Month: June 2026

A funny cop story, my birthday theme, and Baseball – (Sunflower seeds in the Urinal).

Good morning darlings!

I love to write because sometimes – if someone is going through something, or having a bad day, I can share something that might make them laugh or help them a bit.

If I can make someone even smile or put them in a better mood, I’m all for it.

So, let me tell you about the cutie with a badge that got me yesterday morning.

CUTIE WITH A BADGE:

I was out and about and coming off of a country dirt road. I was stopped at a stop sign waiting to turn left and waiting for cars going back and forth – to pass, so I could make my turn.

This cop turned onto the same country dirt road I was about to turn off of and when I looked straight at him, I saw he was looking straight at me.

Dammit. Sometimes – that eye contact isn’t always a good thing. (I say that with humor).

Whenever you have a cop’s attention, it’s probably for a reason – other than your makeup and hair being on point. ha.

I looked in my rearview when he passed by, and I saw him make a slow U-turn, so I already knew I was about to be stopped.

I made my left turn and pulled over before he even turned on his lights.

Of course, he made the same left turn and flipped his lights on – pulling behind me on the side of the road.

He comes over to the window and tells me he wanted to stop me to see if I knew that my front license plate sticker was missing, and he couldn’t read my license plate in the front.

He laughed when I told him, “I was wondering what I did wrong. I was just sitting there waiting to turn!”. I admitted I knew about the license plate. I have no idea how it happened, but I’m guessing last year when we had some hurricane-winds come through and damage a lot of things. It was already peeling a bit, so that probably finished it off, and because the back plate is still there, and no cops really say anything about it – I just left it alone.

I don’t plan on keeping my car much longer anyway. I do plan to trade it in or sell it cheap one day soon, so I’m trying not to put a bunch of money into it, either. I want a family SUV.

Anyway, cutie with a badge asks if I have my license and insurance on me and he’ll get me on my way.

My license? At home on my desk. 🤔I was honest and told him I left it at home, but I’d give him all of my information.

He took a look at the insurance and without even asking my information – told me he’d be right back and he was just going to make sure my license was valid. I’m guessing he looked me up by the plate information in the back?! So, he comes back – tells me it’s valid, and then says, “Hey! By any chance, do you happen to know a Daniel S******?”. I looked at him confused, and told him no.

Whoever this Daniel is – he better not be saying he’s associated with me. (lol)

The cop laughed and told me he is looking for him.

I told cutie with a badge that I’m originally from Chicago, moved here in 2020 – and just kind of …………………………………..

He finished my sentence for me when he smiled and said, “Mind your own business and stay to yourself?”.

Sir! At this point – just write down your number because you’re already finishing my sentences. You seem to know me so well. 😁

He sent me on my way and told me to have a great day, but I did feel like telling him not to let people he stops – know that he’s looking for this Daniel guy because whoever really does know this Daniel guy – can lie about it and then go tell this Daniel guy this cop is looking for him – which will make this Daniel guy go into hiding if he’s not already. Maybe he’s looking for Daniel because he’s missing.

Not sure.

Either way, Cutie with a badge let me go – and said he just wanted to know if I knew about my license plate.

It’s my car. I sure do.

…………………………………………………

MY BIRTHDAY:

Every year for my birthday, the kids and I go see a movie, order pizza and have a cake.

I wanted to do something different this year and maybe do a themed birthday for myself.

I came across a TikTok post a few weeks ago – that showed old toys and characters from cartoons, and Rainbow Brite was one of the characters they showed. When I was little, I loved her! I had so many things of Rainbow Brite and I carried that doll around to most places I went. (If you don’t know who she is – Google her).

I decided I wanted a Rainbow Brite themed birthday this year.

I was going to buy the RB costume from Amazon and wear it all damn day long for fun. I wanted to be crazy, wild, creative on my birthday – no matter where I went or what we did this year, and if people looked at me weird or funny, I’d proudly and in a silly, playful way announce, “It’s my birthday! I get to do what I want and dress how I want!”.

Hell, maybe some people would take it as a photo Opp and post it to their socials for fun – because why not?! There are other fun people in the world who get a good laugh out of the crazy, wild fun people like me doing the most random things just because.

I decided to ditch the costume. I felt like that was a little too much, but I still wanted to do something with that theme, so I decided to order a Rainbow Brite cake at least – instead of having the boring, basic Walmart cakes we get for my birthday every year. I also do plan to order a colorful, fun, bright and crazy wig and take some cute, fun photos – because again – why not?!

So, I called a local bakery nearby and asked them if they could make a Rainbow Brite cake for me.

You should have seen my face when the young lady who answered the phone – asked me, “Rainbow Brite? What is that? Is that a character or a show or something?” 🤔

Seriously?????

Is – she – so – for – real – right – now??????

I looked at my older son who was sitting next to me when I was on the phone with the bakery, and I explained to her – who RB is. I told her she’s from the 80’s and 90’s. The bakery girl told me to send her over a photo of what I wanted and said they could do it if it’s not copy written.

When I hung up the phone – I sent her the photo of what I want on the cake.

I also sent her one of just a plain rainbow if she can’t do the RB cake – and I’d order some RB cake toppers myself because Amazon has almost everything, right?

When I sent the photos over to the bakery, I mentioned to my son that I can’t believe she didn’t know who Rainbow Brite is, and he laughed – telling me, “It’s because you’re old!”.

OLD AND FABULOUS, DARLING!

What I don’t want to do this year for my birthday – is go see another movie.

I may just take the kids to the park – and grill. Maybe do some fishing. Maybe head to a totally different area and get lost somewhere to change the scenery.

I just want to have fun. Forget everything for one day and do something amazing this year for my birthday.

It’s coming up in 9 days, and I have to figure out what I want to do, but I know that I don’t want to go see a movie, and I don’t want to be home. So, we’ll see.

BASEBALL GAME:

My little dude had his first baseball game yesterday against another school’s team.

It was a home game, and we won.

He didn’t play much.

He was mostly center field and batted once, but he’s just really learning the game and his coach is amazing at teaching it.

My kiddo throws beautifully. He catches beautifully, but he’s just learning to bat, and run bases, etc.

He’s loved baseball forever now, but I feel bad because I’ve only taught him catching and pitching, and never really thought of batting and bases, since we’ve only played for fun.

Now that he’s on a team, of course he needs to get better and practice batting, bases, and the basics of the game, so I’m happy he has the coach he has and the other volunteer coaches, because they’re excellent with him.

Still, what matters – is that he has fun, he learns, and he gets better with time.

He’s not the only kid who is just learning the real game and that’s okay.

They all encourage each other, work as a team, and help one another.

So, we won yesterday and tomorrow – we play a different school.

It’s so exciting to see him be a part of something, and to finally – really – learn the sport he has been interested in for a while now.

Parents were told to sign up to volunteer for a few things, and for some reason, I decided to sign up to clean up the bathrooms and take out the trash when the games are over. It only has to be done twice, but – I’m wondering if any other parents volunteered for cleanup duty, or if it was just my goofy self.

I don’t mind though. As a mother, I’m always cleaning, and that includes the bathroom!

In all honesty, I thought – how bad could a bathroom be after a kid’s game, but – WHICH ONE OF YOU LITTLE BOOGERS PUT SUNFLOWER SEEDS IN THE URINAL????????????????? 🤔🤣 The fact that I had to get a napkin and dig them out – was not right! A few napkins, actually! Oy.

I’m a mom, so it didn’t really bother me, and nothing grosses me out or surprises me anymore, but still – I’m curious as to which kid decided that would be funny!

I had to laugh when one of the dads I talk to – said he wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t a kid who did it, but a grown ass man.

Sir, did you do it?! lol. Kidding. I know he wouldn’t, but you know what? It wouldn’t surprise me if it was grown ass man who did it, either. Lord, have Mercy!

My loves.

I wish I had more to write, but for now – I’m out of here.

😊Shel😊

Soulmate Vs. Your person!

Daily writing prompt
Do you believe in soulmates? Why or why not?
View all responses

Today’s WP prompt question gives me a ROSS AND RACHEL vibe!

If you’ve watched the show F.R.I.E.N.D.S. before – you’ll know.

Remember when he just grabbed her and kissed her once he realized she was his person?

He was her person and no matter what guy she dated, where she relocated or was in life, no matter what she was going through – she knew that. She was his person, and no matter woman he dated, where he was, or what he was going through – he knew that.

They were each other’s happy place.

To answer the question, No. I don’t believe in Soulmates, but I do believe that everyone has their person out there.

When you find your person – you’ll just know.

And no, it’s not the same thing as Soulmates.

From Google’s POV:

“A Soulmate is typically about a deep, spiritual, or instant connection meant to teach you lessons, while “your person” – is your chosen, long-term teammate who provides everyday stability and reliability”.

Google goes on to share that:

Soulmate: Often feels like a predestined, magnetic pull. These relationships can be intense and rocky, arriving to challenge you, change your perspective, and foster personal growth.


Your Person: This is a conscious, everyday choice. They are your reliable best friend, safe space, and life partner who sticks by you through practical challenges.

I like the idea of “my person” being out there somewhere.

I don’t like the word Soulmates for some reason, and I’ve never believed in that sort of thing.

I think “your person” is more practical, and makes more sense.

The person who makes you feel loved, safe, protected. Not every day is going to be roses and sunshine, but your person makes you feel like no matter what – he or she is going to be there to get you through everything, so you don’t have to do the hard times alone.

No matter what mistakes you both make, what you go through together, how many times you disagree, or so on – you know in your heart you can’t be without that person, and that’s the person who makes you the happiest.

It’s hard to explain in my opinion, but they’re not the same thing and I believe in “your person” being out there or having your person – more than soulmates.

Make sense?

We all have our person out there, and if you’ve found yours, Congrats! 😊💕

If not, trust me when I say it will eventually happen, and you’ll just know.

Google also says:

“Your person” refers to someone with whom you share a profound, unconditional connection. They are your ultimate confidant, someone who accepts your flaws, celebrates your victories, and provides a safe space—whether they are a romantic partner or a best friend.

I couldn’t have said it better myself!

This scene always makes me a little sad – when Ross finally gets the nerve to tell Rachel how he truly feels and she’s about to move and start a new job!

See?

He knew that was his person, and he waited too long.

If you know who your person is already, don’t do that.

Don’t be a Ross. lol.

So, no. I don’t believe in the Soulmate thing and don’t even like the word, but I do believe in having your person!

Have a blessed day my loves!

❤️Shel❤️

The beginning of new journeys, and a great concert.

The craziness of the last few weeks and the rushing around – is finally winding down now.

My daughter graduated High school Friday.

She kept joking with me about how I was going to cry, and I almost did when we walked into the gym.

They were showing a slideshow of the Seniors, their favorite classes and memories from high school, and what they want to do after.

I was okay with that. I saw the slideshow at Senior tea a few weeks ago, but when they also started playing songs like, “Never grow up” by Taylor Swift, and “You’re gonna miss this”, by Trace Adkins, I shed a few tears.

I quickly wiped them and thought I was okay – as we waited for the Seniors to come in. They were in another room getting ready, walking through one last break down of how everything was going to go, and putting on their caps and gowns, but then…………..

I got a call from Mya’s phone.

Mya is one of my daughter’s good friends, and since my daughter gave her phone to another girl to hold on to – she was using Mya’s phone to call me.

When I answered, my daughter asked, “Mom? You trying to call me out one last time? Early dismissal? We’re not doing anything” – I lost it! I couldn’t stop crying, and laughing. I didn’t think she’d do that. It’s a trend on TikTok going around now with graduates – where they call their parents to come get them one last time right when they’re at graduation, and it’s hilarious, but it’s also so sad.

Throughout her Senior year, she’d message me from school and try to have me pick her up early, or she’d say, “You trying to call me out? We’re not doing anything”. Sometimes – knowing she had all her credits, I’d give her an early dismissal, but sometimes – I’d tell her no. Stay in school. Learn something. (lol)

So, hearing her ask me to call her out one last time – was hilarious and bittersweet – knowing I’ll never have her doing that again in her high school years, as she was literally graduating in less than 30 minutes.

She said people in the room they were in – heard me crying, and she laughed about it.

I was so proud watching her walk into graduation, walking up to the stage, walking across the floor to get her diploma, switch her tassel to the other side with her class, and then – throw her cap in the air with the rest of them – as the staff announced the official graduating class of 2026, and called them now – Alumni. ❤️

I took tons of photos after – as well as many other mothers, while my two sons went to the car to wait, and many of the husbands / fathers just stood nearby doing the same – waiting for pictures to be done with.

Just a few simple photos I took before graduation.

She wants to be an EMT / Paramedic and eventually go on to Criminal Justice to work Crime scenes.

❤️

Before graduation, the Seniors were meeting at the park nearby to line up and do a parade for everyone – mostly little kids, as they threw candy out of the windows, and went around to park in the student parking lot one last time.

My daughter had a friend pick her up.

My daughter drove me crazy as I tried to rush her out of the house to make the parade, but she kept messing with her hair and nails.

I joked that if Jesus really did turn water into wine in the Bible times – he needed to prove it to me and turn my water into wine as my daughter drove me crazy. ha.

She made it on time though!

Graduation was beautiful.

I cried again when they showed a slideshow of the Seniors over their high school years and different, fun memories, and they showed photos of the Seniors as babies / youth – and then now.

I cried again when the choir sang “Cups” – by Anna Kendrick – I believe – slow and sweet.

I cried as I hugged all the mamas I knew – and we all congratulated each other on getting our kids through high school – despite all the crazy, wild, dramatic moments over the last four years.

I laughed when my sons called me again wanting to know where I was, and I told them to either get inside and hush up or continue to wait in the car. The other dads / men continued to complain as well after the ceremony when us moms were taking pictures.

You know how men are sometimes.

An event is over and they want to go home.

Women can stand there after an event is over – talking, laughing, sharing stories, having one final drink, enjoying each other’s company, making plans to go out next week, talking about their kids, talking about life itself, taking photos and selfies, talking about what so and so did from two towns over, and so on. 🤣 So, I laughed when my sons kept calling asking what was taking so long, and then I laughed more when I went outside to take more photos of the graduates and my daughter – with other mothers, and one of their husbands was complaining so much as he sat on the bench saying how this is “bullshit”.

He was saying how he would have taken 5 photos and been in the car already if it were him.

One of the other dads walked up to me and asked what my plans were for the night.

I told him I didn’t have any, and he invited my daughter and I – over for a bonfire. I said yes. He mentioned there would be drinks, and the father who was on the bench complaining – had me laughing when he yelled to his wife, “LET’S GO! MAMA WANTS TO GO GET DRINKS!”, and then asked where we were going because he wanted to come along.

The bonfire that night was nice.

At one point – my daughter was sitting by the fire alone after having S’mores, and I walked over and asked if she was okay. She said, “I did it! I really did it! I graduated”. She sounded a bit sad.

Part of my mama heart was so proud, and part of my mama heart broke for her, because I know she’s going to miss so many things about high school, and all the good memories. ❤️ I know she knows this is a new chapter in her life and a new journey that’s about to begin.

It’s the end of one story and the start of another, and come September, she won’t be going back to the high school, and I think she’s realizing it’s all really over.

Her and all her friends are about to go their separate ways, and not see each other daily in the halls anymore, but I pray they all keep in touch!

She’ll be 18 in a few months, and I will officially have two adult children, and I’ll just be raising my little dude.

I think I’ve done well for a single mama.

I have some good kids, and I’m proud of that.

I always feel like I could be doing more, but at the end of the day – I’m proud of how my kids turned out, and I’m happy with the way I raised them.

So, my daughter is finally graduated – and she’ll be off to college classes soon.

The high school office staff laughed so hard when I walked in there, thanked them all for putting up with my crazy self, and told them I was sorry for all the hell I raised over the last few years.

There has been a few times where there was some bullying, some drama, some nonsense, policies I didn’t agree with, and different things that have went on – that had my mama bear coming out and me at the school telling them how it is and giving someone a piece of my mind.

They were always respectful, professional, and they put up with me in the best ways.

I love them all so much, and I know while they probably won’t miss me coming in there speaking my mind (lol), I will miss many of them, and I love how much they’ve helped me and my daughter over the years. I love how much they got her used to living in the country and going to a country school, and how many things were handled when they needed to be handled – because they knew I didn’t play about my kids! 😁

I’m going to miss them and this school.

…………….

For my daughter’s graduation gift, I took her to Chicago this weekend to see Romeo Santos and Prince Royce – two of her favorite Latin singers.

Can I just say how adorably cute they both are?!!!!

Sorry ladies! Santos is married, and Royce has a long-term girlfriend.

We had a blast at the concert.

She screamed so loud, sang all of the songs, danced, and had the best time taking photos and videos.

Listen. I have tons of photos of her graduation and of the concert, but I don’t want to be here all day uploading everything. 😁

She was able to get a jersey from the merch table ($71) which in my opinion – was just some mesh with holes in it, that says the name of their tour on it, but hey – I get it. It’s popular, they’re popular, many girls (and some guys) were buying their merch. Her older brother gave her money for her graduation, and I put in a few more bucks for her to get that jersey and she loves it.

Matter of fact, she took off her hoodie and changed into that jersey before the concert started!

In English, “Better late than Never!”.

She tried to let me let her wear it in her bra only with the jersey over because she saw some other girls do that and said it was the style, and she laughed when I told her she can do that “style” when she moves out of my house, but while she still lives with me and she’s still technically a minor – she has to keep her T-shirt on at least and she can wear the jersey over it!

Nice try though, kid! Nice try. ha.

Romeo had everyone laughing when he tried to play matchmaker and hook up two best friends that came there together.

That didn’t work because the guy admitted he wanted the girl, but the girl didn’t like him in the same way. Romeo tells the girl that night, “Just give him a little kiss on the cheek, Mami. It’s not a big deal!”.

My daughter joked that it’s going to be such an awkward car ride home between those friends now.

Romeo and Royce had such fun, positive vibes, sang so many great songs, and had me laughing when they rolled out what looked like an entire Chicago train car from the “L”. If you’re from Chicago, you know the “L”, and if not – it’s our train system to get around out there.

The train car said CHICAGO. It had graffiti on it just like the “L” trains in Chicago.

It was very creative.

They bring it out for every city they go to – with the name of the city they’re in.

❤️

At the end of the night, my daughter was so happy and we were both so exhausted, that we didn’t even care there was an after-party she couldn’t get into because she isn’t 21.

We were happy just to go back to my aunt and uncle’s where we were staying for a few days, and knock the hell out.

I was glad I could give her this experience as a graduation gift, and that her brother gave her money for merch, and she had the best time.

Chicago – all of you looked amazing that night if you were there, and I know we showed them how Chicago parties! ❤️

Next concert?

LUKE BRYAN!!!!

I swear, I’m going to get to one of his one day.

I keep trying to remind myself to make it happen and I’ve been so busy, I just haven’t, but I’m going to see him in person one day. I still haven’t been able to celebrate my own graduation from last year, so I plan to treat myself to something soon, and his tickets would be perfect to do so.

So, now that graduation and the trip to Chicago is over, things are calming down and getting back to normal.

No more planning. No more rushing around. No more craziness.

However now – I’m packing and trying to be out of Minnesota by the end of the summer.

Now that she’s graduated, we have no reason to stay here and we can finally head back to everything and everyone we know and love back home in IL. Part of me just wants to move right on the border of IL. and Wisconsin, but I’ve also been looking into decent suburbs of IL. as well.

I’m so ready to have the moving truck outside, and to get the hell gone from here!

I thought I wanted the quiet, country life – until I got it, and now – I’m losing my mind here because it’s too quiet, there’s nothing to do, and it’s the same thing every day. Although – I don’t miss the traffic back home, but still – I miss home.

There’s just a different vibe being back home – than there is here in Minnesota.

So, we got back last night and I went straight to bed.

I go back to work tomorrow and I’m actually looking forward to seeing my tenants in the facility.

Other than this, I have nothing going on right now – other than trying to get my daughter into college classes or a program for what she wants to do next with her life, and helping her find a job!

She is scared to move forward and do college, and get her first job, and I am scared to move back home and miss Minnesota – which is wild because I hate it here – but then again, like the quote above says – you either step forward (and make a beautiful life for yourself that makes you happy despite your fears), or – you step back into safety (and stay stuck!).

I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend!

❤️Shel❤️