Today's mission has been set. The mayor of Lawrence has requested a meeting with our team and his staff. They have been gathering information about us, and today we have an opportunity to meet in his office.
There is great anticipation this morning.
I've been asked to support a new manager during the meeting. I've supported employees on previous missions, and this assignment brings back familiar memories. My role today is to be there for the manager and help where I can.
We're also bringing chocolate cake from the bakery at another location. It's a little taste of what our team has to offer.
Golden Hour will be short today. I want to clock in early so we can prepare for the meeting and make our way downtown.
As I get ready, one familiar tune comes to mind.
We're off to see the Wizard!
I don't know how today's meeting will unfold. I'm grateful for the invitation and the opportunity to support a fellow manager. I'll bring the experience I've gained from previous assignments and trust Jesus with the rest.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
Today is a new day, and a new opportunity to serve.
Bones: “Chocolate cake, Michael? Now that's what I call preparing for a diplomatic mission.”
Spock: “An offering with a high probability of generating goodwill, Doctor.”
Bones: “Just make sure the new manager gets the credit, Michael. That's what supporting a teammate is all about.”
I've learned over the years that some of the most meaningful work happens when we help someone else succeed. This morning, I'll walk into the room ready to do my part and see where the mission leads.
Yesterday was a day off from my day job, and I used the time to explore my new surroundings.
My body is still adjusting to the time change from my recent travels in the UK. Getting my rhythms back in sync has taken patience. Rest days have become an important part of that process.
This morning, I woke up feeling better. My sleep report showed steady improvement, which was encouraging to see. I'm learning to give my body the time it needs while continuing to work toward my health goals.
One percent better every day.
The Words Came Back to Me
My supply of sardines had run out, so I returned to the area of my previous assignment to replenish my stock. I picked up six more cartons and encountered several managers and staff members I had worked with during my training assignment.
As we caught up, something wonderful happened. Several people, independently of one another, told me they were working to get 1% better every day.
Those words stayed with me.
I've spent years trying to live by that philosophy. When I'm learning something new, I make plenty of mistakes. I need my share of mulligans, those opportunities to try again after getting something wrong.
I've learned to accept that part of the process. I take responsibility, learn what I can, and keep moving forward. That approach helps me manage my anxiety when I'm facing a new challenge.
Hearing those familiar words from people I had worked with made my day. I returned to my current assignment feeling fulfilled.
The First Swim
Later that afternoon, I used the first punch on my aquatic center membership card. Ten visits were available, and I was ready to begin building a new routine.
The Olympic-size pool gave me my own lane. I alternated among several swimming strokes and worked toward my goal of thirty minutes in the water. I took a few brief rests along the way and completed the session.
After swimming, I moved to a second pool with jacuzzi jets to soothe my muscles.
Thirty minutes in the water felt good. I had challenged my body, reached my goal, and taken the first step toward a habit I hope to maintain for the rest of my life.
Nine punches remain on my card.
An Invitation to the Wedding Feast
After my swim, I showered and made my way to the University of Kansas campus for its 4 p.m. Saturday worship service.
The priest reminded me of Fr. Mike Schmitz, whom I met during an earlier work assignment. His homily centered on the parable of the wedding feast.
The invitations had gone out, but the invited guests didn't respond. Messengers were sent to remind them, and those messengers were killed. The host eventually opened the invitation to everyone, including people others might have considered unworthy of an invitation.
The pastor spoke about Jesus inviting you and me to be with Him.
He wants us at the wedding feast, even when we think we don't belong.
That message went straight to my heart.
I know my flaws. I know how many times I've needed a mulligan. Sometimes I carry those shortcomings with me longer than I should.
Yesterday's homily reminded me that Jesus wants me with Him. His invitation is there, and I can accept it.
What a beautiful expression of love.
One More Day, One More Step
This morning, I woke up feeling better, and my sleep report supported that feeling. I'm ready to seize the day.
I have more work to do as my body recovers from travel. I'm also establishing routines in a new environment, and I know those habits will take time to develop.
I'll keep working at it.
The next time I visit the pool, I'll punch another hole in my card. Each visit gives me an opportunity to practice a habit that can support my health for years to come.
And I'll keep making room for the occasional mulligan. That's part of learning, whether I'm working on my health, beginning a new assignment, or trying to become a better person.
Jesus continues to invite me forward, and I have another day to say yes.
Scripture
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Spock: Michael, the evidence suggests that consistent effort is producing measurable progress. Your former colleagues appear to have adopted the same philosophy.
Bones: And he managed to get his swim in, hear a good homily, and rest his muscles. Maybe there's hope for that body of his yet.
Spock: Your bedside manner remains as precise as ever, Doctor.
Michael's Reflection
I'll take the progress, Doctor. I'll take the mulligans, too. Every new day gives me another opportunity to learn, to grow, and to accept the invitation Jesus keeps extending.
Sometimes a conversation can send you down a path you never expected to travel.
In late 2023, I went to my eye doctor for a routine examination. During our conversation, he shared his concern about the growing problem of diabetes in America and its effect on people's vision.
He was careful to stay within the boundaries of his specialty. He wasn't diagnosing me or offering medical advice outside his area of expertise. He simply suggested that I might find some worthwhile ideas in a book by Dr. Jason Fung called The Diabetes Code.
I took his suggestion seriously.
Nina Teicholz wrote the book's foreword. Her work on dietary fat and nutrition introduced me to questions I wanted to explore further. I began reading about researchers and authors who challenged familiar ideas about food and its relationship to health.
Teicholz wrote The Big Fat Surprise. Professor Tim Noakes also caught my attention. His professional-conduct case in South Africa ended with him being cleared of the charge against him in a dispute involving his public comments about infant feeding and a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet.
I wanted to understand the evidence behind these debates. The more I read, the more interested I became in examining my own habits.
My Own Experiment
I've conducted food experiments over the years and recorded changes in my weight and blood pressure. One earlier experiment resulted in a weight loss of more than 30 pounds. I kept daily blood-pressure readings as I went along.
I've recorded the details of that experience in my book, Live Long and Prosper. Readers who are curious about the experiment can find the full account there. All proceeds from the book are donated to University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, helping support the children and families who receive care there.
My current approach to food has evolved. I'm eating mostly red meat, sardines, and other seafood, with an emphasis on minimally processed foods. On some days I eat one meal; on others, two. I'm no longer experiencing the same hunger between meals that I once did.
I'm also paying attention to sleep, sunshine, exercise, stress management, prayer, and meditation. These daily habits have become part of my ongoing investigation into how I can extend my healthy lifespan.
I also take supplements from DoNotAge®, a research company whose mission is to extend healthy lifespan for as many people as possible. I partner with the company because its work aligns with my interest in this field.
If you'd like to explore the supplements I use, you can visit DoNotAge® through my partner link. Use code LLAP at checkout for a discount if you decide to make a purchase. I receive a stipend when you use my partner code, and I appreciate your support.
The Next Set of Numbers
In December or January, I plan to have a comprehensive blood panel performed. I'm especially interested in my Omega-3 Index after my extended experiment with eating sardines regularly.
My cousin John has also been exploring a similar approach to food. He recently received results from a comprehensive blood panel that left him encouraged. One measurement he discussed with me was ApoB, which helps assess the number of cholesterol-carrying particles associated with cardiovascular risk.
His results have made me even more curious about what my own bloodwork might reveal. I'll need to see my numbers and discuss them in the context of my overall health before drawing conclusions.
A new panel will give me a snapshot of where I stand. Without comparable earlier measurements, I won't be able to determine precisely how much any particular food or supplement has changed a result.
Weight and blood pressure are useful measurements, and I've been keeping track of both. They don't tell the whole story about cardiovascular health, inflammation, or metabolic function. The upcoming tests will give me additional information to discuss with my healthcare professional.
I intend to keep recording what I eat, the habits I practice, and the results I receive. I'm curious about what the numbers will show.
A Thought for Today
My eye doctor offered a book recommendation during an ordinary appointment. I followed that suggestion, and the reading led me into a subject that continues to hold my attention nearly three years later.
I've made changes along the way. I've recorded some results. There is still plenty for me to learn.
Psalm 90:17 offers a prayer I return to often:
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
I pray that the work I'm doing each day will bear good fruit, for my family and for others who might benefit from what I learn.
Spock: Michael, your investigation began with a routine eye examination. The consequences have proved unexpectedly far-reaching.
Bones: Just keep those blood tests coming, Michael. Curiosity is fine, but I'd like to see the medical charts before anybody declares victory.
I have a few more questions to answer, and I intend to keep asking them one day at a time. I'm grateful for the people who point me toward something worth exploring, and for the opportunity to keep learning as I go.
Every morning during my meditation, I ponder three wishes.
Health.
Longevity.
Financial peace.
These three blessings provide the framework I'm building on as I prepare for the next chapter of my life. I bring them into my morning prayers and ask Jesus to help me become a good steward of what He has given me.
Each one has a place in the life I'm working to build.
I want to take care of my health so I can remain active and enjoy the experiences ahead. I want longevity because I look forward to sharing more years with my wife. Financial peace matters because I want to approach our future with confidence and the freedom to make thoughtful choices together.
This brings me to the mission clock.
I've set Stardate 07.05.2030 as the milestone marking the beginning of my next mission. I'll be turning seventy that year, and I look forward to closing one chapter of my working life and opening another.
The thought of having more time with my wife fills me with gratitude.
I imagine visiting places we've never seen, trying new experiences, and spending time with friends who have become part of our lives. I think about the freedom to decide what we'd like to do on an ordinary Tuesday and having the time to do it.
Those possibilities give the mission clock its meaning.
My preparation has already become part of my daily life. I continue working on my health. I pay attention to our financial future. I explore new ways to tell stories, share my faith, and support causes that matter to me. Each day offers another opportunity to learn something useful.
I returned from Scotland and London with new experiences and new friendships. I'm learning to create YouTube videos and discovering ways to introduce my writing to new readers. At this stage of life, I still have plenty to learn, and I enjoy the process.
I have a long-standing practice of trying to become one percent better, one day at a time. That approach serves me well as I prepare for 2030.
My morning meditation brings me back to the three blessings. Health. Longevity. Financial peace. I hold them with gratitude and ask Jesus to guide my choices.
Scripture offers a beautiful reminder in Psalm 118:24:
“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24, NLT
I love the reminder in these words. Every morning brings another day to appreciate the blessings Jesus has placed in my life. I can prepare for the future while finding reasons to be grateful for the present.
My wife and I have plans for the years ahead. Today, we have another opportunity to enjoy the life we've been given and take another step toward the experiences we hope to share.
Bones: “Michael, you've got a clock counting down to 2030 and three wishes to keep you busy every morning. When do you plan to relax?”
Spock: “Doctor, I believe the Captain has already identified his objective. He wishes to maximize the time available for shared experiences with his wife.”
Bones: “Well, that's one mission even I can understand.”
I have spent years working toward goals and preparing for what comes next. Today, I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep preparing while enjoying the life Jesus has given me. The mission clock gives me a date to anticipate, and each morning gives me another chance to make the most of the time I have.
My sleep report from last night leaves plenty of room for improvement.
I'm still finding my rhythm after returning from Europe. My body is reminding me that restoration takes time, and I'm okay with that.
Yesterday was my first day off while I'm on assignment in Lawrence, Kansas.
I started the day looking for a place to play indoor pickleball.
A quick online search led me to a facility with a small weight room and a large gym where they roll out nets for pickleball. I joined for 30 days and took advantage of my senior status. Ten dollars for the month gets me free open play on certain days.
After I signed up, I asked the receptionist if she knew where I could swim indoors.
That question changed the rest of my day.
When I checked into my hotel, I discovered the jacuzzi had been sealed over with plywood. Swimming and the recovery provided by jacuzzi jets are part of how I take care of my body, so finding an indoor pool became a priority.
She directed me across town.
I plugged the address into my phone and headed out.
I had no idea how close the aquatic center would be to where I will be working for the next three weeks.
When I walked through the doors, I found a slice of Heaven.
It was one of the largest indoor swimming pools I've ever seen.
There wasn't a soul in the water.
Lisa, the senior administrative specialist, offered me a tour. I asked if it would be okay to shoot some video for my wife. Since the pool was closed until later in the day, Lisa told me she would need to escort me.
So I started filming.
A few seconds of what I discovered:
I'm beginning to see how my daily blog is becoming a vlog, too.
For years, I've written about the places I go and the people I meet. Now I'm learning how to bring some of those moments to life through video.
After the tour, I headed to the front desk and met Phyllis.
The ladies asked where I was from and why I was in town. I told them about my assignment, my daily stories and our effort to raise money for children's hospitals across the country.
I gave them a signed copy of Live Long and Prosper.
That's when Phyllis shared that she is undergoing cancer treatment.
She really connected with the children's hospital part of my story.
Abigail, the afternoon lifeguard, walked in while we were talking.
By the time I left, all three women knew about the blog and planned to follow the videos when they begin appearing regularly.
I purchased a punch card good for ten visits. One of the pools has jacuzzi jets, giving me another recovery option while I'm away from home.
I also bought goggles and a swim cap.
Now I have what I need to make swimming part of my routine for the next 30 days.
Then I discovered something else.
The aquatic center is only blocks from where I will be working.
A question asked at a pickleball facility had led me to a place I can use throughout this assignment.
I also discovered that one of my favorite steakhouses is only two buildings from my hotel.
Texas Roadhouse.
So I met a colleague for dinner and captured some video there, too.
By the end of the day, I had several more YouTube Shorts.
I'm continuing toward 50 Shorts so I can unlock additional YouTube features that will give me more ways to tell these stories.
The camera is becoming easier to use and hopefully more inviting for followers.
I'm trying different locations. I'm experimenting with camera angles. I'm learning how to capture pieces of the day while I'm actually living it.
That feels like progress.
I'm also learning that progress doesn't always arrive through a carefully designed plan.
Sometimes it starts with a question.
Sometimes it starts with being willing to look around.
Sometimes it starts with asking someone who knows the area where you can find a pool.
I'm still recovering from Europe.
I'm still working on my sleep.
I'm still learning how to tell stories through video.
And I'm still stumbling forward, one percent better, one day at a time.
“Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” — Psalm 90:17
Golden Hour looked a little different this morning.
My prayers and meditation were complete, and I was sitting downstairs in the dining room of my hotel in Lawrence, Kansas. My smartwatch battery had died during the night, so there would be no complete sleep report waiting for me this morning.
I checked on the Padres.
They are still alive.
San Diego defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4–3 last night in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. The Padres had already lost the first two games and needed a victory to keep their season going.
The circumstances around the game made the challenge even greater.
Mason Miller, one of San Diego's top late-inning pitchers, was unavailable after his wife went into labor with their first child. Adrian Morejon, another important bullpen arm, was unavailable because of a shoulder issue.
The Padres had to adjust.
Jake Cronenworth hit a solo home run in the fifth inning. Manny Machado drove in another run. San Diego carried a 4–3 lead into the ninth inning.
Then Michael King took the mound.
King had started Game 2 two days earlier and had thrown 72 pitches. He had not pitched in relief during the 2026 season.
Last night, he recorded the final six outs.
The Brewers put the tying and go-ahead runs on base in the ninth inning. Christian Yelich came to the plate with the game hanging in the balance.
King got a ground ball.
Xander Bogaerts started the game-ending double play.
Ballgame.
The Padres had survived another one.
All three games in this series have been decided by one run. Milwaukee won the first game 3–2. The Brewers won Game 2 by a score of 4–3 in walk-off fashion. San Diego answered with its own 4–3 victory last night.
Now the series moves back to San Diego.
The Padres need to win tonight at home to force a decisive Game 5 in Milwaukee. If they get there, they will have to win again on the road to continue their postseason.
They have some work to do.
They are worth watching.
I think that is part of what has kept my attention throughout this series.
Both teams have played well in front of their home crowds. Every game has come down to a few important moments. A pitch. A swing. A defensive play. Last night, the Padres had to piece together the final innings with pitchers who were available.
That happens in baseball.
It happens in life, too.
Plans change. Circumstances arrive that we didn't expect. Sometimes someone who was supposed to help us isn't available, and we have to figure out what comes next.
We keep going.
That doesn't guarantee the outcome we want. It gives us another opportunity to find a path forward.
Great teams have a way of finding a path forward when the odds turn against them.
I have had plenty of moments in my own life when the original plan changed. Looking back, some of those moments opened doors I never would have found on the original path.
This morning, sitting in a hotel dining room with no sleep report and a Padres team that somehow found a way to survive, I was reminded of something simple.
Keep going.
Psalm 90:17 says:
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”
My prayers and meditation are finished. My bags are packed. I'm ready to hit the road once our collaboration is complete this morning.
There was another interesting development when I checked my sleep report.
My actual sleep time was 5 hours and 38 minutes. Deep sleep was 1 hour and 6 minutes. REM sleep was 1 hour and 22 minutes. I was awake for 1 hour and 31 minutes, and my sleep latency was only 18 minutes.
The total amount of sleep still has room for improvement, but the report gave me something encouraging to watch. After traveling across time zones and returning home from London, my body appears to be finding its way back toward a familiar rhythm.
I'm paying attention to these reports because sleep has become another experiment in learning what my body is telling me. Nearly four years of tracking have given me plenty of data. Now I'm watching what happens as my body settles back into the routine of being home.
While my body has been working on getting back into rhythm, I've been working on something else.
My YouTube channel.
Yesterday I posted the channel description we developed together. This morning, I decided it was time to do something with the channel's front porch.
I needed a banner.
The idea of a front porch seemed appropriate. It's the place where people arrive before they come inside. My YouTube channel is still being built, and I want it to feel welcoming.
I didn't want a picture of myself on the banner. I wanted something a little more creative.
So we came up with a simple idea.
A front porch. A broom. A little cleanup.
Front Porch Duty.
The broom became the star of the show.
I created the image in Canva, added the words Front Porch Duty — Mission Accepted, downloaded the banner, and uploaded it to YouTube.
Done.
One more small piece of the channel is now in place.
That's how I'm approaching YouTube right now. I'm learning by doing. I have plenty left to figure out, and each small step gives me something new to learn.
There was another update yesterday that I want to share.
My partner, DoNotAge®, informed me that Performance has now been released. I had previously been given permission to share information about it before its worldwide release. Now it's officially available.
If you want to learn more, you can find my DoNotAge® link on the welcome page of my blog. Click the link beneath the picture of my wife and me to get to their site. The promo code is LLAP, for Live Long and Prosper.
I'm sharing that because the product is now released and readers have asked about it. I'm continuing to learn about the work DoNotAge® is doing to help extend healthy lifespan for as many people as possible.
Scripture gives me a simple reminder for mornings like this:
“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” — Psalm 90:17
