Forgetfulone

Pass the Test- Financial Services Test Preparation

2013-05-20T21:03:00.001-05:00

My students have been involved in state-mandated testing the last few weeks, but my children, my flesh and blood children, are in the season of entrance exams. They have already taken three, and have one more scheduled, maybe more depending on how they do. They are juniors, well, for at least a few more weeks, so we will be applying to colleges in about four months. I was shocked that they didn't do better on the ACT. I wish I had done more to help them prepare.

If you're in the market for financial services test preparation materials, I would like to recommend Exam Zone, the exclusive marketing partner for the Pass the Test series. Pass the Test produces books, practice exams, DVD's, and audio CDs for the Series 6, 7, 63, 65, and 66 exams. Written in plain English, Pass the Test is designed to mimic the actual exam as closely as possible.
If becoming a financial advisor is in your near future, I hope you'll check them out!

I Always Thought I Was a Square

2013-05-15T21:17:00.000-05:00

Have you ever taken one of those "unofficial" personality tests? You know the ones... the ones that identify you as a color or a shape? I had the distinct "pleasure" (read with sarcasm) of attending a "delightful" professional development on Monday and Tuesday of this week. The only thing that made it worth my time was the personality test, which took all of ten minutes!

I always thought I was a square! A Square is a hard worker, organized, a little stubborn, loyal, sequential, detailed, conservative, orderly, and logical.

For the last day, I have thought of myself as a squiggle. Squiggles are easily bored, have lots of ideas, are creative and independent, and are always thinking of the next step.

I never thought of myself as a circle. Although some of the traits fit, many do not. Circles communicate well, can't say no, are empathetic, have a difficult time saying no, and are better at caring for others than themselves. But I am not one who dislikes conflict or tries to make peace between others or one who is "too nice." At least, I don't think so.

Come to find out... I think I am a triangle! Triangles are focused on goals, driven, need to know WHY, take charge, are outspoken, love to debate, dislike meetings, can be impatient, and are likely to say, "What's your point?" They also take charge and get things done. They see the "big picture." And they are usually confident.

All this time, for years now, I have thought I was a square. But thanks to my totally-unrelated-in-any-way-to-personality-testing-College Board-workshop, I don't think so anymore. Have you tried taking this "quiz?"

No More, Please!

2013-05-05T22:01:00.003-05:00

image credit

If you want to...

ask me to clean up your mess,

ask me for money,

ask me to find something you can't find,

ask me to do your laundry or some other chore,

tell me what to do or not do,

and how to do or not do it,

yell at me for not answering my phone,

yell at me for some other supposed misdeed,

or if you just want to

laugh at me or criticize me in general...

take a number,

get in line,

and bring a snack.

You're in for a long wait.

It's Just My Opinion

2013-05-02T22:39:00.001-05:00

Most of you know that I am a school teacher. My local school district is having a bond election. Skip the next few paragraphs if you're bored with these issues, but please read the last part where I get to what is really gnawing at me.

In addition to several board positions, the 367 million dollar bond includes182 million for school improvements in several building that are over 40 years old. I am so on board with that. It's desperately necessary. It also includes 87 million for school safety improvements, which I am in complete agreement with as well. However... they have lumped these improvements into the same bond as millions of dollars for extra-curricular needs. They are planning repairs on our agricultural facilities (not a bad thing), and replacing some musical instruments (also not a bad thing). But they also want to build a brand-new stadium because, apparently, the two "wealthier" high schools think they need a separate facility. In addition to this, there is 45 million to go toward technology. Part of this proposal includes purchasing tablet computers to issue to every student in grades 4 through 12. This is the part that is going to cause me to vote against the bond (not to mention that it will raise my taxes).

Does a sixth grader, much less a fourth grader, who cannot keep up with a library book need to have a tablet computer issued to him or her? I can only imagine the issues we would have. Lost, stolen, and broken computers we would then have to replace. The parents won't be able to pay for them. The students who would more likely lose them are going to be those that wouldn't be able to afford to pay for them should something happen. And I can just imagine someone's parent or older sibling stealing the tablet and selling it for... gosh knows what!? I realize that technology is the way of the future, but I don't think we need to be there tomorrow. It takes time. I think they should have considered replacing teacher computers and the computers in our labs before they even think about issuing tablets to every student. It's just my personal and professional opinion based on years of experience in the classroom.

I think the school district should have separated this into several bonds for the voters rather than lumping them all into one. They shot themselves in the foot by doing that. I also think the school district needs to make sure the voters are aware that our district is already in great debt. This will simply add to that debt instead of having our administrators and school board prioritize needs and manage things within our budget. Wow! Sounds a lot like our federal government, doesn't it?

The biggest issue for me has been this... I feel FORCED to vote, and they have STRONGLY INFLUENCED us to vote FOR the bond. I plan to vote against it on principle. We have been bombarded with emails and phone messages, sometimes several per day. We have been offered incentives (nothing major, just casual dress for two weeks) for voting. We were told they would even cover our classes if we needed to go vote. Is that ethical? I think it's a conflict of interest. If I were sending political messages and/or offering incentives for voting, I would be fired. I do not think it's okay for them to inundate us with political messages and offer incentives for "talking up" the bond, which I won't do. What do you think?

Mother's Day Giveaways

2013-04-23T22:03:00.003-05:00

5 Minutes for Mom is at it again! Hosting lots of giveaways to honor mom for Mother's Day. Be sure to click over and see all the great things they are giving away.

Germs

2013-04-15T22:17:00.001-05:00

I've never considered myself a true germo-phobe, but there are some things that just really gross me out. When I get home from teaching, I will not touch food or dishes until I have washed my hands. Same thing at lunch time while I'm at school. I MUST wash my hands thoroughly first.

And if you've been reading my blog for a long time, you know how I feel about public bathrooms - especially port-a-potties! If I never have to use one again in my life, I will be very happy.

Yesterday, when I was at the grocery store, I coughed a little, then I put my hand on the cart to move forward, and I got to thinking...what kind of germs are on those grocery carts? Eeeeek! And the funny thing is, my husband was telling me about some safety memos they had received at work in the past week or so. One of them said that one of the most germy things you can touch is a grocery cart. It's just strange that I was thinking that yesterday and he mentioned it today. Telepathy going on there I think!

I would have thought that money had the most germs. Who knows where those bills have been before? I shudder to think of it! What do you consider the germiest thing?

iStockphoto

2013-04-14T00:21:00.002-05:00

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Visit iStockphoto for more information and to get a taste of what they have to offer!

Let Me Tell You Something About...

2013-04-09T21:28:00.001-05:00

... being a public school teacher. We are often vilified in the media. The general public must think that we like the state of public education right now. Teachers know what's wrong, and we have ideas, but we don't get to make the decisions.

Let me tell you something you might not know... Teachers don't get to make the decisions about how the schools are run. That is all determined by local school boards, state legislatures, and even the Federal government due to laws such as FERPA and IDEA. As a teacher, I get to decide HOW to run my classroom within limits that are set for us. I get to decide how to present the curriculum within the limits that are set for us. Teachers don't just go into the classroom and run it however they wish, at least not in Texas.

I wish parents would realize that it's the NON-Educators who make the decisions regarding the education of our children. Believe me, if decisions about textbooks, curriculum, discipline, etc., were made by educators, our public school system would run like a charm. Often, our hands are tied due to local, state, and federal laws and regulations. There is only so much we can do.

Instead of blaming teachers, do something that could make a change! Demand that your school board, state legislators, and Federal Department of Education listen to your voice. Instead of blaming teachers, blame the parents who do not do their jobs which make it difficult, if not impossible, for us to do our jobs. Instead of blaming teachers, consider that we chose this profession knowing that it is a thankless job because we want what's best for children. We were trained in pedagogy, curriculum, and child development. We are required to get continuing education in meeting the needs of our diverse student populations as well as best practices, meeting our children's emotional needs, learning styles, and so much more. I would love to be able to make decisions that would best meet the needs of students, but, sadly, as a teacher, that is not one of my privileges.

We always hear about the "bad" teachers; the ones that cheat, the ones that commit indiscretions. I wish the general public would try to remember that most of us are not only professional and knowledgeable, but truly want what's best for the children that you share with us.

Online Info

2013-04-01T21:29:00.001-05:00

Have you noticed how much information Google, Facebook, and Twitter are getting about your personal life? For example, I do a Google search for Sensa. I don't sign anything or buy anything, but lo and behold... a few days later, there is email in my SPAM folder about Sensa. And my husband and I were talking about getting a dog. I looked at some ads on PetFinder. Later, there was an ad on Facebook about dogs. I post a status on Facebook about my cat, there are cat ads in the sidebar. Last week, I got a "new" "used" phone on eBay. I didn't post anything on Facebook about it, but a couple of days later, there was an ad in the sidebar about cell phones. It's kind of freaky, don't you think?

Shutterfly Deals

2013-03-29T22:25:00.001-05:00

Get 101 free prints from Shutterfly.com with promo code 101PRINTS. Offer valid 3.31-4.2

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Get a free greeting card from Shutterfly.com with promo code CARD4U. Offer valid 3.28 through 4.2

Receive free shipping on all Shutterfly.com orders of $30+ with promo code SHIP30 offer valid through 4.2

Plus, home décor items are on sale all week such as canvas prints and fleece blankets.

Relaxing

2013-03-25T00:30:00.001-05:00

Which do you find more relaxing after a really long day? A glass of your favorite wine, or a long soak in a warm bath?

Shutterfly

2013-03-22T21:49:00.001-05:00

If you visit my blog on a semi-frequent basis, you know I love to take photos of my family, and I absolutely love to make scrapbooks! Shutterfly makes beautiful photo books, and when I need prints, they usually have great prices. Right now, you can get Free Shipping on all orders over $30 from Shutterfly.com! Use promo code SHIP30 . I just love the photo of my daughter's big finish! Can't wait to scrapbook it!

SPAM

2013-03-22T19:55:00.000-05:00

I am not fond of SPAM, either kind. I've been getting a lot of anonymous comments lately... and tons of comments trying to promote websites to sell medication, consolidate debt, work at home, and so on. Is my content attracting these types of comments? Anyone else have this issue? I have my blog set to let me review anonymous comments, but somehow, a few of them get through, so if you see a comment I've deleted, that's probably why. Have a happy weekend!

Easter Flowers

2013-03-20T16:57:00.001-05:00

Like most women, I love to receive flowers. Easter is only 11 days away. Do you send flowers on Easter? Teleflora has a great selection. Save on Easter bouquets starting at just $29.99! They also have a terrific assortment of bouquets for birthdays, anniversaries, and get well. Save 15% on flowers from Teleflora! Use promo code: AFPX15 Teleflora will make sure your flowers are fresh and beautiful. Enjoy!

It's Just My Opinion

2013-03-13T01:01:00.003-05:00

If I were the type of person who could abandon a book, I would have abandoned The Shepherd within ten pages due to the author’s blatant error in using the present perfect verb tense. More about that later. I just don’t abandon books. I have to finish what I start, and unfortunately, I finished this one. Apparently, the author didn’t, though. Thank goodness I got this via a 99 cent special from BookBub.

Ethan Cross is the author’s pen name. I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that he chose the name Cross. I believe he wanted to invoke thoughts of James Patterson’s iconic hero, Alex Cross. But Ethan Cross, James Patterson you are not.

First of all, the reader is assaulted by a barrage of characters that have no obvious link until too far into the book. The first few chapters seem like they are pieces of different stories. Second, there are numerous mythological references throughout the story which I find to be trite. Third, the characters are completely unbelievable. They say things to each other and to themselves that no normal, logical person would say. And Cross does not create any likable characters in the whole bunch, including the protagonist.

I am happy to suspend belief when I read crime thrillers, but Cross crossed a line. His protagonist fought six or seven men in the first chapter of the book and wasn’t even sore. He received a gunshot wound, yet continued to act as though it only gave him strength. Cross didn’t develop a hero and a villain; he developed a super-hero and a super-villain. No one could do the things these men did and continue to function. And why would approximately ten people have a clear shot at a serial killer and not take it, no matter that they want to use him to meet their “organization’s” goals. I found that ridiculous!

I felt cheated when it was revealed that the whole plot with the sheriff was an elaborate audition for a new recruit. That plot device is just as bad as the “it was all a dream” scenario. And I was cheated again when the Dempsey brothers were introduced, likely hoping to hook the reader into the next novel. And there is no way Ackerman would be alive after walking into the fire. Even if he were, there is no way the police wouldn’t have had all of the entrances sealed off including the tunnel he supposedly used to escape. I felt cheated when it was mentioned there was a connection between Ackerman and Marcus, and that connection wasn’t revealed.

Cross is guilty of overuse of clichés such as “It’s meant to be.” He’s guilty of allowing his characters to over-soliloquize. And he’s guilty of thrusting his symbolism in the reader’s face as though we can’t see that darkness is the antithesis of light. I believe the reader can infer symbols in darkness, light, shepherds, wolves, flocks, vigilantes, and so on, if given the chance instead of having it forced upon him or her. He also uses far too many words when few would have sufficed.

Now let’s get to the way Cross butchers the English language. How in the world did this get past the editors? I counted at least four instances of using the incorrect present and past perfect verb tenses (saying “have went” instead of “have gone” which makes the author sound uneducated, in my opinion). I truly almost abandoned the book when I read the first one. In addition, Cross uses the nominative case “he” instead of the possessive case “his.” He puts a comma outside his quotation marks. I frequently read “gonna” and “wanna” instead of “going to” and “want to.” There are misplaced modifiers, inconsistent verb tense, and a malapropism as well. Cross’s spelling of homophones is atrocious! (“sorted” instead of “sordid,” “poured” instead of “pored,” “horded” instead of “hoarded) I expect some mistakes might make it past an editor, but there were just too many.

I believe that Cross can craft a clever story, but it’s the manner in which he tells it that will make a difference in whether or not he ever rises to the level of James Patterson.

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Push-over?

2013-03-12T00:52:00.002-05:00

Ever feel like you're being taken advantage of? Have you ever thought of yourself as a push-over?

I have a friend, a really good friend, who made me feel bad today. Okay, psychology majors... SHE didn't MAKE me feel bad. I felt bad for telling her "maybe" instead of "yes." I shouldn't feel bad, though.

Back story - She really is a great friend. We've been there for each other through some very difficult times as well as the good times. We both teach, and we share a passion for scrapbooking. We often treat each other like sisters, play bickering, and such.

When we make plans to scrapbook at Archivers, we have to drive to Katy, the nearest store, where my sister lives. It's about an hour drive, and it's an all-day thing. We leave about 1 in the afternoon and get home at midnight, so it's something that takes some planning since I have a family and she's a single mom. The last two times we scheduled a scrap event, she is the one who chose the date, and my sister and I worked our plans around her schedule, including a scrap night on my nephew's birthday weekend. And the last two times, she bailed at the last minute, and my sister and I had already paid for our reservations, so of course, we had to go.

We are on spring break, and she is out of the state with her daughter visiting relatives. She asked me if I would pick her up at the airport Sunday. I've picked her and her daughter up from the airport before. It's not that big of a deal, but I don't know what my plans are for Sunday yet, and if I commit to picking them up, then I CAN'T make any plans. So, I told her I would have to wait and see, that we will probably be going to church, and I don't know what else. She shot back, "We'll just take a cab." I told her I would let her know when it's closer to Sunday depending on what I'm doing with my family. She just said, "OK. Thanks."

Does it sound like she's mad? It does to me. But, am I supposed to just plan my life around her plans? How did she get to the airport in the first place? Can't that person pick her up? And why didn't she make arrangements before they left? And am I the first person she calls when she wants to do something? No. She already made Easter plans with another friend, probably because the other friend is also a single mom, but she didn't ask me. I feel like I'm giving, and she's taking, and I don't want to be taken advantage of. Or... am I just blowing it out of proportion? Re-reading this, it sounds like I'm whining. Maybe I just need to let it roll off like water off a duck's back. Who knows!

Birthdays, Birthdays Everywhere, and Not a Dime to Spare!

2013-03-05T22:31:00.000-06:00

http://wearethatfamily.com/features/

We've had so many birthdays around here. My step-daughter, mom, and husband in January. My sister and her husband in February. My nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and brother-in-law already in March, and it's only the 5th!

I really don't like the idea of spending 4 or 5 dollars on a card. Sometimes I don't have much more than that to spend on an entire gift for someone.

That's why I'm so excited we learned to make a cute card at the make-and-take at Archiver's this past Saturday night. I'd show you a picture, but I already gave away the one I made. Guess what I'm going to be saving money on in the near future. I can't wait to make another one and post it here. It's so cute, and it's easy to make! And it has that special, hand-made touch. All I have to do is write a pretty verse inside and send it. I really can just look up verses on the Internet that I can use depending on what type of card it is. Works for me!

Do you prefer to get store-bought or handmade cards?

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Girl Burning Hair

2013-03-01T07:49:00.001-06:00

I had so much fun watching YouTube videos with my kids last night! That's something I rarely do. Just don't make time for it. But with my teenagers, who really know their way around the site, it was fun, especially this video about cats set to the music of Van Halen's Jump. But...

Have you seen the video of the girl who burns her hair off using a curling wand? . If you've seen it, do you believe it's real? I think the girl totally under-reacted. If I had burned off that much of my hair, I would be frantic! And I sure wouldn't let someone put it on YouTube! Besides, the wand wasn't even steaming when she wound her hair in it. I just don't know. A friend of mine said that happened to her daughter using the same type of curling wand, but, skeptic that I am, I just have a hard time believing that video wasn't set up. Check it out and let me know what you think. I can't bring myself to post it here, but you can do a search and you'll find it.

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It's morning already?

2013-02-12T22:42:00.000-06:00

This morning when my alarm went off, I reverted back to my college days, except worse! I was cussing and grumbling, that stupid *7^@! alarm clock went off, I'm too d&*^! tired to get up, grumble, grumble, cuss, cuss. I was so tired and didn't want to get up and go to work. It seemed like I had just fallen asleep. In college, I think SH*+ was the first word out of my mouth every morning! I was really glad my kids weren't around to hear me! Although... I know they've heard far worse.

In fact, yesterday, I heard my twins cuss in front of me for the first time ever. (They are 16.) My daughter was frustrated because I was rushing her to get to practice, and she said sh*+. Then she just about cried realizing she'd said it in front of me! She apologized profusely. Later, my son told her to quit slamming the d*mn door. He didn't apologize!

I guess those words are pretty tame compared to what I hear from some teenagers. At least my daughter was mortified that she said it in front of me. Of course, when I was their age, I'm sure I said those two words and many more, just not in front of my parents, especially my dad. Oh, I hate to think what would have happened if I said that in front of my dad. In fact, I remember saying "We're gonna beat their butts" in front of my dad when I was in fifth grade. I was talking about our football team beating our opponent. He came unglued over the word "butt" from a fifth graders. Needless to say, even into adulthood, I was careful with my language in front of him.

This was a fun trip down memory lane.

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Winterguard-First Competition of the 2013 Season!

2013-02-04T23:29:00.000-06:00

First it was FFA, raising a goat, sponsoring committees, fundraising, etc. and I still have to do some of that stuff, but I'm off to my fourth season as a "Guard Mom" chaperoning contests and chauffering my daughter to practices. And in case you don't know what Winterguard is, it's the Color Guard field team dancing and spinning flags, rifles, and sabers to music. It's big here in Texas!

Their first contest was held Saturday, February 2nd (wasn't that Groundhog Day, too? I didn't get to "celebrate" it! LOL). Out of 13 guards in their class, they won third place. Pretty good for the first competition, because as the season goes on, the show keeps getting better. This show wasn't perfect. There were a few drops, etc. but it was great! The first time I see their show is always fabulous! I always think, "I never knew she could do that!" or "I'm so impressed!"

Anyway, here's the video, just a little shaky, and really only showing half the floor because I wanted to keep my camera on my daughter the whole time, and my camera doesn't have a wide enough angle to shoot the whole gym, unless I got at the very top. Then, it would be diffcult to see who's who. Oh, well. Enjoy Subscribe in a reader

Un-Productive

2013-01-29T21:52:00.000-06:00

I'm not getting as much done in the last two days as I usually do. The intermediate school kids' germs finally caught up with me.

I didn't call in sick today because I was thinking, "What if I feel worse tomorrow?" Now, I'm thinking the same thing about tomorrow. What if I feel worse the next day?

I know it's a virus, so I'm not going to bother going to the doctor. I've had a lot of students out sick the past two weeks. Anyone else got the bug?

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Wordless Wednesday

2013-01-22T22:50:00.001-06:00

Well... Almost Wordless. Do you participate in Wordless Wednesday? Come link up!

I guess I caught my daughter off guard. Oh, well! She's still cute to me, and so is my son. We're not ready to say goodbye to Kuzco, but we knew it was coming.

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Year of Productivity Update 1

2013-01-21T23:02:00.002-06:00

Do you remember when I declared 2013 my year of productivity? I have felt so good about getting things done. That feeling of accomplishment is empowering. I am doing things I normally do, but I am just more aware of how much I am getting done. My goal is simply productivity. For example, I walked four miles on Saturday and finished reading a book on Sunday. Today I attended a staff development, went to the grocery store, ran three errands in preparation for my son's livestock show that is in two days, had dinner at home, helped my daughter with homework, made lunches, cleaned the kitchen, and gave the cat a bath. These are things I would do anyway, but NOTICING that I am doing them is giving me a great sense of just how productive I can be. Why don't you join me? You don't have to do anything special... just notice your productivity! It is giving me a great sense of usefulness. And isn't it great to feel useful?

To My Teenage Self

2013-01-05T00:09:00.004-06:00

I just watched the movie Looper today (pretty good movie, but pay attention!), and it got me thinking. If there really were time travel, and I could talk to my teenage self, what would I want to say?

Dear Young Forgetfulone,
Don’t hurry love. It will happen in due time. Don’t rush it, and don’t fall for guys who are not worthy of your love and caring. Men will lie, cheat, and mistreat you if you let them. Refuse to tolerate it. Look for someone who treats his mother well, someone who is successful, and someone who brings out the best in you. Avoid anyone who is critical of you unnecessarily. This goes for friends, too. And on that note, cultivate friendships with those who do not make you feel like you’re in competition with them. Don’t try so hard to “fit in.” You will fit in when you find the right people with whom to associate. Instead of conforming to others, be yourself, and do what makes you happy. That does not mean that you should break “the rules,” though. The rules are there for a reason. Following the rules doesn’t make you boring; it makes you safe and successful. And don't try to be a non-conformist. In so doing, you conform in a different way. Also, write down your stories, all of them, including stories your relatives tell you. These will be more than important to you someday. Most of all, love God. That's what matters most. Teenage self – you are smart, you are kind, and you are important. You will understand that saying more in the future when you read The Help. Most of all, when you make mistakes - and you will - forgive yourself.

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Thanks to Blogger PR for suggesting this topic.

2013 - The Year of Productivity

2013-01-02T21:26:00.002-06:00

Happy new year! I hope everyone had a safe, fun time celebrating 2013. I did! My Houston Rockets won their game, and the hubs and I celebrated sans kids with some "us" time. This is going to be a big year... I just know it! We've got the livestock show coming up at the end of this month, several months of Winterguard contests coming up, lots of birthdays to look forward to, and in August, my "babies" will be starting their senior year of high school. I can't really think about that right now!

If you've read my blog for a while, you might remember that I don't make new year's "resolutions." Goals are nice, and I set frequent goals for myself, but I won't set a resolution that will simply set me up for failure. Yes, I want to eat healthy, exericse, be kinder, and all of those things that most people want, but I don't need the new year to tell me those things. I believe they are ongoing.

So, what I am doing this year is proclaiming this "The Year of Productivity." It feels so good to get things done, no matter what those things are, so every day, I hope to finish the day by being able to tell myself I accomplished something. Yesterday, I got the inside Christmas decorations all packed away as well as some laundry done. Today, I took care of the goat and helped my mom do some grocery shopping. It's the little things that mean the most to me, so here it is... 2013 will be MY year of productivity! Let's get stuff done! Happy new year!

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