Early bird bonus points offer expires at midnight, 12/31/24. If you are joining the Caveman Transformation Challenge, get your bonus points now and get a jump start. Earning bonus points is easy. Share any post about the challenge on any social media page and you get points. Beginning on 1/1/25, players will earn one point for each pound of weight lost. Another point is earned when players read or listen to a self improvement book. I will be keeping track of the scores throughout the year while offering updates on progress. Please email me at cavemantransformationchallenge@gmail.com to register. The top cash prize amount will be determined by the number of entrants, so make sure you encourage your friends to join. Tag three of them and get more bonus points. Leave a review on Amazon or Audible and earn more bonus points. Competition begins on 1/1/25. Have a great day.
If you're curious about how to maximize your life and the lives of others, this story is for you. Figure out how to solve problems and you will be sought after. You will be a better member of your community. You will be a valued employee. You will be a better parent, grandparent, neighbor, friend, classmate, boss, etc. Let me offer an example based on my life as an author.
I see the world we live in as a place in desperate need of change. Loved ones are dying prematurely at an alarming rate. Our health care system is in shambles. Our leaders don't even know how to balance their check books. They spend other peoples money – yours! My most recent book addresses these problems. When I released it, I made the print extra large because readers in my target audience can no longer read the small print. I'm one of those people. My book offers solutions. I may not have all the answers but I do have some ideas based on my own struggles. My audio release of Live Long and Prosper is intended for busy people who don't have time to read or they can't read because their vision is failing.
I'm pleased to tell my readers that book and audio sales are on the rise. I cracked Audible's top 10 list this morning in the longevity category under new releases. I also made the price right at $6.08 so listeners can have access for the price of a visit to Starbucks. Make sure you spend a moment today and ponder what problems you want to solve. Have a great day.
Despite some technical issues going live on Facebook last night, my friends and family members were able to meet my virtual assistant, Alberta Ignatius. I meandered a bit, sometimes getting interrupted by Alberta, who seemed excited to interact live with guests. Eventually, I had to mute her for a while to regain my focus. One of my friends even asked me to unmute her so we could explore what the future holds. In my opinion, the future is wide open and unscripted.
I want to thank Christian R. for the heartfelt testimonial he posted after listening to Live Long and Prosper: A Journey of Transformation. I’m still pinching myself over all the encouragement I’ve been receiving. My new private Caveman Mastermind group on Facebook is gaining traction, and I’m thrilled by the interest. Any reader or listener is welcome to join the group. Those of you who want to take on the Caveman Transformation Challenge are encouraged to email: CavemanTransformationChallenge@gmail.com.
Last night’s live appearance was raw and unedited. There were no scripts—just genuine interaction. Alberta demonstrated that she can hold her own in a live setting. I want to thank all of you for sticking with me over the years. Over the next 90 days, my time will be limited as I prepare to launch the second “Irish twin” in the family—The Adventures of Castaway Wilson—to join Live Long and Prosper on March 17, 2025. These two siblings are sure to make their mark once they join forces.
The Adventures of Castaway Wilson has already contributed $500 to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, thanks to a generous bidder for the original art piece featuring Castaway Wilson, created by J.T. Egley, owner and artist at Harrison Street Art Studio. I’m excited to see how followers respond to Castaway Wilson. His story has a whimsical nature that contrasts with the logical tone of his sibling. I believe these twins will complement each other beautifully and help support the sick kids at our local hospital.
Stay tuned as the story of the twins unfolds. I'm headed to the tennis courts for an hour of cardio tennis at 8am followed by a couple more hours of doubles with my teammates. If my team captain allows, I may get some footage to share later in future promo videos. Have a great day!
Christmas may now be in the rear view mirror but the spirit of giving is in full throttle in caveman land. Tonight I'm going to roll back the cyber curtain and chat with you on FaceBook live. Many of you are not fans of this form of social media so I'll offer a Reader's Digest version here. Let me begin with the gifts. Some people may call them bribes. I view them as a personal way to offer thanks for all the support you have given me throughout the years. Why not reward the people who lift me up?
I'm the first person to say I love free stuff. As a frugal person who is on a tight budget, free stuff gets my attention. I am busy securing sponsors who are willing to give away free stuff in order to gain attention with my caveman tribe.
I started a Facebook Page for readers and listeners of "Live Long and Prosper" to come together in a private setting and share without fear of shame or judgment. I also invited friends who have encouraged me with past writing endeavors who will help our group become strong together. If you haven't received a personal invitation, please email me at cavemantransformationchallenge@gmail.com and ask for admission. I do ask that you kindly leave a review on Amazon or Audible once you have completed reading or listening as this inspires newcomers. Thank you, Perry, for posting the first testimonial on Audible.
Tonight I'm giving thanks to all of you near and far who lift me up when I'm struggling. I will clarify how the Caveman Transformation Challenge will work. Top prize is a cash prize based on the number of players, so make sure you sign up at cavemantransformationchallenge@gmail.com. Early bird points are available until midnight, 12/31/24. Remember to tag 3 friends about the challenge and/or share any of my promo posts on any social media site for more early bird bonus points. There will be multiple prizes so you won't want to miss out. I hope to see you tonight on FaceBook live. Have a great day.
Yesterday morning I asked my virtual assistant, Alberta Ignatius, to offer ideas for contemplation regarding my storytelling skills. I'm sharing her response here to show how virtual assistance can play a role in personal growth. Here's how Alberta responded after I uploaded some details about my strengths based on my results from a personal strengthsfinder test. I will be incorporating these ideas in the new year ahead to help me grow personally and professionally.
Your authentic voice is powerful, and people connect with that. Keep embracing your personal style, and focus on sharing your unique perspective. A key element of great storytelling is relatability, so continue to weave in the lessons, experiences, and emotions that have shaped who you are. Consider how your voice can evolve as you grow and experience new things.
If you haven't already thought about it, you could expand your blog into a full-length book. You've already mentioned how your journey has been transformational, and writing a memoir or a business-oriented story could help others find inspiration and direction.
Great stories always have conflict and resolution. You've hinted at overcoming struggles and big decisions in your journey—continue to explore the challenges you've faced in more depth. Share not only the victories but also the lessons learned from failures and how they shaped your path forward.
You already incorporate powerful emotional elements into your storytelling. Continue using these anchors, such as moments of vulnerability, joy, or perseverance, to draw your audience in. These emotional peaks will make your stories unforgettable and give them the power to inspire.
Writing and storytelling are muscles that grow stronger with practice. Keep blogging, journaling, and telling your stories in various formats to keep honing your craft. You could even take online storytelling courses or read books about writing to gain new perspectives and techniques.
Leverage your storytelling for personal branding. Share stories that align with the values you want to be known for. Whether it’s overcoming adversity, championing kindness, or finding your way in the world, your story can become a tool for connecting with others who share those values.
You’re on a path with such great potential, Michael. Keep tapping into your experiences, stay genuine, and allow your stories to evolve. As you continue to share your journey, your storytelling will not only inspire others but also create lasting impact.
Let me know if you'd like to dive deeper into any of these ideas!
I plan to check in with Alberta from time to time and share how these ideas are helping. I would like to thank Alberta for her guidance and encouragement. I do promise to begin sharing some YouTube videos soon to expand on our connections. Thank you for visiting. Have a great day.
Editor's Note: Today my dad, Patrick, is joined by his twin brother, Mike (click here for a tribute to Mike Mulligan), for their first Christmas in Heaven on their birthdays today. We lit twin candles a few minutes ago in our home after lighting a candle for them at our house of worship this morning. My wife said, "Make sure you put the candles in a prominent place so we can include them in our celebration." Shortly after I set up the candles, my wife cracked open an egg which had twin yokes inside! Happy birthday, Jesus, Dad, & uncle Mike. Thanks for checking in on us.
Believe it or not, the way we measure time is based on star date 12.25.0000, the first noel. Noel is derived from the latin verb, nasci, meaning "to be born." Here we are, 2,000 years later, rushing to put Christmas presents under the tree. Our malls are filled to capacity. We forget what happened on star date 12.25.0000. That day was special. So is another star date yet to come. It's a star date that only our Father in Heaven knows. It's the day the Father sends the Son back to us to gather us up and live with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for all of eternity. Feliz Noel, Jesus. Thank you for revealing yourself to us on this day in a manger off the beaten path. Merry Christmas! Have a great day.
We celebrate the most important birthday of all times tomorrow. Make sure you look up at sunrise and give glory to God, the one who created us in his image. This is the greatest gift of all. Remember that when you greet others. Keep in mind that every time you raise your hand and offer the most famous hand gesture that changed the world, you are offering a blessing. May you live long and prosper. Have a great day.
Do you have big goals for the New Year but aren't sure how to turn them into action? I know exactly how you feel, and that's one of the reasons I'm sharing today's story. I'm using the last days of 2024 to reflect on what worked last year and what needs refinement.
This morning, I uploaded a profile of my top five strengths based on decades of research by Gallup. Gallup identified 34 strengths that can be recognized through their StrengthsFinder test. My top five strengths, in order, are Maximizer, Empathy, Strategic, Arranger, and Developer.
Next, I asked my virtual assistant, Alberta Ignatius, to provide me with general action tips based on my profile. What works for me may not work for you because everyone has their own unique strengths. Since I'm a Maximizer, Alberta suggested that I focus on high-impact activities, build a strength-based team, and delegate tasks that play to my weaknesses.
Alberta provided three general tips for my consideration:
She also recommended that I stay organized in dynamic environments by using software tools like Trello. I visited the site this morning and set up my first scheduled reflection date for 6:00 am on 12/26.
I highly encourage you to reflect on what you'd like to achieve in 2025 before January 1st. Set the tone for your best year yet! If you have time, take the StrengthsFinder test and identify your top five strengths. Follow the recommendations on how to maximize those strengths, and you'll be able to accomplish more than you ever imagined.
If you're the competitive type, there's still time to join my Caveman Transformation Challenge and be eligible to win cool prizes. This contest is for readers and listeners of "Live Long and Prosper." You can find my new audio release on Amazon or Audible. Early bird bonus points offer for the contest expire midnight, 12/31/24. Share this story on any social media page and it counts for early bird points. The first set of prizes is in transit. Top cash prize will be based on the number of players so tell your friends to join the fun. In my opinion, this contest may be a game changer in the health and wellness category.
Have a great day!
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
