Uncategorized – Page 5 – Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie

Daily Food Diary – Day 9 of 365

January 10, 2025July 3, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

Yesterday I wrote about how much accountability helps me to accomplish anything I set out to do. Today I am going to touch on a couple of things that help me to accomplish nothing!

TRYING – As soon as I set out to try anything I have set a clear path to failure. Back in the day (pre 2010) I tried to quit smoking. At least a dozen times I tried and every time I failed. 😯 In 2010, I decided to quit smoking. I haven’t touched a cigarette since. 🤗

Result driven goals – Over the years I have started out on numerous fitness and/or diet programs. They all started and ended the same way. I set out with a goal to lose weight (10, 20, 30 pounds – whatever). I would start with determination and go hard! A couple of weeks later, with no results to show for my efforts, I would go harder. A month later, little to no closer to my goal, I would admit defeat and give up. When I started working out three years ago, I had no such goals in mind. I decided to become more physically active because I had to build up some strength and stamina. I was a fat and flabby 160 pounds, but that was the least of my problems. If I lost a few pounds and toned up a bit that would be great, but it was not something I was dwelling on. Today, I weigh 132 pounds and I am relatively toned. There is still room for improvement – at least 12 pounds of improvement, but that is not my motivation for moving forward. It is all about doing what I have to do to improve and maintain my levels of health and fitness. And it works! 👍

Food Diary – Day 9

(1) c coffee

(1) Apple

(1) Square dark chocolate (with all the flavor of a tar roofing shingle – but lacking the delightful texture)

(1) Bowl of beef, vegetable, barley soup – the last of a large pot made a few days ago

(5) Soda crackers

(8) oz water

(1) c tea

(1) Maraschino cherry chocolate

(1) Amazing salad with lettuce, Cajun roast pork loin, cucumber, red pepper, green onions, cauliflower, radishes, green olives, sunflower seeds, French’s Crispy Fried Onions (in lieu of croutons), and French salad dressing

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) sm ginger cookie

(1) sm peanut butter cookie

Daily Food Diary – Day 4 of 365

January 5, 2025July 3, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

I’m just burning through this challenge. I’m already at Day Four and I haven’t had a miss yet! 🤗

We are still huddled down in our extreme cold spell, so Dan and I spent a good part of the day in the kitchen yesterday whipping up some comfort food to take the chill off.

**Dan chopped and I cooked for a pot** **of Beef, Vegetable, and Barley soup.**

**I mixed and Dan formed a tray of Baking Powder Biscuits. The big ones are for yeastless breakfast sandwiches in the days to come.**

Food Diary – Day Four

(1) c coffee

(23) mini wheats

(1/4) c 2% milk

(8) oz water

(1) Apple

(2) Bowls of Beef/Vegetable/Barley soup **

(2) Baking Powder/Cheese Biscuits – made with butter and served likewise

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) cookie

** Soup was made with beef broth, beef, barley, onion, leek, carrots, celery, mushrooms, cabbage, baby Bok Choy and a dash of salt, pepper, and ground hot peppers.

Fun fact… Barley is one of the best foods to eat when dealing with high cholesterol. Butter is not. But butter tastes better. 🙂

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 🤗💞

Is anyone else ready for birthday and barbecue season? ( Genie & Prim)

Happy New Year 2025!

January 1, 2025January 1, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

A new year has arrived and with it a chance to recommit to a life where health of body, mind, and soul is a priority. 👍

This year, February 14th will mark THREE years since I began my journey to health and fitness. It has been all good, and amazingly, I am still discovering benefits that I would never have imagined. This past year, I have remained relatively healthy – no significant flare ups of my asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis. I have discovered an impressive amount of strength and stamina in my day to day life and in working with my husband to complete a number of projects around our home. AND.. Most of all, I have noticed a marked improvement to my emotional health and wellbeing. A lifetime of struggling with anxiety and grief is melting away to be replaced by feelings of peace, contentment, and well-being. 🤗

This year, I will mark my 70th birthday at the end of July. I look forward to celebrating this auspicious milestone with hope, enthusiasm, and anticipation for what lies ahead. I am excited knowing that I can and will keep doing what I am doing to maintain my quality of life throughout my seventies and beyond. It is so worth the effort!

This year, I intend to maintain the positive health and fitness habits that I have built over the past three years. I also intend to create and maintain a NEW HABIT to better manage my daily food intake. It’s not that I eat poorly. It’s just that I discovered this year how easily poor eating habits can creep into my life. I need to pay more attention to what I am, or am not, feeding my body. SO …this year I am going to keep a food diary and share my daily entries here on Jetpack. Over the past three years, the best thing I have discovered is that I can build good habits as easily as bad ones so I know that I can do this!

**I don’t have a diary entry to post this morning so am sharing a photo of the ham, cheese, mushroom, and onion omelet Dan whipped up** **to start my year off on a nutritious note. 👍🌹**

**And with a photo showing where I am now.**

And a few photos showing why I seldom share photos of myself….

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎉💞🤗

69th Update!

July 27, 2024February 9, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2024, Uncategorized

This is it folks – I turned sixty nine years old yesterday. In one short year, I am going to hit my seventies and I am going in as prepared as I can be, for whatever lies ahead!

***And this one was taken in late 2019, four months before I retired. I felt every bit as terrible as I looked.*** (Even Cason seems concerned. 🙄)

Anyway, you get the idea. I’m not (just) getting older. I am getting better. I have put in the work and I am feeling infinitely better – body, mind, and soul.

The first step I took to better health was to retire. I needed to remove myself from a toxic environment and spend some time resting and healing. That helped, but by February of 2022 I realized that I needed to do more – way more.

I gradually became more active and ultimately started doing morning aerobics on a regular basis. Eventually, I added evening strength training with lightweight dumbbells. When I struggled with physical setbacks last year, I stepped back on the aerobics and weights and stepped up on reading and meditation.

So far, this year has been full steam ahead. I have upped the morning aerobics and added back the weights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. This week, I bumped up the weights to ten pounders, thanks to my birthday present from Dan.

I have continued meditating daily as part of my late evening/bedtime routine.

Last night, I added a new habit to my health and wellness journey. For the first time EVER I started ‘journaling’ before I start my meditation. I have often read that journaling is very therapeutic and offers many benefits for mental and emotional health. This seems as good a time as ever to give it a shot and I am super excited to see how it goes for me. 👍

As much as I have worked hard to get where I am, and am determined to work even harder moving forward… I have hardly done it alone! I cannot be more grateful for all of the support and encouragement I have received since I began this health and wellness journey. To everyone – my husband Dan, my family, my friends (online and and off), my online family (Dwight, Jackie, & Barb) THANK YOU! Without you, I would not be where I am today, living my life as I am, and totally excited about my future. ☺️

***The orchid Dan gave me for Valentine’s Day.*** ‘THEY‘ ***said it would only bloom once a year – but look at it now. Just like ‘THEY’ said it’s all downhill after 40.*** 😂

Take care and have a great day! 💞🌞

Family, Fitness & Health, and Molly’s New Pal

March 25, 2024February 9, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2024, family, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

I don’t have much to say on any front but I do have a few updates to share.

First off, today is our granddaughter Prim’s birthday – which, as always, comes the day after our granddaughter (Prim’s sister) Maddy’s birthday.

We had a joint birthday party on Saturday with Make Your Own Pizza Subs and birthday cake provided by their Mom. (my daughter Jennifer)

***Sibling love – Rory, Maddy, Genie, & Prim 💞***

Second… Molly has a new friend, as Jennifer now has her dog Sasha. Molly and Sasha get along just fine. Molly and I went for a short walk with Maddy and Sasha yesterday. Sasha was a little stressed at being in a new area but when it would get too much, she would get as close to Molly as she could and Molly would lean protectively towards her. It was cute and more than a little touching.

***This was the first time Molly met Sasha – early last spring. 💞***

Finally, I am on top of my daily workouts. I am ready to move up to my new eight pound weights in a few days. I am feeling well. I continue to work on my sinuses by using my neti pot in the evening, meditating before bed, and sitting up and sleeping braced up with pillows. It is amazing what a difference it has all made. My entire upper respiratory system has improved significantly! Finally! 😊

That is it for now. All in all, things are good. I cannot wait to get out and work in the yard, see the grass and trees turn green, the flowers bloom, the squirrels scamper and the hear the birdies sing.

***The parks and paths will soon be calling me!***

Take care and have a great day. 💞🌞

Winter in Saskatchewan

January 23, 2024February 9, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2024, Uncategorized

Our cold spell in Saskatchewan is finally easing off! Currently we are sitting at Minus 5 Celsius (or a balmy 23 above Fahrenheit) and aiming for 0C or 32 above Fahrenheit.

Frigid Arctic air moving in and settling over Saskatchewan in January is not that unusual. With snow and ice thrown in, chaos and collisions are inevitable on our highways and city streets.

This year, what has been notable during our recent cold spell has been the intensity, quantity, and bizarre nature of accidents and incidents happening around Saskatchewan (Regina) – on and off our roads.

One of the earlier, more notable incidents was an explosion at Luiggi’s Pasta House, when a steel pipe (Experiencing shrinkage due to the frigid temps ?) fell from the roof and struck a gas line fitting.

https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/explosion-fire-at-luiggis-pasta-house-deemed-accidental

This incident was quickly followed by other fires and explosions involving commercial buildings, residences and vehicles… including what appeared to be one train (which it turned out was a deliberate effort to repair a rail line connection that had come apart).

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BdPDfT6EkeU55Hr/?mibextid=qi2Omg

With emergency crews working around the clock to extinguish or control fires, our temperatures set off a new round of chaos caused by water pipes freezing and bursting around the city – most notably at The Delta, one of our most popular convention hotels, a large multi-residential buildings in Harbour Landing (one of our newer sub-divisions), various schools and university buildings, and Regina’s own City Hall.

All of which, of course, was in addition to our typical high incidence of vehicle accidents throughout and around our city – including a city bus, school bus, and a number of semi’s.

Although, it is a relief that our temperatures are finally rising, troubles are hardly over for those hardest hit by our recent cold snap and those who are working to make things right again. Vehicles are lined up at auto body and mechanical shops around the city, maintenance crews are out working on broken water mains. Contractors, plumbers, and heating professionals are scrambling…. You get the idea. It will take a while for things to be back to normal.

And while the cold spell of 2024 will be remembered (at least until the next one arrives) – so will the heroes that stepped up to help those in need. During such spells, emergency professionals (firemen, police, paramedics, maintenance crews, tow truck drivers… ) are out in force – as are family, friends, neighbours, and strangers who arrive with booster cables, shovels, or a helping hand, when and where they are needed.

***On the upside – we won’t have to mow the lawn anytime soon. 👍***

Keep safe & warm and have a great day! 🌞💞

Thinking of You

April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 by annemariedemyen, posted in Uncategorized

It has been ten years today since my mother passed away. It could have been last week. I don’t have to close my eyes to imagine my mother just as she was – at the end of her, or at any point in my, life.

I can see my mother bringing the frozen laundry in from the line, smell the fresh air, and feel the icy cold that she brought with it.

I can see my mother playing badminton with my sister Lorraine, sitting at the card table working on a jigsaw puzzle, or at the kitchen table playing Scrabble with us and our children.

I can see my mother at church – weekdays and Sundays, attending funerals of friends and neighbors, serving up food at Parrish suppers and get togethers.

I can see my mother knitting and crocheting sweaters and dresses, mittens and scarves for her grandchildren. I can see her at the kitchen table sewing dresses for my sisters and I.

I can see my mother cooking everyday meals, Sunday dinners, and holiday feasts – as well as baking an endless supply of fresh bread, buns, cakes, desert squares, and pies.

I can see my mother cleaning, painting, and decorating our home – throughout the seasons, over the years.

***Mom with my kids – Mark, Jen, & Dan***

I can see my mother arriving at my home – bearing baked goods and gifts for myself and my family. Making herself at home by doing laundry, washing dishes, making meals, and poisoning the dog (the last one may have been an accident but you don’t put chocolate under the Christmas tree when there’s a dog in the house 🫣)

I can see my mother in the nursing home, her final home on earth, visiting with her grandbabies’ babies – pushing them up and down the hallway on her walker, introducing them to nurses and residents, and proudly accompanying them to Sunday brunch at the Mayfair.

I can see my mother doing a million everyday, ordinary things that mothers do. It could have been decades ago or it could have been last week.

I hope that where my mother is now, she can see that we noticed and appreciated all that she did – and that it has not, and never will be, forgotten.

Memories of Kat

March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by annemariedemyen, posted in Uncategorized

It was one year ago today since we lost our precious Kat to congenital heart failure. It has been an eventful year, but she is always in our hearts and often in our thoughts. RIP little girl. 💞

Kat – King Charles Cavalier 2013 – 2022

Happy St. Patrick’s Day 🍀

March 17, 2023February 9, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in Uncategorized

My family is French Canadian three hundred and sixty four days a year, but on March seventeenth we turn Irish for the day to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – and my father’s birthday! 🍀🎂

My father and I were close. I still feel that closeness, even twenty-nine years since his passing, especially on days like this – his birthday/St. Patrick’s Day. This morning, his presence was felt more than ever.

My father enjoyed any number of simple pleasures, none moreso than relaxing and watching good entertaining television programs. His favourite ever was “The Littlest Hobo”. My Dad loved that show. With his love for dogs, “The Littlest Hobo” was an obvious hit for him and the best part of his week as long as the series ran.

This morning while having my morning coffee and vaguely aware of the television running in the background, I heard this familiar tune….

Yes, one of our channels has resurrected Dad’s show and my husband Dan (😍) had flipped to it in honor of my Dad’s birthday.

Molly, who is not typically the least bit interested in television, was mesmerized. Like my Dad, she has found her all time favourite show. 💓

Anyway, that just made a brilliant start to my day so I had to share.

Now to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I wanted to share an old Irish blessing…

May love and laughter light you days
And warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours
Wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
With joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.

***A bit of greenery for*** **St. Patrick’s Day**

Take care and have a great day! 🍀💓

Molly is ONE

February 16, 2023February 16, 2023 by annemariedemyen, posted in Uncategorized

***She can hardly contain her excitement!***

Molly was born into this world on February 16th, 2022. After spending her first few weeks with her Mom and siblings, we welcomed her into our home on April 22nd.