Generation 02: Chapter 20: I Do

Right after my engagement, I inform all of my friends and family about it.  My sister, Zoe and my friend, Chartreuse (Char for short) are enthusiastic and instantly get together to plan the entire thing.  They even convince my brother, James, to wed us.  I decide not to have a bachelorette party since they're really not my kind of thing.  Mom and Rina bring piles of magazines for dresses and hairstyles.  It's overwhelming in a good way.

Finally, the day has arrived.  I see the venue for the first time and my jaw drops.  It's more beautiful than I had imagined.

Dad walks me down the aisle and whispers to me how proud he is.  When we part, I stand in front of Champ and we smiles at he other.  He looks handsome in his crisp dark suit and his slicked back hair.

When we get to our vows Champ goes first.

"Calla Calida Cohen, every time I see your lovely face, I think back to the first few days I knew you.  You had nearly burned the entire kitchen down.  Fortunately, you persevered and used your smarts to basically learn something that was the complete opposite of what you actually do.  This sounds horrible but I'm glad that you ran away from your job.  I'm glad that your somehow found your way to the Dhavals.  Because if you hadn't, I would never have met you.  I would never have gotten to know your funny, beautiful, and intelligent self.  I'm so glad I go the chance to meet you.  You made this summer great and now I'm extremely pleased to be standing here.  I'm overjoyed to make you my wife and I promise to love and protect you forever."

As he finishes his speech, he slips the ring onto my finger.

Then it's my turn.

"Champagne Cameo Beryle, I fell in love with your humor, your caring nature, and your passion for gardening.  You also helped me out during a very rough patch and I can't thank you enough.  I've never been one of those girls to obsess about boys very much but, as much as I hate to admit it, right when I saw you, I couldn't stop thinking about you.  You're the love of my life and I am proud to make you my husband.  I promise love and protect you forever."

I shakily slip the ring onto his finger.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife.  You may now kiss the bride."

Even though it's my wedding, I still blush when Champ kisses me passionately and everyone in the crowd claps and hoots.

"Congratulations, Mr. Cohen," I say to him.  We had agreed earlier that he would take my name.

Everyone continues to cheer and Mr. Dhaval breaks down crying, which is extremely surprising.  I didn't know he had such a soft spot.

The reception is very small.  Just a few small dishes and some lovely weather.  Champ and I cut the cake and then everyone just mills around.  It's a good get together for all of our friends and family.  The cake is delicious by the way.

My dad awkwardly tries to chat with the Dhavals and I catch up with Char, who I haven't seen for a long time.  I find out that she's actually dating Champ's brother, Azure. If that's not shocking enough, Antares hooks up with my sister, Zoe.  After a whole day of festivities, the wedding is finally over.

"That was an amazing wedding," I exclaim to Champ.  We decided not to go on a honeymoon because funds are a bit low at the moment.  But that's okay.  We live in a beautiful world and that's honeymoon enough.

"It really was," Champ agrees.

Right when we get into the bedroom to go to bed, we both seem to have a mutual decision to try for a baby.  We're practically broke, especially after having the wedding, as small as it was, but we'll find a way.

We always do.

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Wedding Photos

Parents of the bride: Calista and Adam Cohen

James Cohen (brother of the bride)

 Antares Aven (friend of the groom) and Zoe Cohen (sister of the bride)

 Aquamarina Beryle (mother of the bride)

 Azure Beryle (brother of the groom) and Chartreuse Flavius (friend of the bride)

Myrtle and Fir Dhaval (friends of the bride and groom)

 Blanche Blodwen (niece of Myrtle and Fir)

 The bride and groom

Newlyweds

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NOTE

Blogger only allows you to tag a certain number of characters so I could not tag all of the sims that were included in this post.  :(

This is the end of my posting on this blogger blog.  At least for the time being, that is.  I will now be posting my "playing for fun" picture on my tumblr.  Please check it out!  I'm not really sure what's going to happen with it but we'll see!  I have a lot of pictures to post that I took over winter break (That was so long ago!) so that'll be good to start with.

All in all, I just want to thank you for sticking by me while I was on all my breaks.  I hope you enjoyed reading about Calista and Calla and I already said this but I hope you check out my tumblr (see link in the paragraph above).  I love these sims and I don't think I could stop playing with them.  ^_^  

Thanks again!!

Generation 02, Chapter 01: Home Sweet Apartment

NOTE

Eeep!  Generation Two is about to begin!  :D  I hope you like it!  I consider this to be more of an introduction than an actual chapter but oh well.  

Also, if you didn't notice, I posted character bios of the generation two characters, which you can find above under the tab labeled "character bios" or here.  Thanks for Dessie Sims for the idea!

PS:  I do, in fact, know that I need to update my banner.  I will be attempting to take a fabulous picture tomorrow, when I'm allowed to play Sims so no worries!  Enjoy reading!

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My older twin sister, Zoe, has always been more of a looker than me.  If boys ever look at me, it's because they want me to help them with homework that they're rushing to get done before class starts.  She has already had at least five boyfriends and she had her first one in elementary school.  Of course, that only lasted a week, but that’s longer than any of mine (at least, it's longer than any of mine since before I met my current boyfriend, Farran).  

I've had more crushes than you might think.  But that's all they ever are. My philosophy has always been to wait for the boy to pursue me. Besides, if I asked out every boy I thought was cute, I'd never have time for my studies. 

I've always known that I was the brainy one in the family. I mean, I graduated college right as my sister was finishing the 12th grade. I've now graduated law school and I can tell you that it was awesome.  It was difficult but I learned so much.  My counselor even told me, before graduation, that my high testing scores and grades would assure me a very well-paid spot in the top lawyer firm of the country, Gainsboro.

"Wow, the building is nice.  I can't wait to see the interior."  That’s my best friend, Chartreuse Flavius.   Although everyone just calls her Char (pronounced like "Shar").

"We'll have to go and take a look inside.  But ugh, I cannot for the life of me remember which room I bought."

"I guess all of the knowledge packed up in your large brain is reaching its limit," Char quips.

We slip into the elevator and my stomach flip-flops as we head up to the tenth floor of the building.  Fortunately, the elevator doesn't ride up too quickly so I'm able to prevent my ears from popping. 

"Okay, this is easy.  It has to be that one.  ...Or that one."

"Seriously, Calla, how can you not remember?  There are only two choices.  And you just visited this place, what, like a month ago?"

"Yeah I know..." I grumble.  "Okay, I think it's this one," I say, pointing behind her.

"And I think it's this one," she retorts.  "But I'll go with your guess.  You're almost always correct about everything." 

I beam inside at the compliment as she rolls her eyes.  I may have the brains, but Char has the looks.  Her perfectly curled lashes, her clear skin, her wavy hair, full lips, and her healthy spatter of pale brown freckles make all the boys flock.  Just like my sister.  I've always envied her for her looks.  Sometimes I wonder how Char and I are even friends.  But never mind that.

I slip my key into the door of the apartment I've chosen and an old woman walks out of it.  I jump and nearly scream, but manage to compose myself.

"Sorry, I thought this was my room.  I'm terribly sorry Miss.  Uh, my name is Calla Cohen.  I think I'll be your neighbor," I bumble.

"It's okay.  I thought there was a burglar or something," the old woman chuckles.  "Calla, did you say?  I'm Violet Rosado, but you can just call me Ms. Rosado.  I'm assuming that's your apartment over there?"  She nods towards the other direction.

"Yeah, it is," I purse my lips and try to hide my embarrassment.  Char was actually right about something.  I knew she'd give me crap about it later.

"So we'll be neighbors.  That's good.  You seem like a nice young woman.  Very... pretty."

"Why thank you-"

"I suppose you want to get unpacked?  I'll leave you to it.  You can find my name in the directory, so just call me if you'd like to chat.  I'd love to get to know you a little better, Calla."

"Alright, sorry again for disturbing you.  Have a nice afternoon, Ms. Rosado."

I wait for her to walk back into her apartment before turning the key ferociously in the lock of my apartment and heading inside with Char close behind me.  I put my hands on my hips and inspect the small, no-more-than-800-square-foot-apartment.  

"I was actually right about something.  Wow, that happens, what?  Once a year?  Oh my God, you should have seen your face when that woman walked out.  Ah, how I wish I had taken a photo.  That would have gone up on Plumbook immediately," Char rattles on about my failure.

"Whatever you say," is the only thing I can think of as a reply.  Fortunately, Char isn't one to hang onto a conversation and she's already walking into the master bedroom, also known as the only bedroom in the apartment.

"Ooh, and look at the king sized bed in here.  You're going to have a lot of fun times with Farran here, aren't you," she winks at me.

I roll my eyes.  "Trust me, I think I'd rather not have him see this place until… well, until never.  It's not going to get any TLC from me.  You know the workers at Gainsboro, they're constantly on the clock.  I'm going to have to get a maid," I tell her.  I can tell she's not listening because she left to inspect the bathroom halfway through my little spiel, but I'm used to it.  Plus, I was mostly telling that to myself so I'd make a mental note and not forget.

Char pops her head out of the bathroom.  "The shower is also a decent size.  I'm sure it could fit two people.  Especially because you're so skinny.  Wait, did you say something?"

I sigh.  "Nope.  And why is your mind always on sex?  I mean, you really should find a boyfriend.  Hey," I suddenly remember.  "Wanna help me unpack?"

"Of course I would.   But you really should get some more clothes other than black and dark blue.  Light blue would so bring out your eyes!"

"I know.  But at-"

"I know.  'But at Gainsboro they don't wear anything but black.'  Blah blah blah," she mimicks.

"I don't sound anything like that."

"So… any new lingerie for your boyfriend?"  She asks, ignoring my complaint.

"No!"  My cheeks flame.  "Of course not.  We're not like that.  It's a new relationship, I've hardly done more than kiss him."  Char opens her mouth to speak.  "And no, tongue has not been involved in the kissing.  Just lips," I add.   

She pouts but continues to put away my few possessions.  In just ten minutes, my clothes are put away, my suitcase is stored under my bed, and a picture of Farran and I is set on the nightstand.

"Thank so much for you help," I hug Char.

"No problem, Call.  And before I forget, good luck with your first day next week.  Let's just hope that it's only the day that you have to work," she grimaces. 

"Probably not," I mutter.

Char laughs.  "Well, good luck anyway."

Char walks out of the apartment but comes back.  "Hey, Cohen, your birthday party is Saturday, remember?  Don't forget to go like you did last year."

I roll my eyes and shake my head at her.  "Of course not.  I've entered it into my phone and I've programmed it so that it'll alert me a day ahead as well as the day of."

"Are you sure?  That’s what you said last year and you remember what happened."

"Yes, I'm very sure.  I promise that I will not miss it for the world.  I mean seriously, why would I miss my twenty-first birthday party?"

She leaves and I begin to look up a suitable housekeeper for my apartment.  I know what you're thinking.  My apartment is small enough for me to clean it myself.  Well, if you've seen my cleaning… it's not great.  I do know how to pick up things and I can fold up my clothes and heat things in the microwave, but that's about it.  My mom was just so… motherly that I never really had to help out with chores.  She was much more interested in my studying and doing well in school than she was in my help around the house and… well, you know me… I didn't complain.  

But now it's coming around to bite me in the backside.  Well, sort of.  Actually, because I'm going to be working at Gainboro, I'll be making four times as much as the average college graduate.  So in reality, I don't have to worry about finances or anything.  In fact, I'll probably have to worry about having too much money, and really, no one does that, do they?

A buzzing interrupts my thoughts and I immediately remember that my boyfriend, Farran Merle, was going to come over and see the new apartment.  Okay, I know I said I didn't want him to see it but this is going to be the first and absolute last time.  He was going to visit the building with me when I was first looking at it but his job got in the way and he had to pull an all-nighter so he wasn't able to come with me.  

That's the problem with dating a lawyer.  They're always so frickin' busy.  Especially because he's a partner (which is a pretty high position, compared to mine... I'll be starting out as a puny associate) at another firm (not Gainsboro).  But the hard work is totally worth it.  I'll be able to retire early and then have the rest of my life to do the things I enjoy most.  So it really is worth it now to work as hard as I can.  

I buzz Farran up and when I open the door and see his beautiful dark eyes and his permanent frown etched into his pale face, I wonder how I could have landed such a hottie.  And for a lawyer… goodness.  

"So… since it's almost our two month anniversary, I thought that we should do something.  Like go to dinner or something," I suggest.

"Dinner might be nice.  But we should stay here.  I was thinking of doing something else tonight."

"Really?  Because I saw this Italian restaurant on the way here that looked-"

"I want to congratulate you on your new apartment.  I suppose you could call it an apartment-warming present."

He pulls me towards my new bedroom and onto the bed.  The bedroom is small and there isn't even enough space to walk in front of the bed to get to the other side.  But that doesn't bother either of us.  He kisses my face and pushes me down.  

Ah… Char was right, this is nice….  

Yes, this is one thing my sister always talked to me about when we were teens.  I never quite understood what was so great about it but now I know.

Goodness, I was missing out on a lot.

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NOTE

So, as you guys probably know, Generation Two is going to be the first generation to be based off of a book.  Now, I'm trying not to make it exactly like the book because I don't want to copy it completely, so some posts will be a little more exaggerated and some will be more accurate to the book (Though I'd prefer to have all of the chapters not copy the book.  Let's hope that I'm successful at retaining that goal).  

Also, if you didn't notice, I shall be incorporating colorful sims (Sort of like Berry Sims but also sort of not.  Some of their names aren't obvious "berry" names, so it's more like I'm using colorful sims with color-related names.  Not sure if there's a term for that...).  The reason I am doing this is because all of the books that I am basing the generations on are going to be from the realistic fiction genre.  So, as not to copy the books anymore than I am, having the colored sims sort of adds a more unrealistic twist to the whole story.  Plus, Calista has blue hair and that's definitely not realistic so... it's okay that I'm adding this one unrealistic feature.

Anywho... I should probably tell you which book it is.  It is The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella.  She is one of my favorite authors and I really love her books (in fact, I'd totally love to base all of the generations on all of her books, but they get very similar after a while (which would be boring) so I'm not going to) but I particularly like the idea of this one.  So I just hope that this whole base-the-story-off-of-books-idea really works.  And I also hope that my telling you doesn't ruin the whole generation.  But if you'd like to know what the generation is going to be about, just read the book!  Unless you're one of those people who likes surprises.  And if you've already read the book, I hope this story doesn't bother you or anything.  This is my "sim-ified" interpretation of the book so I hope that you like it!  If not, that's okay too.

As always, thanks for reading!  Feedback is appreciated.  I'd love to know what you think of the whole idea  :D

Generation 01, Chapter 10: Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing

NOTE

The quote in the title is by Phyllis Diller.

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Mystic finally gave birth to two foals, Magic and Miracle (both girls), last week so that probably explains why I'm riding them in my dreams.  They're carrying Adam and I through a jungle when all of a sudden a monkey speaks to me. "Mom, mom! You need to get up."

"What?" I ask. I must be delirious. I shake my head and turn away.

I open my eyes and see James staring out the window of our room. "Mom! Look, it's snowing! Wake up and see!" He repeats. I shake my head and rub the sleep out of my eyes. 

Then I shake Adam's shoulder.  "Honey, wake up. Look outside."

Adam groans and peeks his eyes at me.  He smiles and then looks over at James.  "How about you go put on the new winter gear we bought you, James.  We'll be out in a sec."

James stands there and then squeals and runs out of the room with Kadie in pursuit.

Adam embraces me under the covers and closes his eyes.  "Adam," I whine.  "You can't go back to sleep."

"Just a few minutes," he murmurs against my neck.  His hands wrap about my sides and he pulls me close to him.  I have to admit, it's very tempting to just stay inside next to this warm hunk of man but I don't want James to be outside alone.  Plus, this is the very first snow that we've ever seen.  We should probably go out and enjoy it.

His breath is warm against my skin as he whispers, "So, have you thought about more children?  Or are we done?"  I'm stunned by his question (considering that it's too early in the morning for clear thinking, especially about important topics such as the former) but tell him that I have to think about it.

The girls' cries bring me to my feet.  Adam finally gets up too and we get the girls ready for the outdoors too.  I look out the window and see James has somehow already built a large igloo. 

It takes about forty-five minutes but Adam and I finally get ourselves and the girls ready for the coolness of the outdoors.  I step out the door and the snow crunches underneath my feet.  It's a pleasantly cushiony substance and I just want to fall into it.

"Let's go see what your brother is doing," I say once Adam and Calla come out.

I glance over at the stable and realize that it was good thing Adam called for a roof to be added to the horse stable because there's a lot of snow and more is falling down.

Calla and Zoe go into James's igloo but apparently, it's not very interesting because they both pop back out a few minutes later complaining about the cold.  James entertains them a bit with a game of peek-a-boo to distract them from complaining and it works... for a little while.  Adam and I bring them back inside and they eat their breakfast and watch cartoons.  They seem very content so I carry out a baby monitor and Adam, James, and I continue to play outside.  

We start off by making snowmen.  It's laborious and I feel like my fingers are going to freeze off.  I'm still tentative and have no yet touched the snow with my bare hands.  Adam and I invite James to build our snowman with us but he's convinced we're too old and so he starts making his own right next to us.  I have to admit, Adam does most of the building.

I'm just in awe of the snow.  It's such a strange substance that I can't help but constantly admire it.  I never knew I could direct my attention to such a simple thing for such a lengthy period of time.

Well, by the time James leaves for school, Adam and I have completed our snowman and James had fun ruining his.

Adam quickly drops the girls off at a friend's house for a play date and then he and I spend some time together making snow angels and building a snow cat.

James makes an amazing big brother.  He did get a bit jealous having two younger sisters stealing the attention but he discovered quite quickly that it doesn't help to pout and complain about them.  He constantly helps take care of them and because of that, he is privileged.

I find my two boys taking care of the girls while I cook dinner.  James is hanging out with Zoe while Calla babbles about her best friend, Chartreuse Flavius, another little girl who is Calla and Zoe's age.

For dinner, we have breakfast foods.  It has continued to snow all day today so much so that James' school was cancelled at noon and tomorrow there won't be any school either.  So the breakfast food, which is James's favorite type of food, is in celebration of no school.

Despite not having school tomorrow, James still decides to get started on his homework.  He's learning how to do long division so Adam sits down and helps him while the twins play contently by themselves with the new dollhouse they received on their last birthday.

"Oh, Cal!"  Adam exclaims.  "I forgot to tell you, Dexter and I are planning on going out of town to a horse show that only comes around every ten years or so.  It's not until the summer but I'm just warning you ahead of time."

"Really?  Okay, you'll have to remind me when it comes around."

"Dad!"  James whines.  "You're supposed to be helping me.  I don't understand how to get rid of this number...."

At last, James gets his homework done.  Adam and I put the little girls to sleep and James, Adam, and I go downstairs, snuggle on the couch together, and watch a movie with a bowl of popcorn in our hands.

The next day, on James's day off, Adam put up beautiful holiday lights up on the eaves of the house where a million icicles grew over night.  Adam and James spend more time outside.  Honestly, one day was enough for me.  I'm still getting used to this cold so I stay inside with the little girls.

James takes care of the two foals.  He's been given the responsibility of taking care of the foals and he's stated that one day he's going to grow up and take care of the horses "just like daddy."

We drop the little girls off at another play date and then Adam and James convince me to come outside and go ice skating.  Fortunately, Adam and I have gone ice skating on a rink before but James has not.

We walk over to a local pond that has been deemed safe to skate on.

James is wobbly at first and spreads his arms out to keep his balance.  Adam stays close behind him just in case he falls, which he does a few times.

He's a quick learner and is soon able to follow behind Adam and make full trips around the entire pond without tripping.

His confidence rises and he and I skate together in the middle of the circle while Adam shows off his moves.

"You showoff!"  I giggle as he skates around James and I backwards.

After many many months of snow, it's finally the beginning of summer.  Adam has gone with Dexter to the horse show so it's just the kids and I at home.  James does a great job of taking care of his little sister and even helps me put them to bed each night.

Kadie is getting old now.  She can barely walk up the stairs and prefers to sleep most days.  In a way she is like a cat, except bigger, of course.  The little girls give her plenty of entertainment what she's not asleep.

Summer should be a nice break from Winter, definitely.  Adam should be coming home soon and when he does, we'll be celebrating the twins' birthday as well as James's.  With the children getting older, I think back to Adam's question from earlier this year.  Then I text him:

Our family is complete.

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NOTE

Thanks for reading!!  :)  OMG, I cannot believe Calista is finishing with 103 children.  That's so strange to think about.  O_O

Meh, I tried to keep it somewhat interesting but I pretty much had to make a smooth story line out of a bunch of random pictures (because I was super excited to test out Seasons so I just took random screenshots of everything without thinking about making them make sense), which wasn't too successful but... oh well.