Thursday, Week 23!
Yesterday, Kev passed agency high-speed! Woo hooo! I had dinner at his parent's house last night and apparently he was a little more anxious about passing than he allowed me to see. His mom told me that he asked her not to send out graduation party invites until he passed high-speed. I am always so confident in Kev and trust that he will do well, that I can sometimes overlook his nerves. Kev FaceTimed us when he was off and told us all about the track and testing. He also told me later how pressured he felt to pass because we are starting to look for a home together too. I didn't even think of that. In a sense, I think it is a good thing I don't worry about him and add to his stress. I just believe in him and support him any way I can. He does the same for me by not letting me see his concern, and it works for us. When he needs me, he let's me know. We always end up on the same page.
So, high-speed. Kev sent me a little picture of the track so that he could explain the course and testing. I can't write about everything but I'll explain a little. The track is about 2 miles long, with an "S" turn on one end, a short uphill portion, and a couple rounded turns that loop you back to the start. Kev says you drive at 120 mph with the EVOC instructor in the vehicle and strategically drive the track for about an hour and a half to two hours. He was saying that on some of the rounded turns, you come up to a guard rail at 120 mph and your gut instinct is to turn out of it but you have to steer around the turn - the instructor will also guide you on how to drive. At one point, you are in the vehicle alone and the instructor watches from a tower. Kev says that part was exciting but scary in the sense that when the instructor is with you, they can grab the wheel to help you steer at times but when you're alone it's up to you. He seemed to love the high-speed testing even though it was stressful because passing meant the world to him! He was definitely very enthusiastic when telling us about testing. He had some great stories but unfortunately I am not very articulate in the world of driving fast cars so I won't even try. All I know is that I will be driving this weekend ;)
Kev also received an amazing grade in the high 90s on his report writing exam and passed agency rifle! I'm so proud of him! We are so close!
- Mimi
Showing posts with label EVOC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EVOC. Show all posts
Friday, July 8, 2016
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Day 157/194 - Week 23 & Agency High Speed!
Wednesday, Week 23!
This is the first time I have felt like time has been flying by and I wish I had more of it. As much as I want Kev home, the weeks are gone before we know it and there is a lot to do - both at the academy and at home!
Kev and the Senior class are currently doing EVOC testing for Agency high speed. This is a huge part of the academy and certainly a 'fear-factor' for it's ability to affect attrition. Kev says each of them go out to the track with an instructor in the car and hit the pedal until they hit about 120 mph . Then they navigate the course, including a few turns. The testing period is a little drawn out because the class has to go one at a time and everyone gets up to 4 attempts to pass. The EVOC officers can also only pull the cadets out of certain classes for retesting and avoid pulling cadets from range. Kev had his first attempt yesterday and did not pass. He gets to give it another shot this afternoon. I'll be sending good thoughts his way all day! Kev basically says you need to have the pedal to the floor the entire time and you won't pass if you don't. Out of all of his roommates, only one passed on the first try yesterday and he was a retread who actually failed high-speed during his first time at the academy. Kev's happy for him and confident he will be right behind him, hopefully today! It is a little nerve-racking, but I'm so thankful to have such a driven man. I trust Kev and even though I should maybe worry more, I have so much faith in him and know he is capable of anything he puts his mind to. I used to worry a lot more in the beginning of the Academy. However, after seeing his persistence and stop-at-nothing attitude to achieve his dream over the last 5 months, I just trust that he will take us there and cheer him on every chance I get!
Other than high-speed, the cadets have PT every morning this week since they had a long weekend. They also have to report for a full day on Saturday until 5 PM. I'm hoping he can leave the Academy on Friday night so we can try to see each other though. We are so lucky to only live about an hour away from the Academy.
On Saturday, I have 3 appointments to look at condos for us! I specifically scheduled Saturday so Kev and I could make a day of it, but leave it up to the CHP academy to spoil our plans ;) In the end, I know Kev trusts my opinion sand we have similar taste. I just wish we could look together because it would definitely be more fun! It is also the first place we will live together in! We are both so excited!
I can't believe how far we are now and that we know Kev's area office. I hope everyone reading who is aspiring to achieve the same goal gets to feel how we feel at this point too. It's a sense of accomplishment, pride and unity. We feel so strong as a couple and thankful for each other - Kev for persevering and me for staying strong and waiting for my man.
I love you Kevvy! This time next month you with be graduating next week!! Crush high speed today baby xo
- Mimi
This is the first time I have felt like time has been flying by and I wish I had more of it. As much as I want Kev home, the weeks are gone before we know it and there is a lot to do - both at the academy and at home!
Kev and the Senior class are currently doing EVOC testing for Agency high speed. This is a huge part of the academy and certainly a 'fear-factor' for it's ability to affect attrition. Kev says each of them go out to the track with an instructor in the car and hit the pedal until they hit about 120 mph . Then they navigate the course, including a few turns. The testing period is a little drawn out because the class has to go one at a time and everyone gets up to 4 attempts to pass. The EVOC officers can also only pull the cadets out of certain classes for retesting and avoid pulling cadets from range. Kev had his first attempt yesterday and did not pass. He gets to give it another shot this afternoon. I'll be sending good thoughts his way all day! Kev basically says you need to have the pedal to the floor the entire time and you won't pass if you don't. Out of all of his roommates, only one passed on the first try yesterday and he was a retread who actually failed high-speed during his first time at the academy. Kev's happy for him and confident he will be right behind him, hopefully today! It is a little nerve-racking, but I'm so thankful to have such a driven man. I trust Kev and even though I should maybe worry more, I have so much faith in him and know he is capable of anything he puts his mind to. I used to worry a lot more in the beginning of the Academy. However, after seeing his persistence and stop-at-nothing attitude to achieve his dream over the last 5 months, I just trust that he will take us there and cheer him on every chance I get!
Other than high-speed, the cadets have PT every morning this week since they had a long weekend. They also have to report for a full day on Saturday until 5 PM. I'm hoping he can leave the Academy on Friday night so we can try to see each other though. We are so lucky to only live about an hour away from the Academy.
On Saturday, I have 3 appointments to look at condos for us! I specifically scheduled Saturday so Kev and I could make a day of it, but leave it up to the CHP academy to spoil our plans ;) In the end, I know Kev trusts my opinion sand we have similar taste. I just wish we could look together because it would definitely be more fun! It is also the first place we will live together in! We are both so excited!
I can't believe how far we are now and that we know Kev's area office. I hope everyone reading who is aspiring to achieve the same goal gets to feel how we feel at this point too. It's a sense of accomplishment, pride and unity. We feel so strong as a couple and thankful for each other - Kev for persevering and me for staying strong and waiting for my man.
I love you Kevvy! This time next month you with be graduating next week!! Crush high speed today baby xo
- Mimi
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Day 71-73/194 - Start of Week 11 & EVOC POST Testing
Monday - Wednesday, Week 11!
This week has been a whirlwind. A lot of exciting things are happening at the academy for Kev and the Junior cadets. However, during this exciting week at the academy, my dad was admitted into the hospital for emergency surgery on his back, C3-C6 vertebrae, which are high into his neck. It was very scary and sudden, so I missed a lot of call time with Kev while I was in the hospital. Thankfully, my dad is recovering from surgery now and we are just waiting for him to walk on his own and for some of the pain to subside so he can come home. I am very grateful that he is doing well and in recovery, especially after losing my grandma shortly after her surgery in February. She was looking over us through this one.
Now, let's talk EVOC!
Next to shooting a gun, it seems every cadet is either looking forward to EVOC or dreading it. In Kev's case, driving fast in a squad car is a dream come true. However, he of course had some apprehension since the risk of underperforming and going home is always present. This week has been mainly EVOC driving! Ultimately, they are shown how to drive, get a practice shot and then are tested. The process is all very fast. You either pick it up or you go home. The EVOC testing this week is all POST testing, so the cadets will still have to pass the Agency Specific testing too around week 20.
MONDAY:
Rumor has it that if your class is improving and going strong in PT that the instructors will amp it up a bit more. At least that is what Kev heard, but whether that is true or not is up for debate. Either way, it's a good mindset to get them to keep pushing I suppose. So, PT on Monday morning started with 800 jumping jacks - there is no typo there, 800!!! Followed by a run too of course. Also, in the midst of all the EVOC training, the cadets have learning domain tests. Monday the were tested on the rules for arresting juveniles and Kev passed, only missing one question!
After PT, the classroom test, and lunch the cadets began EVOC training on vehicle placement. Kev got to be in the patrol car alone and maneuver the course, switch lanes, parallel park, and other back up work. He loved the obstacle course which was in an 'S' shape serpentine with cones and being able to reverse the squad car going 50 mph! After instruction and practice, he passed the test!
TUESDAY:
Tuesday was the skid pan test! Kev learned to skid the back end of the car out around the turns and to regain control of the vehicle. The course has a few turns to practice on. I forget how many turns he got to attempt in order to pass the test but he did it! During this portion of testing he only had to go 25 mph. Skid pan POST testing, done! He also took a test in the morning on unusual occurrences, like plane crashes, and received a 100%!
WEDNESDAY:
More PT fun, aka 500 mountain climbers followed by a run too of course :) After PT torture, EVOC consisted of a driving simulator where you sit in a chair with screens and controls in front of you. Kev said all the movement and lanes flying by on the screen almost gave him motion sickness. After lunch, they went to do 11:99 and code 3 driving, the fun stuff! If you have read the book Cadet Blues, it was just like Krider describes when he talks about 'chasing the rabbit' with the squad car following close behind him. Kev described it pretty much exactly the same and said the hardest part was keeping his speed up while talking on the radio. Kev said during the test at the end of instruction, he had two officers in his vehicle because one was being evaluated or reviewed. Most of the other cadets only had one officer in the car with them, but Kev had one in the front seat and another in the back which made him a little nervous. Code 3 driving took him two tries but he passed! The cadets get one practice evaluation and if you pass it counts, if not you get one more practice run and then the test. I believe this is only the case for the POST testing of EVOC.
Kev passed all three of his EVOC POST tests and three of his learning domain tests by Wednesday of this week! He still has one more test today (Thursday)! Sadly, Kev's company did lose one guy to Code 3 driving though. The other company lost 2 cadets to EVOC. We are still going strong and Kev learning to drive for the CHP! Every time I talk to him he is on Cloud 9! The cadets even get to practice in the cars on their own at approved times.
All in all, this has been an exciting week thus far. Here at home I am looking forward to having Kev home this weekend since it was a rough week for me with my Dad's surgery but thankfully we are all doing well now. I always miss Kev, but seeing him on the weekends only is starting to feel more normal. I'm doing really well with my diet and exercise and I've been focusing on that a lot during the week in addition to work in order to continue to better myself while Kev is doing the same at the academy :) We are looking forward to the 80 degree weather in the Bay this weekend and getting some sun BBQing poolside! We may have to pull out a few notecards and practice arrest techniques while we are at it, but it shouldn't be too bad studying out in the sun. Only a couple more days to wrap up week 11!
- Mimi
This week has been a whirlwind. A lot of exciting things are happening at the academy for Kev and the Junior cadets. However, during this exciting week at the academy, my dad was admitted into the hospital for emergency surgery on his back, C3-C6 vertebrae, which are high into his neck. It was very scary and sudden, so I missed a lot of call time with Kev while I was in the hospital. Thankfully, my dad is recovering from surgery now and we are just waiting for him to walk on his own and for some of the pain to subside so he can come home. I am very grateful that he is doing well and in recovery, especially after losing my grandma shortly after her surgery in February. She was looking over us through this one.
Now, let's talk EVOC!
Next to shooting a gun, it seems every cadet is either looking forward to EVOC or dreading it. In Kev's case, driving fast in a squad car is a dream come true. However, he of course had some apprehension since the risk of underperforming and going home is always present. This week has been mainly EVOC driving! Ultimately, they are shown how to drive, get a practice shot and then are tested. The process is all very fast. You either pick it up or you go home. The EVOC testing this week is all POST testing, so the cadets will still have to pass the Agency Specific testing too around week 20.
MONDAY:
Rumor has it that if your class is improving and going strong in PT that the instructors will amp it up a bit more. At least that is what Kev heard, but whether that is true or not is up for debate. Either way, it's a good mindset to get them to keep pushing I suppose. So, PT on Monday morning started with 800 jumping jacks - there is no typo there, 800!!! Followed by a run too of course. Also, in the midst of all the EVOC training, the cadets have learning domain tests. Monday the were tested on the rules for arresting juveniles and Kev passed, only missing one question!
After PT, the classroom test, and lunch the cadets began EVOC training on vehicle placement. Kev got to be in the patrol car alone and maneuver the course, switch lanes, parallel park, and other back up work. He loved the obstacle course which was in an 'S' shape serpentine with cones and being able to reverse the squad car going 50 mph! After instruction and practice, he passed the test!
TUESDAY:
Tuesday was the skid pan test! Kev learned to skid the back end of the car out around the turns and to regain control of the vehicle. The course has a few turns to practice on. I forget how many turns he got to attempt in order to pass the test but he did it! During this portion of testing he only had to go 25 mph. Skid pan POST testing, done! He also took a test in the morning on unusual occurrences, like plane crashes, and received a 100%!
WEDNESDAY:
More PT fun, aka 500 mountain climbers followed by a run too of course :) After PT torture, EVOC consisted of a driving simulator where you sit in a chair with screens and controls in front of you. Kev said all the movement and lanes flying by on the screen almost gave him motion sickness. After lunch, they went to do 11:99 and code 3 driving, the fun stuff! If you have read the book Cadet Blues, it was just like Krider describes when he talks about 'chasing the rabbit' with the squad car following close behind him. Kev described it pretty much exactly the same and said the hardest part was keeping his speed up while talking on the radio. Kev said during the test at the end of instruction, he had two officers in his vehicle because one was being evaluated or reviewed. Most of the other cadets only had one officer in the car with them, but Kev had one in the front seat and another in the back which made him a little nervous. Code 3 driving took him two tries but he passed! The cadets get one practice evaluation and if you pass it counts, if not you get one more practice run and then the test. I believe this is only the case for the POST testing of EVOC.
Kev passed all three of his EVOC POST tests and three of his learning domain tests by Wednesday of this week! He still has one more test today (Thursday)! Sadly, Kev's company did lose one guy to Code 3 driving though. The other company lost 2 cadets to EVOC. We are still going strong and Kev learning to drive for the CHP! Every time I talk to him he is on Cloud 9! The cadets even get to practice in the cars on their own at approved times.
All in all, this has been an exciting week thus far. Here at home I am looking forward to having Kev home this weekend since it was a rough week for me with my Dad's surgery but thankfully we are all doing well now. I always miss Kev, but seeing him on the weekends only is starting to feel more normal. I'm doing really well with my diet and exercise and I've been focusing on that a lot during the week in addition to work in order to continue to better myself while Kev is doing the same at the academy :) We are looking forward to the 80 degree weather in the Bay this weekend and getting some sun BBQing poolside! We may have to pull out a few notecards and practice arrest techniques while we are at it, but it shouldn't be too bad studying out in the sun. Only a couple more days to wrap up week 11!
- Mimi
Monday, April 11, 2016
Day 68-70/194 - Intro to EVOC & Skid Pan!
Friday Week 10!
The pace and study at the academy is about to pick up again! Not only that, but we are officially starting EVOC! Everyone starting the academy hears the horror stories of attrition as a direct correlation to EVOC training and more specifically, the skid pan. The skid pan is a part of the driving course that has slick concrete and sprinklers that spray water on the course. This is where the cadets learn to safely steer and control a vehicle out of a skid. On Friday, Kev and his company had their official introduction to EVOC and the skid pan! After an introductory class to EVOC and driving verbiage, the cadets went out to the skid pan to really experience EVOC! The instructors packed them into the squad cars 4 at a time, had them buckle up, and took them out on the course. Kev said everyone in his car was screaming and smiling as they spun out and the instructor slid the car around the course. They took turns as passengers and Kev was eventually able to sneak into the front seat for a 'shot gun' view! He said the wet course makes for a musty smelling car, so the windows were down for air the whole time to let air in. He said they were all a little wet at the end of the demonstration, but it was well worth it. The intro really pumped him up and regardless of the skid pan horror stories, he can't wait to jump in the drivers seat!! There will be a few more days of training and the first 'skid pan' test is at the end of this week! The cadets will only be going 25 miles an hour, but it will come down to mastering and demonstrating the techniques they are taught. The other company in the junior class lost 2 cadets to EVOC so far. They started a week earlier than Kev.
Saturday and Sunday!
Saturday we finally got Kev set back up at our local gym and we had a great workout! We followed our workout with amazing salads from Tender Greens and spent the rest of the afternoon with Kev's family. His youngest brother, wife and new baby nephew were in town for the night so we all had dinner together, including his mom and dad, and spent the rest of the night playing with his adorable nephew:)
On Sunday, we woke up and had another great workout together. Kev has another PT test in about two weeks, so he wants to keep training and preparing on the weekends when possible. We tried to catch a yoga class for a good stretch too but unfortunately I slept in a little too long. Even though Kev has to wake up before the sun at the academy, he is awake pretty early at home too. You would think he would want to sleep in as much as possible, but he says he doesn't want to waste the day as opposed to just habit. When I opened my eyes on Sunday, he was laying there next to me already studying.
We are on to WEEK 11 now! This week will have 4 tests in addition to the SKID PAN test. I have complete faith in Kev's success but it is going to be a tough week ahead! I appreciate and admire his confidence and determination so much. I know that he wants to succeed to achieve his own dream as much as he wants to make our future dreams possible and I can never thank him enough. Even though the academy life isn't ideal because we give up a lot of our time together, I wouldn't trade it for the world and I am still so happy I met him when I did. I can't wait to watch the love of my life receive his badge and see the look in his eyes when his hard work makes his dream a reality. Every day and every Sunday goodbye is a step closer!
- Mimi
The pace and study at the academy is about to pick up again! Not only that, but we are officially starting EVOC! Everyone starting the academy hears the horror stories of attrition as a direct correlation to EVOC training and more specifically, the skid pan. The skid pan is a part of the driving course that has slick concrete and sprinklers that spray water on the course. This is where the cadets learn to safely steer and control a vehicle out of a skid. On Friday, Kev and his company had their official introduction to EVOC and the skid pan! After an introductory class to EVOC and driving verbiage, the cadets went out to the skid pan to really experience EVOC! The instructors packed them into the squad cars 4 at a time, had them buckle up, and took them out on the course. Kev said everyone in his car was screaming and smiling as they spun out and the instructor slid the car around the course. They took turns as passengers and Kev was eventually able to sneak into the front seat for a 'shot gun' view! He said the wet course makes for a musty smelling car, so the windows were down for air the whole time to let air in. He said they were all a little wet at the end of the demonstration, but it was well worth it. The intro really pumped him up and regardless of the skid pan horror stories, he can't wait to jump in the drivers seat!! There will be a few more days of training and the first 'skid pan' test is at the end of this week! The cadets will only be going 25 miles an hour, but it will come down to mastering and demonstrating the techniques they are taught. The other company in the junior class lost 2 cadets to EVOC so far. They started a week earlier than Kev.
Saturday and Sunday!
Saturday we finally got Kev set back up at our local gym and we had a great workout! We followed our workout with amazing salads from Tender Greens and spent the rest of the afternoon with Kev's family. His youngest brother, wife and new baby nephew were in town for the night so we all had dinner together, including his mom and dad, and spent the rest of the night playing with his adorable nephew:)
On Sunday, we woke up and had another great workout together. Kev has another PT test in about two weeks, so he wants to keep training and preparing on the weekends when possible. We tried to catch a yoga class for a good stretch too but unfortunately I slept in a little too long. Even though Kev has to wake up before the sun at the academy, he is awake pretty early at home too. You would think he would want to sleep in as much as possible, but he says he doesn't want to waste the day as opposed to just habit. When I opened my eyes on Sunday, he was laying there next to me already studying.
We are on to WEEK 11 now! This week will have 4 tests in addition to the SKID PAN test. I have complete faith in Kev's success but it is going to be a tough week ahead! I appreciate and admire his confidence and determination so much. I know that he wants to succeed to achieve his own dream as much as he wants to make our future dreams possible and I can never thank him enough. Even though the academy life isn't ideal because we give up a lot of our time together, I wouldn't trade it for the world and I am still so happy I met him when I did. I can't wait to watch the love of my life receive his badge and see the look in his eyes when his hard work makes his dream a reality. Every day and every Sunday goodbye is a step closer!
- Mimi
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Day 65-67 /194
Tuesday - Thursday, Week 10!
Kev's week has been going great! He confirmed that the seniors graduate on May 29th! That is going to be an amazing feeling for Kev and his class when they become seniors. I can' even believe that chapter of the academy is approaching. Even though it isn't his graduation, it is another little milestone that makes us feel accomplished and like the finish line is even closer!
This week at the academy:
- This week the cadets are learning about arresting minors, felony arrests, and how to handle a victim. They participate in scenarios and learn as a class how each individual could have done better. Kev volunteered for a scenario handling a victim.
- There will be 4 tests next week, likely on what I mentioned above but I'll double check. So, looks like we'll need to study hard this weekend
- More PT, PMA and range
- Kev and the other fountain cadets have been practicing everyday
- On Wednesday, the cadets continued training on basic stops and got to drive the Crown Vics for the first time! They practiced pulling people over and all the steps involved, including using lights and sirens! This was probably the second most excited Kev has been since their first day shooting at the range ;)
EVOC!!
Kev says that he is feeling more of a transition from classroom work to hands-on training now and is pretty excited about it. This Friday, the other company gets the day off while Kev and his company begin EVOC in-class training. On Monday, his company starts the actual driving! EVOC can be an intimidating part of the academy as it is a well known high contributing factor to attrition. Kev says a few retreads are nervous for it but his personal spirit and enthusiasm towards EVOC training is currently at a high. He seems to be more excited and anxious to get started than anything. However, it is completely understandable how some cadets giving it a second shot could have some anticipation. I couldn't imagine getting as far into the academy as some of them and then having to start all over. I give it to them though for going after it again and I'm sure their determination to pass this time will get them through it. That couldn't have been easy for them or their family. It has been pretty exciting talking with Kev at night and catching up about the academy as the hands on training picks up, but the farther into it we go it does become even more pressing that Kev is successful at everything he is taught in order to avoid that scenario ourselves. His energy and spirit towards the academy puts me at ease though. I have complete faith and confidence in him and trust that he will make it through every challenge he faces. We are going to make it to August 12th, no matter what!
Also... today is our anniversary! :)
Happy Anniversary babe! Missing you and thinking you all day today. You are my best friend and soul mate. You make me so proud every day! I love you endlessly.
- Mimi
Kev's week has been going great! He confirmed that the seniors graduate on May 29th! That is going to be an amazing feeling for Kev and his class when they become seniors. I can' even believe that chapter of the academy is approaching. Even though it isn't his graduation, it is another little milestone that makes us feel accomplished and like the finish line is even closer!
This week at the academy:
- This week the cadets are learning about arresting minors, felony arrests, and how to handle a victim. They participate in scenarios and learn as a class how each individual could have done better. Kev volunteered for a scenario handling a victim.
- There will be 4 tests next week, likely on what I mentioned above but I'll double check. So, looks like we'll need to study hard this weekend
- More PT, PMA and range
- Kev and the other fountain cadets have been practicing everyday
- On Wednesday, the cadets continued training on basic stops and got to drive the Crown Vics for the first time! They practiced pulling people over and all the steps involved, including using lights and sirens! This was probably the second most excited Kev has been since their first day shooting at the range ;)
EVOC!!
Kev says that he is feeling more of a transition from classroom work to hands-on training now and is pretty excited about it. This Friday, the other company gets the day off while Kev and his company begin EVOC in-class training. On Monday, his company starts the actual driving! EVOC can be an intimidating part of the academy as it is a well known high contributing factor to attrition. Kev says a few retreads are nervous for it but his personal spirit and enthusiasm towards EVOC training is currently at a high. He seems to be more excited and anxious to get started than anything. However, it is completely understandable how some cadets giving it a second shot could have some anticipation. I couldn't imagine getting as far into the academy as some of them and then having to start all over. I give it to them though for going after it again and I'm sure their determination to pass this time will get them through it. That couldn't have been easy for them or their family. It has been pretty exciting talking with Kev at night and catching up about the academy as the hands on training picks up, but the farther into it we go it does become even more pressing that Kev is successful at everything he is taught in order to avoid that scenario ourselves. His energy and spirit towards the academy puts me at ease though. I have complete faith and confidence in him and trust that he will make it through every challenge he faces. We are going to make it to August 12th, no matter what!
Also... today is our anniversary! :)
Happy Anniversary babe! Missing you and thinking you all day today. You are my best friend and soul mate. You make me so proud every day! I love you endlessly.
- Mimi
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