Category: Everything Under the Moon

I’m grateful you are here, reading this. I’m grateful for your continued support, some of you well over a decade, some of you just a session or 2. You are greatly appreciated.

About this time of year, I start thinking of the words I want to describe my next year. And reflect on the ones I picked for this past year: mindful, healing & preparing.

These manifested more than I could have imagined. I’ve been more mindful of the choices I’ve made, of the progression of my triathlon training, of the direction of the studio. I’ve been healing – my knees, my soul, my spirit. And preparing for all these shifts that have happened these past few months – with the studio, with my fitness, with home stuff.

I started swimming again. I did my last summer event July 28th, and had fallen on my bike a few weeks prior. The shoulder has been in physical therapy since, and this is my last week of it. I’ve been swimming thrice this month. It feels good to be back. YAY.

I joined Clay Madsen Rec Center, in Round Rock. It’s about a 3h “workout” if I’m driving in just for that. Until track starts, I’ve got off season middle school running on Mondays, so I’m pairing those 2. Then I realized on the Mondays I’m coaching at 8a, the pool isn’t open until 1030a. Being mindful of my time, I added a few clients in today. It worked.

So a new shift with the Austin Studio with the addition of some Monday sessions. Balancing that out, I’ll be taking some office time on Tuesday or Thursday, since I still have office stuff that needs doing. Monday sessions will vary weekly, at least until track starts (2/10).

It’s been… ages?… pre-COVID?… since I had clients sessions on Monday. I really think this year was preparing me for this. I feel like I’m in a really good place right now, and am excited to see what else manifests.

I know you all want me to swim. So thank you in advance for helping me make it an efficient use of my time!

Holiday schedule, studio closings

I will be closed on Christmas Day only.

I’ve also decided I’m perfectly fine working January 1. I’m a morning person, after all. I’ve already got 4 clients that day, but I can waitlist you if you want.

January 30-31 I will be at a visceral manipulation workshop (more of this CST stuff). The following Monday, 2/3, no Austin Sessions.

Austin studio updates

Yeah, so Wednesdays are book thru…March 19. The 26th is my first known opening. Henceforth, Mondays. What happened to Fridays? All that shifting, preparing, happened. That’s a Taylor day now. If you’ve got a Friday session booked already, don’t worry. I’ll still honor it.

Since Mondays are gonna be a bit all over the place, please contact me directly to schedule. It’s mornings, lunch, late afternoon. It’s all over the place, so I’m not putting it in the scheduler. Yet.

There is a waitlist for Austin last minute cancellations. Please contact me to get on it. I’ve gone 3 deep to get it filled recently.

Taylor & Virtual updates

This studio has been getting busier too. On the Monday’s I’m working in Austin, as mentioned, Tuesday or Thursday late afternoon will become office time. I’ll do my best to alternate them.

Classes over the holidays are pending.

That’s it for this one.

So if you reflect on 2024, what words would describe it? And what do you want to manifest in 2025?

Nov 4, 2024 – Feb 7, 2025, The Quack Pack in Austin

Welcome & thank you for your interest!

Similar to cross country, our 2 days of running per week will be our “quality” runs – speed, hills, long speed… all those technical terms. It’s strongly suggested that you do 1-3 days of easy running on your own. We’ll talk during practice about what “easy” means & how to tell if you’re doing it.

Location: Champion Park.

Program fees

This is a 3 month program spanning holidays. I’ve broken down as best as I think should work, considering there are ~26 total sessions, which may be adjust as we go for a variety of reasons – weather, vacations, holidays, actual start of track season, etc. I’ve based dates on when track started last year. Do what works best for you. Packages are per individual, and may not be crossed over to other family members; it’s the way my online tracking system is set up.

• drop in single session: $15
• 5 sessions: $65 ($13 per)
• 10 sessions: $115 ($11.50 per)
• 15 sessions: $150 ($10 per)
• unlimited sessions: $200 ($66/mo)
• Club fee (required): $20/ individual, $30/ family). This gives us liability insurance during our runs. If you joined me for summer, you will need to renew as of January 1. If you’re joining now, you’re covered thru Dec 2025. Please complete for each child, and yourself if helping out.

Have more than 1 kid running? I can do a payment plan for the unlimited sessions package if needed.

Parents: running & biking

I will need your help. If you’re willing to bike alongside various groups of kids, please come join. If you’re willing to run with the kids like we did for Saturdays during cross country, please come join. No charge, since you are helping me out. You will need to join the club – do the family membership.

If you prefer to actually RUN and do the actual training without focusing on helping with the kids, please buy a package. Different mindset, and then I plan for you in the run as well.

Current schedule

During school, Mondays & Fridays at 4p. Please note there are some Fridays I get done w clients in Taylor at 315p. I will be squeaking in to be there by 4, more likely 415. I’ll ask for parent help with the warm up on these dates.

You can see the full schedule by looking at my scheduler.

In lieu of Thanksgiving Friday run, please come join me for my Amber Moon Studio Turkey 10 (any distance you want, pie & coffee afterward). Please follow this on facebook for more details.

Over the holidays, and there’s no school, I’ve shifted to Monday & Saturday mornings (Dec 23-Jan 6).

On MLK Day, I moved it to 8a as well since no school. I’m flexible if afternoon works better for the majority.

Yeah, it’s been a little crazy busy, and when I’ve not had clients, I’ve needed to do nothing. This happened last year at the end of cross country season too, so it was expected. Oct 19, and everything shifts again. And then again in Feb, when track starts.

I thought I’d gotten away from living on a school schedule. Evidently not.

This is short & sweet. It’s been 3 weeks since the last Hello Sunshine. Just the main points.

And it might be that long until the next one….

Austin sessions

October is running full.

November

• Friday the 8th has openings – 1215 & 130p. Please contact me to schedule. I don’t know if its in the scheduler.
• Wednesday the 27th, before Thanksgiving, has openings. These ARE on the schedule. 145p for sure. I can flex some clients around to get other sessions in.

December

closed on Christmas Day. Openings the week prior:

• Wed, 12/18, 1p
• Fri 12/20, 130p – check w me to schedule,please.

January

I’ve decided I’m not opposed to working on New Year’s Day, so book now. Please.

Taylor/Virtual sessions

With cross country coming to a close, I’ll have afternoon times available again on Tues/Thurs. I’ve slid all my regular clients together, so my schedule is more efficient for me. Last session should be done by 5p, so I can feed critters before heading out to coach Taylor Track again.

This is IT – our final week! How are you doing?

Ok, so Taper. Backing off on VOLUME and INTENSITY to varying degrees so you are rested & do your best at your event. Recovery week dropped down some, this week drops down a little more.

Remember your goal is to be chomping at the bit for Saturday morning’s 5k. If you’re tired, take it easy. If you’re bouncing off the walls, adding just a little intensity. You really have to hold back, and keep with what is written. Feel free to reach out if you have questions.

Day 1

10-15 min walk/easy jog as warm up

Main Set: objective is to get faster as your time running gets shorter. Think of the 3 min set as your “goal pace” and allow yourself to get faster on the shorter ones. If you prefer, you can also go hard/harder/hardest. But mind, we are working on race specifics this week.

• 3 min run, 1 min recovery
• 2 min run, 1 min recovery
• 1 min run, 2 min recovery

Then check in: How do you feel? Was that enough? Sometimes it is this week. You DO have the option of doing a 2nd set if you feel up for it. Keep this workout 30-40 min total, please.

Day 2

Today is a little variable…if tired, keep it at a walk, 30-45 min. If you’re bouncing off the walls, 10 min walk, 2×10 min Zone 2, 3 min walk in between, then walk to finish time (40-45 min).

Race day

If you’re doing the GoodLife 5k, we’ll be doing a group warm up at 7:40a (race at 8), please come join us at the start of the Bull Branch Lake boardwalk at that time. Stephanie & I will be there, as will our Taylor Track Time people. (Look for an Amber Moon Studio jersey or 2). Remember – do YOUR warm up… nothing new there either. I’ve had you doing 10-15 min of walking… so please do your best to get that in before the race starts.

We definitely want you to come say hi!

Other stuff

Get a good night’s sleep on THURSDAY. Sometimes, the night before an event, you’re a little ancy. So good sleep 2 nights before is essential.

Nutrition/hydration: nothing new this week. Keep it the same on race day as you’ve been practicing.

What’s your plan?

• If you are planning to come to track on Tuesday only, please do Day 2 on your own.
• If you are planning to come to track on Thursday only, please do Day 1 on your own.

Recap & race report

We’ve spent the last 11 weeks getting you ready for this. We worked you through your initial phase of conditioning, and they started working to improve performance.

How’d you do? Do you feel like you can complete a 5k, now? Complete it better if you were running before this program?

What would you have changed about this program?

How’d your race go? What worked, what didn’t? What did you learn? What were your take away points? Write/type your answers and store them… in your training log, in your e-calendar on race date. Of course, you’re welcome to share with me, as it helps me know what I can do better next time.

I’m hoping this is not a 1 and done for you, but rather you’ve been given the tools to keep going.

What’s next?

If you want to keep going, but not on your own, I’ve got this Tu/Th Taylor Track program you’ve been hearing about. I also do private coaching for a fee – it depends on what you need from your program, in your program, and how much. Running, triathlon are both within my scope. Please schedule a meet & greet, and we can figure out what is best for you.

2 weeks to go… our last week of work, then taper…. it’s about to get real!

Day 1: “speed”

10-15 min walk/easy jog as warm up

Main Set: objective is to get faster as your time running gets shorter. This time we’ve got a shorter break in between, mimicking our event a little more.

• 5 min run, 1 min recovery
• 4 min run, 1 min recovery
• 3 min run, 1 min recovery
• 2 min run, 1 min recovery
• 1 min run, 1 min recovery

3-5 min cool down easy jog/walk

This is a great one to build as a workout in Garmin, so your splits stay exact. Helps keep you on target too.

Day 2: Longer intervals

• 10-15 min walk/easy jog as warm up
• Main Set: 3x 12 min at a little bit slower than “natural” pace (ie Zone 2), 1 min recovery walk in between.
• 3-5 min cool down
• Stretch afterwards

Day 3: Endurance day

1 hour of movement, somewhere in between leisure & Z2. Please include 3 passes on Dellinger. 

If you were running before the start of this program, warm up 10-15 minutes, then run 30 min Z2, then power walk the rest.

Taper begins! Monday, 10/9

The purpose of taper week is to (1) get you recovered, and (2) keep some race specific speed/intensity. We’re not taking time off, we are just cutting volume down, while keeping just a touch of intensity. If you find you’re totally wiped, just keep it easy. By Thursday or Friday, I want you chomping at the bit to do more. Mind you – save it for Saturday!

There is a strategy here, a balance, and normally I’m touching base daily w my athletes as they are in this phase. You are welcome to reach out the day before your run/walks & check in, LMK how you’re feeling, and we can tweak it as needed. Walkers – taper is not as big of an issue for you, but we definitely still need to cut volume a bit.

Also, during this week – nothing new. No new activities, foods, pattern changes. Nothing.

Week 11, Day 1

10-15 min walk/easy jog as warm up

Main Set: objective is to get faster as your time running gets shorter. Think of the 3 min set as your “goal pace” and allow yourself to get faster on the shorter ones. If you prefer, you can also go hard/harder/hardest. But mind, we are working on race specifics this week.

• 3 min run, 1 min recovery
• 2 min run, 1 min recovery
• 1 min run, 2 min recovery

IF you are feeling good, you have the option of a 2nd set. Doesn’t need to be a lot this week.

3-5 min cool down easy jog/walk.

What’s your plan?

• If you are planning to come to track on Tuesday only, please do Day 1 on your own.
• If you are planning to come to track on Thursday only, please do Day 1 on your own.
• If you’re coming to both days of track. please do Day 3 on your own.
• If you’re coming to neither track days, please do the whole thing, or as we’ve discussed.

Remember, running = power walking for some of you.

Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, 9/22/24

It’s been a while since my schedule tumbled into something new. Yes, cross country & track have changed it, but not a full tumble. Last week, it tumbled into newness. One client dropped, a class shifted, and I’ve suddenly got a more open Wednesday – with time to get some cardio in AND get to the Austin Studio earlier.

My viniyoga has been Wednesdays at 1030/1045a for probably a decade, even through COVID, though it became virtual. It was time to try something new.

Yes, I added time on Wednesdays in Austin for you, the client.

Yes, I’ve still got limited Monday openings in Taylor thru Oct 14 (remember to ask, please).

So, the new schedule is, through Oct 19 (effective now):

• Monday – Taylor – variable – reach out & ask. Typ early afternoon.
• Tuesday – Taylor
  • 1045a – Pilates Mat class
  • 12-230p – 30-60 min sessions
  • Cross country & Taylor Track Time coaching until 730p
• Wednesday
  • Taylor: 7-830a
  • Austin: 12-515p
• Thursday – Taylor
  • 11a – Viniyoga online
  • 1215-230p – 30-60 min sessions
  • Cross country & Taylor Track Time coaching until 730p
• Friday
  • 830a – Mindful Pilates @ Mindful Muse, Taylor
  • Most weeks in Taylor – 10a-315p
  • On Austin weeks: Taylor 10a-12n & Austin 130-3p.

It’s gonna take me a bit to get the Wednesday change in my scheduler, so please ask if you are looking. I’ve got a lot of other computer work that takes priority at the moment.

Running

I’m remembering that my legs like to have an easy day before a run day. This past Saturday I worked the Big Wig Massage for Texas Mamma Jamma Ride, so I thought I’d get in a sprint interval session on my rower before hand – 30 min of good stuff. I worked hard. Today was slated as a run.

Ten minutes in to the run section my legs said “walking now“. I know during the week I make sure I walk on Tuesday so I can run on Wednesday… guess I’m going to have to remember all the tricks I used for scheduling back when I was doing triathlons. This was part of the impetus of the schedule shift – I wanted to be able to get my 2 days of running in per week. At this point, that’s what my legs say are doable. I’m listening.

On the good side, I’m easily managing a 90 min walk. Right before & during my bionic knees years, my nutrition was such that I couldn’t do it easily. At least that seems to be better managed now.

Now to add see how to keep 1-2 days of biking in, some rowing, and then swimming, once I’m out of PT for my shoulder. Remember that fall on my bike in early July? Yeah, it needed a little help. It is slowly getting there. Slow is good.

Blueberry reads

Yes, I’m still listening to audio books, and I think I’ve finished 2 since I last included this segment. Still on the book club theme with Strong Towns and Happy City. I need to go see what else I’ve still got in my library, as I’m ready for something on a different topic.

Looking back at all the books I’ve listened to this year so far, I’m quite impressed actually. ELEVEN books I’ve finished. ELEVEN. I honestly didn’t think I’d like audiobooks, but I’m glad I was wrong. I just had to figure out when to listen.

Taylor & virtual updates

Last minute cancellations happen. Contact me to get on the waitlist, or for Mondays.

• Mon, 9/23, 330p (contact me to schedule)
• Tues, 9/24, 115p
• Mon, 9/30, 1p, 215p (contact me to schedule)
• Thurs, 10/3, 1215-1245 start time available

Austin updates

Openings are subject to change. These openings are a reflection of this exact moment in time.

• uh….. ask to be on the wait list or check with me for last minute cancellations, please! Just because I added time doesn’t mean it’s available. Doh. I suggest you book Austin appointments as far in advance as possible for best options.

Thanks for reading all the way down here! I’d love to hear what you got out of this update.

Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, 9/1/2024

My days are full again. I’m getting more comfortable with how I want to be as a middle school cross country coach. I’m up to 24 minutes of running. I’m about to sign up for my first 10k of the season, one of my old favorites, Spicewood Vineyards. It all makes me very happy.

The cats, aka the furry overlords, have a slightly different opinion. My lap is not available nearly enough, as evidenced by when I do actually sit in my recliner ‘static cat’ happens (in human words, I’ve suddenly got several on my lap – think ‘static cling’ but with cats).

I realized just last week that the hall/studio bath now makes me happy. Really happy. So much fun & color. No more beige. I’ve still got the cabinets to paint, but their current gray is ok. The avocado tile is brighter, as is the whole room. Ah.

When I realized that the bath put a big smile on my face, I thought back through ALL I’ve done on the house. I’ve done a lot. It feels really good to be seeing progress again. I *think* I’m getting ready to start Round 2 on spaces – touching up, refining, improving. Back porch, hallway & repainting the shed are on my list to get done by the time cross country ends.

My new knees sidetracked me for a bit in a lot of ways, and I’m getting back on track – in fitness, with the house, with getting creative, and having energy for things. The knee issues started in 2019. Then got much worse in 2023 before the first one. So, we’ll say a 5-year break, and now I’m coming back. This, too, makes me happy. Hello, Happiness!

Update on the various group classes

Masters swim has finished. I’m already looking forward to next summer, when I’ve asked for a stroke clinic (for those that can swim 25y continuous) in front of the masters swim (for those that can swim 100y continuous). City of Taylor says they are game!

Online classes – register here

Taylor Track Time – get your punch card here, or on site. Can also do $5 drop ins. Club membership required after your 2nd visit.

Mindful Pilates – register here

Monday, Monday

Cross country has taken up a few of my Taylor slots. I knew that coming in. So… since my schedule is looking a little full, and for those of you reading this, I will be opening a few Monday slots during through Oct 19, 2024 (our championship meet). The catch – you have to ask. They’re not going to be on my scheduler, cuz that would be more work on my end for something that only lasts another 1.5ish months.

Some weeks it might be 1 session, others 2, and still others – nothing. Mondays are my appointment days, when I take care of me. Plus, I still need time to get behind the scenes work done. I seem to have created more for myself of late.

Taylor & virtual updates

Last minute cancellations happen. Contact me to get on the waitlist, or for Mondays.

• Mon, 9/9, pending
• Thurs, 9/12, 1215p
• Mon, 9/16, 115p
• Tues, 9/17, 115p
• Mon, 9/23, 330p
• Tues, 9/24, 115p
• Mon, 9/30, 1p, 215p

Austin updates

Openings are subject to change. These openings are a reflection of this exact moment in time.

• Wed, 9/4, 245p (30 min only)

That’s it until October. Please ask to be put on the wait list if you’re wanting something earlier.

Thanks for reading this far. I truly appreciate it. If I said something that inspired you, made you laugh, or made you go ‘hmmmmmm’, let me know!

~Sharon

Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, 8/12/24

August. Middle school cross country has started! My schedule shifted, and then because it’s supposed to be over 100 this week, we’ve switched to an early morning practice. I prefer 4p. It just fits better. I certainly don’t mind a 630a practice, but when I have to drive in 35 min to get there…

Masters swim has been extended on Sundays. Yes, I’m working on a weekend. It’s just thru 9/2. And it’s small enough I get to swim a little too.

Couch to 5k is in its 3rd week.

Much like June, lots of what feels like new programming, and that schedule shift. I did figure out from my Summer schedule that I really do miss my early morning runs/coaching from pre-COVID days. Life is gonna shift again in September as programs restart (Taylor Track time) and masters swim ends for real until next year.

Which brings us to today. A Monday. And I’m just now getting this out. Yeah, it’s been crazy busy.

I’ve got a few fun things planned

Monday, 9/2 – Labor Day – Decker Hills. For my runners out there, I’m inviting you to join in on an 8.5ish mile run around Decker Lake. We gonna eat some #hillsforbreakfast. I’ve got an athlete in training that needs to do them, so I thought I’d give her some company. Your company. I’ll be driving support, so you can cut short if you need. Sign up here.

Fall running virtual group coaching. Starts Labor Day weekend.

• Nov 2 – Veteran’s 5k Beer Run (Taylor), or Run For the Water (5k, 10 mi; downtown Austin).
• Dec 14 – Spicewood Vineyards 5k, 10k, HM. (Decker is the following weekend)
• Jan 18 – Run for the Roses 5k/10k, Taylor (this is definitely on the list!)
• Feb 22 – Heart of TX 5k, 10k, HM, Temple
• Mar 29 – Wanderlust 5k, 10k, HM, Fredericksburg (totally fun)

Spicewood was one of my favorite 10ks. And I intend to be run/walking it this year. Come join me!

You can also choose the Decker HM, since it’s a just week later. If the Labor Day Decker Run goes well, we may have another group training run along the way.

These events are tentatively on The Quack Pack‘s calendar. Some past favs, some new favs. We won’t do all, but this is what we are looking at. Who’s ready to come play? Please contact me for more info.

Taylor & virtual updates

Last minute cancellations happen. Contact me to get on the wait list.

• Thurs, 8/15, 1130a, 3-5p
• Fri, 8/30, 1215p (30 or 45 min only)

Austin updates

Openings are subject to change. These openings are a reflection of this exact moment in time. Please ask to be put on the wait list if you’re wanting something earlier.

• Wed, 8/14, 215p
• Wed, 8/21, 2p
• Wed, 9/4, 445p

your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, 7/29/24

How did it get to be almost August already? I know my summer has been busy, but gheez!

In June, I had my avg 7k steps/day goal. In July, it was to get in 2 walks per week. I managed that. August holds “starting to run” again – see Couch to 5k. I’m coaching it, and I’m also gonna DO it. It’s a virtual program that leads into my Taylor Track Time in September, and the GoodLife 5k in October.

It’s virtual, so that means you can join me from anywhere!

Walk or run, come on! Let’s have some fun.

First, though, I need some new shoes.

Blueberry Reads

What if I told you it existed, it was free, and readily available to everyone?

What if I told you it was 8-9 hours of sleep a night?

Would you do it? Would you choose to sleep this amount?

I finished Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. The beginning of the book was good, the final few chapters … inspiring… completely engaging… and brought it all together. I admit, it had a lot of science, referencing research regularly, and I love that stuff. These last few chapters exceeded my expectations.

We are a sleep deprived culture and it is so detrimental. I personally need 8-9 hours of sleep a night, and after my 15 hours of wakefulness my brain says “we’re shutting down….now”. Food sensitivities and menopause have affected my sleep, but as I get back to me, I’m sleeping better. I still have nights where I have a hard time falling asleep, although exhausted initially, and they are becoming fewer and farther between. As I return to me, I’m more active, I keep the phone & TV off before bed (it really works), I stick to my bedtime routine (including cat treats, which Allister will not let me forget!).

When you sleep the body actually goes in and clears out the plaque in the brain that is responsible for Alzheimer’s. During deep sleep, the brain actually shrinks so the wastes in between the cells can be cleared out. How cool is that?

Disturbed sleep tends to precede psychotic episodes. Sleep loss & mental illness are a 2-way street, and a neglected factor in the treatment of psychiatric illness. Creating controlled sleep can be beneficial.

Daylight savings (1 hour less of sleep in spring) increases risk of heart attacks by 33% that morning. The inverse is true in the fall. Auto accidents the morning after are similarly affected.

Sleep impaired driving can result in micro-naps: 2-10s where your brain just sleeps. No response from you is possible during this time. Driving in a sleep deprived/drowsy state? Don’t do it.

The World health organization has actually declared that shift work is hazardous to your health.

Don’t believe me. Read/listen to the book yourself. And train yourself to get by on 8 hours of sleep. And please note that sleep is just one factor, though apparently a big one, in these topics mentioned above.

Group activities for August

I’ve got Middle School cross country going thru 8/5. Masters swim finishes up on 8/1.

Cross country coaching starts 8/6.

A virtual couch to 5k starts 8/1, and leads into the Tues/Thurs track sessions in Sept.

In other words, I’ll have about a month of evenings off, before I start all over again! Who’s gonna join me?

Couch to 5k, virtually

 **Ready to Transform Your Fitness? Join The New Couch to 5K Program!** 

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Couch to 5K program! Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to get back into running, this program is perfect. 

What’s the Couch to 5K program? It’s a structured plan to help you go from someone new to running to a confident 5K runner in just a few weeks.  With a mix of walking and running intervals, this program will gradually build your stamina and make running fun and achievable! Walkers will love this program too!

Why Join?
 FREE Virtual Training for August.
 Track Training on Tuesdays & Thursdays in September for $5 per class.
 Discount entry into the Good Life 5K

Ready to take the leap and make fitness a part of your routine? 
Register here for the FREE Virtual Training in August!

Taylor & virtual updates

Openings are subject to change. These openings are a reflection of this exact moment in time.

• Tues, 8/6, 12n
• Thurs, 8/8, 1130a
• ***cross country starts 8/6, pickings might get slim***
• Fri, 8/9, 10a (30 or 45 min only)
• Tues, 8/13, 115p
• Not seeing something that works? Contact me!

Austin updates

Openings are subject to change. These openings are a reflection of this exact moment in time.

• Wed, 9/4, 1 & 215p
• Please ask to be put on the wait list if you’re wanting something earlier.

Thank you!

Brownie points: Can you correctly name all the cats in the “Blueberry reads” section?

Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, 7/14/2024

As promised, this is a week late. I had a good reason: Mom decided she wanted to move closer to either seester or myself. Wisconsin it is! It was time to start packing her up.

And sorting 20+ years of accumulated stuff.

Her new mantra: I will not be a pack rat! I will not be a pack rat! I will not be a pack rat!

So a flight to Raleigh on July 3, pack for 2 days (#cousinAmy & I got all but the “essentials” for the her remaining 2 weeks packed), then start the 2 day trek home in a one-way rental mid-SUV (Buick Envision) with stuff I was inheriting.

I will say my passenger area was a bit more compacted than I like, but I managed. All the LHS since Knee #2 has really helped stabilize my SI joints so I really didn’t have major issues as long as I wiggled every few miles, and walked extra every rest stop. YAY for lifting heavy s*** (LHS).

After figuring out the correct key words, “state rest stop”, to get them to show on Google Maps, we had a plan. The Buick got 500 miles to the tank, so only had to be refilled a total of 3 times. We used the rest stops, drove thru Starbucks for breakfast & coffee, packed our own lunches & snacks. A quick dinner in a non-moving restaurant was a needed change of pace, and we made good time.

I used to drive these the first 5 states – NC, SC, GA, AL, MS – when going to Winthrop & UT-K, working for AFAA, and when I lived in Oxford MS (Fitness coordinator at Ole Miss), so it was a stroll down memory lane for me from Raleigh to Mississippi. Then getting home before Beryl so we could complete a couple 2-person projects before Amy flew home on Monday.

She made it home, on time.

And I remember why I schedule myself a day off after traveling. I didn’t have it this time. So when I finally crashed for a nap Saturday, I had plenty of company.

Blueberry reads

All that flying time to Raleigh (a 2.5h flight) gave me lots of book listening time. I even bought ear plugs, of which I’ve never been a fan. These were tolerable!

The last Wednesday in June a local book store started a book club for Walkable City. Since one of my goals is to get people moving, this sounded interesting, and very timely for all the stuff happening in Taylor right now. So I switched over to this, and finished it this past week. Our culture is built around the automobile, and I see it. I know the more I have to drive, the less good I feel. It physically hurts to sit.

I did my junior year abroad in England, a very walkable country. Public transport is far superior to Austin’s. I remember how that felt – good! I could get anywhere I wanted easily.

It has gotten me thinking about how walkable Taylor is, how walkable my previous neighborhood really was, and what choices I am making. If I wanted to bike to HEB, can I do it safely? How would I need to adapt my mountain bike to carry groceries?

We’ve got another related book coming next, but I’ve got a little time to keep going on Why We Sleep.

The bookstore owner also educated me – Audible just rents us the books. If I go thru Libro.fm, I actually OWN the books. I’m transitioning as I finish up my Audible list. Plus, her book store gets credit for my Libro.fm purchases. I’m all about supporting local!

Summer group programs

We have started the last month of Masters Swim. You can still register for thru the City of Taylor.

Viniyoga, Pilates Mat are online & thru the studio.

Friday’s Mindful Pilates will be continuing after this test run!

Track will resume Sept 3 with our 5k/10k program. For those in The Quack Pack, we may have one more local bike, then we’ll look at fall programming.

Taylor & virtual updates

Openings are subject to change. These openings are a reflection of this exact moment in time.

• Thurs, 7/18, 215-4p
• Tues, 7/23, 230 or 3p
• Thurs, 7/25, 315p (30 or 45 min only)
• Tues, 7/30, 2-4p

Austin updates

Openings are subject to change. These openings are a reflection of this exact moment in time.

• Wed, 8/7, 1 & 215p
• Please ask to be put on the wait list if you’re wanting something earlier.

Thank you!