Life isn't about having a perfect one. It's about finding the humor in the mess of it! I'm here to let you know you're not alone, and we're all just trying to figure it out. I love you!
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 this one – 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.
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!
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!
My loves.
I wish I had more to write, but for now – I’m out of here.
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.
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!
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 just stood nearby doing the same.
Just a few simple photos I took before graduation. ……..
Had to decorate my car. ❤️
………………
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.
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.
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, 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.
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!
The jersey.
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.
The lines were long, but we got in pretty quickly. A quick photo I had to snap of the tour name before it went off.
Sorry for the blur! I was messing with my camera settings to try to get night mode at just the right angle. I guess that didn’t work. lol. Still, Royce is such a cute!
But – my Romeo – oh my Romeo….. he’s a hottie.
He 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.
I think it may be time for a phone upgrade as well because my camera on this one sucks in night mode.
❤️
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 – 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!).
If you had an unlimited budget for 24 hours, what would you do?
So, this is today’s WP writing prompt and it made me smile.
They say money can’t buy happiness, but in reality – whoever has tons of money and can’t find happiness from it – is shopping at the wrong malls / stores! 👀
If I had an unlimited budget for 24 hours, what would I do?
I’d be sitting at my computer for a few minutes – to pay off my car and start some kind of “give away”, so someone could win it.
A single mom or dad who has no car.
Someone whose car is about to break down.
A teenager who just got their license, but their parents can’t afford to give them a car.
I’d give mine away after paying it off – to someone who truly needs it, and then – I’d go to the dealer and get myself a nice family SUV.
Of course, I’d have to stop at Starbucks in my nice family SUV, and celebrate the fact that I finally have one, and got rid of my little foreign one.
I’d make sure the kids and I went shopping. More for them – than myself – to allow them to pick out brand new clothes and shoes.
I’d pack up my entire apartment and get the hell out of Minnesota, and move closer to home again.
I’d totally pay off other bills, and send some money to friends, so they can enjoy a day or two doing whatever they want to do to treat themselves or their kids. 🩷
I’m not hard to please.
I don’t need or want the finer things in life.
I just want that family SUV finally, my bills to be paid, to get out of Minnesota and back to people and places we love and know, and my kids, friends and family to be happy.
That’s not too much to ask for. Is it? 🧐
Yes!
That is all.
I hope you all have a lovely day.
I’m about to start mine and run errands with my older son and relax before tonight’s graduation ceremony and tomorrow’s early morning road trip to IL. ❤️
I wouldn’t say the series finale, because they have a season 4 coming out now and I can’t wait – but, the best end to a series for the season – definitely!
My daughter and I love that show and for the three seasons we’ve been watching it, our jaws dropped so many times during plot twists and things that happened – that we didn’t expect.
I had to laugh in season 3 when Georgia was on trial for a possible murder and my son walked in while we were watching it and cheering as her son covered for her.
My son said, “I know I did NOT just walk in on the two of you cheering that she may get away with murder!”. We joked that he had to watch the whole show from the beginning to understand. 😜
I don’t want to give away too many spoilers if you haven’t seen it yet, but the ending – the final episode of season 3…left my daughter and I shocked.
So, if you have seen it, you’ll know what I’m talking about and if not, I’ll just say that Georgia chugged the milk she took out of the fridge.
Why does that matter???
Oh baby! 👀 It matters!!!
My daughter caught on first, jumped up and yelled, “Omg! Ooooohhh! Omg! Nnnnooo!”. I was late realizing what the heck she realized before I did, but then she told me, “Georgia chugged milk!”.
Me: Yeah, so?
My daughter asked if I remembered something she told Ginny earlier in the show.
Then….it hit me!!!! 🫣🧐
The show is great and if you haven’t seen it, I absolutely recommend getting started now before season 4 is here.
You can check out some clips on TikTok or YouTube and see what it’s all about, but absolutely let me know if you watch it and like it. 🩷
TEAM JOE ALL THE WAY!!!!!
He knew Georgia isn’t one to be messed with.
He knew she was and could be dangerous if her or her kids were messed with, and still – he adored the hell out of that woman!
With that being said …..
If you’re going through a lot right now, or you feel like everything is hitting you all at once as you’re just trying to survive and find room to actually have a minute of nothing going wrong – I’m sending you big virtual hugs right now.
Me too, loves! Me too!
So, I knew my brakes needed to be changed – mostly in the back and I was going to do that.
Honestly, I was – but life gets in the way and I get so busy and tired – that I didn’t really think much of it. I kept thinking “tomorrow” – “tomorrow” – “tomorrow”. Until my car decided it wasn’t waiting anymore. My brakes were grinding, but yesterday – it sounded like cans stuck in the tires when I was driving, and it was horrible. The noise was awful, and I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
So, I called a parts store yesterday to see how much my back rotors and brake pads would be, and told the guy I talked to – that I knew both front and back needed to be changed, but the awful noise sounds like it’s coming mostly from the back. The store closed in literally 10 minutes yesterday evening, so I was surprised when he asked how close I was, and said if I wanted to swing by, he’d check it out.
He was waiting outside for me, and when he looked at the front tires inside, he told me, “Oh girl! You’re good here. These have about 20% left, so you do need to change them in the next few weeks to a month, but they’re in okay shape for now”. He went to the back, and said he heard the noise when I pulled in, and when he looked in the back, he was shocked I was still driving the car. He said I basically had no more rotors and they were awful – including the brakes.
Metal on metal.
He told me I could not drive like that, and we went into the store to get me some new rotors and brake pads for the back for now.
He said with the rotors, the brake pads were free.
He asked if I had anyone to do them for me, and I told him no. He asked how much shops were charging me and I told him hundreds.
I know because I’ve called different shops.
If I’m being honest, that’s why I’ve waited so long. With my daughter’s prom, graduation, bills, rent – I needed to save those hundreds to get it done, so when I tell you the good Lord works in mysterious ways and always works things out for the best – believe that!!!!
The guy at the auto parts store told me he could do the brakes and rotors for me, and if not – his female roommate (who also works there with him) knows how to do that and she could, or they both could. The girl told me how easy it is, and said she could teach me.
I told her I’d love to learn.
If you want to know a crazy, fun fact about me – a long time ago – I wanted to go to Lincoln Tech – up in Illinois – to become a mechanic, but my boyfriend at the time – was so jealous and told me he didn’t want me around all those guys who also go to school to be mechanics. So, I never went and I kick myself in the ass for it now, but I think I may just go get my certification to maybe do mechanics on the side of my Criminal justice career one day.
It’s something I am interested in learning, so I can work on my own car.
That ex is long gone, and I’ve learned to never let a person get in the way of your dreams – no matter who it is.
So, this guy at the auto store last night offered to the work for me, and said he has a date “tomorrow” (meaning today), so he wouldn’t be available until later in the afternoon because it’s an all-night kind of thing. I knew exactly what that meant, as I smiled and told him, “Yay for overnighters!”. 😁
I don’t judge! Do your thing, dude! He and his roommate were super nice, and they helped me more than they know.
All I had to do was pay for the parts and he took care of some of it using his employee discount – which helped me even more.
I asked what he would charge me for putting everything on, so I could make sure I had the money ready, but to my shock – he told me he wasn’t charging me. I demanded I pay him and he told me he enjoys helping others, so he wouldn’t be taking any money because we’ve all been in a situation where we’ve needed help and just some kind of kindness. ❤️
Those who know me personally – know that I love helping others, and I believe that what goes around – comes around, so if I can lend a hand where it’s needed, make someone smile by doing something kind for them, or helping them out, I’m going to do it.
I used to think kindness was rare these days, but these two proved me wrong!
Today, the guy (who is gay by the way) told me that the guy who he had a date with last night – dissed him. Never showed up. I felt bad for him and told him that unless he has a good excuse – we don’t give second changes because some guys can’t see they have a good thing right in front of them, and that there’s someone for him out there – who will.
So, I had to laugh when he was still working on my car when I got out of work, sent his roommate to pick me up to bring back to their apartment and garage, and I noticed a cute guy sitting in a car near the garage. I offered to buy this guy who was doing my rotors and brakes lunch earlier in the day, and he denied it because he said he was going to dinner with the guy he’s been talking to.
Well, as I stood in the garage – he whispered to me that the guy in the car – is the same one who dissed him last night.
I gave him this
look….
and joked with him.
“Now, didn’t we just talk about this? We don’t do 2nd changes when people mess up the very first time!”.
He playfully hit me and waved his finger at me, while he laughed because he knows damn well we talked about this. lol.
Truth be told – he was amazing keeping me up to date on my car all day while he had it, and found ways around different issues he ran into, and he and his roommate were so cool about everything.
I almost feel like I’ve known them longer than just meeting them last night.
He asked me at one point if I knew how to drive a stick-shift car. I said no. He asked if I wanted to learn. I said hell yeah.
So, he’ll be teaching me that – on top of how to fix my own car. 😁
Did I just make two new friends? I possibly did. ha. Look at me – socializing. This is fun. lmfao.
So, I guess I should start with the fact that he picked my car up from work this morning and I handed him the keys.
It wasn’t until after he drove off with my car – that I realized I know nothing about this guy except his first name and that he’s gay, and where he works. No last name. I never even asked for a Driver’s license, or where he lives, so for all I knew – he could be taking my car to a chop shop, and selling the good parts of my beautiful foreign car.
Luckily – he didn’t do that, and seriously, I’m so grateful for him because tonight – my car is outside with no grinding or squeaking, and he and his roommate are to thank for that. He still refuses to let me pay them, but he did ask if I wanted to come by for some drinks some time – so I may just tell him – only if he lets me buy the drinks!
He showed me his own BMW and all the work he does on that himself, and I was impressed.
He had to move his BMW to get my car out of the garage when it was finished, and he was planning to test drive it, but I saw the crazy way he drove his BMW, so when his roommate asked if I wanted to go with him for the test drive, I joked and told her, “No thanks! I’ve seen how he drives!”. Of course, I was walking over to my car and I was going to go with, so she smiled and told me playfully, “Have fun!”.
When he took off fast and slammed on the brakes to test them, I joked that he could have warned me before he scared me.
I gave him so many hugs after it was all done, and I am so grateful the good Lord put these two in my life to take care of my car needs, and to be the kind, beautiful souls they are.
The roommate told me she believes whatever you put out into the world, you get back – and maybe this is my good Karma for once – for me helping so many people over the years because if I’m being honest – while my kids may not understand why I help so many strangers – for me …. it heals a part of my own hurt and pain – when I can make someone else smile or take a load off their shoulders if they’re going through something. 💕
To “M” and “H” – you two are angels in disguise and I am forever grateful for you both for today.
Not only did they do the brakes and rotors and make sure my car was safe to drive to IL. this weekend – but “M” also checked my fluids, my lights, my engine, and so many other things to see if there was anything else he could fix. We talked about having some work done when I come back from IL. but I told him he has to let me give him something – even if it’s just treating them to lunch, or bringing a box of donuts to their job for their employees – as both are managers there.
I want to repay their kindness and the fact that they refused to take any money from me, besides for the parts.
So, that’s taken care of – it’s another thing off my mind – and tomorrow – my daughter graduates high school.
We’re about to finish decorating her cap, I’m going to straighten her hair – so it’s nice and pretty tomorrow, and it’s an early bedtime for me – as I have to run errands in the morning and get everything ready for the moment we walk out of the house to watch her walk the stage and start a new chapter in her life.
Am I going to cry? Yes. Yes I am!
She told me they would be playing the song “LANDSLIDE” – and that song always makes me cry, but having a daughter graduating while that song is playing – my tears are going to be all over the place because like that song says – I’m afraid of changes and for years, I’ve built my life around my kids. Around her.
Like the song also says- (time makes you bolder … even children get older, and I’m getting older, too!).
I once asked my mom if she ever looks at photos of me and my brother when we were little, and cries now that we’re adults, and she quickly said “YES!”. And, that’s how I feel. I get it now. I understand all those tears she cried when we turned another year older, or went through another accomplishment.
By this time tomorrow night – my daughter will be finished with high school, and we’ll be packing for our road trip home to IL. to celebrate.
I’m wiping away tears while writing this – because what the hell? Who told her she could get older this fast?! lol.
When we moved to Minnesota, we were celebrating her 11th birthday, and now – she’ll be a high school graduate and she’ll turn 18 in August. We’re already looking into college programs for EMT, and everything she plans to get into.
I am so proud, so happy and sad at the same time.
It’s bitter-sweet.
They will also be playing a slideshow of the graduates when they were babies / little kids and their photos now as Seniors.
Listen. Y’all just overnight me as many boxes of tissues as you can. haha.
My loves – I have so much to do tomorrow, so I hope you all have a great night.
You may remember me from “grabadrinkandsitwithme”, but I had to start over since I couldn’t get into that site for some reason and had to contact WP support.
If you followed me there – join me here.
Subscribe for updates, or if you use WP – hit that follow button and I’ll follow you right back. 😊
That being said – I’m not happy I lost everything over there but let me catch you up on everything that’s been going on since the last time I wrote on the old blog and now. Also, if you just found me by accident and have no idea who I am, feel free to learn and get to know me.
I promise – I’m awesome and friendly – most of the time. ha. (Usually after Coffee). lol.
Parenting and graduation: 🎓
My youngest daughter is about to graduation high school, and we’ve been so busy doing all of the last-minute things needed before graduation.
She has been amazing at kept her grades up. In fact, she’s been on the honor roll much of the time she’s been in high school, and all of Senior year. She has all of her credits in all of her other classes, and she’s about to get her last one needed – in her English class.
I’m so proud of her and so amazed at the same time – because she could have dropped all of her other classes if she wanted to, and just went to school for 50 minutes a day for her English class she needed this last credit in, but she has still gone to school all day long – for classes she doesn’t even need anymore – including a Psychology class she picked up for fun. She has said she needs something to do during the day or she’ll go crazy, and I giggled at that, but I am so happy that she’s dedicated to her education and wants to stay busy with school.
She graduates this coming Friday and it’s so bitter-sweet.
She has come such a long way, and it’s hard to believe that when we moved to Minnesota in 2020 – she was just starting 7th grade here, and now – she’s a Senior and about to leave the school, her friends she’s made here, and all her favorite teachers, but – we will forever remember all the funny and wild memories, all the people who made her time at this school special, and those who helped her so much. 💕
PROM:
A few weeks ago – she and her friends attended prom.
The very last school dance ever for these Seniors. The very last Prom they will ever go to.
I was a little nervous because she picked out a dress that she loved, and the woman at the shop we got it from – listed the alterations that needed to be made and guaranteed us that it would be ready by 3 PM on the Friday before Prom. Prom was the following day – Saturday, so when my son used my car to run his own errands and I was at work, I asked him to swing by the shop and pick up the dress at 3 – and then come get me from work.
When he came to pick me up, he walked inside and told me, “So, about the dress – it’s not ready, and the lady is working on a blue dress right now. She has other customers in there and one that called while I was there – mad because their dresses aren’t done, either. She said she was going to stay late tonight and finish Kailani’s dress and she would call you when it’s ready”.
I panicked.
I called her and she told me the same thing she told my son. She would stay late and finish it and call me when it’s finished.
We got my daughter’s Winter formal dress a few months ago – from the same lady, and we had no problems with it or her, so I trusted her – but at the same time, if the dress wasn’t ready that same day, I had to work Saturday and I wasn’t sure it would be ready or I could pick it up on time for prom later Saturday evening. So, when I picked up the kids from school on that Friday, I dropped off my oldest and youngest son at home, took my daughter with me and we went to the dress shop to wait for her dress.
When we got there, the lady once again said she would call me when it’s ready, and she said she already called her husband and son and told them not to wait up for her for dinner because she needed to work late to get some dresses ready. I politely told her we’d sit and wait, and there was no rush, but we wanted to make sure it was done that same day.
We were there for twenty minutes sitting by the fitting rooms – when she stopped working on my daughter’s dress and told us she needed to call her husband and son and let them know she was going to be late coming home.
My daughter and I gave each other a:
look…
Didn’t she say she already did that?
We didn’t say anything to her, and she was amazing at getting the dress done quickly while we were there, having my daughter try it on, and we were able to take it home that same night.
The next issue after panicking because the dress wasn’t ready – was my daughter complaining on the way home about finding shapewear. I call her “Mousey” because she’s so little and she has the perfect figure, but she thinks she has a tummy on her. She hates her stomach and she wanted to find something that made her stomach look flatter.
I thought she was crazy because the dress already looked great on her, but you can’t argue with a teenage girl who has her mind set on something. So, I went to Walmart that Friday night and picked up a shapewear piece that goes over the stomach to make it look flatter, and she tried it on when we got home.
She hated it and said it didn’t fit her right. 🤔 She then said she wasn’t going to prom if she didn’t get some kind of shapewear. She told me to ask the woman upstairs that I’m friends with. I did – and I prayed silently that she saved me from this nightmare of Shapewear for my teenager who didn’t even need it.
I joked with my daughter and told her that the $360 I paid for the dress and all the stress it gave me – says she absolutely was going to prom – with or without the shapewear!
The woman upstairs is a lifesaver! I was not driving 30 minutes and miles and miles back to Walmart, so when the woman upstairs laughed about the dilemma I was in, and told me she has one she a piece she only wore once and didn’t like – that my daughter could have – I was forever grateful when my daughter went upstairs to get it, and she loved the way it fit!
You know what she also did?
She put the shapewear I brought her from Walmart OVER the one the woman upstairs gave her – to flatten her stomach even more.
Make it make sense!!!!!!!
I just looked at her with both shapewears on and said:
Pick and choose your battles, right?!
We went to the lake, so I can grab a few photos of my daughter down there, and then to the school, so I could grab some photos with her and her friends there – the Saturday of prom.
Before prom started, the school had the GRAND MARCH – where parents and people in the community could come see students in their dresses and tuxes, see them walk across a stage, and take photos.
Students who had a date – walked the stage with their dates, and those who didn’t – were able to walk with a friend of their choice.
My daughter walked with her good friend, Pey.
I loved when the announcer shared parents’ names with everyone – who was walking the stage as they walked – and said, “The son of” – “The daughter of” – (parent’s names).
My kiddos dress. ❤️
The Grand March was beautiful, and everyone looked so nice.
The theme was PARIS.
They had the high school gym set up so beautifully.
😊
After the Grand March, I took as many photos as I could – along with all the other parents, etc. and I left once they started setting up for the prom participants to have dinner before prom started.
Prom ended at 11:30 PM that night and the after-prom party started.
The school held the afterparty to keep students safe and off the roads, and I was so happy Kailani decided to attend it as well. She changed out of her dress into regular clothes to be comfortable, and called me to let me know to pick her up at 2:30 AM because she was learning to gamble.
She said she was playing Roulette and wanted to go to a casino now when she turns 18.
I joked and told her, “I think I’ll come get you now. What is the school teaching you guys?!”.
I was so glad she had a great time, and she even won a Legos set that she built as soon as she came home.
Prom went well.
We also had Senior Tea this past week.
The Seniors tried on their caps and gowns, and they were able to invite a (+1) to join them in the high school gym to take photos of them in their caps and gowns with friends, with a 2026 graduation light up sign, have cake and coffee / punch, and just enjoy the last week of our seniors being there.
When I arrived, I didn’t see my daughter or any of her friends, but the principal said they were doing handprints and would be right out. When I finally saw her and her good friend Pey walk out of the office in their caps and gowns, I had to wipe away the tears.
Her friend Pey came running over to me and made me laugh when she reached out her arms and told me, “Nooooooo mom! Don’t cry!”. For the longest – years and years – many of the kids at the high school have called me “MOM”. They’ve all become my adopted children, and I’ve gotten to know them and some of their families as well.
No matter where they go in life, what path they all take – I hope they know I’ll always be “mom” and they can always reach out to me if they need anything. 😔
It’s so hard to believe this will all be over on Friday.
No more late-night studying and homework.
No more dances and pep fests that my daughter loved so much.
No more funny moments with friends and coming out of school telling me anything and everything that happened during the day.
No more field trips.
No more Football games my daughter never missed.
This Friday – it all comes to an end, and she will be heading off to college classes to become an EMT, and start many new friendships, new memories and a new path. I guess there will be College Football games, late night studying and homework, and all the above – huh?!
So, we’ve been going crazy getting ready for the end of high school, and graduation and trying to figure out where she goes from here.
Our schedule has absolutely been crazy busy lately, but I wouldn’t change it for the world because I know when it’s all over in a few days, I’m going to miss it!
This coming Saturday – We’ll be leaving to Chicago pretty early in the morning because a month ago – I surprised her with tickets to see Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. (Two of her favorite Spanish singers).
I planned to use that money to allow myself to see Cardi B. when she was on her (Am I the drama) tour – but instead, decided to skip that and use the money on my daughter as an early graduation gift – when I found out she wanted to see them.
She was so excited, and I can’t wait to head home for a few days – for this event and just to get away from Minnesota for a bit.
BASEBALL:
On top of running around for everything related to prom weeks ago, Senior tea last week and now graduation – I’ve also been running around for Baseball.
My little dude loves Baseball, and while we’ve only played for fun, and I’ve taught him a thing or two about the game – he’s never played on a professional or school team, so when he said he wanted to join school baseball this summer – I was all for it.
The principal was amazing at making sure he was able to get onto the team.
The crossing guard / Librarian stopped me a few weeks ago and asked if I was able to have J – add me too the group text for baseball families. I said I had no idea there was one, and she said she would talk to him to get me added.
He’s not only the Police chief in our small town, but he’s also the Baseball coach, so I was grateful she made sure she got me added to the group text chat.
He added me and messaged me separately from the group chat – telling me what the schedules were looking like for practices and games, and what Elijah would need for practices. He was also awesome enough to ask if Elijah needed cleats.
I planned to buy him some, but if Elijah went to his first and second practices and decided he didn’t like it and didn’t want to play on the team – then we would have brand new cleats he was never going to use again, so I took the coach up on the offer to grab a pair he had – that didn’t fit his son – who is also on the team.
I was grateful for that, and now that Elijah gets excited for practices and loves them, and I know he loves Baseball for sure – I can eventually go grab him a brand-new pair of cleats.
I also have to thank Chase and Jen at Dunham sports – because they were so awesome helping me pick out the protective cups for down below, Elijah’s baseball pants that fit him well, and a belt that goes with it. Chase grabbed some and told me he’d have them ready for me when we got there, and Jen was the one who ran back and forth to find other things we needed, so I’m grateful for everyone who made this all possible for Elijah to get started.
He loves it!
It also takes him off his video games for a while and gets him outdoors, so I’m happy with it.
I joked that this means I’m going to have to actually socialize in this small town, and I made a funny “ewww” comment as I talked to another mom who volunteers with practices. She laughed and promised me all the parents with kids in baseball – are usually normal and nice.
So, when I moved out here in 2020, I learned fast that gossip spreads like wildfires in this little town, everyone knows everyone and everyone is in each other’s business, so I kept to myself – except for interacting with those I worked with, and a few good friends I have made out here that I’ve grown to love and trust dearly. Other than that – I really have tried to make more friends here, but every time I think I’ve made some great new friends, I’ve been dragged into drama, or I’ve found out that they were crazy, so again – I’ve kept to myself for the most part.
The first mother I talked to that was at the first baseball practice we attended last week – absolutely agreed with me that it’s hard to trust anyone in this little town, but again – she said those moms and dads with kids on the team – are great! 😊 I have to thank her as well because she was amazing with helping out and teaching Elijah the ropes – along with the coach – who taught him a lot – at the first practice.
What I love – is that the coach guaranteed me that there will be NO bullying or boys putting each other down on his team, and he believes in uplifting each other, supporting each other and being there for one another. He made sure all the boys on his team know that they WILL be nice and help each other.
I think Elijah will do just fine, and I’m happy he has this opportunity to play on a team.
If you want to giggle – with the coach also being the Police chief out here – he stopped me a few weeks ago for turning into the wrong lane because I was so tired, and not paying attention, but all my stuff was legit – so he just warned me and we had a good laugh about it. When he asked what I was doing and I innocently said, “I haven’t had my coffee yet” – I think he knew it was an honest mistake – as I did switch over to the correct lane before he stopped me. So, the first day of baseball practice – I walked up to him to get the cleats and properly introduce myself, but I stopped mid-sentence and told him, “Never mind! You know who I am”. 🤣
Anyway –
I’m excited to travel to different areas for games, and to watch my kiddo play other teams from different areas.
My car is about to be loaded with snacks, drinks, baseball stuff, etc. My schedules are about to be so full – of work, games, practices, college stuff my daughter, and many other things, but again – I wouldn’t have it any other way. My schedule is usually always busy anyway, but it’s just about to get a little shake-up with many different and new things.
It keeps me busy and keeps my mind off other things I’d rather not think about.
WORK:
I’m still at the same place I’ve been at for many months now and I absolutely love my people.
Is my job dangerous and wild? It can be on some days.
Do I get paid a lot? Hell no.
Still, it’s so worth it and the tenants in the facility I work in – make it worth it.
I have days where I’m stressed out and there’s tenants arguing on one side, or a fight breaking out on another side that we have to run and stop – or – some of my tenants are dragging themselves in drunk off their asses and we have to assist them. There are some who have mental issues and we have to deal with mental breakdowns or trying to calm someone down when they’re highly agitated and pissed off, but I think every day being different – also makes it fun and interesting.
I’ve picked up extra shifts lately, and plan to slow down for the summer.
I want to live life and not just work all of the time.
I want to spend much of the summer with my kids and not at work.
I plan to create a schedule that allows me to work early mornings or late nights – maybe both – so I can spend summer days doing fun things with the kiddos.
And in the meantime – I love and enjoy my job.
While the pay could be better – while the leadership could be better – I don’t mind my co-workers. My job is crazy – wild – busy – and keeps me on my toes. I need that.
Our tenants in the facility are funny, fun, wild, crazy, silly, playful, and even when they’re angry, and have us running around dealing with all of their (sometimes) nonsense – I love them all dearly and I’ve grown close to many of them. 😊
MOVING:
Eventually, we’d like to move to a suburb of IL. or close to the border of IL / WI.
We want to move closer to family and friends again. Places we’re familiar with and we know.
Where we don’t have to travel miles and miles or hours and hours to have fun or go to stores that we love. Where we don’t have to wait months to get into the doctors or dentists.
I do not miss the traffic in a big city, and our country roads here are amazing, but other than that – there’s nothing for us here in Minnesota.
We’ve lived here for so long – because I wanted my daughter to finish school here and now that she’s done soon, we’re ready to go.
So, I’m trying to possibly get out of here before the summer is over, but we’ll see what happens.
I’ve already started packing things we don’t use or need out right now, and I’ll continue with the hopes that I can save enough to get the hell gone. I have a love / hate relationship with this state, and whenever I’m in IL. I don’t think about Minnesota at all.
Not to mention that there’s better career opportunities back home, and I’m ready to go somewhere – where I can actually use my college degrees with many options.
I’m lost. I’m not going to lie.
I’m so damn lost in Minnesota.
It’s not home. It was supposed to be, but after my oldest passed (the reason we moved here to begin with) – it could never be home.
I want to go home, and that involves a good amount of money, and a lot of planning.
One day.
FITNESS:
When I lost my oldest kiddo, I went into a deep depression.
I won’t get into that too much right now, but I didn’t even want to get out of bed most days.
That depression lasted for the last few years. I lost her in 2021.
I started drinking, and eating fast food like crazy.
The pain was real, and I didn’t feel like doing much – let alone cooking healthy foods, so while I functioned – went to work, paid bills, etc. I used fast food as a way to come home and not have to do anything once I was in the house and could shut the world out all those years.
That means I’ve gained some weight, and while I was so active and loved working on while I lived in Chicago, and my oldest was still alive, that all stopped when I moved to Minnesota and she was killed. So, in 2026 – I promised myself when the clock hit midnight in 2025 turning in 2026 – that I would drag my ass out of this little funky depression I’ve been in for so many years, and finally learn how to live again.
I would learn how to be happy again.
I would learn to love life again.
That means – working out, eating healthier, and getting back to being “fit” like I was when I first moved to Minnesota.
That time isn’t right now.
It’s coming, but – not yet.
I’m headed to IL. this weekend to celebrate my youngest daughter’s graduation, and take her to a concert she wants to go to (as I’ve mentioned) – and that means food. IL. has so many authentic Latin, Greek, Italian, etc. places with some amazing food that we just can’t find out here, so – I can’t do the whole fitness thing this week / weekend. I love my authentic foods and the variety of places in IL. way too much to try to eat healthy on a trip out there.🤣
However, when I come back to Minnesota – game on! Watch how I transform this body back into the active beauty I once was. lol.
Seriously, I do plan to get my fitness routine going and really stick to it this time and maybe by December – I will allow myself some junk food because hello – CHRISTMAS COOKIES! ha.
Seriously, I just want to live, truly laugh and smile again, and find my happiness all over.
LIFE:
I don’t have much of a life these days.
I’m always working, or running around for one of the kids and their events, sports, etc. or I’m just at home enjoying a nice quiet evening with movies whenever I get the chance.
I promised myself that this year – I’d meet new people, make new friends, and go out more.
It’s almost June and all I’ve done is run errands constantly and work as much as I can.
I do need to enjoy summer and sneak some kind of fun in there or have some kind of life here. I know. I know!
I wish I had other updates for you, but right now – this is all that’s going on.
My life isn’t even close to being “together”, but each day brings something new, crazy, interesting or fun – so I can’t complain.
Again, hit that follow and I’ll follow you right back, or subscribe by email for updates. ❤️
I hope all of you continue to follow me here and have the best summer possible!
My little dude is bugging me to set the pool up outside, so he can enjoy the warm weather for a while before I have to get ready for work later tonight.
