Tag: #staying active

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 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!

Daily Food Diary – Day 324 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 324 of my Daily Food Diary. 🧨

Another 3 months and I will have been on my Health and Wellness Journey for FOUR.   years.  It has taken some effort, some determination, some commitment, some encouragement, some motivation,  and a LOT of inspiration.

It has become my lifestyle now, but I still struggle to stay on track.   At this point,  it has gotten easy to decide that good is good enough.  I can compare myself now to where I was four years ago or to where others are at today and decide “Yea, I’m good”.

But,  I want to be better.  I want to know how good I can get.  I want to know I did my best to reach my full potential.  Good enough isn’t going to get me there.

So, today I am really grateful for my friend Jackie – for the inspiration she is and has been been for the past four years.  For the inspiration she was for me this morning.

Jackie has been having a great week, she has been unusually busy (even for her!) And she has been knocking it out of the park every day – at home, at work, working out, everywhere.  This morning she was talking about one specific incident that she referred to as her win this week. 

I thought, that is what I need.  I need to start noting my wins and I need to start pushing myself to have more wins.  Bigger WINS.   Because good isn’t good enough. 

Dan & I brushed Molly head to toe for well over an hour on Tuesday.   We took out a pile of hair as big as she is, sand, leaves, twigs, and more.  We could have stopped a dozen times or let her decide good  was good enough – but we went for the win! And I’m sure she has been grateful since.  She knows she looks good, we know she feels better. 💯

Our WIN this week – mine and Dan’s and Molly’s.  

Daily Food Diary – Day 324

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c cinnamon cheerios (200)

(1/4) c milk (28)

Lunch:

(1/2) c broth (16)

(8) Hint of Lime chips (200)

Snacks:

(1) tbsp raw local honey (40)

(1) snickerdoodle (90)

(15) g chipnuts (96)

Supper:

(1) c mashed potatoes (237)

(1) c green beans (44)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(6) Oz pork cutlets (360)

(1/2 c gravy (40)

Total consumed calories: 1387

Total used calories: 210

(30)  min walking (137)

(30) min treadmill (73)

Total net calories: 1177

Total calories goal: 1208 – 1177 = 31 under👍

Daily Food Diary – Day 301 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 301 of my Daily Food Diary!  That is 43 WEEKS without a single miss. 🙌

Today, I am feeling a solid improvement in how I am feeling!  I am four months into using Collagen Supplements and they are doing wonders for me.  My strength has improved, my endurance has improved, and best of all – my breathing has significantly improved.    I can breathe without feeling like my sinuses and respiratory airways are  collapsing and I can even lay flat on my back  without feeling like I am smothering!

My only respiratory issues these days are obviously caused by allergies.  Since we started running an air purifier in our bedroom at night, I am good there.  In the daytime, my eyes are burning, my nose is runny, and I am still coughing. 

The third Honeywell air purifier we have bought and I am happy with all of them.

We have our best air purifier running in the living room so I’m not sure what my problem is.   I have taken Claritin (which doesn’t work for me) and  some ‘natural’ antihistamines which just seem to make me sleepy. 😴

Yesterday, I got some black licorice to see if that would help.  I know it is something that is not good to eat regularly or in excess, but it also helps to control allergies,  so we will see. 

Daily Food Diary – Day 301

Breakfast:

2) c coffee (4)

(1/4 c milk (28)

(1) c cinnamon cheerios (200)

Snacks:

(2) black licorice Twizzlers (45)

(1/8) c mixed nuts (90)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(2) servings c nachos – Hint of Lime tortilla chips with seasoned ground beef, peppers, green onions, black olives, shredded cheese, and salsa (865)

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) PC Chocolate cake (300)

Total consumed calories:  1530

Total used calories: 501

(30) min walking (68)

(30) min aerobics (244)

(1) hr housecleaning (134)

(30) min food prep/cooking (55)

Total net calories: 1029

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1029 = 179 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 297 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Daily Food Diary – Day 297 of 365

Today is Day 297 of my Daily Food Diary! 🤗

Today is a day that I have been waiting six months for.  Today is the day, I post  my Daily Food Diary for my sister Lorraine!

You were right, Lorraine.  It was the socks!

I lost the socks this morning and I weighed in at 119.8 pounds !  I have not  broken 120 pounds in the past two decades.  But I have done it now.  The last 4.8 pounds to my goal will be easy peasy!

Speaking of socks…

One size does NOT fit all!

Should you be in the market for a good pair of winter socks, these are not built to fit anyone our size – unless paired with a solid pair of suspenders or pinned to shoulder pads – either way, they are still awkward.

Speaking of siblings, yesterday was my brother Pete’s 80th birthday.   Jen and I saw him and his wife at my sister Jeanne’s 80th  birthday get together last May.    They are all (Pete, his wife Janice, and Jeanne)  looking great and doing really well.

As the youngest in my family, I have always looked up to, admired, and tried to catch up to my older siblings.   I never imagined that I would still be trying at this point!  But here we are!

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) crumpets (240)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(1) tablespoon jam (50)

Snacks:

(36) oz water

(1/3) c hickory smoked almonds (186)

Supper:

(4) small battered fish fillets (520)

(2) tbsp tartar sauce (80)

(1) c air fried potatoes (250)

(1) c home made coleslaw (208)

(12) oz carbonated water

Total consumed calories: 1604

Total used calories: 492

(30) min walking (68)

(30) min aerobics (174)

(1 1/2) hrs cooking/cleaning (177)

(30) min light weights (73)

Total net calories: 1112

Net calories goal: 1223 – 1112 = 111 under 👎

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

Butterfly House at the University of Alberta Botanic Gardens

Daily Food Diary – Day 295 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 265 of my Daily Food Diary.  Only 70 Days or 10 Weeks to go!  I thought that by being mindful of what I ate each and every day, 2025 would pass by at an overall slower pace.  But here we are, the year is almost over, and the days and weeks are flying by.

I am four nights into using our living room air purifier in our bedroom.  This has proven itself helpful enough for keeping my sinuses and lungs clear at night  that I ordered another air purifier last night – one that will live in our bedroom but that can be easily moved into the kitchen occasionally – if need be. 

Every little thing helps or hurts when it comes to living with chronic health issues.   With my lung issues diet, air quality, stress, sleep, and level of  activity can mean the difference between a really good day or a struggle.   Some things I can control, others I just have to deal with.

The worst thing these days is excess humidity.  We can control that to a point  with our dehumidifier but there’s not a lot I can do outdoors.  If I avoid the outdoors, it means less fresh air and less activity.  🤷

The best thing these days is taking collagen supplements.   They have been a gamechanger for me – strengthening and stabilizing my respiratory system and improving  my health and wellbeing in general.   🤗

Daily Food Diary – Day 295

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) Eggo waffles (330)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(2) tbsp Maple syrup (104)

(2) slices bacon (87)

Snacks:

(12) Doritos (153)

Supper:

(1) serving pepper steak (300)

(1 1/2) c white rice (363)

Total consumed calories: 1407

Total used calories: 315

(30) minutes walking (68)

(30) minutes aerobics (174)

(30) minutes light weights (73)

Total net calories: 1092

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1092 = 137 under 👍

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a good day! 💖😊

Daily Food Diary – Day 281 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 281 of my Daily Food Diary! 🥳

Monday (October 13th) is our Canadian Thanksgiving.  Being the overachievers that we are, we are celebrating today! (Ok, some of us work this weekend so this just works better for our family.)  🙄

Dan and I started the day off early this morning with a walk for Molly.  I stopped enroute at Dollarama for a few things  that I needed.  Dan has already been back there plus he has made a trip to Superstore because I forgot we would need asparagus and corn yesterday when he did the last minute shopping. 🤦

I have the lemon meringue and pumpkin pies made, the turkey is stuffed and cooking, the ham is cooked and sliced, and Dan is in the process of making cabbage rolls.

Not picture perfect – but made with love! (Which is the most important ingredient)

I still have lots of food prep and setting up to go, plus my aerobics and treadmill – so best get back to work! 😊

Daily Food Diary – Day 281

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1 3/4) c Cheerios (249)

(1/4) c 2% milk (28)

Lunch:

(2) potato patties (240)

(1) tomato (22)

(3) slices back bacon (52)

Snacks:

(1) c hot lemon water

(1/2) c beef broth (16)

Supper:

(4 1/2) oz baked ham (163)

(1 1/2) c potato au gratin (300)

(3/4) c corn (105)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) side salad (253)

Total consumed calories: 1465

Total used calories: 302

(30) min walking (53)

(30) min aerobics (176)

(30) min light weights (73)

Total net calories: 1163

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1163 = 66 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 276 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 276 of my Daily Food Diary! 💝

It is three years and eight months since I started my general Health and Fitness Journey – diet, exercise, stress management…

Since I began this journey, I have noticed a number of benefits due to my new lifestyle.  Most, if not all, creep up so gradually that I do not recognize them until one day – poof! I look at the scale and realize I have lost forty pounds, I try on pants that I have not been able to squeeze into for years and they are a perfect fit.  I go to take out a bag of garbage and there is no struggle getting it to the bin out back or lifting it high enough to toss it in…

This morning,  I came across such a benefit that had crept up on me…

The cabinet where I stockpile my OTC medications.

I went to get my vitamins (B12, Lutein, D3) to fill my weekly pill dispenser and I  realized that my cabinet had little else in it.

Over the past few years, I have done away with the giant bottle of Aspirin, the huge bottle of Tums, the cough syrup,  the Imodium, the cortisone creams,  and more.  To be honest, other than the Claritin and my three vitamins, I don’t remember when I used anything in this cabinet. 

Not only this cabinet, but my purse as well, used to look like a well stocked drug store.  😳

I still have my inhalers for asthma, bronchiectasis, and COPD.   I have a bottle of CBD drops and CBD cream (which I seldom use) and I have my Collagen Supplement (which is not going anywhere, anytime soon).

Today it is time to celebrate another win. 🎊

Daily Food Diary – Day 276

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Cheerios (147)

(1/4) c milk (28)

Lunch:

(2) potato patties (240)

(2) tomatoes (44)

(1) chocolate brownie (121)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(1/2) c beef broth (15)

Supper:

(1) sourdough bun (190)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(2) oz ham (89)

(1) slice havarti cheese (110)

(3) sliced white onion (32)

(15) Barbecue chips (156)

Total consumed calories: 1242

Total used calories: 243

(30) min walking (53)

(30) min food prep (56)

(1) hour cleaning (135)

Total net calories: 999

Net calories goal: 1229 – 999  = 230 under

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 275 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 275 of my Daily Food Diary – and poof another ten days of 2025 have passed – just like that! 🫰

Yesterday was another somewhat productive day.  It was warm enough to get outside and clean the interior of the Jeep.  It is pretty much all leather,  so climbing around with a spray bottle of leather cleaner,  a wet cloth, and a dry cloth was more doable than the vacuuming extravaganza on Wednesday.

The reward for my efforts was a supper out at Fin’s Fish and Chips.   Their food is hearty, healthy, yeast and palm oil free – and delicious.  🤩

Today is cool and raining off and on.  We got in our morning walk with Molly. 

Which was obviously exhausting…

Dan is off shopping.  I am juggling my morning routine with getting our house in order.  The days have been going by so quickly that I haven’t done a good solid cleaning for a bit and it is beginning to show. 🙄

I still have my aerobics and weights to do, but at least the porch is clean.  But first.. it is time to tackle the kitchen.

Daily Food Diary – Day 275

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) crumpets (240)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(1) tbsp raspberry jam (50)

Lunch:

(1/2) serving Smoked beans (196)

(1) Harvest all beef hot dog (160)

(6) Hint of Lime chips (150)

(48) oz water

(12) oz lemon water

Supper:

(1) Sprite (140)

(2) PC’s  Fin City battered pickerel (500)

(1/2) c coleslaw (104)

(1) c home fries (331)

(1/4) c gravy (25)

(1) tbsp tartar sauce (40)

Total consumed calories: 2007

Total used calories: 422

(30) min. Aerobics (176)

(1) hr clean Jeep interior (135)

(30) min. Treadmill (59)

(30) min walking (53)

Total net calories: 1585

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1585 = 356 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 233 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 233 of my Daily Food Diary! 🎉

Yesterday our family acquired a newly licensed driver. (Learners license, but still!)

They grow up too fast!

From day one, Maddy was determined to be “one of the big kids” like her older siblings Genie and Rory.   She has done a good job of becoming a mature and responsible young lady.

But, to be honest I never thought she would be determined enough to embrace driving.  She just doesn’t seem to be the ‘driver’ type.  (Unlike younger sister Prim who can’t wait to get behind the wheel!)

Not only does Maddy have her license, but last night she took her first drive in the country with her Mom.  She got behind the wheel and  drove a few miles before swerving to avoid hitting a dog.  As she left the gravel road and hit the ditch, she remembered her driver trainer’s instructions and kept her wheels straight. 

First challenge in the driver’s seat and she handled it like a pro.  The dog is fine, Maddy & Mom are fine, my Taurus is almost fine – and the heat shield for my Taurus is in the trunk. 🙄

Good job Maddy! 💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 233

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Rice Krispies (120)

(1/4) c 2% milk

(1) tsp sugar (8)

Lunch:

(1) Beef & pork burger with cheese (221)

(1/2) c brown mushrooms (22)

(1/4) c white onions (15)

(12) Low sodium ripple chips (159)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) ground chicken taco salad: green lettuce, cucumber, pepper, olives, onion, red radishes, tomato (400)

(10) Hint of Lime chips (250)

Total net calories: 883

Net calories goal: 1222 – 883 = 339 under 👍

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