Happy New Year
re·solve (rĭ-zŏlv')
v. re·solved, re·solv·ing, re·solves
v. tr.
- To make a firm decision about.
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- To decide or express by formal vote.
- To change or convert: My resentment resolved itself into resignation.
- To find a solution to; solve. See Synonyms at solve.
- To remove or dispel (doubts).
- To bring to a usually successful conclusion: resolve a conflict.
- Medicine To cause reduction of (an inflammation, for example).
- Music To cause (a tone or chord) to progress from dissonance to consonance.
- Chemistry To separate (an optically inactive compound or mixture) into its optically active constituents.
- To render parts of (an image) visible and distinct.
- Mathematics To separate (a vector, for example) into coordinate components.
- To melt or dissolve (something).
- Archaic To separate (something) into constituent parts.
Shelley's 2007 Resolutions
- Strenghthen my walk with the Lord
- Lose weight
- Put more work into non-blog writing (which, sadly, means blogging less frequently) UPDATE: I couldn't have put this more eloquently than our dear, little Quossum..."the Taylor Hicks addiction giveth and the Taylor Hicks addiction taketh away." Amen, sister.
- Finish the afghan I started crocheting in February 2006
- Plant a garden and can the tomatoes I grow
- Take Sadie on more walks
Anyone care to share their resolutions?
Any other weightloss takers who want to work together on this? We can have special posts on this if anyone is interested.
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Labels: Shelley's World
posted by shelley @ 1/01/2007 09:19:00 AM
41 comments
41 Comments:
Here are my resolutions:
1. Get better about reading the Bible and other spiritual disciplines, i.e. Strengthen my walk with the Lord. (Okay, so I stole Shelley's first one--what can I say, it's good!)
2. Continue working faithfully and diligently with Hobbit and Pixie in their Agility. I'm tempted to give myself a more concrete goal like, "get out of the A classes and into the B classes," but I don't want to put that kind of weight on my shoulders with them--I just want to keep on having fun with Agility, not take it too seriously like it's a matter of life or death! I guess mainly I want to keep my attitude about Agility positive and happy.
3. Spend less time on the computer. Yes, the Taylor Hicks addiction giveth and the Taylor Hicks addiction taketh away. It's given me so many new good friends and good times, but it's taken time away from "real life" projects. I have an addictive personality, and find it difficult to restrict myself to say, one hour an evening on the computer. But that's what I need to do. Still visit my sites, just not as obsessively.
4. Write more! (Shelley and I share a brain in some matters....)
5. Lose weight. (Ditto....) Yes, I would be willing to participate in a Monkbot weight loss support group. I've been kind of down because I made a little chart for the month of December and diligently recorded my weight each time I went to the gym--and found an *upward* trend for December, even though I ramped up my workouts! I'm thinking it's probably due to increased holiday eating of goodies and at restaurants, but still... Very depressing.
6. Clear up some of my quilting UFO's, for heaven's sake!!!! I have three charts on my wall with UFO's from 2005 and older, 2006, and now a chart for "Started in 2007." I'd like to clear off the "2005 and older" chart--or at least clear off ONE from that chart before allowing myself to add one to the "Started in 2007" chart. (Yes, I'm a little anal with the charts and all, aren't I?) (Oh, UFO = UnFinished Object in this context!)
7. Attend at least ONE Taylor Hicks concert. But overall...become less obsessed with Taylor.
There, are those good? Shelley, are you gonna save these comments and do a review at the beginning of 2008? =D
--Q
Quossum...you get the first Official Prize of the Day for 2007.
Brilliant deduction about "Taylor addiction giveth and taketh away" (see update to above post).
I'm sure we're not the only ones who feel this way.
I know I want more than anything to reclaim my life as a PRODUCTIVE human being.
Not that this journey hasn't been fun...but the out-lying areas around my glowing computer screen have become pretty dark over the past 12 months.
I need to see some sunshine, baby!
Yay! First prize of 2007, and it's a good one! Thanks!
Of course, I've now been cruising the internet for well over an hour, thus destroying all my New Year Resolution cred. *cries*
Okay! *straightens spine* Off to go work on a quilt!
--Q
Go quilt!!!
And you know, that gives me an idea for a post.
I think I'm going to have our little Monkbot family share its talents, hobbies, and pursuits in an upcoming post.
I think it'd be great to broaden our minds with a little bit of shared knowledge.
Plus...we can encourage each other to get off the computer and get to work! :)
I don't make "resolutions" at year end or beginning. I find that drawing a line in the sand has never worked for me. I am EXTREMELY introspective so I'm always looking at what to "fix".
I continually ask for guidance and wisdom on how to do the work the Lord wants me to do. To be a blessing where I can and to do His will. To be where He needs me to be and be a good steward. And I ask his forgiveness for when I don't measure up.
I also pray to be a better wife, a better parent, a better daughter and a better friend. To have more patience and to be more involved with my family.
I'll be back on my WW tear to lose weight. But, I also want to have more fun in 2007. My fondest wish is to find balance. Balance between work, family, marriage, fun, hobbies, etc.
All in all, it's all good so not much I want to "change".
Good for you, DD! :)
I think we all try to make changes to ourselves throughout a year's time.
But just like each day is a small rebirth of life in so many ways...the new year gives a great opportunity to think back and look forward. ;)
Can't wait to hear more about your hobbies...
So glad to hear from my Monkbot buddies again! Lunchtime at work was really boring w/o you all to converse with.
Hope everyone had a good holiday and some time to relax and enjoy family,friends,etc...
I don't normally make resolutions, but I have to agree with all of you--I need to walk daily with the Lord! I would like to get involved in a women's bible study because I could benefit from the word and more felloship.
As always, I would love to get in better shape. I joined Curves in October and did great for about 1 month then the holidays hit. I need to go 3x/week.
My biggest resolution is to be kinder and more patient to my husband. We have had a rough couple of years, and it's time for me to forgive and let go of past issues.
Shelley, I would love being able to share about hobbies and give each other encouragment. I started an afghan about 15 months ago, and I would love to pick it back up again.
All of you never cease to amaze me with your insight and eloquence. Happy 2007 to you all!
Wow, leejolem, how awesome that you're ahead of the game with your Curves membership! I know you'll be able to start back up.
And I wish you the best in making things sweeter for you and your husband. :)
Also...I'll work on my afghan...if you promise to work on yours! When we finish...we can share pics!
Hello everyone and Happy New Year!!!! I trust that everyone's new year is going wonderfully. Anyway, here are my New Year's resolutions...
1. Loose weight (get started on Curves again with leejolem).
2. Start going to church more and reading the Bible.
3. Go to at least three Taylor concerts.
4. The wise thing to say here is to get less obsessed with Taylor but I know that's NEVER gonna happen so I am going to be honest with everyone that my real New Year's resolution is to marry Taylor...I have now officially concluded that I am pathetic...oh well
Once again...HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
Shelley --
Not to change the subject, but thought you'd enjoy this...
Harrison Central wins Orange Bowl Competition
HicksChic4Soul...good luck with your resolutions...especially the last one! ;)
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DD...that's too cool. Thanks.
(Now I secretly wish I was an alumnus of Harrison Central instead of Biloxi, so I could use that as an excuse to go to Orange Bowl and "support" my alma mater.)
Shelley, is your afghan crocheted? I don't know how to knit, and I hadn't crocheted since high school, so I picked a sampler afghan to try. It's really cool. It's 30 squares (I think), and they start you out just sc then dc, etc... and add more complcated stitches and patterns with each square. I have done 4 squares-woooooo! At that rate I'll be done around 2015. I'm taking Thurs and Fri off this week, so i'm going to try to pick the afghan up on one of those days.
Double D, you didn't slip that little Midwesterner/farmer comment in on GC w/o me noticing it you little stinker (on the corn hole thread)! We don't all live on farms (in fact I don't even know anyone who lives on a farm). There are some farms w/in 10 miles of us but the people live in huge houses and are rich!!! I've never played corn hole and am not really sure what it is. I've heard Beavis say "I am the great Cornholio" if that counts.
And just for the record HC4S isn't going to marry Taylor because that would make me his mother-in-law. EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!
Ok, you want to know about hobbies...Well, mine revolve ALOT around sports but here's some of what I like to do:
*Watch College Football (SEC, preferably)
*Golf (I'm a 25 handicap but don't get to play NEAR enough)
*Follow my son's soccer exploits
*Writing
*Counted Cross Stich
*Reading
*Making Memories Videos
*WWII Research
*Genealogy
*Monkbot
leejolem...it is crocheted. I made one for my mom last Christmas and then one for my brother Ben last January. I began mine in February and totally got sick of it.
If you'll click the word afghan in my post...you can see a picture of the pattern. It's hdc and Puff stitches mainly.
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DD...you are crazy talented. What's with the WWII research? Does it just interest you or did you have relatives that fought?
Hehehehehe.....Leejolem...I love that show from Beavis and Butthead-"I am cornholio, I need Teepee for my bunghole." Talk about random...
HicksChicks4Soul...I'm hitting you over the head with a wet fish for the reference to Beavis and Butthead's foul mouths.
Please...let's keep things clean.
Shelley - both. My dad, FIL and two uncles were all in the "big one". I have always been drawn to that era.
The D-Day Museum in N.O. is a favorite. I am really into history and love the research aspect of it. If I could go back and live in any era, that would be it.
Wow, DD...I'm impressed...both about your relative's sacrifice for our country and your interest in history. I've never been much of a history buff...so it's great to know there are folks who have a heart for it.
I like everyone's resolutions. I am the kind of person who needs a deadline to get almost anything done, and New Year's is a good time to think of where I am and where I want to be. I was just writing to Rowan about coming back from visiting a friend of mine, and she is good for me. She lives her life as she means for it to be and is a good example for me. I tend to put things off for too long.
So, as I am already in a contemplative mood, here are my resolutions.
1. To be be less distracted by the world. Be a better servant and sharpen my spiritual ears. I think that I would like to be more educated spiritually. I want to re-read C.S. Lewis or Bunyan.
2. Continue to work on my physical health. Add exercise into the plan (groans).
3. Find a better balance between work and the rest of my life. I tend to be a bit of a worker bee. It has become increasingly clear that my life is not balanced well.
4. Continue to write.
5. Throw away at least one Dumpster's worth of unnecessary paper.
5. Finish my travel blog before February.
On the weight loss front, I am with you. I have been struggling with my weight for about the last five years -- it is a pain in the behind, to be sure. I have lost about 170 pounds, but it is the same 10 pounds, about 17 times. Rowan and I have been weight loss buddies, and I have found it to be helpful. I have lost enough to feel better, and I need to lose a little more. The support has been really necessary. So, if there is a project, I am up for it.
Mind Doc...I need to read C.S. Lewis for the FIRST time. (sighs at own shortcomings)
I'll work on an online system/plan/whatever for all our weightloss goals! ;)
Shelley,
As usual -- you bring up the very things that are on my heart.
1. Lose weight ( at least 1 pound per week ) and consistently exercise 5 times per week.
2. Reach out to people in my day to day life by being more "present in the moment." Eliminate situations that bring me down and do not add joy and meaning to my life.
3. Find a job/career that provides passion and balance that I need in my life today.
4. Improve my sleep routine. Go to bed and get up at consistent times.
5. Draw nearer to the Lord through study in His word, small group bible studies and quiet time with Him.
6. Learn to dance.
If anyone is serious about the weight loss support -- please count me in ... I have to lose weight to better my overall health. I am taking high blood pressure and cholesterol meds that I could eliminate -- if I can eliminate the lbs.
Love to all of you - my friends ! You have all added joy and meaning to this southern gal.
Libby
I have been thinking on this most of the day. Here goes...
1) I have decided to focus on some adjectives that I need more of in my life.... I looked at a list or two and found adjectives that I would like to work on in my life. Here are a few that I chose. In 2007, I want to be ...
fearless yet careful, better, adventurous, relaxed and creative.
2) A worker bee like Mind Doc, I seek balance.
3) I will spend more time informing myself of world events and look to world news sources for perspective, and not assume myself to be powerless in this area. At a minimum, I have the responsibility and the power to be informed. No more newspaper slacking for me.
4) Focus on my health.. physical, mental and spiritual.
5) As my son leaves the nest, I will soak up every last minute and find ways to gently remind, encourage and motivate him to treat himself with great respect and to treat others, especially women, with great respect as well. Can I do that in 10 words or less? :)
6) Enjoy FRIENDS and FAMILY. This is a bit selfish, but it brings me such happiness! After a hiatus, "Hang out on the Deck" Fridays are back!
7) oh and i need to defrost the freezer too! :)
Libby, I am SO with you on the sleep routine.
Last night...for the first time in a looooong time....I was in bed at 10 p.m. I can no longer let the computer/blog rule my life. I want to NOT be the only one in meetings at work yawning each day...that is so embarrassing.
Plus...your "learn to dance" goal is so admirable. Since Dancing with the Stars has been on TV, I've had this desire to learn to ballroom dance...but since I'm so heavy...I haven't done it.
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Tex...I love, love, LOVE your adjectives. Brilliant.
And I think you're brave to keep up with world events. I can't do that...it causes me to get even LESS sleep. That is a wonderful goal.
Viva le 2007 Resolutions!
I know we can all achieve what we set out to do.
We're Monkbots, hear us roar!
o--{:8O}=
It's always nice to spend some time looking in, isn't it?
Many months ago, I started on a list of things I want to do. Not as a resolution list, but as a reminder to work on things as I become aware of them. Now if only I can remember that writing them down is not the same as actually getting them done.
It's heartwarming to see so many comments about getting back to the spiritual things. On Sunday, I was given the privilege of conducting a Bible study with an elderly woman in a nursing home. Her sister had been praying for someone to spend some time with her one day a week, encouraging her and bringing her comfort from the scriptures. The word was passed around, and I was asked if I could do it. What a blessing, I thought, to be given this opportunity not just to comfort someone but to also strengthen my faith at the same time.
We are always happy when our prayers are answered. But there is also greater happiness when you can be part of the answer to someone else's prayers.
So I will be spending less time on the computer too, but it's a great exchange, I think. I think everyone said it. Balance. Moderation.
On other fronts, I need to get back to exercising regularly too! Can I join any Monkbot health group/community?
I've been reading everyone's lists...I too used to be a list maker. I would write down all the things I wanted to accomplish in a certain period of time, then life would invariably get in the way of my ability to complete the tasks on my list. No matter what else I had done, that list always loomed over me as a reminder of what a "loser" I must be if I couldn't even check two things off that list. Then I realized, what about all the other things I DID accomplish?? I was virtually ignoring all my other achievements simply because I hadn't put them on my list. So I tried an experiment two summers ago....instead of making a list of things I wanted to do, I made a list of all the things I DID do once I had done them...it was an amazing shift in perspective that made me feel extremely good about my accomplishments. Now, I always have goals and ideas, but no lists. I was setting myself up for imagined failure. That being said, I do have my daughter's kindergarten quilt I'd like to finish! ;) Happy New Year to all, and best of luck with your resolutions and goals...they are all so admirable, I almost feel like making some myself. ;)
Happy New Year, everyone!
I needed that reminder of the definition of resolve. I guess in the past I didn't make New Year's Resolutions so much as New Year's Wishes, as though there was genie that would arrive in January to fulfill the things on my list. No wonder it never worked.
Shelley, mine would be very similar to yours:
1: The same.
2: The same. A support system sounds interesting, but I don't know how much help I would be, since I had 2 slices of pizza for lunch yesterday. Sigh.
3: Less time reading blogs, Monkbottalk excepted. Even though this may mean fewer introductions to music artists shared by gray and those who post, I gotta have those hours back for my real life.
4: Finish quilt UFO's or start new ones. I just want to get back to quilting!! This isn't as straightforward as it seems, since it really means finish the remodeling projects so that there's not sawdust and tools all over the place. Since DH and I are weekend DIY'ers, and there's always competing activities, I don't know if there's much hope of reaching this one.
5. Not a gardener, so substitute Get Organized. This is also dependent on the home fix-it projects being completed. Non-starter.
6. Walk dog more often. I don't expect to work on this one until the weather improves.
I’m always a date late and a dollar short around here…but apparently that’s a good thing. I guess not having the internet at home is a blessing b/c I can’t get so wrapped up in it.
Shelley- If you want to read C.S. Lewis, I suggest you start with Mere Christianity or The Screwtape Letters.
DD- I love history too…but my interests center on the Civil War.
Resolutions, resolutions, resolutions…
I’m not much good at ‘em. I don’t make ‘em, really. Every day I wake up with the same items to work on and hopefully, over time…I’ll get it right. But if I had to list ‘em:
1. Spiritual life- Okay, what I mean here is so much more than going to church more often, reading the Bible more regularly, tithing, etc. What I resolve to resolve is my unending battle to believe…not to believe the basics about who God is, who Jesus is, that I’m saved, etc….but to believe that God really loves me, has forgiven me…and is not just sitting there looking at me, shaking His head in disgust over all my failures. I mean, how arrogant am I to think that I am so low that even God can’t reach me? That really just shows that I don’t believe His word, and His promises. This is a foundational resolution for me. If I can allow God to strengthen my faith to an unshakeable place…I can build my life upon that.
2. Repair my relationship with my siblings.
3. Purge my home of unused items and quit buying so much “stuff”.
4. Be a better housekeeper.
5. Duh…weight loss and all that it entails. (Sign me up for the Monkbot group!)
6. Save more money, pay off debts faster.
73 Be nicer to myself. I'm evil to me. (KD-I love your alterna-list idea!!)
Bama, amen to your #1. I have found at the women's retreats I have attended and MC'd that this is soooo common among women! We like to spend time beating ourselves up and comparing to others. You are definitely not alone in that struggle.
KD, I love your idea. We really do accomplish so much each day, but we don't give ourselves much credit for the everday things.
OK, enough of the self-help infomercial from lee!
Shelley, I too recommend The Screwtape Letters. Of course I think The Narnia Chronicles are his best works because I can understand them--lol. (He is very deep and I think a tough read). Along those lines I recommend a trilogy of poetry called The Singer, The Song and The Finale. Beautifully written.
It's so good to hear from you all again. I have missed the girlfriend/monkbot net talk.
Don't know if any of you read Emily's Everything Blog, but I thought this quote was quite appropriate for New Year's Resolutions with a Taylor twist:
"Every once in a long while, I hear a song that really gets to me. When I first clicked over to VH1 yesterday to preview the rest of the tracks on Taylor's forthcoming CD, I had no idea that amongst Taylor's classic covers and originals, and sandwiched between a couple of conspicuously poppy and forgettable tracks, I would find something truly beautiful, moving, and for me, personal.
The song is called "Just to Feel That Way."
As soon as Taylor's bittersweet, soulful tenor deviated from the expected melody to belt out "rewrite the story, and trade all the tears," I broke down. Because it was me in that song - holding on, letting go, constantly rewriting, broken yet still walking the wire and taking the risks in hopes of one day, even if it's just for one day, getting a moment of validation.
It's not a love song, not for me. It's a song of life and the reasons we keep going even when we're falling apart. It's the hope - no, it's the knowing that all the struggle is worth it just for that one single defining moment. It's why we all keep living.
I'll review the rest of the CD tomorrow, but for me this is definitely the stand-out track."
Here's hoping that you all "Feel That Way."
Wow, Wompers, that was great! I have been putting off posting to this entry because my resolutions this year are very personal. I think what Wompuss posted pretty much sums it up, though.
I resolve to "walk on the wire" in many aspects of my life this year. I am, by nature, a very cautious person. I have recently realized that "safe and comfortable" are not always good things.
"Just To Feel That Way" will be the soundtrack to my life in the coming year.
Ok, you guys forced me out of self-imposed lurkdom to say...yes! Walk on the wire....Just to feel THAT way.
FREEDOM!!!
The one that got me, was Gray's posting of "Crazy Dreamers" by Ray LaMontagne.
Here's to all you crazy dreamers...
Dream your dreams, don't let them slip away.
Life is more than living day to day.
Man, hits me in the gut. I need to make some dreams happen, me thinks.
Bama -- Civil War....I'm all about that too. Both my husband's family as well as my own family have very rich Confederate roots and LOTS of history/stories. From Shiloh to the Battle of Mobile. The Cajuns were TENACIOUS soldiers.
My favorite quote pertaining to the importance of history:
"Those who don't understand history are doomed to repeat it."
BTW y'all...if you ain't seen Dreamgirls, DO IT!!
Double D, I can't wait to see Dreamgirls. There are so many great movies out right now. I have at least 5 I want to see. My daughter and DH and I went to see The Holiday on Sunday. It was fantastic!!!! It was a chick flick, but it went beyond that. It was sweet, funny (hello, Jack Black can't help but be funny), and all the characters were likable (Kate Winslet is one of my favorites).
Wompuss, the quote about JTFTW was very moving. That song gets me in the gut every time.
As soon as I read the post from Shelley saying she wanted to read some C.S. Lewis, I thought I'd drop a note to read Mere Christianity or Screwtape. That bama beat me to this very recommendation should only reinforce its validity! =)
And of course the Narnia series, if you haven't already. Required reading!
--Q
Awww, Q! You know what they say about great minds..
Of course Narnia is recommended too! I lost count of the number of times I've read the series...
DD- my Uncle just emailed me a week ago with some info on two of my ancestors, one is Blessed Brother Andre (I always knew I was a little saintly) and the other came from France to fight the Iriquois in 1665. He was scalped and survived! I love geneaology...but I'm not much for doing the research myself...
DD, was it you asking Gray about the "Crazy Dreamers" track he had up on his site?
The song is from an unreleased album called "One Lonesome Saddle" and you can download it here. I've gotten a lot of great Ray stuff from the EZBoard discussion board. That file, for example, was from this page loaded with music.
Enjoy!
(I've had Screwtape sitting on my shelf for months now. I think it's getting lonely up there.)
Screwtape, Mere Christianity and the Chronicles of Narnia. All wonderful.
I have read Narnia so many times that I have sections memorized. I have read Mere Christianity, but my eyes would sort of glaze over during some of the sections. I got it as an audiobook and I found it much easier to get involved in, perhaps because it was originally written as a radio series. Now I am ready to tackle the written version again.
Ivory, I really like the 43 things idea. I have to write things down, because ... well ... I forget them. Many good ideas there. (The Screwtape Letters are indeed lonely up on the shelf.)
Ivory , I forgot to mention earlier how cool your story was about the lady in the nursing home. God's timing is amazing.
Well, I am sneaking in at the end of the thread with my resolutions. : )
Firstly, to grow in Faith,
To remember to pray, as prayer makes things clear,
To be more patient,
To be more aware of the blessings I've been given,
To speak out in useful ways for people I know who cannot speak for themselves.
..............
Not to reach for the carbs whenever I'm upset,
To learn to drive, and open up the world for my little clan. The only things I am offering in my defence for not having learned before, are the aggressive drivers over here, my myopia, and sheer cowardice.
To peel the odd item from my ironing-pile volcano, grumbling away in the corner of the kitchen, and lessen the chance of it being there so long it generates heat like a compost heap and sets the place on fire.
Lastly, and not leastly, to be more organised and systematic. I don't lose my keys often, by nature of the fact I wear them around my neck on a cord. I do this, as I have a lot of internal locks to keep my autistic son safe. Today, though, I have mislaid my big jangly key necklace, and couldn't go on a visit to see my new baby niece, without locking-up the house. : ( Lots of key finding vibes, please, sisters...
Rowan, I've sent lots of key finding vibes over the years (my husband is a chronic key mis-placer). I'm sending them right now to you.
Iron, what's an iron? We use the hang immediately from dryer method here at our house (and by "we" I mean my husband). I am the world's worst ironer!
I always love your comments Rowan, they give me a chuckle. How old is your son? Autism is surely a puzzling and challenging disease. It must be exhausting at times.
Aww -- Rowan! *sending key finding vibes* Grr. How exasperating -- hang in there, chica.
Nice resolutions. You will notice the lack of housework resolutions in my list.
Lee - my son is seven. Yep, it is an extremely challenging disorder. Thanks for your kind words and yours too Mind Doc. I will hang in there. I wonder where my keys are hanging out? I'm sure the vibes will reach UK shores soon, and I will find them. I am glad to say they are not in the fridge - a family trait indicating a tail-off in optimum cerebral functioning...
Cheers, guys! Appreciate the vibes. : )
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