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    Good riddance 2020, that is what the world has pretty much said. The Coronavirus pandemic is still in existence and so, so many lives have been lost and changed. We have known coworkers and family members to have gotten the virus and thankfully they have recovered. The last time I wrote on this was Mother's Day and that was back in May. That was the start of the pandemic and changes including cancelling trips, closing schools and many businesses. 

    At the time the children we still going to the at-home daycare and I was still able to go to the office and I left during lunchtime to pick up May for her less than 2 hour class for 1st grade in the afternoon. Rex, my parents and many of our friends have been very fortunate to have not lost our place of work and we have been able to continue with pay during this time. Other businesses closed and workers lost jobs, the economy did crash and the community came together to help those in need. Rex found at his work that some of the material was held up or delayed in shipment. Packages were delayed, almost everything was shut down. 

    Fast forward to September 2020, the kids started complete virtual school, May in second grade and Nia in Kindergarten. 




    I am so thankful that my job allows for working from home and I worked a full-time job with two children in full-time school. There were assignments too and I will say that time was very hard at work due to two major projects with very short deadlines. I couldn't say too much though because I am still thankful for having a job and that I could stay and help my children. Rex was still able to go to work too and every day at his job he needed to get his temperature checked and wear a mask. We still wear a mask wherever we go. We tried to play more in the backyard too and have the kids be more active with games outside. It's hard though because they really are missing the interaction with other children. They might be going back to school in person in the Spring of this year.

    We also tried for getting buying a home in 2020. We have been saving for the last 4 years and we knew we didn't want to stay in the area we live in now for more years. The kids are getting bigger and the townhouse is so small. The walls have been paper-thin since the day we moved here and the area is also getting worse. We tried in May of 2020 and we got approved for a lower amount then. It's crazy to think to purchase a home in the middle of a pandemic and with the amount we got approved for it was very hard to find a home that didn't need major repairs or was an auction or another unlying issue, had a termite problem. We also just wanted to get an idea of the process and that pre-approval was just with my income and information. I was thankful but I knew and the realtor knew that home prices in the area we were looking to purchase a home were much higher. The low rates of today are nice but we had to let that pre-approval expire. We couldn't find anything in the 3 months it was active and we did try. We actually applied for another pre-approval just recently with both of us, just to check and see and we got pre-approved for more. We actually found a home in December of 2020 and currently, we are pending. That's the start of the new chapter which I'll write more about in another post. We are very excited!



    Other good news, in November 2020 the American people cast their vote, and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be the new president and vice-president. So exciting and such a breath of fresh air. Kamala will be the first female vice-president and she is a fellow Howard alumna! Such a welcomed new chapter indeed and even though Trump has tried to overturn the result, the people have spoken, it's not voter fraud it's people wanting a change. 


    That was actually the first glimmer of hope in a very challenging year. Another spark of hope is that COVID vaccines were developed and tested and put into emergency authorization towards the end of the year. The development was quick in terms of vaccines and there are still concerns about the vaccines but the front line workers were the first in line to get the vaccines. They are heroes along with construction workers, transportation workers, fast food service workers, and other essential workers. My work is in Healthcare and they got the vaccine are administering the vaccine to those who want it. I'm actually an essential worker and I was able to get the vaccine yesterday. I had questions and concerns but seeing others and hearing their stories got me more assured and I did it. I hope the vaccine is available to more people very soon. I really with the kids can get it but it hasn't been tested in kids yet. Rex will hopefully be able to get it, the end of the month or hopefully early next month. I'll write more about the vaccine and the side effects in later blogs.



    Whoa, this was a post and I know this was a lot. We are thankful for our health and our work and it really looks like things worldwide are getting better slowly. 2020 was a year of sadness, disappointments lost and bittersweet joy. It could have been so much worse for us and I am thankful still could keep our positions and house. We are empathetic to others and we wish for everyone to stay safe and we hope they have the best and greatest luck this year. It's a new chapter and we are writing our future. We will emerge from the depths, victorious and together. 
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    Well, 2020 has taken a turn for the much worse. It's COVID-19, the Coronavirus and currently, it's sweeping over the entire world. Sound like a movie? I wish it was.

    We first heard about the virus back in February. There were many cases of it in China and there was a concern that the virus would travel to other parts of the world but nonetheless, we all continued to go about our daily routine and now that routine is anything but normal.

    There are more positive cases in the US and over 3 right here in Maryland. Today the governor of Maryland stated that all Maryland School will be closed starting from March 16th to March 27th in an effort to control prevent the virus from spreading further. May's Spring Break was scheduled for April 6 to April 13th and know we aren't sure if the schools will be open even after the 27th.

    I am seeing some schools are closing until the end of April. The school gave many packets and online resources for the children to do over the break. It is not required though, I will work on the material with May. There are a few businesses that are temporary closing and currently Rex and I still have our jobs. I am very thankful for that but I feel for those who went in one day to work and now the place is closed.

    There is an initiative to work from home and stay at home also to wash hands and use hand sanitizer. More of what we have learned since we were younger, especially to wash our hands but the virus is deadly and I do have the option to work from home, which thankful for that option in for my job. I don't think I will be able to work the whole two weeks from home though and we are able to take May and Nia over to at-home child care center in which we have been going to for the last 4 years. The child care provider has been so wonderful and we have been so blessed to know here and the learning there for the years. This is actually the last year though. Nia will be Kindergarten this fall and May only goes there if the school is closed.

    The kids and the family are alright though and so are parents and friends. It's looking like this virus is going to be very big and even during my flight last month, I saw people with masks on, on the airplane and through the airport but thankful I didn't contract anything and it was all for precations. Well maybe.

    We need to get May's glasses too. I took her to the eye doctor about two weeks ago. She had a test in school, that tested her eyesight and hearing and she failed in her right eye for distance. We just have to keep it together in all of this. I have a feeling it's going to be some harder times ahead and Rex's flight to Liberia which was to be from March 21st to April 1st looks like that's not going to happen, due to virus.


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    Wow, it's 2020 and really couldn't believe that when hearing it back in the last decade. Hehe that's already so jammed packed to write in the sentence but now we have moved on to the start of a new decade, the 2010s are gone and new beginnings in the 2020s are starting.

    I'm so excited for the year, our family has been saving and making strides in the previous year to get closer towards our goal of homeownership. This could really be the year we can move further along or even achieve our goal. I am so thankful to have such kind and loving friends and family and support of family. We have worked very hard for this moment and we are continuing to work to provide a brighter future for the kids.

    This year is also going to bring about some long-awaited trips and once in a lifetime trips, we are at a place where we can maintain our daily living and truly seize opportunities with positive impacts and will not cause us to take five steps back. Life is short and some of the opportunities that presented itself within the last few months of 2019, we couldn't pass on. It really is due to our stability in employment and stronger financial skills.

    We are improving and that is key, as every month and year passes, comes learning experiences. Learning is so important! That's why this year as well will be full of more learning experiences, book readings, and new exciting experiences.  As we continue to move throughout this journey of life, we will continue with love, kindness, and compassion. The future is so bright!

    Wishing everyone a very joyful and healthy new year filled with blessings, love, new adventures and kindness!

    Happy New Year!!!! 🎉


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    Hey there, wow, it's been a while since a last posted and even though I haven't been silent on my social media platforms, I haven't sat down to write a blog post in over two years. That ends today, haha.

    Well, where to begin. I'm not going to make this a long post, hopefully, but I have wanted to get back into blogging for the past year and yeah life gets a hold of us at time. Life has been certainly busy and there have been changes and growths since the last time I posted.

    I have been at my job as a data analyst at a mental health facility for over 2 years now. My work anniversary was in August. Rex has now been in the electrician trade for over 5 years and he is now a certified electrician. He graduated from Harford Community College in the Spring of the year. I am so proud of him and he is truly a great electrician. I do get worried about currents through but uses much safety in the practice.

    We also celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary a few days ago. 7 years of bliss and here's to many, many more.

    Our children are growing so fast. They have so much energy! May will be 7 this December and she is a 1st grader! She is getting so tall and she is doing well in school. Rex and I help her with her homework and last year she received a Model Citizen Award for kindergarten at her school. It was such a special day and she is excited about learning math.

    Nia is 4 years an will be attending the school next year. We are still with the same daycare provider when May started at age 3 and I am so thankful that we found our provider. The children have learned so much from her teachings.

    We are still in Maryland and we hope to own a home in the next 2 to 3 years. We have been living at our current place for 3 years now and we more need to find stable employment, as I only seemed to get temp jobs out of graduating with my Master's degree and our living situation was unstable. Through it all though we have stuck together as a family and that is what life is all about the ups and downs.

    As for the plants in the last past, the tomatoes didn't grow but I do plan to learn more about gardening and grow some tomatoes and especially fresh herbs and spices for recipes.

    This was just a quick summary of the dormant time for this blog. I'll go into more detail with other blog posts. That's right, I'll be posting more and oh how the world is changing. 😀

    The kiddos and I on a hiking trip

    Rex's graduation

    Our happy family
                                                                             
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    I've taken another break this blogging and life has been pretty hectic. The kids are still going to school and May will be entering kindergarten this Fall. I can't believe she's already at the stage for kindergarten. It was just 5 years ago when I held her small little self in my arms and now she knows how to write her own name and can read many words. She and Nia are both learning so much at the preschool they are going too and Rex and I are so blessed that we are able to keep them there and that their teacher is so understanding and strives for the best learning exercises in all the students.

    Rex is doing well in his schooling for his electrical apprenticeship. He will be graduating next year. It's been a long, hard journey for him and he is really getting a wonderful understanding of the electrical structuring of commercial buildings. It's truly amazing what he tells me. I remember circuits to a certain extent when I was going to school for Meteorology but construction and what goes into the wiring is really something. I worry at times with the electrical currents but he and his team work hard to be safe and follow many procedures for safety on the job.

    Speaking of which, I have been at my mental health facility job for over 6 months now. I am still an informatics specialist and I have continued to learn so much about mental health and further analyzing patient charts and information. I work with so many tools like the vWorkspace, Tableau, and SQL Server and I have been able to learn the material very quickly, which I am so thankful for. I am so thankful God's love and that I still have a clear mind. This world can get so difficult at times and there have been recent tragedies in the world, but Rex and I do so much to keep the family safe and protected and I pray for the same safety for every member of our families and friends and coworkers and acquaintances.

    Each day is a new experience and a new chance to learn. Even with my current role, I'll be having to learn possibly JSON files, APIs, Javascript, and Python. I have some experience with Python but I really have been looking for more ways to have the material stick. Well, one experience with learning that I have always wanted to try and now I am trying with the children is gardening. Big transition right? It's more like indoor gardening but it's actually funny how it happened. I bought some onions from the store about a month ago and we had eaten some onions but there were a few we left in the kitchen near the window. Well, I noticed one onion had sprouted and I left it when I saw it a few days later the sprout was more sprouts from the same onion! I told Rex and he said we should plant it. I didn't know exactly what we should do to plant it but he said just stick it in some dirt, with a little water. So we went with the kids to Home Depot and got two pots (the kids picked out the pots) and some indoor potting soil, along with a water canister and tomato seeds.

    As soon as we got home we planted our onion and tomato seeds. It was so fun with the kids:


     Our sprouted onion!


     May with the tomato seeds.

     Nia helping to pat down the soil.

     A tad bit of water.

    Our proudly potted onion and tomato seeds.

    Where we placed them for now.

    We opened the blinds to let more sunlight get in and we watered both the pots, we a little bit of water, ever and every other day. A little over one week later we got this:




    Our tomato seeds had sprouted and the onion is more upright! It's so amazing to see the veggies growing and May and Nia are so happy and excited to see the plants growing. It's a nice that they can be so hands-on and it will be very interesting in the next months to see the results. We are still living at the rented townhome but we hope to buy a townhome or house towards the end of this year or into next year.  I know that many people grow their own fruits, veggies, and herbs and I remember eating veggies and fruits from grandfather and grandmother's garden. It's fresh and homegrown and our own little indoor garden! :-)
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    We've officially been a family of four for a little over a month now and things are starting to get more into a rotation.  Nia is growing well and at her last doctor's appointment she was is the 75% percentile for both her weight and height. She is exclusively breast fed at the moment. I know this will change once I can go back to work somewhere though. I've been pumping more, now that my breast milk is more established. I can't believe I'm using the same electric breast pump from when I breastfed May. It was much more trial and error with May and though I spent a good portion of time with her during the first couple of months, we still supplemented with formula. We had even given May formula in the hospital, Nia has received strictly breast milk. As I stated in previous blog postings, I think breast feeding is such a great and natural way for mother and child to bond and its so good for both child and mom as well. It's also very inexpensive compared to formula. Times are tough.

    I'm hoping to go back to work towards the end of this month or early next month, it's not set in stone yet but I am applying both in my field of science and also in the office type setting work. I called the temp agency a couple of weeks back to let them know I would be available more towards the towards the end of this month. It's been hard these last few weeks. Rex has been doing so much and he actually left his job at the car port and is now working as an electrical apprentice. The company he works for now is actually the same company he applied for two years ago, when May and I had to leave Maryland to New Jersey and he stayed for three months looking for work in Maryland. His friend Paul referred him then and referred him again this time. This time for the interview the boss said he didn't know why he hadn't hired Rex the first time when he applied. Since Rex has been working there for a little over a month as well, he is really leaving a good impression on his co-workers and his boss. He goes to work on the lightning for new buildings around the area and with this he'll be a certain project for a number of time and then another and another. With this his schedule won't be completely set but at least he will have work. I know with temping, as I have done it much more often in prior years, the company can send you on different assignments in various places but those assignments usually don't last as long as they say. For some it can move towards a permanent position.

    Rex will also be starting his classes on August 24th. I am honestly so proud of him and know he will do great in the classes. He will be going to school two days a week and working full time. He also has been doing side jobs with his friend Paul around the area for extra income and this has helped in paying for bills, especially the rent. We had to ask family and friends too, it's really hard with one income. We know it will get even harder when he starts school. I know I'll be going from watching them all day to really really watching them all day especially when school starts. As I stated earlier, I would like to go back to work, though soon childcare will be a option. We looked at a few daycare centers around the house and we found two we really might pursue. The area is not the best but the daycare centers definitely seem like good and reliable ones. It's just the price for both that is our challenge. Rex's brother's girlfriend is offering too to watch them for a certain lower price. We know if we go this route we can help them too. They are just around the corner but they also have things that they are working on as well.

    I have been involved in my product testing and focus groups like back in New Jersey. It helps to bring in a little bit of something and get a couple of things we really need. I was able to get a pressure cooker with Amazon gift cards that I got not too long ago and I plan to use this to cook more healthy foods for the family. It also will cut back on my spending on outside food. Though we had to let a few things go, we are making a way. We know that this too shall past and we have seen much worse. I do love the time I get to spend with both May and Nia and though it is hectic at times, we are all falling into some sort of routine. I still teach May her colors and numbers and she is learning very well. She has such a big imagination and she really loves her new sister.

    We know that things will pick up sooner than later. You have to crawl before you can walk and we are so thankful for the many blessings we have and we are looking forward towards reaching that plateau in the future.

     Little Ms. Nia Jane

    Took this a few days ago. So enlightening when there is a rainbow.
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    I have wonderful news today. I was featured in the first segment for the Beta Tester of the Month (May 2015) for the beta testing site The Beta Family. I've actually been a tester for The Beta Family for over 2 years now and I test beta (or second stage) development prior to the product's release. I decided to test apps because apps have become so popular within the past couple of years, and they continue to gain popularity, also because testing the app is a way to be one of the first to try the app and in some cases even get paid to try the app.

    When I first started school at Howard, my husband, Rex got me an Apple IPad 2 which has IOS for its operating system, which our now two and half year old daughter uses (where was that when we were growing up, hehe). I also have owned an phone with an Android operating system, pretty much since I got rid of my T-Mobile Sidekick II. I remember when I first saw The Beta Family site, I viewed the video they have on the site currently, which gave more information on app testing. I added to my profile which devices I owned, which now is a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for my cell phone, and I applied to apps that I thought were interesting. I got rejected for a couple of apps at first and it took months before I got accepted to my first paid app testing, but I stuck with the website and on occasions I would test the apps and give my review. Over time my reputation on the site grew and to where now I am currently the number 1 tester on their Top List.


    The website is also great for app developers. It gives the opportunity to collect constructive feedback from a diverse or select group of people. It also gives the platform to distribute the app the broadly to private or public testers.

    With all that being said, here is the segment as featured on their blog:

    "Welcome to our new segment here on the blog called Tester of the month! We want to show our love to our top testers on Beta Family, that are doing an amazing job with helping the app development companies with their beta testing. We here at Beta Family think that more focus should be on the people who are passionate about new apps and features and often test without being paid for it, just for the love of beta testing.
    In May we want to give our love to Tasha Sumo, naming her Tester of the Month. We are really happy to have her as a member of our family!


    Tester-of-the-month-Tasha-Sumo
    Name: Tasha Sumo
    Age: 28
    Nationality: American
    Interests: Earth science, technology, writing, baking
    Devices you own: Apple Ipad 2, Lenovo Ideapad, Samsung Galaxy Note 3
    Apps tested: Over 102 apps.

    What is your best quality as a tester?
    I read the description for the app so I have a general idea of what I am testing and I use this as somewhat of a guideline of when I test the app.

    What is your favorite app?
    My favorite app is a number guessing app called Fermi. I found myself really thinking as to the order of the numbers and the layout for the numbers is on clouds.

    Do you have a favorite app developer/company?
    I really don’t have a favorite app developer/company.

    How come you’ve started with beta testing?
    I started with beta testing to learn about new products out there that I could share with family and friends, to be one of the first to try an app and share feedback that might be able to help the developer.

    What kind of apps do you like most to try?
    I like puzzle, productivity and game apps.

    As you have tested a lot of apps, you must have encountered numerous bugs and fault. Is there one bug or fault that you encounter often that you feel that developers should have know and fix before starting the beta testing.
    I think for app developers, who wish to change the system for the phone, the greatest bug there is losing the ability to use the phone itself.

    Why are you a part of Beta Family’s community?
    I am part of the Beta Family because I like the features of the site. I can test out apps, share feedback, possibility earn cash and maybe one day even submit my own app for feedback.

    How long have you been a member here at Beta Family?
    I’ve been a member for over 2 years.

    Do you have three tips for newly started beta testers?
    The three tips I have are:
    1) Get a feel of how the Beta Family site works and the testing process. It’s good to familiarize yourself with what is involved for the testing because in testing both Android apps and IOS apps, the testing process can be different for the apps.
    2) Test both free and apps that pay. By testing both types of apps you will be exposed to a greater variety apps and can become more well-versed.
    3) Be patient. Sometimes it takes a while for the testing process to start and once you start testing, it takes time to build your rep as a beta tester.

    What is your philosophy towards beta testing?
    Beta testing is more than just downloading and reviewing, it’s a chance to make a difference, build connections and try something new or improved.

    What three things do you need to be successful in beta testing?
    To be successful you need:
    1) A schedule. Know when the test will end and make sure you devote time during the testing period to accurately test the app.
    2) A working device. If the device is defective that is not helpful in beta testing.
    3) An open mind. Though some apps might seem similar, keeping an open mind and not a pre-set attitude will help to test the app more fairly.

    What’s the worst thing about beta testing and what’s the best?
    The worst thing about beta testing that it’s sometimes time-consuming, the best thing is the chance to share feedback.

    Would you rather test apps for bigger companies or new start ups?
    This is a rather hard question to answer. I stated previously that I really don’t have a favorite developer or company and this goes for both startup and bigger companies. But I would rather test for bigger companies because they might be more willing to offer products for beta testing. I do like the new of ideas of startups too.

    What is it that makes an app exciting to test?
    The description of the app and the preview screenshots for the app.

    How many apps are on your phone right now?
    Not including bloatware, I would say more than 40.

    Are you a gamer? If you are, what kind of games do you like?
    I’m a bit of a gamer, I enjoy role-playing games, adventure games and strategic games.

    A big thank you to Tasha for being our first tester of the month this May! We really appreciate your hard work and we hope you will find many more apps to test at Beta Family.
    Next month we will feature another of our top testers so please subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss it. "


    Thank you so much, Beta Family for featuring me this month! I definitely will be testing more apps through the site. Maybe one day I'll even submit my own.
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    Hi my name is Tasha. I'm a down-to-earth, free spirited mother to two beautiful girls, May and Nia and loving wife to my Liberian born husband, Rex. I enjoy making the most out of my family life, as well as learning more about topics such as Earth Science, technology, creative writing and frugal living.

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