A riddle and I am…

Time for the riddle-

Q:  What’s better than running side by side on a treadmill with one of your favorites as you catch up on life together? 

A:  Nothing except for running side by side on trails in the mountains with one of your favorites as you catch up on life together.  

7 miles @ an 8:20 pace and a very happy IT Band (aka I don’t feel them and forget they even exist) followed by some weights.

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Brooke and I are working hard getting things packed up and ready to move.  I am not a hoarder in the least bit and I am really good at getting rid of/giving away anything that I know that we won’t use… it feels so so good to go through everything and only keep what we really need/use.

Brooke’s packing attire:

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We then went and got Green Me for me and my dad and Brooke was not going to let go of my dad’s mango/spinach/orange juice smoothie.

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We had our favorite splash pad to ourselves.  What did the two of us do during the winter when it was 2 degrees outside?

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And I as I am writing this I am having deja vu back to my teaching days when I would work at my desk and eat almond butter straight out of the jar with my spoon.  It just really helps me to be productive;)

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Came across probably my favorite page from Mile Markers (I kind of reread this book all of the time because it is so good):

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Is it easy or hard for you to get rid of your stuff when you are moving/spring cleaning etc?  Hoarder or minimalist?

Who was the last person you ran with?

Any books that you have read a bunch of times because you love it so much?

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70 comments

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It’s pretty easy for me to let go of stuff unless it belongs to my husband because he dislikes getting rid of stuff. He’s a hoarder…he won’t admit it but he is. I’ve had to secretly get rid of stuff. Ha!

I went on a group long run once. Had a blast. Need to do group runs more often.

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Oh my gosh I am the opposite of a hoarder. Not all the time but like you said, when it’s time to go through stuff I am ruthless. Sometimes a little too ruthless…

Last person I ran with is my dad. We love running together, and he’s definitely the person I have run with the most. I barely ever have a running partner!

I have read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone probably a million times, give or take. :)

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The last person I ran with was my BF! I’m getting him ready for his first marathon :)

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I’m the same way that I absolutely hate keeping any sort of things. I would rather keep a very minimal amount of trinkets. I’m glad everything from running to packing is going well Janae!

I haven’t ran with anyone in about a month. I’m enjoying running alone as I get back to my fitness though!

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I enjoy purging and getting rid of stuff (or donating stuff) we don’t use/need.

I got to run 12 miles along the coast with my BFF, Amy. It was glorious.

Not so much a book that I keep reading, but a friend did a devotional for a baby shower this weekend, and she made the comment that as women, friends, and mothers, we are enough. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that I am enough, but I am fulfilling a calling to be a mom, wife, sister, friend, etc. and I am enough.

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yay for happy IT bands and for those good words from kristin armstrong.

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Hey Janae!
I’m a huuuge fan of getting ride of things. I took care of my grandma for a month and witnessed the end result of hoarding. Bad bad bad haha. So that cured me from any tendency I may have had to save things

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I am finally reading Mile Markers and I am wondering why it took me so long to! I’ve read your blog for a few years now and always read how much you love it but never thought to pick it up. I saw my library had it and I snatched it right now. I wish I could highlight it (but the library will fine me!) as I am reading it. I totally get why you love it so much! It’s making me want to sign up for my first marathon (I love the half distance).

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This makes me so happy! Enjoy the rest of the book!

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I’m jealous you’re so good at getting rid of stuff!!!! I have such a hard time getting rid of things-I always worry that I might need/want it in the future!! Come help me declutter my house!!!! :)

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Are there any other running books that you love and would recommend?!? I am just coming off of a few months of running myself and trying to get pumped up and find my motivation to get through those tough runs in order to get back into shape :)

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YES! I love these ones:
Kara Goucher’s Running for Women
Mind Gym
50/50: 50 marathons in 50 days
Born to Run

and here is a great list too:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/running

Let me know which ones you love the most!

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Last person I ran with was my sweet running coach turned good friend from my first marathon! We are both getting back into the swing of things after some break time, so we are perfect running buddies these days.

Moving is always SO HARD, but it is the best time to purge and clean everything out! I just moved offices at work and I got rid of so much JUNK I was hoarding!

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I think I’m pretty much right in the middle between hoarder and minimalist — I definitely hang on to things that have meaning, but I LOVE the feeling of purging out my closet/drawers/etc each season!

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Almond butter right out of a jar is probably one of the most addicting things. Good thing it’s not as addictive ad peanut butter right out of the jar, or else then I REALLY cannot stop myself.

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I’m like you, I don’t like a lot of clutter. I’d rather give something away than have it sit around.

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Hi Janae!
I love your blog! I have been reading for about a month now. You are so funny and your daughter is gorgeous! This may seem like a weird question but did you used to be on Tosca Reno’s Kitchen Table as Hungry Runner Chic? If that was you, you posted the best recipes! If not, oh well, love your blog :)

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I am in a major junk purge mode. If it’s not bolted down I’m ready to toss it!
My favorite person, ok not person, is my dog! We have such a good rhythm and we just immediately fall into step with each other. That’s what 7 years of running together does!

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I am the EXACT opposite of a hoarder. I don’t like clutter or extra things lingering around. I moved last year from my house of 10 years and found a ton of additional things to donate and get rid of. I’ve been in my new house a year and I’m sure I’ve accumulated it all back & then some. :)

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Oooh, I don’t like the word “hoarder”, I prefer “sentimental”. :) I love the feeling of purging and getting rid of unnecessary things, but sometimes my sentimentality gets in the way. Especially when getting rid of my kids’s clothes…I totally do the whole “oh I remember you wearing this outfit when we did/went _____”
I’m getting better though! LOL! Thank goodness for a garage sale this weekend!
I last ran with my hubby, who has always been great about running with me and getting me through races, even though he could be wayyyyy ahead of me.
I tend to not read many books over again -most of the ones I have are favorites from when I was growing up, that I read again with my kids. I did re-read the Hunger Games books in preparation for the movie releases.
Happy Monday

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I love going through things and throwing them out. Best Fueng Shui feeling lol….I don’t often reread books but there was a divorce book I read at the start of mine – Split by Suzanne Finnemore which I always say I should read again now. It was so funny and true yet sad yet funny all at the same time. Really hit home in a good way. Totally recommend.

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Not a hoarder in the least. If anything, I throw out stuff too quickly and then sometimes regret that I didn’t save it. My husband is always going through the trash before he takes it out to make sure that I didn’t throw away something important! :)

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Brooke’s hair is getting so long!! What a cutie!

I tend to hold on to stuff from when I was younger more so than stuff that’s new. I treasure the older memories.

I can’t even remember the last person I ran with. I’m a solo runner because a lot of my friends don’t run (or live nearby) and I have a toddler to juggle my run schedule around.

BORN TO RUN! LOVE IT!!!!!

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I can’t let go of anything. Not even email. Then I wonder why my laptop crawls. 30,000 emails. Rut row!

I save packets of soy sauce each time I order Chinese take out and honest couldn’t go through them all if I tried.

I just ran yesterday in a triathalon. Strangers all around. My friend jane finished way before me :)

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I love spring cleaning and getting rid of stuff, especially stuff that just sits around and never gets used. I have a rule about my closet that if I don’t wear something or even think to wear something in over a year, it’s time to move on and get rid of it. I am a minimalist and don’t keep something unless it has high personal value to me.

One of my most favorite books EVER is The Last Lecture. Every time I read it I pick up on something new and learn a better way to live. This one is a must.

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Minimalist all the way. We have lived in our house for 8 years and my mom still asks when we are going to decorate because she doesn’t get no clutter is our style.

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I am so not a hoarder! We are moving next Spring (just a few blocks away) and I have already started going through my daughter’s toys to give away or donate and started going through the attic yesterday. We will be ready to go months before the house is built!

The last person/people I ran with was my husband and daughter. We have done a pretty food job of taking family walks and runs most weekends since the weather warmed up(April). I’m hoping to run with my husband at least once on vacation in a few weeks, but he does not like to run with me. I’m too fast and like to talk!

My favorite book series is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I named my daughter (Brianna) after a character in the series.

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I’m not awesome at getting rid of stuff, but I’m working on it!! But I’m def not a hoarder, that would drive me bananas!

I love that she wouldn’t let go of your dad’s juice. Haha!

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Hooray for happy IT bands! I’m jealous–mine often talks to me a little bit as I get 4 or 5 miles into a run. I have hoarder tendencies that I try really hard to overcome. I’m just always worried that I’ll need that thing again and I’ll have to go out and buy it. Luckily I don’t keep too much and do purge everything every year or so and make a big donation.

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I am such a hoarder sometimes.. but I am moving on to digital hoarding!

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That quote came at the perfect time! I’m a big fan of rereading Once a Runner when I need running inspiration. And Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite to go back to. So is the Sloppy Firsts series by Meg McCafferty.

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I love getting rid of stuff when I move! For awhile I moved every year and it felt good to throw stuff out. Ive been in my place now for over 4 years so I feel like we have alot of junk/clutter that I am itching to get rid of!

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I ran 14 miles last Sat with an internet running friend that just happened to be close to the same place I was and we were both visiting family and friends away from home!!!! It was a total blast! My husband was confused…you are running 14 miles with someone you don’t even really know….YES of course and it is going to be SO fun!!! :)

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I am laughing at the lady in the picture behind you in the picture of you and your friend. Doesn’t she know that selfies are required???

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I am so with you – I love getting rid of stuff every once in a while to declutter!

My favorite running book that I read over and over: Eat & Run by Scott Jurek! He talks about all of his ultra races and it is so captivating!

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Usually pretty easy to get rid of big things but some little things I’ve had for a long time, I find hard to get rid off, even if I know I don’t need it! The last person I ran with was my cousin! Some books I’ve read lots of times is the Shopaholic series, so funny!

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I am definitely a minimalist but my husband is a hoarder. I actually call us ‘order and the hoarder’ haha, it’s funny unless you have to clean up after him!

The last person that I ran with was my niece who came to visit me from Tennessee and we had a ball.

I read ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ at least once a year. I’m not sure why but I love that book and I’ve read it every year since I was 10 years old.

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I’m a borderline hoarder. But I think of it as saving rather than hoarding ;-)

The last person I ran with was probably RoseRunner. There’s a fun monster hill nearby that we used to run together sometimes. But that was before my dramatic, life-altering diagnosis.

Books I’ve read over and over…too many to list. I love rereading good ones.

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i LOOOOOVE getting rid of stuff when I move! I’ve been moving every 6-12 months for the past 4 years (oops) and every time, I find more stuff to ditch! It’s amazing how much useless stuff accumulates… ugh!

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Bless.:) I love, love, love the Mile Markers!

It used to be so difficult for me to move on from stuff, clothes, etc. My last move, from San Antonio to Chicago, was a CLEANSING of all things old and useless.

Harry. <3

Oh Lord…Harry Potter books. I'm not fibbin'.

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I love purging stuff. I always feel like there’s too much stuff in my small condo and I take every opportunity I can to get rid of stuff I don’t use.

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My son was the last person I ran with! I’m good at giving stuff away unless it’s my son’s and then I want to keep everything of his! I love the feeling of cleaning out a drawer or cabinet though.

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Getting rid of stuff while moving is hard for me, yet it always ends up being really refreshing to have less STUFF! I’m definitely more towards the minimalist side.

So exciting for you and Brooke to move into your new place!

I last ran with my husband and son (in the jogger)!

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I love purging stuff and so does my husband so we make an awesome team. Guess you could call us minimalist and I like things organized

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I am so sentimental that I feel like I am a hoarder sometimes. I am working on it ha ;) I love reading the Harry Potter books over and over again, they are just so magical to me. As far as running, the last person I ran with was my awesome little brother. He is a natural, but sadly just doesn’t love running…..yet!!!

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Hard as it is, I close my eyes and chuck/give away stuff. The last big move (across provinces) I did, everything had to fit into my car – so I had to get rid of five years worth of accumulated stuff.

Last person I ran with – a group of good friends on a trail run.

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I’m having a hard time right now. Job I really dislike and very little direction and the quote: “Even if no other I am statement about our life feels good at the moment, we always have that one.” is so very true and quite perfect.

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Caitlin, I am so so sorry that you are having such a hard time right now! I will be thinking about you and hoping that things improve soon! Keep running!

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The last person I ran with was either my sister-in-law on our little girls week or my 13 year old son – I can’t remember (side effect of being 44!!!).
I’m good at getting rid of stuff – I declutter frequently!

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I LOVE getting rid of things, too! Not many of my girlfriends understand this, ha! When I was helping my husband (then-boyfriend) move out of his house, I noticed a ton of ugly out-dated clothes. I would hold up 3 items, and let him choose one to keep. Repeat. AH! I am terrible, but I just truly love spring cleaning any time of the year :)

Totes ate that almond butter today … but by forking grapes into it. great combo!

Glad that ITB hid itself! You’re taking care of that bod!

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I love LOVE the last phrase from Mile Markers!! Currently resuming running after having a baby (she is 7 weeks), and right now even though my fitness is not on par with a “runner”, my heart is! It’s hard to know that this time last year, I was running half marathons and now 2 miles is a struggle. That quote makes me feel validated as the runner I am in my heart and the runner I am working hard to become again. Thanks for sharing!

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I’ve got to tell you… I went to Trader Joes a few weeks ago for the 1st time, after reading so many almond butter posts of yours :) you should totally have them as a sponsor! You bring all kinds of business to them and you don’t even know it.

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Before we moved most recently, I got rid of A LOT of stuff. Some of it was easy to get rid of and some of it I was more attached to. I just had to keep reminding myself that I didn’t need any of it!

I love Mile Markers. Such a great read.

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I haven’t read that book yet but your highlighting has convinced me I need to! I haven’t re-read it yet but would definitely read Once a Runner 1,000 times if I had unlimited free time. Actually, maybe I’ll pick that one back up again after I finish “Let’s Pretend this Never Happened” which has had me laughing so hard my stomach hurts, I definitely recommend it!

I have been coming back from injury too so I haven’t run with anyone in a while, but I can’t wait to get back to my run group in the next few weeks if all goes well.

Also, I’m mostly a minimalist and love throwing stuff away but there are a few things I hoard: All of my college cross country gear and awards and pictures. I just can’t bear to throw either away!

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Mile Markers is one of my all time favorites…so insightful and I feel like she’s talking right to my heart.

We last moved in March. I really hate moving. We are pretty bare bones when it comes to what we have in the house…mostly just the essentials – aka kitchen stuff, running stuff, couch – so we can eat, run and nap.

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I am a minimalist but my husband is a hoarder and he usually wins with all the emotional stuff :) I haven’t been running with anyone lately but I think the last person I ran with was my husband when I was “coaching” him :)

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I keep way too much stuff. I’m trying to be better about it recently by donating clothes and shoes, to make room for new items- haha.

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Moving is such a pain and such an adventure! That new start is a feeling I love!

Right now we’re prepping to help our youngest son move into his own apartment as he starts law school in Cleveland. So exciting!! A move and new adventure!

Can’t wait to get him set and come back to get our own house set when they return for the half! Fall project…

Best of luck with your move and running!

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I’m a hoarder until it gets too bad, and then I become a ruthless purger. I dislike clutter more than I need “memories”.

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I’ve read (and listen to the audiobooks of) the Harry Potter books about a million times. I’ve also read Ella Enchanted several times, it was one of my favorite books growing up!

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I am going to have to try to find that book because just from that one excerpt I know that I would love it!! I had to take almost a year off from an injury but I am back at it now and running my first post injury marathon in 3 weeks. I know I can get caught up in my pace, training plan, race goals, etc. but in the end I run because it makes me happy and it is always a part of who I am :)

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Well I’m moving across the country (Seattle to DC) in exactly 2 weeks so I better start getting on the purging train. I hope to do this in 3 boxes, a carry-on, and a dog crate…wish me luck…!

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I ran with my sister last week and loved it!

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This post touched me so much. Thank you! I’ve been recovering from a stress fracture for the better part of a year now and I have days when I feel like a total failure. Since I’m not where I was I feel useless sometimes and that I’m not a runner anymore. Thanks for sharing.

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I always do group runs on Saturday mornings but this past Saturday I drug a guy I know along so I stuck with him. I wasn’t actually going to run b/c of a injury but managed to limp out a 7 miler.
I would never classify myself as a hoarder! Sometimes I get in “cleaning” mode & a week later I’m kicking myself for some of the things I got rid of. :)
I’m always looking for fresh reading material so I will be checking out Mile Markers asap.

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Definitely a minimalist, but i just moved and didn’t have time to do the whole cleaning/donating/get rid of everything—so it’s driving me crazy!!

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I can’t get over how grown up Brooke looks! She’s too cute.

I need to read Mile Markers… I’ve been meaning to for forever!

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I think I’m somewhere in the middle between a hoarder and a minimalist…I go through my closet about 4x a year and the first 3 I only get rid of a few things, often justifying everything that I keep as “oh, I just forgot I had that…I’ll wear it soon for sure”. The last time I finally just throw up my hands and get rid of nearly EVERYTHING- seriously, I’ve had to go to Goodwill and BUY BACK a pair of beloved shorts that I accidentally gave away!

The last person I ran with was my dog, this morning :) I’m not sure why, but I don’t like running with anyone else- I think I get too focused on if I should slow down for them/speed up to catch them/what my breathing sounds like to them/if they want to talk- when I run by myself I feel like it is a little “me” time.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the book The Giver by Lois Lowry. I first read it in 7th grade for a class, and I have read it at least 15x since. Can’t wait for the movie!!

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The last quote you highlighted from Mile Markers was EVERYTHING I need to read/hear/comprehend right now. Thank you :)

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