Blog

August 2021

Posted on by bumpuskimberly

It’s been several months since I’ve last posted – I’m sorry it has taken me so long to get back into it. It was a much-needed break I needed in order to take care of my mental health. I’m sure a lot of us have been suffering with anxiety and depression for the past 18 or so months, or at least since the pandemic hit last year, and I am no exception. I have tried to keep my head up, smiling, laughing and going about my day without anyone taking notice that maybe my mood has been a little off. So far, no one has noticed, but I have. The one thing that has helped me get through this is I have continued to have keep my schedule; I decompress with my workouts, which has helped me sleep – I’m tired afterwards – and I have tried to find a way to appreciate the day, minute by minute, hour by hour, and to find the good in whatever life throws at me. So far, I’m doing very, very well. I know there are many out in the world who feel they have no way of coming out on the other side of this – whatever THIS is, but I’m here to tell you there is hope. Don’t let this pandemic, or anxiety, or negative influences (I’m looking at you anti-vaxxers) limit what you are capable of achieving. But if you need help, there is a professional who will be able to guide you through it all. DON’T GIVE UP!!! September is Suicide and Prevention Month

Here is some helpful information to reach out to:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Home

Happy Birthday, Teagan!!

On August 15th, we celebrated my granddaughters 5th birthday, and what fun did she have. Despite having to wear masks and social distance the party was a success. So for her birthday she wanted to dress up like Cinderella, and be treated as such. I mean, she is a princess after all, and that’s exactly what she did. Now because of the venue where her party was held, we opted out of not having her dress up, especially since she and the other kids would be climbing and running around and eating cake. However, she did wear her Cinderella dress on her actual birthday.

So her birthday party was held at Wonderscope Children’s Museum. This place is really, really neat; a lot of hands on activities. It’s especially beneficial for kids with Autism or other special needs as it allows them to use their skills to create and have fun.

See the pictures below of the Teagan, the birthday girl.

If you’re ever in the area and need a fun place for kids to use of some extra energy, this is the place to go – Wonderscope Children’s Museum: https://wonderscope.org. If you’re ever in the area and need a fun place for your kids to use up some extra energy, this is the place to go.

Cinderella Birthday Cake
Birthday Girl
Chef Teagan
All Aboard!!!!
Princess Teagan & Princess Harper – age 1

Back to School – YAY!!!!

Not sure if anyone else is happy about school starting, but lemme tell ya, this Mom is definitely excited. Last year when our school district went to hybrid, it was a struggle. I mean my son was attending a new school, and it was just insane, to say the least. Luckily, my husband and I work different shifts, so he was able to make sure that Brendan got his work completed…or at least that’s what they told me. Not long into the school year, I found out my husband wasn’t very good at checking his school work, sooooo…I was the mean one who made him get it done. I even wrote the assignments taht needed to be completed before I came home, and if they weren’t done by then – weeeellll, the consequences were handed out. He didn’t like that very much, but oh, well. But yes, parents and teachers we survived. YAY!!! (That weird noise is just cheering parents and wine glasses clinking together in celebration.) I’m hopeful that this year will be so much better than last, and all of our kiddos will learn lots and do great things. So hats off to a fantastic 2021-2022 school year. So with that being said, take a look at the first day of school of my peeps.

Top: Brendan – First day of 7th Grade

Bottom – Teagan – First day of PreK, and Harper – just going to daycare

Have a wonderful school year!

Sorry, I’ve been MIA

Posted on by bumpuskimberly

Since my last post, a lot has happened in those weeks. It just seemed like when one thing happens in your life, it’s like a domino effect for the other things that come after. At this point, I’m semi-back. I’ve missed all of my readers, and I hope you’ve missed me, too, so I’ll share a few tidbits of what’s been going on in my small part of the internet.

Sometime in mid-February, my husband and I decided to refinance our home. No biggie. Then, approximately a week later, his daughter, Janay, passed away after a brief illness. Several weeks later, my husband was on his way to attend the visitation when he was involved in an accident. His car was totaled but he was okay. Thank goodness. In the meantime, we had a rental car for approximately two weeks, aaannnnddd we were looking for a new car. Let’s just say car shopping sucks – BIG TIME. You think you have something in mind, but then you look at something else, like it, then another car catches your attention and you like that one, too. It’s almost like a never-ending cycle. Anyhoo, we found a car that is just my style and speed (2020 Honda Pilot EXL AWD), but guess what? I couldn’t do the financing on it because why? WE WERE STILL GOING THROUGH THE REFINANCING. Yes, since mid-February. Luckily, we were able to put some money down to hold the car until the refinancing went through – THANK GOODNESS FOR VERY KIND PEOPLE – and this past Friday our closing documents were signed, and we were able to pick up the car early Saturday morning. And in the midst of all of those things happening, we were both working and taking care of our household. We didn’t complaint about the hiccups that are all things adult that happened regarding the car and the refinancin; we were just grateful we were able to get something that will suit our family and is reliable. We were both sad that Janay had passed, but she lived a very fulfilling life despite her being handicap. She was so very truly loved by us and family friends. Now, she’s able to rest peacefully.

With all that being said, I want to thank you all for being patient with me in getting my life things in order, and to take the time to readjust and to decompress for a minute. My goal is to bring you content you will love and share with others. I want everyone to walk away from my blog knowing that you’re cared about, that you find pleasure in what you’re reading, and you take joy in knowing that things aren’t so bad after all. I’m also in the process of putting together my NEW office. Nothing fancy, but it will be special to me to have a place where I can hang out, chat, post and be laid back…never know there may be wine or cocktails involved. That should be fun, huh? I’ve ordered my desk, just waiting for it to arrive – hopefully soon, because I am excited for what’s next. Plus, I’ll be picking out some new wall art, lighting, storage and all things office. I’ll share the before, middle and after pictures with you soon. Plus, I’ll need some suggestions, I’m sure.

Thanks for your support.

Kimberly

Time to Spring Forward, but why?

Posted on by bumpuskimberly

I don’t know about you, but the idea of moving our clocks forward one hour is just wrong. It’s only been one day and I’ve been sleepy since I woke up. We’ve all gotten used to having that “one hour” of what we believed was extra sleep, but let’s be honest, in reality we’re all still waking up just plain ‘ol tired. Plus, with this pandemic that has now turned a year old, we could all use that extra hour..or two. But who are we kidding, it was bound to happen anyway; it does every year around this time. Anybody know why? No? Me either. What I’ve heard and been told is that it was to help the farmers have a longer time tending their crops, as opposed to trying to take care of their fields when it gets dark at like 5:00.

But what I am looking forward to is the freshness of spring itself. Things are new, the air is semi-fresh…I mean Denver and other states have just been dumped on with the snow, and the official start of the Spring season doesn’t begin until March 20th. I think we’re all ready to have a few more hours of daylight, plus that’s one step closer to summer. We all need it, that’s for sure. I want to be able to garden, to sit out on my deck sipping a glass of wine; to grill outside, to listen to the birds sing, and just being outside without having to put on a bunch of winter clothes. But let’s not get off track with what’s been going on in the world since this time last year. We’re still in a pandemic, and although the number or cases is declining, with more and more people getting vaccinated, now is no the time to become reckless. Am I ready for a much-needed vacay? Damn right. Am I ready to not wear a mask EVERYWHERE, especially in the summer heat? Absolutely. Am I ready to spend time with my aunt and uncle, cousins and close friends? Oh, my goodness yes. I also don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, either. I mean we can look at the news, and read the newspapers and know how opening everything up in some states at 100% is not an ideal thing to do. Not right now anyway. I would love to go sit on a beach with my feet in the sand, watching the waves, soaking up the sun, and watching my grand girls run around making memories, but I’m no fool either. I’m too suspish of what’s out there, or what’s next. I’ve learned that If we follow protocol and listen to those who are smarter than me, or us, the scientists, those who specialize in this field, we will all be one step closer in returning to what will possibly become our NEW normal. I am on pins and needles for that day to come, but in the meantime I will continue to practice social distancing, wear my mask, and practicing good hygiene…wash your hands, people; it’s not that hard. Plus, you should be doing that anyway, but I digress…let’s just all do our part.

We’re almost to the finish line, let’s not trip over ourselves and having this virus win the race.

Celebrate Women’s History 2022

Posted on by bumpuskimberly

Women have always been an essential part of history, so why not celebrate March with women who have come before us and sacrificed themselves for the betterment of ALL women. I think we owe it to them for the dedication to a specific cause, pushing for equality in jobs, education, healthcare, etc. A celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society.

Each year for Women’s History Month there is a theme and a color – this year’s color is purple, and the theme is Proving Healing, Promoting Hope. It is a “tribute to ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during the pandemic, and recognition of the many ways women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.” http://www.asp.edu

Women’s History Month was created out of a feminist push for equal access to job and education, and has been observed through the U.S. since the 1980s. http://www.nationalgeographic.com It is a month that has been designated as a time to pay tribute to generations of women who have changed the face of society through courage and activism. http://www.sonomalibrary.org

Women Who Have Paved the Way…

Shirley Chisolhm (1924-2005)

First Black Woman elected to Congress; first woman to run for Democratic Patry’s presidential nomination 1972; Slogan: “UNBOUGHT and UNBOTHERED”

Annie Lee Cooper (1910-2010)

Played crucial part in 1965 Selma Voting Rights Movement; lauded for punching Alabama Sheriff Jim Clark in the face

Henrietta Lacks (1920-1951)

First diagnosed with cervical cancer at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1951, a sample of her cancer cells were taken without her consent by a researcher; her cells would go on to advance medical research for years to come as they had the ability to double ever 20-24 hours; The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot was based off of her life.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020)

First appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, serving on Supreme Court for 27 years; a champion of gender equality, financial equality for women, education, LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights for immigrants and undocumented people, rights for people with disabilities.

Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958)

Made crucial contribution to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, establishing that the molecule existed in a helical conformation.

Sources: http://www.oprahdaily.com; http://www.history.com; http://www.rosalindfranklin.edu

Upcoming Holidays & Celebrations

On Wednesday, March 2, 2022, we celebrated Ash Wednesday, and thus began the Lenten season. Lent is a period of 40 days is a time for repentance, where we prepare and reflect Jesus’ sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days before Easter. We should also be prayerful of what is going on in the world, especially with the fighting in the Ukraine, with the unrest and injustice with criminal justice, mindless killings, and disasters around the world that we are unaware of. Pray for those who are in need, hospitalized, or have lost a loved one to the pandemic or by other means.

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17, 2022 – parades, parties and fun will be had by all. What fun things will you do in your city? Our city usually has its celebratory St. Patrick’s Day parade, beer and corn beef and cabbage will be consumed by all. Don’t forget to wear your green. Maybe there is gold at the end of the rainbow.

What Else?….

So daylight savings time begins on Sunday, March 13th…spring forward one hour. Not sure about you, but I don’t think whether we gain or lose an hour, I’ll still be T.I.R.E.D. Although, that is a very good sign that Spring is just around the corner and I cannot wait.

Travel

This year more and more people are taking vacations, making up for the two years that we were on lockdown due to the pandemic, and I am here for it. These are the places on my Travel List…a girl can dream, right? If you need suggestion other destinations, check out Travel & Leisure https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2022

Barbados

Bahamas

British Virgin Island

Final Thoughts…

“It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine” – Eyeore

Celebrate the Small Victories

Posted on by bumpuskimberly

Black History Month

As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s not forget those who struggled, sacrificed and lost their lives to lift blacks and African Americans. We remember and celebrate, land are reminded there is still much left to do – from race relations, to homelessness, to job security, to healthcare, to police brutality and incarceration, etc…it’s not over yet. Celebrate the small victories that have set us on the path of righteousness, equality, self-love, the right to be yourself without fear of harm or repercussions, and live a life that is worthy.

Black History Facts

Did you know????

Black History Month watercolor background. Vector illustration. EPS10
  • Black History Month began as Negro History Week in 1926
  • The first federally recognized Black History Month was observed in 1976
  • Black History Month is celebrated in February because Abraham Lincoln and Federick Douglas were born in February
  • Black History Month has had a theme since 1928 – this year’s theme is Black Health & Wellness
  • http://www.greenmatters.com

Listening to…

I absolutely love music, and lately I have been listening to Eric B. & Rakim, Biggie, TuPac, EPMD…I mean all the Hip Hop songs from the late 80’s – early 90’s. I must admit, it helps me get my early morning started before the work day begins and I have to do all of the adult things. And let me tell you how good of a workout you can get in just listening to them also…ON POINT! So if you need some good ‘ol Hip Hop music just hop on over to Spotify and bob ya head a lil bit. http://www.spotify.com

Cooking

Every day for the past week, I have been on a Everything Bagel kick. And since I don’t want to stop at the bagel store to get any, I just make them at home. So I found a recipe from Skinnytaste that checks all of the boxes and hits the spot, and most of the items you have are already in your fridge and pantry. Just head on over to www.skinnytaste.com and search Everything Bagel recipe. You won’t be disappointed. I’ll be making a new batch for the week.

I also made a delicious soup on Sunday that made me do a dance. I didn’t want to have a recipe that was too fussy, or took too long to make and have too many ingredients, so I hopped on Google and found a Pot Pie Soup recipe from Damn Delicious that hit it out of the park. The recipe is very simple and comes together fairly quickly, so just head on over to https://damndelicious.net/2019/02/22/chicken-pot-pie-soup/ and make yo’self some. And don’t forget to make the biscuits to go with it.

Watching

Have you been watching the new season of This is Us? What are your thoughts so far? My favorites are Beth and Randal. I’m so so much like Beth it’s not even funny, and my husband is more Randal-like. I hate that the show is ending, I mean it’s been great watching the backstories and how the past helped mold Randal, Kevin and Kate, but it’s also an eye opener knowing how much Alzheimer’s disease can affect an entire family. Maybe (fingers crossed) they will have a spinoff. http://www.nbc.com

So I’ve been playing catch-up with the movies and series’s I’ve missed on Netflix…I mean it’s a lot to pick from, and everyone has a recommendation for you to watch this or that first. But what I’ve watch so far and are currently watching is…

Sweet Magnolias. If you haven’t seen the first season, sit yo’self down, pour a glass of your favorite alcoholic beverage (if you drink) and just binge watch. I can’t speak highly enough about how good the show is.

There was some scuttlebutt about a movie called The Power of the Dog that featured Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst that came out last year. I mean I didn’t understand what all the hoopla was all about, soooo I watched it. Still not sure what all the hoopla is about. Was it good? I’m still on the fence. But lemme tell you something, that Benedict Cumberbatch can play any part given to him. So if you’re a fan of his, watch it just for his acting alone.

Can we talk about Ozarks? Too bad this is the last season, but daaaannnggg…it’s good. Y’all need to catch up with the other seasons before you watch this new one. It’s a binge watch type of show.

I’ve been watching The Woman In the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window with Kristen Bell. This is the first season and each episode is about 30 minutes each, but OMG does it draw you in. Once you think you have things figured out…well, ya don’t and you’re left scratching your head like WHAT THE HECK?! Just watch it is what I’m saying.

Oh, oh…I want to see The Tinder Swindler, too. I’ve heard and read it’s really good, so that’s next on my TO-WATCH list. I’ll let you know my thoughts after I watch it.

So there’s a new show on Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) called – Ladies Who List – Atlanta. Think of it as the Real Housewives of Atlanta, but in real estate. You have all of the cattiness, the fights, raised voices, side-eyes, sarcasm dripping like gold, and all of the backstabbing that makes for great TV. https://www.oprah.com/own-ladieswholistatlanta/new-series–ladies-who-list-atlanta

What’s Coming Up…

I will celebrate my 51st birthday next week. Turning 50 was exceptional, and this birthday will be no different, just another year old but I’m still funny, witty, FINE AS HELL, smart and just plain ‘ol phenomenal. Valentine’s Day is next week, as well, so let me know what’s on the agenda for Lover’s Day!

Thoughts of the Day – Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine – author unknown

Read – Watch – Listen

Posted on by bumpuskimberly

To kick off the start of summer, I’ve put together a list of things you may be interested in – just a simple way to relax and decompress from whatever the day has brought your way.

Let’s get started with reading. I’ll admit I have many books on my list to read, and yet they are still on my reading list. However, I have decided that I am going to read one book a month until the end of the year. Yikes!!! I think I can – I think I can…just like the little engine that could. This is what I have so far…and if you have some books that you’ve loved, leave a comment.

Read

woman sitting on window reading book
Photo by Thought Catalog on Pexels.com

Caucasia is on my summer reading list based on the reviews alone. If you’re interested in looking at both sides of the coin relative to siblings and race, pick this one up.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZM06TE?tag=reedwebs-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1

If you’ve never read a book by Zora Neal Hurston, you’re in for a treat. It’s a hard read, the dialect is difficult to pick up, but it’s an excellent book with so much to offer you’ll be hooked.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZM06TE?tag=reedwebs-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1

I’m a huge Langston Hughes fan, and anything with his name attached has to be good, which is why I chose this book. His writing it top notch, and you too will become a fan.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZM06TE?tag=reedwebs-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1

Watch

food snack popcorn movie theater
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I love movies just as much as the next person, but there are certain movies that can grab your attention in the first few minutes. This is a list of my must-watch movies. If you have any suggestions for me, let me know.

If you’re into suspense, this is it. Amy Adams is excellent in any movie, but this one will keep you guessing. A definite must watch.

https:www.netflix.com

A Spike Lee Joint, this is also a must watch. One of Chadwick Boseman’s last performances before his passing, it’s a movie that tells a poignant story that honors black soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War.

https://www.netflix.com

Also, click the link below to read the Esquire Magazine article

https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a32837667/da-5-bloods-spike-lee-true-story-milton-olive-james-anderson/

Okay, so there isn’t too often in the day when I’m not thinking about food (snacking mostly), and this documentary is no exception. The movie tells the story of how “soul food” became “SOUL FOOD,” tracing the culinary expedition from Africa and how those spices and recipes have been passed down from generations to become what it is today – GOOD EATIN’

https://www.netflix.com

Listen

I listen to A LOT of things, mainly gangsta rap and R&B (old school…that new stuff makes my teeth itch, plus I can’t understand what they’re saying. Sigh, they just don’t make music like they used to. So let’s dive into some things I’ve been listening to on repeat (maybe not repeat, but often).

Bruno Mars…enough said – add in Anderson Pay – ahhhh…great song! Yep, it’s on repeat.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7MAibcTli4IisCtbHKrGMh?si=29e31417d9fd48a7

I’ve recently been listening to different podcasts, and this one is high on my list. I love anything dealing with crimes and investigations, which is why I highly recommend this one.

https://serialpodcast.org

If you’re a history buff, this one is for you.

https://podcasts.apple.com

That’s all I have for now. If you have any suggestions for me, drop me a line in the comments section.

A Trip to Omaha

Posted on by bumpuskimberly

My husband and I decided at the beginning of the year that we would take our grand girls and son to the zoo, and decided on the Omaha Zoo. I mean if I’m being honest, I think we both needed to get out of town for a bit, and with it only being about two and a half hours away, it was doable with a 12 year old, four year old and 16 month old. So I’ll try to hit the highlights of the trip with the drive, hotel check in, zoo, etc.

Day #1 – ROAD TRIP

We hit the road about 1:00 p.m. Typical drive, nothing special, except when we had to make a pit stop to get a few snacks (what is a road trip without the proper snacks – ummm…a boring trip). We finally made it to the hotel, checked in…aaaannnnddd our room smelled like weed. Welp, that’s not gonna do for us. Finally, checked in to our second room; much better. But wait, what do you mean we can’t rest up after being in the car for so long? Oh, yeah, headed to the swimming pool. Did I mention how tired I am? No, well I’m tired and I want to go to sleep. So after we showered, we all got dressed again and headed to eat spaghetti at Spaghetti Works World Market (www.spagworks.com). If you ever get a chance to visit Omaha, stop by; you will not be disappointed.

Day #2 – ZOO DAY & RETAIL THERAPY (BECAUSE I NEED IT)

So let’s talk about the sleeping arrangements from the night before – anyone who has children and have had the privilege of sharing a bed with either one or two of them, y’all already know my story. Not only did I have two little people sleeping with me, Teagan woke up at 4:00 in the morning to tell me she had a nightmare about a duck chasing her. Huh? A duck? Where did the duck come from? It didn’t matter at that point; I just wanted to go back to sleep. Oh, and I had been tossing and turning most of the night anyway, because I had Harper sleeping under my back, and Teagan was stretched out like she was the only one in the bed, and my husband and son were snoring in the other bed. Needless to say, I did not get much rest, nor sleep. So breakfast was eaten by all, then we headed to the zoo. But first, I needed to shower; the next thing I know Harper has gone head first, fully clothed, into the shower. *SIGH* Now I have to change her clothes…can we just get to the zoo already? I must admit we had a really good time – the weather was perfect, except when the wind blew it was a little chilly. Don’t worry, it warmed up and it was so much fun. Teagan was excited to see the rhinos, zebras, sea lions, and her favorite was the aquarium. I’ll definitely go back; you definitely need to spend at an entire day or maybe two days to fully experience the fun. (www.omahazoo.com)

After the zoo, I needed a ‘lil retail therapy, so we headed down to the Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall (https://www.nexoutlets.com). This is an outside mall, much like some in other cities who have similar stores (i.e. Ann Taylor Outlet, Nike, Michael Kors, Osh Kosh B-gosh, etc.) It wasn’t crowded outside; the stores were very clean inside and everyone wore a mask and practiced social distancing. I tried to find some new clothing items to wear, but since I had a 4 year old who told me I had too many blue and yellow things chosen to try on, I thanked her for helping me with my colors and since she was ready to leave, we left. Did I mention I was tired and needed a nap? I didn’t, well I did. So while my husband, son and Teagan went swimming – yes, again, Harper and I took a much-needed nap. Later we had dinner and it’s time for bed, so we can leave after breakfast the next day.

Day #3 – HOME BOUND

After eating an early breakfast, we had planned on staying a little later and heading to a small black owned business that sells popcorn, but opted to leave a little earlier so that my husband and I would be able to rest and get ready for work the next day. No traffic driving, but one hour outside of home the radio/satellite stopped working. I have no idea why. I’ve only had my car for two weeks, so anything malfunctioning would give me serious anxiety. Luckily, it all worked out in the end and it was something to do with my bluetooth connection. I mean who can ride in a car with no music? No one.

So I’m happy to be back home and relaxing in my own bed. We had such a wonderful time, and I’m especially happy that Brendan, Teagan and Harper had a chance to experience the zoo.

Thanks for allowing me to share my mini-vaycay adventure with you guys. I can’t thank you enough for supporting my blog. There’s still more adventures to come

NOTE: You can find Huskerland Popcorn on their Facebook page (Huskerland Popcorn – http://huskerlandpopcorn.com