tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-308739522008-08-18T20:44:44.350-05:00Fortune ShoresMandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-18332738078429822262008-08-18T20:43:00.003-05:002008-08-18T20:44:44.365-05:00Back from my fun weekendWelp, I'm back from my super fun weekend with the hubs and his family! We got lots of cute baby stuff from the shower, and now I've got nothing going on besides waiting for my baby to get here!<br /><br />Anyhoo, I've got another <a href="http://applebylegacy.blogspot.com/">Appleby</a> update for ya. Hopefully there will be another one tomorrow! Enjoy!Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-36232339754457456082008-08-15T10:47:00.004-05:002008-08-15T10:52:26.815-05:00Over the WeekendI just posted an <a href="http://applebylegacy.blogspot.com">Appleby</a> update, and there will be another one posted later this afternoon. But I won't be able to post anymore updates until Monday or so. I'm leaving today to go out of town to visit my husband's family (and yet another baby shower) for the weekend! It's going to be a great time, as long as I can make it through the 4 hour drive to his hometown! Have a great weekend and see you Monday!Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-64566459178252435262008-08-13T20:29:00.002-05:002008-08-13T20:31:17.477-05:00Appleby Updates2 more <a href="http://applebylegacy.blogspot.com/">Appleby</a> updates posted today! I'm really on a roll with this legacy family.Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-23185370269256091772008-08-11T16:17:00.002-05:002008-08-11T16:21:04.472-05:00The Appleby LegacyI'm crazy, I know it. I just feel like I need a wide variety of things going on in my sims game to keep my interest. So, I've started a pseudo-legacy challenge. I'm not following all the rules, and I'm not keeping a real scorecard, I'm just keeping it as simple as possible (at least for now)!<br /><br />If you're interested, check it out:<br /><br /><a href="http://applebylegacy.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>The Appleby Legacy</strong></span></a><br /><br />I'd love to see you over there and hear your comments and feedback! For now it's just simple gameplay notes/narration from me, but we'll see if I get any kind of creative-bug later on! And don't worry, I'm not stopping my other projects. Just adding more to my already full plate. Heehee.Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-62382903917997962462008-08-07T17:11:00.003-05:002008-08-07T18:45:41.678-05:00List Update 8/7/08It's that time again to do some major house-cleaning on <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/01/my-favorite-blogs-list.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>My Favorite Blogs List</strong></span></a>. I haven't updated this page since March (I think), and it is in dire need of an update! If I'm wrong about any of this stuff, leave a comment and set me straight! One other thing, I'm going to completely remove blogs that have been marked as *finished challenges* and have not been updated in a year or more.<br /><br />I really don't want to get rid of blogs that haven't been updated in a year, unless they specifically say they are finished or have finished their challenge. I just can't help but hope that they get updated again! So, red blogs will still be on the list! However, I have gotten rid of the broken links.Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-63815164646317353202008-07-02T17:44:00.002-05:002008-07-02T19:05:34.715-05:002 Year Anniversary!!<center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Family%20Trees/AnniversaryBanner.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Two years ago on this exact day, Fortune Shores was born! I was brand new to blogging, my pictures were fuzzy but my excitement was high! Now, my pictures aren't so fuzzy anymore and I am still excited about this neighborhood and the game. It's truly amazing how fast time goes by. So, in celebration of this momentous occasion (heehee, ok...not so momentous but still special!) I have put together some family trees of all the major blood lines so you can see who's related to who, and just how much Fortune Shores has grown! We're currently on generation 3 of "born-in-game" simmies. And to get reminisce about all the good times that have been had in Fortune Shores, you can always read the past updates in the Entries by Round and Family links in the main navigation links bar. I hope you have enjoyed the last 2 years as much as I have, and I can't wait to make another 2 years of memories!<br /><br /><center>------------------------------------------</center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Family%20Trees/Reinhartcopy.jpg"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Reinhart Family Tree</strong></span></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Family%20Trees/Linwoodcopy-1.jpg"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Marshall Linwood Family Tree</strong></span></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Family%20Trees/Berkleycopy.jpg"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Berkley/Go Family Tree</strong></span></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Family%20Trees/Coxcopy.jpg"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Fairfax/Cox Family Tree</strong></span></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Family%20Trees/OMalleycopy.jpg"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>O'Malley Family Tree</strong></span></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Family%20Trees/Linwood2copy.jpg"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Richard Linwood Family Tree</strong></span></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Family%20Trees/Landgraabcopy.jpg"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Landgraab Family Tree</strong></span></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Family%20Trees/Harris.jpg"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Harris Family Tree</strong></span></a></center>Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-74012875453385364312008-06-26T14:11:00.005-05:002008-06-26T16:11:24.066-05:00Another Day, Another Class<center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University116.jpg" /></center><center><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong></strong></span></center><center><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong>Academie La Tour</strong></span> <span style="color:#cc66cc;"><br />$90,721</span> </center><center><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Title:<strong> Another Day, Another Class</strong></span></center><center><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Lot 1:</span> Fraternity House - Georgia Linwood and Jade O'Malley</center><center><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Lot 2:</span> Dorms - Heidi Cox and Julie Cox</center><center></center><center></center><br /><center><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Last Visit:</span> <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/08/heart-breakers.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Heart-Breakers</strong></span></a></center><br /><br />It's time to catch up with the kids attending Academie La Tour this round. From the previous round we had Jade O'Malley and Georgia Linwood who finished up their sophomore year and took their places in the Hoh-Fruhm fraternity house as soon as the previous class graduated and moved back to Fortune Shores (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/08/heart-breakers.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Heart-Breakers</strong></span></a>). This round welcomes two new freshmen to the college: Heidi and Julie Cox. Heidi and Julie are the first two ALT students that had to go through the new application process, and passed with flying colors (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2008/03/whats-taking-so-long.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>What's Taking So Long?!</strong></span></a>). Even though they have heard how much fun their friends are having at the new Fortune Shores Technical Academy, Heidi and Julie are happy to be attending the prestigious and studious Academie La Tour. Let's take a look at the girls in their new Young Adult-i-ness.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University117.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Here's Heidi Cox, first natural born daughter of Louise (Fairfax) and Kennedy Cox (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/08/changing-times.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Changing Times</strong></span></a>). Heidi is a very ambitious Fortune sim who dreams of becoming a Business Tycoon. She has decided to major in Economics. She has always been close to her sister Julie, and is thrilled that they will be attending college together.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University118.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is Julie Cox, adopted daughter of Louise (Fairfax) and Kennedy Cox (see<span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong> </strong></span><a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/10/new-life-goal.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>A New Life Goal</strong></span></a>). Julie has loved being a part of a big family ever since the Cox's adopted her, and she was always worried that she would have to go to college alone. But now she has Heidi with her, and she is as happy as a clam. Julie is a very reserved Knowledge sim who wants to maximize all of her potential in life (max all 7 skills). She hopes that college will help her achieve that goal, and she has decided to major in Mathematics since math has always been her favorite subject. She has no idea what she wants to do for a living, but she's sure she'll figure it out.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University119.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Since both Heidi and Julie are very dedicated to their studies, they spent a lot of time doing just that...studying. They knew that coming to college was so that they could further their possibilities in the future (and in Julie's case, learn everything she possibly could), so they didn't spend a lot of time having fun at first.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University120.jpg" /></center><br /><br />But then they got a call from Lilah O'Malley, who attends FSTA and happens to be the girlfriend of their brother Blazej (see<span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong> </strong></span><a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2008/04/first-class.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>The First Class</strong></span></a>). Lilah is well known for being rambunctious and fun-loving, and she immediately convinced the girls to throw a party in their dorm. So, the girls invited all of the FSTA students (many of whom they went to highschool with and knew very well) to the party. It turned out to be a great night filled with lots of kegs of "punch" and dancing.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University121.jpg" /></center><br /><br />It was at this party that Heidi first fell in love...or at least she thought she did. She had known Lilah's twin brother, Linus O'Malley, since they were kids. But seeing him again in college changed something in her. Heidi was immediately attracted to Linus, and he seemed to return the sentiment. Maybe they had one too many cups of "punch", but before she knew it, Heidi was having her first kiss and then her first make-out session with Linus. They would have gone all the way to woohoo'ing had the cops not come to break up the party just in time. A fact that Heidi was grateful for not too long after.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University122.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And why was she grateful that she never got to woohoo with Linus, you ask? Well, she found out not too long after that night that Linus had begun hooking up with Abigail Linwood (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2008/04/first-class.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>The First Class</strong></span></a>). She should have known that it was coming, seeing as how Linus and Abigail live in the same dorms at FSTA and see each other practically every day. Even still, it broke Heidi's heart that Linus had ditched her for another girl. And for a friend of hers, no less. It wasn't until she heard that Linus and Abigail were an official couple that she finally realized that Linus was not interested in her anymore.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University123.jpg" /></center><br /><br />She moped around for a little while after coming to this realization, but it didn't take her long to realize that she could find someone better than Linus. She was ready to get out into the dating world. She met a guy shortly thereafter who everyone called the T-man (mainly because I can't remember what his first name was!). He was very handsome with chocolate skin and beautiful blond hair, and Heidi was smitten almost immediately. Heidi and T-man started spending a lot of time together, and before she knew it they were a real couple. Heidi was finally happy again. She was really starting to enjoy college!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University124.jpg" /></center><br /><br />She tried to get Julie to come out of her shell a little, but Julie was just as content reading and studying as she was partying and flirting with guys. The girls even joined the Hoh-Fruhm fraternity just like all the other Fortune Shores kids who had attended ALT, but Julie still spent the majority of her time reading/studying. But they did enjoy an occasional toga party, or two!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University125.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Speaking of the Hoh Fruhm fraternity, Jade and Georgia were now the upper-classmen in the fraternity and were enjoying their time in the Hoh Fruhm mansion. Well, actually Georgia was enjoying herself...but Jade was another story. If you recall from the last visit, Jade and Miles Berkley (who had been dating since highschool) finally got engaged to each other right before Miles graduated and moved back to Fortune Shores. But if you'll also remember, Jade had a one-night fling with Samuel Cox during that time also, but Miles forgave her and proposed to her anyway (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/08/heart-breakers.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Heart-Breakers</strong></span></a>). Everything was going fine for them until Jade attended Miles' brother's wedding. You see, Samuel Cox is now engaged to Tessa Berkley who is Miles' sister. So, naturally Samuel was at the wedding also. They had one too many glasses of champagne at the wedding, and all of a sudden there Jade was standing in the middle of the dance floor kissing Samuel Cox...right in front of Miles and the rest of their family. Needless to say, Miles was enraged and sent her back to ALT without even a word of goodbye (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-boys-came-home.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>My Boys Came Home</strong></span></a>). Anyway, she tried calling him when she got back, but he just wouldn't answer her calls. So far, they haven't broken off the engagement, but Jade is beside herself with remorse for what happened, and grief over possibly losing the love of her life.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University126.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Everyone could tell that something was wrong with Jade. She wasn't her normal crazy, wild self. At all of their fraternity parties, Jade would stand off by herself and drink all night long. The other girls in Hoh-Fruhm began to worry about her new drinking habits as well as her new antisocial behavior.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University127.jpg" /></center><br /><br />But it wasn't until right before graduation that Jade finally broke down and told her best friend Georgia all about what happened at the Berkley wedding. Georgia couldn't believe that Jade still had feelings for Samuel Cox after all this time, and that she acted on those feelings right in front of her fiance and his family. But she tried to be supportive and understanding. Jade wasn't sure about where she was going to go after graduation, and she wasn't sure if she was still going to be having a wedding. But Georgia was able to cheer her up enough and helped her get through the last few weeks of their final semester in college.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University128.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Graduation finally came, and both Georgia and Jade finished college with outstanding grades. Georgia threw a big graduation party for herself, and all of her favorite people came to it. Her mother and father (Richard and Ivy (Copur) Linwood) and her two brothers (Mayer and Julian Linwood) all came to congratulate her and to celebrate. She really enjoyed seeing them all again after so long. The last time she saw them was at her cousin Dustin's wedding, which seemed like forever ago (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/05/happily-ever-after.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Happily Ever After</strong></span></a>).<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University129.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Her dad was so proud of her that he was in tears for most of the party. She is the oldest child in her family and therefore the first one to attend college and graduate. Her father just couldn't stop hugging her!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University130.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Georgia's fiance, Benjamin Fairfax, also came to the party. She was so excited to see him, and even more excited to be graduating because that meant that she would be moving in with him at the Fairfax cottage. Her mother, Ivy, watched on with pride as Georgia and Benjamin were reunited. Benjamin is the sole heir of the Fairfax estate and name, and her little Georgia was going to be his wife. She had definitely done well for herself in the spouse-department.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University131.jpg" /></center><br /><br />The party was also filled with lots of eating, chatting, and of course...smustling! Everyone had a great time and the party was a roof-raiser in no time at all. Even Jade came out of her depression for a little while to join in the smustle-fun. Jade didn't have a graduation party for herself. She was just too sad, and didn't really want to see her family since she knew there would be tons of questions about why Miles didn't come to the party and all of that. She just didn't want to face it.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University132.jpg" /></center><br /><br />So, Jade and Georgia said good-bye to their college years and prepared themselves to move back to Fortune Shores and begin their new lives as adults. But before they did, they left a gift for the future brothers and sisters of Hoh-Fruhm. They outfitted a game room out on the terrace of the mansion, complete with a bar, juke box, and pool table. Even Heidi and Julie were excited to see this new addition, although Julie really preferred the library upstairs that a previous graduating class had donated.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University133.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And on their last day in the Hoh-Fruhm house, Jade and Georgia finally got to hang up their pledge-class picture on the "Wall of Class". They were the fourth class to live in the mansion, and the 3rd pledge class to join the fraternity.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University134.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Here's Georgia Linwood all grown up. The first thing she wants to do when she gets back to Fortune Shores is get a makeover! But she is very proud to have finally graduated from college with a degree in Psychology. Even though she really just wants to get married, have 6 kids and watch them all get married one day...she can't wait to start a career too. She's not quite sure what job she'll choose, but she can't wait to find out. For now though, she's just excited about moving in with her fiance, Benjamin Fairfax, and planning their wedding.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University135.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And as for Jade, she's not really sure what she's going to do now that she's graduated. She's not sure where she stands with her fiance, Miles Berkley, but she's ready to find out. She figures that she'll just move into her own place until Miles finally decides to talk to her and either end things or make up. If he still wants to, she'd love to marry him and become his wife in which case she would end up moving into the Berkley household since Miles is the Berkley heir. But if not, she'll just keep her own place and move on with her life. As for a job, Jade dreams of becoming a Celebrity Chef and now that she has a degree in Art she is very excited at the real possibility of that dream coming true. Who knows, maybe she'll even become a culinary professor at FSTA one day. Either way, she's ready to start her new life.<br /><br /><center><strong>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</strong></center><br /><br /><center><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">University Funny Pic:</span></strong></center><br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/University/Round%205/University136.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>What is Richard doing to that cow?! I don't even wanna know...</em></span></center>Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-25592477001958253602008-06-09T20:17:00.002-05:002008-06-09T20:24:47.791-05:00Don't Fret, My PetHello! Once again, I have been so very terrible at updating. But have no fear, I'm not done yet. And probably won't ever be done since I am still crazy in love with the sims. So, let me just reassure you that I'm still around.<br /><br />I'm due to have my baby in September of this year, so that meant that I had to double on my college classes over this summer so I can have the entire fall off with the baby. I'm currently taking Anatomy/Physiology 1 <em>and</em> 2 (yes, that's 2 different classes), Microbiology, Human Nutrition, and Developmental Psychology in a 12 week time period. So, along with my huge belly that gets bigger everyday, I am a super busy girl. I literally have had <strong><em>NO</em></strong> time to play the sims or blog about it at all. Even my baby blog that I started about my pregnancy hasn't been updated in a month due to my never-ending study times.<br /><br />But, I've got 6 weeks of school left (after this week) and I plan on doing nothing but simming once that's done. Also, Fortune Shores is about to hit it's 2 year anniversary (was started on July 9, 2006) so I'm trying to work on a special update for that. It probably won't be any new pictures, but more like a re-cap of where we've been and what the wacky residents have been up to. But that will depend on time, although it is top on my priority list right now. So, definitely keep checking back. Sign up for email updates to be sure that you get notified as soon as there is an update!<br /><br />In other news, I don't think I've mentioned that <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><em>It's a BOY</em></strong></span>! Heehee, my husband and I found out that we are expecting a bouncing baby boy, and we are super excited! We've decided to name him Brendan Timothy, and we're working on his nursery too (it's a sailboat theme!). So, that's kept me busy as well! Anyhoo, just thought I'd give ya a quick update so you know I'm doing alright...just crazy busy! Hope all is well with you and yours!Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-2349144615603133242008-04-18T18:50:00.002-05:002008-04-18T20:22:38.849-05:00The First Class<center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA1.jpg" /></center><center><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong></strong></span></center><center><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong>Fortune Shores Technical Academy</strong></span> <span style="color:#cc66cc;"><br />$30,000</span> </center><center><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Title:<strong> The First Class</strong></span></center><center><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Lot 1:</span> FSTA Dorms: Blazej Cox, Abigail Linwood, Aidan Linwood, Lilah O'Malley, Linus O'Malley, Cercie Reinhart</center><br /><br />With the construction finally finished on the brand new Fortune Shores Technical Academy, the first class was eager to move in and get started with their studies. All of these students were very excited to be the first to study in the brand new facility. Allow me to introduce you to the first class of FSTA.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA26.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is Blazej Cox, the adopted son of Kennedy and Louise Fairfax (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/10/new-life-goal.html"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">A New Life Goal</span></strong></a>). One of eight children, Blazej feels right at home in the bustling dorm life of the FSTA dorms. Both of Blazej's parents are professors at the new college; Kennedy is the Cosmetology professor and Louise is the Culinary professor. Blazej is majoring in Athletics with a Fitness minor. He hopes to one day become a Hall of Famer.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA27.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is Abigail Linwood, daughter of Marshall and Caryl Linwood (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/09/baby-boom.html"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Baby Boom</span></strong></a>). With four older siblings, a twin brother, and six younger brothers and sisters, Abigail is no stranger to the hustle and bustle of dorm life either. Abigail is majoring in Culinary with a minor in Gardening. She hopes to one day become a Celebrity Chef just like her professor, Louise Cox.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA28.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Next up is Aidan Linwood. He is the son of Marshall and Caryl Linwood, and Abigail Linwood's twin brother. Aidan wasn't sure if he wanted to go to college at all; his lifetime want has absolutely nothing to do with furthering his education and does not require a college degree. But his twin sister, Abigail, talked him into going with her to the new college in town. Due to the awesome new majors/minors, Aidan just couldn't refuse. It also helped that his long time crush, Cercie Reinhart was attending FSTA as well. Aidan is majoring in Dance with a minor in music, although he dreams of having 6 pets reach the top career level. Is it a coincidence that his love interest is also majoring in Dance/Music? Or does Aidan truly love the subjects?<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA29.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This lovely lady is Lilah O'Malley, daughter of Brandi Harris (formerly O'Malley) and the infamous Quincy O'Malley (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/08/change-of-heart.html"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Change of Heart</span></strong></a>). Lilah's father died when she was still very young, and she grew up with only her mother and twin brother, Linus. She also has a half-sister, Jade O'Malley, who currently attends Academie La Tour but never even met her until she was a teenager. Lilah is used to quiet life, but she has found living with many other students (especially the male students) to be very exciting and entertaining. Even though she is as girly as they come, Lilah is majoring in Athletics with a minor in Fitness. She hopes to one day become a Hall Famer (as long as she gets to be surrounded by sweaty, shirtless men).<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA30.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is Linus O'Malley, son of Brandi Harris (formerly O'Malley) and Quincy O'Malley, and twin brother of Lilah O'Malley. Linus is a very fun and playful guy, although he does have a serious side to him when it comes to knowledge and studying. His lifetime dream is to enter the medical field and become a Chief of Staff, but was disappointed after he was not accepted to Academie La Tour. Thankfully, FSTA has a great medical program as well, and he is happily learning everything he can under the careful watch and instruction of none other than Fortune Shore's own Chief of Staff, Marisa Reinhart. Linus is majoring in the Medical Technician program with a minor in Tinkering (engineering).<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA31.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And last but not least is Cercie Reinhart. She is the daughter of the famous basketball player Edwin Reinhart and the Chief of Staff Marisa Reinhart (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/08/time-flies-by.html"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Time Flies By</span></strong></a>). Cercie broke her father's heart (and his high expectations) when she did not get accepted to Academie La Tour. But Cercie has always had a love for dancing and music, so FSTA was the perfect choice for her. Even though Cercie follows in her father's money-loving ways and has a lifetime goal of earning $100,000, she knows that the best way to go about doing just that is by following your heart and doing something you love. So, she is majoring in Dance with a minor in Music. It's rumored that Edwin only took the job as Athletics/Fitness professor at FSTA so that he could keep an eye on his only daughter, of whom he has always been very protective.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA32.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Speaking of Edwin Reinhart being a professor, he is a great addition to the FSTA faculty. As a Hall of Famer himself, he has attracted many athletics-degree seeking students to the new college. He is a tough professor, as his first two students Blazej Cox and Lilah O'Malley, can attest to. He is always pushing his Fitness students harder and harder in their workouts and even insisted that the dorms install a workout room so that his students could practice while in their off-hours.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA33.jpg" /></center><br /><br />The college also boasts about an impressive Athletics department, also headed by Edwin Reinhart. His two current students are majoring in Athletics and both hope to become Hall of Famers just like their professor. Professor Reinhart is always telling them that it is a tough road with lots of hard work and sweat, and that road starts now. The students learn everything there is to know about sports from basketball to soccer to even swimming. They even get to play their professor one on one, an opportunity that very few in Fortune Shores get with the famour sports star.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA34.jpg" /></center><br /><br />The Culinary Department, headed by Celebrity Chef herself Louise Cox, is also a very popular program at FSTA. Currently Abigail Linwood gets Professor Cox's entire attention since she is the only student. Already she has gained countless skill points in the Culinary Arts, and has added to her dish library by ten-fold. Professor Cox is always giving her hints and tips that make cooking the true art form that it is. With training like this, Ms. Linwood will be a Celebrity Chef in no time!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA35.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Gardening is a great minor for any student interested in majoring in Culinary. Growing your own food is much healthier than store-bought ingredients, and makes for better tasting dishes as well. Louise Cox is the head of the Gardening Department as well, and delights in teaching the students how to care for a proper garden. All food grown in the garden at FSTA is used in the Culinary courses, and any extra food is sold to the local farmer's market.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA36.jpg" /></center><br /><br />FSTA also has a state-of-the-art medical training facility, with Chief of Staff Dr. Marisa Reinhart at the helm. Linus O'Malley can attest to how strenous the course-work is, and how demanding Dr. Reinhart can be on her students. After all, medical training students are being trained to take people's lives in their hands. And noone knows how prepared you must be for that than Dr. Reinhart. Therefore, students must learn every part of the body and every known disease as well as their cure.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA37.jpg" /></center><br /><br />During clinical practice, she expects nothing but the best from her students, and is quick to point out their errors. Wrong answers in class are considered okay as long as you study to correct it, but wrong answers in real life could cost someone their life.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA38.jpg" /></center><br /><br />A much less stressful department, but still as strenous is the Dance Department. Professor Elizabeth O'Malley has agreed to teach at the college until a replacement can be found. She enjoys Dance/Music but has no want to teach it long-term. Nevertheless, her first two students Aidan Linwood and Cercie Reinhart, are thrilled with the education they are getting. They have improved beyond imagination in their dance knowledge and skill.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA39.jpg" /></center><br /><br />A great minor for the Dance program is the Music minor. Also headed by Professor O'Malley. In this program, students pick up various musical instruments and learn music theory and application. Cercie Reinhart has always loved the violin, and after only two years at FSTA, she is quite good. Aidan Linwood enjoys the piano, but his favorite instrument is the drums.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA40.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Of course, college life isn't all about going to class and studying. It's about having fun too! And the students of FSTA are not lacking in the fun department. Their new dorm facility is cram-packed with fun inducing activities to help take their minds off those up-coming finals. The main room is their favorite gathering place. Students can always be found playing pool and poker, dancing to the juke box tunes, or watching TV in front of the warm fire. It's a great place to socialize and relax.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA41.jpg" /></center><br /><br />While the girls, namely Cercie Reinhart and Lilah O'Malley, can always be found at the poker table, Blazej Cox is never too far from the pool table. He has fallen in love with playing pool, and can now beat anyone he challenges. He has also taught himself a few new tricks along the way, which is a great attention-getter at parties.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA42.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Cercie and Lilah have become best friends in these past two years. They can be seen constantly whispering about boys and other fun college topics. They have become inseparable. It's almost as if they are the sister's the other has never had.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA43.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Another great social gathering spot is the hot tub, which is always full of entertainment. Even adult residents of Fortune Shores have been seen stopping by to partake in the hot tub fun. Poor Margaret Berkley may not be back for awhile though, not after she was struck by lightning (the first human lightning strike since Seasons came out).<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA44.jpg" /></center><br /><br />But that hot tub has seen much more than just lightning strikes. It has fostered many new love relationships, including Linus O'Malley and Abigail Linwood. The two love-birds were always hopping in the hot tub after a long day of classes. Finally, their relationship reached that next level in their favorite place.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA45.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Of course, don't tell Heidi Cox that. She's attending Academie La Tour and you'll see her in the next update. Before going to college, Heidi and Linus were getting pretty hot &amp; heavy, and I'm sure she won't be too happy to hear that he has another girl in his life now. And I always thought his sister Lilah would be the one to break a few hearts in college. Heh.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA46.jpg" /></center><br /><br />But so far, Lilah has been perfectly happy with none other than Blazej Cox. They started to really get to know each other while in classes together since they share the same major. And they are the only two students in that major, so they had a lot of time to get acquainted. Their relationship blossomed, and so far she seems completely happy being in a committed relationship. She hasn't even looked sideways at any other guys since she started dating Blazej. Maybe she's not the typical Romance sim that everyone expected.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA47.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And then there is the budding romance of Aidan Linwood and Cercie Reinhart. I'm still not sure if her father knows about this relationship, and I'm not sure if he would approve or not. We'll just have to wait and see. Cercie and Aidan liked each other back in highschool, but at the time Cercie was dating Roland Berkley. But he went off to college and ended up getting married soon after he graduated, and poor Cercie wasn't even out of highschool yet. When she got to college and saw that Aidan Linwood was in her classes, she was ecstatic. The two fell for each other really fast, and are now so very in love.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA48.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And love isn't the only thing Cercie has been up to in her spare time. She also completed her very first novel! It wasn't a best-seller or anything, but it was published and she can now say that she is a Published Author. At least her father has something to be proud of her for now.<br /><br />That's it for the first two years of the first class of FSTA. We'll finish them up next time! Stay tuned for the next update, which will be from Academie La Tour!<br /><br /><center>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">FSTA Funny Pic:</span></strong><br /><br /><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/Round%205/FSTA49.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>My game always makes the walls eat people. Hmph.</em></span></center>Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-59784592120722198612008-03-30T13:05:00.002-05:002008-03-30T14:20:43.318-05:00Tour of Fortune Shores Technical AcademySo, I finally got FSTA to work without any problems or bugs and finished the first two years of the first bunch of students! But before I post that update, I thought I'd give you a tour of Fortune Shores' newest custom college: Fortune Shores Technical Academy. To see what it's all about and the rules and admission procedures (text only) read <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2008/03/whats-taking-so-long.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>this</strong></span></a>. If you want a complete tour of the campus and the dorms, keep reading!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA1.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Welcome to FSTA! I did not build the actual building that houses FSTA since I am not too good at building and I was too impatient! So, I found it at <a href="http://www.modthesims2.com/"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>MTS2</strong></span></a>. It's actually posted as a highschool, so I was able to leave some of the rooms decorated the way they were. But I did tons of remodeling and redecorating on about 80% of the building. And I must say that I am very happy with the results!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA2.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Here's a full view of the college. It's a rather massive lot and runs kind of slow, especially after I added so much onto it. But it gets the job done and there are separate rooms for every major. Tons of space for lots of students, and very scenic. So far, I love it.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA3.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is the registrar's office as well as the infirmary. The students come here to first apply for college and to sign up for their Academy Audition. The infirmary was necessary due to the fact that FSTA is not a normal college in the way of majors. With areas of study such as athletics and dance, there is plenty of opportunity for injury!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA4.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is the computer lab and the library. The students spend time in between classes studying and writing term papers as well as doing assignments in this room. They've also been known to have fun in SSX2 competitions on those computers when the Librarian has left the room.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA5.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Here's the Lecture Classroom. Each major/minor have their own times to use this classroom, so only students of that major/minor are present during that area's lecture. The room can sit 8 students, although I doubt there will ever be a time when there are 8 students in one major/minor. But who knows?!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA6.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is the Theatre. The College of Fine Arts often put on productions in this theatre, including plays, art exhibits, concerts, and dance productions. The Theatre is also used as the setting for most Academy Auditions, the only exceptions being sports auditions or other areas that require equipment to large for the theatre stage or that require large amounts of room. By the way, during any Academy Audition family is welcome to attend the audition and cheer on their hopeful student!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA7.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is the Music Room where students can practice their musical skills. With all types of instruments available to the students, there's always something for everyone...no matter what type of music genre they are interested in.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA8.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Here is the Art Room, which includes easels, pottery stands, and sewing machines. The students artwork is displayed on the walls of the classroom each semester, and there are shelves in the corner where their pottery and sculptures are displayed. At the end of every semester, the Art Department holds an art show in the Theatre displaying all of the students' best work from the entire semester.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA9.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is the Dance Room. Students learn all types of dance in this studio from ballet to hip-hop to jazz. Even some ballroom dancing! The students put on a dance production at the end of their sophomore year and the end of their senior year. All proceeds go to the Dance Program of FSTA.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA10.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Here is the Louise Cox Culinary Room (nevermind that the picture says "Louise Fairfax", I can't believe I forgot that her last name hasn't been Fairfax for tons of rounds!). This room is named after Fortune Shores' first Celebrity Chef, and also the first Culinary Professor at FSTA. All of the rooms will eventually be named in honor of prominent Fortune Shores residents who are pioneers in their career fields. Anyhoo, students here have the best facilities and equipment to use to hone their culinary skills! Bake-offs and Cooking Contests are the favorite events of the culinary students.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA11.jpg" /></center><br /><br />On the FSTA grounds, one can find the greenhouse and the fishing pond. Students of the College of Nature Studies enjoy being outside, especially in their very own garden and pond. Equipped with a large greenhouse, multiple composts, and tons of free gardening plots the students are sure to get a wonderful hands-on education in Gardening. The fishing pond is stocked with many types of fish and plenty of shade for the students who aim to be fishermen! All of the produce (and fish) are sold to the local farmer's market in the community.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA12.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is the Crafting Room which houses stations to learn certain crafting skills such as Flower Arranging, Toy Making, and Electronics Manufacturing. There are also sewing machines and pottery stands. Tinkering students also find their equipment in this room as well. There are train tables, televisions and radios that are all available to be worked on.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA13.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Here is the Marisa Reinhart Medical Training Room, named in honor of Fortune Shores' first Chief of Staff and the first Medical Professor. The room is equipped with state of the art medical equipment to help students learn about the parts of the body and medical procedures. There is also chemistry instruments including a Biotech Station for students to learn about pharmacology.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA14.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is the Kennedy Cox Cosmetology Room, named in honor of Fortune Shores' only cosmetologist and Cosmetology Professor. The Cosmetology Room is an actual salon that services clients in all sorts of cosmetology areas including hair services, massage and therapeutic services, nail services, and skin services. All proceeds go to the Cosmetology Department of FSTA, but students do get to keep the tips they receive from clients! The students love to put on hair shows, and to work as makeup artists/hair stylists for the College of Fine Arts productions.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA15.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Here is the Edwin Reinhart Fitness Center, named in honor of Fortune Shores' first Hall of Famer and Athletic and Fitness Professor. The fitness center is equipped with top of the line exercise equipment as well as a lockerroom with showers and lockers.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA16.jpg" /></center><br /><br />The fitness center also includes the Aquatic Center as another form of fitness and exercise. Fitness students can also take a break from their normally strenous activities and play pool games during their free time!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA17.jpg" /></center><br /><br />The fitness center also encompasses the basketball court and soccer field for those students majoring in athletics. Professor Reinhart has a great time challenging his students on the basketball court, which is of course the sport that made him famous!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA18.jpg" /></center><br /><br />These next pictures are of the FSTA Dormitory. Right now there is only one dorm which is able to house 8 students, but since 8 students are technically allowed in every round, there is a possibility that a total of 16 students might attend at one time. So, the picture above is the FSTA Dormitory.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA19.jpg" /></center><br /><br />The students have a pool and a hottub to relax in, and boy let me tell you! They use that hottub and pool all the time!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA20.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Here's the dorm rooms. Two students share a room and they share a bathroom. The rooms are roomy enough and they have plenty of space to decorate the room however they want to!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA21.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is the computer lab. There's only 3 computers, so the students have to learn how to share! But with a hottub and a huge rec room right next door, the students are hardly ever in the computer lab unless writing term papers!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA22.jpg" /></center><br /><br />The Fitness Room. Edwin Reinhart insisted that the students have a fitness center inside their dormitory, due to the fact that his fitness/athletics students needed to work out every single day!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA23.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is the Dining Room. The students have their meals here together, the kitchen is on the other side of the double doors. There's plenty of room for everyone, and a buffet table and a piano to make things more fun!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/FSTA/FSTA24.jpg" /></center><br /><br />This is the rec room, the students favorite room in the entire dorms! With a pool table, poker table, chess table, juke box, and big screen TV..the students are never able to get bored! Here you can see a preview of all the new students chilling out in the rec room! The first FSTA update will be up soon. The pictures are all taken and edited, so stay tuned!Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-62947078216345128722008-03-29T11:24:00.003-05:002008-03-30T09:28:03.425-05:00List Update 3/29/08Okay, time to do some house-cleaning on <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/01/my-favorite-blogs-list.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>My Favorite Blogs List</strong></span></a>. I have been so busy lately that I have neglected this page...but have no fear, I'm cleaning it up with this update! I'm adding a couple of new blogs, changing a few addresses (yay Inge!), and posting about blogs that are "out of date" or not updated in awhile. If I'm wrong about any of this stuff, leave a comment and set me straight! So, here's a glance of what's changed (full reviews on the new blogs at the end of this post):<br /><br /><u><strong>3 New Blogs</strong> <span style="color:#cc33cc;">(yay, I love new blogs!)</span><strong> :</strong></u><br /><br /><a href="http://afterthecalling.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">After The Calling</span></a> by Veron<br /><a href="http://pinehollow.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Pine Hollow</span></a> by Shana<br /><a href="http://craftylovejr.com/sims/port/Text/intro.html"><span style="color:#009900;">Port Riverwalk</span></a> by Laurie<br /><br />Welcome to Fortune Shores btw Laurie and Veron, and I am so happy about your new blogs! And welcome back Shana to the Sims 2 world!<br /><br /><br /><strong><u>Changed Website Addresses:</u></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.portal.charlamov.com/windlebridge"><span style="color:#009900;">Windlebridge</span></a> by Ingeli<br /><br />I love your new site Ingeli, very nicely laid out and so fun to navigate and see your town! If you loved Windlebridge before, you'll be even more amazed with what Ingeli has done to it lately! Amazing!<br /><br /><br /><strong><u>Welcome Back!:<br /></u></strong><br /><a href="http://audrey-legacy.livejournal.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Audrey's Legacy</span></a> is back after a long break! It's so good to see the McNeils, Eversons, and the Legacy's again! Welcome back Audrey!<br /><a href="http://coventryso.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Life and Times in Coventry</span></a> by Ruby is back! This is a great Soap Opera challenge that I am so glad to see back!<br /><a href="http://www.deeperinsanity.info/TS2/index.html"><span style="color:#009900;">Rainbow Valley</span></a> is back after an almost 7 month break! Check Issue 7 of the Rainbow Valley Chronicles to catch up with the residents of Rainbow Valley. Yippee!<br /><a href="http://cestrome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">The Pixelated Truth</span></a> by Rome is coming back! Look for a real update sometime soon! Woohoo!<br /><br /><br /><u><strong>Un-Updated Blogs</strong> <span style="color:#cc33cc;">(please come back!)</span><strong> :</strong></u><br /><br /><a href="http://rachey.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Aquarion</span></a> hasn't been updated in a year.<br /><a href="http://fancifulsims.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Kingdom of Tapria</span></a> hasn't been updated in a year.<br /><a href="http://legacyvalley.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Legacy Valley</span></a> hasn't been updated in a year.<br /><a href="http://www.freewebs.com/loveislandsprosperity/index.htm"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Love Island's Prosperity</span></a> hasn't been updated in 3 months.<br /><a href="http://magicbeanssims.com/bw/mh/bw1.html"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Margie Hunter</span></a> hasn't been updated in a year.<br /><a href="http://mayfieldsaga.blogsome.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Mayfield: A Saga</span></a> hasn't been updated in a year.<br /><a href="http://bellas-story.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Pleasantview Prosperity</span></a> hasn't been updated in over 3 months.<br /><a href="http://prospbay.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Prosperity Bay</span></a> hasn't been updated in over 3 months.<br /><a href="http://www.yicke.be/"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Rock Valley</span></a> hasn't been updated in over 3 months.<br /><a href="http://saoghal.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Saoghal</span></a> hasn't been updated in over 3 months.<br /><a href="http://www.twyst.org/~starsha/business/ts2/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Sariana's Sims</span></a> hasn't been updated in a year.<br /><a href="http://www.freewebs.com/simaholicsimsite/index.htm"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Simaholic's Sim Site</span></a> hasn't been updated in a year.<br /><a href="http://www.freewebs.com/deadlie1376/index.htm"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Tiffany's Sims and Stuff</span></a> hasn't been updated in a year.<br /><br /><br /><u><strong>Goodbye</strong> <span style="color:#cc33cc;">(*cry*)</span><strong> :<br /></strong></u><br /><a href="http://harrypottersimlegacy.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Harry Potter Legacy</span></a> by Kat has ended due to a computer meltdown, but you can still see her fabulous stories at <a href="http://affluencevalley.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Affluence Valley</span></a>!<br /><a href="http://www.jennthesimmergirl.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Jenn The Simmer Girl</span></a> seems to have been moved...but no forwarding address. Anyone heard anything new about this one?<br /><a href="http://craftylovejr.com/sims/Prosperville/Text/intro.html"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Prosperville</span></a> by Laurie has closed due to a computer crash, but you can check out her new blog at <a href="http://craftylovejr.com/sims/port/Text/intro.html"><span style="color:#009900;">Port Riverwalk</span></a>!<br /><a href="http://sims.silvertuesday.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Shana's Sims</span></a> by Shana ended due to Shana's new famous author career (seriously, she got published!), but in between writing books like famous authors do...she has started a new blog: <a href="http://pinehollow.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Pine Hollow</span></a>.<br /><a href="http://vivissims.blogsome.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Vivi's Sims 2 Ventures</span></a> by Vivi has ended due to a computer error mostly. She may come back for the Sims 3, but otherwise you'll only see her when she comments on others' blogs. Will miss you Vivi!<br /><a href="http://simslifemusings.blogsome.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">White Horse Vale</span></a> by Tanya has ended due to wacky computer jumping bugs, but you can see her new story-telling blog at <a href="http://sims2tales.blogsome.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Sims 2 Tales</span></a>.<br /><br /><br /><strong><u>New Blog Reviews:</u></strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Blog Title:</span> <a href="http://afterthecalling.wordpress.com/"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">After The Calling</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Where I found it:</span> a comment by the author, Veron, on <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/01/my-favorite-blogs-list.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>My Favorite Blogs List</strong></span></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Content:</span><br />"A story-telling blog that revolves around the lives of various psychics in a time of telepathic turmoil" -- Veron<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Mandie's Thoughts:<br /></span>The story line is well thought out, the characters are well developed (and the male characters are hotties!), and the pictures are great! Another sci-fi story thriller to add to my reading list!<br /><br /><center>-----------------------------------------------------------------</center><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Blog Title:</span> <a href="http://pinehollow.wordpress.com/"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Pine Hollow</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Where I found it:</span> on Shana's old blog <a href="http://sims.silvertuesday.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Shana's Sims</span></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Content:</span><br />A prosperity challenge meets Sims 2 custom neighborhood, Shana follows some prosperity challenge rules but has an economically independent neighborhood!<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Mandie's Thoughts:<br /></span>The town is very cute and idyllic! Shana did a great job decorating the hood. The residents are colorful and full of personality. The economic system is unique and challenging since it runs entirely on its own! Very fun read and great pictures!<br /><br /><center>-----------------------------------------------------------------</center><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Blog Title:</span> <a href="http://craftylovejr.com/sims/port/Text/intro.html"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Port Riverwalk</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Where I found it:</span> a comment by the author, Laurie, on <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/01/my-favorite-blogs-list.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>My Favorite Blogs List</strong></span></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Content:</span><br />A second go for Laurie at the Prosperity Challenge, after her first one ended in computer crash! This time she starts with 4 starting families.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Mandie's Thoughts:<br /></span>The residents of Port Riverwalk are very diverse and have tons of personality and character for a Prosperity Challenge. It's usually so easy to forget who's who in this challenge, but in Port Riverwalk you'll never forget who they are! Each resident is unique and Laurie spent a lot of time on her website and her characters! You're in for a treat!Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-13895981317751732412008-03-19T09:51:00.005-05:002008-03-19T11:14:04.152-05:00What's Taking So Long?!Hey guys! This is going to be a rather long post with absolutely no pictures! It is my reason for being so delayed in updates. So, read on.<br /><br />If you remember, the next update in my rotation is supposed to be the college years. I had a total of 10 kids to play through college (2 were already juniors), and it just wasn't as exciting for me as it used to be. And then I got Free Time, and fell in love with the new hobbies and objects (love the ballet bar and the violin!). So, I decided to take the huge risk of making a custom university in the main Fortune Shores hood itself. All inspiration (and important info on how to do this) came from Jade's lovely <a href="http://www.isleofthyme.net/">Isle of Thyme</a> neighborhood. She is a pioneer in the Sims 2 world, and probably one of the most creative (and knowledgeable) simmers I have ever come across. Her lovely custom college gave me big ideas for a college of my own. So, here's what I came up with:<br /><br />I'm having two colleges in Fortune Shores. The main university (the Maxis one) will still be used. And in case you were wondering, I use <strong>Academie La Tour or ALT</strong>. And a custom college will be used inside Fortune Shores itself. This new college is named <strong>Fortune Shores Technical Academy or FSTA</strong>. The two colleges are very different in their purposes. I really wanted my sims to have a choice about colleges, and since not all sims have lifetime wants of reaching the top in a career, I thought FSTA would be a great alternative to a big university.<br /><br />Therefore, ALT is a major university for students who want to reach the top of a career or for knowledge sims that want to study to their heart's content. FSTA on the other hand, is more like a vocational college. It is for those sims who have more artistic, hobby-related, or other types of dreams in life.<br /><br />That being said, there are different degrees or areas of study within each college. They are as follows:<br /><br /><strong><u>Academie La Tour:</u></strong><br />~all Maxis majors (Economics, Philosophy, Art, Biology, etc.)<br /><br /><strong><u>Fortune Shores Technical Academy:</u></strong><br />~5 different colleges of learning:<br />~College of Athletics<br />~College of Fine Arts<br />~College of Crafting<br />~College of Vocations<br />~College of Nature Studies<br /><br />~each college contains different majors and minors<br />~<strong>College of Athletics</strong><br />~Fitness<br />~Sports<br /><br />~<strong>College of Fine Arts</strong><br />~Art<br />~Dance<br />~Music<br />~Theatre<br /><br />~<strong>College of Crafting</strong><br />~Electronics Making<br />~Flower Arrangement<br />~Pottery<br />~Sewing<br />~Toy Making<br /><br />~<strong>College of Vocations</strong><br />~Cosmetology<br />~Culinary<br />~Medical Technician<br />~Tinkering (Repairmen)<br /><br />~<strong>College of Nature Studies</strong><br />~Fishing<br />~Gardening<br /><br />~in FSTA, students can pick a major and a minor from any of the 5 colleges<br /><br />Along with the different areas of study, the two colleges have different requirements for admission. They are as follows:<br /><br /><strong><u>Academie La Tour:<br /></u></strong>~total number of students accepted: 8 (can be less if score on SST is under 400)<br />~must have a LTW to reach the top of a career OR earn $100,000<br />~knowledge sims can be accepted w/o meeting LTW requirement if they meet all other requirements<br />~must have at least a B in highschool<br />~must have at least 3 skills at level 5 or higher (15 points in different areas does not count)<br />~must take SST (Smart Sims Test) upon completion of highschool<br />~SST score must be a 400 or above<br />~this score is randomly decided by rolling a 100-sided dice and multiplying by 10.<br />~there are 3 tiers of acceptance:<br />~Tier 1: 800+ on SST<br />~Tier 2: 600+ on SST<br />~Tier 3: 400+ on SST<br />~under 400 on SST denied<br /><br /><em>**The Tiers for acceptance are in place because I expect a ton of applicants in the future due to the population expansion in Fortune Shores. So, if 15 kids apply and only 8 can be accepted the Tiers will come in handy. If there are 5 kids in each tier, then all 5 kids in Tier 1 would be accepted and the top 3 kids in Tier 2 would be accepted. Everyone else would be denied. Same goes for the FSTA tiers.**<br /></em><br /><strong><u>Fortune Shores Technical Academy:</u></strong><br />~total students accepted: 8 (can be less if A.A. score is under 40)<br />~anyone can apply regardless of LTW, although students without top of career LTWs are usually chosen first because they are not eligible to attend ALT<br />~must have at least lvl 5 in the skills pertaining to their chosen majors/minors, or a bronze badge in that craft<br />~must pass the Academy Audition (A.A.) for their chosen area<br />~For example: A student chooses Art as their major. Their audition is that they have to submit a painting for grading. (A 100-sided dice is used to grade the piece randomly)<br />~Tier 1: 80+ on A.A.<br />~Tier 2: 60+ on A.A.<br />~Tier 3: 40+ on A.A.<br />~under 40 denied<br /><br />So, to explain the college application process for highschool students, I used the 8 new college students to test my ideas. I'll show you an example so you can see how the application process works:<br /><br /><strong>Cercie Reinhart<br /></strong>~LTW: Earn $100,000<br />~can choose either ALT or FSTA<br />~if she chooses ALT, she needs 3 skills @ lvl 5<br />~her <strong>SST score = 190</strong> (rolled the dice)<br />~denied for ALT due to SST score<br />~if she chooses FSTA, her chosen major/minor = Dance/Music (her favorite hobbies)<br />~she needs lvl 5 in creativity and body<br />~A.A. score: played a piece on the violin, <strong>score = 98</strong> (I actually played out her audition in the FSTA theater...it was so fun!)<br />~so, she is in Tier 1 for FSTA<br /><br />I did that process for each of the 8 applicants and here were the results:<br /><br /><strong>ALT:</strong><br />Tier 1 -- noone<br />Tier 2 -- Heidi Cox, Julie Cox<br />Tier 3 -- noone<br /><br /><strong>FSTA:</strong><br />Tier 1 -- Cercie Reinhart<br />Tier 2 -- Aidan Linwood, Linus O'Malley<br />Tier 3 -- Abigail Linwood, Blazej Cox<br /><br />Lilah O'Malley failed both the SST and the A.A., so she was unable to attend college. Instead she would stay living at home as a YA until the rest of the kids her age graduate and become adults, in which case she would have her adult birthday as well. I also would probably have had Aidan Linwood choose not to go to college, because his LTW is to get 6 pets to reach TOC...and he could start on that as a YA living at home.<br /><br />However, I was so excited about this new college system, that I bent the rules (just this once!) and let Lilah O'Malley and Aidan Linwood attend FSTA...mainly because I wanted as many sims to try it out as possible!<br /><br />I guess I should also say that I've changed the rotations for college as well. Instead of having a college rotation for every 5 houses I play in the hood (which would eventually lead to a bajillion university rounds), I've decided to go back to one university round per rotation. That's why I anticipate having a ton of applicants. Eventually all teenagers from 30-some odd houses will be applying for the same university round, and their will only be room for 16 students...if all 16 pass the SST or A.A. It seems a lot more fun to me this way, and more realistic since not everyone goes to college or gets in!<br /><br />So, I'm tweaking FSTA a little bit, and playing out the first two years of those kids. Then I'm gonna finish up with my two juniors at ALT. After all that, I'll have a real update for you. Oh yeah, and the exciting part....The teachers at FSTA are all notable residents of Fortune Shores that you will recognize! For example, the Sports and Fitness professor is none other than Edwin Reinhart (because he's the only Hall of Famer in Fortune Shores), and the Culinary professor is Louise Fairfax (Celebrity Chef) while her husband Kennedy Cox is the cosmetology professor!<br /><br />So, to Jade, thanks for the inspiration...and you are sooooo right. Custom colleges are waaaaaaay more fun than Maxis! But I still enjoy my Maxis college...I just like having it a little more realistic with options and requirements for my simmies! Hope you all enjoy it too!Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-50624710798976967432008-02-15T10:09:00.002-05:002008-02-15T10:39:04.998-05:00List Update 2/15/084 new blogs for you to enjoy today! By the way, my next real update is coming soon...university has been a doozy this time around. I finished the play session for the EIGHT new freshman, now I just need to play the two juniors and I'll have it ready. Things have been quite crazy for me lately....I've started back to school hoping to get a bachelor's of science in nursing, and just recently found out that I am about 9 weeks pregnant! Woohoo for my first real life baby! I feel a lot like my poor simmies that I constantly make have babies...lots of time spent hanging over the toilet! Anyhoo, here's the new blogs and expect a real update soon!<br /><br /><em><strong>February 15, 2008</strong></em><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Blog Title:</span> <a href="http://maonao.net/boreal/"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Boreal Springs</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Where I found it:</span> from <a href="http://maonao.net/dh/"><span style="color:#009900;">Mao's DHW challenge finale</span></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Content:</span><br />Mao's Prosperity Challenge with 4 lovely starting families!<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Mandie's Thoughts:<br /></span>It's no secret that I love anything and everything that Mao puts in a blog for me to read! Her families are always so cute and full of unique personalities and quirks. I just love her writing style, and end up falling out of my chair with laughter most times. She also has way cool custom content that is worth a peek at just because! And she's already on Round 4! That's only one round behind me! Sheesh, I'm slow! Lol.<br /><br /><center>-----------------------------------------------------------------</center><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Blog Title:</span> <a href="http://uglysimkids.wordpress.com/"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">My Ugly Sim Kids</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Where I found it:</span> from a commenter on the<a href="http://supermodelssims2.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Stratton Legacy</span></a> blog<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Content:</span><br />Annie's unique legacy challenge starring some very ugly sim kids!<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Mandie's Thoughts:<br /></span>This blog is absolutely hilarious! The writing is fabulous and Annie does a great job of giving each character a personality and story line. I can't believe I didn't know about it sooner!<br /><br /><center>-----------------------------------------------------------------</center><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Blog Title:</span> <a href="http://sims2.meadow-bee.com/blog/"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Legecci Legacy</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Where I found it:</span> from a commenter on the<a href="http://wintersmith.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Wintersmith Legacy</span></a> blog<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Content:</span><br />ChillyzGrrl's vanilla, base-game, no CC legacy challenge.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Mandie's Thoughts:<br /></span>One of the reasons why I love this blog is that there is no CC in it! It is so cool to see how ChillyzGrrl decorates the houses, and dresses her sims up without any CC. I guess I just take CC for granted in my game and have never really used the maxis content to its full potential. Another thing I like is that she lets you vote on who gets to be the heir!<br /><br /><center>-----------------------------------------------------------------</center><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Blog Title:</span> <a href="http://gethane.wordpress.com/"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Lake Crossing Chronicles</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Where I found it:</span> from her other blog <a href="http://gethanesims.prismbaby.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Gethane Sims</span></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Content:</span><br />A very unique custom hood where updates are in scrapbook format!<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Mandie's Thoughts:<br /></span>Okay, you all know Gethane from <a href="http://gethanesims.prismbaby.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Gethane Sims</span></a>, the fabulous house builder. Well, she also has this blog about her custom 'hood and it is absolutely wonderful! Each sim gets a profile which she makes to look like a page out of a scrapbook. It is so creative and very cool to look at!Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-65249808017860946882008-01-29T14:07:00.000-05:002008-01-29T14:32:12.784-05:00Favorite Blogs List UpdateOk, so I figured that I would take my Favorite Blogs List idea one step further, and feature an update section with new blogs as I find and add them to my list. It will be just to highlite the blog and let you know what it's about as well as their content and my personal thoughts and comments about the blogs. By the way, I have never found a blog that I had anything bad to say about...so don't worry about negative comments, you won't find them here! But this Update section will also let those of you who check my list frequently easily see what the new blogs are that I've found! (I'll also give credit to the person or blog who pointed me in the direction of the new blog.) If none of that makes sense, just read on because this is the first update entry and it will show you exactly what I mean.<br /><br />Oh yeah, and if you found a blog that I need to add to my list, just leave a comment on <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/01/my-favorite-blogs-list.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>My Favorite Blogs List</strong></span></a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center>---------------------------------------------------------</center><br /><br /><em><strong>January 29, 2008</strong></em><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Blog Title:</span> <a href="http://www.adele-sims.com/blog/"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Adele's Blog</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Where I found it:</span> from <a href="http://isleofthyme.squarespace.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">Jade</span></a> in <a href="http://isleofthyme.squarespace.com/backtalk/undead-this-sims-2-movie-just-blew-my-mind-it-is-amazing.html"><span style="color:#009900;">this post</span></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Content:</span><br />The link above takes you to Adele's new blog that features her production notes about her new Sims 2 movie: Undead. But that blog is not the extent of the awesomeness that is Adele! You can also check out her movie called "Undead" <a href="http://adele-sims.com/undead/"><span style="color:#009900;">here</span></a> , her forum with all sorts of cool topics <a href="http://adelesims.proboards106.com/index.cgi"><span style="color:#009900;">here</span></a> , and her custom content site with free downloads for your simmies <a href="http://adele-sims.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">here</span></a>.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Mandie's Thoughts:<br /></span>Adele's Blog gives some great behind-the-scenes notes about how she made certain parts of the movie and where it all came from. It's a great read even if you don't like the more technical stuff of the Sims 2 game. I always find it amazing how people figure out how to make items or mods or manipulate the game to do what they want!<br /><br />The Undead movie is simply amazing...a true Sims 2 masterpiece! It looks so professional and you won't believe the special effects and sets that she created! It's also suspenseful, and I found myself wanting to cover my eyes during one of the scary parts!<br /><br />Adele's custom content is great too. I particularly love her individual tops and bottoms. Good full outfits are always easy to find, but separate tops and bottoms can be rather tricky. But these are great! She's got some great eyes and eyebrows too, not to mention some cute little dresses.Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-82446942830126580282008-01-22T17:37:00.000-05:002008-01-23T09:17:36.049-05:00Moving On<center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley88.jpg" /></center><center><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong></strong></span></center><center><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong>The O'Malley Family</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;">5 Fortune Drive<br />$106,167</span> </center><center><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><strong>Title: Moving On</strong></span></center><center><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Lot:</span> O'Malley- Brandi, Linus, Lilah, Benny, Cleo, Rocky, Rover, Belle</center><center><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Last Visit:</span> <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/02/doggy-daycare.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Doggy Daycare</strong></span></a></center><br /><br /><em>Brandi</em>: Welcome back! It's been awhile since I've last seen ya. Not too much has happened around here really. This week started out as usual; Linus, Lilah and me doing things that families do. I know it sounds crazy but it's been kind of lonely around here. I mean, I know that I have my two wonderful kids...but it's like something has been missing ever since Quincy passed away (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/11/romance-dead-or-alive.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Romance: Dead or Alive</strong></span></a>).<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley89.jpg" /></center><br /><br />I guess it's also crazy that I felt lonely due to the fact that I was surrounded by dogs! You remember from last time that our two dogs Benny and Cleo had three adorable little puppies? Rocky, Rover, and Belle. Heh, sometimes I felt like I lived in a pet store!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley90.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Especially when those cute little puppies grew into full grown dogs. Talk about a pet store! It was crazy around the house with five big dogs and two teenagers! But all three of the dogs turned out to be very cute.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley91.jpg" /></center><br /><br />But there was chaos all the time. It was impossible to train that many dogs in my spare time, and the kids were so busy with school and studying for college. And the barking...oh the barking. These dogs were definitely howlers...but they did look really cute when they were doing it!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley92.jpg" /></center><br /><br />But it just got to be too much to handle for us, and I decided to put Rocky, Rover, and Belle up for adoption. Linus and Lilah were so upset when they came to take the dogs away. But I told them that there are tons of growing families in Fortune Shores that want a good dog, and they'll all find wonderful homes. But it didn't help much; it was terribly sad.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley93.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Soon after the dog chaos was over, Quincy started coming around again and giving us a new kind of chaos. I don't know what got into him, but he started coming out every night and scaring poor Linus. Linus couldn't get any sleep, couldn't do anything really without Quincy scaring the daylights outta him.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley94.jpg" /></center><br /><br />But seeing Quincy made me realize what I was missing in my life. Companionship and romance. That's why I was so terribly lonely. And with the kids leaving for college soon, I was terrified at the idea of being alone. That's when I started talking to our maid, Remmington Harris.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley95.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Remmington is very handsome, and he's always been asking me out on dates and showing interest; but after Quincy passed away I didn't think I'd ever be able to fall in love with another man. But Remmington soon changed my mind. Before I knew it, I was in love.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley96.jpg" /></center><br /><br />I decided to ask Remmy to move in with us. It was a tough decision because I wasn't sure how the kids would take it. But I felt that I had let enough time pass for us to mourn the loss of Quincy, and it was now time for me to move on with my life and find happiness once again. So, I invited Remmy over to have dinner with us and kind of let the kids get to know him before he moved in. Linus didn't look to thrilled to see Remmy, but Lilah welcomed him very nicely. It was much the same reaction when after dinner I told them that he was moving in. Linus was so upset that he went straight to bed, while Lilah welcomed him.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley97.jpg" /></center><br /><br />So Remmy moved in that night, and I was finally full of happiness and joy. My world felt complete once again. Remmy really is a wonderful man, and he loves me and my kids very much. I'm so lucky to have found love once more.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley98.jpg" /></center><br /><br />We found out unexpectedly soon after Remmy moved in, that I was pregnant. Neither of us were planning on having any children, especially so close to my elder birthday but there you have it. Remmy was thrilled of course, and he proposed to me that same day. We got married in a very small reception in our backyard under the same arch that I first married Quincy so long ago (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/08/change-of-heart.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Change of Heart</strong></span></a>). Only the kids were there and some of our other friends, but it was nothing special so I won't bore you with the pictures.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley99.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And now my name has changed once again. I am now Mrs. Brandi Harris. And I couldn't be happier! Remmy is so wonderful to me and he's a wonderful father to my kids!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley100.jpg" /></center><br /><br /><center><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">Remmington Harris</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Aspiration:</span> Family<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">LTW:</span> Raise 20 Puppies/Kittens<br />4 sloppy, 6 outgoing, 7 active, 0 serious, 8 nice<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Zodiac:</span> Cancer<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Turn Ons:</span> vampirism/red hair<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Turn Off:</span> full face makeup</center><br /><br />Having Remmy around was so great. He really helped out around the house, even though he's not the neatest of sims. But he sure does have a lot of energy! We've decided that he's not going to get a job until our new baby is in school, that way he can stay at home and take care of him/her. In the meantime, he keeps the house clean, cooks dinner, helps the kids with homework, gardens, and trains and washes the dogs! We don't even need maids or gardeners anymore! He's so wonderful!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley101.jpg" /></center><br /><br />My pregnancy was progressing right along. Lilah was super excited to be getting another sibling, and even Linus forgot to be upset about Remmy for awhile. They were both so happy about the baby. Even though they wouldn't be around long after the birth, because they were slated to go to college soon.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley102.jpg" /></center><br /><br />But, the big day finally came and labor started for me. It was excruciating as always, but I had my family (and the gardener whom we had already fired but whom kept showing up for whatever reason) around me. Of course, I think they were panic-ing more than I was!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley103.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And then it was all over, and my new little boy was finally here! Remmy and I decided to name him Isaac. He's got the black hair that runs in my family and Remmy's gray eyes. He is so handsome and Remmy was so proud to have a son to carry on the Harris name. We were lucky because I'm not going to have anymore children. I'm just getting to old!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley104.jpg" /></center><br /><br />The kids were so excited to see their new little baby brother! Lilah of course was gushing over little Isaac, but even Linus congratulated Remmy on having a son. I think they were both very happy.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley105.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Then the moment I dreaded finally came, my two oldest children went off to college. It was so hard because I barely remember a time when they weren't in my life, and now they're gone. But they're both going to have tons of fun in college with all of their friends. And they both got numerous scholarships so I don't have to worry about money!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley106.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And now all I have left are Remmy and my new baby Isaac. Now I really understand what Demi Go meant about "a new family" (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/02/new-family.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>A New Family</strong></span></a>). I started out in this house with Quincy and our two kids Lilah and Linus, and now here I am in the same exact house with a new man and a new baby. I feel like a totally different person living a totally different life. But I honestly can't say that I'm not happy. I am so in love with Remmy, and even more in love with my little Isaac. I truly have moved on.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley107.jpg" /></center><br /><br /><center><strong>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">O'Malley Funny Pic:</span></strong><br /><br /><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/OMalley/Round%205/OMalley108.jpg" /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">You'd be an angry ghost too, if your grave was getting pooped on!</span></em><br /><br /><br /></center>Mandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349485618974274207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30873952.post-31350128599745012272008-01-04T21:59:00.000-05:002008-01-06T08:17:45.670-05:00Old At Last<center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax95.jpg" /></center><center><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong></strong></span></center><center><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong>The Fairfax Family</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;">4 Fortune Drive<br />$81,902</span> </center><center><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><strong>Title: Old At Last</strong></span></center><center><br /><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Lot:</span> Fairfax- Benjamin<br />Cox- Kennedy, Louise, Heidi, Blazej, Julie, Charlotte, Rudolph, Powder</center><br /><center><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Last Visit:</span> <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/02/no-more-babies.html"><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><strong>No More Babies!</strong></span></a></center><br /><br /><em>Louise</em>: Hello again, dear friend! It is wonderful to see you once again. I didn't think you were ever gonna make it back around to the Fairfax Cottage! But now that you're here, why don't you come in and have a cup of tea with me. I've got so much to tell you about my dear family. I suppose I ought to remind you all about us...it has been too long for you to remember it all I'm sure. So, I moved here to Fortune Shores with my mother Gwen, my aunt Peggy, and my two daughters Claire and Elizabeth. I met and married Kennedy Cox during that first week...we moved fast, I know! We had our first child, Samuel, soon after (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/08/promising-beginning.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>A Promising Beginning</strong></span></a>). Shortly after moving here, my mother married Quincy O'Malley and passed away not too long after the wedding (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/08/life-goes-on.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Life Goes On</strong></span></a>). Meanwhile, Aunt Peggy realized that there were no male heirs to carry on the Fairfax name, so she adopted a little boy named Benjamin and Kennedy and I had another child, our little girl Heidi (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/08/changing-times.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Changing Times</strong></span></a>). Aunt Peggy died not long after Benjamin became a teenager, which meant that Kennedy and I were left to raise him. We also adopted 2 more children, Blazej and Julie. I also got pregnant and had our little Charlotte (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2006/10/new-life-goal.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>A New Life Goal</strong></span></a>). We later adopted another little boy named Rudolph, and cute little puppy named Powder (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/02/no-more-babies.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>No More Babies!</strong></span></a>). Whew, remember all that now? Heh, of course you do! Now then, Benjamin and Samuel just graduated from college (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/08/heart-breakers.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Heart Breakers</strong></span></a>), and Benjamin has decided to move back here to Fairfax Cottage. Since he's technically the heir. Kennedy and I will move out into our own home once Benjamin gets married. He joined the Military when he got back, and he has since become a Flight Officer. We're very proud of him.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax96.jpg" /></center><br /><br />I don't think Benjamin really remembered what it was like to live here at the cottage. Life is very lively here due to the fact that we have 3 teenagers, 2 children, and a puppy. Although, I'm sure life in college wasn't exactly quiet either. But there's never a dull moment in this house. Someone's always fighting, or playing the drums, or jumping on furniture. But I think that Benjamin has re-adjusted himself to it. He wants to have a lot of kids one day anyway, so he better get used to it!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax97.jpg" /></center><br /><br />In other news, I finally got old! Yup, I finally had my elder birthday and I must say that I am so happy! It means that I cannot have anymore children! And Kennedy can't even say a word about it. I'm finally too old to have anymore kids! Speaking of kids, all of my wonderful children got together and threw me a huge birthday party! That's right...every single one of my kids came home for the party. I even got to see my grandkids!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax98.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Want to see pictures of them all? You'll love these! This one is my oldest daughter, Claire and her family. Claire married her highschool sweetheart Dustin Linwood, and they have two very handsome sons: Slade and Troy (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/05/happily-ever-after.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Happily Ever After</strong></span></a>).<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Linwood99.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And this one is of my second daughter, Elizabeth and her family. Elizabeth married her highschool sweetheart as well...Evan O'Malley. Elizabeth and Evan have twin boys: Mason and Logan (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/07/family-life.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Family Life</strong></span></a>).<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax100.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And this is our son, Samuel. Looks just like his father, doesn't he? Heh, I get confused sometimes and call him Kennedy. And that's Samuel's fiancee, Tessa Berkley. Samuel and Tessa have been dating since highschool and they just recently graduated from college and moved in together (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2007/08/heart-breakers.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Heart Breakers</strong></span></a>). I'm sure you'll be seeing them again soon, you ought to add them to your visitation list!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax101.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Also in attendance were Benjamin of course, and his fiancee Georgia Linwood. They actually didn't start dating until Georgia got to college during Benjamin's junior year. She's still got two more years of college, but then she's moving in here and they're going to get married. They're such a cute couple. She's also the cousin of Claire's husband Dustin Linwood. Small world isn't it?<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax102.jpg" /></center><br /><br />I tell ya, it was so good seeing my whole family together. It really made my birthday wonderful. It was especially good to see Claire and Elizabeth. They're my daughters from my first husband, you know. And they're much older than the other kids. I don't get to see much of them anymore because they are so busy with their own growing families.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax103.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And it tickled me pink to see all of my grandkids together in one place! Four beautiful grandsons, what more could a woman ask for? I try to see the boys often enough, but I very seldom get to see them altogether at one time. It warms my heart!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax104.jpg" /></center><br /><br />And this one is of my actual transition into elderhood. You can see my big family all around me! It sure makes birthdays a lot better when you're surrounded by your loved ones.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax105.jpg" /></center><br /><br />I do make a pretty old lady, don't I? You know, my neighbor and best friend Demi Go just had her elder birthday too (see <a href="http://fortuneshores.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-boys-came-home.html"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>My Boys Came Home</strong></span></a>). And I thought that she aged very well. I'm glad I did too! We're going to look pretty snazzy going to play BINGO and garden club meetings!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax106.jpg" /></center><br /><br />My dear Kennedy became an elder soon after I did. He's still handsome as ever, even though he insists on wearing a silly kilt.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax107.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Kennedy and I like to look back on our life together, now that we're old. I have pretty much accomplished everything I've ever dreamed of. I became a Celebrity Chef not too long ago after all. But Kennedy still has a ways to go before he can reach his dream. He wants to see all 6 of his kids get married. And so far he hasn't even seen one get married! Samuel is getting married pretty soon, but the others haven't even been to college yet! But I have faith that he will live long enough to see all of them get married. They'll just have to hurry!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax108.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Kennedy and I weren't the only ones who had birthdays lately. Our pure white puppy turned into a very handsome dog...although his name "Powder" no longer fits him. But he's cute just the same. He does a lot of howling though, which drives Kennedy crazy!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax109.jpg" /></center><br /><br />Rudolph turned into a teenager. He looks very dashing with his blond hair and blue eyes. He can't wait to go to college and party hardy! Or so he says.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/fortuneheights/Fairfax/Round%205/Fairfax110.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Rudolph Cox</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Aspiration:</span> Pleasure<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">LTW:</span> Become Game Designer<br />5 neat, 8 outgoing, 6 active, 3 serious, 3 grouchy<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Zodiac:</span> Aries<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Turn Ons:</span> face paint/artistic<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Turn Off:</span> formal wear</center>&l