Continuing from yesterday's post...
March and April were pretty good. We had a steady stream of students. We had our ups and downs, but for the most part, things were ok. At least we were making ends meet, and making slight progress.
Then May rolled around, and things took a major turn. Beth got really sick and I spent a week in the hospital with her. (More of that story in a latter post.) During that first two weeks of May, life was extra stressful. I needed to be in three places at once, and I was worn out emotionally, physically, and mentally. Reality hit that some changes needed to be made. I began putting feelers out for a new teacher or director to work at the center so I could be home more. When I was at work, I was overwhelmed. When I was home, I was still dealing with employee drama at work. I loved my students and was very attached to them, but I needed help.
In mid-May, I began to get some feedback that a girl that had a directors credential was willing to come work for me. About a week later, she decided that she liked being a stay-at-home mom, and wasn't ready to work again. No hard feelings, I get it. I wished her the best, but I was still bummed. What to do now?
Then the very next day, a girl walked into the center and was interested in buying it. She asked lots of questions, and took several pictures, and told me she'd call me tomorrow with her final decision. Yay, right? No, she called back the next day and backed out, stating that she'd want to turn it into a candy store. Well, our landlord wants to keep it as a daycare, so that didn't work.
About a week later, a woman walked in, and she asked even more questions. Said she'd have to talk to her husband, and they'd be back. Well, at this point, I honestly didn't believe her. But, to my surprise, she showed up just an hour later with husband in tow. They looked over every square inch of the building, did a lot of talking and asking questions, and finally said that they'd do it. I couldn't hardly believe it! We started making arrangements: we told the staff, parents, and she made arrangements for the utilities and lease to be changed to her name.
Finally things were looking up. My students would be taken care of. I was going to have someone handling the stress of the daycare. I could spend more one on one time with my children, but still work with the daycare kids. Win-win, right?!
No... The first of June, she backed out. Really? Really!
So, we decided to close the doors of our wonderful center. It was the hardest decision I have ever made. We were down to 6 students. I let two of my teachers go. That was a nightmare all in itself. I felt bad, but there was no sense in there being 4 of us for only 6 students.
June 29th was our last day. It was so bitter sweet. I knew, and still know, that it was the right decision. But, dang, I was attached to those children. I loved being a part of their little lives, and SO miss them.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Career Changes - Part 1
The first update, of the many to come, is about my personal journey over the last year and a half, mostly focusing on my professional journey.
At the beginning of 2011, Adam and I started discussing the possibility of starting a new business and me opening a daycare. The more I researched about this idea, the more I realized that this was a much bigger project than first anticipated.
During the research process, I needed to make a decision. If you were following my blog last year, you know the options were to run a daycare out of my home for a couple years or return to school and take the classes needed to get a directors credential to open a center within a year. After many discussions with Adam, who by the way was little help as his response was "whatever you want to do," and MANY nights spent on my knees, the decision was made to return to school.
With three children, this was a lot easier said than done. After only suffering through one semester, I bow down to the moms that are also full time students. WOW! Between my classes, the boys school, someone watching the younger two (a HUGE shout out to Breanne who watched Beth and Zack everyday for me! THANK YOU!), soccer, homework, prepping the soon-to-be daycare, and trying to keep up with home duties, August thru December was a blur. I look back on it and feel so neglectful as a mom. But, I can also look back and realize that it was a necessary sacrifice.
In January, we had driven by a vacant building, and had made comments on how perfect of a location and set up it would be for a daycare. All spring and summer, I had kept an eye on it and it had never rented. In November, we signed a lease to rent the building and I set to work cleaning and moving stuff in. I am so grateful for all the donations and time and effort from everyone that helped pull it together. I, along with many others, spent countless hours arranging and rearranging toys, wall decorations, and furniture.
After many obstacles, a lot of paperwork, and rescheduling our opening date twice, we finally opened on Valentines Day in February. We started with 9 wonderful children, and by the first of April, we were maxed out on capacity at 19. I very quickly fell in love with our students, and grew very attached very fast.
However, the 13-14 hour days were wearing on me. I had a very hard time finding good help. That was one obstacle that I hadn't anticipated. It was very challenging to find both full time and substitute teachers. The student drama, the endless paperwork, the DHS regulations - - I could deal with all that. But, with 19 students, I couldn't run the whole show alone. I finally did get teachers hired, but saying I had "good" help, was a great stretch. I did have one GREAT teacher, and I found myself relying a lot on her. I don't think I could have made it without her. In fact, I know I couldn't have!
At the beginning of 2011, Adam and I started discussing the possibility of starting a new business and me opening a daycare. The more I researched about this idea, the more I realized that this was a much bigger project than first anticipated.
During the research process, I needed to make a decision. If you were following my blog last year, you know the options were to run a daycare out of my home for a couple years or return to school and take the classes needed to get a directors credential to open a center within a year. After many discussions with Adam, who by the way was little help as his response was "whatever you want to do," and MANY nights spent on my knees, the decision was made to return to school.
With three children, this was a lot easier said than done. After only suffering through one semester, I bow down to the moms that are also full time students. WOW! Between my classes, the boys school, someone watching the younger two (a HUGE shout out to Breanne who watched Beth and Zack everyday for me! THANK YOU!), soccer, homework, prepping the soon-to-be daycare, and trying to keep up with home duties, August thru December was a blur. I look back on it and feel so neglectful as a mom. But, I can also look back and realize that it was a necessary sacrifice.
In January, we had driven by a vacant building, and had made comments on how perfect of a location and set up it would be for a daycare. All spring and summer, I had kept an eye on it and it had never rented. In November, we signed a lease to rent the building and I set to work cleaning and moving stuff in. I am so grateful for all the donations and time and effort from everyone that helped pull it together. I, along with many others, spent countless hours arranging and rearranging toys, wall decorations, and furniture.
After many obstacles, a lot of paperwork, and rescheduling our opening date twice, we finally opened on Valentines Day in February. We started with 9 wonderful children, and by the first of April, we were maxed out on capacity at 19. I very quickly fell in love with our students, and grew very attached very fast.
However, the 13-14 hour days were wearing on me. I had a very hard time finding good help. That was one obstacle that I hadn't anticipated. It was very challenging to find both full time and substitute teachers. The student drama, the endless paperwork, the DHS regulations - - I could deal with all that. But, with 19 students, I couldn't run the whole show alone. I finally did get teachers hired, but saying I had "good" help, was a great stretch. I did have one GREAT teacher, and I found myself relying a lot on her. I don't think I could have made it without her. In fact, I know I couldn't have!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Life Changes
This year has been extra busy. There have been several major changes and events in our house. Someone had recommended that I blog about all the happenings that have been going on, and I've decided to take their advice.
I'm going to try and catch everyone up on the ongoings over several posts in the coming days and weeks. My free time is sporadic, so we'll just have to see how fast I can play catch-up.
Be watching for more to come...
I'm going to try and catch everyone up on the ongoings over several posts in the coming days and weeks. My free time is sporadic, so we'll just have to see how fast I can play catch-up.
Be watching for more to come...
Friday, January 27, 2012
2011 Recap
Wow, it's been nearly a year since my last post. I hadn't realized... A lot has happened in the last year, so I will just sum up 2011 for the Hansen Family.
Adam is still working with Schlumberger. The Elk City office has had lots of ups and downs over the last year, and have had lots of changes in supervisors, management, and paychecks. Adam has recently been promoted to EO2, and shortly will be getting his EO3. He's also put in for a training supervisor position. It sounds like there are several wanting the position, though, and he is still low man on the totum pole. But, I fully believe that he will get it eventually.
Nick finished his first year of school last May, and was wanting to know if summer was over a week after summer vacation started. He quite drove me crazy over the summer months wanting to go back. When August finally rolled around, he was insistent that I not walk him to class any other days than the first. He is doing very well and at the top of his class. He is reading beginner books, and his handwriting is improving every day. He turned 6 in October, and is currently playing basketball. He's the smallest one on the team, and doesn't get the ball very often, but outworks and outruns them all.
Zack turned 4 last April, and very much enjoyed the quiet mornings while Nick was at school. He has gotten addicted to the Wii, and I have to persuade him to pursue other activities while at home. He spent the summer telling everyone that would listen that he was NOT going to school, but rather staying at home with his little sister. He did finally agree to try school, once August came, and I think really enjoys being with the other kids. He is very smart and hands on. He knew all of the Pre-K curriculum before the end of the first semester, with the exception of writing his name. He is making progress on this skill, and can write the Z and c quite well. My hope is that he can write it sometime before he is 10, lol.
Beth is at my favorite stage of kids. She is learning something new everyday, and keeps us on our toes. She finally has hair, and once it started growing, it's really taken off. I was beginning to wonder if she'd every have any! She learns new words everyday, and will copy just about anything she hears. (Yes, that can be dangerous!) A few weeks ago, she discovered the clicky end of my ink pen, and after clicking it a few times, tells me "ouch." After asking her what was wrong, she points at her finger, and says "finger." I was a little shocked. She then sticks it in her ear, sticks her other finger in her other ear, and, wiggling her other fingers, tells me "Nanny, Nanny, nah nah!!" I laughed so hard!! It was adorable!
As for me, I finished up my classes at SWOSU this fall. I am working hard on getting the final touches ready to open the new daycare, Chick-A-Dee, in just a couple weeks. Right before starting school in August, I was called as a counselor in our church ward's Primary Presidency. I have learned so much working with the children over the last several months, and it has made me even more excited to get this daycare started.
I guess that's it for now. I hope all reading had a wonderful 2011, and I will try my best to blog a little more often this year.
Happy New Year!!
Adam is still working with Schlumberger. The Elk City office has had lots of ups and downs over the last year, and have had lots of changes in supervisors, management, and paychecks. Adam has recently been promoted to EO2, and shortly will be getting his EO3. He's also put in for a training supervisor position. It sounds like there are several wanting the position, though, and he is still low man on the totum pole. But, I fully believe that he will get it eventually.
Nick finished his first year of school last May, and was wanting to know if summer was over a week after summer vacation started. He quite drove me crazy over the summer months wanting to go back. When August finally rolled around, he was insistent that I not walk him to class any other days than the first. He is doing very well and at the top of his class. He is reading beginner books, and his handwriting is improving every day. He turned 6 in October, and is currently playing basketball. He's the smallest one on the team, and doesn't get the ball very often, but outworks and outruns them all.
Zack turned 4 last April, and very much enjoyed the quiet mornings while Nick was at school. He has gotten addicted to the Wii, and I have to persuade him to pursue other activities while at home. He spent the summer telling everyone that would listen that he was NOT going to school, but rather staying at home with his little sister. He did finally agree to try school, once August came, and I think really enjoys being with the other kids. He is very smart and hands on. He knew all of the Pre-K curriculum before the end of the first semester, with the exception of writing his name. He is making progress on this skill, and can write the Z and c quite well. My hope is that he can write it sometime before he is 10, lol.
Beth is at my favorite stage of kids. She is learning something new everyday, and keeps us on our toes. She finally has hair, and once it started growing, it's really taken off. I was beginning to wonder if she'd every have any! She learns new words everyday, and will copy just about anything she hears. (Yes, that can be dangerous!) A few weeks ago, she discovered the clicky end of my ink pen, and after clicking it a few times, tells me "ouch." After asking her what was wrong, she points at her finger, and says "finger." I was a little shocked. She then sticks it in her ear, sticks her other finger in her other ear, and, wiggling her other fingers, tells me "Nanny, Nanny, nah nah!!" I laughed so hard!! It was adorable!
As for me, I finished up my classes at SWOSU this fall. I am working hard on getting the final touches ready to open the new daycare, Chick-A-Dee, in just a couple weeks. Right before starting school in August, I was called as a counselor in our church ward's Primary Presidency. I have learned so much working with the children over the last several months, and it has made me even more excited to get this daycare started.
I guess that's it for now. I hope all reading had a wonderful 2011, and I will try my best to blog a little more often this year.
Happy New Year!!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Superwoman
I went to bed last night feeling like superwoman. Or maybe supermom, or superwife. Not really sure which, but maybe all three rolled into one.
Anyway, yesterday was an awesome day. I woke up feeling much more rested. Probably because Beth actually slept for most of the night. She's been waking up 4-5 times a night and at about 2am, she decides that she wants to play for an hour. I love her, but man have I been exhausted! It was so nice of her to only wake up twice for 20 minutes each. With that extra sleep, I had no problem getting up at 6 and getting the day started properly.
The boys must have enjoyed a good night's sleep too, because they didn't wake up. I ended up having to wake them up. I couldn't tell you the last time that happened. We had a good morning, and I got Nick to school on time. Then dropped Zack and Beth off at Monica's and I went to the dentist.
Now, normally, I really stress out about the dentist. But after such a good experience the last time, and the added courage from my boys, I was ready. Everything went well, and there were no problems. I then went to pick up the kids, and they were happy. I still can't believe how well Beth did without me. It gives me confidence that maybe I can occasionally get a break. (She has turned into quite the Mommy's girl, and is very attached the last couple months.)
I left Monica's with two happy kids. We came home, and the kids played while I made my grocery list. The plan was to go shopping before picking up Nick from school. But, the kids were having too much fun. So, we picked up Nick, came home, had lunch, then went shopping.
Yes, I went shopping with all three kids. And I couponed. And, we survived. Actually the boys did great. Probably one of the best shopping trips they've had with only me. And to top it off, I saved 77% yesterday. I ended up getting $67 worth of groceries for $15. Plus, Catalina coupons for 2 free gallons of milk for a later trip. Can you say excited?! Yep, I was, and still am!!
After shopping, we quickly came home. I put the frozens and fridge stuff away, then headed back to the dentist. The boys had their teeth cleaned yesterday too. They did great. The dentist said to keep doing whatever we are doing, cause it's working great. Both the boys were very excited. I am so glad they like going to the dentist!
The rest of the afternoon, was pretty routine. I did three loads of laundry, emptied/refilled the dishwasher, swept and mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors. I made the boys homemade corn dog bites for dinner, then we headed to the church. Relief Society was celebrating their birthday, so I had dinner there, and then we had cake. Yum! It was great getting to visit with all the ladies, and a great break for me after such a busy day. The kids had a great time playing with the other kids. By the time we got home, it was time for bed. It sure didn't take them long to go to sleep last night! They were as exhausted as me!
What a great day!
Anyway, yesterday was an awesome day. I woke up feeling much more rested. Probably because Beth actually slept for most of the night. She's been waking up 4-5 times a night and at about 2am, she decides that she wants to play for an hour. I love her, but man have I been exhausted! It was so nice of her to only wake up twice for 20 minutes each. With that extra sleep, I had no problem getting up at 6 and getting the day started properly.
The boys must have enjoyed a good night's sleep too, because they didn't wake up. I ended up having to wake them up. I couldn't tell you the last time that happened. We had a good morning, and I got Nick to school on time. Then dropped Zack and Beth off at Monica's and I went to the dentist.
Now, normally, I really stress out about the dentist. But after such a good experience the last time, and the added courage from my boys, I was ready. Everything went well, and there were no problems. I then went to pick up the kids, and they were happy. I still can't believe how well Beth did without me. It gives me confidence that maybe I can occasionally get a break. (She has turned into quite the Mommy's girl, and is very attached the last couple months.)
I left Monica's with two happy kids. We came home, and the kids played while I made my grocery list. The plan was to go shopping before picking up Nick from school. But, the kids were having too much fun. So, we picked up Nick, came home, had lunch, then went shopping.
Yes, I went shopping with all three kids. And I couponed. And, we survived. Actually the boys did great. Probably one of the best shopping trips they've had with only me. And to top it off, I saved 77% yesterday. I ended up getting $67 worth of groceries for $15. Plus, Catalina coupons for 2 free gallons of milk for a later trip. Can you say excited?! Yep, I was, and still am!!
After shopping, we quickly came home. I put the frozens and fridge stuff away, then headed back to the dentist. The boys had their teeth cleaned yesterday too. They did great. The dentist said to keep doing whatever we are doing, cause it's working great. Both the boys were very excited. I am so glad they like going to the dentist!
The rest of the afternoon, was pretty routine. I did three loads of laundry, emptied/refilled the dishwasher, swept and mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors. I made the boys homemade corn dog bites for dinner, then we headed to the church. Relief Society was celebrating their birthday, so I had dinner there, and then we had cake. Yum! It was great getting to visit with all the ladies, and a great break for me after such a busy day. The kids had a great time playing with the other kids. By the time we got home, it was time for bed. It sure didn't take them long to go to sleep last night! They were as exhausted as me!
What a great day!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Making decisions
Within the last week, things are falling in place. Seems that the very hard choices from a week and a half ago, are all to easy of decisions this week. Funny how things work out with prayer and guidance from Heavenly Father.
All in one day, the classes that I need were spelled out for me. The one that I wasn't sure about, the teacher is making special arrangements for me to take it with her in the fall. (She only teaches it in the Spring, normally.) Turns out that I will only need two classes instead of three, thanks to my computer background. If I'd known it was going to go this smoothly, it sure would have saved a lot of stress the two weeks before! LOL!
So, all the worries about how to handle a daycare in my home and how I was going to handle getting the boys back and forth to school, all just seem to melt away. And, and added bonus - No additional kids terrorizing my house. The three I have do a fine job of that already. Wasn't really looking forward to the possibility of outside kids making messes in my home. So, we will just wait to open an actual center, and keep our sanity! It is such a great feeling to have the support of a loving husband and loving Heavenly Father.
I am more excited than words can express. Thank you all for your input and comments. They were extremely encouraging! I love getting feedback from different points of view. It makes me think of things that I might not of otherwise considered.
I know this next year is going to be a busy one. There are going to be lots of changes in this Hansen household. But, I am very excited about them, and welcome them all.
All in one day, the classes that I need were spelled out for me. The one that I wasn't sure about, the teacher is making special arrangements for me to take it with her in the fall. (She only teaches it in the Spring, normally.) Turns out that I will only need two classes instead of three, thanks to my computer background. If I'd known it was going to go this smoothly, it sure would have saved a lot of stress the two weeks before! LOL!
So, all the worries about how to handle a daycare in my home and how I was going to handle getting the boys back and forth to school, all just seem to melt away. And, and added bonus - No additional kids terrorizing my house. The three I have do a fine job of that already. Wasn't really looking forward to the possibility of outside kids making messes in my home. So, we will just wait to open an actual center, and keep our sanity! It is such a great feeling to have the support of a loving husband and loving Heavenly Father.
I am more excited than words can express. Thank you all for your input and comments. They were extremely encouraging! I love getting feedback from different points of view. It makes me think of things that I might not of otherwise considered.
I know this next year is going to be a busy one. There are going to be lots of changes in this Hansen household. But, I am very excited about them, and welcome them all.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Should I return to school?
This topic has been weighing on my mind for almost a year. Adam and I have had countless conversations about it, and I'm still not sure which way to go. But, I have decided to do something toward this new goal.
The background behind this question-
About a year ago, Adam and I decided that we don't have a very good plan b in place. (Financially or educationally) After all, the oil field isn't the safest job out there, and it's not the most reliable either. Even though his company has pretty good safety ratings, accidents still can happen and we need to do better about planning for unforeseen events.
My degree is in Computer Networking and Information Technology. Lets face it, there's not many options in Clinton, Oklahoma to put that over paid piece of paper to good use. On top of that, that said paper is almost 10 years old, and the technology since then is so much advanced that I would have to get trained to get up to speed for any company anyway. Oh, and did I mention that I HATE what my degree is in? Anyone that knows me, knows that I love to be around people, not cold empty computers.
So, with all that said, if something were to happen and I need to provide for my family, I would have no education to back me up for a job in a little bitty town in Oklahoma. I'd be back to cleaning houses, babysitting, or working for minimum wage at a dead end job with my kids in daycare. Now, there is nothing wrong with those things. I know lots of women that do it. But, it's not what I want for me and our family.
The possible plan b-
As said above, anyone that knows me, knows that I love to be around people. My heart is in teaching and kids. I couldn't tell you the number of times in my life that I've been told that I need to be a teacher. There is certainly a reason that I teach in RS. I LOVE IT!
A couple of months ago, Adam and I started talking about a daycare. It would be something that I could do and take the kids with me. And, it's something that would do really well here. So, I've had this thought in the back of my mind for a while now. Adam and I have talked about it several times, but, I haven't really done anything about it.
Then, about a month ago, I had a dream. I know it sounds crazy! It was one of the most detailed, vivid dreams I've ever had in my life. To this day, I remember every detail. I never remember my dreams. I woke up that morning and was blown away! It lined out everything: the building, who was supposed to help me, how the rooms were set up, the toys and centers, the meal plan, the daily schedule, everything spelled out on how to set up a child care center. The next night, I had the dream again, only the second one was even more detailed than the first. WOW!
So, the next day, I set to work.
Options on getting there-
That next week, I set to work and did a lot of investigating. I researched everything I could find on Oklahoma Childcare Centers. Everything seemed pretty good, until I called about the education requirements. Bummer. I either have to be CDA certified or have some college credits in Early Childhood Development. Plus, 2 courses of labs or 3 years experience at a daycare/preschool.
Option 1:
I can start an in-home daycare for the next three year and take an on-line CDA class for a relatively small financial investment. Pros for this is it's a lot cheaper and I could take the class at my own pace, while making a little money that would more than cover the financial investment. Cons - having to do it from home. I would be surrounded by the daycare 24/7. Another con would be the three years to get the experience requirement.
Option 2:
I can take three classes at SWOSU to get the college credit requirements. I would take one over the summer and the other two this fall. The pros to this are a much shorter time before opening up a center. Obvious con would be the bigger financial sacrifice. And, the having to make arrangements for someone to watch the kids while taking the classes.
So, there it is. Feel free to give your thoughts and/or advice. I'll post the plan of attack as soon as we figure that out!
The background behind this question-
About a year ago, Adam and I decided that we don't have a very good plan b in place. (Financially or educationally) After all, the oil field isn't the safest job out there, and it's not the most reliable either. Even though his company has pretty good safety ratings, accidents still can happen and we need to do better about planning for unforeseen events.
My degree is in Computer Networking and Information Technology. Lets face it, there's not many options in Clinton, Oklahoma to put that over paid piece of paper to good use. On top of that, that said paper is almost 10 years old, and the technology since then is so much advanced that I would have to get trained to get up to speed for any company anyway. Oh, and did I mention that I HATE what my degree is in? Anyone that knows me, knows that I love to be around people, not cold empty computers.
So, with all that said, if something were to happen and I need to provide for my family, I would have no education to back me up for a job in a little bitty town in Oklahoma. I'd be back to cleaning houses, babysitting, or working for minimum wage at a dead end job with my kids in daycare. Now, there is nothing wrong with those things. I know lots of women that do it. But, it's not what I want for me and our family.
The possible plan b-
As said above, anyone that knows me, knows that I love to be around people. My heart is in teaching and kids. I couldn't tell you the number of times in my life that I've been told that I need to be a teacher. There is certainly a reason that I teach in RS. I LOVE IT!
A couple of months ago, Adam and I started talking about a daycare. It would be something that I could do and take the kids with me. And, it's something that would do really well here. So, I've had this thought in the back of my mind for a while now. Adam and I have talked about it several times, but, I haven't really done anything about it.
Then, about a month ago, I had a dream. I know it sounds crazy! It was one of the most detailed, vivid dreams I've ever had in my life. To this day, I remember every detail. I never remember my dreams. I woke up that morning and was blown away! It lined out everything: the building, who was supposed to help me, how the rooms were set up, the toys and centers, the meal plan, the daily schedule, everything spelled out on how to set up a child care center. The next night, I had the dream again, only the second one was even more detailed than the first. WOW!
So, the next day, I set to work.
Options on getting there-
That next week, I set to work and did a lot of investigating. I researched everything I could find on Oklahoma Childcare Centers. Everything seemed pretty good, until I called about the education requirements. Bummer. I either have to be CDA certified or have some college credits in Early Childhood Development. Plus, 2 courses of labs or 3 years experience at a daycare/preschool.
Option 1:
I can start an in-home daycare for the next three year and take an on-line CDA class for a relatively small financial investment. Pros for this is it's a lot cheaper and I could take the class at my own pace, while making a little money that would more than cover the financial investment. Cons - having to do it from home. I would be surrounded by the daycare 24/7. Another con would be the three years to get the experience requirement.
Option 2:
I can take three classes at SWOSU to get the college credit requirements. I would take one over the summer and the other two this fall. The pros to this are a much shorter time before opening up a center. Obvious con would be the bigger financial sacrifice. And, the having to make arrangements for someone to watch the kids while taking the classes.
So, there it is. Feel free to give your thoughts and/or advice. I'll post the plan of attack as soon as we figure that out!
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