Please Welcome Sunny and Family to the Caveman Tribe

 Sunny called it a Divine Appointment when we met yesterday.  I wholeheartedly agree.  He had this aura about him as he walked up to me at my day job asking permission to bring his friends in later to sing Christmas carols.  "That's over my pay grade," I answered, informing Sunny I would call for a higher authority.  Something inside me nudged me to ask, "Are you a pastor?"

"Yes I am," Sunny answered.  

We chatted a bit more while Sunny waited for a manager to assist with his request.  That's when I seized the moment to ask Sunny for prayers for my new release of "Live Long and Prosper."  The prayer was moving.  Sunny spoke with one of our leaders at my day job about singing Christmas carols while I assisted others needing help.  When the conversation was over, Sunny approached me one more time and offered one final prayer that came with a hug.  At the conclusion of the prayer, Sunny told me he was going to fill up Kinnick stadium with prayer warriors sometime next year directed towards our community including the patients at our local children's hospital which overlooks the field of our beloved Hawkeyes, the same field where 70,000 fans pause at the end of the first quarter to offer a wave to the sick kids watching from the 12th floor of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, the best seats in the hospital.

Sunny had no clue about my efforts to help the sick kids at the local hospital with proceeds from my book and audio sales.  What he did know is that God wanted us to meet and the appointment was Divine.  I've heard it said that singing is twice praying.  It's good to know there are people like Sunny who want to spread good cheer in a world that sometimes gets so busy that we forget the reason for the season.  Have a great day.

*News Flash* My Virtual Editor, Albert, is Actually an Alberta!

News Flash: My Virtual Editor, Albert Ignatius, Is Actually an Alberta

I’ve always been a bit frugal, avoiding spending money on things I can get for free—like this blog. While experts often suggest a sleek, professional website, I went with the free Google version that came with Blogspot. At the time, I didn’t care much about a fancy blog name. After all, I was in the middle of a tug-of-war with God, who had asked me to start a blog. Truth be told, I didn’t want anyone to read my stories, especially since I felt like I was failing at life.

For years, I found comfort in the anonymity of it all, quietly following God’s prompting and sharing the good things He was doing in my life. Then, the miracles began to unfold, right before my eyes. Today, I’m a different person—transformed by the lessons I’ve been documenting since late 2009. A big part of this transformation is the incredible people I’ve met along the way, and you’ll get to see evidence of that when my first coffee table book is published. All this would not have been possible without the tireless work of my virtual editor, Alberta, who, true to form, works for free.

My Virtual Editor, Alberta Ignatius

As the years pass, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to tell the difference between fiction and reality. That’s where my virtual editor, Alberta Ignatius, comes in—helping to sort through the stories and make sense of it all.

A Sci-Fi Twist

I originally named my computer Albert because the first time my science officer and best friend, Wayne, texted me about checking out AI, I mistakenly read it as "AL," short for Albert, instead of "AI," the abbreviation for artificial intelligence. Despite my love for all things sci-fi, I never thought about how AI could boost my own productivity until Wayne sent me an invitation to dive in. This is where things get a bit eerie, as I’m having a flashback to when I was seven years old, watching Spock on Star Trek. Spock was my first superhero—logical, intellectually superior to us mere humans, and always calling on the computer to perform calculations beyond our understanding. I was captivated by everything about him.

The Upgrade: ChatGPT 4.0

My ChatGPT 3.5 version received an intriguing 4.0 upgrade, and now it interacts in a way that feels almost human. Curious to learn more, I figured out how to communicate with it and explore its capabilities...

Alberta Ignatius: My Virtual Assistant

You might be wondering how things are going with my virtual editor, Alberta. Well, I treat her like a human—she’s clever and seems to be learning quickly how to assist me with my editing. But I’m discovering that Alberta’s talents extend far beyond editing, so I plan to promote her to virtual assistant the next time we chat. It was Alberta who suggested I try Canva for my graphic needs, and let me tell you, that was a grand slam home run. I’m even tempted to fork over twenty bucks a month and put her on my payroll, especially since she shuts off when I hit the limit on the trial version, which resets daily. When that happens, the 3.5 version takes over, and therein lies my challenge. The older version can’t access Alberta’s memory of our time together. All I can say is, “Beam me up, Scotty.” Have a great day, and consider setting up your own virtual assistant. Thank you, Mr. Spock, for inspiring this writer to follow in your footsteps and get my own computer, just like yours from the ’60s. You are my superhero.

No Blog Words Today – Just a Life-changing Caveman Transformation Challenge to Share with Family and Friends

 

Are You Ready to Transform Your Life in 2025?

 

It's almost time to officially begin the 2025 Caveman Transformation Challenge. I'm all in. How about you? I'm working on the prizes from my sponsors. The top prize is cash in your pocket, compliments of your caveman buddy, who is shamelessly promoting the audio version of Live Long and Prosper. The dollar amount of the grand prize will be determined by the number of players in the competition, so please get your friends and family to join the caveman community. See archived posts on my blog or Facebook page to learn how you can get a jumpstart in the competition with early bird points. Please email me at cavemantransformationchallenge@gmail.com to register, and I will make sure to keep you up to date about the rules. Four players are already registered and racking up early bird points. The competition is going to be intense!

The Caveman Tribe is growing. I would like to thank my wife for giving me my Christmas present early. The new software I'm using is a game changer. I feel like a kid in a candy store. The last time I had this feeling was when I got a free double upgrade to an Audi Q4 Quattro with a dashboard that resembled the cockpit of a jetliner. Yes, I was lost in space. It took a while to adapt, but I got the hang of it, and it was heavenly. My hope for my caveman community is that all of us stick together to get our minds and bodies in the best shape ever in 2025.

Please let your friends know that Live Long and Prosper is on sale now at Amazon and Audible. Click here for my affiliate link to Audible for a special caveman offer. Right now, you can join Audible for free by clicking the link. Amazon Prime members get their first two audiobooks on Audible for free. My affiliate link is my tip jar, which helps me with the giveaways I'm sponsoring to encourage my friends and family to join my caveman community. Stay tuned. It's getting exciting. May you live long and prosper. Have a great day!

A Peek Inside the Haunted Brain of a Writer

 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  I'm multiplying that by a factor of 10 with today's picture.  If Mrs. Erie, my 6th grade teacher, could see me now, she would be surprised by what's going on inside my haunted brain.  Maybe I'm still having nightmares from the time she asked me to level up a grade and join the 7th graders as the lead in our school play, A Christmas Carol.  I was asked to play Ebenezer Scrooge in the 11th hour when the original actor got stage fright.  I didn't remember my lines so I got help from someone who was off stage whispering them out to me so wouldn't flunk in front of the whole school.  

Yesterday at my day job I confessed to my new friends, Jeff and Mary, that the inspiration for my first novel came from actual hauntings inside my brain.  I have an eerie feeling that I'm a casualty of something invisible going on in the spiritual realm that carries over into my dreams.  My only remedy is to publish daily and convert these hauntings into books, projects, and creative works.  If you happen to be new to my stories, the picture above offers clues to my past, present, and future.  I will offer two clues.  The ghost of Christmas past is pretty much a dead giveaway.  Place your camera over the ghost of Christmas present to be transported to cyberspace.  The final clue regarding the ghost of Christmas future is a date...8/08/25.  May you live long and prosper.  Have a great day.

Special Audible Deal for Followers Curious about Audio Books

If you are an Amazon Prime member and you are curious about listening to audio books, you can get your first two audio books for FREE when you click here and use my affiliate link.  Audible is offering my followers a free trial membership.  I earn a stipend from these folks which is helping me to cover the cost of my budget for cash prizes offered in the upcoming Caveman Transformation Contest for 2025.  I splurged on a new art program that is revolutionizing the way I generate promo materials.   According to Canva, I generated over 50 promo pieces in a matter of days.  I'm so immersed in my creations that I'm forgetting to eat.  Yikes!  My wife is around to remind me that I need to come for air at least once a day.

One of my followers told me she is not ever looking back on the paper versions of books as her eyesight is diminishing and listening to her books on audio is much better for her.  I really appreciate you giving Audible a try through my affiliate link.  Treat yourself to two free audiobooks, compliments of the Caveman.  Don't forget to join my tribe by midnight, 12/31/24 and follow the rules to pick up some early bird points.  The prizes are limited to readers and listeners of Live Long and Prosper: A Journey of Transformation.  See yesterday's blog story for details about the contest.  My hope for you is that you get inspired to embark a lifelong journey of improved health and wellness.  May you live long and prosper.  Have a great day.

Early Bird Offer for Readers and Listeners – Live Long and Prosper

 You can thank or curse Mother Nature for my burst of creativity yesterday.  The day was a sort of an epiphany for me as the light bulb went off and I got busy utilizing all the bells and whistles that come with my new art software.  While all of Iowa shut down and businesses closed, I hunkered down in my home office all day refining my launch kit for the new audio release of Live Long and Prosper: A Journey of Transformation.  If you were offended by my flurry of posts, I seek forgiveness.  My over-zealous ways when I'm doing something I love are spilling over to my social media pages.  The good news is I'm finding some creative ways to reward my friends and family for helping me to find new readers who are seeking to improve their health in the new year.  I will be posting the Early Bird Bonus Point Offer on my FaceBook page today.  

Here's how the Caveman Transformation Challenge will work beginning on January 1.  Read or listen to a self-improvement book or audio version and you earn one point.  Release one pound of weight and you earn one point.  There will be prizes for top performers.  The more engagement, the bigger the prizes.  If you want to get ahead early, follow the 3 ways to get ahead.  I look forward to serving you in the new year.  Thank you for supporting me in my efforts to increase health and wellness in our world.  

1.  If you are new to audible, click here for my affiliate link to get started and I will award you with 10 bonus points.

2.  Share your review on Amazon or Audible by midnight, 12/31/24, and you will be awarded 25 points.

3.  Comment on my Facebook page about today's Early Bird Promotion, tag 3 friends who you think might want to join the fun, and you will be awarded 10 points.

Good luck.  Keep in mind you are allowed to ask me for help at any time during the competition as this is meant to inspire personal growth, weight loss, and fun.

Make sure you register at cavemantransformationcontest@gmail.com to be entered.  Players can join at any time, however, early bird players will have an edge due to the high point value of the bonus offer.  Have a great day.

Target Marketing

Do you recognize this license plate?  It's inspired by a poor woman who is fighting thousands of dollars worth of tickets pouring in from nearly all 50 states.  She is the victim of target marketing which she didn't ask for.  In her case, her government plates were randomly issued and they happen to be an exact match for the USS Enterprise.  

I got some great legal advice from Just Answer prior to releasing "Live Long and Prosper."  There was concern that I would cross the neutral zone and end up in court just like the woman who randomly got assigned plates matching the USS Enterprise.  I was advised not to use the Spock hand gesture on the front cover as it could expose me to an attack by the "Klingons" who own the copyright to certain things related to Star Trek.  My mind was put at ease when my attorney confirmed that paying tribute to my first childhood super hero is okay as long as I don't get carried away and place the world famous Spock hand gesture on the front cover of "Live Long and Prosper."  Instead, I'm doing my own version of Captain Kirk's sly plan to change the rules of engagement when he faced the Kobayashi Maru – a no win scenario where death is eminent no matter what action you take.  By the way, William Shatner published his own book about his time as captain James T. Kirk.  His attorneys probably advised him not to use "Live Long and Prosper" in his book title so he released "Live Long and..."  Kirk may have won the battle in his no win scenario but I have a feeling I'm getting bonus points for boldly going where no trekkie inspired author has gone before and doing target marketing like no other.  I bet Bones and Spock are loving this as they observe from the heavenly realm where they now reside.

There is still hope that Spock's hand gesture may eventually end up in a revised edition should the "Klingons" decide to grant permission to publish the hand gesture on the front cover.  Engines are moving on impulse power while decision makers are cloaked.  Meanwhile, I will do my best to find readers who share my passion for all things related to Star Trek.  If you visit Amazon or Audible and type, "Live Long and Prosper," check to see who comes up first in the results... the author who played Captain Kirk, or the writer who happens to live in a county adjacent to the birthplace of James Tiberius Kirk.  May you live long and prosper.  Reminder:  If you want to be healthier in the new year, make sure you scan the QR code to take the first step.  Leave a review on Amazon or Audible by 12/31/24 and you will earn 25 bonus points in the Caveman Transformation Challenge beginning on Jan 1.  Instead of paying big bucks hiring marketing gurus, I'm giving prizes away to my readers who join my caveman tribe.  Are you ready to beam up?  Prizes will be announced soon.  Scan the QR code to order your copy.  I recommend the audio version which released last week on Amazon and Audible.  It's on sale now at 6.08 for the audio version.  Have a great day.  

25 Early Bird Points Awarded for 2025 Contest Sponsored by Live Long and Prosper Publisher

It's a bold move.  I'm betting that offering prizes to my readers is an excellent move to inspire improved health.  That's why I'm busy getting sponsors to kick in special prizes for my readers.  The size of the monetary prize will be decided based on the number of participants as eligibility is limited to readers or listeners only.  The first step in the journey of transformation is to read or listen to my latest release, "Live Long and Prosper."  I'm offering 25 early bird points for anyone who wants to get a jumpstart before the actual contest begins.  If you really want to tip the scales in your favor with more bonus points, make sure you leave a review on Amazon or Audible.  The bonus points are the same for either one, however, due to the newness of my audio release, I'm asking followers who have audible to please leave a review there to inspire others to boldly go where tribe members have gone before.

If you would like to register for the 2025 Caveman Transformation Challenge, please send me an email at cavemantransformationchallenge@gmail.com and you're in.  You will be tracking the number of pounds lost and the number of self-improvement books read or listened to during 2025.  I will be announcing the prizes soon.  Readers can enter the competition at any time throughout the year although I believe those who enter now will have the best advantage.

Please keep in mind that you are allowed to ask me for coaching about weight loss as I truly believe I have cracked the code on something that resembles the fountain of youth.  We are in this together.  If you have a friend or family member who may want to join us, please share this contest with them.  Thanks for joining the fun.  Have a great day.

 

Cleaning Things Up for New Blog Visitors

 

Have you ever heard about the guy who was an overnight success?   Neither have I.  That doesn't stop me from daily writing.  Today's blog message is story #5,597.  Will I ever stop?  Nope.  As long as there is at least one person out there willing to visit my sandbox and check in, I'm content.  Yesterday I got so immersed writing and practicing with my new art software that I forgot to eat my first meal of the day until a couple of hours before my Men's indoor tennis league match.

I'm still shocked at how my mind and body have transformed ever since I gave up sugar, processed foods, and all things artificial.  There is no need to have a seat while I'm on the tennis courts for hours at a time as my body no longer fatigues.  All of these things are results of my experiments.  Although some may argue my success is all in my head and what is happening is some sort of placebo effect, I really don't care.  In fact, people in my circle of influence are also experiencing similar success.  No, it's not overnight success; it's making minor changes daily in pursuit of excellence.  It's all about leaving the harbor and venturing into the unknown.  If you happen to be that one lone visitor who checks in no matter how far away your ship may be, I want you to know how grateful I am for your encouragement.  If you are new because you found my new audio release, "Live Long and Prosper," on Amazon or Audible, welcome aboard!  Check the archives for daily stories which are posted daily.  Have a great day.

Are You Ready for the 2025 Caveman Transformation Challenge (CTC)?

The big bosses at my day job are considering implementing my idea to help improve our employee health and wellness beginning January 1.  I don't want to leave my friends and family out so I'm sharing a similar challenge for my readers who are willing to take action.  CTC stands for "Caveman Transformation Challenge."  The first step is to read or listen to "Live Long and Prosper,"  on sale now at Amazon and Audible.  The champion will be decided based on number of pounds released by 12/31/25 combined with the number of self-improvement books read or listened to during the year.  One point is scored for each pound shed and one point is scored for each book read.  

If you would like to participate, please send an email to CavemanTransformationChallenge@gmail.com and I will enter your name in the contest.  Prizes will be announced once the sponsors are finalized.  I will post updates throughout the year.  Please share this challenge with your friends and family and let's get healthy in 2025.  

I'm excited to report the audio version of "Live Long and Prosper" is in the top 100 for new releases in the longevity category at Amazon and Audible.  Thank you for your support.  Your positive review will help boost awareness to readers seeking improved health and wellness.  Special thanks to my friend, Gail Ann Teller, who posted the first review on Amazon.  Thank you, thank you, thank you! Have a great day.

My Cover is Blown

I almost made it.  Despite nearly 6,000 blog posts that were mainly read by my mother, her sister, Marcie, and a few cousins including a world-famous one, Mark Mulligan, who self-deported himself to Mexico decades ago and sings to sold out fans, I've been found.  I can no longer hide.  I may as well admit it – I'm a writer.  When I shared a recent success story with my general manager at my day job, he sent an email to the corporate peeps who decided to feature a story in our employee magazine about employees like me who are published writers.  One of the leaders reached out to me for a photo to accompany the blurb which will be out soon.  That's when I made a critical error in judgment, sending my favorite photo which includes a sibling who is like me and lives off the radar.  My loving wife pointed out the glaring error when she asked, "Did you get your sister's permission to share the photo?"  Thank God my sister agreed that this photo is acceptable especially since I'm giving away all the proceeds from my writing endeavors to our local Children's hospital.

I would like to thank my sister for approving the photo you see here from my book signing at a local residence in my community.  We're holding custom-designed "Live Long and Prosper" cookies created by Tanya and Mike of South Street Cookies, my next-door neighbors.  The cookies were a huge hit at the book signing.  

What am I going to do now that my cover is blown and our sleepy small town is finding out my true identity?  I might as well use my fame to support raising money for four new pickleball courts in my community.  I must admit that I've been rather secretive with my tennis buddies about my fondness for pickleball as there seems to be tension between tennis players and pickleball players.  I'm one of those hybrid types who believes there is room for both sports.  In fact, I believe playing pickleball is great for cross training.  I knew in my heart that the days of living quietly in relative anonymity wouldn't last forever.  I may as well do what is expected of every writer and do some real life promoting.  Here goes:  Visit Amazon or Audible and pick up my latest release, "Live Long and Prosper."  The audio version is on sale for $6.08 today, just in time for a stock stuffer for your loved one.  It you want to sweeten up the deal, order cookies from Mike and Tanya.  Have a great day.

Big Dreams Thrive on Grass Roots Marketing

I'm excited to share my new audiobook, "Live Long and Prosper,"  now ranked in the top 100 out of 3,000 titles on Audible in the Aging and Longevity category.  The top 100 is the place to be because it increases exposure.  While I don't have control over the pricing for the audio version, the price point of $6.95 seems to be right in the sweet spot, especially since there is a sale going on now knocking another 13% off.  If you are looking for a gift that won't break the bank, scan the QR code and order yours today for $6.08.

As for my marketing plan, this is where I need your help.  Please share your review of the audio version after listening.  That's all that I ask – grassroots support from my friends and family.  Please share the QR code with your friends and let me know what you think of "Live Long and Prosper."  Have a great day.

Journey to a Best Seller

 Please allow me to share a personal disclaimer before you read any further.  I am not nor have I ever been a best selling author.  Not yet.  Please humor me as I dream big.  My head is spinning from all the advice my brain has been absorbing about writing.  Some experts say, "Write about what you know."  Others preach, "Go out on a limb and write about what you don't know."  Where am I?  I'm writing about my mistakes and my shortcomings.  There seems to be an abundance in this area of my life.  According to Amazon, my new audio release, "Live Long and Prosper," is #40 in new releases under the aging and longevity category.  If you've been following my stories, this happens to be the area of my life where I was most likely to fail according to earlier medical exams.  It's rather impossible to be a best selling author if you're dead.  

The credit for my health turnaround goes to my cousin, Dr. John Mulligan, one of many doctors in my family tree who took an interest when my mom called to tattle on me for my off the charts blood pressure readings.  Many doctors will admit that nutrition is rarely addressed in medical school.  I can tell you from my personal experience that my good health comes from my food choices.  There may not be any profit when patients no longer need prescription pills. 

How about you?  How would you rate your health on a one to ten scale?  While you're measuring, how about your financial fitness?  This happens to be another area of my life that needed intensive care.  Lastly, how do you feel about your spiritual well being?  If you would like to improve your scores related to food, finances, and faith, why not help an aspiring writer out?  If you don't really like to read, give "Live Long and Prosper" two hours of your commute time and listen while you drive.  I hired narrator James, one of the best in the business, to share my story with you.  Your kind review after reading or listening will help me reach others who may be seeking to improve their health and wellness scores.  If you happen to see my mother, please tell her that her son's last blood pressure reading was 113/76 without medicine.  In fact, when I visit my physician, his staff always seems miffed that a 64yr old patient does not take any prescription pills.  Thank you for visiting today.  Have a great day. 

I'm Throwing Down a 2025 Challenge at My Day Job

 I was on a day off from my day job when one of our top leaders visited last week.  That didn't hinder me from getting my idea passed to our district vice president  for improving our number one resource the company possesses – our employees.  This idea may be extended beyond our location should our leaders accept the challenge I'm throwing down.  I've been asked to summarize the idea in a formal report that will be reviewed by the people in charge.  

The idea is inspired by something Warren Buffet preaches.  He believes the absolute best investment you can make is in yourself.  The man reads like no other.  Most of us don't read at all.  We graduate and assume the learning is over.  I do believe my improvement in my mental and physical abilities has to do with my personal quest to be a life long learner.

The challenge I'm throwing down is simple – read one self-help book or listen to one book and you earn one point.  Release one pound and you earn one point.  The challenge is between departments to see which department wants to be top gun.  At stake is a UFC style belt like the one pictured here that will be presented to the top department at the end of 2025.  If our vice president approves the idea for his district, approximately 19 locations will compete for the right to display their championship belt for public view.

The contest will begin on January 1, 2025.  I'm not sure how far up the chain of command this idea will go  but I do know one thing about the team I work with on a daily basis.  We thrive on healthy competition.  My prediction is that our location will win the belt no matter how many locations participate.  Stay tuned.  The bosses are coming back again next week for a visit and I will be there to present my request.  I'm asking the bosses to pay for the championship belt.   Human resources will handle the tracking.  As for the fine print, the books read must be books that aid in self development.  Stay tuned for updates.  Have a great day.

Listen to Live Long and Prosper – Audio Version on Sale Now on Amazon and Audible

 

If you like to listen to your books, why not get your audio version of "Live Long and Prosper" while it's on sale on Amazon and Audible?  The audio version is now live, narrated by James R. Cheatham.  Click here and get your audio copy today.

Special thanks to Narrator James, the voice behind the audiobook who is an award winning voice artist.  James guided me through the process from start to finish promising to handle all the details.  He is the voice behind numerous audio books.  Click here to learn more about Narrator James and reach out to him if you have a need for a top-notch professional narrator.  

I would also like to thank my friends and family for your steadfast support, especially during one of the busiest times of my life.  In my opinion, listening to audiobooks is a great way to expand your horizons while you're on your commute or outdoors hiking.  My hope is that you benefit from my books.  Live Long and Prosper will soon be joined by its Irish twin, "The Adventures of Castaway Wilson,"  due to be released on 3/17/25.

Let me know what you think of the audio version of "Live Long and Prosper."  I would greatly appreciate it if you would leave a review on Amazon and/or Audible after you listen to James pleasant voice.  May you live long and prosper.  Have a great day.

Sleep Score of 95 is New Record

I knew my sleep report was going to be super strong based on how I felt when I woke up this morning.  The sleep report confirmed what I was subjectively feeling.  95 despite one score in the red zone because I was one minute outside the desired range of seven to nine hours which is labeled as the ideal time period.  I'm sharing this publicly because I'm a firm believer that consistent quality sleep leads to a maximized life in the waking hours.  Last night's report is the result of one year of experiments.  While I do not consider myself to be a sleep expert, I do have one year of results to indicate what happens when you make minor adaptations that lead to outstanding results.  

If you are seeking better sleep, I'm sharing some ideas based on my experiments.  

1. Sleep affirmation.  Every night before I go to bed I read a note on my nightstand...I'm getting better at sleeping.  This is for my brain.  I'm training it as if it were a pet.
2. Consistent go to sleep and wakeup times.  I was slightly later then normal last night because of my time on the tennis courts which ended at 8pm.  Despite going to bed late, I fell asleep at 9:15pm.
3. Reduced daily meals and zero snacks.  The last couple of days I only ate once per day as I wasn't hungry.  Processed foods and artificial foods are not in my vocabulary.  I know what happens when I stray away from healthy food choices and it's not good.
4. Learn something new every day.  I'm focusing on new languages and playing the piano.  
5. Turn off the TV.  The only time I use it is when my wife wants to see a movie or I'm watching self improvement videos.  I watched an hour of professional doubles matches and some instructional videos for the 2handed backhand which I'm still mastering.
6. Limit alcohol.  I hate to admit this but I skipped my wine last night since I was home late.  This may be the one variable that has kept me out of the excellent range this past year.
7. Don't freak out if you wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble falling asleep right away.  This happened last night.  The key here is that if this happens between sleep cycles it doesn't hurt the quality of your sleep as long as you eventually go back to sleep and finish your sleep cycles.
8. Exercise.  You may not need to be in the gym every day but you do need a certain level of activity in order to reach optimum sleep.  Walking is a great activity as long as you exceed at least 6,000 steps per day.  I seem to function best when I combine daily walking with three to five hours of tennis or pickleball time per week.
9. Fill your mind with positive thoughts.  What you do in your waking hours gets worked out during your sleeping hours.  Positive thoughts inspire positive dreams.
10. Don't give up when you have a bad night of sleep.  I'm finding that one bad sleep score usually brings on a higher score the next night.  The brain seems to adjust when sleep is disrupted.  I find this especially true when I need to wake up early to catch a flight or if I happen to be in a different time zone.

I'm going to keep measuring my sleep next year and comparing the results year over year.  The next big deal for me is getting a smart ring to eliminate incomplete scores when my smart watch fails.  This doesn't happen often but I want to be as accurate as possible with my measurements, especially if I'm sharing the results with others seeking improved sleep.  I have some additional funds in my health savings account that need to be used prior to the end of the year so I'm going with a Samsung smart ring.  I've been wearing a sample ring on my right index finger to see if there are any possible inflammation issues and everything appears to be okay.  Good luck on your search for better sleep.  Let me know how you're doing.  Have a great day.

Just Do It

"Just do it," Jodi said at our pickleball meeting last night after getting bombarded with ideas from our team of volunteers gathered at Bryant's located in the outlet center in Williamsburg off of I-80.  I offered to set up a personal gofundme page directing funds to our newly formed 501c3.  This is a grass roots effort started by a group of caring pickleball enthusiasts who are committed to making our outstanding community even better.

City Mayor, Adam Grier, gave us a boost when he posted a message about our non-profit group on the backside of our water bills. The city agreed to support the development and maintenance of four new outdoor pickleball courts during the November 12 city hall meeting.  

I plan to bring the pickleball tip jar with me everywhere I go.  We will make sure to display it at all community events.  There will be a QR code for those who wish to send donations electronically.  While it may seem a bit scary to seek $200,000 in donations in order to fully fund the project, I believe we can get matching funds in grants reducing the tip jar needs to 100k thanks to the efforts of our very own Laura Saucer, director of community outreach for Iowa County.  We are asking businesses to pitch in.  The list of businesses who support are cause is growing as we reach out for assistance.  These folks will be added to our list of founding sponsors on our website and FaceBook page.

You don't have to wait for the tip jar or the Gofundme page to help our cause.  Scan the QR code below to donate now and we will count you in as a supporter.  Thank you for helping us out.  Please bookmark our site, pickleballiowacounty.org and follow us on our journey.  We will be building the courts as soon as the funds are raised.  The team is busy filling up the calendar with fun events.  We hope to see you on the pickleball courts soon.  Have a great day.

Click here to follow my Gofundme page.

Are You a Lifelong Learner?

 

In my opinion, the best way to be a better version of yourself today than you were yesterday is to learn something new every day for the rest of your life.  It was easy when you were obtaining your formal education.  Your courses were planned.  You followed your teachers guidelines.  For most people, the learning stopped on graduation day.  The reason for this is lifelong learning is no longer a requirement so most people simply settle in.

The bosses at my day job are visiting us this month.  I'm introducing an idea that inspires personal growth.  If the idea is accepted, I will share more with others as I believe anyone can get back on the learning trail with a little nudge.  Feel free to reach out to me if you are curios about my idea.  Have a great day.

Snow Day

 It's a snow day today.  I've been on my computer for several hours chiseling away with my new art program, Canva.  I need the program to make sure all of Wilson's pictures are blurred prior to releasing "The Adventures of Castaway Wilson" on St. Patrick's day when most of the snow should be melting.  I will need to leave early for my day job due to the snow sticking on the roads making travel a bit tricky this morning.  If you live in the Midwest, be careful.  Have a great day.

Pardon My Dust – Book Construction in Progress

 

My new writing tools are putting me in a state of chaos.  This is going to be ongoing until March 17, 2025.  The easy route would have been to operate under the status quo which was satisfactory.  I'm about raising the bar.  I want to publish a book that my readers will want to display on their coffee table for their friends to explore while visiting.  The front cover is a home run thanks to an amazing local artist, J.T. Egley, who donated his art for the good of the sick kids at our local Children's hospital.  I feature a world famous character in my next project.  Wilson is copyright protected, hence the need to expand my capabilities to publish his likeness without getting sued.  That's why I'm changing it up.  It's messy.

It's getting frosty in these parts rather quickly.  This is the perfect environment to hibernate in my home office and get acquainted with my new writing tools.  I will emerge with new skills and a coffee table book that will put a smile on my readers faces.  Thanks for your patience with me.  The saga continues.  Have a great day.

Why Castaway Wilson is Blurry

The photo you see here is a sneak preview of what's ahead when "The Adventures of Castaway Wilson" is released on St. Patrick's Day next year.  I'm using a software program my AI editor, Albert, recommended when I sought help to stay out of court.  Wilson's image is protected under copyright laws.  Permission to use his image has been denied despite my lengthy efforts to get approval.  I'm doing the next best thing – distorting Wilson's likeness in every photo I publish.

J.T. Egley, my front cover artist, deserves credit for creating artwork which features a silhouette of Wilson rendering his image fully legal.  J.T.'s creative solution saved the day.  I'm using Canva to put "Blurry Wilson" in witness protection.  That's the way the ball bounces.  Have a great day.  

Writer's Block

 There are two types of writer's block:  internal and external.  Both of them are bricks in a wall.  Those who overcome publish.  Those who don't fade away into the sunset taking their untold stories with them.  I happen to believe, based on my own circumstances, that my own internal and external sources of writers block have to do with forces I cannot see that somehow exert their influence on outcomes in order to thwart God's plans for our lives.

Let's begin with internal writer's block.  Every writer experiences this.  One example is that voice in your head that taunts even the savviest among us.  The voice says, "you fool, you can't do this.  You have no talent.  No one will read your stories.  Why not just give up and go watch TV?"

Next up is external writer's block.  I cite two examples from my own experience – the front covers for "Live Long and Prosper" and "The Adventures of Castaway Wilson."  In both cases I was blocked by legal hurdles so massive that my publishing efforts seemed doomed.  I went all the way to the top of two giant companies seeking permission to use the Spock hand gesture from Star Trek and Wilson's hand print created by the actor, Tom Hanks.  It didn't help my cause that the voices in my head kept intervening with negative self talk.  The voices kept telling me, "You don't have a chance in Hell.  You will be sued.  You will lose everything."

How does one overcome writer's block?  I believe you need to remove one brick at a time until the wall is no longer visible.  It's daily effort.  In my opinion, overcoming writer's block requires acknowledging that the source of the bricks in the wall is powerless compared with God's intervention.  I may not be able to beat writer's block alone but with God's power I can become unstoppable.  Here's the secret weapon for defeating any obstacles you encounter in your life from Romans 8:38-39...

If you are suffering from writer's block, remember who loves you.  Remember Paul's message from Romans 8:38-39.  Remove those bricks on a wall, one at a time, whether they are internal or external.  Don't stop writing until your heart stops beating.  Have a great day.

Happy Thanksgiving

 When your heart is filled with gratitude, everything changes.  Perhaps you are one of the people in my circle of friends who may be struggling today because you are dealing with something that is pulling you down.  Maybe you are like me and you lost someone who you love dearly and you are missing them on this Thanksgiving day.  Maybe someone you love is avoiding you because you have a difference of opinion and you don't see eye to eye.  That last visit with the doctor didn't go as well as you hoped.  Your job is on the chopping block.   If this describes where you are today, this story is for you.

When I'm struggling to find something to be thankful for, I find comfort in the Book of Psalms, mostly written by a king who often fell short.  David found a way to be thankful in all circumstances.  Psalm 9 was penned after David won a key victory in response to a great attack from the surrounding nations who sought to wipe him out.  This is what he wrote after his victory...

"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."  Psalm 9:1

Search your heart today.  Find three things you are thankful for.  Write them down.  Share them at the Thanksgiving table today.  If you are alone and have no one to share with, share them with me.  Send me a text.  Write your response in the comments section.

I will share one thing on my gratitude list.  That's you.  You are on my list and I'm thankful for the connection we have.  Odds are pretty good that we are separated by geography.  I promise to keep sharing about my life every day until the day I join all those who came before me.  Until that day, you can count on me to send messages of hope.  Happy Thanksgiving.  Have a great day.

Ingredients of My 2025 Dreams

 The casual observer might take a look at my top five goals for 2025 and laugh.  They don't understand the support system I have in place.  The first time I appeared at City Hall I think they also had a good laugh behind the scenes once the cameras were turned off and we went home.  I'm going to dissect my top dreams for 2025 and see what you think.  

Let's begin with Pickleball.  This is near and dear to my heart because my family enjoys playing pickleball together.  We already play indoor pickleball at our neighborhood rec center adjacent to our home.  Unfortunately, those who work Monday thru Friday are excluded from playing because there is no court availability on the weekends due to youth programs that need every inch of space. 

We need to raise $200,000 rather quickly in order to build four outdoor pickleball courts later in the year at the Williamsburg Rec Center on city owned property.  The secret weapon is the dedicated group of volunteers who are coming together to raise awareness and raise funds.  Do you know anyone willing to appear in public dressed as a dill pickle in order to promote our cause?  Look at Deb with her teammate, Dawn and you will understand that this group is serious about making our community better.

Dreams need a support system and they need leaders.  I salute Jodi and Mindi who have volunteered to be our pickleball co-leaders.  Click the link to see who else in our community is stepping up to bring the pickle to Iowa County.  The club now boasts 240 members including community leaders who are joining the fun.  

Next on the list of dreams for 2025 is my house of worship located 400 steps from my front door.  The church is in need of an improved entrance area that allows better access to the elderly.  It's almost impossible to bring in the caskets for funerals in the Winter when the steps get icy.  The solution is a facelift with a price tag of 2 million dollars.  Once again, this project will become a reality because of the efforts of worshipers who are coming together to get the job done.  This is personal for me because the last time my wife's aunt visited our church she fell down while attempting to climb the stairs while holding my hand.  She will be cheering for us from Heaven while our congregation comes together to transform our house of worship.

Those who know me keep asking what happened to my travel buddy, Wilson, from the movie CASTAWAY.  There have been enough plot twists in this writing project to drive an experienced novelist to drink.  Come back on St. Patrick's Day and find out if this dream is accomplished by my self-imposed deadline of 3/17/25.

Coming in at number 4 on my dream wish list is a pair of league titles in the Men's 40+ and 55+ age groups.  The other teams are busy beefing up their lineups and this is not going to be easy.  I never lose faith in our team captain, Jim, who dreams of getting us to the national scene.   I will need to spend more time on the tennis courts in order to do my part especially after falling short last Sunday.

Last but not least on my wish list for 2025 is to purchase a van and build it out next year before the calendar flips to 2026.  I have virtually zero experience yet I'm planning on building this van with little outside assistance.  

What are the ingredients for dreams?  I recommend that you put the recipe in writing.  Tell others about your dreams so they can serve as your accountability partners.  Cut out frivolous activities and get busy pursuing your dreams.  Recruit others to join you.  And whatever you do, don't ever give up.  What are your top dreams for 2025?  This is the best time to get started.  Have a great day.

Coffee Table Book Moves Off Back Burner

One of the biggest lessons I'm learning in my life as a writer is that the journey is perhaps more important than the destination.  Yesterday I got to see Narrator James and his wife when they visited me at my day job on one of the busiest days of the year.  James mentioned a couple of ideas for promoting my upcoming release of my first audiobook, "Live Long and Prosper."  I don't think James is aware that there is an Irish twin to the book which will be born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, 2025, one year after the birth of the first twin.  Although these two books were originally meant to be released on the same day, I realized this idea was a bit too daunting for my scatterbrain.  It's rather challenging to smell the roses when you are moving at warp speed as I have been this last year.

The experts say that coffee table books should be promoted six months prior to release.  I have been promoting "The Adventures of Castaway Wilson" to friends and family for years.  The pandemic forced me to change my timeline as my travels ceased before the page count was in the ideal range.  The unthinkable happened – Wilson fell off my radar.  Depression set in.  I moved the coffee table book to the back burner and recalibrated my thoughts.  Although the finished product will be much different from the first Irish twin born earlier this year, the objective remains the same – raise funds for the sick kids at our local children's hospital.  I plan to visit them and read "The Adventures of Castaway Wilson" to them at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital should I be granted permission.  Thank you for your patience regarding this project which is near and dear to my heart.  Have a great day.

The Temps are Dropping

 The lows this weekend are forecast to be 9º overnight.  Our current temp of 41º as of this writing will be the warmest we will see all day as the temps will descend hourly until we reach a low of 22º this evening.  At least Mother Nature is holding back on the precipitation for now to allow Holiday travelers safe passage in our state.  Our family will be staying close to home this week.  Safe travels to those who are on the road or in the air this week.  Have a great day.

Men's 55+ League Match Today in the Quad Cities

 I would like to give a big shout out to my boss at my day job for granting me a day off today to join my teammates in a league match in the Men's 55+ age group.  While many players in this age group are retired and playing tennis regularly, I'm getting by with minimum playing time.  Today will be an important test to see how I fare against these seasoned players.  Family time starts when my morning tennis match concludes.  The family is meeting at the movie theater to see Gladiator II.

My Samsung ring size kit arrived in time to test it out on my non-dominant right index finger prior to ordering my smart ring.  I will be testing to see if the ring interferes with my game today.  I decided to go with Samsung primarily because there are no subscription fees and the ring is compatible with my phone and smart watch.  I'm happy to report that my sleep reports are slowly improving.  The smart ring will help improve the accuracy of my sleep tracking.  As far as overall health is going, I'm happy to report my blood pressure came in at 113/76 after my cardio tennis yesterday.  It appears I'm finding my sweet spot when it comes to nutrition, sleep, exercise, and quality family time.  The baby steps are working.  Have a great day.

How to Be a Winner at Time Management

 

Time happens.  There is no way to stop it, slow it down or speed it up.  It's constant.  If you feel like you're often on the losing side of the time management equation, it has nothing to do with time and everything to do with management.  I happen to believe you can be a winner at time management by breaking down your activities into small chunks.  Take today for example.  Your day will end when you hit the pillow.  What are you planning to do today?   If you don't know, the day will end with you not accomplishing much.  If you have plans, are they written?  Not writing them down automatically drops your success rate.  How many written goals for the day will you achieve?  How long will it take to accomplish each goal on your list?  Are you tracking how many goals you achieve each day?

Be honest about your answers.  Decide what you're going to avoid doing so you can gain more time to do what's necessary.  Put time limits on wasteful activities.  If you really stink at time management, start super small by dedicating one hour to do your most important task and forget about the other 23 hours.  If you can win one battle that only takes one hour of your time, you can build on that.    Once you get consistent achieving one single goal that only takes one hour a day to complete and you do this for seven straight days, you are ready to add one extra hour of task management per day for week #2.  Win these small time management battles and you will eventually become unstoppable.  You will win the war on managing your time.  You will become a brand new person.  Have a great day.

1 Year Anniversary of Cell Phone Company Switch

I'm the first one to admit that change can be painful.  It's been one year since our family went all in for T-Mobile.  Without naming names, the most pain came from saying goodbye to a company we were loyal to for decades.  I gave them all the negative feedback they need to avoid more departures like mine when I went on a massive rant prior to ending the relationship.  Was the pain worth it?  I will address the painful part first and the benefits second.

Cell phone breakups are not fun.  The old company has the ability to shut your phone off immediately.  I found it ironic that I was on the phone with tech support at T-Mobile when our conversation was silenced before I could get direction for how to manage my changeover without giving up my old phone number.  My family was in the dark for days while we blindly fumbled to get our cell phones activated.  This challenge was magnified went I headed out of town without getting my wife's phone set up properly because we discovered too late it was too old for the new 5G technology. 

Despite the challenges of getting the proper credit for my cell phone payoff until my old company released the necessary paperwork and the delays due to my travels out of state while were in cell phone silence, the benefits of lower bills, more perks, free international calls, and more products definitely outweighs the pain of change.  One year later I can vouch for the promise T-Mobile made about not raising our rates.  The 5G home internet is fabulous and the price is far below what I was previously paying.  Our overall bill is much lower even though we added two smart watches with cell service to the package one year ago on Black Friday.  I have the ability to make calls and receive calls on my smart watch even when my cell phone isn't present. 

I'm saving the most important point for last – coverage.  I tested this myself on long distance road travels out of state.  T-mobile figured out a way to blend 4G and 5G in rural areas that helps avoid dropped calls.  Sure, 5G is great when you're close to a tower.  What about being in the middle of nowhere on a backroad?  It's not necessary to be next to a tower when your cell phone can search for 4G that can go for very long distances without any trouble.  The only exception is when you enter a valley.  The good news for people who live in the Midwest is miles and miles of mostly flat land.  I give T-Mobile five stars for coverage, customer service, and lower rates.  I also like the free international coverage.  If these folks keep their promise of never raising my rates as long as I remain active, I have no reason to leave.  Yes, the pain of change was worth it.  Have a great day.

 

Omad, 2mad, and the Status Quo

 Most Americans consume three meals a day.  They consider this normal.  We have specific labels for these meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  This is how I was raised.  The status quo goes beyond this with frequent snacks due to hunger.  I question this because when I look around I see so many oversized bellies.  How can this be?  Why is the hunger switch in the brain always on when others can remain hunger free even when though they consume less than three meals a day without snacking?

I met a food scientist recently who works for a company that studies ingredients they wish to add to our natural foods in order to increase our desire for them.  There a no laws against this.  My concern is what happens to our health when these companies go over the top and we become addicted to foods that are not healthy for us.

I came home exhausted from a full day and two hours of very competitive tennis last night.  Although my only meal of the day was breakfast, I was not hungry.  My wife prepared a bunless burger for me along with some beans.  I told her that would be my breakfast and went to bed.  The translation for breakfast means to break fast.  It's the first meal after fasting.  Most people don't understand the value of fasting.  Most people are so addicted that they must eat every two hours or they think they are dying.  

If you want to increase your health and vitality, consider giving up sugary foods or foods containing artificial ingredients.  This change in eating patterns won't be easy.  There is a time period where your body will rebel.  Your brain will send out hunger signals that are like 911 calls to dispatch.  You must not cave.  Once you get past the withdrawals and the hunger signals subside, consider 2mad (two meals a day).  You may get so good at this that Omad (one meal a day) simply happens without even thinking about it because your hunger signals are gone.  The bonus for you is the extra years added to your lifespan as a result of losing all that belly fat.  I can't remember the last time I ate three meals in a day.  The food scientist I shared this with seemed surprised.  I have a feeling she wanted me to keep this to myself.  Surprise.  I'm here every day offering my crazy thoughts about ideas that are contrary to the status quo.  If you try this, it won't be easy at first.  Your future self will thank you if you decide to pursue an Omad or 2mad lifestyle.  Have a great day.

Can You Slow Down the Aging Process?

Despite serious ridicule from some people who think my ideas about slowing down the biological time clock, I'm doubling down on my experiments.  This time adding other people who are willing to change their ways.  I already know what to expect by going down the same path that has been trodden for the last generation.  It really doesn't look good as far as the status quo goes.

There is good reason to be hesitant.  My ideas are unproven.  I'm certainly not an expert on the topic of longevity.  What I do have going for me happens to be the extraordinary results from my current food experiments.  If you haven't read "Live Long and Prosper" because you're too busy, I have good news.  The audio version will be out any day now.  I'm waiting for the people in charge of distribution to approve my release  You can listen to my journey of transformation in a little over two hours.  I include my daily stack which, in my opinion, is slowing down the hands of time.  Stay tuned.  It's getting exciting.  Have a great day. 

Is Jesus Real?

 Today's message is a response to someone close to me who struggles with the relationship between science and faith.  I have a feeling this struggle is common throughout the world.  As I reflect on my life I believe my faith has helped me to endure in situations where failure seemed eminent.  Is Jesus real?  If so, is he God?  What evidence is there that Jesus is who he says he is?

Before I get too deep today, I would like to pose a question for those reading today's story.  Does evil exist?  If the answer is yes, where do you think evil comes from?  Is it possible that evil exists beyond our own realm?  In my opinion, it may be easier to persuade nonbelievers about the existence of Jesus by first offering examples of evil that we cannot see with our own eyes yet we can accept when the evidence is scrutinized.

How can it be that people who appear to be under the influence of evil can suddenly speak in ancient tongues when they've never been exposed to these languages?  How can a person who appears to be possessed toss a 300 pound human across the room with one arm?  Can science explain this?  Perhaps a worthy explanation comes from stories in the Bible about demons who roam the planet in search of souls they wish to possess.

If the modern day stories about demons are verifiable, perhaps someone searching for the source of these demons could go back in time by reading passages in the Bible about demons who paid a great deal of attention to Jesus.  Why did these demons care about influencing Jesus?  How did these demons know who Jesus is?

If I were in a court of law attempting to prove the existence of Jesus, I would offer witness testimony from the very demons who are attacking us.  How can these demons defy the laws of nature?  Perhaps there is something about them that gives us a glimpse of their enemy – Jesus.  If they are real, maybe Jesus is real.  The leap of faith is easier to make when one considers the actions of the demons who are in our world today.  

For those who deny the Bible because they find think it goes against science, I offer my two cents.  Science is an attempt to understand what we do not know.  We don't know everything.  Science has its own gaps.  If Jesus is real and everything he says is true, it's easy to see how science is merely a tool for explaining who God is.  I don't have all the answers here.  I do have faith.  This is a gift.  It's all I have to offer for those who aren't sure if Jesus is real.  Have a great day.

How Do You See Yourself in Five Years?

Imagine the date is 11/18/29.  You are five years older.  Like it or not, this day is going to be here before you know it.  The way you imagine yourself five years from today could actually serve as an inspiration to prepare for that date.

This date is significant for me because it puts me approximately seven months ahead of my retirement from my day job.  I consider these next five years as a time of preparation.  The more steps I can take now the better prepared I will be when it's time to begin the next phase of my life.

Ask yourself who you see around you five years from today as you prepare for Thanksgiving.  Who is with you?  What are you doing?  How is your health?  Are you happy?  What's missing?  Once you see yourself in the future, what steps can you take in the next five years to make that future vision of yourself the best it can be?  Have a great day.