Finding Ninee » Sharing our parenting and special needs stories with heart and humor.

Writing Out Loud and Ghetto DIY Toilet Paper Fun

Last night, I had somebody wonder why anybody would read a blog, or write one. I was getting ready to leave my book club group, and already had my coat on. I sat down, too warm, ready to leave, but enthralled. I wanted her to understand, and to answer her properly, although I ended up not answering her at all, really.

While attempting to explain, I didn’t say what I meant, and I didn’t say anything that she would understand.  The subject came up because this month’s book club book was  The HerStories Project (they really liked it by the way), and, once we’d all chosen our weapons of choice (Mike’s vs. wine), one of the hostesses mentioned that they thought it would be great if I did an “author read.” And I realized how much more difficult it is to read something that I’d written myself than it is to simply read a passage authored by somebody else.

There’s something freeing about writing, and typing words alone on a computer screen that’s so much, well, easier, I guess, than writing out loud. Anyway, although I didn’t look up as often as I should have (I did NOT want to cry at book club, dangit!), and my face was on fire, I did it. I read my words out loud for the second time in a mere week (more on that in a minute).

It’s not the first time that the question of “Why is it that we blog?” has come up. In fact, it was a Finish the Sentence Friday topic a while back.  Blogging is weird, if you think about it. Why is it that we are so willing to share our souls with others? Is it like some writer narcissism thing? Is it simply that we must write, knowing that it’s possible that we will not be shared, liked, connected with? Is it that we just love this shit called writing so much that we’re willing to give it away for free?

I know that I’m not alone in wondering why I spend so much time blogging when I’d like to write a novel. But with blogging, you get BOOM – instant feedback. It’s so much less lonely than writing a novel is. The power of the friendships forged within the blogging community is magical. Addictive. Amazing. If you’d told me prior to Finding Ninee’s birth that I’d be on a Friday night vidchat with people I’ve never met in person, talking about everything and nothing, I’d have told you that you’re crazy. These people, though. These people. They’re wonderful. They’re real friends, even though in most cases, we’ve not yet met face-to-face. I’m very thankful for them. 

Ok so the whole reading my words out loud thing. Remember that I’d mentioned that I’d done so twice in a mere week before I got off on my gushy mushy “I love my blogging friends” tangent? Right. Earlier this week, I auditioned for the DC Listen to Your Mother Show and holycrap-on-a-stick, friends, I actually made it! I’m beyond excited and thankful. For those of you who were so kind with your encouragement and your time in my indecision on what to read, whether to go with funny or serious, and even listened to me read it – THANK YOU. I am extremely appreciative (also, if you’re one of the awesome people who knows what I’ll be reading, please keep it to yourself as we’ve been instructed to keep it a secret and I don’t want to break the rules on the first day). 

I’m also thankful that it’s Sunday, and that (knock on wood, throw salt over shoulder, say little prayers) Tucker’s got school tomorrow after another snowday shortened week. We did manage some fun with a friend though, for which I’m also thankful:

We made a new friend, too:

Snowman

Climbed mountains,

Climbed mountains

Persevered,

Persevered

And found blue skies.

blue skies

We even had some Ghetto DIY Toilet Paper Fun:

ghetto tp mummy

Look mom! I’m a mummy!

ghetto tp race track

A ghetto toilet paper car wash and race track

I’m thankful that we survived another four-day weekend (which is much more easily managed than a six-day one).

But, guys. It’s supposed to snow on Tuesday.

What are you thankful for this week?  Another Thankful to the fab Shannon at Mamapedia, who is featuring my Tucker and Bridget go to prom story (although I don’t look at Tucker as disabled, FYI).

Ten Things of Thankful

Your hosts: A Fly on our (Chicken Coop) Wall, Considerings, Finding Ninee, Getting Literal, I Want Backsies, Mother of Imperfection, Rewritten, Thankful Me, The Meaning of Me, The Wakefield Doctrine



by Kristi Campbell

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  • Lori Lavender Luz - I saw the news this morning — congrats on being in the LTYM show! Wish I could be there. Guess I’ll have to wait for the video.February 16, 2014 – 2:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks so much, Lori! Are you on in Denver again? I wish you could be there, too. Here, I mean, when I read…February 17, 2014 – 5:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Woohoo! That’s SO awesome that you auditioned and made it into the show! To be honest, I don’t know a whole lot about it, but of course I’ve heard of it and in fact, my neighbor who is a blogger is involved with producing the NY one. Oh and the “why do people blog?” question is always one that stumps me too. It’s so hard to answer clearly, even to myself sometimes. 🙂February 16, 2014 – 2:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Emily! That’s cool about your neighbor. Are you going to try out this year? And yeah, the whole “why blog?” question is one that I guess all of us are occasionally confused by. It is a really weird thing.February 17, 2014 – 5:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - I was going to post up a “FIRST!!” comment but I don’t want to wear out my welcome on that 🙂 So, who knows where I’ll end being. Wow, you took your rock star status to a whole new level!! Huge congrats on your audition and being chosen, Kristi! We would love to be there so please picture Phoenix and I in the audience supporting you with thunderous applause! But, if you’re doing that speaking technique (learned this is Speech and Debate) of picturing your audience members naked pullleezze don’t look our way. Phoenix is a hottie but me…well, I don’t want you to lose it on stage laughing from Alfred E Newman UNDRESSED! I know whatever you have chosen to read will be amazing!! That sledding looks like so much fun! I tried to get Phoenix to go down the slide with me last year. He pushed me down and backed way…and laughed at me. Jerk! Love your Tucker pics and you continue to amaze, enlighten and teach me so many things. xoxo’s from your two buddies in Reno 🙂February 16, 2014 – 2:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA Mike. Thank you so much for your congratulations and encouragement. I appreciate it more than I know how to say. And they will post all of the videos on You Tube so you can watch me read my piece after the fact. Hopefully, I will not make a fool of myself. Gulp.
      HAHAH to picturing the audience naked! I’ll have to try and remember that. Phoenix wouldn’t go down the slide with you? He’s a sneaky one!! Maybe you should see if he likes to skateboard. I’ve seen videos of lesser dogs than he on them and they look like they’re having a blast!February 17, 2014 – 5:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Huge congrats on Listen to your Mother and so happy and excited for you. And Tucker looks adorable all dressed up for the snow and seriously looks like he is having so much fun. Happy Sunday and hoping you a have a wonderful week ahead now! 🙂February 16, 2014 – 3:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks, Janine! I hope you have a wonderful week as well. I heard it’s going to snow more though. Sigh.February 17, 2014 – 5:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I have no idea what Listen to Your Mother is but hooray for you! We have been home since Wednesday night. Snow days Thursday and Friday…then weekend for real…tomorrow Kidzilla has school but I don’t (hoping to accomplish some real work and chores while she’s gone – and she NEEDS to go to school – she’s stir crazy)…then in theory everybody is back to things on Tuesday, BUT…more snow and ice. Is it pathetic that I’m actually hoping for that to be another snow day? But that is another story all in itself.

    Tucker is unbelievably cute – love the pics.

    Have a great week!February 16, 2014 – 3:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lisa, LTYM is a show that is produces in 32 cities around the US in honor of Mother’s Day. So 10-12 writers read a piece to a live audience that has something to do with Motherhood. I almost didn’t audition but I’m so glad that I did! I can’t believe I got in and now just have to focus on not messing it up.
      And yeah, I hear you on the NEEDS to go to school. This is nuts.
      Hm. You’re hoping for another snow day? Do tell! And thanks – you have a great week too!February 17, 2014 – 5:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Congrats on LTYM!! I submitted a piece to my local show and was offered an audition. Long story short, there was no way I could make the schedule work so I had to graciously decline and I’m totally bummed about it.

    I agree that blogging is difficult for non-bloggers to understand. I just had this conversation with Janine recently. My hubby cannot understand why I refer to people I have never met as “friends” or how I can feel so connected to them. It is a very unique bond/relationship. 🙂February 16, 2014 – 4:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks so much, Lisa!
      Sorry to hear that you had to back out due to your busy schedule. It is a bit of a time commitment but I didn’t really think I’d get in! I’m glad I did though. You’ll be a shoe-in for next year, I’m sure (if you can find the time which isn’t easy, I know).
      And yeah, I feel like we’re all true friends as well. I’m not sure my husband (or anybody else) get it, either. It really is a unique bond. Maybe because we share so much of ourselves through our writing.February 17, 2014 – 5:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Listen To Your Mother!! Wooooo!
    And that snowman is fantastic.
    We don’t have school tomorrow or all week for President’s Day and then February vacation so I’m freakin’ thrilled over here about that. (not)February 16, 2014 – 4:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - UGH to February vacation. Sorry to hear that. One snow day is fun, ya know? But the mores of them (mores is a word)? Not so much.
      Thanks for the Wooooo!February 17, 2014 – 6:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Oh my to more snow on Tuesday. I won’t reiterate our Wednesday temp. I don’t want you to write me off ;-). I know what you mean about writing out loud – though not nearly what you’ve done, I’ve tried to dictate a blog post instead of type it and I couldn’t do it. Super congrats on the DC Listen thing. I have no idea what that is, but you’ll tell us when and where to go listen right? Love the video!February 16, 2014 – 6:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yes, Kenya, thank you for keeping how lovely and warm it is there to yourself today. I tried to dictate some posts when my hand was broken and found it easier to just type with one hand. Weird.
      And yes, I’ll tell you when and where to go listen! They film them all and put them on You Tube. It’s a live show done in 32 cities around the US where writers read something about motherhood, in honor of Mother’s Day. I’m really excited. Hopefully I don’t mess up.February 17, 2014 – 6:12 pmReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - My Skewed View - Congratulations!!!!! I am so proud of you for doing it and putting yourself out there!
    Also, the blogging thing. Question for the ages, right? I mean with my whole disaster, why didn’t I just quit ROTR? I don’t know. It makes zero sense whatsoever. So…..
    Personally, writing is the best way I’ve found to remove what is stuck on the inside of my brain.
    But as for the community, that is the most amazing benefit yet. You are absolutely right about that.
    Looks like you guys had so much fun! You’re an amazing mom. I would have freaked about the toilet paper, it’s not free you know!
    Guess what? We are due for 5-7 inches of snow tomorrow and then RAIN on Wednesday! They say we will have flooding!
    Armageddon is here!!!February 16, 2014 – 7:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Jen! I was shaking like crazy when I went to read it but am way excited!!
      Yeah, the blogging thing. HUGE question for the ages. I’m glad you hung in there with ROTR. All these glitches are temporary and it will live forever, right? NO WAY that you’re getting more snow. I feel for you, friend. Big time. Sigh. Will spring EVER get here?February 17, 2014 – 6:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Ilene - Oh my heart! You’re gonna be on LTYM!!!! That is so exciting! I am so happy for you and I can’t wait to see your clips! blogging – sheesh – you know I can’t even remember exactly why I started but I loved writing and also wanted to write novels and thought of it as first as weekly writing exercises – but now it’s so NOT THAT! It’s a strange bird blogging. A little bit of this and that and also getting to know amazing people.February 16, 2014 – 7:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Ilene! I am pretty psyched about it!! Blogging is just weird, isn’t it? Seriously weird. And addictive. But yeah, the amazing people. You. Friends. Community. It’s pretty empowering.February 17, 2014 – 6:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Beth Teliho - Wow – Tucker’s getting tall! I guess I haven’t seen pics of him full body in a while. I bet he’s lovin’ the snow! I bet you’re ready for it to be the fuck over already. Here’s hoping you get some me time this week. 🙂

    BUT BUT BUT WOW HOLY SHIT WOW!!! CONGRATS! I have NO idea what the Listen To Your Mother Show is, but I’m wildly excited you got the gig!!! Is it a reoccurring thing or just once? A radio show?

    I’m so fortunate that even though most of my friends don’t know jack about blogging, they get it. They ask questions, they’re interested, and for the love of god they read me, which blows me away and is so touching to me.February 16, 2014 – 8:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - He totally is getting tall. Everybody thinks he’s a good two years older than he really is because he’s just HUGE. And yeah, you might say that I’m exactly ready for the snow to be the fuck over already.
      LTYM is a yearly show in celebration of Mother’s Day. In like 32 cities, they have a live show for an hour and 1/2 and 10-12 writers read something that they wrote about motherhood. You should check it out!
      I love that your friends read your blog. Most of mine don’t really. (weep)February 17, 2014 – 6:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - OMG, FABULOUS!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! I am totally going! I am totally going and will stalk you after the show! Watch out!February 16, 2014 – 8:29 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA, Sarah! Where do you live? They have shows in like 32 cities. And I hope you DO come. I’d be really cool if I brought my very own stalker.February 17, 2014 – 6:22 pmReplyCancel

      • Sarah - Girl, you know I live in your neck of the woods! I’m totally coming to YOUR show, and I am SO excited!
        Also, really glad you can take these comments as intended and not in a really frightening kind of stalker way that I am definitely not.February 18, 2014 – 9:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh. You’re in Texas or something. Where it’s warm. Boo.February 17, 2014 – 6:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy - I am just thrilled to hear about the LTYM gig! Just freakin’ awesome, Kristi!
    Tucker is a handsome dude! And that smile! I am just a sucker for a cute boy smile….my son knows this very well!
    Sorry about more snow. I want you to continue to like me so I’m not mentioning our weather here in Florida.
    I have about two people in my “real” life that know I blog so I don’t get the question. But if I ever did my answer would pretty much mirror yours. If it weren’t for the people I’ve met out here, I would probably have quit very shortly after I started. Now, there is no way I could. It has become part of who I am now. “These people,though. These people.” Yep…that’s it exactly.February 16, 2014 – 8:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you so much, Sandy! I’m pretty thrilled myself!! Thanks for not mentioning your weather in Florida because I like liking you and it would suck if I had to be all jealous and stuff and you rubbed it in my face, because that would possibly make me cry. Maybe. Probably.
      And yeah, these people. You. This community. It’s the best part of blogging.February 17, 2014 – 6:30 pmReplyCancel

  • zoe - how much do you want to make a bet that all of the people for congratulating you would have known that you’re going to make it into the finalistif they have even known you were trying out? I know that because I’m not that smart and I knew!!!congrats again and I’m glad you didn’t have to use Clarks exit line !February 16, 2014 – 9:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA Zoe to Clark’s exit line! You’re smarter than I am because I really wasn’t sure at ALL. BUt I’m really glad that I did and thank you for listening. You rock.February 17, 2014 – 6:31 pmReplyCancel

  • zoe - Damn I hate autocorrect!February 16, 2014 – 9:39 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - Tucker looks like he’s having so much fun in the snow. I’m glad someone is enjoying it.
    YAY FOR YOU!! I’m so excited for you making the cut for LTYM!!! Can’t wait to see which one you chose.
    I haven’t been able to bring myself to even tell my book club about HerStories. I get so self-conscious about talking about writing. I don’t care if people I know read the blog or the book, but they all know, we aren’t allowed to talk about it.February 16, 2014 – 10:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Christine, I hear you on book club. I didn’t actually tell them that I was in it – the host did. It was intimidating reading it out loud because what are they going to say? I mean it’s not like they’d tell me “yeah, that was okay but the other people in the book were really much better?” Also, I don’t think most of my IRL friends read my blog. Some do, but we don’t really talk about it either. It’s a weird thing, really.
      Thanks so much for the congrats, too!! I’m super excited.February 17, 2014 – 6:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - Super congrats on ltym! You will be amazing. Have been thinking about this post and I agree about the immediacy of blogging. Been submitting and the gap is so long until publication, if at all! Definitely one huge benefit. Although I hope you write that novel sone day!February 17, 2014 – 10:03 amReplyCancel

  • Kate Coveny Hood - Now I feel nostalgic for the days when I used to blog more frequently! (and when people actually read what I wrote…) This is inspiring. Looking forward to working with you on LTYM!February 17, 2014 – 12:23 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kate,
      I’m over the MOON looking forward to working with you on LTYM. Thanks so much! Oh and if you need a reminder – blogging is also the time sucker of all motherlode time suckers. Still, fun though, right? Or well, addicting, anyway.February 17, 2014 – 6:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Lanaya | Raising Reagan - I completely heart that kid. He is too cute!!!
    Did he and Bridget enjoy their V-Day?? Aww … young love!

    xoxo
    LanayaFebruary 17, 2014 – 1:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Awww to young love indeed! And I agree that he’s adorable, although it’s possible that I’m biased.February 17, 2014 – 6:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - I can so completely relate to your reaction to the comment made in your book club about blogging. I would want to say so much and wouldn’t know where to start and then just wouldn’t.

    It’s a funny coincidence. I’ve never read anything of mine out loud either until last month and it was actually by choice, although terrifying, despite being presented to a small group. I volunteer at an organization that helps newcomers and they came up with an awesome idea, a motivational club for immigrants and the lady who oversees it asked me to volunteer. I was supposed to talk about professional success. Instead I’ve decided to read one of my favourite posts, which is funnily enough the exact same FTSF you’ve mentioned here on why we blog. I talked about how it helped me reconnect with myself after becoming “immigrant Katia”.Blogging for me, quite simply, is a way to be me 🙂

    I am thrilled for you and can’t wait for the post reveal! You belong there. This is great!February 17, 2014 – 1:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Katia,
      Wow, how bizarre and wonderful that we both just now read our own writing out loud and I love love that you read your FTSF on immigrant Katia to a group. I’m sure they were incredibly moved and inspired!! That’s awesome.
      And thanks so much for the congrats!!!February 17, 2014 – 6:50 pmReplyCancel

      • Katia - I know, it’s so odd, especially considering we share a blogiversary! It’s like we’re blog twins 😉February 17, 2014 – 7:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica Smock - Congratulations! So thrilled again that you read the HerStories Project for your book group. And I too have been wondering about why we blog. Sometimes I have a great answer, sometimes I don’t. But I love hearing other people’s reflections and stories.February 17, 2014 – 1:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Me, too, Jessica! They really liked the book, a lot. Reading out loud was hard but I’m so glad that I did it. And yeah, why we blog is a hard one. Some days, harder than others, I suppose.February 17, 2014 – 7:03 pmReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - Am SO EXCITED to hear that you got the LTYM show!! That is just wonderful! You will do great! I definitely think it is in moments like that for bloggers that we remember why we do this in the first place! :)-AshleyFebruary 17, 2014 – 1:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Ashley! I’m super excited too!!! And yeah, this is why. You guys. And I submitted a question in my comment tonight. Let me know if it’s worthy.February 17, 2014 – 8:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Julie Chenell DeNeen - Congratulations!!!! I knew you were awesome 🙂February 17, 2014 – 4:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA not nearly as awesome as you, sweets, with the coolest hair ever. And this. shining moments are a bonus. That stuck with me today big time.February 17, 2014 – 8:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - Congratulations! That’s wonderful news about making the show. I hadn’t heard about it – but surfed about their site and it looks great! Well done.

    The car wash and race track made me smile – very creative. As for sledding – looks like he had a blast!February 17, 2014 – 8:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks, Louise!!!
      HHAHA to the car wash and race track. Truth be told, we reused the TP. Don’t tell.February 17, 2014 – 10:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Catherine Gacad - great insight on why we blog. i totally feel the same way: the community and instant connection versus the solitude of say, writing a novel. i guess the downside is that no blogger really writes an award-winning novel. it can totally be a distraction. i’d say that the best writers are not bloggers. and the best bloggers aren’t the best writers.February 18, 2014 – 2:08 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re probably right that the best writers don’t blog and the best bloggers don’t really write, although I find that a little depressing as I still really want to write a novel. But, I’m not working on a novel, so there’s that. The community of blogging is truly amazing.February 18, 2014 – 9:45 amReplyCancel

  • elizabeth bradt - I often struggle with the question of why I love to blog and why I devote so much time to it. I’ve debated the narcissistic side of it, but have decided that the community keeps me here and the Bloppys are my friends. You’ve hit the nail on the head! .February 18, 2014 – 8:17 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so agree with the community and the Bloppys being true friends. Thanks, Elizabeth!February 18, 2014 – 9:46 amReplyCancel

  • Lady Lilith - Looks like you and your little guys had a wonderful weekend.February 18, 2014 – 12:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy Christi - Congrats! I can’t imagine reading something I wrote IN FRONT of people, but that’s amazing.
    I love Tucker’s monkey hat, he’s such a doll. It never would dawn on me to use toilet paper as a track for cars but that is genius!
    I may have to try that in Comfytown w/my gang. My girls LOVE cars and trucks.February 18, 2014 – 6:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Courtney Conover - Hi, Kristi! Rough day around these parts. I’ve got nothing to add, other than to say I came here because I knew I’d learn something and smile during the process…and I was right. Thank you for yet another though-provoking post.February 18, 2014 – 9:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Bianca @ Rant Rave Crave - I think part of the reason why I blog is that there’s a bit of anonymity out there. Yeah, some of us have pictures of ourselves, but there’s still a level of anonymity. I also like it because we can reach out to others who may be going through the same thing we are miles & miles away.

    I love your son’s little monkey hat. Looks like you guys made the most of the snow. I hope you guys get a break though!February 18, 2014 – 9:31 pmReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - Look at you all getting to read your great stuff out loud to a bunch of hens!! Yay you! Lol. That’s sweet, for real.

    Tucker looks great. Such a happy boy! He needs a brother or sister. Do that you must.February 19, 2014 – 10:09 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - I’m getting to this late this week, but it was worth it! Congratulations on your super achievement – being a Brit I don’t actually know what the DC Listen to Your Mother show is, but is sounds very impressive and cool. Wowee!

    I agree with you it’s so much easier to write than to read out loud. I have done it a few times, but not for years – apart from at my Dad’s funeral, when I told myself it didn’t matter if I broke down and cried because people would understand.

    An interesting question you pose -why do you blog? I posed this question on my blog a while ago about writing in general and I think the general consensus was one you’ve included – because we must! And connecting with other people is important too. You do a great service with this blog, that’s for sure.February 19, 2014 – 12:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - Congratulations upon congratulations for acing the audition for the Listen to Your Mother Show! You will truly be such a highlight at the program!

    Your snow is pretty and your kiddo is adorbs. I especially like the ghetto games with the tp. Funny, we just use it for, um, well, you know….February 19, 2014 – 11:39 pmReplyCancel

  • The Insomniac's Dream - Ghetto toilet paper fun! Second only to tying on towels for capes.February 20, 2014 – 8:29 pmReplyCancel

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