Spa Party

 Each year, in the spring, things get a little tense in Texas elementary schools as the STAAR test arrives.  The day of testing everything is in shut down mode.  Teacher's 'actively' monitoring groups testing....which means staring at students with two little breaks via an administrator to escape.  This year the Leadership Team brainstormed something fun for the teachers to be able to swing by and 'do' during their short break....and the school spa was born.  My teammate and I put together some invitations that were in the form of water bottles with little spa girls and fun phrases I printed on paper and cut down, then we taped onto the bottles.
We also attached trail mix packs to get them through until their break-pretzels, almonds, and bliss candy (hence the name).

It always starts with a fun invite for me.  I've seen lots of fun spa themed party ideas, but since this was for a massive group (and on a teacher's budget)....this was as good as it got this go 'round!

 We put lotions and chocolates in a basket...provided music, a fountain, little massage things.  We also rolled up little towels, got them wet and added some mint and then put a crockpot on warm (still had to watch them b/c they got hot after a few hours, but it was fun).

 The principals brought some massage chairs....which my teammate and I tried out to make sure they worked when we were setting up ;o)....they worked.

 We also provided semi healthy snacks....

My Article in Today's Paper

Christy Robbins: Public schools should not fear religion Opinion, Commentary, Editorials, Op-Ed and Letters to the Editor - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News
In 2003, an elementary school student brought pens shaped like candy canes to a Plano ISD classroom to hand out at the annual holiday party. Attached to the pen was a legend about the candy cane, including symbolic biblical reasons for each marking to explain the Christmas story. The school would not allow him to hand these out. Eight years later, this battle is still rolling around the court system as First Amendment rights are evaluated.
Now, I’m a little foggy on whether the candy cane story is a fact-filled legend or just an old tale passed down through generations. All evidence points toward the candy cane legend being written to more clearly explain Christmas. After all, the candy cane is rarely a sermon topic in Christian churches. I’ve yet to come across candy cane references in the Bible.
I have, however, read many legends from various cultures and religious groups within the pages of Texas textbooks written to paint clearer pictures about circumstances and traditions important to cultures. And that’s what people who have taken sides in this fight need to remember: The official Texas curriculum is full of legends, myths and fables that are used to impart a greater truth.
There are no court cases pending regarding the popular library book The Legend of the Bluebonnet. In that book, Native American spirits visit the hills of Texas and fill them with blue flowers because of a little girl’s sacrifice.
If The Legend of the Candy Cane received a Bluebonnet Award, would it be classroom-approved?
Delving deeper into the candy cane case itself and what it represents is the line drawn between education and a student’s right to share his or her religious celebrations. Sharing stories about why Christmas is celebrated falls under the umbrella of facts about a religion celebrated by people who live all over the world. “Multicultural studies,” which encompass religious celebrations, is another Texas standard listed for all students to cover. Many districts set aside time to observe multicultural learning. So why do standards change when Christianity becomes one of the religions under study?
Comments in previous articles about the candy cane case reflect a misconception that Christians are the only ones asking for the right to observe, celebrate and share their customs freely in our schools. Not so. There are many public displays of various religious customs in Texas elementary schools. They look different, but each aligns with the particular group’s customs and beliefs.
Local districts make accommodations for students to pray toward the east during school hours. Places are provided for students to gather when observing Ramadan, allowing these students to forego lunchroom visits. Special dietary needs are met through the district’s meal planning for students with food restrictions based on their religion.
Sharing a religious story attached to a pen, praying before a football game or even using the word “prayer” instead of “moment of silence” is a hotly debated topic when you attach the name of Christ.
If you don’t believe in the power of those prayers, why fear the effects? If Christmas is just a story, why suppress a student from sharing his religious beliefs?
If you want to prevent students from sharing personal beliefs and feelings with each other, we need to go to silent lunches and solitary recess.
There’s just no reason to fear the spread of basic knowledge. After all, having knowledge of why Christmas is celebrated doesn’t make you a Christian. It’s believing Jesus died for your sins and placing your faith in Jesus that makes you a Christian.

Milk and Cookies Baby Shower

Recently, I hosted a baby shower with a group of friends at work for a friend at work, Kristen.  The theme was Milk and Cookies (and books, she's a reading teacher).  The hostesses brought books to start the nursery collection...more on this in a minute.  This was a really easy theme to do with a large group of hostesses.

The Invitations:  I blogged about these, the process, and the innards here. 

We hosted the shower in our school library, it's the best local for a big group of folks.  Here's the sign in table, milk and cookies table, and the cookie bar. 

I blogged about random stuff like this (making pom poms etc) a few days ago. 

Here's a close up of the guest sign-in table. 

Heather's husband printed some vinyl letters (Kristen's baby's name, and we filled these jars (old frappacino bottles) with Cookie Crisp Cereal.  I bought a bunch of different brown/yellow/white fabric for all the tables.  This milk jug, and all the vintage milk jars are things I've been collecting (prior to the concept).  I have a few too many. 

For a Sign-In Memory, we had the whole staff leave a message in this book for Thomas to read someday. 

We had two tables, one for the dessert, and one for the after dessert desserts.

Dessert Table

Heather let me borrow these books from her children to create cupcake tiers.  I don't think her children have forgiven me for stealing their books, even temporarily. 

I wrapped the top book in each stack in syran wrap to prevent any grease for the cupcakes from ruining the books. 

I made chocolate and white versions of the Oreo Cookie Cupcake, which I blogged about Thursday. 

I found the perfect napkin at Party City. 

We served some water for the non-milk drinkers, and I saw the idea for putting (Sarah's) yellow straws in a vintage milk jar on this site that was shared with me when I posted the invite pictures ( I heart bloggers). 

As for the milk, my original goal was to use old frapachino bottles (I've seen this in a million times with milk or punches), but then I remembered I don't really drink fraps (I like them, I just can't afford more calories), and I couldn't find anyone else that does either, so I found these little cuties at Hobby Lobby.  It was quite a hunt!

I'm going to use them again, I host parties and showers all the time, trust me, they'll have a second...third...and tenth life, so we had this handy return crate as well. 

There are three things I love to make 'fun' at every party-the invitation, the guest sign-in, and the favors.  The beginning, the end, and the memory keeper would be another way to say it, I guess. 

The favors this time came in the shape of a cookie bar.  Edible favors-my MO, for sure!

I blogged about the bag printables,

and the fig newtons previously. 

Each hostess brought a different cookie for the bar-wafers, buckeyes, oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate chip, chocolate dipped fig newtons, and rice crispies on-a-stick, along with a bucket of Cookie Crisp Cereal (which we filled the invites with). 

I added labels and 'accessories' to each container (I blogged about these previously as well).  This is where any memory of a diet went south.  Guest all made big bags of treats to take with them.

Each table got a vintage milk jug filled with daisies, a different fabric, and a book. 

We (the hostesses) sent Kristen home with the books (we each inscribed a message into the books we brought) in this little tub, with the 'guest sign in book' added to the mix as well, signed by all the guest. 

People pictures and a 'real report' will come tomorrow.   In the meantime, here are all the pics from the shower. 

Linking To:  Tickled Pink Simply Sweet Home Remodelaholic Sugar Bananas Tatortots and Jello Funky Junk A Vision to Remember Along for the Ride Whipper Berry Be Different...Act Normal Craft Envy Shindig Saturday Wildflowers and Whimsy Under the Table and Dreaming Tattered Tag Sundae Scoop Lolly Jane Keeping it Simple Dittle Dattle Craft O Maniac CRAFT Ladybug Blessings Today's Creative Blog Krafty Kat Tip Junkie Blackberry Vine Blue Cricket Running with Glitter Trendy Treehouse Night Owl Crafting Free Pretty Things For You Tea Rose House Sisters Stuff Black Kats Design HOH Paisley Passions Fireflies and Jellybeans Crafty Soiree Somewhat Simple Gluesticks Bargain Hoot

Relay For Life

Last year myself and many of the people I work with were really moved by the struggles of a student in our third grade who was diagnosed with cancer. His teacher, Melissa, took a hands on, hearts on approach involving herself in making sure he was reminded often that we all thought of him and missed him as he journeyed through treatment. She and her husband took on the task of fulfilling his Make A Wish dream to head to Disney world with his family, and he did just that this year with a clean bill of health, and a full head of hair after a long journey, but a continuously wonderful attitude, and positive spirit. I've worked with this little guy a few times over the years, and he's precious. I took joy this year in redirecting some silly behavior that comes with being a 4th grader. I love that he's as much a part of life as ever, despite a year of unusual circumstances. He's still not allowed to be TOO silly in my group, but I appreciate the efforts and attempts all the same ;o)! We held various fund raisers last year like garage sales, bounce house drives, etc to help raise funds for the family's daily living that was strained with all the additional bills, and we also got involved with the American Cancer Society's all night Relay for Life with this story, and so many in our community directly impacted by cancer in one way or another. It's one of those things that touches everyone at some point or another. It has to be one of the ugliest words that ever entered my life, but it somehow brings the best out of people, and it certainly builds bonds that can't be broken amongst the victims, and caregivers. Last year we participed in Relay for Life as our student battled cancer, this year we participated in his honor because he beat it, thanks to the great research, and passionate people pursuing a cure that allow teachers like me to continue to correct silly behavior amongst 4th grade boys who get the chance to live a normal and healthy life.
We had about 20 members on our team (the picture at the top is not nearly everyone....I set my camera in water, and it would not work the rest of the night so I wasn't able to get a true group picture :O(...it's still not working, but that's the least of my worries). This year we raised money through online donations, a garage sale, a pickle sale (sponsored by our Beta Club), and a change drive (sponsored by our Student Council) that allowed the students to send our principal up on the roof to hang out for a day because of their generosity (it's probably the most uninterrupted work she has sat through all year). I don't know the grand total our group raised, but I know it was over 3000 last time I looked.
There were over 20 other teams from the city that participated. You head out to a field and stay up all night. The idea behind this concept is that cancer doesn't sleep, you can't take a break or rest from the journey, and neither do we. There are various ceremonies all throughout the night in honor, memory, and celebration of cancer victims. Here are two of our teachers, who are survivors. They came out in support of the cause, and kicked off the event by walking the first lap for us.

The relay portion comes in with the fact that someone from your team walks at all times throughout the evening. The track is lined with luminaries people have bought in honor, and memory of loved ones.
Each team was asked to choose a 'theme' to decorate their campsite with (the track ran past all the teams, so it was fun to see what each team came up with). The overall theme was 'Birthday Parties'....a celebration of life, seasons, and the years we have had with the patients. We chose a rodeo birthday theme (due to the field day theme most of the gals spent the morning participating in back at work), and sold cupcakes to raise additional funds (each team raises funds on sight as well).

It was a great way to spend time with co-workers, and I know memories and bonds were built that will make us all better working buddies in the years to come.

The Problem With Imaginary Lice...

At school, whenever I hear there is a case of lice (which happens relatively regularly at a school of almost 500)....I discover that I too have a case of lice-it's always been imaginary, but it's very real to me. I make the nurse check my head every time I hear the word b/c just the word 'lice' makes my skin crawl all over, and my scalp itch..itch...itch....and I'm pretty sure it's because the little bugs jumped off the words being said and into my hair. My hair is too long, and too thick for this news not to be the ultimate in drama for me. The nurse can never find any...I make her look...twice. I find every adult over the age of 18, and under the age of 'glasses needed' available to look because I'm sure there is a carnival of creepy crawlies taking root. They can never find them, but I know they are there. The case only last as long as I remember I 'have it.' The problem is, there is no shampoo in the world that takes care of imaginary lice if you can't forget your head itches. I'm just sayin'...sure teachers have the summer off, but we also have really tough things to deal with like imaginary lice-I bet other careers don't suffer from these imaginary, incurable diseases in their office space!

Classroom Conversations

I get to spend my day with MANY special friends, some a little more special than others. It's never boring. This afternoon I had a hodgepodge of first graders from three different teachers that I was trying to help increase their reading fluency. One of my little readers had some trouble being a part of the group today. At the end of our lesson I talked to him, and told him what was expected of him within the group, and that if this continued we'd need to talk to his teacher, and then I asked if he thought he can come the next day and pay attention, and participate in our learning? He quickly replied, "Yes."....Then there was a brief pause, and he said, "In case I have second thoughts, my teacher is Ms. H*****." Tomorrow should be interesting!

The Importance of Punctuation

My friend just sent me an email, and she changed her signature at the end of the email this year, with a new quote as her year's motto. I knew the ending punctuation was not a period, but I wasn't really paying attention as I skimmed it.
It ACTUALLY read:
Every child...Everday!!!
In my MIND I saw:
Every child....Everyday?!?
When I realized what my eyes had 'seen'...I laughed. It kinda reminds me of the bookends of a school year. The beginning=hope, the end=hanging on. Truly, despite the human nature that kicks in.....it's a great job, and it's so amazing to see so many people there because their hearts are too big to do anything else.

Friday's Highlight

The short straw is the only way I can introduce today's adventure. I do NOT like computers very much. I appreciate the ability to be able to communicate with so many people at one time, but beyond the social aspect of a computer-I'm just not interested. When I'm at work-so many things are filtered through the server, I really don't have a lot of fun when working with my computer, so....I don't. I can't even begin to explain how in the world I've been put in charge of so many 'computer training' activities at work. People will come down to ask me to help them fix their computer related issues. Trying to be helpful, I tell them I have no idea, but I always am willing to go down and commiserate over having to deal with ANOTHER computer problem.....and usually my best piece of advice is-unplug it and start again....it's what I do, and I'd say 50% of the time my computer works (eeck, not a good presentage!). For the record, right now-my computer isn't working right at work! My principal emailed me a few weeks ago to ask if I could do a training with the new teacher on the gradebook system. I presented the training a few years back with a partner, but not well, AND I have not even touched a gradebook in a year (I love my new job). So, I sent her a list of people I knew she could ask that were really great, and politely declined the opportunity to confuse a new batch of teachers. She emailed back, twice-once with a-guess what, you are doing it anything email (I guess the 'asking' was just her way of being polite, I should figure out this trick by now), and the second time with all the 'attachments' for what I would be presenting. So, this morning, I went up, muddled through, messed up, most of my comments ended with, "Well, this is what you WOULD do if the system was working." Training 101-never apologize for a bad presentation-I broke that rule, and so many more. Just another day at the office for me. I gave it my best shot, but considering my relative computer illiteracy-well....I think IBM won't be knocking on my door anytime too soon.

Thursday's Highlight

This afternoon I met my pals from the very first school I taught at for lunch. They laugh and calls us the Northlake Disciples as we go off into other schools. My experience there was priceless, AND one of the most difficult things I have done, thank goodness I was given the opportunity! Sitting at a table with these ladies, and listening to their experience at work, and in life is more of an education that most semester long college courses. They certainly kept me afloat the first few years....and counting!

Graduation Day

7 years after my 'first class' of students-I got to watch these students graduate. We hold a graduation ceremony for the 6th graders, and so it was a sweet bookend for me to see the same students walk the stage again. There were just a handful of our students left-many have moved, and there is a big question on some of the futures others found themself living, which made this moment so sweet. I have no doubt the teachers learned more from them than they learned from us!

A Little Pick Me Up

I've been thinking about my first group of students a lot over the last few weeks as they get ready to graduate. I remember I wanted to save the world, and didn't really understand the magnitude of that idea until I meet a class full of kids from a life full of drama. My first few years were TOUGH, but they are still my best two years. I've enjoyed all the students I've had, but those first few years were really special. I learned so much from the students, and then they went off into the world of junior high. The environment was rough, the obstacles ahead of some of those students in the next six years seemed almost insurmountable. Today, my old teaching pal and I went and surprised a few at the high school. We only had enough time to see four, but they were so excited to know we remembered, and WE were so excited to see all the successes they have found. For all the ones that aren't doing so well, and all the ones that dropped out...there were some really happy stories too. We are planning on heading to their graduation....I promised them I'd make it 6 years ago, and I made that same promise today. I can't wait! God has answered my prayers, six years later, I'm glad He took the time to show me He's always working in the hearts and lives of those we care about.

A Little Hope for Friday

Today my old teaching partner and I went to one of the high schools our first students are currently attending

At the risk of being 'boring....'

So far,things have been relatively normal the last week in my life. This weekend was all about shopping, eating, and spending time with lots of different friends. There was a minor kink in the weekend called Saturday School, but not even that is so bad after all these years of trugging up there on Saturday :O). The one thing I'm doing right now that I'm LOVING (and it's something I will be doing for at least another 6 months) is a bible study called 5 Aspects! It's a study of how and why God created woman,and it's a really beautiful way or seeing His inspiration, and plan! It's divided into 5 Aspects, and it takes each one, explains how woman was created, how sin has impacted that, and how to regain that aspect. I could never do it justice, other than to say it is my absolute favorite bible study thus far. It was originally created for a theology college course. I attend that study on Sunday night and have been enjoying the company, the discussions, and the reading! This week has brought the last full week before the first series of TAKS test. There are few students testing next Wednesday, but keep them in your prayers! They are put under a lot of pressure, and have put in a lot of work to grow this year,and to prepare. I have an opinion on a test that test all kids in the same grade, regardless of the situation in life with the same source (not that they aren't capable, but some have not been equipped equally), but I am for holding teachers accountable to show a year of growth for each child, there's a better way, but for now...this is it, so....you know what I'll be doing to fill out the rest of my week! P.s. ...because post are a litlte more fun with pictures, I'm attaching a picture of one of my favorite things about every week, my furr baby.

I do NOT love....

....teaching Saturday School! Spring Saturday school starts tomorrow at 8 am. It runs through April....help....

Warm Fuzzy of the Week

The age old question in schools (regardless of the grade) is-"What do you want to be when you grow up?" It's talked about, written about, drawn, played out in centers-you name it, they have done it (and yet so many of us are still so confused as adults about what we want to be when we grow up ;o)). Anyway, this week it seems to be popping up in my face a little bit more than usual. A third grader wrote about wanted to be an alien when he grew up in one of the small groups, and today as I was walked down the halls I saw a chart where the Pre-K teacher had scribed each students response, and then they wrote their name next to it....and here were a few of my favorites:
-A Princess
-A Baseball
-A Power Ranger
-Big, Big, Big, Big
-A Mermaid
-A Sleeping Beauty
-A Strong Doctor
-Barbie

#2 Pencils

Ahh....school....it's creeping up...one thing I've learned about my new position is that it requires even more time than my last position. I'm not sure of the impression I have made thus far with the new department I'm working for....I may be a little too '6th grade.' I've now completed two of five presentations I'll be making. The first was a group of pretty grouchy specialist, you could tell they had been around for a long time...seasoned teachers are the worst to present for....the second one was a group of 'new teachers'....my very favorite group to present for....they aren't 'broken' just yet....though there are a few bad apples (ha ha-teaching pun) in every group. Next week I have a really fun one on Monday for my school, I know that will go well-you can stink up the place and your friends will always support you (they'll wait until your back is turned to share the negative ;o)). The last presentation falls under the category "What I did over my summer vacation." Somehow I have fallen in love the curriculum we have been able to write for SS, BUT it's just another thing to add to a teacher's plate....I mean, if you eat too much, no matter how good dessert looks, there just isn't room for it. I wish I could just say "Don't shoot the messenger."....I'll survive, I always do.....and thus completes a week in the work life of Christy :O) The morale of the story-I'm glad I'm not in the classroom full time, I know it'll still be busy, and hard, but it'll be a different set of complaints....the old ones were even starting to bore me :O).

Curriculum Chaos

This is the sort of thing I pass when walking around the house.....I guess Lilly is serious about keeping me at home now that I'm here....which shouldn't be too much of a problem considering the magnitude of the project I just took on. I got a call this week from one of the 'big wigs' in the district to come and look at some new SS materials they bought for the district......she said she'd like me to help align it with what they currently have and integrate it with the LA/R project.....I had no idea how HUGE this project was....and I'm just glad I've already gone on my summer vacation....I have a feeling Max, Lilly and I will be spending a lot of time together as I muddle through trying to put all the puzzle pieces together-I'm a little nervous because it's a project with a big impact that culminates in a really scary presentation. I've done a lot of presentations in the past, but it's a new level with a bigger impact.....with the potential for a lot of groans-I'm just thinking how I would feel on the other end, but on this end, I also see my hands are tied. It's not a matter of creating new material for them-but it's supposed to be about using what they bought (pre-consulting any teachers) with what they already have (that's not entirely popular). It should be an interesting July!

Feeling a little blue...

I know each of you could remind me why I chose to take this new position, but today was a sad day all the same as I said good bye to a classroom full of kids for the last time. All my troubles with twelve year olds were totally erased, it's like I am suffering from amnesia and can only remember all the reasons I want to stay now! I was so sad to see my kids go, and I truly think if there was a gracious way to do it, without making a million enemies, I'd beg to teach 6th grade again next year! I guess it's good to leave on a positive note, but it would somehow seem a little easier if I didn't like my job and was moving on for that reason! Tomorrow I hope to finish moving most of my stuff, and start setting up my new room, it's on the 'other side' of the building, but somehow the walk feels really far right now! Imagine if I were moving to a new school, or ::gulp:: a new district?

Job News

Today I got the news I had been waiting for-it seems like longer than it really has been because I began this process last year as well, but then decided at the last minute not to follow through at that time. This year I really thought all my ducks were in a row and the stars were perfectly lined up blah blah blah. I guess when you make those big life changes, you always second guess your decision. I got the answer I know I wanted, and I am excited that I have finally encouraged myself to move on....truly. I get to be a Campus Reading Specialist next year, but more than that, I get to stay at the school where I'm currently teaching! I basically got everything I wanted, which is really awesome. I began the process of cleaning stuff out in my classroom, boy do I have a LOT to go despite everything I've already done, but today as I was sorting through things (I'll still be using that line in June, trust me-you know my pack-rat ways) I was feeling a little sad to be leaving 6th grade, full time students, my teaching partner blah, blah, blah.....it was before I got the 'news,' but I knew there would be changes next year regardless. I got this email (a daily devotional I'm attaching to the bottom of this) right before I got the email regarding my job news, and I thought-I'm so glad that God gives some of the more 'needy' of us some really clear signs when He knows we are going to need them! I've highlighted the part in red that really just hit the nail on the head! There are five more weeks of school, and a whole summer, a lot could change, but right now I feel really good about everything. So I can finally say: I got the job! The first person to read this, is the first friend to know the news because as of right now I haven't told anyone, TAKS test has kept us busy all week! I hope the spring is bringing some great new beginnigs to your life right now! "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything.

--1 Corinthians 6:12

I've noticed something every time we have moved to a new home. We wind up getting rid of things we didn't need and were just cluttering up the house. Some people are keepers and some are throwers-and they usually marry one another! The keepers hang on to things because of the comfort of the known and the emotional attachment to these items. The throwers toss stuff away because they know it isn't needed and will slow them down. I want to propose to you today that we all need to be spiritual throwers. When God wants us to move on to another place in our spiritual lives, we should throw out all of the clutter we have accumulated-old ideas, attitudes, and habits from the past that just weigh us down. Let's get rid of anything that isn't necessary to keep living and moving forward for Christ. To not be enslaved to anything. When a tall building is built, there's usually scaffolding that goes all the way to the top. But when the building is finished, the scaffolding isn't needed. It would be silly and unnecessary to keep scaffolding up around a finished building, but that's what a lot of believers are doing in their spiritual lives. Don't be attached to or dependent upon unnecessary things. When God wants you to move on, drop everything that holds you back and go forward in faith and obedience! ! BE A SPIRITUAL "THROWER," RIDDING YOUR LIFE OF ANYTHING THAT KEEPS YOU FROM MOVING FORWARD WITH CHRIST

Job Interview

Yesterday I interviewed for a Campus Reading Specialist Position. The interview went really well and it was all friendly faces in the interview process. The director told me I would have a position next year, and she is aware that I would like to stay at my current school, and the school would like me to stay. I also told her I understood that when I applied ultimately I had to be flexible, but it would be my number one choice, she said she would let me know my location by April. The rest I'm completely leaving in God's hands, He's done some pretty great stuff for me career wise up through this point! After Spring Break I am supposed to start working with the current CRS so the 'take over' will be seamless when she leaves the district. Today, while my kids took a math test, I began going through my files. I have about a million, and I didn't put much of a dent in that, but it was a start, and it's something I need to be doing from this point on so the end of the year is not such a shock. Some things I will take with me, but quite a bit of it is totally unnecessary at this point! I'll keep you posted, it was a bittersweet time, it's so difficult to leave the kids (though I'll still have small groups-I'll also be working with teachers and helping direct their teaching), 95% of the time I love the students, and we have a good time, 5% of the time I'd work at McDonald's on the graveyard shift. I need to seize the opportunity before it passes. There are plenty of classes I can go back into, but the 'big doors' only open so often....