As I sit here and write this post I am thinking of what I need to do. What is my next move in the jumbled game of life. I don't know what is my next step what to think of doing. I get up and wake up tired. I go back to sleep and try to feel rested but I can't feel rested no matter what. My mind swims 100 miles a second, trying so hard to decided what my next move is in life. I talk it over with the "Hub's" With the pro's and con's of all of life's little up's and downs.
I am having a bad time with the lap top so I need to make this post quick because I have written this same post 6 times. I will write more tomorrow. Happy Weekend! <3
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Tempt my Tummy Tuesday.
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup cashew nuts
Directions
- Mix the peas, cauliflower, olives, and celery together in a large bowl.
- Whisk the ranch dressing, yogurt, and garlic powder together in a small bowl. Pour over pea mixture, and stir until ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle cashews on top just before serving.
Nutritional Information 
Amount Per Serving Calories: 180 | Total Fat: 10.8g | Cholesterol: 2mg
Meet Me Monday...
1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper?
I jump around a lot until I get to the one place that is comfortable enough to fall asleep. Then I don't move the rest of the night.
I must have the top cover taut & tucked in against my feet, or I just can't take it.
for the most part I am a neat tummy sleeper.
2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________.
Of a free spirit that I use to be. I use to be the fly by the seat of my pants kind of a girl and then I grew up and became a total OCD planning freak show. I write lists and plan vacation down to the very second. I know one thing I made my Mom & Hub's trip so stressful, it wasn't as fun as it could have been if I would have just chilled out a bit. In my family we call it being the camp boss! ( Type A control freak I guess)
I love my husband & Mom so much, this memory was wonderful.....
Only thing that was missing was Dad!
3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?
That going to collage was not something I should have skipped. I should have been told I needed to be in collage because those that have a education can get paid more then someone that didn't, Because they put in the hard work.
I should have gone to collage, but I decided to go to work and start making money, I thought that I would work there forever but things change and I don't work there now but because of that I am now working on being a paid freelance writer and truly doing something I love!
That going to collage was not something I should have skipped. I should have been told I needed to be in collage because those that have a education can get paid more then someone that didn't, Because they put in the hard work.
I should have gone to collage, but I decided to go to work and start making money, I thought that I would work there forever but things change and I don't work there now but because of that I am now working on being a paid freelance writer and truly doing something I love!
4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market?
5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be?
Hummmmm. Tonight I would love to have my Nana's home made Chicken noodle soup. YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love my Grandma more then she or anyone else will know. She is an amazing wonderful women and she is one of my best friends...I just love her so much.
Friday, August 6, 2010
No-Go -BlogHer- BOOOOHOOOO!
Thousands of bloggers will be gathering together in New York for BlogHer 2010.
Sadly, I am not one of those bloggers. (insert tears here!)
Instead, I am participating in the No-Go BlogHer blog hop sponsored by To Be Thode and Marf Mom.
We have been asked to answer a couple of questions and then. THEN, we will be entered to win one of the really great prizes offered by these two generous gals and their sponsors. I am trying to meet new people and find new friends. So with that thought I have decided to play along.
So here goes.
1. When did you start blogging?
- I started blogging back in 2002 when I got married to vent, the ramblings of being a newly wed, house mouse, trying to stumble through my life and all the new adventures & health issues that I was faced with throw in my husbands ex-wife and I just needed some way to have an outlet. Then last winter I was home a lot shut in the house with the feeling that I needed to find a way to write and truly let my love for writing be out there.
- I started blogging this blog because I decided to write an article for the local papers, I thought that adding a blog and writing about the places that I go and stay at so I am able to share all my thoughts about my stay . I started my own blog here on the world wide web because I enjoy making people laugh, Also get my ideas in my head on paper. To make myself a brand and connect people in my community! ( I never thought that in a few months time its gotten so big)
- I will be going to a family BBQ on Saturday, This part of my family is so special to me and I just love that I will be swimming in the water, eating good food, making new memories with my family. I will be taking pictures of the entire day. Oh and I get to clean house...
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Great Wolf Lodge mini Vacation.......
Last Sunday myself and my friend April, her daughter Angeleila, and Angeleila's friend Kaylala packed ourselves in the car for a three hour tour from Kitsap County to the Great Wolf Lodge. What a beautiful drive. I love seeing the State Capital in Olympia stick up above the green trees with the beautiful blue sky behind it! I would never get sick of seeing that view.
When we took the turn off to make are way to the GWL, you are able to know that with the big wolves in the front protecting the lodge is not the only a Grand thing you are about to experience.
At first I really wasn't sure if I didn't have a child of my own if I would really get the big picture. The attraction of why it is such a big and important place to go to and experience. As I am writing this I am still smiling for the great time I had and can only imagine what I would feel if I was a child going here for the first time.
In entering the lobby you instantly know your in for a great stay. Right away you see the line the hussle and bussle of all the people going in and out of the water park, through the lobby to get to their rooms. It was amazing how families were around smiling and laughing, making memories. I loved how alive the lobby was it was a wonderful feeling to see it so busy and full of families having great times, a time that a family will forever remember.
As the line was backed up through the rolling ropes up to the hotel front desk. I was reminded of my many stays at the Disney properties. I was greeted with a smile and explained in detail about all the perks and where to take the kids and really all the amazing things that they have to offer.
The water park was much more then I thought it would be. I was thinking it would be a lot like the other water park in Federal way. Nope this blew anything around out of the water...( No pun intended.) The star of Great Wolf Lodge is the indoor waterparks, with 340,000 gallons of swirling, sloshing sliding water make it one of America’s largest!!!! Boasting with 6 huge slides, 3 pools, giant water fort, indoor/outdoor hot tubs, then even have an enormous outdoor waterpark! It is something that all ages will enjoy on their own or together!
Our room was on the second floor and was number 217 it was big and comfortable and every thing you could think of. It was a KidCabin Suite decorated with a log cabin in the middle of the room. Inside the "log cabin" was a bunk bed & a day bed and a small flat screen TV, with movies and Nintendo, ( you have to rent both the movies and the games) I would love to see a DVD player in the rooms and a redbox in the lobby. Maybe even board games in each room to play before bed. I think the families would enjoy it.
In the main room there was a queen bed that was comfortable with extra pillows and blankets, there was a full-size sleeper sofa so two families could fit in this room if they wanted to. There is also another TV in the main room. This suite has a beautiful gas fireplace. The KidCabin is so spacious, I would stay in there again, maybe just have a patio or deck off the room would have been nice. The added touches like the log cabin themed side tables, trim, & coffee table, even adding a country kitchen table for your family to sit up at just makes it wonderful for your family to enjoy also. Included in the room are granite counter tops a separate vanity from the shower area and the yummy bath products they give you from the spa are to die for!! ( Even the bubble gum shower gel) The added touches that the lodge goes to for making it extra special shows in every single hand picked detail.
Speaking of things that they offer.... talk about not having to leave once you get there. They have everything your heart could think of or dream of wanting on site. The gift shop is just wonderful and the prices are so good. Starbucks is on hand, now how could you go wrong when you can get your "Bucks" easily and on site. A wonderful Gift shop Buckhorn Exchange, Bear Essentials swim shop.
There are places to eat where you can find something your entire family would like and enjoy. Camp Critter's bar and Grille, Spirit Island snack shop, Grizzly Rob's bar & even a Pizza hut!
I decided to go to the Critter's bar and Grille. It was a great choice, I had the best salad with crab, salmon, shrimp. It was so big that two of us could have eaten it but I was a piggy and ate it all by myself. :)
I took the kids to the Cub Club where they were able to do some fun free activities and enjoyed a one on one story time! They then made flip flop sun catchers, it was fun to see them enjoy their time! The kids could have also done a Jr Life guard class and then spend the next day following a lifeguard. We also made two husky puppies at Great Wolf Stuffing Station, ( Just like the build a bear) Also one more non-swimming thing to do is a build your own crocks (the slip on shoes with the holes) We did a pair for each of us and laughed the entire time.
For the older child that you might bring there is an option for something fun for them to do as well. There is an Arcade & a place called gr8_space with multiple gaming stations like the Nintendo Wii, XBox360, and Playstation 3, along with fun games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. There are also computers with parent approved Internet access so your kids will never have to miss a Myspace, Facebook, or Twitter update, ( Ok maybe us grown ups as well.) You can enjoy the latest movies & today's hottest music and videos. Their most popular event is their Teen Dance Party which is hosted by a GWL dj’. Your teen can dance to all of "in" dance music in a safe and fun environment, where you as their parent's wont have to worry and you will seem pretty cool to let them join in on the fun!
If that isn't enough for your family try going to the Northern Lights Arcade. Just make sure not to wear a thin shirt with a white bra or all eyes will be on you,(insert laugh here) yup it happened to me!! There are over 100 games that are on the token system and is super fun. Located on the 2nd floor on the entrance level of the Water park. It is also a great escape for that little break you might need for an hour or so before or after a long swim. While your kids are there you can go use the fitness room
After hours of swimming and going down water slides, we went to the room got in our PJ's and went to the Great Clock Tower and if you haven't seen this for yourself it is an animated display in the Grand lobby. It is a 15 minute show. Animals coming alive singing and telling a story to teach your children and maybe even teach you a great life lesson. They run three times at day at 10:00 am, 8:00 pm & 9:00pm.
Feeling like you need some extra pampering while on your mini vacation? Do what I did and go get a treatment at the Elements Spa where they offer guests the perfect retreat. Specializing in much needed stress reduction and relaxation, I was able to enjoy a facial and a wonderful foot treatment. They have the spa set up perfectly to relax, with low lit lighting it takes you miles away from whatever you need to run from. So grab your spouse or a girlfriend and hit the mini getaway designed for you to slow down and unwind & re energize. There is so many wonderful things to pick off of the menu from massage's to a facial's. You deserve the pampering.
While you are there you should have your little girl go to Scoops, where your little girl can enjoy a spa that was created just for kids with services designed exclusively for ages 4-12 years old. Everything in scoops is centered around delicious ice cream dishes!!! Ice cream flavor's you crave for a manicure or pedicure. They even have special facial's that are just for young tween faces and skin needs. We’ll pamper, beautify and spoil your girl. Make sure to bring the camera!!!
Then there is MagiQuest an adventure game unlike anything you’ve seen before. Armed with magic wands, Children will explore an enchanted kingdom to solve puzzles, discover hidden treasures, help mystical characters, and even slay a dragon. The combination of video gaming, role-playing, and story-telling makes you the star in this fun game. A great way to truly see and experience the entire hotel. You have to look up and down and all around the hotel or you will miss it! We did this and the Pixie Hallow was the best part of it for Angie, she was able to learn and play at the same time. Some parents might think that this is a non-needed Indulgence, but if a $14 dollar wand will add that smile to your child's face its so worth it. Remember they're only children for a while so you might as well make the most of it!
I had a great time and I even booked another trip to return with just the "Hub's" and I. Something really important for us is to have fun together and this is just the right place to do that. Stay tuned for that review! I will add some fun things that we did as a couple in that post.
I was invited back to stay Oct. 15-17 in celebration of their Howl-O-Ween festivities. They’ll have crafts, spooky story time, trick-or-treat, and much more! Because they know how important my readers are to me they’re also giving something to you!!!! A chance to join in the festivities! For a limited time, they are offering a discounted rate of $169 per night to guests that book using the promo code “1010FAMBLOG” before 9/14/10. They are only promoting this through bloggers. Check out the special website for your readers to get more details here,
:http://www.greatwolf.com/halloweenspecialevent. If you do make a reservation please let them know you found out through Kingstongirl!!!
In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided a discounted stay by Great Wolf Lodge in connection with my review.
At first I really wasn't sure if I didn't have a child of my own if I would really get the big picture. The attraction of why it is such a big and important place to go to and experience. As I am writing this I am still smiling for the great time I had and can only imagine what I would feel if I was a child going here for the first time.
As the line was backed up through the rolling ropes up to the hotel front desk. I was reminded of my many stays at the Disney properties. I was greeted with a smile and explained in detail about all the perks and where to take the kids and really all the amazing things that they have to offer.
The water park was much more then I thought it would be. I was thinking it would be a lot like the other water park in Federal way. Nope this blew anything around out of the water...( No pun intended.) The star of Great Wolf Lodge is the indoor waterparks, with 340,000 gallons of swirling, sloshing sliding water make it one of America’s largest!!!! Boasting with 6 huge slides, 3 pools, giant water fort, indoor/outdoor hot tubs, then even have an enormous outdoor waterpark! It is something that all ages will enjoy on their own or together!
Our room was on the second floor and was number 217 it was big and comfortable and every thing you could think of. It was a KidCabin Suite decorated with a log cabin in the middle of the room. Inside the "log cabin" was a bunk bed & a day bed and a small flat screen TV, with movies and Nintendo, ( you have to rent both the movies and the games) I would love to see a DVD player in the rooms and a redbox in the lobby. Maybe even board games in each room to play before bed. I think the families would enjoy it.
In the main room there was a queen bed that was comfortable with extra pillows and blankets, there was a full-size sleeper sofa so two families could fit in this room if they wanted to. There is also another TV in the main room. This suite has a beautiful gas fireplace. The KidCabin is so spacious, I would stay in there again, maybe just have a patio or deck off the room would have been nice. The added touches like the log cabin themed side tables, trim, & coffee table, even adding a country kitchen table for your family to sit up at just makes it wonderful for your family to enjoy also. Included in the room are granite counter tops a separate vanity from the shower area and the yummy bath products they give you from the spa are to die for!! ( Even the bubble gum shower gel) The added touches that the lodge goes to for making it extra special shows in every single hand picked detail.
Speaking of things that they offer.... talk about not having to leave once you get there. They have everything your heart could think of or dream of wanting on site. The gift shop is just wonderful and the prices are so good. Starbucks is on hand, now how could you go wrong when you can get your "Bucks" easily and on site. A wonderful Gift shop Buckhorn Exchange, Bear Essentials swim shop.
There are places to eat where you can find something your entire family would like and enjoy. Camp Critter's bar and Grille, Spirit Island snack shop, Grizzly Rob's bar & even a Pizza hut!
I decided to go to the Critter's bar and Grille. It was a great choice, I had the best salad with crab, salmon, shrimp. It was so big that two of us could have eaten it but I was a piggy and ate it all by myself. :)
I took the kids to the Cub Club where they were able to do some fun free activities and enjoyed a one on one story time! They then made flip flop sun catchers, it was fun to see them enjoy their time! The kids could have also done a Jr Life guard class and then spend the next day following a lifeguard. We also made two husky puppies at Great Wolf Stuffing Station, ( Just like the build a bear) Also one more non-swimming thing to do is a build your own crocks (the slip on shoes with the holes) We did a pair for each of us and laughed the entire time.
For the older child that you might bring there is an option for something fun for them to do as well. There is an Arcade & a place called gr8_space with multiple gaming stations like the Nintendo Wii, XBox360, and Playstation 3, along with fun games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. There are also computers with parent approved Internet access so your kids will never have to miss a Myspace, Facebook, or Twitter update, ( Ok maybe us grown ups as well.) You can enjoy the latest movies & today's hottest music and videos. Their most popular event is their Teen Dance Party which is hosted by a GWL dj’. Your teen can dance to all of "in" dance music in a safe and fun environment, where you as their parent's wont have to worry and you will seem pretty cool to let them join in on the fun!
If that isn't enough for your family try going to the Northern Lights Arcade. Just make sure not to wear a thin shirt with a white bra or all eyes will be on you,(insert laugh here) yup it happened to me!! There are over 100 games that are on the token system and is super fun. Located on the 2nd floor on the entrance level of the Water park. It is also a great escape for that little break you might need for an hour or so before or after a long swim. While your kids are there you can go use the fitness room
After hours of swimming and going down water slides, we went to the room got in our PJ's and went to the Great Clock Tower and if you haven't seen this for yourself it is an animated display in the Grand lobby. It is a 15 minute show. Animals coming alive singing and telling a story to teach your children and maybe even teach you a great life lesson. They run three times at day at 10:00 am, 8:00 pm & 9:00pm.
Feeling like you need some extra pampering while on your mini vacation? Do what I did and go get a treatment at the Elements Spa where they offer guests the perfect retreat. Specializing in much needed stress reduction and relaxation, I was able to enjoy a facial and a wonderful foot treatment. They have the spa set up perfectly to relax, with low lit lighting it takes you miles away from whatever you need to run from. So grab your spouse or a girlfriend and hit the mini getaway designed for you to slow down and unwind & re energize. There is so many wonderful things to pick off of the menu from massage's to a facial's. You deserve the pampering.
While you are there you should have your little girl go to Scoops, where your little girl can enjoy a spa that was created just for kids with services designed exclusively for ages 4-12 years old. Everything in scoops is centered around delicious ice cream dishes!!! Ice cream flavor's you crave for a manicure or pedicure. They even have special facial's that are just for young tween faces and skin needs. We’ll pamper, beautify and spoil your girl. Make sure to bring the camera!!!
Then there is MagiQuest an adventure game unlike anything you’ve seen before. Armed with magic wands, Children will explore an enchanted kingdom to solve puzzles, discover hidden treasures, help mystical characters, and even slay a dragon. The combination of video gaming, role-playing, and story-telling makes you the star in this fun game. A great way to truly see and experience the entire hotel. You have to look up and down and all around the hotel or you will miss it! We did this and the Pixie Hallow was the best part of it for Angie, she was able to learn and play at the same time. Some parents might think that this is a non-needed Indulgence, but if a $14 dollar wand will add that smile to your child's face its so worth it. Remember they're only children for a while so you might as well make the most of it!
I was invited back to stay Oct. 15-17 in celebration of their Howl-O-Ween festivities. They’ll have crafts, spooky story time, trick-or-treat, and much more! Because they know how important my readers are to me they’re also giving something to you!!!! A chance to join in the festivities! For a limited time, they are offering a discounted rate of $169 per night to guests that book using the promo code “1010FAMBLOG” before 9/14/10. They are only promoting this through bloggers. Check out the special website for your readers to get more details here,
:http://www.greatwolf.com/halloweenspecialevent. If you do make a reservation please let them know you found out through Kingstongirl!!!
In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided a discounted stay by Great Wolf Lodge in connection with my review.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Thankful Thursday!
It's that time again and for the past few weeks I haven't done it. Thankful Thursday is a way for me to reflect on the wonderful things that I have to be thankful for. I look around me and there is one relationship that has always been so important to me, the one I have had from the very moment my life on earth began.
The relationship with my Mom. What I have with my Mom is unlike most mother and daughter have. I was 2 1/2 months early when I was born. My mom was just a baby herself, being only 20 when she had me. I couldn't even think what it must have been like to be married with a baby at such a young age. I am sure that she was more scared then she let on.
My mom always did what she could to make me happy, always having an open door for all of my friends. There wasn't a weekend when my house wasn't filled with kids hanging out. I know now that as an adult this really must have cost them and arm and a leg, yet she never complained.
I know that there are some big reason why we are so close namely because of three major things. 1) My dad worked so much that 99.9% of the time it was just her and I. I remember we had a tradition to go see movies on the Holiday because we hadn't been asked to go anywhere else and we would celebrate when my Dad was on his day off. 2) The relationship that she had with my Grandpa ( her dad) was so close that she would want that bond with her own child. He died when I was five and I really never got to know him. This crushed her and I know as an adult now that if she died it would kill me. 3) The relationship that she had with her own mother growing up and until about 15 years ago has been the total opposite of what her and I have, I think that when you have a bad relationship with your mom or dad that you do everything in your power to have a wonderful close relationship with your own child.
Growing up I hated being away from her, I would sneak out of my first grade call and wait on the steps for her to come back and get me. I wanted to be with her no matter what, we were attached at the hip. I was her shadow. My mom gave up everything she ever wanted to be a good mom and wife. She stayed home and every morning before school she would make me a warm breakfast. Even drive me to school so I wouldn't have to be on the bus for over an hour.
She has been my my cushion whenever I felt like I needed to go to someone, to vent or cry or talk about boys, there was never a subject that the two of us couldn't talk about. Thankfully that is still the case.
My day always starts with a phone call to her and I end my day when I say goodnight to her. Even on vacation or when she is away, we have to talk at least two times a day! I love it that we have girls days and can talk for hours about anything. We did have our times when we didn't get along. I know that I have broken her heart a thousand times. I don't know why all daughter's have to do this to their mom's looking back its my biggest regret.
Sometimes I look at her hands and try to memorize what they look like and wonder if later those hand will become mine. The two of us have looked more like sisters then mother and daughter. It use to drive me crazy that the boys I had crushes on had crushes on her. She is always in my corner no matter what the situation is. We go on girls weekend's and I have to say she is the one person I love to travel with. We laugh until our sides hurt and cry when we need to together.
I know that I don't say it nearly enough but my mom is my Sole mate...(yes you can have a sole mate that you don't have sex with!). She is so many things to me, my teacher, nurse and counselor. Over my life with her by my side she loved me with a never-failing love, gave me strength and security, and did the hardest thing of all, She let me separate from her and set me free. I was in a big hurry to grow up bu what I wouldn't do to go back and truly enjoy every minute with my mom that I got to spend time with. Though all my hardships with my health she never wavered but came to my side every day, even putting her and my dad's plans to snow bird in the fall to stay home with me. I know I have gotten through all these hard times because we did it together.
My mom loves my Hub's and thinks of him as her son. Nothing makes me feel better when they are able to spend time together. Well I know that this has been a long post but I need to take the time to be thankful for having a wonderful mom, but more then that for being my best friend.
The relationship with my Mom. What I have with my Mom is unlike most mother and daughter have. I was 2 1/2 months early when I was born. My mom was just a baby herself, being only 20 when she had me. I couldn't even think what it must have been like to be married with a baby at such a young age. I am sure that she was more scared then she let on.
My mom always did what she could to make me happy, always having an open door for all of my friends. There wasn't a weekend when my house wasn't filled with kids hanging out. I know now that as an adult this really must have cost them and arm and a leg, yet she never complained.
I know that there are some big reason why we are so close namely because of three major things. 1) My dad worked so much that 99.9% of the time it was just her and I. I remember we had a tradition to go see movies on the Holiday because we hadn't been asked to go anywhere else and we would celebrate when my Dad was on his day off. 2) The relationship that she had with my Grandpa ( her dad) was so close that she would want that bond with her own child. He died when I was five and I really never got to know him. This crushed her and I know as an adult now that if she died it would kill me. 3) The relationship that she had with her own mother growing up and until about 15 years ago has been the total opposite of what her and I have, I think that when you have a bad relationship with your mom or dad that you do everything in your power to have a wonderful close relationship with your own child.
Growing up I hated being away from her, I would sneak out of my first grade call and wait on the steps for her to come back and get me. I wanted to be with her no matter what, we were attached at the hip. I was her shadow. My mom gave up everything she ever wanted to be a good mom and wife. She stayed home and every morning before school she would make me a warm breakfast. Even drive me to school so I wouldn't have to be on the bus for over an hour.
She has been my my cushion whenever I felt like I needed to go to someone, to vent or cry or talk about boys, there was never a subject that the two of us couldn't talk about. Thankfully that is still the case.
My day always starts with a phone call to her and I end my day when I say goodnight to her. Even on vacation or when she is away, we have to talk at least two times a day! I love it that we have girls days and can talk for hours about anything. We did have our times when we didn't get along. I know that I have broken her heart a thousand times. I don't know why all daughter's have to do this to their mom's looking back its my biggest regret.
Sometimes I look at her hands and try to memorize what they look like and wonder if later those hand will become mine. The two of us have looked more like sisters then mother and daughter. It use to drive me crazy that the boys I had crushes on had crushes on her. She is always in my corner no matter what the situation is. We go on girls weekend's and I have to say she is the one person I love to travel with. We laugh until our sides hurt and cry when we need to together.
My mom loves my Hub's and thinks of him as her son. Nothing makes me feel better when they are able to spend time together. Well I know that this has been a long post but I need to take the time to be thankful for having a wonderful mom, but more then that for being my best friend.
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