Tag: aging gracefully

March 10th – Days 56 to 68  of My 2026 Daily Activity

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

I am back – and with a fair amount of activity to report on!

Today is Day 14 of my current round of antibiotics!  Two weeks down and only one to go.  While I don’t really know if it is dealing effectively with my lung infection, I do know that I HAVE NOT been experiencing any side effects to speak of.  🤗

My absence from Word Press began with a bit of a baking spree.  I made Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, Coconut Oatmeal Cookies, AND for the first (and last!) time – Thumbprint Cookies. 

My baking mission was due to our impending trip north to stay with son Dan and his boys, while his wife Amanda was away on business.

We ended up heading north a day early to avoid a bit of weather that was expected. 

I would say the drive there was still a bit challenging at times, but to be honest I stayed in the passenger seat while Dan did all of the driving – there and back.   Fortunately, the roads were dry and clear yesterday for the return trip.

While we were at son Dan’s, I managed to keep busy enough.  I made countless trips up and down their stairs. 👍 I helped with the cooking and cleaning – neither which was particulary challenging.  👍 I read books to Cason and reviewed his ❤️ words.  👍 I played numerous board games, which I invariably lost. 👎 AND.. I fed the dogs and played referee as needed. (To the dogs, not the boys!) 🙄

I did have enough time to go on a short shopping spree, take one spin on their  treadmill, and I  finished reading “The Magic of Believing” and the first couple of chapters of “Unlimited Power”.

It was nice to get away, great spending time with Dan and the boys, but as always.. it is good to be home and back to our routine.   It felt really good to do my aerobics this morning!

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

February 21st – Day 49, 50, & 51  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

The past few days have been particularly uneventful.

Our snow quit falling, our sun has returned, and our temperatures have tanked! With March fast approaching,  this will improve sooner than later.

Dan and Molly have been staying close to home.  Dan has gotten our sidewalks and garage access cleared.  Molly  is in and out – outside to bark at anything that moves and inside to pout and sigh because she has had to forgo her daily walk for a couple of days.

In the meantime,  I am staying indoors and catching up on a few of those deep housecleaning tasks that keep getting put off.

I am still waiting to hear back ftom my respirologist about my test results that showed a +4 pseudomonas aeruginosa result.

It has been eleven days since I saw him, ten days since I submitted the sample, seven days since the results have been available, of which only four were business days.   I did call his office the day I submitted the sample (as per his request) and I called back on Thursday to tell his receptionist that the results were up on the public health system.  She checked and told me they had received the results.  👍

Maybe it is unrealistic to expect any feedback from my doctor within four days, but this is getting old already. 

This infection is nothing to fool around with.  It will not go away without proper antibiotics and it has the ability to morph into any number of serious health concerns if left to its own devices.  And..chances are I got it from the hospital when I had my hernia surgery, so there’s that!

Last night, I decided to book an appointment with my nurse practitioner to get her thoughts on how long I should sit on these test results or if she can do anything for me.  March 24th is her next available  appointment.  🤦‍♀️

I will call Katie, my respiratory therapist on Monday and see what she thinks. 

If past history tells me anything, I might hear from my respirologist this coming week or I may not hear from his office until my next prescriptions are due.  Hopefully, Katie can advise me on how long I should fool around with this.

In the meantime, I will keep doing what I can do –  working out, keeping my enviornment clean and dust free, using my inhalers and taking my vitamins and supplements, clearing my lungs, eating well, drinking an abundance of fluids, and getting quality sleep each night – anything and everything that I can to keep my immune system healthy and strong.  💪

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

January 14th – Day 13 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

Today it is four weeks since I had my hernia repair done.  Incision discomfort has been minor, even in the early days.  Now the incision is barely visible much less notable.

My respiratory issues that were aggravated during the procedure are gradually improving.  I have been increasingly active –  doing my daily aerobic and treadmill workouts (increasing duaration and intensity), getting fresh air, getting adequate sleep.   And, as usual.. staying on top of my typical health routines – inhalers, lung clearing, sinus flush, deep breathing, vitamins (B12, D3, Lutein) and collagen supplements.

I am truly fortunate to be retired and have the time I needed for this recovery.   I am also truly fortunate to have a caring husband  who has been with me and been  an active participant in my recovery.

And of course,  the best in all of this is that my surgery, long anticipated, is now BEHIND ME! My hernia repair has been done successfully and no doubt permanently, AND I am ready to go out shopping for some real jeans and fitted dress pants. 👖

My ray of sunshine for the day. 🌞

Today, it is one month until I complete the first four years of my Health and Wellness Journey!

I am ready to move forward.  Success and setbacks will both be a part of this journey.  Chronic lung issues will play a part in how far I will go and how I will get there.   But,  I  move forward with hope,  faith, excitement and  anticipation. 😉

I choose to believe in magic wherever I go!

Daily Food Diary – Day 316 0f 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 316 of my Daily Food Diary!

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! 💞🎇

Daily Food Diary – Day 212 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 212 of my 365 Day Food Diary!

Today is also August 1st, which means this is my last diary entry focussed on foods that contain collagen or significantly contribute to the production or use of collagen in our bodies. 

I know that I have genetic collagen issues.  I also  know that lack of collagen becomes an issue for everyone as we age  – and I AGED this month.  I celebrated my 70th birthday a few days ago.  While I have considered it in the past, this month I decided the time had come to start taking collagen supplements.

I went with these capsules from Amazon.  I liked the variety of collagen they provide.

Sometimes I avoid trying something like collagen supplements, because I am afraid I will be disappointed in the results and I don’t want to deal with that!    In this case, I am sorry that I waited so long.

The supplements that I chose came with a notice that it can take 5 months of 6 gelcaps a day, to notice much difference.  In one month – the chronic pain and stiffness in my hands has eased considerably, my nails are stronger and healthier than they have been in decades, and I am shedding far less hair. 

I cannot tell what the collagen is doing for my internal issues (which is my real goal), but I believe the airways in my sinuses, throat,  and lungs are improving.  It is difficult to tell because our weather and frequent smokey spells cause breathing issues – and I have been taking antihistamines and a natural lung clearing tonic. 

While taking collagen supplements seems to be beneficial so far, it is still important to keep on top of my diet to ensure that I am getting the nutrients required for my body to effectively utilize collagen.   For that, I require adequate protein, vitamin C, zinc, copper, and amino acids.    And of course – adequate exercise, rest, and stress management. 

When it comes to one’s health, it is never a matter of just taking a pill (or six pills a day).  At least not for me.  If I don’t work – the pills don’t either. 😕

And of course, eliminating the foods that are detrimental to my system is as important as taking the foods that are beneficial.  In that regard, I am happy to announce that with my birthday and our anniversary behind me – my cake is finally GONE.

But it was really good while it lasted! 😊

And in other monthly wrap up news, I may or may not have packed on 5 pounds this month.   It’s a good thing I am taking up running – and that we are out of cake. 🤦

Daily Food Diary – Day 212

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) Egg Denver omelet with ham & green onion, shredded marble cheese, & Salsa (363)

(1) cheese tortilla wrap (170)

Snack:

(48) oz water

(4) oz lemon water

(1) piece Caramel Toffee cake (1050)

Supper:

(3) battered & fried haddock filets (435)

(6) oz fries (230)

(1/2) c gravy (50)

(1/2) c coleslaw (104)

(12) oz 7 up (140)

Total net calories: 2289

Net calorie goal: 1222 – 2289 = 1067 over

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly  contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 😊💕

Daily Food Diary – Day 207 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 207 of my Daily Food Diary.  🙌

Yesterday was my birthday.  It was a great day.  I appreciated all of the well wishes from friends and family.  I appreciated the calls from son Dan and daughter Jennifer.  And we all appreciated the visit from the newly weds (Genie & Alec) – especially MOLLY!

I love the card and the flowers.  The sourdough buns are pretty good. (Toasted & buttered with ham & cheese omelets to fill). Grandpa and I might have to check out the farmers market ourselves soon!

My Daily Food Diary entry for the day looks pretty brutal, but it was my 70th Birthday and we did go to Montana’s for (a very early)  supper followed by Birthday Cake later in the evening.

Takeaway from this entry.. my total calories for the day were BAD And my food choices were not the most nutritionally sound.  While I ate what I wanted… I could have done worse.  Dan and I both had water with our meal.  We generally pass on soda or alcoholic beverages.  I gave Dan part of my (Ribfest) entree.  The one I chose had 4 breaded hot wings.  Dan ordered a smaller entree and took the yeast hit.   And when we had cake, we both passed on the ice cream.

This cake does not require ice cream!

Today we are both back on track.  We started our day with coffee before taking Molly on a good trek around the neighborhood.   And, we had a relatively  light meal for our Sunday brunch. 

Our air is finally clear and our humidity is  down.  I am breathing somewhat easier.   so I am thinking of going for a jog around our neighbourhood to kick off my 70’s tomorrow morning.    I’ll let you know how that plays out. 👍

Daily Food Diary – Day 207

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) crumpets (160)

(1 1/2) tsp  butter (51)

(1) tbsp jam (50)

Supper:

(6) Montana’s Honey Garlic Pork Ribs w/cornbread  (880)

(1) serving seasoned fries (790)

(1) side gravy (25)

(1) 85g side baked beans (110)

Snacks:

(72) oz water

(1) pc caramel toffee cake (1050)

Total net calories:  3118

Net calorie goal: 1222 – 3118  = 1898 😲

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly  contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊❤️

Daily Food Diary – Day 195 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 195 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary.  It is 3 years and 5 months since I started living  my Health and Fitness lifestyle.

In these past few years, I have changed –

The changes didn’t happen in  three and a half years.   They happened moment by moment, step by step, choice by choice.

The changes that happened aren’t all obvious.  I am physically stronger and have energy and stamina.  I can do things that I couldn’t have imagined three and a half years ago.

The changes are not all physical.  I am  mentally sharper and emotionally stronger.  I can celebrate with joy and I can manage difficult situations with determination, perseverance, and faith.

My life has changed, my attitude has changed, my beliefs have changed.  Early in my transformation I realized that “what doesn’t kill me  makes me stronger”.  I learned to grow through adversity, pain, setbacks, and challenges. 

Lately, I have learned to grow through  positive experiences.   Shopping, walking Molly, doing much of the garden myself this spring, countless little wins that I have celebrated recently,  have increased my confidence, my personal sense of security, my hope for the future (for MY future).

I can do it! 💪

It is 11 DAYS until I turn 70 YEARS OLD.  I am ready for the seventies (regardless of what they bring).  ☺️

Daily Food Diary – Day 195

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2 grapefruit (39)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(2) eggs (160)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(3) slices back bacon (100)

(2) potato patties (240)

Snacks:

(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(2) c chilli (452)

(1/4) c marble cheese (120)

(1) serving rhubarb cheesecake (120)

Total net calories: 1274

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1274  = 46 over

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! ☺️💖

Daily Food Diary – Day 176 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 176 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary. 🤗

In 1 week, I will have completed the first half of this challenge – to track and post my Daily Food Diary for one full year.

In 1 month, I will celebrate my 70th birthday.  I love new beginnings and noting the start of a new decade is no exception. 

I celebrated my 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th,  & 60th birthdays with high expectations that this would be my BEST decade ever!  They all had their highs and lows, but the best and the worst were my 30’s and 60’s.  Those were intense decades. 🙆

I have a really good feeling going into my 70’s.  For the past three years I have invested in my physical, mental, and emotional well being.   I know that regardless of what happens in this coming decade – for better or worse – I am as ready as I can be to embrace and appreciate the better and to manage the worst with peace, faith, and dignity.   💃💃💃

Ready as I’ll ever be! 😉

Daily Food Diary – Day 176

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) c grapefruit (39) (1 SVG)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(1) granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(1) c pork & vegetable fried rice (118) (1/2 SVG)

(1) PC Butterscotch Pudding Cake (153)

Snacks:

(1/4) c mixed nuts (180)

(15) raspberries (15) (1 SVG)

(48) oz water

Supper:

Taco salad:

(1) Dinner salad: lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red pepper, green onions, radishes (113) (4 SVG)

(4) oz minced turkey with taco seasoning (168)

(1/4) c shredded cheese (114)

(2) tbsp salsa ranch dressing (110)

(8) Hint of Lime chips (200)

(12) oz carbonated water

Total net calories: 1085

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1085 = 153 under 👍

Total Fruit & Vegetables: 6 1/2 servings

Fruit & vegetable goals: 7 👎

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 😊💓

Daily Food Diary – Day 127 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 127 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary! 🎉  It has proven to be an effective goal for improving my eating habits.  Becoming mindful of anything we do is a good thing  keeping a food diary definitely keeps me mindful of what I am eating.

Nutrition is important, but it is just one part of my overall health and fitness lifestyle.  This morning, I got to focus on another part – professional medical advice and treatment!

This morning, I paid a visit to my respiratory specialist.  Expecting a refill of my regular inhalers and a “Keep doing what you are doing!”, I wasn’t overly concerned about this visit.

Needless to say, I left the specialist’s office with prescriptions for my regular inhalers, antibiotics and oral steroids for bronchitis, nasal spray for ongoing sinus issues, a requisition for a chest x-ray, and an appointment to go back to see the  specialist in two weeks. 😢

Asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD and bronchiolitis are chronic health issues.  Regardless of how hard you work to maintain a healthy lifestyle, they are always there.  It is frustrating, but fortunately I had a regular visit booked this morning,  and hopefully we can get a handle on this and move forward – sooner than later!

Daily Food Diary –  Day 127

Breakfast –

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Shreddies (200)

(1/4) c 2% milk (31) (.8)

(1) tsp sugar (8)

Lunch –

(3) oz dark, skinless turkey (150) (1.9 grams)

(1) c broccoli (31)

(1/2) cup cauliflower (13)

(4) radishes (6)

(1 1/2 tbsp) Dilly Dip (120) (1.9 grams)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(11) chicken wing flats air fried (420) (8)

(1) tbsp Frank’s Xtra Red Hot sauce

(2 1/2) air fried riblets (123) (1.7 grams)

(1) tbsp Frank’s Stingin’ Honey Garlic (40)

(1) carrot (25)

(1/2) c broccoli (20)

(5) slices cucumber (4)

(1/4) c orange bell pepper (9)

(1 1/2 tbsp) Dilly Dip (120) (1.9 grams)

Total net calories:  1168

Net calorie goal: 1243 – 1168 = 75 under 👍

Total saturated fats: 16.2 grams

Saturated fats goal: <13.75 grams 👎

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! ❤️☺️

Daily Food Diary – Day 110 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

I am  110 Days into my Daily Food Diary and   20 Days into tracking my sodium and processed sugar consumption. 

I am still struggling to meet my goals (some days more than others),  but I persevere and with 255 more days to go, I can only improve!

Lately, I have been working on dealing with the mental, emotional, or spiritual issues that affect why, what, or when  I tend to eat –   specifically dealing with stress and boredom – mindless eating.

One thing that I have been studying  is the wisdom behind Bhudist teachings.  The thing that I find  at the heart of these teachings is the importance of personal values. 

I can see how determining and developing my  personal values would ultimately lead to living the life that I want to live,  to experience the relationships that I want to have, and to be the person that I want to be. It only makes sense (to me anyways). 

I have used positive affirmations in the past… Affirmations relating to personal values – speaking or writing words such as strength, gratitude, peace, dignity.  

Lately, I have been working to identify with such values, repeating phrases (to myself) such as  “I am strength”,  “I am gratitude”, “I am peace”, “I am dignity”.

The change may seem insignificant, but I am feeling the results and I can see gradual results in the things that I do – including choosing what or when  I eat.

Daily Food Diary – Day 110

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (4.7 mg)

(2) pcs thick bacon (170) (240 mg) (4 g)

(2) eggs (160) (140 mg)

(2/3) c cubed hash browns (120) (240 mg)

(1/2) tomato (11)  (3.1 mg)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(1) tsp butter (34) (31.7 mg)

(1/16) tsp salt  (144 mg)

Snacks:

(52) oz water

Supper:

Broccoli/Cauliflower Salad:

(1) c broccoli  (31) (29.7 mg)

(1) c cauliflower (27) (32.1 mg)

(1/5) c red onion (13) (1.3 mg)

(1) thin slice bacon (43) (185 mg)

(1/2) oz shredded cheddar cheese (52) (104 mg)

(1) tbsp Vidalia Onion Dressing (50) (105 mg) (3 g)

(3) pcs buttermilk chicken breast (375) (645 mg)

(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80) (110 mg) (.5 g)

(1) PC plain paratha (240) (1135 mg) (3 g)

Total Net Calories: 1365

Net calorie goal: 1255 – 1365 = 110 over 👎

Total Processed Sugar:   10.5 grams

Processed sugar goal: < 25 grams 👍

Total Sodium:  3850.6 mg

Sodium goal: 1500 – 2300 mg 👎

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