Steve Scalph

Several people told me I should write movie reviews. Well, I like movies. Maybe it is because we don’t subscribe to cable or satellite TV – too much trash TV and wanted to reduce expenses.

Instead we rent movie from a local Family Video and have seen some very good films. Some are main stream and some are virtually unheard of.

Of course, we like going out to the movies as well but we are really selective at what we see at the theater (guess I am a cheapskate!)

We did see “Water for Elephants” recently. Great movie about a difficult time during the depression. Extremely well filmed to capture the era. But the highlight for me was Reese Witherspoon – well what red blooded American male would not enjoy watching a beautiful blond atop an elephant?

Definitely worth renting the DVD. Oh, and make your popcorn at home!

A few days ago Diana, my wonderful wife of 46 years, and I were walking in the park. It was rare opportunity to get outdoors after all the rainy and cold weather here in Indiana.

This particular evening there was a fine mist, reminded me a lot of my time in England, so we strolled around the park with an umbrella. I love these walks because we really have a change to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and chat as well as get the blood flowing.

As we were approaching a person jogging with her dog, Diana asked “Is that the German woman with her poinsettia?”

Well, of course, I am dumbstruck. I have no idea what she is talking about. She tells me that she sees this German lady in the park quite often and has even stopped to chat with her. That is fine, but I still don’t see where the POINSETTIA comes in.

Then, it is explained to me that it is the dog! Oh, I say “you mean the Doberman Pincher!” But why poinsettia? Oh, the lady had bright red hair!

We both had a wonder laugh about this conversation. I share this with you not to laugh at Diana but in hopes that you will find the humor in it as well.

So my wife tells me today that she heard on the radio that two-thirds of the people in the United States receive a tax refund and that the average is between $2000 and $3000!

So I asked about 9 people today and they look at me like I am crazy. Where are these people? Who are they? How do they do that?

Oh, we ended up paying not only the Federal Government, but also the State of Indiana.

What gives? I guess I am just one of those WEALTHY Business Owners who end up paying.

Do you a lot of people that fell into this AVERAGE?

I stopped by to see my family doctor this evening to check out a couple skin irritations on my back. Nothing serious but I have had a couple of bouts with skin cancers.

It is always good speaking with Dr L, because she is very knowledgeable about alternate health and nutrition. About a year ago I was taking 2 blood pressure medications, and was fed up with the SIDE EFFECTS, so I decided to make a change. I did the Lemonade Master Cleanse, stopped taking my BP meds, changed my diet to a vegetarian diet, started exercising regularly.

My weight dropped, my blood pressure dropped, I felt better! My muscle tone improved (or so I was told by my masseuse).

Today at my screening my blood pressure was 114/68. Not bad for a 67 year old man. The average 67 year old takes 7 prescription medications. I take none.

When I got home I was relating my results to my wife and mentioned something the doctor told me about how so many parents today have no idea about health or nutrition. (read the book “The Veganist”) EYE OPENER!!!! (more on The Veganist in a later blog)

My wife said a lot of it has to do with environment. True, but a lot of it has to do with making a personal DECISION, researching to find out what is good for and what is not good for you.

When making a decision to change, don’t be concerned about the past, focus on what you want to happen. Find people who will support your decision to change. Then CHANGE! I love what Brian Tracy says “Eat less, exercise more!”

A friend recently posted a recommendation on Facebook that read “Highly recommend Steve,go getter from 1959 on,lots of drive and ambition even in high school”.

It reminded me of some feedback I received years ago while applying for a job as I was retiring from the United States Air Force.

The caller on the telephone asked me if I was Steve Scalph, the human dynamo? “Well, I guess it is” I replied. He then asked if I knew a Dennis S. “Yes” I replied, “I was stationed with him in England.”

My first thoughts were ‘well, compared to Dennis, almost anyone would appear to be human dynamo!’ He was more the thinker or analytic thinker than a doer.

Actually, I knew Dennis better than just working with him. Dennis, Bob, Tip (short for Tipton) and I rented a large house together when we were stationed in Weymouth, England in the early 1960′s. Tip and I did most of the cooking, I did most of the shopping, managed the finances, while Dennis and Bob did the dishes. I think we all partied equally.

Occasionally I would back a cake or make a pie. Dennis would not make the initial cut of the cake or pie, but as soon as it was cut, he seemed to eat more than his fair share with a large glass of that wonderful English milk.

I am constantly amazed a the little things I remember about past acquaintances!

A friend posted this question on Facebook and it reminded me of a neighbor of ours in Rome, NY who lived at the end of a dead end street. A lot of teenagers parked there in the evenings – do teenagers still do that?

Anyway, the young adults started throwing trash out of their cars. This proactive neighbor placed a 55 gallon drum out for trash. Then he proceeded to inform the teens parking there that he did not mind them parking at the end of the road (on his property) but that they please place their trash in the 55 gallon drum.

Surprisingly enough, they responded by complying with his wishes.

I think this was a simple act of asking the teens to be responsible and they were.

I just find it difficult to understand how kids are raised to think that they can just throw their junk on other people’s property. USE A TRASH CAN, Please.

My friend Neil just published a blog about turning 44 (youngster) which brought back a memory from my past. Now Neil related his experience to marketing, because that is what he does. I relate this to some that I am more passionate about now as I prepare to turn 68, exercise and health.

Neil’s blog reminded me of an anniversary party I went to a number of years ago. Actually it was my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary. I was probably in my early 40′s.

One of the guest was a life long friend of my mother-in-law. Joy was a petite woman, very active and very out-spoken and approaching 80 years old. I always enjoyed talking with Joy because of her enthusiasm for life. Because of all the grandchildren there, we started talking about age. I asked if Joy would like to be a teen again.

“Oh, No! But I wouldn’t mind be 25 again” she replied. Then she continued “the hardest part about getting older is getting up the morning, looking in the mirror, and not recognizing the image in the mirror, because you know that that young person is still inside.”

Today I can appreciate this statement more than ever. About a year ago I experienced a gout attack and immediately made a decision (I just don’t like pain) to eat healthier, exercise more and lose some weight. In that year I have lost 25 pounds, exercise 3 times a week, and have changed to a vegetarian diet. Isn’t that what life is about – change?

This morning when I got up or rather dragged myself out of bed as I could tell I had exercised last night, but as I got moving around, I recognized that youth within, that feeling of energy, strength, and robust enthusiasm for what was ahead. Then I looked in the mirror and realized that I had more work to do, but also was enthusiastic and positive about the journey.

Out at a networking event and I run into a old friend, Doug. He asked me if I am going to eat lunch and I tell him I am not as I am on the 10th day of a 10 day fast.

He says “Oh, I could never do that.”

I reply “You’re right!”

(If you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right!)

Now I have known Doug for many years. He is a successful business owner, has successfully dealt with the adversities of being in business; he is a voracious reader of business and motivational books; he has strong opinions; and Doug is a real solid friend who would do anything for you.

I know deep down in my heart that Doug CAN DO anything that he puts his mind to which includes a 10 day fast!

So I am working out at LA Fitness and couple of 20-something guys working together on one of the machines next to me are talking about business ideas. One starts describing a “Auto Center” where you can get gas, have your windshield cleaned, tires checked, oil checked, a wash bay, two bays for service work, plus an array of car accessory items such as oil filters, oil, antifreeze, of course cigarettes, chips and dips.

I listened to this for a while, then I interjected “Sounds like a service station of the 1950′s. Great Idea!”

But do most people today take the TIME to accept this type of customer service, or do they just run in, fill up and run out on to the next thing?

Dave, friend of mine who I was having trouble getting in touch with on his cell phone over the weekend told me that he was using hot water spraying from a hose to clear the ice from his gutters. Of course it was splashing back on him quite a bit so he was getting soaked. Result: cell phone fried!

But he did save $500! Well, less $400 for a new cell phone.

When is it we (especially men) determine it is time to pay someone to do the work for a project instead of trying to rationalize that we can do it for less.

I learned my lesson many years ago while laying on a cold concrete floor in upstate New York in the winter trying to change an exhaust system on my vehicle. Being in the Air Force at the time, we did not have a lot of disposable income, so every penny counted. But after several hours of sawing, cussing, busting knuckles, I got up off of the floor, went in and called to ask a muffler shop how much it would be to put a new exhaust on this car.

It was then and there that I realized I was saving less than I made (and it wasn’t much) to take the car in and have an expert replace the exhaust for me.

I was extremely proud of myself for making this decision when I drove out of the muffler shop about 25 minutes later!