preppy nc

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Style: Then vs. Now (Part 1)

I think it's always interesting to see how my style changes as time goes on. From the 7th grade era of Abercrombie graphic tees and Uggs... to my Lilly and monogram obsession (even though I never really had anything monogrammed and just a couple Lilly items!)... to my current J.Crew classics phase.

I believe that everyone has their own 'style', and it's interesting to me that even though I don't identify things as my 'style'... when I'm shopping with friends and I'll point out something I like, they'll be like "That's such a Sam piece." So I guess I have my own 'style', whether I realize it or not.

I was going through my old pins on Pinterest and was looking at how my 'style' evolved as time went on.

Here are some of my older pins, and my take on them now:

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My take now: One shoulder isn't really my style. It just doesn't work for me, and to me, it's a little too "trendy" and as my mom would say "hip hop" (which in her world means hip/popular). I do like the bow on the sleeve, but I wouldn't consider buying this.

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My take now: I love the color combination of navy and white. I love stripes. I love bows. But I don't love this dress. I'm pretty sure it's because of the chevron at the top. I would prefer it to be stripes all the way, and perhaps minus the bow on the dress.

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My take now: So glad I didn't buy a pair of lace shorts because I think lace is overdone nowadays. There are some things that stick rock the lace, but in general, I'm over it.

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My take now: I have always loved the color combination of white and gold. This ivory and gold combo is perfect. I still love embroidery and the perfect amount of sparkle, which this dress provides. [Side note: When I was in 5th grade, all the guys were obsessed with cars. I decided then that my dream car was a white Ferrari with gold polka dots. True story.]

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My take now: Back when my interest in patterned blouses started... these blouses are personally too see-through for me (I hate having to wear a cami underneath them!) and too casual. Maybe it's the collar, plus the area for the roll up sleeves, the color combination, the pattern... I would never consider buying this now.

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My take now: Again, glad I never bought anything with lace. And never went with the bodycon look. I've never been a fan of bodycon, personally because I have a stomach... but still. No. I would never even glance at this nowadays.

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My take now: Note to my middle school self: Don't buy anything with the name of the brand written on it and nothing else. PS: Don't try to dress like the celebrity you're crushing on. And don't wear anything with their faces on it. (Liam Payne, One Direction, anyone?)

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My take now: If I had told middle school me that high school me got these shoes, I'm pretty sure I'd be dreaming. Still love them so so much. I want a pair in brown! (After riding boots and a nice camera and a nice bag... but I still want them!)

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My take now: I love buttondowns, just not the cotton buttondowns... with the oversized pockets that take up 90% of the shirt... no thanks.

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My take now: Also another note to middle school self, don't get everything Coach labeled. Especially this swimsuit... that's taking it a bit too far. Same with the Michael Kors to everyone in the world. Nope. I'm also not the biggest fan of LV bags because of all their labeling.

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My take now: This dress is just as gorgeous as it was the first time I pinned it. I'm in love and I want it. What a gorgeous shift! I've always loved shades of white/cream.

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My take now: So glad I didn't buy a pair of lace shorts. I think the moral of this story is to not buy anything that's "cool" in middle school. Yep.

That's just Part 1! I'll make a Part 2 if you guys enjoyed this post and seeing my old "style." I'll add some newer style photos and give my take on it now as well!

*Disclaimer: Don't think I'm bashing on these outfits! I adored them at one point, and they're still cute- just not for me and my style.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Rejection

I have many flaws, but the one that stands out the most is that I'm a worrywart.

I'm always worrying and stressing over something, perhaps it's my need to not fall under expectations, or my fear that I'm not good enough... but I'm always worrying. I don't handle rejection or fear well at all.

Am I the only one? I don't take rejection well. After working so hard for something, (it hurts the most for me when it's something like a job, officer position, etc.) and not getting it, it makes me question everything... "What did I do wrong?", "What could I have done better?", "Why am I not good enough?", and I usually compare myself to the others who got the job, and wonder "What do they have that I don't have?"

This is most definitely not the healthiest response for rejection.

I don't mean to sound snobby or anything, but I haven't had to deal with that much rejection in my life. All the things that I've worked really hard for (officer positions, jobs, etc.), I've gotten. I've been really lucky, but I did apply to jobs that I knew I was prepared for and I worked very hard to prepare for job interviews with my mom.

Since I don't think I'm the only one who has this fear of rejection (hopefully my fear of rejection is greater than yours), here are some tips that I found online* (words are not my own!) to help deal with rejection:

Don't get angry. You are likely to feel angry, since you're human and it's hard to not take rejection personally. However, the reason you didn't get the job was probably the result of a variety of factors and not just a fault of yours. (source)
Exercise. Though you may not feel like it, hitting the gym or getting outside can help you feel better, especially after you get a rejection letter or call. “It takes about 20 minutes of exercise for the endorphins to start being released in your body,” says Richard Deems, co-author of Make Job Loss Work for You. Endorphins are natural pain and stress fighters produced by your body. The activity will help you clear your head, expend some energy and recharge for the next round. (source)
Accept it and move on. Put full steam into the next best opportunity you are working on. (source)
Understand That You Aren't Alone: Many more people are turned down for jobs than land them - that's a simple fact. Once you accept that, you can focus on the next opportunity. (source)

I think these tips are all great for healthily dealing with rejection. Rejection is tough. It's nice to talk to a close friend and seek advice. It's nice to go on a run to clear your thoughts. It's nice to write/talk about it. (Like I am right now!)

If you're not sure if you're about to be, don't worry over the fact that you've been rejected, but enjoy the time you still have. If you show how happy you are, your peers will see and notice that. Always be appreciative.

[Side note: While all this post has to deal with rejection with jobs and positions, rejection from friends and crushes also sucks. Just remember what Oprah said: "I don't want anyone that doesn't want me." Take time to appreciate your true friends and spend your time with them, appreciating them instead of being upset over those who rejected you.]

Monday, August 18, 2014

Why You Should Volunteer

Volunteering is something my mom has installed in me for a long time. Ever since 3rd grade, I've been volunteered. I have volunteered with Girl Scouts, school and by myself. By myself, I've volunteered at the SPCA and a local kids museum.

Giving back to the community is important
You can possibly find your new passion
You can meet new people
You can have a new activity to do
Possible networking opportunities
Looks good on college apps

These are just some of the many reasons why you should volunteer. When you find something you're passionate about, volunteer in that field! Whether you're interested in being a doctor or you're an avid reader, you'll be able to find a volunteering opportunity suited for you!

Places to look at for volunteering:

Libraries: tasks* may include sorting and shelving books | great for: if you want a bit of peace and quiet, you love to organize, you want to check out what books to read, you want to become close knit with your library. Tip: Some libraries allow you to listen to music (with headphones) while shelving books... ask! The time will fly by while you're listening to your favorite album.
YMCA / Kid's Museums: tasks* may include playing with kids, set up and clean up | great for: if you love being with kids, considering being a teacher/working with kids in the future, love to have fun, if you need a lot of hours- time flies by! Tip: Don't be afraid to ask for advice! The staff have lots of experience working with kids and can teach you a lot. Listen and ask questions. "How can I stop two kids from arguing over a toy?" Most places with volunteers have information sessions where they'll explain the basics and you can ask all your questions. Don't be afraid to ask and speak up! Always ask for help when needed.
Animal Shelters / Zoos / Aquariums: tasks* may include cleaning the animals' habitats and rooms, exercising the animals, learning about the animals' personalities to "advertise" them to potential owners, prepping the animals' food, laundry | great for: animal lovers, those interested in working with animals in the future, those interested in learning more about animals and how to care for them. Tip: Always ask for help. If you're ever in a situation with an animal where you don't feel comfortable, ask for help! Pay close attention to animals with special needs: dietary, behavior, exercise.
Hospitals: tasks* may include paperwork, running errands | great for: those interested in perusing a career in the medical field, those who want to make connections with doctors (future internship?), being in a medical environment. Tip:
Food Banks / Pantries: tasks* may include sorting food, serving food, prepping food | great for: those who want to help out the less fortunate directly, don't have a particular interest in anything specific, want to try something new. Tip: Food banks typically let you volunteer with friends. Talk to your local food bank about volunteering with a friend. Volunteering with a friend makes the time fly by!
Habitat for Humanity: tasks* may include building houses | great for: people who want to get a work-out while volunteering, those who love being outdoors, those who want to learn more about woodworking, architecture and housing. Tip: Don't like building houses? What about taking apart houses? Habitat for Humanity has other volunteer opportunities if you're not up for the task of building a house.
Museums: tasks* may include cleaning habitats, working the information desk, giving visitors directions and answering their questions, working the galleries, and helping out with events | great for: those who love the museum's subject (whether it be art, history, science, etc.), interested in learning about the "behind the scenes" of the museum, wanting to learn more about the museum's subject, love helping others and answering questions. Tip: Always be enthusiastic and friendly when volunteering. The people you're helping are the museum's visitors and the museum needs visitors to function!
Tutoring: tasks* may include helping kids with their homework, helping them study for tests, understand tricky concepts | great for: future teachers, those who love to help others and kids, the "smart kids" who are typically providing help to their peers anyways. Tip: Always be positive. Don't stress out about the kid's progress, the kid is probably already stressed. As a tutor, you need to provide positive reinforcement and constructive criticism when needed. If you're struggling with a kid, talk to whoever's in charge.

While looking for a place to volunteer at, keep in mind...

How far away is the place? Is the commute going to be an issue? Who's going to be driving you; will there be any issues for them?
What is the time commitment? Are you expected to volunteer a certain numbers of hours a week/month/year? Are you expected to continue volunteering for the next month/year? Can you commit to the time commitment?
What is essential for volunteers at this place? Do you have these traits?
Is this something you're genuinely interested in?
What exactly will you be doing? There's nothing worse than signing up to volunteer at a kids' museum expecting to play with kids, when in reality you're just cleaning up after they leave.
How do you sign up for events? Do you sign up for events?

Questions to ask if not answered...

Who do I need to communicate with if I'm unable to make it to my volunteer shift? How do I communicate with them? (Phone call, email?)
What is the dress code, if there is one?
What are my benefits, if any? (Not always the best question to ask when you're meeting for the first time... but listen up when they explain your benefits! Take advantage of your discounts, etc.)
How long are the shifts? (If not already explained)
How can I prepare myself for this position?
What are my responsibilities?
How will I be contacted about upcoming volunteering opportunities? (If not already set)
How will I record my hours? (Do I need to clock in/out? Do I need to sign in?)

Things to Remember While Volunteering

Always be friendly. You might have to work with the same person again, or every time! You might even be talking to the CEO... Who knows?
Listen. These people will give lots of advice and just want to help you do better. They are typically the experts in this field.
Never be afraid to ask "Do you need help with anything?"

Other Tips...

Don't volunteer everywhere. While it's great to try out different volunteering opportunities, once you find one you like, stick to it! You can advance and become good friends with the staff. It'll lead to more opportunities. (Like in my scenario... a job! When I first started volunteering, I just wanted a place to volunteer at. 4 years later and I'm working there now!) Similar to clubs, it's better to stick with one place than go to every place to volunteer at.
Don't volunteer just for hours for a club or school. Volunteer for fun and as another activity out of school. Doing it just for school/club's hours loses the purpose of volunteering... which is helping out the less fortunate and those who need it.
Make friends with the other volunteers. It's just like clubs, forming friendships with people who have the same interests as you! I met some really great friends through volunteering, and I got really excited when I saw that they were signed up for the same event as me.
Don't volunteer somewhere you're not needed. Some of my friends have volunteered at places where they ended up doing nothing for the time they were there. That was time you wasted doing something else, or volunteering at an organization that truly needs volunteers' help.
Do communicate with your volunteer coordinator. If there's ever an issue, let them know. If you need something (another badge, etc.), let them know. Similar to college professors, they might not know you well unless you're an active volunteer who's communicating with them.
Have fun! If you're not having fun while volunteering, consider looking for another volunteer opportunity that you'll enjoy.

Let me know if you have any questions! I love volunteering and I believe it's something that everyone should do.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Back to School: Essentials

From fashion to school supplies, here's all the items you need for a successful school year!

Backpack: I personally love The North Face backpacks. I have a Jester backpack (which yes, I did get on sale at REI a year ago for only $40). Even my mom (the ultimate saver) believes North Face backpacks are worth it. Why? The straps. The straps are so supportive on The North Face backpacks; they make carrying everything so much easier. It's better for your shoulders since the straps are much more supportive. Try putting a textbook in the backpack and compare it with another backpack. You'll realize the difference. All The North Face backpacks have these straps, so get whichever backpack suits you!

Women's Jester II

Agenda: What do all smart people have in common? They all have some form of an agenda. I strongly believe in having an agenda, especially if you're a busy bee, with clubs, sports and homework- it's the perfect way to keep track of everything. I live by my agenda and everything goes in it: from parties, birthdays, work, club meetings, club events, homework and deadlines- if I'm doing it, it goes in the agenda. There are lots of different agendas, so just find one that you love and has lots of space for you to write. The Lilly Pulitzer agendas are really pretty, the Kate Spade agendas are clean and organized, you can get a personalized May Designs agenda and Target has a variety of styles for a great price. In the past, I have used agendas from Anthropologie and Target. I think I might get a May Designs agenda this year!

May Books

Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is so important, especially in school! The benefits to drinking water are endless. Having a water bottle will ensure that you drink lots of water. I love to fill my bottles up with 1/2 ice and 1/2 water in the summer to ensure my bottle is always cold. To prevent sore throats (which are common for me as I'm always talking... loud), I bring hot water with me to school. For cold water, I use the Camelbak, because I love its simple bite & suck method. For hot water, you can use any tumbler. I currently have a Starbucks tumbler.

eddy™ .75L

Rain Jacket: There's nothing worse than sitting in a classroom, wet, sticky and gross, unable to pay attention because all you can think about is taking a shower. Bringing a rain jacket can save you all this trouble. I don't have a rain jacket, I have a mini umbrella- but I know I need to invest in a rain jacket for the school year. The North Face rain jackets have great reviews which is why I'm suggesting them!

Women's Resolve Jacket

Cute Shorts: Shorts that break dress code aren't cute at all. Remember that not only are you making an impression on your peers, but also your teachers. J.Crew chino shorts are my absolute favorite shorts of all time and I'm never going back. I have about 9 pairs of J.Crew chino shorts with the inseams ranging from 3" - 5". The majority of my shorts have a 3" inseam, since I have short legs and they fit very well. I recently bought a pair of Gap shorts that I also like a lot.

3" Chino Shorts

Tennis Shoes: You'll probably have to take gym sometime during high school, if not every year. I used to wear Nikes, but when I switched to Brooks, there is no going back. I love the support Brooks provides and they're the shoes that the fast cross country runners wear (well my friend JZ, at least), so you know Brooks are great. I included the Women's PureCadence 3 shoes here because I have the PureCadence 2s and I love them. Besides, you need tennis shoes to go work out and keep yourself happy! (Endorphins! Check out this post if you have no clue what I'm talking about.)

Women's PureCadence 3

Wristlet/Wallet: If you need your student ID, license, off-campus pass, or any card for school, why not keep it in a cute wristlet? It's perfect to bring to football games, out to lunch, or anywhere with friends. You can just keep it in your backpack. I have this Tory Burch one in navy, and I love it! It fits my phone (which I don't typically put in there, since I'm always on it), my license, my student ID (got to get those student discounts!), off-campus pass and cash. Other options include the popular Lilly crossbody phone case, this chic Kate Spade wristlet, and classic Tory Burch wristlets.

Robinson Smartphone Wristlet

Did I miss anything? Stay tuned for a my take on a Spend vs. Splurge post on clothes!

Friday, August 15, 2014

Five on Friday

First up: a quick recap of my week... check out Pint-Sized Recap for a couple of the things I did this week...

You heard about most of my week in Pint-Sized Recap, but yesterday (Thursday) was SS' birthday party. She went all out, and it was so much fun! We took a limo (with the sweetest limo driver, Teddy!) to the Cheesecake Factory and had a blast. Post on SS' party with lots of photos to come soon. I had such a blast with my sweet friends. I'm still stuffed on cheesecake (as I type this at 1:09am on Friday). This was my first time (excluding the Sweet 'N Sassy limo and when I was a baby) that I was in a real limo... so much fun! We drank sparkling apple cider and blasted rap music on the way there, and on the way back, we discovered how to turn the lights off and change the colors of the "stars" on the ceiling. We took so many photos and I got defensive that no one else liked Craig's Crazy Carrot Cake cheesecake... so good! The s'mores cheesecake was really good though...

Dinner included an awesome waitress also named Samantha, weird orange chicken, disgusting free macaroons from Anthro (I know, gross free macaroons- is that a thing?!), fried mac & cheese bites (YUM!), texting TD's friends and them fighting over having me as prom date... as one of the girls, Kai-D (I think it was Kai-D who said this), "Sam's the center of the attention and she's loving every second of it," no truer words have been spoken. Kai-D later in an Instagram comment spree replied to me saying #NoChill... again, no truer words have been spoken.

Today is SS' actual birthday! Happy birthday SS! I love you so much, and I don't think I've ever became so close to a person so quickly. We just click. She's the McSteamy to my McDreamy, and she's the Nathan to my Lucas (Scott, of course!). I know she's reading this right now, so thanks for reading my blog and stalking me on the daily, SS. ;) You're the best! I'm so glad to have a friend like you. (And I'm actually obsessed with the photo of me, SS and TD! It's my current wallpaper on my phone; best photo in the world. It's funny because I didn't love it at first, but now I love it!)

I also didn't do any summer assignment homework this week... got a lot of catching up to do this coming week. Oh well! I overheard my parents discussing a possible day-trip to the beach this weekend, fingers crossed!

I'm also planning on getting my hair cut later today (it's 1:21am right now!), but after falling in love with last night's photos, I'm not sure... Well the appointment is already made. I'm really excited to be able to donate my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths for the 3rd time! (Update at 11:14pm: fell asleep and didn't get my hair cut today... it's okay because right before I plan on getting it cut, I start growing attached to it... I wanted it gone a few days ago... typical!)

I'm also excited to pick up my order from Vestique! Haul to come soon with my Vestique purchase, my LaRoque dress, and Clinique products. (I don't usually buy this much, I promise... I probably won't be buying much for a while, hopefully! I am running low on cute tops though, any suggestions on where to buy cute season-transitional tops?!)

My Five on Friday...

Kids: Pretty sure this has been one of my "fives" many times before. I'm just in awe of how amazing kids are. Some of the things they say are wise beyond my years and other things they are say are just the cutest things. I was working today, and one of the older boys (about 8 years old) was playing in the hockey rink. The goalie was a little boy who was around 5 years old. The goalie didn't have a hockey stick, and was sitting down catching the pucks as they came into the net. I offered the goalie a stick, but he didn't want it. I also casually suggested/asked if he wanted to stand up in the goal, so it'd be safer. There were only three kids in the rink, not including the goalie, so I wasn't going to force him to stand because it was pretty safe. The older boy walked toward the exit of the hockey rink; I asked him if he wanted to get out. He told me that he left because he knew he wouldn't be able to control himself, and he would hit the puck with a lot of force, which might hurt the goalie, since he wasn't an expert at hockey. I wasn't even his mom, but words can't describe how proud/awed/amazed I was at this 8 year old kid for understanding self-control, even though he wanted to play. Way wise beyond his years, that one. Why aren't the people at my age like that? That's all I'm saying.
SS: It's SS' birthday and I just wanted to say how much I love her. She's the one I'm always talking to about everything and anything. Our taste in TV shows is pretty much spot-on: Gossip Girl, Grey's Anatomy and now One Tree Hill, so we're always watching the same shows and talking about them. We take more photos than those clingy couples do, and our photos together always turn out perfect... just saying. We just click and always make fun of each other. SS is the McSteamy to my McDreamy. Love you SS!

Love you SS!
Her dress: Charlotte Russe | My dress: J.Crew
Cameras: After seeing J's GoPro Insta at Yellowstone and SS' family taking photos of us using their DSLR (I'll ask SS what camera they have, the photo above was taken on the DSLR! Such nice photos!) I still need to find a pair of riding boots (shudders at the thought of wearing Uggs another season), but I might postpone my want for Tory Burch flats for a DSLR. I think I'd rather have a DSLR than a GoPro, since I don't travel and do that many cool things. I want to persue photography this year as well. H and some of my family friends including WL and LY both have DSLRs and they rock them! WL's family and I are really close (Side note: WL's parents are like my unofficial godparents. I actually stayed with them when my mom went into labor with my brothers. I remember eating Apple Jacks for breakfast and drinking milk out of the bowl with a built-in straw (perfect bowl for cereal!) at their house when my mom called. I named my younger brother Christopher after Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh, even though my mom wanted Nicholas. Well, his name is Christopher now, just saying. My mom tells this story to Chris, and Chris wishes his name was Nicholas... sorry Chris, if only there was a Winnie the Pooh character named Nicholas!)
Childish Gambino: SS' favorite. I started listening to Childish Gambino because of her, and I've got to admit- I really like it! I really like Heartbeat!
Clinique: I can't live without my 3-Step Clinique. I also adore all the products in the complementary make-up bags. The products truly work, and I couldn't be happier.

Hope everyone had a great week! Here's to a fun weekend and possibly an impromptu day trip!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Pint-Sized Recap

What's going on in my life...

I fell in love with the confidence wearing a black bra gives me.

I tried out a new job at my job... from summer camps to working in the museum gallery exhibits.

I found out what I want to major in, with some help of a college student... public relations.

I received the sweetest email from my sweet friend from elementary school. It made me tear up. For real. I'm considering printing it out to look at it daily. AF is the kindest girl in the world and has a way with words.

I did some major shopping. I got some new Clinique supplies (my all time fav, post coming soon) and a LaRoque dress!

PS: I got this LaRoque dress for $30... you read that correctly.

I got my eyebrows threaded for the first time. I teared up, not because of pain, just because of reaction. I feel fierce now.

I hung out with one of my STUCO advisers, and we sold 65+ class t-shirts. Yay!

I got the real scoop on college from a family friend.

I was reunited with SW at a family friend party at her house. SW and I could talk for hours. We have so much to catch up on!

I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to have the best job ever. I adore my coworkers, bosses, job and the atmosphere which I work in. Not many people can say they leave their job happier than they came in... I can.

I've read 80% of Mindy Kaling's "Is Everyone Else Hanging Out Without Me" book on the Kindle. I adore it.

As a result, I've been rewatching The Office recently. I've fallen back in love with Michael Scott and the rest of Dunder Mifflin.

I am reminded of how awesome, my president, J is. He's the best!

I got my official schedule, and 3 out of my 4 classes first semester are APs... ah!

I was reminded of just how much I love kids. So so so much.

My aunt drove all the way up from Florida, just to drop off my car. She's the best and I'm so blessed. Leather seats and a sunroof? I'm hype. (It might be my mom's car though, since it might be harder for me to park since it's bigger... but eventually it'll be mine. Hopefully eventually is soon.)

I'm ready for college for one reason: free stuff! My aunt dropped off some stuff my cousin didn't want, which included a handful of my favorite things: collegiate shirts. My cousin went to Duke, and she had so many Duke shirts, as well as a Boston College and Brown shirt, which I'm wearing now! She also dropped off some make-up for me... I love having older cousins!

I am still waiting for someone to nominate me for the ALS Challenge. Anyone?

And I'm still procrastinating on my summer assignments. Yep, there's that.

Prom planning is still on its way... hopefully we'll pick a venue soon! We're trying to find the perfect one that's within the budget and has all of our requirements. Fingers crossed the one we're looking at now will work!