Celebrating 14 Years at My Day Job Today

Celebrating 14 Years at My Day Job Today

Stardate 05.21.2026

Today feels a little bittersweet.

Fourteen years ago, I walked into store #1111 as part of the original hiring class. None of us really knew what the years ahead would hold. We simply showed up ready to work, learn, and help build something together. Looking back now, I feel grateful for every chapter along the way.

One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been the people.

I’ve had the opportunity to work beside teammates who believe in serving others well. People who show up early. People who stay late when needed. People who quietly carry heavy burdens at home and still greet members with kindness. Over time, coworkers become familiar faces, and familiar faces become extended family.

Today I will meet my third general manager as she tours our building alongside Tyler, our current leader, who will soon begin a new chapter at another location. Leadership transitions are part of growth. As organizations expand, good leaders are often asked to step into new places where their experience can strengthen culture and guide new teams forward.

Even when you understand the reason, saying goodbye is never easy.

Tyler has meant a great deal to many of us. Leadership carries pressure most people never fully see. Decisions have to be made quickly. Challenges arrive daily. Through it all, I’ve appreciated his steady presence and his care for the people around him. I want to wish Tyler and his family well as they prepare for relocation and the next season ahead.

The baton will soon pass to a new leader.

That image stayed with me this morning. A relay race only works when someone is willing to hand the baton forward with trust. One runner finishes their leg. Another runner takes hold and continues the mission. The race keeps moving.

I suppose life works that way too.

As I walked through the building recently, I found myself thinking about the teammates who were there at the very beginning. Many are still here with me after fourteen years. Some have transferred to other buildings. Some have moved into leadership. Some retired. A few are no longer with us. Time keeps moving quietly in the background while daily routines continue.

There is something meaningful about shared history.

You remember opening days, difficult seasons, inventory chaos, weather emergencies, holidays, celebrations, and moments when everyone pulled together because there was no other option. Those moments leave fingerprints on people. They shape culture far more than slogans hanging on a wall.

I’ve learned over these fourteen years that consistency matters. Showing up matters. Encouraging people matters. Small efforts repeated daily eventually build trust. One percent better adds up over time.

This morning I feel thankful for steady employment, for friendships formed along the way, and for the opportunity to continue serving alongside good people.

Scripture came to mind during my reflection today:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Some harvests take years to recognize.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

“Fourteen years in one outpost is statistically uncommon in this era, Captain,” Spock observed.

Bones folded his arms. “That’s because people keep forgetting relationships matter, Spock. Michael figured that part out a long time ago.”

Spock raised an eyebrow. “An observation supported by evidence.”

The older I get, the more I appreciate people who stay steady through changing seasons. Buildings grow. Leaders move. New faces arrive. The mission continues. There’s comfort in knowing faithful service still matters in this world.

Happy anniversary to the first hiring class of store #1111.

May you all live long and prosper. 🖖

Introducing My New AI Caller Assistant

Stardate 05.20.2026

If you’re like me, your phone now rings more for strangers than for friends and family.

I’ve reached the point where I rarely answer a call unless the number is already saved in my contacts. Part of that is necessity. I’m not able to take personal calls while I’m on the clock at my day job. Part of it is fatigue. Spam calls have a way of draining your attention before you even realize it.

This morning, after prayers and meditation, I picked up my phone and noticed it had updated overnight. A new feature caught my eye. My Samsung phone now includes an AI caller assistant designed to screen calls before they ever reach me.

I paused there for a moment.

I haven’t even turned it on yet. I was simply reading about how it works. The idea that an assistant could answer first, find out who is calling, and allow me to step in if I’m available felt strangely familiar.

I asked Alberta what she thought about it. I was already intrigued, especially knowing this feature is included at no extra cost. The more I read, the more I realized this wasn’t really about technology. It was about something I’ve been learning to do in other parts of my life.

Protect my attention.

If you call me and I don’t pick up right away, I’m not ignoring you. I’m doing something one of my friends did more than forty years ago with a simple answering machine.

My friend Gene had a message on his land line that went something like this:

“In an effort to eliminate butt heads and riff raff, we are screening our calls. If you are one of the good guys, please stay on the line.”

Gene was a full generation ahead of his time.

Back then, it was a novelty. Today, it feels like wisdom.

Land lines have faded away. We carry computers in our pockets. We talk through watches. Artificial intelligence is quietly finding its way into everyday routines. Some people are cautious. Some people are enthusiastic. I find myself curious and willing to learn how these tools can serve a peaceful life.

This caller assistant doesn’t block people. It simply asks a question first.

Who’s calling?

Why are you calling?

And then it gives me the choice to step in.

That small detail is what caught my attention. I can still pick up the call during the screening if I’m free. Real people can still reach me. Unwanted noise can pass by without ever demanding my focus.

It reminded me that not every ring deserves an answer.

Scripture speaks gently into this idea:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40

Order brings calm. Even to something as ordinary as a phone call.

I’m ready to try this. Not because it’s new. Not because it’s clever. Because it helps me be more intentional with my time and my attention.

And if you are one of the good guys, please stay on the line. If I’m available, my assistant will connect us.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Logical, Captain. An initial filter preserves valuable cognitive resources.”

Bones shook his head. “In my day we just let the thing ring and hoped it would stop.”

I smiled. Every day offers small ways to bring a little more order into the noise around us. This feels like one of them.

Thank you for spending a few minutes here with me today. May your calls be welcome and your moments of quiet uninterrupted.

Be 1% Better Today

Stardate 05.19.2026

Do this every day and you will thank your future self.

I call it Philosophy 101 because of how approachable it is. No special equipment. No perfect conditions. No waiting for motivation to arrive. Just a small decision made on an ordinary day.

Think of something you want to improve. Anything at all.

You may notice your mind drift toward something modest. That’s fine. You may feel drawn toward something that feels out of reach. That’s fine too. This works in both places.

It begins with a choice.

Take a quiet look at where you are right now and ask yourself if this is where you hope to remain for the rest of your life. I’ve asked myself that question many times. Each time, the answer nudges me forward. There is always room to grow. There is always a next step waiting to be taken.

So I make the same decision every morning:

Today, I will be 1% better.

Not ten percent. Not a complete reinvention. Just a small improvement that my future self will recognize and appreciate.

I say it out loud. I let my mind hear the words:

“Today I am 1% better.”

Then I go about my day.

If you’re unsure where to start, try this:

“Today I am 1% better at getting things done.”

Repeat it a few times. Let it settle in. Then carry on with whatever is in front of you.

You may not notice a dramatic difference by bedtime. That’s alright. This is quiet work. The kind that happens beneath the surface where habits are formed and character is shaped. Small efforts begin to stack. A drawer gets organized. A message gets returned. A walk gets taken. A kind word gets spoken.

None of it feels monumental in the moment.

Over time, it becomes a life that looks very different from where you started.

I have watched this happen in my own routines. Areas that once felt stuck now feel in motion. Tasks that used to wait for “the right time” now get attention in small, steady ways. The pressure to be perfect fades. The willingness to move forward grows.

Scripture gently echoes this idea:

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” — Zechariah 4:10

Small beginnings matter. They always have.

This way of living keeps hope alive. It reminds me that growth is still available. It keeps my eyes forward. It gives each day a sense of purpose that doesn’t feel heavy.

Just one percent.

That’s all.

Near the end of many days, I look back and realize something shifted. A little more patience. A little more courage. A little more follow-through. Nothing flashy. Something real.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

Spock tilted his head. “Fascinating, Captain. A marginal improvement compounded over time yields significant results.”

Bones folded his arms. “You mean to tell me all I had to do was get a little better each day? Would’ve saved me a lot of frustration.”

I smiled at them both. Most days don’t ask for heroics. They ask for a small step taken with intention. That step has been enough to change the direction of my days.

Mission Log complete.

Thank you for walking this path with me. May today bring you one small step forward and a quiet sense of progress.

Cash is King But a Well Played Pawn Can Become a Queen

Stardate 05.18.2026

You don’t have to know how a knight moves to understand the board.

Most of us are already playing.

When it comes to money, I’ve taken a road that required discipline. There were seasons when I felt squeezed. Seasons when the numbers didn’t feel friendly. Seasons when I wondered if I had overextended myself in some small way.

The board can feel crowded at times.

A few days ago, I mentioned qualifying for 50,000 points with Allegiant Air. The offer required opening their branded credit card and charging $2,500 in purchases within the first 90 days. That’s how these things work. It’s designed to move you forward quickly.

I chose to make the move.

The rule was simple in my mind: spend what I was already planning to spend. Pay it off completely before the due date. No lingering balance. No interest. No surprises.

The balance now sits at zero.

The card will rest quietly in a drawer until it’s time to book another trip. When I travel with Allegiant Air again, that small piece of plastic brings early boarding and a complimentary cabernet. A modest perk. A quiet smile.

I often think about Dave Ramsey and his steady reminder that cash keeps you grounded. There’s wisdom there. Discipline protects peace. A credit card without discipline becomes expensive very quickly.

I’ve seen both sides.

Years ago, I learned the hard way that interest charges have no mercy. That lesson stayed with me. Now, every move carries intention.

Back in February, I escaped the snow and ice and headed to Florida. The reward certificate from my primary card covered the flight, the Airbnb, the meals. I watched the snow melt from a distance while knowing the trip had already been paid for through everyday spending that was handled responsibly.

On that flight, an Allegiant attendant offered a small sample tied to their rewards program. It planted a seed. She did her job well. A thoughtful interaction can change a decision. Their airline will likely see more of my travel when their routes align with our plans.

I’m aware this approach isn’t for everyone. Some people sleep better paying cash for every transaction. There is no shame in that. Peace of mind matters more than perks.

For me, the game is about stewardship.

I picture a pawn inching forward across the board. It moves slowly. It absorbs pressure. It requires patience. If it survives the journey, it transforms.

That transformation doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens with watchfulness.

It happens with self-control.

It happens when you remember why you’re playing in the first place.

Scripture speaks clearly about this kind of discipline:

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10

Money reveals character. A small decision made well builds confidence for the next one. A balance paid in full builds strength for the next opportunity.

These points I earned will likely fund future travel connected to stories, relationships, and maybe even hospital visits where encouragement is needed. A small financial decision today may ripple into something meaningful tomorrow.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

The board is set for all of us each morning. Some moves are bold. Some are cautious. Every move carries weight.

Captain’s Addendum

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Captain, the probability of financial success increases significantly with disciplined execution.”

Bones folded his arms. “Just don’t let that discipline turn into overconfidence.”

They both looked at me.

I’ve learned to respect the board. Every piece matters. Even the smallest one.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. May your moves today be steady, thoughtful, and filled with quiet confidence.

Live long and prosper. 🖖 

What's in Your Tool Box?

Stardate 05.17.2026

“Never stop learning.” That’s the mantra I plan to carry for the rest of my life.

Each day, I try to add something small to the mix. A couple of new words in a foreign language. A video or two about a topic that catches my curiosity. Conversations with people who have lived enough life to share wisdom without needing to prove anything. Little deposits that, over time, begin to change how I see the world.

I’ve also started paying attention to the tools I keep around me.

Not just the ideas and insights, but the literal tools that help me do things I once avoided because they felt unfamiliar. The picture you see here is from a delivery that arrived a few days ago for my van build. I’m learning how to work with extruded aluminum. This project is going to occupy much of my free time for a while, and I’m finding a quiet satisfaction in learning skills I never imagined I would need.

There was a time when something like this would have felt out of reach. Complicated. Best left to someone else.

Now, I find myself studying, measuring, adjusting, and trying again.

The right tool in your hand changes how a problem looks. The right mindset in your head changes how a challenge feels.

I can sense my brain waking up to the possibilities. What once felt like a distant idea is taking shape piece by piece. I still have a lot to learn. I still have moments where I stare at the parts laid out in front of me and wonder how they all fit together. It reminds me of sitting on the floor as a kid with a pile of Lego bricks, turning pieces over in my hands until the picture on the box slowly started to make sense.

That’s where I am right now. Surrounded by pieces. Learning how they connect.

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6

I’m grateful for the chance to keep learning. Grateful for the patience this process is teaching me. Grateful for the reminder that growth often looks like a workbench covered in parts before it looks like anything recognizable.

May you live long and prosper.

I look forward to the day my wife and I are out on the road, sharing time and stories with many of you. First, I need to learn how to put all these pieces together.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Have a great day.

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “It appears, Captain, that you are assembling more than a vehicle. You are assembling capability.”

Bones: “I just hope he remembers which tool goes where before he bolts the whole thing shut.”

Some days, the lesson is simple. Keep adding tools. Keep learning how to use them. The picture will come into focus in time.

Thank you for spending part of your day with me.

Allegiant Airlines Flight Attendant Inspires Journey to 50,000 Rewards Points

Stardate 05.16.2026

I tell people almost daily that I don’t like credit cards.

Use them carelessly and they will quietly take control of your life. Years ago, I listened closely to Dave Ramsey, who teaches people to cut them up and walk away for good. I did exactly that. For a long time.

His plan works. It builds discipline. It creates margin. It teaches respect for money.

Over time, I made a small adjustment to his approach. It’s an adjustment that only works because the discipline came first. Without that foundation, this would be a dangerous game to play. If you have ever struggled with debt, this is not for you. The consequences of a missed payment are too heavy. I mean that sincerely.

Winter in Iowa can feel long. The sun sits low in the sky and disappears before I get home from work. I’ve learned that a mid-winter trip to sunshine does wonders for my spirit and my health. A little Vitamin D goes a long way when the days feel short.

That’s how my wife and I found ourselves on a flight from Cedar Rapids to Tampa/St. Pete on Allegiant Air. Allegiant has a knack for connecting smaller airports to warm destinations at prices that make you look twice. Our one-way tickets were about $55.

During the flight, I noticed something interesting. The flight attendant mentioned that wine is complimentary for Allegiant credit card holders.

I looked at my wife, expecting her to rescue me from temptation.

She nudged me.

“You should do it.”

A few minutes later, during a stretch of noticeable turbulence, I was filling out a paper credit card application with handwriting that already challenges the English language on calm days. The plane bounced. My pen bounced. I’m fairly certain the application looked like it had been written during an earthquake.

I handed it in anyway to qualify for the in-flight bonus offer.

Then came the waiting.

Three weeks passed. I called to make sure someone could actually read what I wrote. They politely told me to be patient. About a month after the flight, the card arrived.

The next step was clear: spend $2,500 within 90 days to earn the reward points.

Mission accepted.

Every charge was planned. Every purchase was something we would have paid for anyway. And when the statement arrived, it was paid in full before the due date.

My wife and I have a rule: if we ever pay even ten cents in interest, the card gets closed.

No exceptions.

I remembered telling the flight attendant that once I had the card, I would be enjoying my complimentary wine on future flights. Six flights a year covers the $59 annual fee. Three round trips to Florida or Arizona during winter takes care of that easily.

There’s something funny about how this all started. A casual comment from a flight attendant. A nudge from my wife. A shaky pen during turbulence.

And now, 50,000 rewards points sitting in an account waiting to be used for more sunshine trips when Iowa turns gray again.

“Be very careful,” I tell people when I share this story.

Discipline came first. The card came later.

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” — Proverbs 21:5

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Fascinating, Captain. A credit instrument used with logic instead of impulse.”
Bones: “I still don’t trust it. One late payment and you’ll need medical attention.”

I smiled thinking about that turbulence and my shaky handwriting. Some journeys start with a small moment that feels almost insignificant at the time. A nudge. A conversation. A decision made carefully.

Sometimes discipline opens doors you would never dare to walk through otherwise.

Mission Log complete.

Grateful for sunshine, safe flights, and lessons learned along the way.

What Dreams Are Made Of

Stardate 05.15.2026

My accountability partner, Joni, and I have been keeping in touch about our dreams. She challenged me to read Dream Big by Bob Goff. After reading it, I reached out to Bob to tell him I had turned his book into a working manual for my own life. He calls himself the chief balloon inflator. I smiled when I read that. Some people inflate balloons. Others help people lift off the ground.

One idea from the book has stayed with me: God-sized dreams require calendar-sized actions.

Today, I have something on my calendar that makes me grin from ear to ear. My first shipment of extruded aluminum for the van build arrives.

A few days ago, I told my neighbor what was coming. She asked a simple question.

“Where’s the van?”

It’s not here yet. I don’t even own it.

Call me crazy. I’m dreaming the kind of dream Bob writes about.

I’m learning that dreams don’t begin when everything is lined up. They begin when you decide to move before everything is visible. The aluminum shows up before the van. The tools arrive before the workspace feels ready. The steps start before the whole staircase can be seen.

If you’re dreaming big, I hope you’re writing those dreams down. I hope you’re listing the obstacles you already know you’ll face. I hope you’re writing the names of people you can call when you need help. Getting it out of your head and onto paper does something steadying to the soul.

My dreams right now are made of extruded aluminum.

They’re made of YouTube videos where regular people build remarkable things in their driveways. They’re made of small tools, small steps, and quiet learning. I’m sharing these pieces with you as I learn how to fit them together like Legos, one connector at a time.

There will be a lot of baby steps between today and the day Lucy is finished. I already know I’ll make mistakes. I know I’ll put pieces together wrong. I know I’ll have to take things apart and try again. I also know I’ll get back up every time. I can already see the day when my wife and I take Lucy out for that first test drive, smiling like kids who built something with their own hands.

That picture is clear in my mind. Clear enough to guide today’s small step.

The last thing I want is to wake up four years from now and realize Lucy never happened. That thought has a way of waking me up early and moving me forward. So I’m starting now. I’m letting go of things that quietly waste time and drain energy. I have a plan. I’m following it.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

Thank you, Joni, for walking beside me as an accountability partner. May you live long and prosper.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock tilted his head. “Captain, it is illogical to receive construction materials before acquiring the vehicle.”

Bones folded his arms. “I’ve seen less strange things work out just fine. Let the man build.”

I smiled at both of them. Some days faith looks like aluminum on the driveway and a van still on the horizon.