It’s been YEARS since I’ve had to take time off for a lost voice, sore throat, and to prevent an illness from getting me. Today, I had to. My voice has been warbly & froggy all week. This morning, it said “nu-uh”.
Since I started immunotherapy infusions in 2019 this hasn’t happened, until now. Our weird Texas weather is to blame, in my opinion.
Under the watchful fluff of Nurses Zoe & Pinto, I’ve had a nice quiet day getting caught up on behind the scenes business stuff. It feels good to get it taken care of. The humidifier was by my desk, and I broke out the Nasya oil. And made pancakes for dinner. Good for the soul.
And this explains why you’re getting this today, an unusual day.
The scheduler updated thru July 2026. I don’t have all my coaching stuff solidified, but it will only affect a few things.
I know you’ve been wondering how I ended up on “You vs The Year 2025“…I completed 865km out of the 800km that became my goal, originally 1025km. I’ve signed up for Me vs 2026. As of right now, I’m ahead of of the game. Gives me some freedom for any run/walk/hikes I might miss.
35th anniversary of my journey as an exercise physiologist turned body whisperer
1991. While living in Charlotte NC, I responded to an ad in the classifieds for someone willing to train people to being group exercise instructors. Pansy was her name, Carmel Fitness Center. Since then, I’ve taught all sorts for formats, personal trained, been fitness director, certification examiner and then specialist. I’ve conducted numerous instructor training programs. I started teaching swim lessons which progressed to a Stroke Clinic, then masters swims. During my masters degree, I was also a life guard and life guard instructor. Once I arrived in Austin, I started coaching running, and progressed to triathlons. I branched out to middle schoolers.
I’ve had at least 30 certifications I’ve allowed to expire, and still hold 8 (Stott Pilates, Viniyoga, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, ACSM-CEP, RRCA, USATriathlon, USAT&F) – and they’ve gotten more sport specific vs general fitness. I also hold a massage license, an undergrad degree in physical education, and a master’s degree in exercise science. I had even started on my PhD, but stopped when I left Ole Miss.
I’ve work at YMCAs in Rock Hill SC, Knoxville TN, Memphis TN, and finally Austin. I had been at a Y in some capacity for most of my career, and decided not to return after COVID.
I evolved into the person I am now, preferring to work directly with my clients, to educate, to be hands on. Literally. My thirst for knowledge has only grown.
20th year of Amber Moon Studio & living in the Austin area
I had just gotten on staff at The University of Memphis in 2005, teaching in the physical education department – Pilates & indoor cycling for PE credit, as well as a class for exercise science majors. I was also personal training & teaching group fitness classes at a couple different locations.
I realized that was no longer what I wanted to do or where I wanted to be (well, ok, I always knew Memphis was temporary). My viniyoga teacher training was here, and I moved in time for our 4th and final 10 day session, June 2006.
In 2007 I enrolled in massage school, graduating in 2008, and I’ve been on a roll since. This completed my ability to go fully self-employed.
I gradually tapered out of working weekends for AFAA (fitness certification & workshops), teaching Pilates & viniyoga classes. My Wed 1045a class at the Y was the last holdout (until COVID).
The business name becamse Amber Moon Studio when I arrived in Austin, having had 2 names prior: Defining Fitness, and Fitness Boon. I think this is the best iteration yet.
This is the longest I have been in one place. 8-9 years was the previous record. It still feels like home, and I look forward to that feeling after traveling.
Austin has changed a lot in my time here, and I really enjoy the peace and quiet in Taylor.
It’s the little things. I recently had to buy some more fitted sheets for the business, as these wear out before the top sheets do. Now I have a variety of pairings I can do between sheets, instead of being “stuck” with a given set. Makes me enjoy folding 3 baskets of sheets weekly a little bit more. Oh the fun! This also means the Wall-E top sheet is now back in circulation for regular massage sessions!
Track season has begun. I was looking up my availability, and well….. we are in to March for the next openings, particularly Austin. If you’re needing something, please ask to be on my wait list. Last minute cancellations DO happen.
I had to adjust my Austin schedule a bit for February & March to preserve my sanity & health. It did take out a few openings.
Speaking of last minute: AUSTIN, Monday 2/16, 1145a is now available.
- Friday, February 27, 10a
- Friday, March 6, 1230p
- Thursday, March 12, 3p
- Friday, March 27, 1230p
It’s gonna be crazy until end of April, then May will be a little quiet, and Memorial Day heralds a different type of crazy… summer time crazy…
My cherry almond bites have evolved… I was wanting something a little more… robust.
Why do i call them bites as opposed to cookies or scones? Well, they aren’t sweet enough for cookies, and not bready enough for scones. I’m also not going to do all that rolling out or kneading that scones require. You are welcome to, though! I also typically make them sized to be gone in 1-2 bites.
Cherry Oat Nib bites
I’ve made this one 2 different ways. More toward a cookie, more toward a scone. I preferred the former. It was a better texture. The later also had more stuff in it – roasted quinoa, flax, pecans. Too complex for me right now, and they are slowly being eaten. So I share with you the more “cookie” version.
Cream together
- 1 stick Country Crock plant based butter with avocado oil
- 2/3 cup Agave Nectar (or liquid sweetener)
Mix in well
- 1 large egg
In a separate bowl, combine well, making sure cherries are well coated & separated:
- 0.25 cup, Quinoa, uncooked
- 1 tsp Xanthan Gum
- 1.5 cups Almond Flour
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- 1 cup No Added Sugar Dried Cherries (or cranberries, blueberries, raisins, etc)
- 4 tbsp ground Flax
- 1/4 cup Cacao nibs
Alternate mixing 1/3 of dry ingredients into the wet bowl with
- 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Protein Oats (GF), 1/3-1/2 at a time.
If you want them big, this makes (19) 3 Tbsp cookies (pictured). Smaller bites, 1-2 Tbsp, will make more.
Bake at 350F for 30 minutes.
Let me know what you think when you make them!
How to get all 4 cats easily in a picture… dump fresh cat food as you fill the container…
If you read something that inspired you, made you laugh, or even ponder… I’d love to hear about it!