See The Edge
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Sign In PleaseThis is your page. Please consider it my guestbook for all of you. It's a place that I've provided where you can share your voices. A place for you to talk about you. A place to bring your perspective about the edge you have developed or have found within yourself. Thanks for sharing! Congratulations on "seeing your edge."Please Create Your Entries As Comments On This Page. |
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Dec. 30, 2014 So proud of your perseverance and discipline. You have inspired many people. Keep fighting the good fight!
May. 13, 2014 Awesome article as usual. If anything, these past two years have made me realize just how precious our time here on earth really is....It is something I will never take for granted again.. Keep walking and writing....
Love Cindy
Apr. 21, 2014 Old buddy, I speak from long experience, you did right, There are some nights and ever days that are COUCH days. When you acknowledge these and do so, you are much better off.
Damn proud of how well you are doing pal!
Mar. 16, 2014 That bites pal, I haven't had that happen on Wordpress as yet, But trust me I would be hella grouchy if it happend to me.
On the plus side, nice work on the ranking!!!
Feb. 24, 2014 don't even ask dear, we're not getting another dog. I buy you a treadmill first. Lol
Feb. 4, 2014 Good Job honey.... After all.... You must stay healthy to take care of me...lol
Jan. 19, 2014 Looking forward to following along on your blog. January is always an interesting time for me as a formal time to review the successes of the prior year and to set updated objectives and strategies.
Wishing success to each participant as we focus on what is important individually.
Jan. 12, 2014 Rod,
I've just begun reading your Blog and love it.
I am trying to make some big changes in my life and you seem to be covering most of the things I'm looking to improve in.
Thanks,
Mike
Jan. 4, 2014 I'm in and LOVE my Fitbit! Please add me to your Fitbit friends.
Jan. 4, 2014 Keep it up pal, your fellow COUG is behind you!
Dec. 27, 2013 Bravo Rod!
I am recommitting myself as well - let's hold each other accountable...
Jul. 29, 2013 Rod
Cindy could not have a better more courageous person at her side. I wish you both the best and when I hit my knees at night will say a prayer.
All the best to you both,
Jeanne
Jul. 29, 2013 Rod and Cindy, you are an inspiration to many. Thank you for sharing such a personal fight. My guess is that you'll conquer this, and it is my prayer that you'll do so!
Jul. 29, 2013 Rod - All my best to Cindy (and you as her #1 cheerleader). My best friend was diagnosed with NHL in her early 20s. It returned in her early 30s - and after a long fight she won! She's now living in Gig Harbor with her husband and daughter cancer-free. She's truly an inspiration - as I'm sure Cindy is (and will be as she progresses in her battle with you at her side). I've never been one to dwell on the bad, but instead choose to find the good and let it spread. I have no doubt that your positive outlook will pull Cindy through the dark days, and help her find the strength to find the positive in all of this. I'll be here as you take on this fight - and will always have an open ear and a list of reasons to keep pushing towards the good in life. :)
Jun. 16, 2013 My Dad led by example. He did more volunteer work (and still does) than anyone I've ever met. Most of that work was selfless - rescuing people off of mountains, using talents in emergency first aid in the backcountry, being a Boy Scout leader, teaching first aid to those that teach, being an expert in hypothermia without a college degree, working for the Oregon State Police.
I learned my work ethic from my Dad. He was a 40 year Boeing guy. During his non-work time he was a Ranger for the National Park Service at Mt. Rainier. I had it so good. Living in the mountains on weekends and summers as a kid and working summers through high school in places most of my friends would never see.
He's still living in the mountains and I appreciate him SO much! Can't wait for him to come up this way to stay for a week this summer. Bad eyesight and hearing be damned, we'll have a great time!
Jan. 16, 2013 This is in regard to your "21 Days of Kindness" article (Day 5 - Saying Thank You). I appreciate that you noticed and recognized the effort that Eva and I put into assisting with an important and somewhat difficult process. Acknowledgment in your article was very nice, but I also appreciate the hand-written thank-you note I received from you on this topic. I don't want to discourage financial rewards, but I think it's important to share that recognition and/or acknowledgment can sometimes be more motivating and powerful than financial incentives. Personally, I want to feel like I am contributing to something of value that is bigger than me and that makes a noticeable difference to others = I thrive on validation that I'm making a difference. Noticing our contribution is an easy way to keep us engaged and make us feel like we are a valuable part of something substantial. So...thank you for noticing [insert smiley face here].
Jan. 8, 2013 Love the wisdom!
Dec. 13, 2012 Rod, what an inspiration you are to all of us! Thank you for taking the time to share your perspectives and experiences through this blog. So often it encourages, challenges and inspires me--and many times it just lifts my spirits to keep YOU in my thoughts.
A lot of people just don't understand the power of social media and the depth of connection you can develop through the written word and the occasional photo of those you follow online. As users/communicators we often don't even realize our own power to touch and elevate lives. I just wanted you to know that you are a treasure and although we may not have many opportunities for face-to-face interaction, I consider you a dear friend. Blessings on your holiday season and may every kindness you extend come back to you tenfold! You are a remarkable individual.
Dec. 6, 2012 Olivia’s presentation had such an impact on me. I loved it all, but what brought it all together was the “alone†note from a colleague.
I started to think about how I haven’t been connecting, just sort of going through the motions, so busy, but with nothing I could clearly articulate. Melinda Abrahamson told me about the birthday challenge and I decided to take it on. What’s beautiful and unexpected about this process is that with each “Act†I connect with, I’m finding my voice again, and through my words, I seem to be connecting with people.
Upon reflection, the interesting bit is during the picture challenge, I selected a photo of a mouth on a white background. I told my table that it represented using my voice to find connections where there might not have been anything. Truth be told, I selected my picture after lunch and didn’t have many options. I was trying to be witty in attempts to stretch “my why†into a goofy photo. Turns out it may not have been so goofy after all.
Thank you for reaching out and thank you for sharing your blog. I love it.
NOTE: This was sent as a Facebook response to me privately and has been posted in the guest book with Renee's permission. I encourage you to check out her 39 Conscious Acts of Kindness on her Facebook wall @ https://www.facebook.com/renee.hazen.9#!/renee.hazen.9
Nov. 20, 2012 I grew up, or should I say I spent my formidable years in the Willamette Valley outside of Salem, Oregon near many cousins and relatives. For some reason we ended up each Thanksgiving at my Aunt Tammy's where her five children and many foster kids along with dozens of other neighbors and relatives happened to gather as well. Oregon is famous for rain (and mud) and we had some of the best "mud football" games in the park directly across the street.
Nov. 3, 2012 Rod, I love your blogs and of course I especially love this one! Not only was it fun, but I wish I could have done a "Debbie-Cam" with my eyes as you RAN by so you could have seen yourself. Tall, lanky, handsome guy, running EFFORTLESSLY by me and Cousin Kay. The lanky guy not winded at all as he RAN. A look of wonder on his face. Holding up both hands in the universal 'What happened?" gesture. It was glorious! Strains of "Chariots of Fire" filled our cerebral atmospheres. Perfect timing because, though I hate to admit it, Kay and I had JUST been discussing if it would "be okay" to stop at our car in the parking lot and not walk the last half mile to the Finish Line.(We didn't know there was a medal and had almost stopped caring about the soup.) Well, of course it wouldn't "be okay" and we powered on to the finish line in your inspirational wake. :) Thanks Rod! and think about this: May 6, 2013, Bloomsday Fun Run in Spokane, WA. 12K. Your four walking cousins are doing it....now we need our running cousins, you and Beth :) Just sayin'.
Nov. 3, 2012 You are very inspiring Rod ... *Good for You*! ... I am getting there. My diet is pretty clean ... Now I just have to start moving! Warmly, Jeris
Oct. 29, 2012 Note: This entry is an exerpt from an email I received on Sunday, October 28th. It has been shortened but not materially altered by me. It is included in my guest book with permission of Bob Guild. Someone I look forward to meeting face-to-face one day soon. RWB
Hi Rod,
We've not met, but I've heard much about you over the past several years. I just found your website and blogs this morning. To tell you the truth I can't stop crying after reading your poem to your dad. We have a lot in common - thank you for posting the tribute. Although different, our fathers are/were so similar. You've inspired me to pen my own tribute. Thank you.
Reading your posts, it doesn't surprise me of your association with PEMCO.
I must say I've had a wonderful relationship with PEMCO - although very limited; seasonal, actually. As a past member of the Seattle Association of Life Underwriters, I was involved with a Christmas dinner at St. James Cathedral for about 18 years. PEMCO was a major donor, supplying the monies to buy the Baron of Beef for the meal and an enthusiastic work crew to serve. Some years we would serve nearly 400 low income or homeless men, women and children.
About four years ago, I was pleased to turn it over to PEMCO entirely - I knew what had become such an important piece of my life was in a great place to continue the tradition.
Thanks again for your blog, your thoughts and your 'challenges', or questions of one's life and how one approaches life. I very much enjoy your points of view and especially, as I read it, your perspective. I share your sense of family and community. I look forward to following future posts.
Best Regards,
Bob Guild
Sep. 16, 2012 Your Dad Was, and would Still be so very proud of the Man you have become. I only wish I would have been lucky enough to have met him (and your mom). You're my sweetheart.
Sep. 10, 2012 Rod,
I just wanted to say how proud I am of you. I can't believe it's been a year since I first stumbled onto your blog. Healthy Edge is right. I am not very good at keeping journals and I've been living and taking part in my own Healthy Edge. I prided myself that I ate healthy, but the truth was I wasnt't. Being 52, and a post-menopausel woman, fat had become an unwanted friend. I had tried to make changes, but nothing stuck until the day I went into my Dr's office for a routine blood test on 7/26 and decided to weigh myself on a scale. I knew I was over 180, but I couldn't tell Bob that. I was trying to find a way to stay in my clothes without going out to buy more "fat" ones. I was horrified to find out that I was 186 pounds and I'm only 5'1".
I went home and started googling everything I could find on weight loss. I thought that if I could push more water, then maybe that would help. I started making small chnages in my diet, but for the most part, I was concentrating on drinking 64 oz of water a day.
I bought some cranberry juice with nothing in it and started mixing it in my water and bought grapefruit. I went online to the lipitor website and found out that I could have my grapefruit and my lipitor too as long as I wasn't drinking or ingesting more than a quart a day. Like I would really do that. All was going good until one day I was at home eating my lunch in front of the tv, and I started having chest pains and it felt like my food wasn't going down. I said nothing to Bob, and the pain eventuallly went away.
The next morning I went to work and that same burning sensation that I had from the day before came back. Providentially for me, we were overstaffed so I was ablke to go home early and make a trip to the walk in clinic where the Dr told me I had Heartburn and Acid Reflux. Great! So I went home and went online to find out what "new" kind of diet I needed to be on.
What I read inspired me and opened my eyes, gave me hope, and made me laugh. Nothing greasy, fried, or fattening could ever touch my lips again. No high acid foods, so the grapefruit and the tru lemon and lime I had just bought I had to say goodbye to. the weight had to go as well. Oh and I had to start keeping a food diary too. What a drag!
But it was what I needed to get me out of my apathy and start making those changes that I needed. That was August 8th. So I started the food diary, and kept track of what I was eating. What a real drag, and I had another pill to add to my collection. He prescribed Zantac for my heartburn woes. I hate taking pills, so i resolved to control it with my diet. I went in to see my primary care physician on the 13th and when I told him about the Zantac, he told me to scratch that and he said that Prilosac would be much better. Ugh! Another pill!
Very soon after that, it may have been only a couple of days even, Bob told me about this Dr he saw on on one of the PBS channels about how you could boost your immune system. Since he could not remember the Dr's name, I went to Google and started searching. What I found there was amazing and life changing. All this time I was trying to watch my portions and eat better, but it wasn't helping. Dr Joel Fuhrman is a board certified Family Physician who uses nutirtion to help reverse the diseases that his pts have. The diet that he recommends for them is not quacky, and not some calorie restricting. It's the same diet that God gave to Adam and Eve in the begiining.
And God said, "SEE, I HAVE GIVEN YOU EVERY HERB THAT YIELDS, SEED WHICH IS ON THE FACE OF ALL THE EARTH, AND EVERY TREE WHOSE FRUIT YIELDS SEED; TO YOU IT SHALL BE FOR FOOD", also "AND YOU SHALL EAT THE HERB OF THE FIELD". GENESIS 1:29, 3:18.
In the beginning, Man was a vegetarian, and since I used to be a 7th Day Adventist, I knew in my heart that I could do this. Since I have been on it, I have gone from 186 to 168. I'm eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies and with a few exceptions of measuring out my nuts, seeds, and starches, I don't have to count calories, and I can eat as much as I want, and best of all I am eating oranges and kiwi again, because my heartburn is going away. Dairy and cheese have not touched my lips in a month, and as for meat like fish and chicken, it's more like a condiment now like ketchup because my veggies and salads have become my main course. I eating beans almost daily and I try to limit my starchy food to one serving a day. I'm putting flaxseed meal on my food, and I eat about one ounce of nuts or seeds every day whether it's in my salads or oatmeal. The book is called EAT TO LIVE!
I learned a long time ago that a "DIET" IS NOT WHAT YOU'RE ON, BUT WHAT YOU EAT. And this diet is one that I can live with, because I know that as long as I'm getting 90% of my calories from NUTRIENT RICH HIGH FIBER FOODS, I can still have my fish and chicken. Only now, like I said it will be more like a condiment.
Bob is proud of the fact that I have lost almost 20 pounds. When I told him what I used to weigh, he is pleased and very happy, and what more is I am pleased, because finally I am doing something to get myself back to where I used to be, and as the weight comes off, I'm going to wnat to exercise and look forward to riding my bike and going up and down the stairs where I work at without killing myself. Lol! Thanks Rod and God Bless.
Aug. 30, 2012 Rod, what a wonderful tribute to Alfonso! I feel like a got a true picture of him from your writing!
They truly were The Great Generation, our parents and parents-in-law. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Aug. 14, 2012 Rod, this week you are averaging 68 minutes of exercise a day! I am on a doctor-prescribed regime of one hour of weight-bearing exercise a day. Typically I take a rigorous walk. These days I have a dear friend in the hospital who I like to visit every evening. So it is sometimes challenging to find the "walking hour."
Generally no one walks with me so I get loads of thinking time. By the end of a one-hour walk I am clear about something that was on my mind or motivated to get started on something new.
Do you find that the exercise helps you align your thinking as well as get your blood flowing and the calories burning?
Aug. 9, 2012 Rod, you looked fabulous at MCEI last night. It was great talking with you about this personal health-journey you've undertaken. You are definitely an inspiration, and I congratulate you on your obvious accomplishments over the last 48 weeks. Thank you for your bravery and honesty and for being you! - Wendy
PS I sent an email to Judy....
Jul. 27, 2012 Rod,
What a fantastic update! I've admired your openness in sharing your journey. Now it's wonderful to see how all that intention and effort is paying off in both pounds and well-deserved attention from your community at PEMCO. I'm sure you've inspired many to join you on this path!
Best wishes,
Therese
Jul. 24, 2012 Hi Mr. Rod,
I just read the first page of "Healthy Edge" and I loved it! My mom too died young and as a result I made some major lifestyle changes to help me stay healthy. It's not an easy thing to do, but it is so very worth it. Keep up the good work and here's to your success!
Bridgette
Jul. 2, 2012 I am a returner to the Pacific Northwest from spending the last five years in Vegas. I am happy to be out of the “Bubble†and back to the bright perspective of the PNW. I really missed the trees, the lakes and the mountains, but I had forgotten how much I missed the characters that make up the PNW. I want to thank you and your company, PEMCO, for making me laugh and reminding me about the great people that make up this beautiful area. Because I will take “Socks and Sandals Guy†any day over “Poker & Cigars for a Living Guy.†I look forward to reading more of your posts!
– Go Cougs!
Jun. 25, 2012 I should have known you were a fellow martini drinker - very distinguished taste. Congratulations on your continuing results!
Jun. 9, 2012 Rod,
Started on yet another health plan last week. I'll be following you along as well as telling my story.
Great Ron edge story.
Jun. 2, 2012 Keep up the great work honey. Love the hair hat......NOT. lol
Mar. 18, 2012 Thanks for the inspiration, Rod. I was battling to break through a plateau last week, and when I finally did, I took a couple of days off from my diet restriction. Doesn't make a lot of sense, does it? I had been thinking all day about how I need to gear up and start anew with fresh resolve, too! Great job sticking with your goal!
Mar. 12, 2012 Congratulations on your weight loss. That is an incredible success story.
I had a laugh when I saw your "goose egg" on exercise. The schedule pressure of running a biz between the US and Europe has thown cold water on what used to be a very enjoyable weekly exercise routine for me. My weekends still see me sweating, but week days became 5 straight zero-exercise days.
A doctor friend of mine bet me that I could make a very significant change by simply doing 20 pushups every day. Every day. As in, drop and do 20 while waiting for the shower to get hot.
I was pretty surprised at the result, and ended up crafting a Mon-Wed-Fri morning workout routine that can be done in 30-40 minutes including some light running up and down the hill in front of my house and (you guessed it) a handful of push-ups at the top and bottom of each hill.
There's my golden nugget for today. Take care, and keep up the good work.
Max
Mar. 5, 2012 Huge congrats on you healthy weight, healthy living edge. As someone who's followed in these footsteps I can honestly say that this is a wonderful deal. Wishing you continued good luck. Keep that edge sharp!
Feb. 11, 2012 Hey, Rod -
It's been a while since I've looked - you're making GREAT progress!!! Good job!
- n.
Feb. 10, 2012 Hey Rod...Just wanted to add my support and kuddos for your journey and your awesome success!! Wow! You are truly an inspiration to all of us who struggle with our weight gain later in life. I had never had to diet when I was younger, and even through my 30's and 40's, was able to dance or jazzercise my way back into fitness after late-life pregnancies. But my 50's have been quite a different matter. Menopause just hit my body hard, and has been very un-willing to cooperate!! UGH! It seems as I approach 60 (just a week away), I am struggling more than ever with my weight. Reading about all your success is keeping me on track, as I lose VERY slowly but surely. Sure wish someone would invent a "quick-fix" in a bottle, but alas...we all must find our own way back to a healthy weight we can happily live with. Thank you for sharing your progress with all of us. It took courage to simply put it "out there"...and YOU DID IT! Way to go! Keep up the great work! You are looking SKINNY!! It must feel SIMPLY GRAND!! :)
Feb. 4, 2012 Good for you, Rod! I am starting monday on an exercize plan- personal trainer until I can learn to do it the right way! I was never the athlete that you were. Joining weight watchers. I look forward to keeping tabs on each other as we progress. AGAIN< congrats to you and we'll have to have lunch ( tofu and a Richard Simmons burger) when we reach our goal weights!
Feb. 3, 2012 Thank you, Rod, for your inspiration. I have been following your Healthy Edge blogging and until now have secretly joined you. I've lost 8 pounds since January 2, just a little under my goal for the first month, but I'm committed and determined, nonetheless. You are leading ME...so keep up the good work! :-)
Feb. 3, 2012 I just read your entire blog concerning your weight loss journey, and I am impressed with your commitment and progress. Thanks for sharing! I am attempting to control my diet- for the first time ever. I am not much of a dieter, but I am tired of being dissatisfied, and with trying to find something flattering to wear. It's gotten to be a chore I dread, getting dressed. I am trying to think of it as a lifestyle change rather than a diet. That's a good idea to blog each week, it really gives you an added motivation, I'm sure. Good job! You are doing amazing! I have a huge sweet tooth, wish me luck! Haha
Your cousin,
Tami
Jan. 30, 2012 Hey Rod,
You gave a terrific Keynote presentation at the 2nd Annual Content Marketing Retreat last week, produced through FusionSpark Media's Langley Center for New Media.
Based upon the feedback that I've received the insight and knowledge that you shared with warmth and compassion hit all the right notes with the audience, and kicked off the 2-days wonderfully. I couldn't have wished for better ...
Thank you for accepting my invitation to speak, and thank you for inviting me to give you comments on your presentation as you were developing it.
I look forward to working with you again in the future.
Best regards,
Russell Sparkman
CEO, FusionSpark Media, Inc.
Director, Langley Center for New Media
Jan. 20, 2012 My edge during the big Seattle freeze of 2012? A generator hardwired into the major circuits of our house. No power? No problem. I'll just turn the heat up and run a load of dishes. :)
However, as I read over the previous posts in this guestbook. I feel privileged to be invited to take part. Thanks for making this available to us.
Rod, you are a different kind of CMO. Pemco is very blessed to have someone who can be so real with his colleagues. This, in turn, creates an environment where your employees can also be real. This is an amazing gift to a company. You are creating a fabulous culture.
Blessings.
Jan. 20, 2012 This was the first "unemployed" experience of Seattle weather shutdown. It reminded me of something we taught in classes at my former employer. There are things we have direct control, things we may influence, and some that are completely out of our control. There actually are things we can do for each situation.
Even if we have no control over things, such as a major snow storm, we CAN control our attitude toward that event. If we let the media terrorize us about the storm that slams, blasts, hits,or hammers us, we have surrendered.
Our edge is to NOT let someone else tell us what our attitude should be.
Jan. 20, 2012 Love the Blog Rod! ... I have been sitting on Queen Anne Hill for two days watching people in SUVs attempt to drive up and *slide* down ... It's been a lesson in hubris. I stayed safe, warm and at my computer overlooking the antics feeling blessed beyond words.
Jan. 6, 2012 Hi Rod,
I want to say that I really love all your "posts, blogs" whatever they are called, but I particularly loved this one. Every single word you wrote was so right on. I find myself going back to it often and each and every time I read it I am right back there. It makes me feel proud, happy and sad, and so very,very blessed.
People have told me that everything changes. Well here is what I know. Some things didn't. Karen and I, along with a different group of friends and neighbors used the same yard, the same bases and the same driveway. That "huge" house, that was a haven for so many, had one bathroom - with no lock on the door - if you remember. I do not recall that ever being a problem. Door closed = knock. Good grief, could our kids survive that today? Could we?
I love ya Rod, and it means so much to read your posts. Never mind the fact that the 5 of us have all taken different paths. That lives that at one time were so very intertwined now rely on a holiday, or a tragedy or a form of technology that some of us can't even use to stay in that moment. Memories are a gift from God. All of them special.
Thanks brother for sharing this memory of yours with me.
Love, - Bet -
PS: I learned to ride my first 2 wheel bike in that front yard. Dad said it would be a softer place if I fell. He wasn't wrong. It was always my soft place to fall.
Jan. 4, 2012 My Edge story has changed how I live and work in my life. I recall my first performance review in my new role as HR Manager and was shocked when I was told that I would never be successful in HR as long as I continued to wear my ‘heart on my sleeve’. I was told to toughen up, stop getting so personal with those under my care and not to be so sensitive to the needs of others. Wanting to do a good job I spent the next 12 months trying to eliminate wearing my heart on my sleeve and endeavored to fix what was apparently broken. While I sent out to repair what was faulty, I slowly became disenfranchised and less engaged daily from my chosen profession.
As I was close to handing in my resignation, I had the fortune to meet an astute senior HR professional who was getting ready to retire that year. I shared my dilemma with her and asked for her advice on how I could ‘fix’ myself. This wise elder informed me that what I thought was a curse, was indeed a gift. She encouraged me to differentiate myself from my colleagues by having the courage to wear my emotions on my sleeve and to be authentic in the workplace. Her wisdom was that if I brought my ‘whole self’ to work then others would be given permission to do the same. She encouraged me to lead with my strength, with my true self.
Another gem of wisdom she transferred to me was “before you speak or take any action ask yourself three questions~ Is it truthful what I am about to say or do, it is necessary that I say or do it and, above all else, can I say or do it with kindnessâ€
Although I have struggled to keep the integrity of her words when I get tossed in the seas of change and pressure, I thank her for reminding me in those dark moments to be myself, for giving me permission to wear my heart on my sleeve.
Dec. 23, 2011 This year has been a very "edgy" year for me. My current position in life does not allow any great financial outpouring for gifts this year (not that I poured a lot when I was working). However, this has brought a great revelation to me. My edge is the "true me".
While watching folks out and about during the holidays, lots of folks try to be anyone except themselves. They spend money on things they would normally never buy, they show poor behavior that they normally don't show, and have expectations that aren't what wthey would normally expect.
This year, I have truly enjoyed my God, my family, my friends, and participated in events that I have never taken the time to do. My children are returning home in the next day or so, I have a roof over my head, and food to eat.
My edge, in a short statement, is is everything I normally am, my life as I normally live it, and my values that are my normal values every day 24X7.
Dec. 11, 2011 Rod, you sure set a challenging pace today in the Jingle Bell Run! I need to do that more often. It sure was a great time!
Dec. 4, 2011 You're right honey, "Away in the Manger" is my new favorite of all your blogs. I'm a little teary down here, so you should probably stay upstairs for a while unless you want to see your sweetie blubbering. I'm an ugly cryer. lol
Dec. 1, 2011 Hi Rod,
Congratulations on your weight loss and your continued dedication! Don't give up; it's totally worth it. I understand the journey you are on and I admire your public commitment (although that would have scared the heck out of me!!)! I have battled weight issues all my life, topping the scales at 320 in college (not pretty on a 5'4" frame!!). I am now, literally, half the person I used to be {only on the scales :)- } so I know it can be done! Thinking of you and counting on you (more added pressure - LOL) and am always looking to exchange tips and tricks for healthy (and happy) eating! Bottom line - it has to taste good!!! Keep up the good work!
Nov. 25, 2011 When I was a little kid, we always went up to Spokane for Thanksgiving with my mom's (Italian) family. I cannot describe the excitement we had driving up on Wednesday, the very special day with very special (Italian) food along with the traditional food on Thursday, hanging out with cousins on Friday and Saturday, and the absolute BELLY FLOP of going home on Sunday.
We now spend time with our kids at my brother's house on Wednesday evening and Thanksgiving. The excitement we have now comes very close to what we experienced as kids. Now OUR kids have something to carry on for their kids as well.
Family.... the only way to fly. happy holidays to all!
Nov. 24, 2011 Spending time during the Holidays with the Thorkildsen's and Mikkelborg's was always precious for me. Having Thanksgiving dinner with my grandparents and and the rest of the family gave me a sense of tradition and love that I will never lose.
I remember the house being full of family trying to talk with mouths full of Yule Kaka, KrumKaka and especially Lefse (and NOT,as grandma would call it, "Minnesota Lefse).
My grandmother always wore a dress protected by an apron, and seemed to never leave the kitchen. My grandfather would sit at the kitchen table with my uncles talking about what seemed to be pretty serious stuff. Grandpa usually had coffee served to him in a proper 'cup AND saucer' to which after adding the appropriate mixer, pour the coffee from the cup into the saucer and then sip his drink from the saucer.
The only time the house became quite was when my grandma 'ordered every one to the table. After we all took our places, my grandma would say a table prayer in Norweigian. Once the prayer was finished the eating started up again.
I think my 'Edge' would be experienceing real family love and tradition. Learning my Heritage and holding that heritage in my heart for, if nothing else, to survive the path of life laid out before me. And to always look back to the good times of family, love, and eating Lefse.
Nov. 6, 2011 Congratulations to you and Cindy, Rod. As always, you are inspiring others (count me in) who follow your journey.
I agree with Cindy.....I don't know why there aren't more healthy fast food options!
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at the Ring of Honor dinner, and eating with health in mind!
Nov. 5, 2011 My wife cracks me up. A cook? LOL She wants a cook! Too funny!
Nov. 5, 2011 Could we please hire a cook. I need a break. Cooking used to be the "exception" , now it's the "rule". I need a healthy "fast food" option that delivers..... quickly.
Nov. 4, 2011 Hi Rod,
Awesome Job!!!!! Jim is a junk food junkie too. When he's stressed(which is usually near the end of every quarter) he starts to cave a little. He gave up most junk food a couple of years ago. That's when he started to loose his weight. He feels better for it. You look great, Keep up the hard work!!!!
Oct. 11, 2011 You are truly blessed my friend... Nothing comes before family. Nothing. Be well. Stay well. All the best my friend, Steve O
Oct. 9, 2011 Great job Rod! Each step you takes you closer to your goal. I have lost 40 lbs in the last year and am happy with where I am. I Zumba 4 times a week, not for weight loss but for healthy heart, energy and of course the social network of it all! Without the excercise I would probably go back to my old habits, feels good to have accomplished this on my own, makes me feel good about myself and like myself again. Keep up the good work, the weight loss is good but the feeling of accomplishment is great!!!
Oct. 2, 2011 My edge is maintaining a balance in my life, as a breast cancer survivor it is really important to focus on my health which consists of a regiment of hormone treatment resulting in weight gain of 40 pounds. My body has had a difficult time adapting to this weight, my knees and back are ready for a change. After 5 years of medicine, weight gain, nausea, hot flashes ups and down, I start the journey of detoxing off three drugs.
The first one was easy, the second one was etremely challenging and the last one I suspect will be difficult. The great news is that as soon as I stopped taking the second medicine, my weight started dropping further supporting my feeling the weight was directly related to the medicine. I have been able to maintain my weight gain at 40 pounds over the past 5 years and feel very committed to reducing my weight even further.
Oct. 2, 2011 Hey, Rod -
It wasn't too long ago that I weighed just about what you do now. Same family history of early exits from cardiovascular disease, same, same, same. This morning, I'm at 210# and still committed.
There is not a single part of my life that hasn't improved - not one.
I did not do this alone. It does take a village. Call me if there's anything I can do to support you on this. There is magic on the other side.
Go for it.
- Nic
Sep. 30, 2011 Way to go Rod!! I've been eating more fruit and veggies too.
I have been stuck at the same weight for probably a month. I have at least 10...possibly 15 pounds to go.Your progress really encourages me. I had gained 35 pounds while being unemployed. (I know your goal is more than that, but I'm sure you also know its all relative...the way I felt about me.) I became pretty much housebound because I was so ashamed of how I looked. I know its silly to become housebound about body image but my self confidence has really hit an alltime low since becoming unemployed. (Going from a "hot-shot" Regional Ops Mgr responsible for 5 NW states for a Communications Co. to restructure where I was given severance to unemployment.)
I had kind of lost my edge. I'm working on it now...I thought being unemployed, I should give back. I am now volunteering at Providence Hospital in Everett. I don't have $ to give back right now, so I'm giving me. :) I chose Prov. because they saved my life in February...I was in the hosp for nine days...over half of it in the Critical Care unit...almost went to meet our maker but thats another story.
It's hard to not be depressed when you're unemployed. Reading "Seeing The Edge" has helped me immensely. I picked myself up off the couch, started walking up to 3 miles a day with Mama Hazel, began volunteering at Prov and a couple other organizations and started giving up my stuff to someone bigger than me.
I'm feeling so much better and oh my gosh I have so many blessings in my life...my needs are taken care of, roof over my head etc, mama Hazel is still here, the love of my life, Bob, continues to be an amazing, wonderful man after almost 20 years...I have you and many others as wonderful friends, I could go on and on...(oh, I guess I have) :)
Anyway, all of this just to tell you CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are inspiring me and I thank you for that. The inspiration comes not only from your continuing weight loss (YAY!!) but from your entire uplifting, informative, positive and thought provoking blog. THANK YOU, ROD!!
Love from your friend Robin
P.S. Sorry if this too long and if I wandered off topic. Ooops.
Sep. 29, 2011 Hello Rod,
First off, I would like to congratulate you for taking on your health and creating an enormous amount of accountability by going public with your current health goals! I've been watching from afar and silently rooting you along ever since you created your first public post! I would like to suggest that what you really are after is weight "release" not weight loss. When we "lose" something (i.e. keys, remote control, important document, etc) we tend to try very hard to find it. I don't believe you wish to find the weight you have released thus far. Therefore, I encourage you to continue releasing the unwanted weight and gaining back the health you deserve!
I don't believe you and I have ever met. I came across your story through a Google Alert message for my company. Ironically, your "healthy edge" is in complete alignment with my edge! My wife (Amber) and I are Co-Founders of The Healthy Edge, LLC, and eight week healthy lifestyle transformation program and we live in relatively close proximity to you. I want to be very clear that I am not posting this as a marketing campaign for our company and I am not trying to sell you anything! You may consider this a random act of kindness as I wish to bless you with full 12 weeks of access to our online program for FREE. Simply an opportunity to add to all of the great things you have accomplished thus far in your health goals!
Simply reply back to me and I will gladly grant you full access to our program with nothing expected in return! If you wish to see who we are and what we are about, you may visit our website at www.getthehealthyedge.com and even sign up for our FREE 14 day trial.
I wish you nothing but great success!
Brian Thiel
Sep. 29, 2011 Hi Rod. I have three things to talk about when thinking about my "edge". The first is an idea I learned in a book - The Tenth Insight by James Redfield. The idea is that "everyone you meet in life has something to teach you if you are listening". That philosophy has guided my business career and my life. I learned how to manage and work with others by "listening" to good managers and bad managers. I learned how to make a marriage work for 42 years (and counting) by listening to my wife and friends and parents. I'm still trying to listen today - every chance I get . . . to every one I meet.
The second is a management tip I got from a boss at my first job in advertising. He said "never ask someone else to do something that you aren't willing to do yourself". When I ask someone to do something for me, I try to explain why I am asking them and the value the task can have for others. As a manager, I never asked anyone to work late, or come in on a weekend to finish an important project, without my being there as well. I've never backed off from "doing windows" and I think that has been an important factor in the success I have had in business.
The last "edge" I have found in my life is that I never want to totally lose a sense of naivete in interacting with others. I don't mean that I'm a pollyanna. I just try hard not to become cynical and become an old grouch by always looking for the best of people and their actions, not the worst.
Sep. 13, 2011 Hi Rod,
I'm not sure you will remember me- we met back in 1999 when my company was very involved in providing promotional products for PEMCO, from 1998 till now.(on a rare basis these days, something I personally mourn)
On a personal EDGE note- I know the feeling well of tackling the weight issue- which seems to get harder to shed as we age.
I am about to be 65- which I really don't know how that is supposed to feel. I still feel "young and energetic"- so really for me it's a number- one that entitles me to several new options- like medicare.
As the years have passed, I've watched my weight CLIMB- and I know about the bending over to tie up ones shoelaces- or for that matter- trying to clip ones toenails.
I have just gotten RID of 50 pounds. I have 30 more to go. I have done it mainly by avoiding processed foods and sweets. Sweets is my downfall, well add bread and potatoes to that also. And out of portion control . I discovered if I back way off the processed foods, that I do not have the cravings or hunger I once had when eating in an unhealthy manner. I also tried HCG, which was a tremendous boost and help- although now I find just mixing up my routine and again avoiding highly processed foods is the key for me. I do it now without even thinking.I can go into any restaurant and have them prepare a good steak or chicken breast grilled, salad with balsamic vinegar and steamed veggies- hold everything else and I'm good!!
My other edge- literally stumbling upon a small but wonderful orphanage in Ajijic Mexico. 24 children lovingly being reclaimed by a retired american doctor and his wife a nurse, spending their retirement monies to put this incredible place together. The stories that come out of here are beyond belief.! It gave me the edge to come back and be a fundraiser for them. It also reminded me that we truly are one, all over this world.
I think your blog is a great place for those of us out here to enter in!! Thanks Rod..
Aug. 8, 2011 Hey Rod,
You know a little about me via my "What If" post http://thesteveozone.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-if.html
But as far as my "edge" goes... it's a very long story and I would be more than happy to tell you the un-Reader's Digest version at your leisure but here, in this context... I will try and keep it under a million words :)
My edge comes from a lifetime of proving people wrong about me, about changing people's perceptions about me, about my unabashed love of helping people from organizing charitable donations to visiting residents in nursing homes to many others--- I truly love giving back and helping people.
But I am NOTHING without my Rock, AKA my wife. Not to get all "mushy" but without my wife giving me the confidence and believing in me many moons ago, I would not where I am today...
Everything that I am or will ever be is a direct result of the Good Lord bringing her into my life...
Here's one more thing I will share with you, it's something I wrote years ago that is still very applicable today:
My passion, my energy, my drive and my enthusiasm is true, real and undeniable. I don't drink, smoke or use drugs. I don't begrudge anyone who does however... it's just that's not me. The high I get from creating, writing, conceptualizing and destroying a pepperoni pizza is palpable. And no drug, man-made or otherwise could EVER duplicate, replicate or imitate the feeling and sensation that is derived from that.
Thanks Rod.
All the best my friend,
Steve O
Jul. 5, 2011 Pam took the words out of my mouth...I've lived in Sammamish for 7 yrs but this was the first time I attended the July 4th event, so in a way felt more like an observer for a while. The "Edge" I experienced was that, but also one other that stuck in my mind. Like many Eastside communities, Sammamish has gotten far more diverse even in just the last ten years...so diverse it is becoming more "American" than ever! I laughed to myself a bit as there were long lines of ethnic Indians lined up at the Indian food booth, long lines of ethnic Europeans lined up at the Hamburger/Hot Dog booth, etc. but long lines of everyone for the ice cream, elephant ears and popcorn. All the diversity and pursuit of happiness you'll ever need to see in one place - with a universal love of the things we identify with enjoyment and celebration. Once the show started, everyone "oohed" and "aahed" at the same moments, kids all fidgeted and got sleepy around the same time and everyone went home feeling a bit more satisfied they are raising their kids in a decent place. It's certainly grown on me the last few years!
Thanks for allowing people to share Rod, have a great summer yourself.
Jul. 5, 2011 The "Edge" I experienced came yesterday via the sense of community the City of Sammamish creates every 4th of July. For a city of little over 35,000 residents we draw an amazing number of residents from all around the Seattle-area, put on a helluva 25-minute fireworks display, and have a great time.
All is accomplished in a "safe and sane" way, with a huge number of volunteers from the community, the Eastside Fire & Rescue team plus the City of Sammamish Police and King County Sheriff's Office. I'm impressed every year and it's so much fun!
Jun. 4, 2011 Hello from the other side.
Please get out your Ouija board and IM me in the old fashioned way. Yes Rod I have been following your success. Impressive and I am happy to see you are imitating my coiffure by example.
Everything is good up here. You wouldn't believe how many cougars there are and how few Huskies. But then we all knew that before, well before the big day hits us, yes?
I keep an eye on the comings and goings at the Murrow – boy I like that Moniker. Now that is marketing 101. Put a brand on it that no one can ignore. And set a standard and work overtime to achieve and maintain it.
Up here I am in charge of the “think for yourself’ department. You might imagine things become uniform when nothing is a problem any more. That leads to “let’s all think alike†and “do the same thing†kind of namby pamby.
Of course I have pretty much no interest in that so I gotta shake up just like I did in the Advertising agencies and WSU.
Well that’s it for me. They’re playing golf which I detest but afterward they do have a few toddy’s so I’ll go over and give them the honor of my presence.
Keep Dancing.
May. 18, 2011 Seeing red face of the clock on Bryan Auditorium after coming over the last hill into Pullman (and knowing why the clock is red)
Watching the first snowflakes fall during the Apple Cup and knowing, no matter what the score is now, we will now pull it out!
Greek Dormie snowball fights. 1000's of people on each side just having fun.
NEVER saying you won a game until the game clock says 0:00
Knowing NOT to exceed 25mph in Colfax
and finally, Absolutely sure that ANYONE can be a Husky fan, its easy, but it takes stamina to be a COUG, and we love it!
May. 11, 2011 My edge has been in being able to see, hear or find the good in almost everything and everyone I meet. Every product, every company, every person has a positive, productive, even a "lovable" side. It's not surprising that this is where the person, the product or the company's "story" is born.
What a great place to start for a PR or salesperson who wants to most effectively tell your story!
Being able to see and identify that goodness also allows me to "see" the connections that do not yet exist between people, products and businesses. Being able to see the connection is more than half way to putting the pieces together and allowing the natural synergies to develop, naturally.
Apr. 27, 2011 Hello, Rod - and happy birthday from beautiful downtown Austin. A small chunk from the list of beliefs I hold:
The way to give life meaning is to be in service to others.
I hope that you've had a remarkable, memorable day!
Best,
- Nic
Apr. 27, 2011 If you don't believe in yourself, don't believe what you are doing, and don't truly believe it benefits the customer, you have no edge. On the other hand, if you do believe, your edge is your passion, talking from your heart. Until recently, I tried to get by without all three and it was a lose/lose all the way.
Happy birthday Rod. You are my Mt. Rainier of "the edge", everyone can see it, it's prominence is very clear, and everyone wants to get to where you are.
Thanks for the lessons in life.
Apr. 27, 2011 Happy Birthday, Rod! I'm really enjoying your blog. I first heard your quarter story when you spoke to the PRSA South Sound group a few months ago, and it definitely got me thinking about life's edges.
My takeaway: I think of striving for perfection as a cliff, while I think of continuing to improve, grow, learn, and know the difference as an edge. I'll choose the edge any day.
Looking forward to reading more.
Have a great day.
Debra Carnes
Apr. 27, 2011 I'm retired but I've had plenty of sales experience during my working years. I can walk into a business and tell within a few minutes how well the establishment is being run. Just yesterday I walked into a business that I used to work for years ago. I waited patiently for a salesperson to give me some information regarding an advertisement they had running. Finally a salesperson came to assist me and we proceeded back to the product area. As we were walking back to the product area the store phone rang. The salesperson immediately ran way back to the counter and answered the phone. The phone caller wanted a special part for his vehicle and rather than put him on hold and wait on me the salesperson continued with the phone caller for about ten minutes. Myself being a walk in customer and who had been politely waiting my turn had seen enough. I went to a competitor who gave me the service and product that I expect. The "edge" here is take care of your walk in customers who have taken the initiative to actually come into your store to shop FIRST. I was talking to the manager at the competitors store and he told me store policy is to put the phone customer politely on hold but always take care of walk in traffic first. He's got it right and in my book he's got an "edge" over the other establishment.
Apr. 27, 2011 Happy Birthday! And well done on the blog, it looks great. Given my own "edge" is about helping clients create customer-centric businesses, I will leave you with a couple of quotes that I know are close to your heart in these matters:
"Never argue with a customer - who ever won a fight with a customer?" - LL Bean
"Take care of the customer and the business will take care of itself." - Gary Comer, Founder of Lands' End
Have a great day.
Mar. 22, 2011 First, love the blog, Rod. Keep it up, I find some great insights here!
Our competitive edge at Marcello Entertainment begins by asking the question "Why?" as opposed to rushing into the "How?". We take some time to really seek out the needs, wants, fears and desires of our clients, so that we can get all strategic on their a*ses. Beyond that, we consistently preach creativity and imagination over big budgets and mass media.
And, as always, the concept of DISRUPTION is at the heart of EVERYTHING we do. Here's a brief video on how the act of disrupting plays strongly into word of mouth marketing: http://marcelloentertainment.com/schemas.
Best,
Dave
[email protected]
@MarcelloENT
Mar. 19, 2011 My Edge:
People are hungry to tell their story.
That may not sound like a significant business tip to share – but it is at the core of everything I do in Public Relations.
When I walk into a room, I don’t look around to see who thinks I am special – I walk into a room to see who I can make feel special.
I remember an event I went to as a child. There was a professional photographer taking pictures. He must have been in a terrible fire at some point in his life. He was missing his nose, most of his fingers, and his skin had that appearance which comes from a 3rd degree burn. I had never seen anyone like him. My mother bent down to us and quietly said, “What an extraordinary man. Can you even imagine what his life has been?â€
In that moment, my mind opened to possibilities. I forgot my discomfort, and wanted to know more about that man. What was his story? Suddenly he seemed so very beautiful.
Today when I meet a person in either my professional or personal life – I’m compelled to know their story.
Being a critical and empathetic listener allows me to hear stories. The ability to extract and then share those stories with the right audience is the essence of my work in Public Relations.
People are hungry to tell their story.
My family calls something I do “Mom’s five-minute trick.†Often times - within five minutes of meeting me - people are moved to tears. It’s neither a trick nor a game; but it is a phenomenon that is worth sharing. I listen when people talk. Here’s an example:
My son and I went out to eat recently. The server greeted us, and commented that it was nice to see a mom out with her son. I smiled and asked if she had children. She did; a boy about my son’s age. I continued asking her questions and learned that she was frustrated with her son; he seemed to have no goals – and she was worried. I listened. In the course of a few minutes, she went on to share details about her life. By the time we left, she had tears in her eyes and a big hug for me. I had heard her story.
This happens with unnerving frequency. While my family makes light of it, I take it very seriously. I have been entrusted an honor when a person shares details of their life with me. Long after I have left a person’s company – I remember their story.
 
It’s the basic skill of communicating and relating with another individual. It’s not flashy or trendy or the latest in the tech world, it’s simply relaying that “I recognize you - and I want to hear your story.â€
That’s what I do in Public Relations. I learn my client’s story and shape it in a way that allows me to share it with the right audiences. My job is to ensure that readers or viewers will remember the story long after they read the press release, news article or listened to an interview. That’s my edge and my joy. It’s very simple:
I’m just hungry to tell your story.
Feb. 10, 2011 I learned years ago as a journalist that the best stories unfold when they start with a focus on people. The human interest aspect of any story is what makes it memorable and repeatable.
Rod's note: Keep it human. Share your stories. That's an edge.
Feb. 9, 2011 In awe today at the power of kindness, magnified via social media.
Feb. 6, 2011 Loved your story about the "Quarter". It just goes to show you that opportunities are just ideas that need a bit of imagination and commitment to follow through. Ron knew that you had that ability but just needed you to be aware of it. Thanks for passing that on.
Feb. 4, 2011 Re seeing or hearing an edge - lots of interesting articles on how Twitter is being used in Egypt. Here's one on a new Voice to Twitter service to help protesters in Egypt: http://mashable.com/2011/01/31/google-twitter-egypt-call-service/. The edge -- be fast, be timely, be relevant, be leverage-able.
Feb. 2, 2011 My personal competitive edge is persistence, joined with a smile, intelligence and integrity. And reading what other great marketers are up to, like you! Thanks for creating this community!
Feb. 2, 2011 My edge? Not brilliant and anything, but work really hard at lots of things. Great blog, Rod!
Jan. 22, 2011 The week in which we've chosen to honor Martin Luther King, Jr is coming to an end, but his memory and vision live on around us. He was a man who definitely had the ability to "see the edge" and help others see it as well.
He did not say, “I have a strategic planâ€. He shouted, “I have a dream!†He had a vision and the passion to make a difference. Having vision and passion to drive change allowed him to see a brighter future others didn’t necessarily see on their own.
Jan. 22, 2011 Congratulations on the launch of your blog, Rod. You are an inspiration!
Jan. 21, 2011 Rod, I love the concept of the 'edge' and your blog. Great idea and communication tool. You have a great day!
Jan. 20, 2011 Here are some of my favorite one liners & email signatures.
“Don’t tell me it can’t be done… untill I have tried it...“and if I fail, I will not have failed as I will gain knowledge in what does not workâ€. - Marvin Nauman.
“I have not failed, I have found out what does not work 8,921 timesâ€. Ben Franklin
.
"I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that he didn’t trust me so much". – Mother Teresa
"Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."
“I beleive in luck. The harder I work, the more I haveâ€. Thomas Jefferson.
"Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren't enjoying today’s sunshine". – William Feather