The Zone 4 Challenge

Text for Family blog posts…

I finished a 6-week chemo sequence a week ago today, and since then I feel like our friend’s lawn looked like last July — tired, fragile, pale.  As I helped him move furniture back into his second home, after the renters had left it somewhat in disarray, he showed me how the lawn looked after not being watered all spring. (more…)

Inner Coach:  You haven’t posted for several days now.  How are you doing?

Norm:  It’s a matter of energy again.  I listed lots more ideas this week, which are topic headers for posts, but haven’t written the text for them.

C:  So, what would you like to post tonight?

Insight on the Journey

N:  I just had an insight a few minutes ago that bubbles up as very important right now. (more…)

As I brushed my hair this morning I noticed that it was full of someone’s hair.  At first I thought it must be Marie’s, so I grabbed some hair on the top of my head and about a dozen strands appeared in my hand.  OK, it’s Day 17 of chemo and my hair is now starting to go, as predicted.

(more…)

I was able to finish most of my regular, Saturday morning tasks around the house, so I lay down on the sofa in the family room to rest for a while. Then Sierra, our Golden Retriever and long-time family member, came over and propped her chin on the sofa cushion, waiting for me to respond to her quiet invitation to scratch her ears.

(more…)

A phrase we used as our children grew during the 70’s and 80’s persists today:  “You don’t have to like it, you just have to eat it.” Two purposes were behind this rule:  First, vegetables are actually good for you.  Second, self-discipline is good for you.

(more…)

My experience this week reminded me of an event that took place 49 years ago.  I was serving as a new missionary for the LDS Church in the Flagstaff, Arizona area and our district, which included eight missionaries, spent one of our P-Days (preparation days) hiking down into the Grand Canyon from a South Rim starting point.

(more…)

As I continued to struggle with managing my energy today I remembered what I came to call the Archie-Norm rule.

(more…)

Today has been a very low energy day.

I feel like my mother used to say, “My get up and go, got up and went.”

I look forward to some of it returning tomorrow…

A funny thing happened on my way to September.  My plan to implement the Zone 4 Challenge in a broad way has been slowed down, so for now the Zone 4 Challenge is mostly for me.

But, tonight as I watch the sobering review of bullying incidents on the news, my heart is heavy and sad.

(more…)