my sessions are virtual. I love it. It just adds to my variety. But I need power to do those. Generator just moved up my list of home improvements.

Neighbors had said they heard (you know, that grapevine thing), that we should have power back by Sunday at the latest. Everything will hopefully be as scheduled. If I’m still powerless, I’ve got a few local friends that do have power that I might be able borrow a little space from for work.

AND #cousinextraordinaire Amy went home on Thursday. Yeah. Happy. Sad. Grateful. Even with no power that morning, the roads were clear once out of Taylor, and she got to the airport, managed an earlier flight (her original one was delayed, but ohhh… this one was too and it’s leaving soon!). She arrived Dec 4, left Feb 2. Neither of us expected her to be here this long, and grateful, again, that she was available.

Next appt with the surgeon is Feb 7 (Tues). We’ll see what he says on this knee, and if we get to schedule the other one yet – if I can get it in before end of April, I’ll be good. Otherwise, I’ll probably wait until Oct to do the left knee. Having to wear a compression stocking at any point in summer would trigger a hot flash way too often. The heat does it enough any way!

On to studio stuff.

Austin updates

So the fun part – since driving the distance in is still a challenge, I need time to ice after I arrive. I’m not sure if I need to get there any earlier yet or not. But I should be able to start expanding the schedule out again. I’ll need to limit to 1 traditional massage per day (need to build time on the leg slowly) but I think I’ve got enough variety w clients that I should be good. I’ll be in touch, fear not!

Please let me know if you’re looking for a slot here. Nothing at the moment, but you know how my schedule changes.

Class schedule

My PT Chris said to add in some weight bearing activity, so I’m gonna start doing a little bit more of classes. This month I’ll be doing more of the Tuesday EUTM & Thursday vini-chair-yoga.

Tuesday

• 11a: Pilates Mat, 1h
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)
• 6p: Taylor Track Time! (45m-1h)

Wednesday

• 10:45a: Viniyoga, 1h

Thursday

• 11a: Vini-chair-yoga, 30 min
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM) – resumes on 2/9

I’m almost 6 weeks out. Daily life is getting much easier. I can drive short trips (Hutto is my limit as I write this). Eighty percent of daily activities I can do easily. It’s the small things that get me. I was watering the front plants the other day and got wound up in the hose. There was a scary moment when I was trying to lift my right foot out of the hose area that I felt very unsteady, unsafe. I paused, set the foot back down, calmed the panic, refrained from calling Amy for help, and after a few breaths, got myself out.

I can go up & down the step stool very carefully now. I can carry the laundry basket, full, out to the line & put it up. I am walking 0.3 miles almost daily. It’s nice to get outside. Could I do more? Very like, but I don’t want to push it yet. It’s working, Maybe after physical therapy this Thursday, I do the full block up & back, instead of half way -I’m in the middle of it. I tried the indoor bike once. It didn’t go well. Physical therapist said to wait until we did it in the clinic before trying again.

Because of limiting my weight bearing (and hence swelling) of my knee, I’ve taken traditional massages off the scheduler for now. Please see previous post/email for more details & what IS available during this time. I’ll get you an update on 2/7/23 after I see the doctor again. I’ve blocked off any open slots thru 3/1/23 so I can manage this day better. I’d gotten up to 6 clients on Wed. I’m going to have to build back in to that slowly.

Some of you may have seen over on Facebook that Gypsy passed away on Jan 7, 2023. Stomach cancer took her quickly, unexpectedly. We’re all still in the grieving process, with Allister being affected the most. He & Gypsy were adopted together over 11 years ago. He feels her absence, we all do. He’s always been my ‘sensitive’ cat.

Taylor openings

• Tues, 1/17, 1-330p
• Thurs, 1/19, 115-3p
• Fri, 1/20, 1230p (30 min only)
• Thurs, 1/26, 345p (30 min only)

Wednesdays in Austin

I’m still limiting the number of client here for a bit as I still have to see how I do on the drive in. I can feel myself getting better, not as worn out as compared to the first week. I’ve got a few people I still need to get in for make ups.

Class schedule update

In my effort to stay off my leg, I’m teaching from the chair until my next doctor appt. So if you’ve been wanting someone to really keep an eye on you, this is your chance! Come join us!

Tuesday

• 11a: Pilates Mat, 1h
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)
• 6p: Taylor Track Time! 1h

Wednesday

• 10:45a: Viniyoga, 1h

Thursday

• 11a: Vini-chair-yoga, 30 min
• EUTM is cancelled on Thursdays ONLY for thru Feb 9 at the moment. More updates as they come in.

Knee update 1/10/23

to continue limited weight bearing on my new knee.

Why, you ask?

It’s got more swelling that “normal” for 5 weeks out. My range of motion is still limited, in part due to swelling. 

So I’ve got another month of taking it easy. Of non-weight bearing. 

The good news

Personal Pilates sessions, classes & all online sessions are good to go!

The ‘hmmmmm’ news

Traditional massage is still out.  I’ve taken it off the list of services for the time being. If you’ve got a traditional massage between now & Feb 7, I’ll be in touch the week or so before to ask what you want to do – change format, cancel, etc. 

If you have a more ‘medical’ type massage, where I’m working on specific issues, you’re good to go. I can work seated for these.

Craniosacral therapy sessions are good to go. Again, I can work seated.

Wednesdays in Austin

This also means I still am not able to drive. As long as Amy is here, I can come in town on Wednesdays. We’ve not yet decided on her leave date. Stay tuned. 

If you prefer to change your format now, please let me  know. If you’ve got questions, ask!

This was important enough, I felt it warranted being sent out on it’s own.  I appreciate you so very much. 

It’s been 4 weeks since the last Hello Sunshine! Wednesday will be 4 weeks since I became bionic. I think I’m progressing quite well. I had a week between home health PT ending & outpatient starting, and in that time, left to my own devices, I progressed the foundation exercises I was given, and gained 12 degrees of knee flexion when lying on my back. Around the house, I’m free walking, if I go out, I take the cane or make sure I use a cart. It’s been a real blessing having #cousinextraordinare Amy here – I think I’ve healed quickly because she’s been my personal chef, gotten me all the ice packs, pain meds, and then of course, I had a ton of fluffy love. Every cat got in on the action, with Pinto being my main lap warmer.

The surgery itself was “textbook”, and I’ve not really been in pain – mind you, I’ve also kept up with pain meds. First 24 hours were the worst, and probably more because the hospital was not equipped to handle my special diet, so no Sharon friendly food for about 36h was no bueno. We’ve learned lots for Bionic Knee #2 and made copious notes. Considering it’s in much better shape than #1, I should fly the recovery. That’s the intention at least!

Amy & I have had fun during my rehab time. We’ve tried 2 new recipes (will be posted at some point), gotten some house projects done, started on her project list for Knee #2. These past few days we’ve spent a lot of time on the back patio, just enjoying.

Overall, I think the worst part for me, even before surgery, was being COLD. It started when I had to go off pain meds 7 days before surgery. Movement = warmth, and moving hurt, so I got cold. The colder weather during December certainly didn’t’ help. I’m slowly trending warm again. Bonus – I either didn’t notice my hot flashes or I enjoyed them during this time.

So what are sessions looking like?

Online & personal Pilates continue as is. That’s easy. Any bodywork session is still more like a CST session, where I stay seated. You’ll be on TOP of the sheet, fully clothed. I don’t want to tempt myself with standing. Bone takes 6+ weeks to heal, so I’m giving it that time as I’m able. Being on it will slow recovery time. I’ll send out an email Sunday or Monday each week for a while to my massage clients, confirming this is still the case, and making sure you are OK with the updated/modified format.

I’m also tweaking the schedule a little (you shouldn’t notice) so I get my mid-day rehab exercises in, and have time to move/ice my knee in between.

Taylor openings

• Fri, 1/6, 11a
• Thurs, 1/12, 245p/3p
• Tues, 1/17, 315/330p

Wednesdays in Austin

I’m limiting the number of client here for a bit as I still have to see how I do on the drive in. Right now, the knee is not happy with it, and I’m just the passenger. Those with appts are honored first, and I’ve got a few people I still need to get in for make ups.

Class schedule update

Classes continue, with me doing a little bit of the movements with you – it feels GOOD to move. I’m behaving, promise. I am, at least for the moment, requiring there to be a minimum of 2 people in class as I work thru my knee rehab. Thursday’s EUTM class is delayed restarting as that seems to be the best time for me to go see my physical therapist.

Tuesday

• 11a: Pilates Mat, 1h
• 5p: Everything Under the Moon, 30 min (EUTM)
• 6p: Taylor Track Time! (45m-1h)

Wednesday

• 10:45a: Viniyoga, 1h

Thursday

• 11a: Vini-chair-yoga, 30 min
• EUTM is cancelled on Thursdays ONLY for January. Will see what my PT schedule looks like for February.