Ooops!
Thank you all for your encouraging comments! Yes, it is SO relaxing to be away from that atmosphere, I must admit. ;)
I'm on LinkedIn, with my resume posted on Indeed and what looks like an abbreviated version on Workopolis (I really should look into that). Making connections, sending out my resume (there's about 16 of them out there at last count, not including the ones where the positions are now filled), and calling old favours *lol* That last one is the hardest for this introverted personality to do, but when it comes to finding gainful employment, I'll happily push myself out of my comfort zone and hustle with the best of them!
It can be difficult sometimes to keep the energy up, after all I'm only human and do get a little depressed from time to time (who doesn't during periods of unemployment?), but it's also been a fun and educational experience getting out there and dancing like there's no tomorrow - which is what the job hunt can feel like occasionally *lol* I joined a group on LinkedIn (paid membership, actually) called "Job Seeker", and it's been a real help. Go digging through all of the comments, questions, and advice and you can learn quite a bit about what the search can be like, what mistakes to avoid, what other people's opinion on subjects like "Thank you letter or no thank you letter?" (I'm in favour of them, it's only polite to thank both the interviewer AND whomever the receptionist / admin person that was at the desk that day and helped you). And definitely ask the interviewer what a good time would be to follow up - do this during the interview, not after it's finished or you could forget to ask. Always follow up, you're not bothering them if you do it once during the time advised, and it'll show you're genuinely interested in the position and the company.
The purple in my hair has pretty much grown out - so much for "washes out in 28 washings". My hairdresser says it's due to the purple being part of the red colour spectrum, which can stay in your hair forever. Duh on me for not thinking of that! *lol* In any case, when I finally post my pic on LinkedIn I'll look a little more professional with normal-coloured hair, for sure ;). Thinking of posting a short video there as well, kind of a "getting to know me a bit" sort of thing...perhaps a "pre-interview"? Not sure. What do you think? I'm looking for an Administrative Assistant position with an eye to working my way up to Office Manager (or even starting as an Office Manager, why not?). A video would certainly be different for someone looking for that sort of job! Not that I'm limiting myself to the positions previously mentioned. I'd say that the important thing is that I have the opportunity to learn new things within the company, be it training, a lateral move to a different position, or moving up in the company.
The difficult part is researching companies that I'm applying to. While I'm not being picky, I need to be able to look in the mirror every morning and say "I like my job and the company I work for". At the very least, I can live with what the company is. Does that make sense? I don't want to work for someone or something that's bent on the destruction of our planet, I don't think I could unless I figured there was some way of instituting change of some sort from the inside. Perhaps I AM being picky, but I need to be able to live with the choices I've made in life, and career is one of those choices we all have to make.
Sheesh, what a downer there at the end of this post! *lol*
Anywho, courage to those of you out there looking. It's difficult, frustrating, educational, sometimes fun, and a great way of kicking open doors within yourself and airing out the cobwebby bits! ;)
TTFN
Showing posts with label time flies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label time flies. Show all posts
Thursday, 25 February 2016
Monday, 5 October 2015
I've been bad... :)
Lack of pics, lack of blog posts...my goodness I'm a really bad blogger!
From last weekend (Sept 26 - 27) on I was sick with the stomach flu - consider yourself warned that this flu is out there, so take good care of yourself!
The previous weekend, I was trying to clean up a calculator from the office - technology and apple juice do NOT mix well, please be careful with liquids, especially ones that get sticky as they dry (Ewww!) *lol*
I've been trying (and failing) at not spending money - damn you Etsy! :) Investment time is slowly coming and I need to build up as much as I can. And yes, I DO consider myself lucky that I actually have money invested (RRSP, TFSA, my "I need a home of my own" money) rather than living from paycheque to paycheque. It's a great habit to get into, if you can manage it at all I definitely recommend it. Even $10 per month put away in an account that's hard to take money out of adds up over time. Everyone needs an emergency fund in case of life happening while you were making other plans...
Still looking for work in the same company I'm currently working for - 10 years is a lot of seniority to throw away - but not much is coming up. I do have a meeting booked with the hiring officer in a department that I'm VERY interested in, so we'll see what happens. networking. A life-saver in the office world, or any work-world for that matter. Make those connections, keep them going, and use them when you need to. That last step is so hard, but everyone needs help of some sort, and it's not weakness to ask. It may look like a "friend of a friend of a friend" kind of chain, but perhaps your co-worker or whomever just might know someone that knows someone in another area of your workplace that might be able to help you get a foot in the door...so-to-speak. One thing to remember...always be ready to try and help someone else the same way if you can. Pay it forward, return the favour, whatever, just don't be stupid enough to think that you can use people and not give something back! Reputaions are broken that way, you know... ;)
TTFN, must get back into the job hunt...
From last weekend (Sept 26 - 27) on I was sick with the stomach flu - consider yourself warned that this flu is out there, so take good care of yourself!
The previous weekend, I was trying to clean up a calculator from the office - technology and apple juice do NOT mix well, please be careful with liquids, especially ones that get sticky as they dry (Ewww!) *lol*
I've been trying (and failing) at not spending money - damn you Etsy! :) Investment time is slowly coming and I need to build up as much as I can. And yes, I DO consider myself lucky that I actually have money invested (RRSP, TFSA, my "I need a home of my own" money) rather than living from paycheque to paycheque. It's a great habit to get into, if you can manage it at all I definitely recommend it. Even $10 per month put away in an account that's hard to take money out of adds up over time. Everyone needs an emergency fund in case of life happening while you were making other plans...
Still looking for work in the same company I'm currently working for - 10 years is a lot of seniority to throw away - but not much is coming up. I do have a meeting booked with the hiring officer in a department that I'm VERY interested in, so we'll see what happens. networking. A life-saver in the office world, or any work-world for that matter. Make those connections, keep them going, and use them when you need to. That last step is so hard, but everyone needs help of some sort, and it's not weakness to ask. It may look like a "friend of a friend of a friend" kind of chain, but perhaps your co-worker or whomever just might know someone that knows someone in another area of your workplace that might be able to help you get a foot in the door...so-to-speak. One thing to remember...always be ready to try and help someone else the same way if you can. Pay it forward, return the favour, whatever, just don't be stupid enough to think that you can use people and not give something back! Reputaions are broken that way, you know... ;)
TTFN, must get back into the job hunt...
Monday, 29 June 2015
Why so long between posts?
Actually, I don't really have an answer for that one. I really need to focus more on updating this blog at least once a week, even if I think I have not much to say - hell, I'm creative, I'd like to think I could drum up something from the old brain cells! *lol*
We had company from B.C. this past week - my Dad's friend from work, well, actually he's a family friend we've known since almost forever. Always great seeing him, but always sad when he leaves. We do keep in touch via phone and e-mail, but even I have to admit it's just not the same...am I right?
Dad's R.A. still flares up occasionally, especially during the strange and wet weather we've been having lately. He does have Osteoarthritis in his hands so it should come as no surprise, but I know it really bothers him physically and mentally. He still has that awful cough, partly due to quitting smoking after almost a lifetime of it, as well as the R.A. meds, but it had tamed down quite a bit in the past week - the curative effects of having an old friend around, perhaps? His stomach was doing better over the past couple of weeks or so (bad indigestion), but that flared up again yesterday. Mum and I figure it might be the different kind of eggs he had for breakfast, but we're really not sure. Of course, today (Monday) is Methotrexate day and he's really feeling it today - hopefully it doesn't spill over into tomorrow as it can do more often than not...
Mum is good, just needs to stop trying to hurt her knee more - she's clipped the ACL ligament more than once and is in a lot of pain at times. She's seriously considering going back for more physiotherapy which always helps.
Me? Same old, same old. Looking actively for another job at the same company as word finally came down from above - as of November 1st, my little group will be "streamlined" from 4 to 2. So long and thanks for all the fish! *lol* This came as no real surprise, I must admit, as I figured it was a matter of time ever since our physical move was announced over a year ago...but it still stings in any case. oh well, I'm hoping that with all the help that senior staff is offering to help us get a new job (yeah, right), this will help me finally move on to bigger and better things. At least, that's what I'm hoping, because after 10 years with this company (as of this coming September, and I am NOT throwing this little bit of seniority away!) I'd like to think all my work counts for something - even if it's a handshake goodbye ;) Wow, 10 years. 44 years of age. I never thought I'd have been here so long, or had such a difficult time getting out of the position I currently hold. That's the problem with being a good worker - they like you and the work you do so they hang onto you for as long as possible. Not that one should not aim for being a good worker - in a slightly higher starting position than mine (I'm pretty much at the bottom of the pond), it really does take you places! And I'm not being sarcastic...it's true. So be a good worker, learn everythign you can about your job, the company, and other jobs within that company to see where you'd like to go next. Take advantage of any and every training facility or opportunity they offer, it's well worth it.
Anywho, healthwise doing OK, iron still appears to be acceptable so no "top-ups" yet. Growing out the purple to give my hair a break, then I'll try something new. The bangs / fringe are working out well, especially once I had them trimmed so they weren't constantly in my eyes making me feel like Cousin It (thank you for the correction, Diamondback!). Still spending too much money - especially now that I'm in the vortex of "What do you mean 2 of us will become redundant??" - but having fun doing it (unfortunately). Still thinking of opening my Etsy shop to sell off some stuff - after all, why not make a couple of bucks rather than donate it (note: Canadians do not get tax breaks for donations of goods unlike most U.S. states. Something we should seriously consider, frankly speaking)?
Well, must get back to work to get un-buried from last week's offloading of nearly everything from everyone's desk. REALLY looking forward to my little bit of vacation time, but it can't come soon enough...you know what I mean? :)
TTFN
We had company from B.C. this past week - my Dad's friend from work, well, actually he's a family friend we've known since almost forever. Always great seeing him, but always sad when he leaves. We do keep in touch via phone and e-mail, but even I have to admit it's just not the same...am I right?
Dad's R.A. still flares up occasionally, especially during the strange and wet weather we've been having lately. He does have Osteoarthritis in his hands so it should come as no surprise, but I know it really bothers him physically and mentally. He still has that awful cough, partly due to quitting smoking after almost a lifetime of it, as well as the R.A. meds, but it had tamed down quite a bit in the past week - the curative effects of having an old friend around, perhaps? His stomach was doing better over the past couple of weeks or so (bad indigestion), but that flared up again yesterday. Mum and I figure it might be the different kind of eggs he had for breakfast, but we're really not sure. Of course, today (Monday) is Methotrexate day and he's really feeling it today - hopefully it doesn't spill over into tomorrow as it can do more often than not...
Mum is good, just needs to stop trying to hurt her knee more - she's clipped the ACL ligament more than once and is in a lot of pain at times. She's seriously considering going back for more physiotherapy which always helps.
Me? Same old, same old. Looking actively for another job at the same company as word finally came down from above - as of November 1st, my little group will be "streamlined" from 4 to 2. So long and thanks for all the fish! *lol* This came as no real surprise, I must admit, as I figured it was a matter of time ever since our physical move was announced over a year ago...but it still stings in any case. oh well, I'm hoping that with all the help that senior staff is offering to help us get a new job (yeah, right), this will help me finally move on to bigger and better things. At least, that's what I'm hoping, because after 10 years with this company (as of this coming September, and I am NOT throwing this little bit of seniority away!) I'd like to think all my work counts for something - even if it's a handshake goodbye ;) Wow, 10 years. 44 years of age. I never thought I'd have been here so long, or had such a difficult time getting out of the position I currently hold. That's the problem with being a good worker - they like you and the work you do so they hang onto you for as long as possible. Not that one should not aim for being a good worker - in a slightly higher starting position than mine (I'm pretty much at the bottom of the pond), it really does take you places! And I'm not being sarcastic...it's true. So be a good worker, learn everythign you can about your job, the company, and other jobs within that company to see where you'd like to go next. Take advantage of any and every training facility or opportunity they offer, it's well worth it.
Anywho, healthwise doing OK, iron still appears to be acceptable so no "top-ups" yet. Growing out the purple to give my hair a break, then I'll try something new. The bangs / fringe are working out well, especially once I had them trimmed so they weren't constantly in my eyes making me feel like Cousin It (thank you for the correction, Diamondback!). Still spending too much money - especially now that I'm in the vortex of "What do you mean 2 of us will become redundant??" - but having fun doing it (unfortunately). Still thinking of opening my Etsy shop to sell off some stuff - after all, why not make a couple of bucks rather than donate it (note: Canadians do not get tax breaks for donations of goods unlike most U.S. states. Something we should seriously consider, frankly speaking)?
Well, must get back to work to get un-buried from last week's offloading of nearly everything from everyone's desk. REALLY looking forward to my little bit of vacation time, but it can't come soon enough...you know what I mean? :)
TTFN
Monday, 2 February 2015
Short update...
What is it with me getting sick? Sheesh, just getting over a 2-day migraine with stomach troubles. This after that darned Christmas flu and such. I'm blaming it on the Celiac *lol* BTW, I'll be going for iron infusions once every 3 months after I get my February top-up. If my levels get too low, he'll switch it to every 2 months, if they're good or even a bit high (god forbid,the last thing I'll need is Chromatosis), he'll switch it to every 4 months. At least that's srtaightened out.
Dad is OK, but experiencing some joint stiffness (internal swelling?) in his hands and so forth. Still on the 3 Methotrexate on Mondays, so we rarely plan anything for Mondays and Tuesdays sometimes. He's noticed more indigestion / acid reflux over the past couple of months...medication-related? Any ideas? He can take something like Tums for it, but I'd like him to talk to the Doc about something like Zantac (more of an acid inhibitor). Then again, the Zantac would probably affect the meds somehow... At least there's still no visible swelling. I'm assuming that the stiffness is both a part of him "lying around" on Mondays due to the effects of the Methotrexate (sometimes Tuesday too) - let's just say he doesn't feel like being very active on those days - and the rather cold and damp Wimter weather we get here in Toronto. Which seems to be colder and damper than normal this year, or is it just me?
I'm OK, just busy at the office with our departmental move (LOVE how part of that word is "mental" *lol*). Still have the dark purple hair (actually, badly in need of a touch-up still). Still window-shopping on Etsy too much (but made a neat new friend who runs Briony Lodge Vintage there - if you need a vintage hat (mainly 1930s -1940's, with a few from other decades when she can find them) she's your "man"! Her prices are reasonable, and she strives to give the most accurate description she can. And on that note...yours truly will be trying to open a shop there soon! Nothing listed yet, but I thought it might be something fun to try, and why not get a few dollars fr items I'm no longer using or need. Only on a part-time basi, however, as I still have my "regular" job (and plan to keep it, especially in this economy). Not to worry, I'll be making that very clear to any possible patrons (in my main shop description, actually). It's like running a small business, so there are tax implications I need to sort out to my satisfaction. I'm also brewing up a couple of ideas to make my business sustainable - I need to keep posting new things or my shop will get old and stale in no time *lol* There are no real "niche" markets anymore, but I'm hoping to glean some ideas from simple observation of what sells and what I can get the most impact out of (buy low sell high, after all - actually, that should read "buy low, much elbow grease and imagination-using, sell higher than the cost of my work"). Fun times ahead, I guarantee! :)
I certainly post here when I finally get this shop up and running - I'm calling it "Mugsy's Occasional Shop", as I'll only be listing items occasionally to sell. Yep, that's what we call a "groan-er", but it's just kitschy-cute enough to make people take a short look at the shop, I hope... Need to be losing a few pounds (like, 20) to get back into fighting trim. Along with my iron problems, I seem to be lacking in various vitamins and minerals which is apparently fairly common in Celiacs - even after being on the "diet" for a while. Looking into suppliments, but would really rather do it with food somehow. Smoothies perhaps? I don't mean the all fruit types, the sweet ones, but more so veggies and nuts and so forth. Will be looking into that to see what information I can find out there - any Celiacs are more than welcome to comment! :)
Must be off and get back to work - ya'll take care, be well, and enjoy the rest of your day! :)
TTFN
Dad is OK, but experiencing some joint stiffness (internal swelling?) in his hands and so forth. Still on the 3 Methotrexate on Mondays, so we rarely plan anything for Mondays and Tuesdays sometimes. He's noticed more indigestion / acid reflux over the past couple of months...medication-related? Any ideas? He can take something like Tums for it, but I'd like him to talk to the Doc about something like Zantac (more of an acid inhibitor). Then again, the Zantac would probably affect the meds somehow... At least there's still no visible swelling. I'm assuming that the stiffness is both a part of him "lying around" on Mondays due to the effects of the Methotrexate (sometimes Tuesday too) - let's just say he doesn't feel like being very active on those days - and the rather cold and damp Wimter weather we get here in Toronto. Which seems to be colder and damper than normal this year, or is it just me?
I'm OK, just busy at the office with our departmental move (LOVE how part of that word is "mental" *lol*). Still have the dark purple hair (actually, badly in need of a touch-up still). Still window-shopping on Etsy too much (but made a neat new friend who runs Briony Lodge Vintage there - if you need a vintage hat (mainly 1930s -1940's, with a few from other decades when she can find them) she's your "man"! Her prices are reasonable, and she strives to give the most accurate description she can. And on that note...yours truly will be trying to open a shop there soon! Nothing listed yet, but I thought it might be something fun to try, and why not get a few dollars fr items I'm no longer using or need. Only on a part-time basi, however, as I still have my "regular" job (and plan to keep it, especially in this economy). Not to worry, I'll be making that very clear to any possible patrons (in my main shop description, actually). It's like running a small business, so there are tax implications I need to sort out to my satisfaction. I'm also brewing up a couple of ideas to make my business sustainable - I need to keep posting new things or my shop will get old and stale in no time *lol* There are no real "niche" markets anymore, but I'm hoping to glean some ideas from simple observation of what sells and what I can get the most impact out of (buy low sell high, after all - actually, that should read "buy low, much elbow grease and imagination-using, sell higher than the cost of my work"). Fun times ahead, I guarantee! :)
I certainly post here when I finally get this shop up and running - I'm calling it "Mugsy's Occasional Shop", as I'll only be listing items occasionally to sell. Yep, that's what we call a "groan-er", but it's just kitschy-cute enough to make people take a short look at the shop, I hope... Need to be losing a few pounds (like, 20) to get back into fighting trim. Along with my iron problems, I seem to be lacking in various vitamins and minerals which is apparently fairly common in Celiacs - even after being on the "diet" for a while. Looking into suppliments, but would really rather do it with food somehow. Smoothies perhaps? I don't mean the all fruit types, the sweet ones, but more so veggies and nuts and so forth. Will be looking into that to see what information I can find out there - any Celiacs are more than welcome to comment! :)
Must be off and get back to work - ya'll take care, be well, and enjoy the rest of your day! :)
TTFN
Monday, 8 September 2014
Yep, still here...
What do you mean it's been a month?? Holy schmoley!
I guess an update is in order...
Dad's still doing good on his meds, especially now that he's off of the steroids. It'll be nice to see him get rid of that puffiness around the face that he developed (just the cheek area, but a normal reaction so no worries there).
Mum's good, the lucky one that's healthy *lol*
I'm back on my iron meds as my blood test came back with it too low to register - my red count is way down too because of that. Severe Anemia is common for me, and I've been through this before so I know what to do/expect about it. No, food does not help in my case. Regular suppliments that one can get over the counter do not help, either (10 - 11 mg at a dose - really, you're kidding me, right?) For my particular case, Euro-fer (perscription, not available as OTC) works the best, but getting the timing right for me can be a bit of a Bitch-kitty. One hour before meals, or two to three hours after meals. Sounds simple, right? I don't eat three squares a day, I'm one of those multi but small meals people. It works best for my Celiac and blood sugar, what can I say? Anywho, I'm only taking one a day right now, will work up to two a day. Did I mention that these puppies are 300 mg? Yep, really high dose, so lots of fiber, gang! *lol*
It's only been about a week and a half, so no major difference right now. Will wait about another week or so to get my follow-up blood test done to see if anything's improved. If not, back to iron infusions. That's a process where I get hooked up to an IV for about a couple of hours as an outpatient treatment at my local hospital. Time-consuming, boring, and a little painful as they put the IV in the back of my hand - which makes it hard to read a book as I can't really use my hand due to the IV needle in there. The plus side? Not only does it really work, I get to joke around with a terrific gang of nurses about me being there for Happy Hour - the "stuff" used smells like a strong rum and coke, I kid you not! *LOL*
All of this because I went to see my doctor regarding my migraine headaches. I get one a month (yep, at that time), sometimes 2 (during ovulation), and when the weather acts up. I also get stress/tension headaches, cluster headaches (my term for them, "cluster-fucks"), sinus headaches...it's just the migraines that are a real problem as I end up calling in sick to work. Therefore I use up my sick days well before the end of the year and wind up losing pay every day I'm off. Right now I'm using either Advil or NSAIDS (if it's a bad one) and coffee (if my stomach can handle it) and sleep to "cure" one, but I'm hoping that my Doctor can suggest something that'll knock it back a notch or two and leave me still capable of doing my job. I don't care if it gets rid of the migraine completely, I just want to be able to go to work and function without too much brain fog.
Well then, I guess that covers it. Say, if any of you are jonesing for a glamour fix for the day, check out this blog called "It's the Pictures That Got Small" (bonus points if you know where the name came from). There's lotsof amazing photography of major stars from the 1920's up to the 1960's and even 1970's. And he's just recently started posting men's pics on rare occasion - who says men can't be glamorous?? Anywho, enjoy the site and the incredible pics! :)
TTFN
I guess an update is in order...
Dad's still doing good on his meds, especially now that he's off of the steroids. It'll be nice to see him get rid of that puffiness around the face that he developed (just the cheek area, but a normal reaction so no worries there).
Mum's good, the lucky one that's healthy *lol*
I'm back on my iron meds as my blood test came back with it too low to register - my red count is way down too because of that. Severe Anemia is common for me, and I've been through this before so I know what to do/expect about it. No, food does not help in my case. Regular suppliments that one can get over the counter do not help, either (10 - 11 mg at a dose - really, you're kidding me, right?) For my particular case, Euro-fer (perscription, not available as OTC) works the best, but getting the timing right for me can be a bit of a Bitch-kitty. One hour before meals, or two to three hours after meals. Sounds simple, right? I don't eat three squares a day, I'm one of those multi but small meals people. It works best for my Celiac and blood sugar, what can I say? Anywho, I'm only taking one a day right now, will work up to two a day. Did I mention that these puppies are 300 mg? Yep, really high dose, so lots of fiber, gang! *lol*
It's only been about a week and a half, so no major difference right now. Will wait about another week or so to get my follow-up blood test done to see if anything's improved. If not, back to iron infusions. That's a process where I get hooked up to an IV for about a couple of hours as an outpatient treatment at my local hospital. Time-consuming, boring, and a little painful as they put the IV in the back of my hand - which makes it hard to read a book as I can't really use my hand due to the IV needle in there. The plus side? Not only does it really work, I get to joke around with a terrific gang of nurses about me being there for Happy Hour - the "stuff" used smells like a strong rum and coke, I kid you not! *LOL*
All of this because I went to see my doctor regarding my migraine headaches. I get one a month (yep, at that time), sometimes 2 (during ovulation), and when the weather acts up. I also get stress/tension headaches, cluster headaches (my term for them, "cluster-fucks"), sinus headaches...it's just the migraines that are a real problem as I end up calling in sick to work. Therefore I use up my sick days well before the end of the year and wind up losing pay every day I'm off. Right now I'm using either Advil or NSAIDS (if it's a bad one) and coffee (if my stomach can handle it) and sleep to "cure" one, but I'm hoping that my Doctor can suggest something that'll knock it back a notch or two and leave me still capable of doing my job. I don't care if it gets rid of the migraine completely, I just want to be able to go to work and function without too much brain fog.
Well then, I guess that covers it. Say, if any of you are jonesing for a glamour fix for the day, check out this blog called "It's the Pictures That Got Small" (bonus points if you know where the name came from). There's lotsof amazing photography of major stars from the 1920's up to the 1960's and even 1970's. And he's just recently started posting men's pics on rare occasion - who says men can't be glamorous?? Anywho, enjoy the site and the incredible pics! :)
TTFN
Monday, 25 November 2013
Has it really been this long???
Wow, did time ever fly away on me!
Quick update - lotsa stuff happening at work (October is fiscal year end, any of you office types know what I mean *groan*)
Personal life is in a state of flux - so what's new about that? - but it's all good. Hell, any day I wake up and don't smell candles and flowers is a good day (think about it, you'll get the joke).
Getting ready for Christmas *lol* Yeah, getting ready...
Toodles!
Quick update - lotsa stuff happening at work (October is fiscal year end, any of you office types know what I mean *groan*)
Personal life is in a state of flux - so what's new about that? - but it's all good. Hell, any day I wake up and don't smell candles and flowers is a good day (think about it, you'll get the joke).
Getting ready for Christmas *lol* Yeah, getting ready...
Toodles!
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