I think you misunderstand the punctuated equilibrium hypothesis (PE), Mike. PE contends that changes that require millions of generations under stable conditions might take place in hundreds of thousands of generations during periods of great environmental changes.
No scientist is suggesting that you would notice any changes in the course of a lifetime or even hundreds of lifetimes.
I appreciate your openness to learning more about the biological sciences. I am hoping that someone else reading in this thread can make a few suggestions. If not, I hope to do so this weekend. I appreciate your patience in the meantime.
Grace and peace,
Chris