Tag: chronic health issues

January 21st – Day 20  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

This morning, I woke up anticipating the blog I would post today. 

I was excited to share the news that,  not only had I done my aerobics and treadmill yesterday, but I got outside and shoveled snow!  The walks were not bad, but our front steps and landing had a solid layer of snow to clear.  And, I cleared it!

But, Mother Nature made a mockery of my efforts.   We awoke to a  thick layer of fresh snow.

The front steps and landing were buried (as well as that back steps and landing 🤦‍♀️).  After a walk that was cut short by an overexcited Molly dog, Dan returned and got out the snowblower.

Our walks, as well as our neighbours’, have been cleared.  As well as the snow behind our garage (and the neighbours).  And our landings and steps have been cleared.

I do plan to venture outside for more fresh air today.  It is doubtful that I will find more snow to clear, but who knows.  Mother Nature may just have a fresh load to dump on us.

At least, we do not live in Russia!

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/video/sTQEBYIl?playlist=oLRZ3mum

I cannot imagine getting snow like that!  I doubt that Dan could even make a dent in it – with or without our new snowblower.

Anyway, that is all that is newsworthy in my world today.

Take care and have a great day!

January 20th – Day 18 & 19  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Our temperature has climbed a few degrees and the wind has dropped considerably.   And the sun is shining! This could be the day for an outting. 

I am not talking any grand adventure to Walmart or Vic Square Mall.  But, I am planning to bundle up, head outside, and breathe some fresh air.  🌞

Yesterday was another uneventful day as we were still in the deepfreeze.  I did my aerobics and treadmill, as well as my regular respiratory care routine.

And I baked some Date Bran Muffins…

They were a nice change from all the rich Christmas baking and decadent chocolates.

I have been letting my crochet project slide for a few evenings now – but I have not abandoned it.   I have just been busy enjoying the ability to lean back and relax in my recliner, wrapped in Dan’s big cozy Leaf’s blanket.

Molly prefers to curl up like a giant kidney bean given the opportunity.

The BIG thing for me is that I CAN lean back and BREATHE without struggling. 

I have been on my Health & Wellness Journey for almost four years now, in an effort to get my health back on track.

My daily routine is one that I have created for myself – based on what works  for me.  It has been a hit and miss effort built on advice from medical professionals, family,  and friends, books, articles, and You Tube videos.

It has a long, dull, frustrating, painful,  and promising journey… but that I can feel significant improvement to my breathing – that I can comfortably recline and breathe easily is incredible.  

Not only am I happy with what I have accomplished healthwise, I am excited about what I can and will do moving forward!

In these words, David Goggins was talking about ultra races – races longer than typical marathons, races from fifty to hundreds of miles long.

“These races aren’t about winning or losing or even finishing.  It’s exploring oneself and the human potential that lies within all of us.” – David Goggins

As much as I have zero inclination to take up ultra marathon races,  I can relate.  For me, LIFE isn’t about winning or losing or living indefinitely.  It is about exploring myself and the potential I possess.

But … when I do get a win, I appreciate it,  I celebrate it, and sometimes I just lean back for a while and I enjoy it. 😁

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

January 18th – Day 15, 16 & 17  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

I am back! It has been a few days since  I last posted.  I haven’t been overly busy or out of commission.    I have just been plugging along.  Not much to see here!

Our winter weather has returned with a vengeance.   I did not meet my weekly goal for executing an outting.  With ice, snow, frigid temps and winds blowing from 75 to 100 kmh at times – most times – outtings were not on the agenda.

I have been doing my aerobics, treadmill time, sinus and lung clearing… the usual.  It is far from from fascinating to write (or read) about.  But, it is the dull, persistent, consistent efforts that ultimately pay off – regardless of what one’s  goals are.

Yesterday, Dan and I  made a pot of chicken noodle soup for supper. That warmed us up. The cheese baking powder biscuits rounded off the meal nicely.

This morning, I had a bath, did my hair, and put on a dress that my niece Brigette sent up before Christmas.

It felt good to dress up for a change!  Also, this dress is so warm and comfortable I could live in it. 😁

It was a timely decision, as shortly thereafter granddaughter Genie showed up.  She returned some containers from Christmas baking. 👍 We had tea and a nice long chat. 

Her Jeep Cherokee is in need of a major differential repair so her and Grandpa bonded over some vehicle talk.

Molly was beside herself, as is usual when her favourite human drops by.

That’s it for today.   Tomorrow, I hope to get outside to clear some snow  off of  our walks and to get some fresh air in the process. 

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!

January 13th – Day 12 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Things are looking up today!  My congestion has improved considerably and I  am in a much better frame of mind.  The latter triggered by a strange realization that I had this morning.

This may be trivial (and a bit odd) but I love the color of my hair!

My hair has all the body of cat fur, but in the light of day – or the light of our bathroom light fixture, my hair sparkles and shines. Photos don’t do it justice, but the color of my hair makes me happy.

Oddly, since the hair I was used to for several decades was dark brown (and naturally curly).

With daughter Jen..

It is strange how we are led to believe that as we age and change,  the changes are never ‘as good as’ or Heaven forbid  ‘even better’.

I think a lot of the changes for the better, just go unnoticed…

1) The wisdom and insight that we have gained over the years

2) The peace that comes from knowing that nothing lasts forever – not the worst, not the best

3) The  time to appreciate what is truly precious

4) The freedom to take care of ourselves – body,  mind, and spirit

Today, my day has been spent taking care of my body.  Once again, I am hopeful that my latest setback is behind me and I am back on track with my daily workouts. 🤞

And our home. .. Dan and I continued work on our kitchen project.  I can access the rest of the  cupboards on my own now – and in my own time.  They are not in dire need of clearing out.

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

January 12th – Day 11 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

A  short and late post for today.  Yesterday I was quite sedentary, by my standards.  

Today, I have been struggling with severe  congestion since I got up.  (It’s a process🤦‍♀️) But,  I have been relatively active all day, so hopefully that will help relieve the congestion.

This morning I followed my basic morning routine before Dan and I got down to some serious kitchen cleaning.  Dan moved the stove so we could clean under and around it.   Then, I pulled everything out of a couple of cupboards and drawers, washed them down, tossed out an assortment of  containers, jars, etc.  and finally replaced everything in a more orderly fashion.

There are more items we could easily live without,  but even if we have no use for them,  you never know when somone else  might need  ice cube trays, coffee filters, lunch containers…

Dan vacuumed and took out the garbage, while I finished up the kitchen.  Then he was off to run an errand.

I had a light lunch, trimmed my nails, had a real bath (the first in four weeks since I was allowed only showers following my surgery), did my hair, and completed an aerobic workout.

Dan brought home DQ burgers, chicken strips, fries and onion rings for an early supper.   As soon as that settles, I will hit our treadmill for thirty minutes. 🙂

Yesterday, I completed my first flowerish effort.

Things may not looking great for my 2026 Daily Activity Journal so far, but I am just getting started! I have eleven and a half months to make this my best year ever! 👍

January 11th – Day 10 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Today is Sunday – almost midway through January!  This year, much like the past few, seems to be flying by.

I should be deep into hibernation mode by now, but life does not seem to be co-operating.  Yesterday, I was ready for a nice relaxing day, but Microsoft decided to pick a fight.  I would say I won, but while I may or may not have saved my account from some hacker, I have locked myself out of my phone.  I can gain access by entering my handy dandy new PIN code, but that has already gotten old.

Our weather is likewise failing to co-operate.  While we should be facing frigid temps, cloudy skies, and occasional blizzards – we have clear skies, above freezing temps and the only snow we have has packed down to a solid sheet of ice. Other than the ice, I can live with this, but it does make hibernating a challenge.

I continue to work on my winter crochet project.

I have now formed three balls of yarns out of skeins that had self destructed.   I also made two flowers which I tossed due to their less than professional appearance.  I will give it a couple of more tries before I move on.   Maybe I possess more skills creating fluffy pastel insects…

This week I am planning on another fieldtrip – either to Walmart or to our Victoria Square Mall. 

I have always been partial to Vic Square and  apparently they have added mini golf to their offerings and Spunky’s Nuttery Bar.   Spunky appears to be dowright edgy since he carries cigarettes, vape products, Watkins spice and extract products, as well as his own  line of Spunky Nuts. 

It has been a long while but there are memories awaiting at Vic Square.  (Like..a young Maddy charging into a virtual reality battle while Mom stood by to ensure she stayed on her saddle.)

That is it for today.  Take care and have a great rest of your day!

January 10th – Day 9 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

In 35 Days it will be FOUR YEARS since  I began my Health & Fitness Journey.   The benefits have been incalcuable, the setbacks frequent.

Starting out on this journey, I had no specific goal or path to follow.  I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I knew I had to build up my strength and stamina or die trying.

I focused on becoming  physically active.  At some point, I began working on the quality of my sleep  and improving  my diet.

I soon realized that physical health & fitness is not a stand alone journey. My focus expanded to include my mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.  Which brings me to where I am today…

After almost four full years into my Health & Fitness Journey, I find myself in an emotional struggle of sorts.

It is nothing serious.  Frustration, annoyance, impatience and the like are perfectly normal human emotions and reactions.   Today, thanks to the miracle of modern technology, I am experiencing all of the above.

And I am not loving the experience!  I can’t say that I usually do, even when such feelings are totally justified.   It feels like I am punishing myself (and anyone around me) for having an already  bad eperience. 🤦‍♀️

To make matters worse – feeling poorly  emotionally  is affecting me physically and mentally.  I am congested, coughing, and feeling mentally sluggish. 

I’m not too sure how to turn this train wreck around.  My plan is to clear my sinuses and my lungs,   relax with a good meditation on You Tube,  follow that up with 30 minutes on  the treadmill, and finally a few minutes out and about in the fresh air.

By suppertime I should be a ray of sunshine.  🤞

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

January 9th – Day 8 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

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! 🤗💞

January 8th – Day 7 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

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.

https://triplethreatlife.substack.com/p/why-we-dont-do-new-years-resolutions

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.