Destination Ireland

It's wheels up tonight.  My wife and I are going on a pilgrimage to Ireland for ten days.  The agenda is full.  We will be walking daily.  I'm hustling to get our bags packed.  Stay tuned for updates.  This is a journey of a lifetime.  Have a great day. 

Your Escape Plan

Most of us have at least one major challenge in our lives that makes us feel like we're trapped.  If this resonates with you, I would like to share a couple of thoughts to help you devise your own escape plan.  It doesn't matter how long you've been incarcerated.  There's hope as long as you don't give up.  Here goes:

1. The first step is to understand you are locked up.  Review all the areas of your life and admit something is amiss.  Finances?  Relationships? Weight issues?  Lack of physical fitness?  What is it?  Name it.  Write it down so you can stare at the challenge every morning when you wake up.
2. Set up an escape plan.  Odds are you know someone with the same challenge who broke free.  Copy them.  Ask for help.  They are free because they did something you're not doing.
3. Follow the plan.  You won't break free overnight.  This is a slow process.  The key here is to make progress.  Baby steps add up if you stick with the plan.
4. Make the changes permanent.  Breaking free is great.  Staying free is even better.  

Once you succeed with your escape plan, help others.  We are in this together.  Have a great day. 

Celebrating 13 Years of Blogging Today

 On this day, thirteen years ago, I got the wakeup call at 4:30am.  Nonbelievers may say my imagination got the best of me and perhaps I lost my mind.  If you read between the lines of my stories you may think otherwise.  I truly believe I got this nudge from out of this world asking me to do something that made zero sense at the time.  I had no clue I was a writer.  I despised writing.  I didn't really care about reading either.  My high school English teacher asked us to bring in something we like to read.  My classmates brought in their favorite novels.  I showed up with a cereal box.  Yep.  I was on the fringes of fine culture.  The only book I remember from high school was "El Frijolito Saltón," a novel written in Spanish that we were asked to read by our beloved "Snora."  

SoCalMulligan808 is now officially a teenager.  That's 4,750 daily stories published daily at 8:08am, Pacific Time.  If I forget to post something my accountability partners send out an SOS to make sure I'm okay.  Like Jeremiah, an Old Testament prophet who tried to stop doing what God asked him to do, I simply can't hold it in.  I must write.  I must share all the good that Jesus is doing in my life.  He makes all things new.  We now have a blog teenager in our household.  I promise to do my best to keep honing my writing skills and to keep sharing until my last breath.  Thank you for visiting.  Have a great day.

I Miss You, Erin

 

It wasn't meant to be.  I had dreams of flying to New York City to meet Erin and be reunited with my traveling companion, Wilson.  It was the beginning of Covid.  The world seemed to stop spinning.  Erin was diagnosed with Stage IV terminal cancer.  This was act II for my actress friend.  Even though the odds of recovery were near zero, I Fed Ex'd Wilson to cheer her up.  Her celebration of life service was yesterday.   Erin's husband will send Wilson home after the dust settles.  My gift to Erin is to dedicate a book to her featuring all of Wilson's adventures including his visit to the Big Apple.  May your soul rest in peace, Erin.  I miss you.  Thanks for doing your part to make our world better.  Have a great day.

Lightning Blog Today

 It's time to get out the door quick.  I'm in the process of preparing for our overseas vacation/pilgrimage to Ireland and time is short.  I will have much to share soon.  Stay tuned.  Have a great day.

Let's Get Physical

How is the aging process going for you?  There is no way to beat death but I do believe you can fight like hell to stall the inevitable.  Exercise is key.  Sit less.  Walk more.  Let's get physical.  I'm signing up for another season of league play in the men's 18+, 40+, and 55+ age divisions to keep me active.  Bike riding is now part of my life.  It's easy to get comfortable sitting in front of the TV.  Avoid that temptation.  Have a great day. 

Can You See Past the Chaos?

Great leaders have a way of seeing past the chaos.  Sun Tzu, author of "The Art of War," is one of those people.  He says, "In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."

Chaos is like a cloud.  Pilots prefer to fly around them because that's where the flight gets bumpy.  Sometimes I feel like I'm living in the clouds.  The opportunity is there but I have trouble seeing it.  I'm doing my best to see past the chaos that may be blinding me.

If you find yourself struggling with chaos, expand your vision.  Dream about what is outside the storm.  Seize the opportunity.  Have a great day. 

Reunion with Teammates Today

 It's been a long time since I've seen my teammates at my day job and on the tennis courts.  Today I'm back with my Coralville team.  After my shift ends I'll be hitting some balls with my Iowa City teammates.  I missed out on the regional tennis tournament for our men's 55+ team last weekend due to a schedule conflict.  We got a late wildcard invitation to face off with the best teams in the Midwest.  

Life is almost normal again, at least for the next week.  Once again, I'm doing a touch and go maneuver.  One week from today it's wheels up for our first trip across the Atlantic.  It's a sort of reunion with our Irish ancestors.  There is an outside chance Wilson may join us for what could be one of the best chapters in the book, "The Adventures of Castaway Wilson."  Speaking of castaways, I would like to give a shoutout to my cousin Mark who is doing big things south of the border.  His community was struck with a devastating flood.  He acted quickly, undeported himself, and did a touch and go of his own to raise over $5,000 for his community.  Nice work, cousin.  That's teamwork at it's finest.  Have a great day.

Day 235 BIAY

 Did your family have a Bible in the home when you were growing up?  We did.  It was pristine.  The only problem we had with ours it that it collected dust.  I don't really remember opening it.  Some say Bibles collecting dust on a shelf are actually conversation pieces.  How can that be?  If it's never opened, how can you share what's inside?  Today is day 235 of listening to the Bible for me.  I started on January 1.  It was my only resolution I made.  I celebrated day 31 at the end of the first month.  That's usually the point where people give up on their goals and return to business as usual.  Fortunately, I found listening to the Bible as a great way to get closer to God.

If you don't like the direction your life is going, ask yourself what's missing.  Are you overwhelmed?  Tired?  Stressed?  Lost?  Afraid?  Sick?  Angry?  Unloved?  Do you lack purpose?  Do you know God?  I believe with all my heart that your purpose is found when you find God.  Maybe today's story is meant for you to find your way to your creator.  I have a long way to go in my journey.  These last 235 days have been baby steps.  Someday I will crawl.  Then I will walk.  I do look forward to running full speed ahead.  I'm aiming for Heaven.  When I get to the gate I'm going to knock.  My hope is that Jesus recognizes my voice when I tell him I'm home.  Until that time I'm going to keep going, one day at a time.  How about you?  Have a great day.

Are You Ready to Fight for Heaven?

It feels so good to be once again re-acquainted with my MacBook Pro.  We haven't been together for three consecutive weeks.  My daily stories were done on my cell phone and that's a real challenge when I'm limited to pretty much one finger for typing and swiping.  Some people may wonder why I do this daily especially when the circumstances aren't ideal.  It's something similar to when your boss or your significant other asks you to do something you would rather avoid.  You do it because you know in your heart it's necessary.  I must be careful here because now that my fingers are out of captivity I could go on for what may seem like an eternity.  Speaking of eternity, that is what I would like to focus on today.  

Today's story is inspired by a youth pastor I met in Duluth, Minnesota.  The meeting happened because my mother insisted I find him and thank him for all he does for her on her spiritual journey.  Mom called me when she learned from this blog almost one year ago that I was going to be in Duluth, Minnesota on a day job assignment.  I found him.  I knocked on his door.  He didn't answer.  The kids in the front area of his home who were gathered to do homework pointed me to the garage.  It was eucharistic adoration.  I entered the garage/chapel and prayed for an hour.  I met Fr. Mike Schmitz the following Sunday evening at the Cathedral where the college kids told me I would find him preaching to his students.  It was amazing.  I returned the following week for a second spiritual shot in the arm with my wife and a close friend who often accompanies me on day job assignments in the Midwest.

What a joy it was to see Fr. Mike on my YouTube feed this morning when I woke up in my own bed for the first time in three weeks.  My wife told me I was so exhausted that I slept through my alarm.  Good thing today is a day off to recover from my adventure in Wisconsin.  The YouTube video is a must watch.  It doesn't matter if you are a believer, a non-believer, or a critic of organized religion.  What matters is the message.  This is the same person I listen to every morning for the Bible in a Year.  This video is a bonus.  Check it out.  I believe in my heart that Heaven is worth fighting for.  How about you?  Watch the video and decide.  Have a great day.

 

Goodbye, Verona

 My time in Verona comes to a conclusion this morning.  It's been one of my greatest experiences ever.  My day is starting with an early morning worship service followed by a couple of hours at our new location in Verona.  I will be home in time for dinner with my wife.

I would like to thank my new teammates for making my job so easy.  Special thanks to the support staff that helped get the job done in a tight labor market.  Have a great day.

It's Almost Time to Go Home

 The checklist is almost complete.  My time in Verona is coming to a conclusion.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve my teammates.  The community here in the Madison area is special.  Thank you for welcoming me.  I'm in early today.  My body aches from my workout with Tien, a super talented tennis player who worked me over for two hours last night.  Have a great day.

Challenge Accepted

 I was introduced to clay court tennis earlier this week.  It was a half hour of bliss.  Tonight I'm delving into a full match with the father of the player who helped get acquainted with a clay court surface.  The challenge is accepted.  

I would like to thank the local pro, Jeff, for the hour he gave me yesterday on the indoor courts.  His advice will be in my head while I experience match play on clay after my shift.  I'll share more about this experience later.  Have a great day.

Time to Up My Game

 Balance is the goal.  When one area of your life gets pushed, push back by giving other areas of your life added attention until balance returns.  That's what I'm doing today.  I'll return to the tennis courts early this morning for a one hour hitting session with one of the local pros.  Tomorrow night I'm playing tennis on clay after my shift ends.

I would like to give a shoutout to my wife.  She has been running the household during my travels.  Today I'm upping my tennis game.  Starting on Sunday, I'm upping my family game when I return home.  Life is good.  Have a great day.

Grand Opening Today

 The bosses at my day job flew in to Verona last night in time to support our grand opening this morning.  This is my last week in this beautiful community.  The people here have welcomed us with open arms.

My teammates were curious how I spent my day off.  It was one of my best ever.  I met a couple of singles players who were playing on one of the two clay courts at John Powless Tennis Center yesterday.  They allowed me to experience playing tennis on clay.  Oh my.  It was fabulous.  It looks like I'm going to have a couple more opportunities to play before I return home on Sunday.  

It's time to hit the showers for an early day at my day job.  I would like to thank the community of Verona for being so welcoming.   Have a great day.

Pilgrimage Ahead

 People are asking why I'm referring to my next vacation as a pilgrimage.  There's a difference.  Vacations are fun.  Pilgrimages are spiritual journeys.  In a way, my pilgrimage has already begun.  I sensed a need to go through some kind of a cleansing process to prepare for our time in Ireland at the end of the month.  I found exactly what I needed in my house of worship during the Sunday service.  The topic is a bit sensitive.  It's something many ignore.  I decided to dive in last Sunday while my family was visiting.

There is somewhat of a secret room in my particular denomination of believers.  It's a place where you can go to get cleansed.  The choice is anonymity or a face-to-face meeting with the pastor.  I chose to have my meeting in the open area of the room.  The feeling I got while in this room was like talking with a parent about the times when you come up short and they respond with loving encouragement.  The idea is to feel like you're talking directly to Jesus.  The pastor is there to make the experience more real.  We happen to believe Jesus is in the room.  Jesus promises when two or more are gathered in his name he is there.  It worked.  The crazy part about this is my experience happened while the service was going on.  Yep.  The secret room is right there in the open.

This spiritual cleansing I went through last Sunday is only the first step in the pilgrimage process.  I will be sharing the adventure as it unfolds in less than two weeks.  Have a great day.

Recharge Complete

 The mind, body, spirit recharge is complete.  I'm so thankful my family ventured out to Wisconsin this weekend to spend quality time with me.  Many of my teammates do this at some point to stay grounded.  I prefer to have my family come to me when possible so I can share new experiences with them.

This is going to be a busy week.  I now have all the recharge I need to complete my assignment in Verona.  Time to get focused.  Have a great day.

Last Day of Family Time

 The plan last night was executed to near perfection.  My wife and youngest son joined me for dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Madison.  Reservations were made in advance for the best table in the house.  Our son commented it was the best steak he ever ate.  The sides were over the top.  Lobster macaroni.  Sweet potato casserole.  Heaven.  It was a night I will cherish all the days of my life.

Family time ends today.  We are headed to church to thank God for his presence in our lives.  Have a great day.

Shots Fired

 It wasn't anything like the scuffle with the Hatfields and the McCoys at the OK Corral but it was an interesting moment that came later than expected.  I spent most of my day yesterday with some of the best leaders in our company.  We stage friendly competitions to help us raise the bar on our team performances.  At the end of the day we are all one family.  That doesn't always mean everything is friendly when the heat is on.

I'm keeping the names and locations private because I'm not an authorized speaker at my day job.  This story is for entertainment purposes only.  The first shot between us was fired at high noon when the leader from the other side asked me what store I'm from.  I held up one finger at a time calling out, "One, one, one, one....Coralville."

"First shot fired," my teammate from another team said, smiling at me perhaps to show me this was going to be a friendly conflict.  Then she quick fired another shot...

"Are you also number one in the Midwest?" She asked.  She knew the answer.  Her team has held that position since before I joined up with the Hatfields of Iowa.  This savvy leader knew exactly where to shoot.  I paused, smiled and return fired..."Not yet."

It was time to leave the OK Corral and connect with my family before sunset last night.  At least the Hatfields and the McCoys could be united for one day in order to teach our culture to the new hires.  It's not our first rodeo.  God willing, it won't be our last.  This weekend is family time.  Have a great day.

Family Time Begins at Sundown

 Today's message is to thank the most important people in my life.  Family is everything.  The reality is we are a reflection of our Creator.  As God works through the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we work together to find our way back to where we belong.  

I'm thankful my family endured the sacrifices we made during our journey on this planet.   While there is much to be done, starting tonight we take a pause and come together in Wisconsin.  Let the family time begin at sunset.  Have a great day.

It's All About Planting Seeds

 Do you ever feel like the work you do isn't make a difference?  I know this happens to me, especially when I feel like nothing I do matters.  Sometimes it feels like I'm stuck.  This is especially true with my writing projects.  I have good news for you.  Rather than focusing on your forward progress, simply plant seeds.  Yes, planting seeds.  Lots of them.  Scatter them everywhere.

Some day you will see the results of your seed planting.  This applies to every area of your life.  Good luck, farmer.  Have a great day.

One Week Until Grand Opening

 It's getting busy here in Wisconsin.  The team is coming together.  I'm excited to see my wife and youngest son this weekend. No more 100° days this week.  I'm doing my best to pace myself.  So far so good.  Have a great day.

Danger Signs

 Why do relationships fail?  I have a feeling most couples don't expect their marriage will end prior to the death of a spouse.  Isn't that what they signed up for?  Remember when you got down on one knee and proposed?  I'm thirty-three years married and still learning I can do better.  The next question is even more challenging.  Ready?  Here goes...  If God proposed marriage to you forever and ever, how are you doing on your end of the deal?  Think about the danger signs the same way you see them in your marriage.

• Are you late for dinner (church service)?
• Do you make excuses for canceling dates (church service)?
• Do you apologize for your mistakes (confession)?
• Do you put your hobbies ahead of your spouse?
• Do you listen to your spouse (prayer time)?
• Do you pay attention to what other family members need?
• Do you help others who have troubled marriages?

I know my marriage isn't perfect.  What I do focus on is listening.  It's about continuous improvement.  The same is true in my relationship with God.  The older I get the more I see how God thinks of me as a spouse.  His side of the relationship is perfect.  Mine isn't.  Pay attention to the warning signs in all your relationships including God.  Hint.  Start with God first.  Make him number one.  Do this right and you will improve all other relationships as well.  Have a great day.

An Evening at Mulligan's

 It happened on Saturday night.  I would like to thank my teammate, Gerald, for making this happen.  He knew how much it meant to me to visit Mulligan's Bar and Grill in Oregon, Wisconsin, especially since my dad once owned a pub named Mulligan's.

I walked in, flashed my driver's license, and asked if Mulligan was in.  Brian, not a Mulligan, stopped by and introduced himself as the owner.  He may not be a Mulligan but he is Irish.  The name was inspired by the location next to a golf course nearby.  

Gerald offered to take a picture of us while Brian shared stories about his restaurant experiences with his brother who is a business partner.  Brian treated us like royalty.  The food was fabulous.  I walked out with some cool apparal.  Should you ever stop in, tell them Mulligan sent you.  See the pictures of our adventure below.  Have a great day.

Day Off Today

 I have much to share but little time this morning.  I slept in so my body could recover.  The heat index reached 100 yesterday and I was outside most of the day.  Yikes!

I'm off to my house of worship to thank God for watching over me while I'm away from my wife.  More sharing to come.  Have a great day.

Date Night at Table 80 Next Saturday

 If you see or talk to my wife in the next week, please keep this story quiet.  It's big and I'm so excited I can barely contain myself.  I asked for next weekend off so my wife can visit me while I'm away on a day job assignment.

My first impression of the restaurant I visited with a large group was not pleasant.  They weren't prepared for our needs associated with splitting bills in order to remain in compliance with our billing procedures.  The general manager visited us and the situation quickly escalated.  I wanted to walk out but stayed because I wanted to be with my teammates.

A couple of nights ago we returned.  The staff adjusted to our needs and our evening was one of our best ever.  It went so well that I spoke to the general manager about setting up a special date next saturday with my wife.  He recommended the most romantic table in their place, table 80 located in a secluded corner.  The reservations are in.  Thank you for NOT sharing this witb my wife until after our date.  The moral of the story is that when you give people a mulligan (second chance) you both win.  Forgiveness is a blessing.  I can't wait for date night.  Have a great day.

BIAY Day 217

 I'm writing to you today from my hotel room in Wisconsin. Hopefully, the spelling is okay as I'm using my cellphone to type/swipe my messages.  I don't always catch the auto typing as I set up these daily messages.   Many things around me are unfamiliar.  I'm slowly finding my way around the area.

People ask me how I find the time to keep up with my commitment to go through the Bible cover to cover in a year.  Today is day 217.  In a way, I'm cheating.  I'm not really reading the Bible, I'm listening to it.  One lesson I'm understanding is that when you give God the best of your day, like listening to his word on a podcast, God gives you back your time and more.  Don't ask me how he does it because I don't know.  It just happens.  Something else happens too.  You improve as a person.  That's what is happening to me.  If you seek a better life, find a Bible in a Year podcast and get started today.  Have a great day.

Are Zombie Cells Attacking You?

 This story is not science fiction.  Zombie cells are senescent that can build up in  tissues throughout the body.  These old cells aren't dead but they no longer divide.  There is some exciting research going on mainly with old mice to see what happens when these zombie cells are counterattacked using natural molecules found in the foods we eat such as fisetin.

If you're interested in fighting your zombie cells, consult your physician and ask what can be done.  My theory on this is that healthy eating and exercise may help.  I'm not recommending anything here as far as molecules go because I'm not a doctor, however, you may want to investigate fisetin and share what you learn with your doctor.  This happens to be something I'm experimenting to fight the zombie cells.  Have a great day.

John Powless, Senior Tennis Player of the Millennium

 It happened again.  I wandered about town yesterday on my day off in search of a place to work out with other players and I found the perfect match just three miles from my hotel.  Kate, a local physician who is a club member, introduced herself while I was standing at the front desk.  Kate invited me to join her and her friend Joan, a writer with ties to publishing.   Despite Joan's advanced age, she displayed an uncanny ability to slice both her forehand and backhand.  These ladies worked me over.  It was just what I needed to get my sea legs back after last week's introduction to Ragbrai on the hilly roads of Iowa.

After our play ended we headed to the front desk where I met Laurajean Powless, the daughter-in-law of John Powless, founder of John Powless Tennis Center.  Laurajean shared the story of the man who introduced her to tennis.  This is one of most amazing tennis families I've ever known.  Laurajean's husband, Jason, is one of the pros at the club.  The couples oldest son, Jack, also works at the club.  They are raising eight kids while running the club which consists of eight indoor courts, numerous outdoor courts and something special my teammates are going to be really envious of.  Drumroll... two clay courts!  Care to guess where I'll be spending my free time?  The closest I've ever been to clay was early in my tennis life at a place called La Mancha in Phoenix.  This place is the real deal.  I'll let you know how that goes in a future post.

I would like to thank Leah who runs the front desk for getting me off to a great start.  She made me feel welcome.  Thanks also to Kate and Joan for the lesson.  And special thanks to Laurajean who is pictured with a photo of tennis legend, John Powless.  In 1999 he was voted senior tennis player of the millennium.  Laurajean shared that her father-in-law's voice is in her head offering pointers during her match play.  John departed this world last year after a long fight with colon cancer, the only opponent ever to stop him.  John's legacy lives on in the family you must meet when you're visiting Madison.  Have a great day.

Discovery Day Today

 I'm in Verona just outside Madison, Wisconsin for a day job assignment.  Today is a day off.  I'm going to explore the area and find a place to do some tennis training while I'm away from my teammates.  If all goes well, my wife will join me for a couple of days.  Have a great day.

The Third Time is a Charm

Today is road trip number three to Verona, Wisconsin.  This time I'm staying for 21 days, long enough to get our new location up and running.  Our family had a fabulous weekend together.  Now it's time to bring our new team together and prepare for the opening on August 17.  The third time is a charm.  So is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  I'm referring to our vacation to the Emerald Isle at the end of this month.  This is our reward for slaying the debt monster on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2022.  I would like to thank my friends and family for all the continued prayers.  This has been one of my busiest years ever.  Your encouragement means everything to me.  Time to hit the road.  Have a great day.