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Celebrate Women’s History 2022

Posted on March 7, 2022 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 February 10, 2022 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 51^st 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

August 2021

Posted on September 19, 2021 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.

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!

Read – Watch – Listen

Posted on May 28, 2021 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

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.