Tag: healthy living

January 22nd – Day 21  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Since I began my Health and Fitness Journey four years ago, I have focussed on Body, Mind, and Soul – physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Today, I am focussed on all three, not just for myself,  but for those around me.

When I got up this morning it felt like -44 ° celcius (-47.6 ° fahrenheit) with the windchill.  It wasn’t much better without it!  🥶

That is brutal for anyone who must venture out.  We are fortunate that we have the option to stay in our home, snug and warm and comfortable in our retirement.   But, I feel for those who have to deal with this weather – as would any normal human being with an ounce of empathy.

But empathy be damned.  Our city planners, managers, mayor, councillors, and any and all overpaid city hierarchy who have a voice in such decisions – decided this was a good day to unleash the city graders on our residential streets.

This is our street.  The photo does not do the situation justice.  The grader operator (under order from those higher up on the chain of command no doubt) passed up and down our street – scraping off the solid pack of ice and snow (which was not causing any issue) and pushed it up against the sidewalks.

It is hard to tell, but this is not a lttle ridge of snow.  It is higher and  wider than it looks.  It is a solid,  impenetrable barrier of ice and snow.   The city will not be back to clear it away.  (This is not a one and done – this is an annual event in recent years.)

Our neighbours who do not have the luxury of offstreet parking, will return  from work  unable to park in front of their homes.  They will park as close as they can, and risk exiting their vehicle in traffic –  then struggle to climb over this city built obstacle – carrying tots from daycare, groceries, and whatever else they need, to go about their daily lives.

Delivery drivers will risk life and limb to climb over these icy ridges, as will seniors accessing their vehicles,  as will  people –  especially those with mobility issues, struggling to access public transit. 

For most people in our city, life at minus 44 degrees is more than an inconvenience.  That our city would do anything as unconcienable, dangerous, and stupid to make things harder is beyond comprehehension.

It is not a matter of finances. Our city has no issue raising taxes, or spending outrageous sums on vanity projects, or paying obscene severance packages to incompetent city managers who should never have been hired in the first place. They have no problem buying electric buses – in Saskatchewan 🤦‍♀️, questionable artwork,  and so much more.

It is beyond  stupid and irresponsible.  It is  a danger to our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing and that of our friends, neighbours, and family. 

Ready for signs of spring. 🥲

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 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.

January 6th – Day 5 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Yesterday was the first Monday of the new year and I am back at it! 

To get a sense of where I am going into 2026, I took a short (4 minute) video of my aerobic workout yesterday. 

In my head, I was looking and feeling as good as the instructor  and her class on You Tube.

In reality, my effort and elegance left something  to be desired!   The video dies with me, but I did put together a few screenshots to show I am trying! 

I may  have to smooth out my moves (and my  bingo wings) before I am ready for an in-person aerobics class. 🙄

In the afternoon, I stepped outside for a bit of fresh air, did some cleaning (including vacuuming) and I did thirty minutes on the treadmill.  I did not break any speed records, but again – it felt good.

Today, I am going to do my aerobics (with extra attention to form) plus a light weight workout. 

If all goes well, I plan to take a run over to Northgate Mall to take a couple of laps around the place and possibly check out a couple of shops.  

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 364 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 364 of my Daily Food Diary! 🎊

Today is New Year’s Eve.  This year has had its challenges (as they all do), but it has been a good, productive year.  I look forward to an evening of gratitude and  reflection with my husband and our Molly dog. 

Dan & Molly 💞

Today,  my Daily WINS are worthy of being celebrated every day..

1) Nature – we are fortunate to live in a relatively rural city with an abundance of greenspace to enjoy year round.  Fresh air, natural beauty.. a win every time.

A young granddaughter Prim exploring the paths around Wascana Lake in the heart of our city – Regina, Sk. 

2) Fond farewells – this year I am particularly grateful to look back over the passing year and to celebrate everyone and everything that has been a part of it.  2025 has been a year of change, of growth, of living life well.  

3) New beginnings – I have always loved new beginnings… I love the hope, the anticipation, the fresh start, the unlimited potential, the  opportunity to start over, and to do better.. I celebrate new days, new weeks, new years!

This year I celebrated entering a new decade in my life.   The SEVENTIES  have arrived  and I am ready to embrace them!

My Daily Food Diary WIN for the day is the realization that, having become more mindful of what we consume, we have become more flexible about what and when we eat. 

For the most part, supper has  been the big meal of our day.  When we worked – that worked for us.  Now,  there are an increasing number of days when breakfast/brunch is taking over the honors.   We need the protein to carry us through the day and we both feel better in the evening following a light supper.  

Daily Food Diary – Day 364

Breakfast:

(1) coffee (2)

(2) scrambled eggs (182)

(3) slices bacon (130)

(2) potato patties (240)

Snacks:

(1) c tea (5)

(3) Christmas cookies (300)

(5) licorice babies (78)

Supper:

(1)  c tomato soup (151)

(5) soda crackers (63)

(1) ham salad wrap (400)

(1) Bicks Baby Dill (3)

(2) Chocolates (100)

Total calories counted: 1654

Total calories used: 171

(30) minutes aerobics (171)

Total net calories: 1483

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1654 = 274 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 359 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 359 of my Daily Food Diary. ☺️

Six days left to go!

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!

Take care and have a great day! 🤗💞