Best money spent and what I spend my day doing.

Lots of tummy time going down at the Jacobs’ pad.

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If you are ever wondering, ‘hmm I wonder what Janae does with her life now that she doesn’t have a job and moved to California’ you can know for a surety that at least 30% of my day is spent on my tummy singing You Are My Sunshine to Brooke while I teach her by example how to roll over and do other cool tricks on your tummy.    Her facial expression tells you that she is working very hard.

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After my morning OUT ON REAL ROADS run (I will talk about it more in the next post) Brooke and I had approximately 26 minutes to shower, feed her, and get everything together.  We were an hour late.

I went to a women’s workshop thingee and they started things off right with fruit, parfaits and muffins.

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A few hours later and we had lunch but my picture of it was awful (says a lot coming from the girl that posts the blurriest phone pictures ever) but we had wraps with hummus and veggies, quinoa salad and a green salad.

These were what really mattered.  Each table had a tray of toffee bars, lemon bars and brownies.

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I brought a batch of the toffee bars and oh my goodness were they good.  They kind of tasted like Twix bars and they will be made again in the future.   Here is the recipe that they gave me to use so I am not sure the actual source… sorry.

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When I got home Billy was watching the World Ironman Championships documentary from this year.  I only caught the end but every time I see these documentaries I immediately want to sign up for an Ironman and then I remember I drown in the water and I am positive sharks are drawn to me.

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The normal Saturday sample extravaganza at Costco went down and we made one of the best decisions of our lives there.

$5.99.  Best money ever spent:

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We invited some friends over and made the rest of our ribs, homemade bbq sauce and biscuits for dinner while watching football

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 What are your feelings about pumpkin pie?  How does it compare to other pies?

-I didn’t like pumpkin pie until I turned 23.  Now I love it but chocolate, banana or coconut cream pie are the true winners.

Any Ironmen reading?  Any desire to do an Ironman or other triathlons in the future?   

Anyone have a good quinoa recipe?  I loved the quinoa I had yesterday and want to make a quinoa dish at home!

Are you usually on time, early or late to things?

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63 comments

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Hi Janae

Here’s a quinoa salad recipe I make and it’s a great lunch with ham: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/quinoa-salad.php

Chocolate pie is my fave. I’d never chose anything else if chocolate was on offer – why mess with perfection?

Have a great Sunday.

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I love pumpkin pie, though key lime is still my solid favorite in the pie department : )

No Ironmans for me…I never learned how to swim properly and literally embarrass my girls with my pathetic little doggie paddle. I don’t think that I would get very far attempting 2 miles across a lake somewhere! My husband wants to try one soon, though, so I will happily settle for being an IronFan :)

We make this spiced quinoa recipe alll the time – it’s great as a side dish (in which case I usually omit the garbanzos) or as dinner!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spiced-quinoa/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=quinoa&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1

This sans the beans with a chicken breast is actually my standard pre-race meal now, since I read somewhere that quinoa is a better pre-race grain than pasta.

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Just do a lake ironman! No sharks.

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I Love love love pumpkin pie!
I have heard amazing things about Costco pies, I need to get on that, I have a feeling I could put away more than my share of 1/4 of a Coastco pie :)

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What a great way to spend your day! :) She is getting SO big!!

I love pumpkin pie, well anything pumpkin actually. There are so many things that you can do with it….I think I am going to make some pumpkin muffins this afternoon. ;)

allrecipes has a chili/quinoa that looks really good!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/quinoa-chili/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=quinoa&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page

As far as early or late goes, I am always early. Sometimes I can get a little over zealous and be too early for things. I drive my co-workers nuts! But mainly because my boss has no concept of time and takes two hour lunches to take naps. I am not bitter. Really I am not. ;)

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It looks (from that picture) that you and Brooke have THE exact same coloured eyes. And may I say — that colour is GORGEOUS!!
I could take or leave pumpkin pie — definitely with you and more into the cream pies. That being said, the key to good pie is (having my Grammy make it!! I mean …) homemade filling and a fabulous crust.
Also, I love how I scrolled and saw the picture of your bangs friend before reading the text and my mind shouted “gasp! Her bangs friend!!” and then I smiled. She’s super pretty and looks like a tonne of fun! And I love how she is a regular feature on the blog now. She sounds like a really great friend!
Two thumbs up to your elbow patches, Billy!! From the front it’s just a sweater, but catch a glimpse of the elbow? Instantly epic!!

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I love pumpkin pie, but it has to have cool-whip on it. I’m usually on time, but I’m always rushing around feeling like I’m going to be late. This is one of my all time favorite quinoa recipes http://www.hungryhealthygirl.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6028742

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Can’t wait to hear abut your outside run! I bet it was so different than what you’d be running in Utah now!
I totally forgot the IM world champs was on tv yesterday. I love watching it! I’ve done two IMs and love watching the world champs show. It always makes me cry!

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I love love love pumpkin pie. Really love anything pumpkin flavored. There is an ice cream shop around the corner from my house that makes the most amazing pumpkin pie ice cream this time of year. Delicious! I am late for everything. Every clock in my house is set to a different time in hopes it will help me be on time.

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I swear we’re soul sisters because I didn’t like pumpkin pie up until around that age too (and I’m pretty sure we’re the same age lol), so I don’t know what changed that, but I’m glad something did!! I do love apple pie though!

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Haha I love tummy time! You guys are so tan! Must be all that california sunshine :)
I’m not a fan of pie unless it’s made with chocolate filling and oreo crust, but I’ll eat all the ice cream that’s supposed to go with it…

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Pumpkin pie is truly the only pie I eat/love!!!!! I have this strange thing about other things that I like but not in pie form. (ie.bananas,apples etc) You simply would NEVER catch me eating an apple pie. An enigma I guess! :)

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I think pumpkin pie is one of the only pies I don’t like. Granted, I haven’t really given it a fair shot but yeah… it’s not something that sucks me in like a black hole. Chocolate, apple, or banana, on the other hand… whoaaaa I’m in trouble. And I’m actually pretty paranoid about being late, so I’m usually either exactly on time or a few minutes early.

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I can eat pumpkin pie, but it is not even close to my favorite and I would never pick it. Apple, definitely.
I watched the Ironman on the computer and then caught the special. The swim scares me.
Can’t help with the quinoa.
Usually a few minutes early. Never less than on time.

The Kidless Kronicles

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Those two photos of you and Brooke are too precious for words! I love her hair with her little bow… adorable. I do love pumpkin pie, but I wouldn’t say it’s my all-time favorite pie. Pecan pie and cherry pie are my top faves!

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Yum, the pumpkin pie looks so delicious!!

I’m an Ironman! I’ve done 4, including the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. I’ve also done countless half Ironman races and have gone to the half Ironman World Championships 3 times.

You should totally do an Ironman! You can obviously run a (fast!) marathon, you’ve already done a century ride and you can swim! With training, you’ll be good to go! I’m doing Ironman Lake Tahoe and Ironman Los Cabos next year!!

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I made these great quinoa stuffed peppers and they were fantastic. The whole family loved them. Here’s the link http://sandeesmidlifemarathon.blogspot.com/search?q=Quinoa+stuffed+peppers.
My husband did a half Ironman. I’m like you though and I would drown. My husband has offered to do the swim part for me if I wanted to do it as a relay.

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“which is actually a big step for him considering he usually turns down happiness.” haha. I laughed out loud when I read this!

I always think that I don’t care for pumpkin pie until I have the one required piece following Thanksgiving dinner. Then I realize that it’s actually pretty good. I think I like the crust more than anything.

Creamy quinoa primavera. DELICIOUS. But if I remember right this recipe makes a ton, so I would save it for a dinner with friends night!
http://www.letsdishrecipes.com/2011/03/creamy-quinoa-primavera.html#.UJ–e44jmwo

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Oh how I love pumpkin..just about anything….but NOT pumpkin pie. I have this recipe for banana cream pie that is amazing! I brought it to gluttonfest last night and it did not dissapoint. Cream pies are where it is at for me.

The pic of you and brooke on your tummies is so cute. 2 gorgeous girls to boot.

I make this BBQ chicken quinoa and it is sooo easy and quick (and tasty). Ross and I love it (the kids? Not so much) Yet, I still make it often and they have to suffer through it-i am such an awesome mom like that.

I put 1-2 chicken breasts (depending on how big they are) in a crock pot with BBQ sauce. Cook until done then shred.
Bring two cups water to a boil. Add one cup quinoa, cover, turn the heat to low and cook until all water is absorbed.
Add chicken and quinoa to a large bowl when finished and add the following:
One can of corn (drained and rinsed)
One can black beans (drained ans rinsed)
3 green onions, chopped
A handful of cilantro, chopped
mix together, add more BBQ sauce, if desired and sprinkle with shredded pepperjack cheese
Donezo

Can’t wait to hear more about your outside run! Have a great day!

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Brooke’s little face when she’s on her tummy!!! Too cute! She is concentrating REALLY hard!! ;) And I think that pie challenge was a worthy challenge. I LOVE pumpkin pie, but only if the ratio of whipped cream to pie is about 1:1.

xo

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The Ironman world championshop telecast is alway one of our “date nights” in October. Mr J, my hubbs, did his 1st ironman in May and it was amazing for me to be a spectator. He bought me a tri bike the next week and he is doing anoth one in 2013.
As for pie– I am a November baby and always request pumpkin pie for my birthday! My all time fav– really good apple pie w icecream.

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I love quinoa…especially with basil, grilled veggies, feta & bslsamic!

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Nope, not a pumpkin (anything) lover. I’m kinda like Billy and am usually too full for dessert. Am I still your friend? :-o

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The only pie I like is pecan but im trying to branch out ;) I would be awful at triathlons which is why I stick to running!

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I didn’t start liking pumpkin pies till I got older either! Now pumpkin or apple is probably my favorite.

I would love to do a tri, except I don’t know how to swim which could be a problem….i’d like to do some tris with kayaking instead of the swimming portion.

I just had a great black bean quinoa veggie burger from runners world…http://ravenous.runnersworld.com/2012/10/09/make-your-own-veggie-burgers/

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I just have to say that Brooke is absolutely beautiful!! I love seeing pics of her!!

I was watching Ironman yesterday while running on the treadmill and it was very inspiring but I am with you…I would totally drown!!

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I used to always be early or on time, but now that I take public transportation in Chicago, I tend to be late… it kills me inside! And I like pumpkin pie, but apple will always be my favorite!

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Love pumpkin pie….since it sounds healthy, I think it would be yummy for breakfast!

Early…always!

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Who cut those pieces of Pumpkin Pie? Me? They are HUGE! I need pumpkin pie in my life NOW! I love it.

Funny you mention Costco. We’re going there today. Hmmmm.

SHARKS! They are also out to get me. Which is why I couldn’t do an Ironman. But I do enjoy watching them.

And, I’m always early. It’s pretty sad how early I am. Unless I’m with my husband and we’re always late. Drives me insane.

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I am so proud that Billy decided to say yes to the sugar. And yes to the elbow pad in one day. What a big milestone. Ha

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I’m obsessed with this Quinoa mac n cheese recipe I found… LOVE it!
http://monimeals.com/meals/quinoa-mac-n-cheese/

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Have vaguely considered a triathlon occasionally (not crazy enough for an ironman). But it’s the cycling that gets me – I cannot stand it!!!

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I love pumpkin pie! But a really good pecan pie (my uncle’s!) is even better.

I am always early or on time. Unless I am really, really lost. Which happens.

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I’ll eat pumpkin pie, but I definitely prefer fruit pies. I signed up for my first sprint triathlon! Its not until next April but its an open water swim in Mission Bay so I’m scared I’m going to die. I made tabouli with quinoa yesterday and it was delicious! I’m usually early or right on time.

The big question is, did YOU finish your pie??

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Costco’s pumpkin pie is the best. No reason to make it from scratch…it’s the only one I insist on buying. I am always on time or early, no desire for an ironman or triathalon. Cheesy Quinoa Fritatta…amazing! They served it to us for breakfast at Fitbloggin’ 2012.
http://www.sweatismysanity.com/2012/09/cheesy-quinoa-fritatta-recipe-what-i.html

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Girl, I drown in water too. Can’t swim, at all. :(

Brooke and her facial expressions!! How sweet is she??

I don’t think I’ve ever had pumpkin pie actually! But, i can’t imagine anything better than chocolate pie ;)

Have a lovely Sunday!!

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Brooke looks so adorable in those pictures! :)
I love me some pie…..almost any kind but, fruit pie or key lime pie is the winner for me. I enjoy all of your dessert posts because I get the same happiness when I encounter dessert!

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this is one of my favorite quinoa dishes to make…I highly suggest using the fresh cilantro AND putting some fresh salsa from TJ’s on top…scooping it up with tortilla chips is optional, just highly recommended ;)
p.s. for the video–they tell you exactly how to make it, you just have to get past their silly antics :)

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Brooke looks like she has a tan! Lol, what a cutie pie!

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Janae you just made me day with the news that Costco has pumpkin pie now for all of $5.99. However, my waistline is upset with you for this news ;)

I LOVE pumpkin pie. It is by far the best {food} part of Thanksgiving.

I’m digging Billy’s sweater. I’m dying for a sweater with elbow patches.

The Ironman event is my #1 must-do before I die. Growing up as a competitive swimmer I have that in the bag.. I can run decent now. The only thing between me and taking that step is robbbing a bank for a road bike :)

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If I get a new tri-bike for xmas, I would have to do a triathalon of some distance. I don’t know if I could eat a 1/4 of a costco pie, but I could eat a chunk of it.

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I LOVE pumpkin pie now, but it took me a long time to like it. Now it’s my favorite!

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Pumpkin Pie is the only pie I really like. Those toffee bars look sooooooo good. I’m def going to make those!

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Those photos of Brooke are soooooo cute!!! Thanks for sharing!!

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I simply could not get enough pumpkin pie if I tried! I have to stay away from Costco this time of year because I have the potential to put one of those suckers away by myself! : )

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Hi!!
Ohmygawsh you and Brooke are SO adorable!
I love anything pumpkin flavored and eat something pumpkin at least once a day in the fall, so yes I like pumpkin pie!
I have a great Mexican Quinoa recipe on my blog that you should definitely check out- http://www.elizasedibles.com/2012/06/14/mexican-quinoa-salad/
:)

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I love pumpkin pie! Ironman competitions are crazy! The swim part just terrifies me.

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LOL Janae you crack me up. Age 23..love how you can somehow relate age to when you started liking a pie. so precise!

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Ok so….. I would have absolutely no problem eating 1/4 of a pumpkin pie. I’ve never tried it, but I’m pretty sure I know how it would end, haha.

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Love pumpkin pie and really almost anything that is pumpkin flavored. I really think Brooke is going to be your Mini-Me. The picture of you two side by side is precious! You both definitely have the same eyes. Billy is going to have to work hard to keep those boys away from her:)

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One day I really want to do a half ironman! This month Runner’s World had a great chicken and quinoa soup recipe that we have made.

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Yummy!! Pumpkin pie is my favorite!!
Gosh, Brooke looks just like a mini you, and that little pink bow is too cute!

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I am allergic to cloves, so no pumpkin anything for me

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I never liked pumpkin pie until a couple of years ago either and nowww I cannot stop eating anything and all things pumpkin… YUM! I’ve never tried the Costco pumpkin pie but I trust that it’s awesome and especially awesome because of the price ;)

I love quinoa, it’s so versatile! Two of my favorite ways are: Mediterranean style with olives + feta cheese + bell peppers and Italian style with tomato sauce + bell peppers + spinach + chicken sausage + parm cheese :D I also wanna try swapping it for oats to make a sweet dish!

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LOVE the second picture of the two of you! Like mother, like daughter- absolutely GORGEOUS!!
& next time you want to have a pumpkin pie eating contest, I’m SO there! Pumpkin is my FAVORITE!

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I’m sure I’ll do an ironman- I train with a lot of ironmen and ironwomen :)
In fact, our friend Rick just won the 60-64 age group in Kona. We’re so proud!! :)

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Triathlons terrify me for the drowning part, too.

I used to LOVE pumpkin pie, but now the consistency really bothers me. I like pumpkin in pretty much everything else, though.

I love your pie challenge. It sounds like something I would do.

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I am not a pie fan. I just never understood why anyone would eat a piece of pie when chocolate cake existed. :)

I am actually planning on doing my first 70.3 Ironman in July. Not sure if I will ever graduate to a full Ironman, but I won’t rule it out.

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Oh my gosh – please tell me her hair naturally goes like that! I legitimately showed my husband these pictures of Brooke saying I want our baby to be a girl because LOOK HOW FUN IT IS! :)

I actually don’t like pumpkin pie (I know, French Silk is the BOMB) and I think once I have the baby I will start training for my tri! Probably only a sprint tri but it’s a start!

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Pumpkin pie is the best pie flavor, hands down!

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I LOVE pumpkin pie but cool-whip is grrrroooossss! It is made with the same stuff that they use to lubricate condoms. In case you don’t believe here is one of a ton of articles about it. Another good reason to eat REAL whipped cream (now THAT is yummy)!

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/15.05/st_coolwhip.html

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One Thanksgiving my cousin and I decided that we would each eat an entire pumpkin pie. It was one of those holidays where EVERYONE comes (like 2nd cousins and everything) so we had an abundance of pies. I’m pretty sure I was 11. I was in an anti-turkey phase (what was wrong with me?!). If I remember correctly I don’t think I ate much of anything except the pie. I finished mine and my cousin did not. I ended up sick and she did not. Clearly, I’m the loser in this story but I still love anything pumpkin and look forward to pumpkin pie everything Thanksgiving.

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Wow!!! This story made my day! This might be my new goal for thanksgiving!

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