Sam the Food Server Inspires Restaurant Review of Q39

Stardate 10.19.2026

She had me at hello.

I walked into Q39 after numerous people in the local community insisted I give this restaurant a try. Their recommendations finally convinced me to visit.

There is always an awkward moment when I walk into a restaurant to dine alone. The hosts naturally point toward the bar area, where solo diners can find a seat. Last night, I was greeted by Sam.

I told her this was my first visit. She welcomed me and seated me in the center of the dining area. When I asked who would be serving me, she smiled and replied, “Me.”

That was my introduction to Sam, and it set the tone for the entire evening.

Perhaps the extensive training she received contributed to her approach. I suspect her natural personality deserves plenty of credit, too.

A Ribeye and a Conversation

I had already decided what I wanted after looking at the online menu. I was planning to order a Kansas City steak but I couldn't find it on the menu Sam brought to my table.

Sam explained that the restaurant was changing its menu as the season changed. Much to my surprise, my favorite cut, the ribeye, was featured on the new menu.

She explained why the ribeye is a favorite, even though it is available only during certain seasons. She also shared information about the restaurant's commitment to local ingredients and the ten-step certification process the Angus beef undergoes.

I wanted to know more, and Sam was happy to share.

Our conversation turned to the training she received to become proficient at her craft. I was curious about the time invested in preparing employees to serve customers properly.

That curiosity would become an important part of my evening.

When Dinner Became an Experience

I was surprised when Josh, the manager on duty, accompanied another server to my table with my food.

My oh my.

If they happen to serve food in Heaven, this is it.

The presentation was wonderful, and the meal lived up to the anticipation. I was enjoying every bite.

I asked Sam if she would be willing to appear in a YouTube Short for a restaurant review I was planning to write.

She lit up.

Her enthusiasm was contagious. I had been writing daily stories for years, and I was discovering new ways to share the people and experiences that make life special. Sam's response gave me the spark to capture this visit on video.

Moments later, Zach, the chef, approached my table, introduced himself, and offered me a tour of the kitchen.

I was beside myself with joy.

The evening was unfolding in ways I never anticipated. I had arrived because people in the community recommended Q39. Sam's enthusiasm inspired me to record a video, and now Zach was inviting me behind the scenes.

Sam returned to check on me and share more about the family behind the restaurant. She asked me to turn around and look at the trophy case I hadn't even noticed when I walked in.

There they were: awards recognizing Q39's achievements in national barbecue competitions.

Sam explained that the trophies displayed at this location were unique to this restaurant. The collection was not duplicated at the other three locations.

I had come to appreciate the food. Now I was learning about the people and the history behind it.

One Man's Vision Becomes a Family Legacy

The founder, Rob Magee, had a vision. He dreamed big and worked to turn that dream into reality.

Kansas City has long been famous for its barbecue. Rob built a place for himself in that proud tradition.

Today, four restaurants serve customers, and the business has earned hundreds of national awards, including grand-prize honors and prize money.

A dream became a business, and that business became a family legacy.

Collin, Rob's son, joined me at my table and shared stories about his family. He told me about a barbecue competition he entered while still in grade school. His father coached him step by step, helping him earn a third-place trophy.

A photograph of father and son hangs on the walls of Q39, with the younger Collin wearing a chef's hat. I took a photograph to capture Collin alongside the image of his proud father.

That childhood trophy carries a special meaning. It represents a father who invested his time in teaching his son, sharing his knowledge, and helping him discover what he could accomplish.

Rob's influence remains visible throughout the restaurants.

The family's story continues today, with Collin's mother, Kelly Magee, at the helm. Rob's legacy lives on throughout all four restaurants in the Kansas City and Lawrence areas, a lasting reminder of the vision he brought to life.

The Secret Sauce Is in the Details

One thing Sam shared with me has stayed with me: the time and attention invested in training new employees.

At Q39, training is a priority. The restaurant invests in helping new hires learn their responsibilities and understand the standards expected of them.

That investment matters.

A restaurant can serve exceptional food, but the people who welcome guests, answer questions, explain the menu, and deliver the meal help shape the entire experience.

Sam demonstrated that from the moment I walked through the door.

Her enthusiasm encouraged me to ask questions. Those questions led to conversations about the food, the kitchen, the family, and the training that supports the restaurant's service.

The secret sauce is in the details.

I see a connection to what I have been learning during my away mission. Whether we're training a new employee, welcoming a customer, or building relationships in a community, the details matter. People remember how we make them feel.

The same principle applies to storytelling.

I could have written about any number of exceptional restaurants. The community recommendations brought me to Q39, and Sam's welcome inspired me to tell this story.

Before the evening was over, I had recorded YouTube Shorts featuring Sam and Zach. Sam even scanned my QR code so she could read the story when it was published.

I love that she will have an opportunity to see how her enthusiasm inspired me to share the experience with others.

A Place I'll Visit Again

Q39 has earned a place on my list of restaurants to revisit before my time on assignment comes to an end.

When my wife visits, this is one of the places I want to take her.

I look forward to sharing the food, introducing her to a place the local community encouraged me to discover, and telling her about the people I met along the way.

If you're looking for a memorable restaurant experience in the Kansas City or Lawrence area, put Q39 on your list. Make a reservation, give yourself time to enjoy the meal, and take a moment to appreciate the people who make the experience special.

Your taste buds will thank you.

I arrived at Q39 because people in the community recommended it. I left with a wonderful meal, new connections, and a story I was excited to share.

Sometimes, a simple welcome is all it takes to get a good story started.

Thank you, Sam, Zach, Josh, Collin, Timm, Kelly, and the Q39 team for an evening I never expected and won't soon forget.

---

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Sam's enthusiasm, Zach's invitation to see the kitchen, and the care invested in training the team reminded me how much our work can mean to others. We may never know when a small act of kindness will encourage someone to share a story that reaches far beyond the moment.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, the evidence suggests that the restaurant's hospitality made a significant impression on you.

Bones: And he managed to turn dinner into a video production. I'm beginning to think the man can't eat a meal without finding a story.

Spock: An intriguing talent, Doctor. His next mission may require a larger memory card.

I have spent years looking for stories in the everyday moments of life. Last night reminded me that the people we meet can give us something wonderful to share. I'm grateful the community pointed me toward Q39, and I'm especially grateful Sam made me feel welcome enough to ask questions, start recording, and discover a family story I might otherwise have missed.

One person, one conversation, one story at a time.

One percent better, one day at a time.

Whose Image Do We Carry?

 Stardate 10.18.2026

Some days begin with a little unexpected exercise.

Saturday morning, I was getting ready to leave my hotel for an early morning haircut when I discovered the windows on my rental van were frozen. I could have waited for them to de-ice. A 0.4-mile walk seemed like a better plan.

So I jumped out of my van and began walking.

That short walk set the tone for a high-energy day. I arrived just after the doors were opened and enjoyed a great visit with Domonique, the store manager. During our conversation, I discovered she was good friends with Amanda, the store manager who had cut my hair during my previous assignment in Lee's Summit.

Small world.

I also shared a story about how her franchise had helped me make an important decision concerning a vaccine offered during COVID-19. It was a meaningful conversation, and I left looking forward to my day off.

Back at the hotel, I got my laundry done and headed to the indoor pool. I worked on some practice footage for YouTube Shorts, experimenting with ways to capture video while swimming and filming from the poolside.

There is something satisfying about learning a little more each time I try something new. The progress may be small, but it keeps me moving forward.

Later, I went to worship at a church I had never attended before. My usual church was closed for fall break, so I had an opportunity to experience a different congregation.

The homily stayed with me.

The pastor spoke about a group of religious leaders who came together to challenge Jesus. These were people who disagreed with one another on plenty of things. For this moment, however, they shared a common purpose. They wanted to trap Him.

As a Star Trek fan, I thought of the Kobayashi Maru, the famous no-win scenario designed to test a Starfleet officer. The leaders believed they had put Jesus in a similar position.

Their question concerned paying taxes to Caesar.

Jesus asked them whose image appeared on the denarius. They answered that it was Caesar's. He responded with the familiar words about giving Caesar what belonged to Caesar and giving God what belonged to God.

I had heard that passage many times.

Then the pastor took us back to Genesis.

Scripture tells us that God created human beings in His own image. The pastor invited us to consider what that meant for the question Jesus had asked about the image on the coin.

The coin bore Caesar's image.

We bear God's image.

Suddenly, the familiar passage carried a deeper meaning for me. The question reached beyond the coin and the tax. It invited me to consider my own identity and to whom I belong.

I left church with that thought on my mind.

The day continued with dinner alongside a colleague. Eventually, I returned to my hotel, grateful for a day that had included a good walk, a meaningful haircut appointment, laundry, progress on a creative project, time in the pool, and a new perspective on Scripture.

Before going to sleep, I had plenty to be thankful for.

Genesis 1:27 reminds us that God created humankind in His image. That truth has been present since the beginning of the biblical story. Sometimes, hearing a familiar passage through another person's eyes helps us see something we have overlooked.

Perhaps that is one of the gifts of making room for new experiences. We meet new people, hear familiar stories, and discover another layer of meaning.

And we are reminded of whose image we carry.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, the evidence suggests that your Saturday included a successful away mission and a significant theological discovery.

Bones: Spock, he went for a haircut, swam in a pool, and went to church. Must you turn everything into a mission report?

Spock: Doctor, the question of belonging is hardly a minor matter.

I've shared with a few friends why these two characters mean so much to me. Spock reminds me of my father, a man whose approach leaned toward logic and whose emotions were almost never on display. Bones reminds me of my mother, whose empathy comes through in the way she approaches people. The two characters frequently disagree, and their exchanges have always meant something a little deeper to me.

Maybe that's part of why I enjoy bringing them along on this journey. Their banter gives me a way to honor two people who helped shape my life, each with a different way of seeing the world.

And on Saturday, after hearing that we are created in God's image, I found myself thinking about all the people whose influence becomes part of who we are.

A Hero's Story

Stardate 10.17.2026

I sat at the bar last night with a legend.

CJ is so popular at Texas Roadhouse that his bar stool has his initials engraved on it. His portrait hangs above the bar. Every employee knows who he is.

This was my second time meeting him. The bar was full when I asked if I could sit next to him. He began telling me stories about the employees, and I listened carefully. CJ speaks softly, so I found myself leaning in to catch every word.

One of the employees approached him and mentioned that a birthday celebration was about to begin. I soon realized this was a familiar routine. Whenever the employees celebrated, CJ knew what was coming.

CJ is a Vietnam veteran who carries a gun. He once experienced a flashback during a particularly loud celebration and perceived a threat. The experience left a lasting impression on the people around him.

Last night, I watched CJ put his fingers in his ears as the noise began to rise. When the celebration ended, the bartender approached him and patted the bar to let him know everything was okay.

That small gesture stayed with me.

CJ later pulled out his cell phone and showed me a collection of photographs he had taken of current and former Texas Roadhouse employees. He knew their stories and enjoyed sharing them with me.

Among those photographs was Andrew, a 27-year-old entrepreneur who now owns the place where I eat many of my meals while away from home.

During our conversation, I spotted Kayla, our new general manager, sitting in the dining area. I thought it would be fun to arrange a little surprise.

I told Andrew about Kayla and asked if he would walk over, call her by name, and check on how she was doing.

Andrew agreed.

CJ and I watched from the bar as Andrew carried out the plan. I will remember that little stunt long after my assignment is complete.

There's something wonderful about watching people connect. A familiar face, a remembered name, or a simple question about how someone is doing can make an ordinary evening memorable.

CJ doesn't know I'm a writer. He has no idea that today's story is about him. I want people to see his picture and recognize a man whose service to our country is part of a much larger story.

Behind the engraved bar stool and the portrait above the bar is a person with memories and experiences that stay with him. The people at Texas Roadhouse know CJ. They have learned how to look out for him, and they make room for him in their daily lives.

Watching CJ interact with the people around him reminded me how much we can learn when we take the time to listen. Every person we meet carries a story we may never fully know.

May God bless CJ and all the people who surround him. Thank you, CJ, for your service to our country.

Psalm 23:4 reminds us that even when we walk through the darkest valley, we are not alone. Sometimes the reassurance we need arrives through the quiet kindness of another person.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your evening at the bar provided a valuable lesson in human connection.

Bones: I'll say, Spock. The man went out for dinner and came home with another story. I suppose that's what happens when you actually talk to people.

Spock: An effective way to expand one's understanding of humanity, Doctor.

Michael's Reflection

I am grateful for the people who cross my path and trust me with a little piece of their lives. I may never know their entire stories, but I can listen, show kindness, and remember their names.

Sometimes that is enough for one day.

Live long and prosper.

Mom Shares a Mexico Sunrise on Her 87th Birthday

 Stardate 10.16.2026

Please pardon my emotions this morning. I'm overwhelmed by the Facebook responses to my request to send Mom a happy birthday wish.

Next-door neighbors from my childhood chimed in with their well wishes. Memories were shared. The Ortas. The Gibsons. The Dugans. The Holzers. Friends who knew me as Spoons from my busboy days at the Arbor. Grade school and high school classmates. Mom's Dale Carnegie instructor, who is also my lifelong friend. Tennis buddies. Joni, my accountability partner. Mom's siblings, including my Aunt Marcie, the family historian.

The birthday wishes are still coming in. I can already picture the look on Mom's face when she sees this outpouring of love.

This brings me to something Mom asked me to help with during a recent phone conversation. I'll plant the seed here. Mom wants two celebrations of life while she's still here to enjoy them.

One would be for her close friends, a group that has grown smaller over the years. The other would welcome everyone who simply wants to spend time with her, perhaps one evening at a restaurant with a gathering space large enough for us all.

My siblings live closer to Mom and can help make these celebrations happen. As for me, I'm all in. I don't think Mom would mind if we siblings brought our own friends to the party, either!

If this is something you're curious about, stay tuned.

Since Mom has been away, she hasn't had access to my stories on her computer. Yesterday, I read her birthday story over the phone before sunrise. I even mimicked the voices of Spock and Bones in the Captain's Addendum.

My wife gave me permission to share a private photograph of the three of us on the Big Island during our last vacation together, about a year ago. Mom loved hearing the story and learning about the photograph.

Then came another special moment, the icing on the cake.

On her birthday, Mom captured a picture of the morning sun peeking over the horizon in Mexico. She sent it to me, revealing the view she and two of my siblings have been raving about.

My virtual editor, Alberta, now operating at the GPT-6 level, asked me what I felt when I looked at the photograph.

Pure joy, I responded.

Yesterday, I asked you to help Mom celebrate her 87th birthday. Your response has been a gift to her and to me. Seeing so many familiar names brought back years of memories and reminded me how many people have been part of our family's story.

Scripture for today

“This is the day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

Mom is enjoying these days with family and friends, and I'm grateful she wants to gather the people she loves while she can share those moments with them.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

May you live long and prosper.

Please keep Mom and my siblings in your prayers as they make their way home today. May they have a safe journey.

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, the evidence suggests your mother's birthday celebration has extended well beyond the original mission parameters.

Bones: And for once, Spock, I think the only prescription is another celebration!

I have a feeling Mom's idea may bring many people together. I'll be happy to do my part. Some moments deserve to be shared while everyone is here to enjoy them.

My Mother, My Hero, and Her 87th Birthday Wish

 Stardate 10.15.2026

Vacation with Mom last year on the Big Island

Today, my mother, Gloria, celebrates her 87th birthday.

She has read nearly all 6,250-plus stories I've published over the years. Today, one of those stories belongs to her.

A while back, Mom called to ask if she could join me on a trip to the United Kingdom. I explained that there would be plenty of walking. Scotland is a hilly place, and exploring its cities and countryside would require stamina.

She took that information and made it her mission to prepare.

Living in Sunnyslope, Arizona, Mom pushed herself to walk every day. The summer heat there can reach extremes, yet she kept going. She walked up and down the hills in her neighborhood, building her endurance for the journey ahead.

Along the way, she greeted people.

I know her neighborhood through the stories she shares about the people she meets. She takes the time to talk with passersby, including strangers who soon become familiar faces. Mom loves people. She loves travel. Her curiosity about the world keeps her moving forward.

Mom eventually sustained a minor injury and had to cancel her trip to Scotland and London.

My partners at DoNotAge® had invited her to meet their researchers, scientists, and staff at their second annual international conference in London. As one of their oldest consumers, she was going to have a seat at the table with me.

Mom wanted to learn. She wanted to hear directly from the people working in healthy longevity and understand what their research might teach her about living a longer, healthier life.

When the trip became impossible, she had one request for me.

Take good notes.

She wanted me to bring home what I learned so she could continue her own journey toward living long and prospering.

That is my mom. She continues to be a lifelong learner.

At 87, she remains highly motivated to make the most of the years ahead. I don't know anyone in her age group who approaches the possibility of another decade of life with quite the determination she does. While I'm honoring her, I want to give a special shoutout to the oldest person I know in my circle of friends who is now 102. Well done, Mary A. Keep it up!

Today, Mom is celebrating her birthday in Mexico with two of my five siblings. Traveling to a foreign country at her age comes with challenges, as she and my siblings would readily tell you.

On the way to her resort, Mom experienced two tire blowouts. A power outage also wiped out all the food she had stored in her refrigerator.

Then she called me to describe something wonderful.

The incredible view of the ocean she gets to enjoy every morning when she wakes up.

I keep thinking about that conversation. After the unexpected challenges of her trip, she wanted to share the beauty waiting for her each morning. I could picture her looking out over the water and taking in the view.

Tomorrow, Mom will return home from Mexico. I hope she carries wonderful memories of her birthday celebration with my siblings.

She continues to teach me through the way she lives. Her daily walks show her determination. Her conversations with strangers reveal how much she enjoys connecting with people. Her interest in the science of healthy longevity reminds me that we can keep learning and setting goals at any age.

Mom, you are my inspiration. You are my hero.

Happy 87th birthday, Gloria.

To my readers, I have one birthday wish of my own.

Please join me in wishing my mother a happy 87th birthday. She may not see your messages until tomorrow, when she returns home from Mexico, but I know your kind words will mean a great deal to her.

May all her birthday wishes come true.

And may she continue to inspire all of us for all the days of her life.

A Scripture for Mom

“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”

Psalm 92:14 (NIV)

Mom has reached 87 with a determination to keep learning, exploring, and embracing the days ahead. I pray that God continues to bless her with strength, good health, and many more opportunities to enjoy the people and places she loves.

Join Me on Substack

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your mother's commitment to exploration remains impressive at 87. Her preparations for Scotland demonstrated admirable discipline.

Bones: Two blown tires, a power outage, and she's still talking about the ocean view? I think Gloria has earned another expedition.

Spock: Her continued curiosity suggests the mission remains active, Doctor.

I think Mom would appreciate that exchange. She has a way of keeping her attention on the experiences that make life worth living.

Today, I'm grateful for my mother, for the example she continues to set, and for every reader who takes a moment to wish her a happy birthday.

One day at a time, one step at a time, and one more adventure whenever the opportunity arrives.

Live long and prosper, Mom.

Danger, Danger, Will Robinson!

 Stardate 10.14.2026

Yesterday reminded me how quickly an ordinary day can change.

My morning routine was already off schedule. My mother is vacationing in Mexico to celebrate her 87th birthday tomorrow. During our phone conversation that morning, she told me about two tire blowouts she experienced while driving to her resort!

I'm grateful we could talk. Having Mom celebrate another birthday is a blessing, and I'm looking forward to marking this milestone with her.

Meanwhile, I had brought my sardines with me, intending to keep my daily nutrition routine intact. Conversations with colleagues took over, and I never got around to eating them.

By the time I finished work, I hadn't eaten anything all day.

And then the sky began to change.

My manager on duty warned us about the approaching storm and offered permission to punch out early. I left about twenty minutes ahead of my usual time.

I'm glad I did.

Lightning was striking all around me. Dark clouds were moving in at an estimated 25 miles per hour, and bolts of lightning illuminated the sky. One of the light poles stood beside my rental vehicle, so I kept my distance from the poles as I made my way to the vehicle.

I wasn't interested in becoming part of the weather report!

I had roughly four miles to travel in the direction ahead of the approaching storm. My timing worked out, and I reached the area around my hotel just before the rain arrived.

Before entering Texas Roadhouse, I stopped to take pictures. Texas Roadhouse and Chili's are the two restaurants next to my hotel. The photographs captured the dramatic change in the sky.

I was hungry and wanted to get my food before the weather caused further problems. The restaurant was full, so I headed to the bar. Toby and Bella took care of me right away.

I was concerned that a lightning strike might knock out the power. I wanted to get my meal while the kitchen was still operating and return to my hotel room safely.

While talking with a colleague on my cell phone about the storm, I attracted the attention of people nearby. They began asking what was happening outside.

I showed them my photographs.

After seeing the pictures, the people around me got up and left so they could reach safety.

I'm glad I could help them recognize the danger. The storm had developed quickly, and the people inside hadn't realized what was approaching.

I managed to eat my dinner and return to my hotel room before the heaviest rain arrived.

The storm continued through the night. Rain poured down, lightning flashed, and thunder kept me company for hours.

My sleep took a hit. My energy score this morning was 80, while my sleep score was 40. I recorded 5 hours and 21 minutes of actual sleep.

Those numbers give me something to work with as I continue my effort to improve one percent every day and every night.

This morning brings a welcome opportunity to reset. I have the day off, and I'm looking forward to a couple of hours of pickleball open play at the recreation center, followed by lap swimming. My goal is 45 minutes of lap time.

The hope is to get my sleep back on track with more physical activity today. I'll pay attention to how I feel and adjust my pace as needed.

As I look back on yesterday, I'm grateful for my manager's warning and the opportunity to leave early. I'm thankful I reached the restaurant before the rain and made it back to my hotel. I'm also glad the photographs helped other people recognize the approaching danger.

Psalm 23:4 has been on my mind:

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

The verse reminds me that I can turn to Jesus when circumstances become frightening and uncertain. I can give thanks for the people who helped me, reflect on the decisions I made, and trust Him as I move forward.

Today, I'll carry that gratitude with me as I enjoy the day I've been given.

Stumbling forward, one percent better, one day at a time.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: Michael, after a night like that, I'd recommend listening to your body before attempting a new swimming record.

Spock: A measured approach to today's exercise would be logical, Michael.

Michael: I'll keep that in mind. I've got pickleball to enjoy and 45 minutes in the pool to work toward. One step at a time.

Perhaps gratitude is easiest to recognize after a night when sleep was hard to find. This morning, I'm thankful for another chance to begin again.

A New Door Opens in Lawrence

Stardate 10.13.2026

The mayor of Lawrence and his staff are now part of our family at my day job. We're excited to welcome him back in a couple of weeks to cut the ribbon and greet our new members.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to be in the room with the mayor and support our new manager. Our general manager is working through the many details involved in getting our new location ready. The weather has been mostly sunny and warm, although a storm is expected later this afternoon. We'll keep moving forward with our October 29 opening.

I asked the mayor what he hoped to see from us when we opened our doors. His answer gave me a better understanding of the opportunity ahead. Lawrence sits between Topeka and Kansas City, and money moves in both directions between those areas. He expressed hope that our presence would help bring more money into Lawrence.

I don't share much about my day job because I'm not an authorized spokesperson for my employer. My stories are about my personal experiences. If I receive permission to interview someone authorized to speak about our culture, I'd enjoy sharing more with you.

I'm feeling a little nostalgic as I think about this stage of my career. The countdown clock keeps ticking, and Luuuucy is waiting in the driveway for me to turn her into a vacation home on wheels. There are adventures ahead, and I'm looking forward to discovering them.

For now, I'm thankful to play a supporting role alongside colleagues who are passionate about serving others. I enjoy watching people work together toward a common goal. There's satisfaction in helping others succeed and seeing a new opportunity take shape.

I also enjoy a good health experiment. Tomorrow is a day off, and I hope to spend some of it playing pickleball during free play at the local recreation center. Afterward, I'll head to the aquatic center for a lap swim. My goal is to use all ten punches on my recreation pass before this assignment ends.

One day at a time, I'm finding ways to serve, stay active, and prepare for whatever comes next.

My wife's favorite verse seems fitting for a day like this:

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your colleagues appear to have a capable support officer. Your next mission also includes pickleball and swimming.

Bones: At least those assignments come with a little exercise, Michael. Just don't turn counting pool laps into another countdown clock.

Michael's reflection: I'm grateful for the opportunity to help others succeed while preparing for the adventures waiting at home. There is still plenty of life to experience, one faithful day at a time.

Live long and prosper. 🖖