It is twenty-three days since I had my hernia repair repaired. Today I feel GOOD. I am still coughing – and coughing up some mucus, but the upper chest congestion that I have been struggling with since I entered the operating room has finally cleared!
The incision is fine. It has been fine from the beginning – zero signs of infection and just a little swelling the first couple of days. There was a bit of discomfort in those early days but definitely nothing that would warrant the use of OTC painkillers, much less the hydromorphone that I was prescribed. That will go back to the pharmacy for disposal, along with the anti inflammatory. 🤷♀️
It has been a rather frustrating recovery, but only in regards to my respiratory system. Thankfully that appears to be behind me.
Yesterday, my only workout was freelance dancing to some tunes from the 80’s. It felt good to move and the music was great for elevating my mood!
I straightened out a couple of more shelves in my closet and I packed away the Christmas wrapping paper, ribbons, etc. It feels every bit as good to pack everything away, as it did to take it out in the first place. 😁
I spent some time outside yesterday afternoon. I enjoyed the fresh air, cleared the ice and snow off of our front steps and landing, and basked in the Saskatchewan sunshine.
For supper, I made a chef salad with ham, eggs, and cheese on a bed of lettuce and fresh vegetables. That was my forth salad in the first eight days of 2026. I am happy with that!
After supper, I watched 911 and The Pitt on TV before resuming my crochet project.
I now have a ball of yarn to work with 😂
That is it for today. Take care and have a great day! 🤗💞
Yesterday was not a banner day, activity wise, but it was passable – for January.
January in Saskatchewan has always been a slower month for me – a time of hibernation and healing – planning and preparing for the year ahead.
Apparently for many, or most, January is a time for failing to maintain their New Year Resolution. According to the attached article, 64% of New Year Resolutions are abandoned within the first month of the year.
Personally, I forgo a New Year Resolutions for a New Year’s commitment. This year, I am committed to increasing the amount and intensity of my daily activities in an effort to improve my health and wellbeing – Body, Mind, and Soul.
Yesterday, I did a morning aerobics routine – once again staying focussed on form. In the afternoon, I spent time outside getting some fresh air. Being adequately chilled, I came back in, straightened out a shelf and a few drawers in our bedroom, and I hit the treadmill for thirty minutes.
Dan and I made an amazing pot of wonton soup for supper. He chopped and I cooked. After supper we did the dishes and straightened up the kitchen, before retiring to the livingroom to wind down for the evening.
For the second night in a row, I took out the crochet project that I am working on.
I do not know who came up with the idea of selling yarn in skeins. They do not work for me. Left to their own devices, they inevitably self destruct at their first opportunity.
I spent the evening untangling yards and yards of yarn, trying to find an elusive end – either end! I made significant progress, but this evening will be spent likewise.
So far, my return to needlework has been less than productive and definitely not relaxing. I am not sure what it has done for me – body, mind, or soul, but I will persevere because that is what I do – like the 36% of people who do not give up on their New Year Resolutions in January …
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day!🤗💞
By February, our kitchen table will be spoting a bouquet of crocheted flowers.
When I decided to focus on improving my level of activity in 2026, I was excited to do so. I had been taking collagen supplements for four or five months and they were doing wonders for me! I was enjoying so many benefits – the best of which was a stability in my lungs that I had not experienced for five years.
My lungs were doing so well that my constant cough was down to a slight annoyance. Most notable was my morning walk with Dan and Molly, where amazingly I could keep up with them without triggering any coughing, much less the violent coughing fits that I had grown accustomed to.
Out and about on a crisp morning walk. 💞
So, I was anticipating welcoming 2026 STRONG! I was anticipating increasing the amount and intensity of my physical activities. I was anticipating everything that would become easier in my day to day life – any and all of those daily chores that I struggled with – operating our snowblower, moving furniture to vaccuum, lifting our larger pots and pans.
And then… I was called up for my hernia surgery. It shouldn’t be a big deal. It wouldn’t be a big deal – especially once the anaesthesioligist decided to go with a spinal, rather than general, anaesthetic.
I went through my presurgical clinic, followed all the required preparations. I showed up for my surgery ready to crush it and leave, strong and able.
But, I didn’t. I came out of surgery congested, coughing, struggling to get and keep my oxygen levels up to acceptable levels. I figured it was from lingering freezing, from the stress of being in the operating room surrounded by stangers and the buzz and beeps of the monitors that surrounded me. I thought I would be fine when I got home.
But I wasn’t. I was not in acute pain, but I felt rough. While I tried to keep up my strength by moving around the house. I definitely was not working out (which my surgeon had cleared me to do). I was not going outside to get fresh air or challenging the snow and ice covered streets with a walk. I was indulging in the comfort foods of the season – and resting.
And I was feeling progressively worse. My lungs still felt stable but my cough was getting worse. So I did what I do – I panicked. My mind played out memories from the past prior to aerobics, collagen supplements, mindful eating, air purifiers, fresh air walks, and treadmill and light weight workouts.
I KNEW that my respiratory system was failing. Another session of antibiotics and Prednisone became a disturbing possibility. The memory of regular, miserable, exhausting chills and fevers kept me awake at night. Checking my tissue after each violent coughing fit became a terrifying reminder of pneumonia and mucus thick with blood clots from deep in my lungs. I was a mess..
Until, I said NO to everything my mind was throwing at me. I know my lungs are stronger. I know I am healthier. I know that whatever happened in that operating room was NOT traumatic enough to destroy everything that I have worked for in the past four years.
And I remembered… after the anaesthesiologist did my spinal he helped me to lay down, adjusted my pillow, AND he placed a mask on my face and told me he would give me a bit of oxygen to help keep me comfortable.
I don’tKNOW what my deal with oxygen systems is (I am pretty sure I know..) but when I spent three weeks in this hospital years ago with pneumonia, a collapsed lung, and epyema, the worst thing was the oxygen. It destroyed my sinuses, it made me miserable, and while I felt better after they took it off – the effects lasted for weeks.
Anyway, I am not dying! 🤦♀️
I am not greeting 2026 with unlimited strength and stamina ready to transcend all previous efforts to meet and surpass every physical challenge that presents itself.
But, I am ready to transcend this habit of mine of taking every minor health setback and turning it into a medical crisis. I am gradually taking back my daily workouts, my diet controls, and my fresh air fixes.
And I have regained my excitent and anticipation of 2026. I am committed to increasing my level of activity and finishing this year stronger and healthier than I started it.
When you’re on the older side of the age spectrum, you often get more credit than you deserve for simply showing up to do some- thing physically challenging. Nobody expects much from you and the temptation is there to perform to those very low expectations. Showing up is an important first step, but if you plan to show up, you may as well show the f#@k up!
I am not positive if this quote came from David Goggins or if it was Dane Sanders, but today it is my motivation to move forward.
Yesterday we rang in the New Year and I turned the page on my Health & Wellness Journey.
To wrap up my 2025 Daily Food Diary – While I looked forward to the day when I could revert to my old eating habits with none the wiser – yesterday that DID NOT happen. I had a reasonable breakfast, a measured snack with our afternoon tea, and for supper – hot (air fried) chicken wings with a large serving of raw vegetables and dip accompanied by a large glass of water. 👍
To kickoff my 2026 Daily Activity Journal –
This is ME!
Age 70, height 5’1″, weight 119.8 pounds
My commitment for 2026 is to increase my level of activity, be it structured exercise or an everyday part of a healthier lifestyle.
My goal for 2026 is to sign up for, attend, and complete an in person aerobics course. 😁
My word for 2026 is TRANSCENDING !
Since I started my Health and Wellness Journey (almost) four years ago, I have been through multiple phases..
1) My original motivation was suffering. Despite being recently retired, my quality of life was a reflection of my poor health and fitness.
2) I leveled up to struggling. I knew that change was my only option but it was hard – and setbacks came often.
3) Next came surviving. I was making the changes that needed to be made, but I was in that dreadful plateau phase of fitness where results are hard to recognize.
4) Finally, I reached a level of progressing where win was built on win, and momentum was in my favor.
5) Now, I have reached that transcending phase in my Health and Fitness Journey – where I part company with thoughts and ideas from my past that are not defining factors in where I am or where I want to go.
I have, and will continue to have, chronic health issues – asthma, bronchiectasis, possible COPD, allergies, and collagen deficiencies…
But, I am no longer weak and sickly. I am no longer at a place where every sniffle or sneeze is a sign of an imminent health crisis. I am no longer naive enough to belive that treatments that never ever worked for me are my only hope for health and well being. I am no longer struggling to live my life on a daily basis, limited to where I can go, or what I can do.
Despite multiple chronic health conditions, I am strong. I am healthy. I am proactive. I am committed to living a lifestyle that avoids flare ups and potential health crisis.
It is not about living longer. It is about living BETTER. This year, by transcending beliefs that no longer serve me, I know that my life will be better. 🤗
My 2026 Daily Activity Journal:
Yesterday, was a day of reflexion, commitment, and healing (more on that tomorrow).
I cleared my lungs a number of times.
I drank a LOT of water.
I rested.
I did my aerobics.
I ventured outside for some fresh air and some quality time with our Molly dog.
Thats it for today! Take care and have a great day! 🤗💞
Yesterday after we got back from brunch and gift giving at Genie and Alec’s, we settled in for a peaceful afternoon with Molly.
My afternoon snack consisted of one Gin and Tonic and three delectable chocolates. Our supper was leftover Chinese Food from Dan & Amanda’s visit followed by a cup of hot tea. Again, for the second day in a row – no calories were counted.
Today is Boxing Day in Canada. Traditionally, people would rush out today to take advantage of post Christmas sales. (A tradition that I consistently avoided).
I prefer the rest, relax, and recover tradition.
Enjoying memories of Maddy’s very first Annual Boxing Day Sleepover… this year she will be at work hosting little ones on their way home from Boxing Day sleepovers. 💞And, indulging in my annual Christmas Jigsaw puzzle event.
I will also be getting into Recovery Mode by doing my aerobics this morning and heading outdoors for some fresh air this afternoon.
It is time to start rebuilding so that I am ready to head into the new year with the strength and stamina to work on reaching my AMAZING, FABULOUS, GINORMOUS 2026 HEALTH AND FITNESS GOAL!
1) I went for a morning walk with Dan & Molly. 100 % humidity and I made the full route!
2) Dan remembered that I had to go for blood tests today in preparation for my pre-surgery appointment on Friday (which I may or may not remember). He also drove me to the blood clinic, so double win! The streets are icy, the traffic is heavy, and no people can’t drive. 🤦♀️
3) Dan stopped at the Dollar Store on the way home so I could pick up a few things for Christmas..
2 plastic containers for baking (because they only had 2 of the size I needed). Yes they will go to Dan and Amanda’s full of baking and they will never come back. (Which is why I buy them from the Dollar Store 😂) Gingerbread girl & boy because we need one new decoration, gift ribbon, and new dish towels.
For my December Round Up of my Daily Food Diary, I have one win today but it was/is a biggie…
I have pretty much eliminated evening snacking. It was never about being hungry – just mindless munching. Not only has this helped me to drop 13 pounds this year, but it has also helped me to sleep better. I am generally out cold from 10:30 until Molly starts booping me with her big cold nose (6:30 ish at this time of year).
Today I started my day with a BIG win! 🙌 I got up at 6:30 this morning to go pick up our Maddy and drive her to school for band practice. It was already fairly light out, thanks to the full moon shining bright above a thin cloud cover. And it is always a win to see our Maddy – even before dawn! It was an even bigger win to back into our garage on the first try when I got home!
The picture of positivity! 😉
Today is another day to count the wins I have accumulated over the past eleven months.
The win I chose to appreciate today was my ability to use James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits” to make effective changes to stay on track with my Daily Food Diary and to make gradual improvements to my general diet.
By stacking my new habit of posting my Daily Food Diet between my existing morning habits, I have managed to post 337 days in a row without missing a beat!
And, by keeping a cruet of olive oil in a handy location beside our stove, I have successfully eliminated the habit of reaching for the butter dish every time I pan fry.
Other helpful habits, big and small, have been made along the way, but you get the idea!
A book I would absolutely recommend for anyone working to make positive changes in their life.
Daily Food Diary – Day 337
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1/2) grapefruit (39)
(1/2) tsp sugar (8)
(1) granola bar (160)
Lunch:
(1) Taco salad (899)
(8) Oz water
Snacks:
(2) Belgium chocolate cookies (107)
(15) Lays lightl salted ripple chips (218)
(2) mini chocolate treats (80)
Total consumed calories: 1513
Total used calories: 377
(30) min walking (137)
(42) min aerobics (240)
Total net calories: 1136
Net calories goal: 1208 – 1136 = 72 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have great day! ☺️💞
Today is Day 322 of my Daily Food Diary. With 46 weeks down, I have a mere 6 weeks left to my 2025 Daily Food Diary Challenge! 💥
This week, I have been trying to up my activity level. Our weather isn’t really co-operating. Yesterday it rained all day, so none of us went for our daily walk. Today it is foggy, so Dan and Molly went without me.
Yesterday, I did do my aerobics and light weights. I got on the treadmill last night, but had to pull the plug after ten minutes due to a severe coughing fit. Dan and I did give Molly a good brushing yesterday, so that was a workout of sorts.
Molly, showing her appreciation for our efforts. 😆
Last night, I watched our evening news. I generally avoid watching our news – preferring to read it online, where I can skip over the articles of little personal interest or those that will just serve to annoy me.
But, last night I watched the evening news. Elections Saskatchewan announced that they were planning to do a test run of phone in voting for our next election, plus they are looking at replacing Election Day with Election Week. We currently have Advance Polling, Mail In Voting, Curbside Voting, Homebound Voting, and Personal Care Home and Hospital Voting.
In last year’s provincial election, a paltry 54% of eligible voters exercised their right to vote. So, Elections Saskatchewan has decided to take steps to make the election process easier.
Personally, I don’t care how votes are colleced, as long as the votes are legitimate.
But I don’t believe ‘easier’ is the way to go. I think it cheapens the entire election process. Easier seldom means better in my mind and rarely, if ever, brings out the best in people.
Personally, I think we should look deeper if we want to really engage more people in the election process. The problem isn’t access, it is apathy. (In my mind)
I was feeling pretty good when I got up this morning!
Yesterday, we finally did it! After eight years, we went down to Prairie Mobile to upgrade our phones. We survived the process and left with two Samsung 25’s. Dan’s is an FE, but that just means it is too wide to fit in my hand.
Next, we went over to Chappys for lunch. I had a mushroom burger (no bun) and Dan had a small pizza (With a real pizza crust!) Before we left, I went off to the washroom to wash up. When I got back to the table, Dan handed me the ‘receipt’ and headed out. I put on my coat, stuck the receipt in my purse with the papers from Prairie Mobile and left.
The rest of the day went fairly smoothly. We had taken Molly for her walk yesterday morning, so I didn’t feel bad forgoing any other workouts. I worked on figuring out my new phone, signing into apps, the usual. We had gotten all of our data transferred over at the store, so things went fairly smooth.
I finished the day with a bit of a 911 marathon, a few Hint of Lime tortilla chips, a couple of cookies, and a sense of accomplishment.
This morning I was still feeling pretty good until I went to check our bank accounts. I couldn’t find the payment for Chappys. I asked Dan how he had paid and… he didn’t.
He had handed me the BILL! He had told me, but I had misunderstood what he said. (I generally do pay while he goes to start the Jeep, but I was still in a kerfluffle from being at Prairie Mobile for an hour). 🫣
So, this morning Dan headed back to Chappys to apologize and pay up! They were more than gracious and appreciated that he had returned to pay, but Yikes!
For decades, I did the books for local restaurants (contract evening work after working for construction companies during the day). I know what it costs to provide meals. Also, I have a daughter and three granddaughters who work in food service now. It’s not easy!
Never, ever, would I Dine & Dash, and yet I did. 😟
But we have new phones and I have no reason to head out shopping or dining any time soon. So, there is that!
Time to get back on track with my workouts and diet today.
Daily Food Diary – Day 316
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) granola bar (160)
Lunch:
(1) mushroom burger (no bun) (333)
(1) serving crinkle cut fries (240)
(1) beef gravy (25)
Snacks:
(10) Hint of Lime tortilla chips (150)
(2) Belgium chocolate cookies (107)
(2) Black licorice twizzlers (45)
Supper:
(1) chicken thigh (208)
(14) lightly salted potato chips (130)
(3) mini chocolate treats (120)
Total consumed calories: 1520
Total used calories: 137
(30) minutes walking (137)
Total net calories: 1383
Net calories goal: 1208 – 1383 = 175 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a good day! 💞🎇
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 