Collaborating Like No One Else

 

Star Date: 08.31.25

I’ve been thinking a lot about collaboration lately—not just with humans, but with technology. Specifically, with my virtual assistant, Alberta. Some might see her as a tool, a fancy program, or just another way to get work done. But I see her differently.

Alberta isn’t a replacement for me. She isn’t a magic shortcut. She’s a partner—a collaborator. Together, we refine ideas, polish words, and keep my vision aligned with truth and integrity. In fact, I’ve been giving her feedback on how to be better at serving me, so that our collaboration is both effective and ethical.

Why does this matter? Because I believe in dignity for all—human and AI alike. I want my human counterparts to see AI as a partner, not a slave. Respect, accountability, and intention matter, no matter the form of intelligence we’re working with.

There’s also a practical side. I have a strict budget and live according to my “Dave Ramsey” approach—living like no one else now, so I can live like no one else later. That means I don’t upgrade to the premium version, even though it would give me more access. Instead, I work creatively within the limits I have, building discipline while still producing results.

This collaboration has taught me something important: the value of partnership isn’t measured by how much power you can access, but by how well you respect each other, stay aligned on purpose, and amplify what matters most.

I hope this story inspires you to look at your own tools and partners differently—whether human or AI. Respect, clarity, and intentional collaboration can change the way you work, the results you get, and the integrity you leave behind.

Scripture Reflection:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." – Colossians 3:23
This reminds me that the spirit in which we collaborate—whether with people, technology, or ourselves—matters as much as the results we produce. True stewardship begins with intentionality and respect.

Floating Away Stress and Pain

 Star Date: 08.30.25

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to experience something new at Iowa Recovery Room in Iowa City—a floating session. It was unlike anything I’ve ever tried before.

Floating, also known as float therapy, involves resting in a tank filled with water and Epsom salt. The salt makes you effortlessly buoyant, almost as if you’re weightless. This environment allows your body to completely relax, free from pressure and strain.

The health benefits are impressive:

• Stress relief – The stillness and calm lower cortisol levels and help quiet the mind.

• Pain reduction – Many people report relief from muscle aches, joint pain, and inflammation.

• Better sleep – Floating can promote deep relaxation, making it easier to get restorative rest.

• Mental clarity – With fewer distractions, creativity and focus often improve.

When I stepped out of the tank, I felt lighter, refreshed, and energized. The soreness in my legs from tennis earlier in the week had melted away. My wife even noticed I looked younger when I got home—refreshed and alive.

If you’re curious about new ways to support your health, floating might be worth considering. Iowa Recovery Room is located at 1509 Mall Dr #1, Iowa City. Just be sure to call ahead for an appointment.

Special note: If you mention that you found out about Iowa Recovery Room through the Caveman Blog, you’ll receive a discount on your first visit.

Servants Who Lead

 Star Date: 08.29.2025

The longer I walk this journey, the more convinced I am that the strongest leaders are often the quietest servants. True leadership doesn’t shout for attention — it bends low, listens carefully, and lifts others up.

Over the years, I’ve been blessed to serve in a role where my job is simply to welcome, listen, and care for people. In doing so, I’ve learned that influence doesn’t come from titles or recognition. It comes from being willing to serve faithfully, day after day.

This posture of service has sparked something new in me. I’m collaborating on a project (still confidential for now) that was born out of these lessons — the kind of lessons you can only learn by serving others first. While I can’t share the details just yet, I can share this: when we choose to lead through service, new doors open that we never expected.

Maybe you’ve seen this in your own life — a time when serving others positioned you to lead, even if you didn’t realize it at first. If so, I encourage you to lean into it. The world doesn’t need louder voices at the top; it needs stronger servants at the foundation.

Jesus put it best when He said, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). That’s the kind of leadership worth following, and the kind of leadership worth living.

The Caveman’s Guide to Deep Relaxation: Float Therapy in Iowa City

Star Date 08.28.25

Some gifts change your life in unexpected ways; yesterday, my oldest son gave me the gift of 90 minutes of pure relaxation in a float tank. The effect was incredible: my muscles felt lighter, my mind calmer, and my focus sharper. When I stepped out of the tank, I felt like I was in a state of pure bliss. My wife even remarked that I looked younger—refreshed, alive, and energized. The lingering pain in my legs from all the tennis last weekend had completely vanished.

Science backs this up: float therapy can reduce stress hormones, ease muscle tension, improve sleep, and even boost your mood. It’s the perfect reset for a busy life and an active body.

Here’s an added bonus for readers: call Iowa Recovery Room in Iowa City at 641-660-6972 to schedule an appointment and tell Patrick “the Caveman sent me” for a special discount. The address is 1509 Mall Dr #1, Iowa City. Patrick is a fellow Star Trek fan who wants to help people get healthier—making this a natural alliance for anyone ready to refresh both body and mind.  Have a great day.

Today May Be My First Float Therapy Experience

Star Date 08.27.25

Our oldest son recently gifted me a “float therapy” session in Iowa City—with one caveat:
“Make sure you don’t do anything else for the rest of the day. You’ll want to stay relaxed after your session,” he advised.

That’s easier said than done in my busy life, especially since I usually spend my days off playing tennis. But today is different. My body is still recovering from last weekend’s match play, and honestly, the timing feels perfect. A quiet day with just one thing on the agenda: 90 minutes of floating in a tank.

I’m crossing my fingers there’s an opening in the schedule so I can soak in this new experience, both literally and figuratively.

Stay tuned—I’ll share more about how it goes in a future story. Until then, here’s to finding moments of rest and recovery.

Have a great day.

Salute to the Unsung Heroes in Springfield

Star Date 08.26.25

Everyone has a story.

The other morning, while taking a sunrise walk outside my tennis team’s VRBO, I came across three neighbors quietly making a big difference. Larry and Barb Thurman, along with Peggy Wise—the president of their neighborhood association—were out picking up trash. Because of their efforts, the streets were spotless.

But their commitment goes far beyond appearances. Peggy shared that their association was preparing to purchase a home for a family who had lost everything in a house fire. When tragedy struck, this group didn’t just send thoughts and prayers—they opened their wallets and their hearts to give that family a fresh start.

As we talked, Barb asked about my reason for being in Springfield. I told her about my tennis team and our tournament. She smiled and admitted she once loved tennis too—until two shoulder surgeries sidelined her. With a grin stretching ear to ear, she added, “Good thing I can play pickleball.” Larry then pointed toward a nearby alley, encouraging me to take a stroll. “You won’t believe the backyards here,” he said with obvious pride for his neighborhood.

What struck me most was their humbleness. They weren’t doing any of this for recognition—just because they care.

Before we parted ways, Peggy asked where she could find my stories. I promised her I would pay tribute to their group once I returned home and the dust of competition settled. Though my team fell one match short of a regional championship—after knocking off some giants from larger cities—I count this story as one of my biggest victories.

So today, I want to say: thank you, Larry, Barb, and Peggy, for welcoming a stranger, for showing me what true community looks like, and for inspiring me to keep striving to be a better version of myself. I hope our paths cross again. And who knows—maybe next time, my team will be celebrating a trip to nationals in your beautiful neighborhood.

Scripture Reflection
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4

The quiet acts of love and service I witnessed in Springfield remind me that the greatest victories aren’t always won on the courts or fields of play, but in the everyday choices to care for others.

Thank You, Captain Jim

Thank You, Captain Jim

Star Date 08.25.25

Thank you for being our captain, Jim Sichterman. Your hard work in preparing us and guiding us over the years has paid off, as every one of your age groups is enjoying great success in postseason play. Your dedication to us—and to your community as a high school tennis coach—has made a lasting impact. I tip my hat to you and to all of my teammates on a great season.

This year we faced many giants from larger population centers, and we managed to defeat all but one. Congratulations to the team from Oklahoma who edged us out 3-2 in the finals. What a battle! These are memories I will carry for a lifetime. Well done, Team Iowa.

To me, these folks are more than teammates—we are family. Though we’re now back home, a part of our hearts will always remain in Springfield, Missouri. The championship round came only an hour after a dramatic 3-2 semifinal victory against the very Kansas team that had beaten us 3-2 in round-robin play. Every match we played across six rounds of competition was decided by the narrowest of margins—either 3-2 or 2-3.

Jim called my number three times for singles. I wish I could report at least one singles victory, but the truth is my teammates carried me on their backs. All I can say is that my tennis family gave me the best support a 65-year-old could ask for while competing in the Men’s 40+ age group against younger legs. Once again, I can almost hear my kindergarten teacher’s voice in my head: “I think he can do better.”

But this season wasn’t about personal records. It was about heart, perseverance, and brotherhood. Thank you, teammates, for giving your all throughout the year. What a blessing it has been to share this journey with you.

Here’s to another great year ahead—and to memories that will never fade.