trying to run function just once

This should work for you, not tested.

PHP Code:

protected static $runOnce = true;

if ($runOnce === true)
{
    // run your code
}
else
{
    static::$runOnce = false;
} 


Thanks. Where does protected static $runOnce = true; go? Can I put this in _init()?

proof that an old dog can learn new tricks