The Rules to Truly be Happy
#1 Free Your Heart from Hatred
#2 Free Your Mind from Worries
#3 Live Simply
#4 Give More
#5 Expect Less
czwartek, 24 marca 2011
czwartek, 17 marca 2011
Then & Now
As this experience is coming closer and closer to the end, I have a lot more time to hang out with my teammates, think about what I've been through, and pray about what's next.
After graduation it really hit me hard that my college career was over. In a sense I almost lost myself, because basketball has always been a big part of my life. And for the first time, I didn't know if I was going to play again. I was full of disappointment with how my Senior season finished, especially after how much success the team and myself had my Junior year. But it was time to move on. I called around a few agencies to find the best fit to get me overseas. With the help of a friend, I was able to attend a nearby tryout in South Carolina to get exposure. It was a 2 day tryout for men and women seeking a professional basketball career in Europe. We did a 1-on-1 interview about who we were and why we wanted to play, we participated in drills with various coaches, scrimmaged, and conditioned. The conditioning by far was the hardest part on the last day. We did the beep test! And for anyone who knows what that is, ITS VERY, VERY hard!
Throughout the tryout process, the agent responisble had about 15-20 clubs posted on a wall that needed players. Underneath the club's description, league, and benefits you were to write your name under the one you wished to play for. During the weekend after the agent and his representatives observed the drills and games they would highlight the names of the people they thought could actually get that position. Boy, was I discouraged when I didn't see my name highlighted under any of the clubs I signed under! I thought, what am I doing here? Can I really do this? Before I really got my head out of the game, I was fortunate to have my college teammate there (Ashley Spriggs) to bring me back to ground level. I always admired the way she approached things. On that Sunday concluding the tryout, the agent called out the names of about 70 out of the 120-something men there. The men he did call were immediately cut in front of the whole "camp" and were told they had to run the beep test again to see where their heart was. Boy, were they mad! Some of them didn't even participate (which is understandable). For the women, he admitted that the decision was too hard; therefore he had us scrimmage again in the other gym. He split us up into 2 teams of about 15-20 each and we played for about 30mins. One by one he would remove players from the scrimmage who he felt he had "seen enough" and felt like he had a contract available for them. I was called out maybe 9 or 10th, boy was I nervous! That's when it hit me again, really? Do I have what it takes?
We were told at the end of the day that he was going to call us individually to let us know what he had available for those who made a team and those who didn't. Several weeks went by before it dawned on us that everything was a SCAM! There was no phone or e-mails for the players that did well or the players that didn't. I managed to keep in touch with a few of the girls so I was made aware of this over the summer.
I was very discouraged at this point. But I've never been the type of person to lay around and do nothing to pick myself up; because life does go on with or without you! With basketball still on the forefront of my mind, I had to find another job to make ends meet. I ended up working two jobs over the summer and fall to help pay for my new car and apartment in Charlotte. I continued to workout in the mornings or after work. I tried my best to practice with the girls whenever my work scheduled permitted. I almost felt on top of the world. I felt strong. I felt independent. I felt empty. Why? No basketball ! I'm not like most girls that want to play overseas. I wanted to play overseas, because I wanted the opportunity to do community service work internationally, I wanted to be able to travel the world, and I wanted to be able to use my experiences overseas to coach or become a mentor for young basketball players in their development stage. I promised God that if I got the chance, I would fulfill these desires. On a Sunday in October, after a Fall League game with some of my former teammates from UNCC, I got that e-mail I had waited all summer for! A team in Poland needed a point guard! And I was on the first flight out on Tuesday.
I wrote this blog for all those aspiring to play overseas. Whether you had a great college career or not, NEVER GET DISCOURAGED! If you put your mind to it and dedicate yourself to the right things, God will bless you. It may not happen when you want it to, (I would have rather lived my summer stress free knowing that I had a contract waiting for me), but that wasn't God's plan for me. I had to work a little more. I had to learn what real life was about without basketball for me to later appreciate the opportunity that I have today.
Don't be surprised with how fast they want you when they want you, especially if the season already started. Before you blink your eyes you'll be in another country, so if this is your dream....get ready.
Where you start is not as important as where you finish
-Zig Ziglar
After graduation it really hit me hard that my college career was over. In a sense I almost lost myself, because basketball has always been a big part of my life. And for the first time, I didn't know if I was going to play again. I was full of disappointment with how my Senior season finished, especially after how much success the team and myself had my Junior year. But it was time to move on. I called around a few agencies to find the best fit to get me overseas. With the help of a friend, I was able to attend a nearby tryout in South Carolina to get exposure. It was a 2 day tryout for men and women seeking a professional basketball career in Europe. We did a 1-on-1 interview about who we were and why we wanted to play, we participated in drills with various coaches, scrimmaged, and conditioned. The conditioning by far was the hardest part on the last day. We did the beep test! And for anyone who knows what that is, ITS VERY, VERY hard!
Throughout the tryout process, the agent responisble had about 15-20 clubs posted on a wall that needed players. Underneath the club's description, league, and benefits you were to write your name under the one you wished to play for. During the weekend after the agent and his representatives observed the drills and games they would highlight the names of the people they thought could actually get that position. Boy, was I discouraged when I didn't see my name highlighted under any of the clubs I signed under! I thought, what am I doing here? Can I really do this? Before I really got my head out of the game, I was fortunate to have my college teammate there (Ashley Spriggs) to bring me back to ground level. I always admired the way she approached things. On that Sunday concluding the tryout, the agent called out the names of about 70 out of the 120-something men there. The men he did call were immediately cut in front of the whole "camp" and were told they had to run the beep test again to see where their heart was. Boy, were they mad! Some of them didn't even participate (which is understandable). For the women, he admitted that the decision was too hard; therefore he had us scrimmage again in the other gym. He split us up into 2 teams of about 15-20 each and we played for about 30mins. One by one he would remove players from the scrimmage who he felt he had "seen enough" and felt like he had a contract available for them. I was called out maybe 9 or 10th, boy was I nervous! That's when it hit me again, really? Do I have what it takes?
We were told at the end of the day that he was going to call us individually to let us know what he had available for those who made a team and those who didn't. Several weeks went by before it dawned on us that everything was a SCAM! There was no phone or e-mails for the players that did well or the players that didn't. I managed to keep in touch with a few of the girls so I was made aware of this over the summer.
I was very discouraged at this point. But I've never been the type of person to lay around and do nothing to pick myself up; because life does go on with or without you! With basketball still on the forefront of my mind, I had to find another job to make ends meet. I ended up working two jobs over the summer and fall to help pay for my new car and apartment in Charlotte. I continued to workout in the mornings or after work. I tried my best to practice with the girls whenever my work scheduled permitted. I almost felt on top of the world. I felt strong. I felt independent. I felt empty. Why? No basketball ! I'm not like most girls that want to play overseas. I wanted to play overseas, because I wanted the opportunity to do community service work internationally, I wanted to be able to travel the world, and I wanted to be able to use my experiences overseas to coach or become a mentor for young basketball players in their development stage. I promised God that if I got the chance, I would fulfill these desires. On a Sunday in October, after a Fall League game with some of my former teammates from UNCC, I got that e-mail I had waited all summer for! A team in Poland needed a point guard! And I was on the first flight out on Tuesday.
I wrote this blog for all those aspiring to play overseas. Whether you had a great college career or not, NEVER GET DISCOURAGED! If you put your mind to it and dedicate yourself to the right things, God will bless you. It may not happen when you want it to, (I would have rather lived my summer stress free knowing that I had a contract waiting for me), but that wasn't God's plan for me. I had to work a little more. I had to learn what real life was about without basketball for me to later appreciate the opportunity that I have today.
Don't be surprised with how fast they want you when they want you, especially if the season already started. Before you blink your eyes you'll be in another country, so if this is your dream....get ready.
Where you start is not as important as where you finish
-Zig Ziglar
wtorek, 15 marca 2011
Forty.....NINERS!
I want to congratulate the Charlotte 49ers on their 9th consecutive post season appearance! I'm so proud of y'all and all the hard work you've put in this season and seasons prior. I checked out the schedule and I strongly believe you have a chance to make it to the Sweet Sixteen and beyond. But of course, ONE GAME AT A TIME!
For the underclassmen, PLAY HARD FOR YOUR SENIORS! They only get a last opportunity once, so help them end their career on a GREAT NOTE! There was no better feeling than winning the A-10 Conference Championship for Danielle Burgin and Traci Ray. It broke my heart that we couldn't send out Courtney Williams, Sabrina Gregory, Whitney Hoey, and Ty Smith the same way!
For the seniors: Cherish EACH AND EVERY moment you have with your teammates, coaches, and staff. Playing college basketball is a valuable opportunity. And from experience after coming overseas, NOTHING compares to it!
For the managers: Everything you do contributes to the team's success. As a player, I was so thankful to have you apart of the team on and off the court. I know there were many times K.J. helped pick my head up after tough practices or games. He helped me realize the type of player I was and kept me motivated to achieve more! Despite all the times me and T bumped heads, he kept me competitive. He brought a fire out from inside me that wanted to dominate and be the strongest player I could be. Kristen, Mohit, Yvette, Jamie, Donald, and Eric you sacrificed your time and energy day-in and day-out, all hours of the night and day for us. Without you, NOTHING would have gone smoothly.
For the coaches: Your spirit and enthusiasm on the court has made a real impact on the program. I will forever appreciate the things I've learned and the situations I've been through because of you. At first, I may not have understood why things were done the way they were, but after some time growing up a bit I can see things much clearer. The consistency, discipline, and hard work are all attributes that create not just a successful team, but a successful program. And you have mastered that.
I brag every other day about UNC Charlotte! The hidden treasure in Women's Collegiate Basketball. You are truly apart of something special, something potentially greater than we may be aware of. Now its just up to you to cherish the opportunity and beat the odds!
LET'S DO THIS!!
For the underclassmen, PLAY HARD FOR YOUR SENIORS! They only get a last opportunity once, so help them end their career on a GREAT NOTE! There was no better feeling than winning the A-10 Conference Championship for Danielle Burgin and Traci Ray. It broke my heart that we couldn't send out Courtney Williams, Sabrina Gregory, Whitney Hoey, and Ty Smith the same way!
For the seniors: Cherish EACH AND EVERY moment you have with your teammates, coaches, and staff. Playing college basketball is a valuable opportunity. And from experience after coming overseas, NOTHING compares to it!
For the managers: Everything you do contributes to the team's success. As a player, I was so thankful to have you apart of the team on and off the court. I know there were many times K.J. helped pick my head up after tough practices or games. He helped me realize the type of player I was and kept me motivated to achieve more! Despite all the times me and T bumped heads, he kept me competitive. He brought a fire out from inside me that wanted to dominate and be the strongest player I could be. Kristen, Mohit, Yvette, Jamie, Donald, and Eric you sacrificed your time and energy day-in and day-out, all hours of the night and day for us. Without you, NOTHING would have gone smoothly.
For the coaches: Your spirit and enthusiasm on the court has made a real impact on the program. I will forever appreciate the things I've learned and the situations I've been through because of you. At first, I may not have understood why things were done the way they were, but after some time growing up a bit I can see things much clearer. The consistency, discipline, and hard work are all attributes that create not just a successful team, but a successful program. And you have mastered that.
I brag every other day about UNC Charlotte! The hidden treasure in Women's Collegiate Basketball. You are truly apart of something special, something potentially greater than we may be aware of. Now its just up to you to cherish the opportunity and beat the odds!
LET'S DO THIS!!
poniedziałek, 14 marca 2011
Jeden....dwa...trzy... 1...2...3..!
I'm ready to start another week. The start of another week brings me a week closer until I'll be back in the United States. What has this experience taught me? It's taught me the value of friendship, patience, and the importance of the little things. I never thought I'd depend on my friends as much as now. It brings me joy during my day to talk and reminisce together on a boring day. My patience has definitely been tried since I arrived in Poland. And not always in a bad way. I think whenever you visit an unfamiliar territory you'll go through a process of adjusting. I've had to adjust to the food, language, and style of play. I'm really impressed how much better my coach has gotten with speaking English. Even though its not great it shows that he's really interested in communicating with us and wants to help this experience be a smoother transition. I've taken it upon myself to learn some Polish as well. I'm proud to say I know how to count to 10 in Polish
jeden...dwa.....trzy....cztery.....piec.....szesc....siedem.....osiem.....dziewiec.....dziesiec
Style of Play? PHYSICAL...PHYSICAL...PHYSICAL! I learned very early that you have to have a tough edge about you to play overseas. Despite my size, during the game I'm in the paint a lot. Whether I'm rebounding, driving to the basket, or looking for steals. You make get hooked, tripped, or pushed and it goes unseen by the refs. Especially if the players are experienced, they know all the tricks! My advice to anyone looking to play overseas is to spent your off season running, shooting, and lifting some weights. You don't want to overdue the weights, but you want to make sure that your body is health and strong. Get up as many shots a day as you can, because European leagues want shooters! Typically the girls on the team already can shoot, so you want to make sure that you're as good if not BETTER than them. Because if not, why are you there? And most importantly, RUN! You'll be playing a lot of games during the season and although practices may not be what you're use to in college you don't want that to allow yourself to get out of game shape. Lastly, don't forget all those valuable teaching lessons and basketball principles you learned in College, AAU, or high school. At times, I definitely took the expertise of my coaches for granted because out here the Coaches' aren't always 100% on their game. They may have you do unorthodox things, try to teach you improper principles, or do ridiculous drills for warm up or preparation; but you have to stay true to what you know and have been taught all your basketball playing life.
Just some things to think about. I'll be posting more helpful hints, so stay tuned!
jeden...dwa.....trzy....cztery.....piec.....szesc....siedem.....osiem.....dziewiec.....dziesiec
Style of Play? PHYSICAL...PHYSICAL...PHYSICAL! I learned very early that you have to have a tough edge about you to play overseas. Despite my size, during the game I'm in the paint a lot. Whether I'm rebounding, driving to the basket, or looking for steals. You make get hooked, tripped, or pushed and it goes unseen by the refs. Especially if the players are experienced, they know all the tricks! My advice to anyone looking to play overseas is to spent your off season running, shooting, and lifting some weights. You don't want to overdue the weights, but you want to make sure that your body is health and strong. Get up as many shots a day as you can, because European leagues want shooters! Typically the girls on the team already can shoot, so you want to make sure that you're as good if not BETTER than them. Because if not, why are you there? And most importantly, RUN! You'll be playing a lot of games during the season and although practices may not be what you're use to in college you don't want that to allow yourself to get out of game shape. Lastly, don't forget all those valuable teaching lessons and basketball principles you learned in College, AAU, or high school. At times, I definitely took the expertise of my coaches for granted because out here the Coaches' aren't always 100% on their game. They may have you do unorthodox things, try to teach you improper principles, or do ridiculous drills for warm up or preparation; but you have to stay true to what you know and have been taught all your basketball playing life.
Just some things to think about. I'll be posting more helpful hints, so stay tuned!
BEAUTIFUL BLISS Wale ft. J.Cole & Melanie Fiona
SHADES Wale ft. Chrisette Michele
ASTON MARTIN FREESTYLE Wale
YOU GOT IT J. Cole ft Wale
LOOK UP IN DA STARS Kid Cudi ft Wale
WORD PLAY Wale ft. Curren$y & Tre
MOON & STARS Curren$y ft. Big K.R.I.T & Killa Kyleon
IN THE MORNING J.Cole ft Drake
SHE NEEDS ME Kendrick Lamar ft Javonte
GOOD TALK Smoke DZA
THIS PLANE Wiz Khalifa
niedziela, 13 marca 2011
Keep the Core Family in your Prayers
I took a few days off from my blog to get my thoughts together for my next entry.
Someone that is really close to me lost a very special friend today. It devastated me to hear about the loss, especially because he was so young. At 25, a life was ended but his memory will continue to live on. You don't necessarily have to be close to a person to be effected by their life. Value friendships, value relationships, and value companionship. No matter how often you can speak, or how often you can hang out, cherish the time.
I wish I could be there for you during this rough time. I'd tell you that I love you and to continue living a positive life. I would tell you that your friend is still proud of you, and to keep living up to the high expectation, because so many people see the great in you, including me. No matter how small or big your accomplishments and feats are you have impacted so many people and will continue to do so throughout your life. It hurts me to see such a strong person go through the obstacles that you face. I'm motivated by your ability to look those trials in the face and continue striving for better. God doesn't give you anything you can't handle, this may only be a test.
LEARN FROM YESTERDAY
LIVE FOR TODAY
HOPE FOR TOMORROW
Someone that is really close to me lost a very special friend today. It devastated me to hear about the loss, especially because he was so young. At 25, a life was ended but his memory will continue to live on. You don't necessarily have to be close to a person to be effected by their life. Value friendships, value relationships, and value companionship. No matter how often you can speak, or how often you can hang out, cherish the time.
I wish I could be there for you during this rough time. I'd tell you that I love you and to continue living a positive life. I would tell you that your friend is still proud of you, and to keep living up to the high expectation, because so many people see the great in you, including me. No matter how small or big your accomplishments and feats are you have impacted so many people and will continue to do so throughout your life. It hurts me to see such a strong person go through the obstacles that you face. I'm motivated by your ability to look those trials in the face and continue striving for better. God doesn't give you anything you can't handle, this may only be a test.
LEARN FROM YESTERDAY
LIVE FOR TODAY
HOPE FOR TOMORROW
środa, 9 marca 2011
Let it Be, Let it Be.....Let it Be
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:11-13
I do not consider myself an extremely religious person, but I find that God is the source of everything great and He's the source of everything great in me. In this world we live in we're force to adapt every second of the day. Whether it has to do with money, relationships, school, family, or work; we have to accept what we can't control and learn how to deal with it the best way possible. I'm guilty of being a worrier, someone who tends to over-analyze situations and over calculate every possible outcome. The most important lesson I've learned after coming overseas is to worry about the things you can control, and let God deal with the things you cannot control. There's no sense in wasting your time & energy on things what you have no power to change, alter, or influence. The time I spent clouding my mind with problems that I couldn't control, later distracted me from the great things that are in my life. I may have neglected friends, the court, and even my own happiness.
Stress is nothing more than a tight restraint. Restraining you from reaching your full potential. Restraining you from being happy. Restraining you from seeing the positive, despite a negative situation. And with this time I have overseas to reflect on where I've been and where I want to go, I want to reposition myself. I know it's not going to be easy, but I know its necessary if I want to be the woman I potential want to be. Don't let stress consume your life. What will be, will be. What is meant to be, will be. And for what is not meant to be, how bad that might hurt us, its in God's plan and He doesn't give us more than we can handle.
Change...
Philippians 4:11-13
I do not consider myself an extremely religious person, but I find that God is the source of everything great and He's the source of everything great in me. In this world we live in we're force to adapt every second of the day. Whether it has to do with money, relationships, school, family, or work; we have to accept what we can't control and learn how to deal with it the best way possible. I'm guilty of being a worrier, someone who tends to over-analyze situations and over calculate every possible outcome. The most important lesson I've learned after coming overseas is to worry about the things you can control, and let God deal with the things you cannot control. There's no sense in wasting your time & energy on things what you have no power to change, alter, or influence. The time I spent clouding my mind with problems that I couldn't control, later distracted me from the great things that are in my life. I may have neglected friends, the court, and even my own happiness.
Stress is nothing more than a tight restraint. Restraining you from reaching your full potential. Restraining you from being happy. Restraining you from seeing the positive, despite a negative situation. And with this time I have overseas to reflect on where I've been and where I want to go, I want to reposition myself. I know it's not going to be easy, but I know its necessary if I want to be the woman I potential want to be. Don't let stress consume your life. What will be, will be. What is meant to be, will be. And for what is not meant to be, how bad that might hurt us, its in God's plan and He doesn't give us more than we can handle.
Change...
wtorek, 8 marca 2011
Thank You
I barely slept today thinking about everything that happened last night. Instead of curling up in a ball like I usually do when I'm upset about something, I decided to dive into this blog idea and really reach out to some friends of mine. Boy, I was happy to hear from them today! The support, love, and the advice is very much appreciated! In trying times it is very important to surround yourself with positive people (thanks, Carl!). God didn't intend for everything to be easy and I also feel He didn't intend on you to go through things alone, whether it is good or bad. I couldn't agree more with T.D. Jakes in one of my favorite books entitled, "Reposition Yourself: Living Life without Limits," that:
"It is hard to accomplish a GREAT feat without GREAT support."
So, I want to take this time to THANK YOU. Whoever you are that's reading this blog. I appreciate you. Not just for what you've done for me, but for what you'll continue to do in your future. The people I told to follow my blog are people that I feel at some point in my life has had an effect on me. I don't think people say good things enough to their friends and family, so this is my initial attempt to break that cycle. There's a lot more that I would have said to my own father before he passed away. I would thank him again for loving me unconditionally, for raising me to have high standards, for teaching me the value of hard work, and looking out after me when I didn't know better myself. I know I had to leave home for college, but sometimes I regret not being there his last few months. Not being able to be there for my sister and mom when he moved on. I try my best every day to make up for time; not to let a minute go by when my mom doesn't feel appreciated. She deserves it; ten-fold.
So, during "Woman's Day," here in Poland I want to let my mom know that I love you. You are my inspiration everyday and my role model. You are the strongest woman I know, and I continue to learn from you day by day. To my sister: I wish I was able to be there for you more than I have, and I promise despite the distance between us that I'll do whatever I have to do to be there the way a big sister should. Despite your situation when I came to see you play, I was so proud to see you on that court! All your hard work and determination proves that you don't need to play on a fancy AAU team, or have a big connection. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything your heart desires. And I admire you for your courage!
And to all my lovely ladies, stay strong, stay beautiful and stay AMBITIOUS
Today, try telling a woman in your life what they mean to you. (FELLAS I'M TALKING TO YOU TOO...)
Relationships #1
"relationships just happen,
they just fall together in place like a puzzle,
every piece has a spot,
and if you are at the last spot and the piece isn't fitting,
you need to find the right piece that will fit"
I probably think about love and relationships more than I should. Thanks to a really good friend of mine (Mo'), I was able to reflect on these words this afternoon when I was troubled with some ideas in my head. For too long, I've analyzed, questioned, doubted, and puzzled why certain things are the way they are. I blamed myself, I blame the internet, I blamed situations, but there's no blame. It's life. Things happen and things don't work out for various reasons. I've been inside my head for too long as well. Not wanting the world to see the real me. I refuse to lie to myself to keep me going everyday. I refuse to answer my own questions in my head to help me sleep at night. I refuse to settle for less than good enough, when I've put in the work and deserve more. What's wrong with wanting to be loved? No, I don't need it. No, I don't expect it. No, I don't yearn for it. But I do open my arms to the possibility.
"Know you're worth and stand by it"
they just fall together in place like a puzzle,
every piece has a spot,
and if you are at the last spot and the piece isn't fitting,
you need to find the right piece that will fit"
I probably think about love and relationships more than I should. Thanks to a really good friend of mine (Mo'), I was able to reflect on these words this afternoon when I was troubled with some ideas in my head. For too long, I've analyzed, questioned, doubted, and puzzled why certain things are the way they are. I blamed myself, I blame the internet, I blamed situations, but there's no blame. It's life. Things happen and things don't work out for various reasons. I've been inside my head for too long as well. Not wanting the world to see the real me. I refuse to lie to myself to keep me going everyday. I refuse to answer my own questions in my head to help me sleep at night. I refuse to settle for less than good enough, when I've put in the work and deserve more. What's wrong with wanting to be loved? No, I don't need it. No, I don't expect it. No, I don't yearn for it. But I do open my arms to the possibility.
"Know you're worth and stand by it"
March 08, 2011
It's better late than never to start reflecting on my experiences here and in life in general. In October I received the email I always dreamed about. Three days later I was on a Polish lot airline on the way to Wroclaw, Poland to play for KS Odra Brzeg. I've traveled overseas to Bangkok, Thailand during college so the flight process wasn't unfamiliar to me. 9 hours later I landed and a new chapter in my life has begun. Whether I wanted it to or not, things change in my life everyday. Some for the good and others for the bad. I thank God everyday for the good things that have happened, and pray for the strength to be able to handle the not so good things.
Today I felt the urge to start this blog, because I feel like the ideas going through my head are better shared than held within. For too long, I've held things inside afraid that people may not like the person I really am, feel threatened by my knowledge of things, or I thought I'd feel too vulnerable if the world really knew me. But things need to change. And I feel like this change will be good. It might not be good for others, but it will be good for me. Because I want to be happy again. I seek happiness, I seek love, I seek success, and I seek God.
The Time is Now....
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