So, What's New?

[Lynet]

So, I didn't visit EA for more than a minute or two. Since I have my Seasons EP CD in hand I decided to continue my readiness campaign with my neighborhoods. Whew! I'm not done yet. Too many little peoples to visit.

Anyway and however, as I visited my sim households, and found all family members standing at attention, as if an EP had just been installed, a thought occurred to me...

As you know, after the BIG INSTALL of an EP, you have to go through all the mini-installs to each neighborhood as you enter them for the first time.

I had 8 neighborhoods when I installed Pets. I tend to stick with one neighborhood for a while, then visit another. Round and round we go...:rolleyes: It takes a long time to work the crowd.

Eureka, I thinks! The Pets neighborhood mini-install routine "resets" ALL neighborhoods when it is only supposed to be setting up the one.

Conclusion: If I'm right, the problem ends once all neighborhoods have gone through the mini-routine. If I'm wrong...I sure hope Seasons fixes it. :(

[ManagerJosh]

Soooooooo...for our 1001 post, thought it would be appropiate to have a delicious and simply savory meal. Okay, I lied, but this receipe came in and couldn't have come in at a better time.

February 28, 2007


Dear Friends,

For me, this is the toughest part of the year. The cold and the gray seem to be going on forever. The first few days of 40-below wind chills are bracing, a great excuse for a daytime fire. After the first few weeks, the fireplace isn't doing it for me, nor are my big soups, nor are the stews and such. I want spring and I want it now on my plate.

That, and memories of a meal that felt like sunlight at the Greek restaurant, Molyvos, in New York City, is what motivated this one-dish supper. I first ran it in our newspaper column, but had to share it here. For you lucky souls who live in warm places, consider this another work night supper of the spring you are already enjoying. For my climate kin, I offer an act of faith.

Lemon-Garlic Roast Salmon on New Potatoes

Copyright 2007 Lynne Rossetto Kasper. All Rights Reserved.
Serves 4 generously and multiplies easily

For this Greek-inspired roast dish, all you'll need on hand is some boiled potatoes. Before putting the salmon in the oven, look at the tips after the recipe to help with timing.

Marinade:

1/2 cup good tasting extra-virgin olive oil
5 large cloves garlic
Juice of 1 large lemon
Salt and fresh ground black pepper tasteThe Fish:

4 1-inch thick salmon steaks (wild if possible), or Pacific cod or halibut
2 to 3 medium sized, unpeeled red skin potatoes, boiled to barely tender and cooled
2 generous teaspoons pickled capers, rinsed
Leaves from 2 to 3 branches parsley
4 small handfuls baby salad greens, curly endive, or baby arugula1. About a half hour before cooking, heat oven to 400 degrees. In a food processor, puree together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the salmon steaks and refrigerate 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Have a shallow baking dish that can hold the salmon steaks with some room to spare. Sprinkle in a little olive oil to coat the bottom. Peel and thin slice the potatoes, then overlap slices to cover the bottom of the dish.

3. Moisten the potatoes with a little of the marinade and sprinkle with half the capers. Top with the steaks and the rest of the marinade and capers. Bake the steaks 8 to 10 minutes, or until the center of a steak is no longer raw looking (make a small cut to see). If the fish was cold when it went into the oven, it could take 4 to 6 minutes longer to cook. Sprinkle with the leaves of parsley, and serve atop a pile of the fresh greens. The pan juices will "dress" the leaves.

Variations:

Chutney Roast Fish: Make the marinade, but reduce the oil to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 to 1/3 cup fruit chutney after everything is pureed. Mixture should be chunky. Finish the recipe as directed, but do not use the capers.

Coconut-Chile Fish Pan Roast: Instead of olive oil, lemon and garlic, marinate and roast the fish in a blend of 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce, a generous tablespoon each minced ginger and garlic, and fresh hot chile to taste. Top the finished dish with fresh lime juice and chopped fresh Thai or sweet basil, or fresh coriander.

LYNNE'S TIPS FOR COOKING FISH

Fish needs some attention and a little fiddling. Once you have the knack, success will come. It's all about timing.
Start with the standard rule of 10 minutes cooking time per inch of thickness of the fish. Because of variables like how cold the fish is when it goes into the oven, how high your oven temperature is, and whether or not your oven is properly calibrated (most are not), I suggest you start testing the fish after 8 minutes to the inch.
Test by pressing the fish gently; properly done fish is almost firm. When you think you are close, make a small slit in the center of one steak and check for doneness. There should be no sign of raw fish — you want flesh that is opaque, but it should not flake. Fish that flakes is overcooked. If you have any doubt, better to slightly undercook and let the fish stand 10 minutes before serving. It will continue cooking and will be perfectly done.THOUGHTS FROM LYNNE

We've featured the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program on the show, but I want to mention again their excellent web site, www.mbayaq.org/cr/seafoodwatch (http://www.elabs7.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=fj6,2dua,dv,z3i,iteg,g2to,6r1d). It's packed with information, including a pocket guide to help consumers make choices at the fish counter that are safe for them and the environment. Take a look.

Have a great week,
Lynne

[Lynet]

I love Salmon. I have it at least once every week, but always with rice, and cooked rather plain with lemon, butter, salt and pepper. This dish looks like a great change to that routine.

Thanks, Josh.

[Jazz]

I love salmon, so good.
Did you guys get a sticker on your package that seasons came with that had a code for a certain item you could unlock?
Is it not allowed to post those codes so some of us can unlock the items? I think that theres a different sticker for the store that you bought it at, got mine at best buy, so if i go to the sims 2 website and type in www.sims2.com/swingset (http://www.sims2.com/swingset) (which is the item mine came with) and enter the code i can unlock the swingset. Can we post the code so others can share the swingset fun?

[jupitershana]

As much as I would LOVE to get my hands on that swing set, unfortunately no, you can't post it as long as I'm taking what they say correctly.


Instructions to download and install the special bonus item*:

To begin, you must have The Sims 2 Seasons and The Sims 2 base game installed
In the text box below, enter the redemption code you received from your retailer (Rave Card or sticker on the game box). You will be limited to 3 downloads with this code.
Click the "Download It!" button (this will immediately begin the download to your computer).
After the download has completed, double click the ".sims2pack" file, this will install the bonus item.
The next time you start your game, look for your special bonus item in either the Body Shop (bonus clothing items) or the Buy Mode Catalogue (bonus objects).*Distributing or reposting this object is strictly forbidden.

Of course you're not uploading or distributing the actual object to share; only the code...I don't know, Josh? What do you think? Anyway we can get through that loophole?

[hugzncuddles]

I'm sure that Play.com said there would be a code or something for a special download, and I did pre-order the game a few weeks ago, but nothing came through the mail with the game. I'm sure they said it for other EPs too but I never received anything. Hmmmm. :confused:

[hugzncuddles]

What's new with me is that I started a job on Monday and have just finished my first week. It is only a temporary job, initially intended for just 2 weeks but today they have said they want me there a bit longer. The person who I'm standing in for left the job at short notice to transfer to another department. I assume they will be advertising her job soon and I hope that it's not internal candidates only as I want to apply for the full time position. I love it there! :)

It's working in a large office, admin for the managers and consultants of the City Council and the housing/ neighbourhood renewal teams. It has all been a steep learning curve for me as I have never worked in an office before but I really like it. Best of all, there is a great atmosphere in the office and everyone has a good rapport with each other. From day one I've been welcomed into the team and I feel like I really fit in there. :) I always knew it would be a temporary thing, and I'm still applying for other jobs, but at least now I can say that I have recent (albeit very brief) experience of working in an office. :)

Now, to add to my learning curve, I'm going to learn to touch type. I have always muddled through with my own rhythm (and typos, ha! :p ) but almost everyone in the office can touch type, and even my 8 year old nephew is learning to touch type (he directed me to the bbc.co.uk website lol) so I kinda feel I should make the effort to learn too. I tried a few typing exercises online last night and found that the positioning of my hands caused problems - I get nerve pain in my hands sometimes - so after work today I went straight to Staples and bought one of those ergonomic/ curved keyboards. After I clean out my home office tomorrow morning, I am gonna connect the new keyboard and start practising! :D

[Lynet]

I learned to type on the job, too, back in the '70s (:o)

I got to be the fastest hunt and peck my mother said she had ever seen. :p

[jupitershana]

Congrats on the new job Hugz! I hope that it turns into something long term for you!

I'm still LOVING my new job. I even got my own business cards now! And I can honestly say i've never felt more valued as an employee before I worked here. I love everyone I work with and everything I do. Plus the company itself does amazing work and really does save lives so I couldn't ask for anything better.

[surprised_by_witches]

I'm happy to hear you are getting some new experience, Hugz. I know you were frustrated with being a teacher.

And, glad to hear you love your new job, Shana!

I'm continuing to love mine. Amazing what being employed in the right job can do for one's outlook on life! :) My friends tell me they notice a real difference in me, for the better.

What's new with me is my dog got a haircut this weekend. I always forget how skinny she is under all that fur. She looks so fragile and ladylike now, even though I know better.

Her best friend, the cairn terrier, is visiting. They're so cute together. Kind of like the princess and the court jester. (If you've ever met a cairn you know what I'm talking about. They have very funny, winning personalities.)

[Sacharissa]

Hey Hugs! Glad you found a great place to work - even if it's only temporary. It is still a lift to the spirit that such places exist! And who knows - with a foot in the door, you just may be able to opt for something a little more permanent!

And congrats to you too, Shana! As SBW said, being in the right job does wonders for one's outlook on life! It has been tru with me! Last year at this time, I though I was slowly sinking into the bottomless morass of work, never to be heard from again! In my new job, I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted. There is a light in my eye and a skip in my step, and the whole world is filled with possibilities!

[jupitershana]

What's new with me is that I just realized when I created that ticker how soon our wedding is coming up! Yikes...going from 16 months to just over 10 is kind of scary! Yet so exciting at the same time!

Yesterday was our 3rd anniversary so I pulled out all the stops for a nice dinner. I made a raspberry glazed rosemary chicken, garlic delicata (kind of squash), applesauce cornbread, and strawberry parfait for dessert...yummm. And we had sparking catawaba juice with it as neither of us really drink. All turned out rather good, and all the recipes are from http://www.allrecipes.com LOVE that site!

And today is my brother's birthday...gosh, he's turning 24 today, that's just insane!

[Lynet]

I feel like saying Happy New Year all over again to all of you. :D Everything is going just right! That's so great. I hope you still have time for a little simming, now and again. :p

[Chee-Z]

I'm on Spring Break yay! :D

[Jazz]

Lucky.
Our's starts Friday, I'm going to Dallas the next Fri. for one of my brothers Tae-Kwon-Do tounaments. Anybody know about anything fun for a twelve-year-old to do while there?

[Lynet]

Sorry, Jazz. I'm not familiar with Dallas at all. But I wanted to say that I like that avatar. Looks like a prism.

[suitemichelle]

Shades of Dark Side of the Moon!

Lynet, did you never listen to Pink Floyd?

[Lynet]

Yes, I have, and I like some of the music. It's one of those cases where I like the instrumental part and wish they wouldn't ruin it by singing. :rolleyes: Happens a lot with me. I hear some fantastic music and wish it would just go on all by itself, without the strained vocal chords and goofy lyrics breaking into it.

[Sacharissa]

Yes, I have, and I like some of the music. It's one of those cases where I like the instrumental part and wish they wouldn't ruin it by singing. :rolleyes: Happens a lot with me. I hear some fantastic music and wish it would just go on all by itself, without the strained vocal chords and goofy lyrics breaking into it.

Sacharissa shakes her head in despair...or is it agreement? Sometimes, it is hard to tell...:confused:

[Mirelly]

Sacharissa shakes her head in despair...or is it agreement? Sometimes, it is hard to tell...:confused:

LOL Sacha ... feeling ambivalent is a two-sided thing but, I can't decide if I just think that or if it was a Pink Floyd lyric ;)

I've been busy today adding a bit to the population of Penn Vale ... but then got sidetracked in Body Shop cos I needed some new bits and pieces that I've not found in any download dept, recently ... mind you I must admit that I haven't looked in the relevant sections .... to easy to get sidelined by something shiny (that you weren't looking for) and that way lies compulsive download disorder and game load times that seem only slightly shorter than a deological epoch.

I put the stuff up if anyone is interested in some shiny new specs (http://forums.worldsims.org/showthread.php?p=123639#post123639)

[Jazz]

Sweet glasses Mirelly, I am going to download them immediatly when I get on the CPU thats not the prehistoric one as Mirelly called it. The unprehistoric one is also the one with high-speed internet too.
Bonus points, which gives me a high score.

I also found out my schedule for the Junior High next year. Here it is if you all care...

Honors Math
Honors English
Honors Social Studies
Normal Life Science (science doesn't click with me)
Speech
Independent Studies (Advanced program)
and P.E. (phys. ed)

thats my schedule.

[Lynet]

Honors all over the place. :bigthumbsup: :highfive: Congratulations, Jazz. I think it's going to mean a lot of hard work, though. Honors classes are tough.

ps Did you ever get around to reading Ironsides? The robot to the rescue. ;)

[Jazz]

Thanks for the congrats!
What I do is copy/paste the stories I love reading into Micro. Word w/o the comments so I can read it easier, ive been doing that lately but when Im done I begin reading! :)

[Lynet]

I know what you mean, Jazz. I've been re-reading my stories and copying the pictures over to the gallery, and I was amazed at all the conversation that accompanied most chapters. I'd forgotten.

Of course, I enjoyed those conversations thoroughly because I'm so proud of that story and wanted to share every itty-bitty detail of its construction, but I can easily see how it would hinder a reader.

Let me know, in the end, what you think of it. Thanks.

[Lynet]

Another post--I took today (Thursday--just noticed that it's about midnight) off from work to stay home and wait for the Verizon repair person because I have no (land line) phone service. The scheduled time was anywhere from 8 AM to 4 PM. Guess what? No one ever showed up at all. I called them at 4 PM and ranted a bit. My husband wants me to write a letter to the Public Service Commission demanding a day's pay for my time wasted. When Verizon told me I'd be a priority for tomorrow I said that I'm going to work, and they can call me there when the service at my house is fixed. I'm not sitting around the house again.

(I did get a huge amount of simming done, though, so all was not lost. :o )

[Mirelly]

LOL and you want Verizon to pay you for simming! I'd have taken another day off work :p

[Lynet]

Well, Shoot! :rolleyes: The phone's not working and they were supposed to come fix it. If it were up to Verizon they'd have me sit in the house from 8 AM Monday morning to 4 PM Friday, waiting for someone to come around, if at all. ("Oh, sorry, couldn't make it this week, maybe next.") My time means nothing to them. And I think it was Einstein who proved that time is money. ;)

I doubt they'd give me a dime, but that so-called public utility should at least get an indignant letter. Besides, has anyone tried to talk to Verizon lately. I argued with a robot. The robot kept telling me to answer questions by saying "yes" or "no" and I kept saying "I WANT TO TALK TO A PERSON!" Then I said "PERSON!" several more times, and finally got a human on the other end of the line.

Maybe I should have yelled "IRONSIDES!" or "HECTOR!" :rotfl:

[Jazz]

Ironsides!
I'm on page six out of the 31. Really great story so far. love it.

[Lynet]

Ironsides!
I'm on page six out of the 31. Really great story so far. love it.:D :D :D I was hoping that you would.

[Jazz]

was there a story before this one? because some of the stuff flies right over my head. I also don't understand the whole going through mirors thing. How did you get Ironsides to fly through that window when he was "pushed"? that pic. is really cool.

Im on page 13 now.

[Lynet]

Ironsides is a sequel to my story I, Sim (http://forums.worldsims.org/showthread.php?t=7460 )which is also a tall tale, and I should probably have directed you to that one first. It's not as long a story as Ironsides. I was wrong in thinking that everything in Ironsides is self-explanatory. :o I just thought it was the most fun to read because of the adventures of the haunted robot, which does not appear in I, Sim. You need OFB to get the robots and it hadn't been released yet when I wrote the story.

However, I, Sim does have flying skeletons, flying carpets, and also mermaids. :rolleyes:

The mirrors are a time travel machine that Iven Harcourt built. Using the mirrors, Errol Waring and Iven Harcourt travel all over the place in the Sim universe.

You're not the only who has wondered how I got the robot to fall out of the window. Looks like I should post a solution somewhere. I'll need to take a couple of pictures first, though. It's really very simple to do, just a little hard to explain.

[Jazz]

Mind if I read I,Sim first?

[Lynet]

Not at all. :D I guess I should have showed you that one first.

[jupitershana]

Well I had a good weekend!

Friday night I went up to Wild River State Park with my family and enjoyed a little R&R at a cabin we had rented. Nice log cabin, fireplace, lots of card games, very nice way to spend the night.

On Saturday Brandon and I went to go see Brian Regan (http://www.brianregan.com/) at the Fitzgerald Theatre downtown St. Paul. I had won the tickets through a local radio station so it was a nice free evening for us. I just have to say that he was a breath of fresh air! I was laughing so hard I was crying...along with most of the audience and the best part... not once did he use a swear word or was raunchy in any way, shape or form! I was very impressed, a very family friendly comedian. If he is coming to anyplace near you I would highly suggest going to see him. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time!

Yesterday we just took it easy and relaxed. I slept in and went to bed early! Nice way to spend a Sunday.

And today I made appointments to go try on wedding dresses! Please tell me I'm not doomed though, we're taking a day in April...Friday the 13th(!) to try on dresses! Hehehe, I'm not superstitious but I thought it was funny. I actually do have one appointment scheduled for this Saturday as well because they have a dress in that I'm in love with, and I want to make sure I can try it on just in case they sell it by the 13th. So the first dress try ons are this Saturday! WOOT! I'm excited!

[surprised_by_witches]

Sounds like you had a fun weekend, Shana. Good luck shopping for dresses!

And LOL at Jazz. Yes, I'm sure Lynet minds you reading her stories. :rolleyes:

[Jazz]

I havent done anything for the past day. And now. Because it's spring break. Which is awesome. And I don't plan on doing anything until Friday. Which is when we leave for Dallas. Which is awesome.
Yeaaah it's too early for posting, i'm still half dreaming. I'm going back to bed. On a Tuesday. Which is aweso--ZZZzzzz...

[Chee-Z]

My Spring Break's over. I felt relieved yet sad that I went back to school yesterday and today. :o

Gah it's hard to think of six recent movies with political themes or cultural themes or themes concerning racial, gender or other equalities when I don't watch movies very often. :o And the prof was trying to make this essay topic easy on us. :rolleyes:

[Lynet]

What's NOT new: I still don't have phone service. I've been talking to Verizon every day for a week! Always a promise that they're sending a repairman. And the repairman never shows up.

Yes, I try to be pleasant with the employees I speak to.

Until last night. I didn't use bad words. :o But when she said someone had to be home today I got very upset. I have a cell phone and can be home inside of 10 minutes. He can't wait, she said. I started yelling that I sat at home ALL DAY Thursday and again ALL DAY Monday, and no one showed up. I am absolutely NOT under ANY circumstances going to sit at home on Wednesday waiting for another repairman who probably won't show up.

They promised a repairman for March 15, 16, 19 and 20. No repairman ever showed up. I was home on the 15th and 19th. I carried my cell phone everywhere on the 16th and the 20th because they said they'd call me. No calls, no notes left on my front door, nothing.

I'm in a bad mood. I think I'll cancel phone service. Besides, the only calls we get are from people dialing the wrong number. Everyone else emails us.

[suitemichelle]

Gah it's hard to think of six recent movies with political themes or cultural themes or themes concerning racial, gender or other equalities when I don't watch movies very often. :o And the prof was trying to make this essay topic easy on us. :rolleyes:

how about the pursuit of happiness (cultural)or maybe The Devil Wears Prada (cultural)?

[Mirelly]

What's NOT new: I still don't have phone service.

I'm in a bad mood. I think I'll cancel phone service. Besides, the only calls we get are from people dialing the wrong number. Everyone else emails us.

Poor you. Been there myself (caused a 6 month discontinuity in my presence here :o ) so I know how this feels.

First off, definitely do not pay them any more money. Next, iIssue a final demand for a refund for service paid for and not supplied with threats of legal action for recovery.

Get a new telephone service provider (if you decide you need one) or is Verizon the choice you have? :eek: )

[Sacharissa]

Man, that is SOOOO frustrating, Lynet! What is customer service coming to in this country? It's like that old Lilly Tomlin shtick...

We're the phone company. We don't care...We don't have to!

[Lynet]

Thanks for sympathy. :) Quick update -- no repairman yet. I looked it up online and they say I'm scheduled for a 12:55 PM repair (note how exact they are in their scheduling :p )

Meanwhile, I drove past a nearby school and saw two big Verizon repair trucks there. How much do you want to bet that the problem is more widespread than just my house? And yet they never mention that, and ask me to sit at home waiting for a repairman.

Anyway, I have not paid the bill that covers the time period I've been without service. And I will not pay it. So take that, Verizon! *draws gauntlet and strikes face of giant corporation worth billions of dollars*

[ManagerJosh]

You aren't suppose to pay for services not rendered. It's the law. I suggest calling Verizon once more, and this time talk to their supervisor, and make a point on asking what's going on.

They better give you a very good reason (only one they can give you is they are doing FiOS Deployment in your area)

[Lynet]

What's FiOS? (Is that a dumb question? I play so much sims I'm a little out of touch.)

[Mirelly]

LMRO, Lynet. I'm so out of touch I couldn't reach it with a light year-long stick. If it weren't for Google I would never know that Verizon is installing Fios (which is apparently Irish Gaelic for knowledge). Fios being FTTP, which has naff-all to do with HTTP, since it's an acronym for Fibre To The Premises. Oi vey! Imagine living in a house with kapoc on tap. You Americans are so lucky to live in a land where even the mattress stuffing is delivered down a network of pipes.

Motheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer. My pills are wearing off again :eek:

[Jazz]

heh... wouldnt it be funny if one of us works at Verizon.
Sorry, i think thats kinda funny. And coincidental...
Wahahahahaha spring break and being cooped up at home makes me slightly wacky, after one of our newer members.
wahahahaha

[Lynet]

OK, I promise this will be my last post about Verizon because in the morning I'm going to cancel the service. Once more they promised to repair it today and never came. (I was at work with my cell phone handy at all times.)

Tonight I read an article in the paper about a guy who waited 2 weeks for repairmen, and then they only showed up AFTER he complained to the Public Service Commission. I'm going to complain to the PSC, but I'm done with Verizon, anyway.

Besides, as long as I have my internet connection (Comcast, not Verizon) then what else do I need in life?

Midnight here. What the heck am I doing up at this hour? :rolleyes:

[Sacharissa]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, "SO, WHAT'S NEW?"

Yes - it was exactly one year ago today that SBW started this most excellent, five-star thread, and everyone has stepped up to the plate and kept it alive for a WHOLE YEAR! Congratulations!

I went back and looked through a couple of the early posts, and it was really interesting...we have come through a lot together in a year...Job losses, new jobs, deaths, births, engagements, growing up...generally life's joys and sorrows...All shared here amongst distant friends.

So raise a glass of whatever your drinking and give a toast to a vibrant and caring on-line community...and a special nod to SBW for starting this thread in the first place, with an EXTRA SPECIAL NOD to Josh (and his minions) for keeping the whole thing going! :champagne: :champagne: :champagne:

[jupitershana]

*raises her glass*

Happy Birthday "So, What's New?" To all our friends on WorldSims; may the next year of "So, What's New?" be just as wonderful as the first!

[Mirelly]

Yay! And what a great thread this is. (And for once I am not being sarcy :D )

Meanwhile, Lynet ... I have something for you ... just a reminder that you are one in a thousand :rolleyes:

http://forums.worldsims.org/gallery/files/4/9/5/4/verizon.jpg

[surprised_by_witches]

Hey, everyone! I am so glad to have met all of you, and yes, thank you Josh for giving us a place to be. I feel like you lot are some of the best friends I've got ... :) You certainly make me laugh!!

Shana, dying to see your wedding gown choices! Are you going to post some links?

Lynet, sorry I wasn't part of the whole phone thingy conversation ... that's what I get for not checking in every day. You know, that's why they broke up Ma Bell ... you deserve better treatment. Surely they know you can go somewhere else, and now all of us will too? :D

Hey, Sacharissa, are you willing to download some new video drivers for me if that's what it turns out I need? :o Pretty please? I'll buy you lunch!

Hey, everyone, eight days until we go to Vegas, Baby! Wish you could hear Witch Baby say that. Vegas, Baby! She's so cute ... but maybe I'm a little biased. :rolleyes:

We just had an awesome sushi dinner. If any of you are in Minneapolis you must visit Midori's Floating World ... they have fabulous tea and sushi.

Mirelly, so glad you haven't disappeared from our circle ... so glad you came back. No one makes me laugh like you do.

Where's 123? Hope you're doing well in school, hon, and all is OK with you ...

Apologies to all who I didn't address in person ... you know I love you. And welcome to our new members too.

Here's to another year (and another, and another ... )

Surprised by Witches

[jupitershana]

Shana, dying to see your wedding gown choices! Are you going to post some links?

I've got one for you; but I think I've posted it here before! Hehe...I'll post the pictures instead of the links.

My mom and I are going tomorrow (1pm) appointment to a shop in Forest Lake to try on this specific dress. So far it's the only dress that I've fallen in love with; trying to keep an open mind still for others. I'm taking a camera with tomorrow but I don't know if they will let me use it or not...some shops are picky like that. Anyway...here is the reason we're going shopping tomorrow!

[hugzncuddles]

Happy Birthday 'So What's New' !!! :D

SBW, thanks for starting the thread - it's a great way for all of us to share and hear all of our news. Looking forward to the year ahead and seeing what everyone is getting up to. ;)

Thanks to Josh too for an awesome site where we are welcome to meet other simmers and make new friends. :D

Shana - good luck with the wedding dress appointment, the dress looks beautiful! I can see why you've fallen in love with it. :)

[surprised_by_witches]

Yes, very Cinderella! I knew you'd posted pictures a long time ago, but I thought maybe you had some new choices, but after looking at that dress, why would you? It's lovely. All you need is a silver coach and four white horses.

You know how to make a commitment, girl, even if it's just to a dress! (Bodes well for your marriage as well, LOL.)

[Lynet]

Awesome site! :champagne:

Awesome thread! :birthday:

Awesome DRESS, Shana. Oh, I can't wait for pictures of the wedding. :D

[Lynet]

Yay! And what a great thread this is. (And for once I am not being sarcy :D )

Meanwhile, Lynet ... I have something for you ... just a reminder that you are one in a thousand :rolleyes:

http://forums.worldsims.org/gallery/files/4/9/5/4/verizon.jpgWell, of course I knew that. :p I fired Verizon. My husband laughed. The irony, and you'll love this, is that 15 minutes after telling Verizon to cancel my account the doorbell rang and it was their repairman. I told him I had just canceled the account, and I sent him away. 6 days of no-shows is 6 days too many.

[person123]

Hee, sorry for not posting. I don't really have much of an excuse...oh, here's one! I began a new writing regime about a week ago. Trying to reach 100,000 words in fifty days. So far I'm on schedule...

Oh man, Lynet, that really sucks. We have Verizon, but for our internet. We have Comcast for our cable, and...uh, I don't remember what we use for phone service, but so far it hasn't failed us. Comcast is really horrible with internet, though. The cables would always fall down in the street, or the internet would just stop for some strange reason without affecting the TV at all. But when they sent repairman, they would always come when they said they would.

Oooh, Shana, that dress is so pretty! You'll look beautiful no matter what you wear. :D My sister went shopping for a prom dress today, but for her junior prom. No floor-length gowns. Still, she looks really pretty, though I'll never tell her that. My mom made her put it on and show our grandma. :rolleyes:

[surprised_by_witches]

Wow, kid, that's awesome! Go for it. I hope you reach your goal. You're doing a lot better than me! :)

[Sacharissa]

Hey 123...That's pretty impressive! I suspect we won't be hearing from you much for the next 50 days, but feel free to pop in now and again for a little encouragement! You GO, Girl!

[Mirelly]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6494599.stm

It's lasted longer than the Berlin Wall. The Reverend Dr. Ian Paisley sat down with Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams to sign a power sharing agreement. Now all we need is for something similar in the middle east, which has been going far longer and they really should have learned what the South Africans learned a decade ago, and now the Orangemen and Finians have recognised, that recriminations and blame and grudges and feuds and vendettas are unwinnable and only make everyone unhappy.

Ach! Whatever. I am so happy for the lovely people of Ulster, the vast majority of whom are entirely non-partisan.

[djrules5454]

I did some of the packing that I should have started 2 weeks ago for a Choir trip to New York, and I leave Thursday. Isn't procrastination great?

[Lynet]

The Reverend Dr. Ian Paisley sat down with Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams to sign a power sharing agreement.This is wonderful. And I also wish that the people in the middle east would try to do the same.

[Lynet]

;) :D kaerb a sdeen hsoJ

[suitemichelle]

the Stevenson quints are a year old.... if you want to see a news interview: http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/showVideo.php?vidId=132336 (http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/showVideo.php?vidId=132336)

[jupitershana]

the Stevenson quints are a year old.... if you want to see a news interview: http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/showVideo.php?vidId=132336 (http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/showVideo.php?vidId=132336)


Wow, thanks for sharing! I remember when you posted about them being born. That's got to be a crazy house...and the Mom looks AMAZING for have 5 babies in her at once!!!

[Mirelly]

I must be old and crabby. That's what's new. I'm annoyed at the moment because this sort (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6522643.stm) of thing never happens to me :rolleyes:

[hugzncuddles]

I must be old and crabby. That's what's new. I'm annoyed at the moment because this sort (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6522643.stm) of thing never happens to me :rolleyes:

OMG! Now I'm never gonna fight this chocolate craving that's been killing me all week! :eek: I haven't eaten chocolate for 3 years, 2 months and 1 week, but have been desperate for some this week especially.

Those kids must have thought they were in heaven, but why do they do these things in London? Does the world revolve around London? Are there not any other places that, omg, people reside in, in the UK? :p

Mirelly - have ya ever been to CadburyWorld in Birmingham? I went there a few years ago and they hand out so much chocolate on the way around the tour that by the end of it you will be positively sick of it LOL. Still, it was nice at the time - tasting the liquid chocolate was my fave part. *droolies* :drool: :stirthepot:

[Mirelly]

LOL Haven't been to Cadbury World but I've been to Cadbury's a fair few times in connection with work. I swear that after a few hours you can suck your clothes and get a chocolate fix.

3+ years sans chocolat? Wossup widdya? Even diabetics and Mormons can get a fix of cocoa solids. Are you a member of some kinda masochistic sect? :eek:

When I go to Merry Hill I have this thing about "not" being allowed to enter Hotel Chocolat ... I always go in anyway ... and always come out a few pounds lighter ;) (I couldn't resist that dig at our American friends who leave stores dollars lighter ... at least we can shed pounds while shopping and then not feel so guilty about putting on the pounds at home ... ;) Just call me Mrs. Einstein :p )

[hugzncuddles]

LOL Haven't been to Cadbury World but I've been to Cadbury's a fair few times in connection with work. I swear that after a few hours you can suck your clothes and get a chocolate fix.

3+ years sans chocolat? Wossup widdya? Even diabetics and Mormons can get a fix of cocoa solids. Are you a member of some kinda masochistic sect? :eek:

When I go to Merry Hill I have this thing about "not" being allowed to enter Hotel Chocolat ... I always go in anyway ... and always come out a few pounds lighter ;) (I couldn't resist that dig at our American friends who leave stores dollars lighter ... at least we can shed pounds while shopping and then not feel so guilty about putting on the pounds at home ... ;) Just call me Mrs. Einstein :p )

Hehehe, yep the chocolate aroma was so strong at CadburyWorld but the employees said that after working there as long as they have, they didn't notice it anymore.

I am a recovering chocoholic. :o I realised that moderating my intake wasn't working because I had no willpower, so I decided it was all or nothing, and I chose nothing. :p :) Had a bad addiction and at one point my tummy troubles meant I couldn't drink water without exruciating pain, and it took 4 doctors to hold me down while they forced a tummy camera down my throat. Then they told me the chocolate was to blame. Heh, I haven't lost any weight or anything since giving it up, but their threat of another scope torture is more than enough to stop me eating it again. :p It's just hard this year for some reason - those Easter eggs are calling my name! Cadbury's Buttons eggs were my favourite, and I used to eat Twirls by the multipack. Also, it didn't help having a dream earlier this week where I tasted chocolate all over my tongue and I woke up practically crawling up the wall for some. :p

Eeesh, ya did ask. LOL!

And LOL at the Einstein. ;)

[Mirelly]

Wow, Hugz! Poor you. I never really thought of choccy as being quite that dangerous. I'm weak with the stuff. I see it I have to eat it. But quite often just thinking about it produces little or no response ... but if I see it, I gotta smell it and and after that :(. Going down the Linden Road, past the Bournville plant is <ahem> difficult ... but then I also once live in Slough and had to cope with the Mars factory. I've had a difficult life :rolleyes:

[Sacharissa]

Oh, how I miss Cadbury Flakes! Especially when stuck into an Ice Cream! We have nothing similar here in the States.

Other taste treats I miss from England: Elderflower Cordial, Cheez Wotsits, and my personal favorite, Prawn-flavored Savor Snacks from Tesco's!

[Mirelly]

Oh, how I miss Cadbury Flakes! Especially when stuck into an Ice Cream! We have nothing similar here in the States.

Other taste treats I miss from England: Elderflower Cordial, Cheez Wotsits, and my personal favorite, Prawn-flavored Savor Snacks from Tesco's!

Ooh don't deny yourself, Sacha. Amazon to the rescue http://www.amazon.com/Cadbury-Flake-Bar-Case-24/dp/B000E73MW2 :D

I love those prawn flavoured snacks as well.

[hugzncuddles]

Heh, or have a British buddy send ya some in the mail, or even better, have them pack it in their suitcase when they make a trip to the USA. :p

When we went over to NH to meet another sims buddy, we took a whole (giant) suitcase full of chocolate. If Customs ever caught me for taking that much, my excuse was gonna be that I was there for a month (true) and I'm a chocoholic (bending the truth there :p ). Heh, luckily we didn't get caught. So Danni got a ton of chocolate that lasted her a long long time, and Frannie got a tin of Roses chocs (if my memory serves me correctly).

And we got an empty suitcase to fill with Twinkies for the return trip. :D

[Lynet]

What's SBW up to? Isn't she back from vacation yet? :rolleyes: Or is it next Tuesday I'm thinking of. :o

[hugzncuddles]

What's new with me is that me and my fiance have decided to set a date to be married. It's gonna be this year, hopefully September, but we're waiting at the moment for the vicar to return our call so we can see when the church is available. It's kind of a short notice wedding - probably only a few months to plan it all - it's gonna be a fairly quiet wedding, not too many people but closest family and friends will be invited of course. :)

Now, I'm all buzzing and my parents are literally dancing with excitement!

Shana, I'm looking forward to sharing wedding chatter over the coming months. ;)

[Lynet]

Congratulations, Hugz! Spontaneous is always exciting. :D

[jupitershana]

Shana, I'm looking forward to sharing wedding chatter over the coming months. ;)


Whoohoo!!! Very exciting hugz! Let us know when you have the date, and you also know where to find me on yahoo IM!

[Mirelly]

Big congrats from me too, Hugz. :D

[Mirelly]

The Wednesday Wobbler (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/6541457.stm) from Mirelly. And you thought it only happened in cartoons :rolleyes:

[suitemichelle]

Oh My! responding to the piano story.

It must be something in the water... refering to the weddings. (watch out Josh!)

[Lynet]

Oh, so painful to see! I have a piano, and I've always been nervous anytime I moved it from one house to another. I'll never be able to move it again. :p (Even tho' it isn't a Bosendorfer or anything so expensive as that.)

I also read about "The scattering of Mum's ashes" that didn't quite go as planned, which is a link near the bottom of that same page. I admit, I laughed about that one. I'm sure her Mum would have.

[Sacharissa]

What's SBW up to? Isn't she back from vacation yet? :rolleyes: Or is it next Tuesday I'm thinking of. :o

She is back from vacation (I'm anxious to hear all the gory details!), but her PC has been acting up, so she has not been able to Sim, and I don't think she can get on-line from home. She was going to try to visit these hallowed forums from work, though (SHHHH! Don't tell anyone!) I hope she get's up and running soon as I am dying to see what will happen next in PDL! I'm also hoping she resurrects Veronaville for the new Library Thread!


Ooh don't deny yourself, Sacha. Amazon to the rescue http://www.amazon.com/Cadbury-Flake-.../dp/B000E73MW2 (http://www.amazon.com/Cadbury-Flake-Bar-Case-24/dp/B000E73MW2) :D

I love those prawn flavoured snacks as well.

THANKS for the link! Man, is there ANYTHING Amazon DOESN'T have!

What's new with me is that me and my fiance have decided to set a date to be married...

CONGRATULATIONS! How very, very exciting! What a great thread this is, where we can share all of life's special moments with each other!

[surprised_by_witches]

Yes, I'm here. It's lunchtime but I just noticed I went a bit over ... so, short post.

I'm trying to figure out the library but it's really confusing me. I'm not sure I like it. :(

As soon as I can figure out how to do it right I'll post more stuff.

[Lynet]

You'll get the hang of it. It's just a little different from the regular discussion forum. I've read what you've posted todate and it's great. I'm anxious to see what Lily does about Ellis. Not sure I'd trust him, myself, but raising a baby by yourself is very difficult. I hope things are quiet enough at work that you can post more. :o

[Mirelly]

I hope things are quiet enough at work that you can post more. :o

LOL I think SB should tell her boss that work is seriously interfering with life's important little projects and that under article IV, Paragraph 6, sub-Paragraph C, clause (xliv) of the State Department's Annual Appropriations Provisions For Rest Room Requisites Bill, 2006 [said clause added as a late amendment by Congressman Sabo(tagewho declined to give a reason for his amendment but promised to scream and scream until was sick if Mister Speaker wouldn't let it stay on the whatever] she is entitled to install TS2 on her work computer and not have to worry about minor details like quotas, deadlines and targets. :rolleyes:

Has anyone tried my new table yet? It's awesome :) ... I mean is it any good? :o

[Lynet]

I downloaded the second table. Haven't opened my game yet, and won't be able to do that tonight. Maybe Saturday. Since the game takes so long to load, I seriously have to plan ahead for a time allowance. :D There's less and less time available as spring...um...springs.

As for SBW...people take smoke breaks and stand around outdoors for ten minutes or more. So how about a Worldsims break? No nicotine, either, so it's a lot cleaner and safer.

[Lynet]

What's new is that I'm feeling strangely nostalgic. Can that be called new? Is it because the bulbs in the yard are beginning to flower and the weather is turning warmer but still requires a light jacket?

Actually, I think it might have been the link to SBW's East Simders story that got me to thinking about all of this. :)

I looked at my join date: January 2005! I do not remember at all why I first visited the Worldsims site. Just random, I guess. But the conversation here was on a much higher level than anything over at the EA site.

I just now did a search for posts by Zootyzoot, only because I remember the name so easily from the posts I noticed back in January 2005. Pescado showed up in those threads, too, and was actually quite pleasant and chock full of useful information and thoughts about the game, or at least in the posts I saw. I hope Kristalrose is doing well. Babe, too. Does anyone hear from them?

I remember Mirelly's avatar as the flashing "Don't Panic" sign. It was very appropriate as an avatar. :D

I also remember some very heated discussions on topics I will not resurrect. :o

Oh, well, that's enough of memory lane.

[Mirelly]

Ooh, I love nostalgia. I often think of those who have ridden with us for a while and then drifted away. I was only thinking about Kristal last week, wondering how she was and whether is still simming. Did she leave a reason for her absence or just fade away? I wasn't around myself when she stopped posting. And actually I miss my H2G2 avatar as well. I might dig it out again :rolleyes:

[hugzncuddles]

Lynet, it's good to feel nostalgic. :) Nothing nicer than spending a couple of hours (or more :o ) reflecting back on the past. :)

I'm gonna join in the nostalgia and think back to when I first joined WorldSims. It was December 2002. Back then, I was a regular chatter over at the Maxis Simchat (chatroom) - it's where I first asked the question: Why is DirectorJosh always on the name list for the Simchat Lobby yet he's never actually there? :p Answer: he's afk working on his new website (aka WorldSims). Not much has changed there I guess LOL.

Back then, I knew nina_kanina, lewdini, solidsnake, angel_ooper, kristi1105, glass_slippers, hundreds more chatters (too many to name), a bunch of SimMasters and of course, Josh.

In the past 5 years I've met ex-simmasterbraveheart twice, simmasterfrannie, and a special chat friend (missunderstood1). I'm currently planning and plotting and scheming to make arrangements to meet Josh. :p

I also met my fiance in the Maxis Simchat in 2002, and after almost 4 years of engagement, we're finally getting married - our confirmed date is 1st September 2007. :)

/me remembers the happy times in the Simchat. :)

[surprised_by_witches]

I think Kristalrose had too much going on in her RL and her hubby didn't like her simming so much. Three kids are liable to keep one busy, at any rate. Not sure about Babe. Didn't she have computer problems?

I miss kupo too. Hope she's OK. Last I heard she'd had an accident and then poof, no more kupo. I think her mom didn't like her conversing with people so much older than her, and I hope that's all it was.

LOL at your suggestion, Mirelly. Somehow think that wouldn't go over so well. BTW, Sabo was my favorite representative for many years. He's either retired or retiring ... our new guy is the first Muslim to serve in the US congress. I voted for him, and I think he'll do a good job. But I know I'll miss Sabo, who was one of the rare people in government with a conscience and a moral compass.

I know, I know. Weird.

I agree with Lynet. That's precisely why I joined this site. I can't converse with idiots, or rather, I refuse to. I was bored out of my skull and started looking for sims sites, and voila.

I've been here since March of 2005. Two years now. Do I get a cake?

I asked for work and got some for this afternoon. Teach me to raise my hand. I'm on my lunch break, and then no more simming for me today.

[Mirelly]

and her hubby didn't like her simming so much.

Eesh! There was also the matter of the blog ... :o :rolleyes:

[Lynet]

Good gracious, Mirelly. You're on line and it's after 2 am where you are. It's only a little after 9 pm here and I can hardly keep my eyes open. :yawn:

[surprised_by_witches]

What's new with me is I've discovered the best sandwich (well, actually, wrap) ever! Even better, it's healthy. Even super-picky eaters like my darling little witch like it.

Take 1 tortilla. I prefer whole wheat, Witch Baby likes white flour tortillas.
Add 1 generous spoonful of hummus, right down the middle.
Cover hummus with unprepared broccoli slaw (you can buy this in the grocery store in the same place you find the bagged lettuce and such. Don't add mayo or anything, just use the raw shredded veggies).
Top with roma tomato slices.
Add a sprinkling of crumbled feta (optional. I don't add it, but the friend who gave me this recipe says it's to die for).

Wrap up and eat!

Yuuuuuuummmy!!!

[Mirelly]

Oh, yum! How about throwing in some black Greek-style olives as well as the feta? ... even more yum ... possibly ;)

[Mirelly]

So what's new is that I have run into the buffer's of writer's block. I keep opening up MS Word and staring at the last line I wrote in PVS and ratttling some more and then reading it, deleting it, closing Word and then going off in search of something to download. Then I feel guilty about the length of the grass in front and go outside and swear at it (sotto voce, cos I don't want the neighbours to think me uncouth :p ) before deciding it'll wait until tomorrow before it absolutely must be trimmed ... I mean scythed :eek:

I am kind of wondering if I wouldn't be happier writing only in multiple first person accounts .... Finding the right voice is important but I think I'm obsessing on it too much.

[Lynet]

Happens to me all the time, Mirelly. Generally, I go for a while unable to imagine what I'm going to write next, then it starts to simmer and I find my voice again, for better or for worse :o . I always worry about whether the readers will lose interest because I'm taking too long.

Sometimes, it just takes playing with the sims, taking pictures, building stuff, having fun and laughing at their screwball antics.

Then there's RL. Tax season has ended and my husband wants to do things that have absolutely nothing to do with computers.

[Mirelly]

Tax season has ended and my husband wants to do things that have absolutely nothing to do with computers.

How odd ... suddenly I can't think of a single thing I could suggest without having to ban myself :o

[Chee-Z]

Oh gosh, for a few hours I was without internet access. I spent it eating dinner, playing PS2 with my brothers and doing exercises. :rolleyes: Sometimes I feel I need a break from the computer. :o The online bf was wondering where I was though. ;)

I've been having a bit of writer's block as well. For an open-ended story like mine it's terrible. Thank goodness I suppose that Alejandra got eaten. :rolleyes: Do I resurrect her whole, make my first zombie or just leave her dead? :ghost:

[Lynet]

Chee-Z, is it possible to resurrect a Servo? Just wondering about a zombie servo. Bender's been everything else. :D I wouldn't risk losing him, though, before testing it on a spare Servo. Then I guess he'd be stuck that way. But the idea of a robot dragging his foot and moaning made me laugh just thinking of it.

Has anyone ever made a vampire out of a zombie?

How odd ... suddenly I can't think of a single thing I could suggest without having to ban myself :o 'sOK. Got it covered. ;)

[surprised_by_witches]

Hmmm ... olives ... shall have to give that a whirl. I do loves olives.

LOL, Mirelly, I was just thinking about how seriously we take our sims writing, myself included, even though I have a "real" novel that could earn me money, languishing away ... I really need a weekend or six to myself to finish it, which will happen when Witch Baby is, oh, in high school? So, only 5 years to go ... yikes. That few? (Fights urge to leave work and run and hug my baby before she sprouts upwards again. Which happens daily, it seems.)

I myself find that I am stuck in the present voice in my sims writing. Not sure how it happened, not sure I like it, but what happens to my sims seems so immediate, without a view of the future, that it just works for me ... still, it's a weird voice to write in. I normally write in the standard "novel" tense.

Witch Baby has discovered sculpey, which is a clay you bake. She made some adorable bears, dogs, and kitties this weekend. I'll try to remember to take a picture.

She also learned to ride a bike this weekend, so that's what we do every night now. She loves it, and who am I to argue with healthful exercise? Though to be honest I prefer to sit on my keester with a good book, which could explain the spreading of that particular region.

Oh, and we got our state taxes back and hubby has earmarked them to fix the computer!!!! Did I marry a perfect guy or what?

[Chee-Z]

Chee-Z, is it possible to resurrect a Servo? Just wondering about a zombie servo. Bender's been everything else. :D I wouldn't risk losing him, though, before testing it on a spare Servo. Then I guess he'd be stuck that way. But the idea of a robot dragging his foot and moaning made me laugh just thinking of it.

Has anyone ever made a vampire out of a zombie?

'sOK. Got it covered. ;)

I could try it on a spare robot I have named Sparkamus Prime. My brother's idea. :rolleyes: Only other thing I haven't tried yet is plant bot. :D

To SBW: Sculpey clay is great stuff. I've made many a school project with that, including a Morocco Mole. Hehe wait 'til Witch Baby upgrades to REAL clay!

[Lynet]

I'm away for the weekend, leaving this afternoon. We're going to Philadelphia for two nights and we're going to see the Tutankhamun (King Tut) exhibit at the Franklin Institute. I can't wait.

By the way, I don't think we've had many visitors to the Worldsims Library, if the number of views of the stories is any indication. If you haven't been there, go take a look:

http://forums.worldsims.org/library/index.php

If you want to tell a story of your own, please do. We need a lot more books in that Library. :D

I believe a more visible link from the Sims2 Discussion forum is planned for the near future. Meanwhile, the stories there are all fun.

[Mirelly]

I believe a more visible link from the Sims2 Discussion forum is planned for the near future.

Trouble is that a catastophic asteroid strike is also due in the "near future" ...:rolleyes:

What's new is that I blew the money I saved by not buying anything for a week. I gotted Glamour Life and Celebration! Stuff Packs, so I am at last fully expanded and stuffed (apart from FFS, which I refuse to buy on principle.)

Can't stop. Game needs attention ... :p

[Sacharissa]

Trouble is that a catastophic asteroid strike is also due in the "near future" ...:rolleyes:

What's new is that I blew the money I saved by not buying anything for a week. I gotted Glamour Life and Celebration! Stuff Packs, so I am at last fully expanded and stuffed (apart from FFS, which I refuse to buy on principle.)

Can't stop. Game needs attention ... :p

Why not Family Fun Stuff, Mirelly? Unfortunately, it is the only Stuff Pack they have released for Mac, so I have been tempted...

[Mirelly]

Because all the stuff was incredibly ugly and it needed a patch. I mean ... :eek: thousands of custom content makers are making objects and clothes -- for free in many cases -- and they actually work without patches (or crashing your game) ... :rolleyes:

[suitemichelle]

going to be gone for a week leaving tomorrow..... driving car to missouri so Moselle and Jake can have a 2nd car. flying back saturday I think. unless hubby and I kill each other due to being confined in the car. no celebration for me yet

[Jazz]

Missouri rules! Go through Springfield. best place there is.
And if you go through Ozark, Missouri, there's this really good resteraunt called Lamberts. Great place.

[surprised_by_witches]

Sigh. We paid the bills and due to a major car repair and a HUGE daycare bill (teach me to not pay weekly) we can't fix the computer after all.

Possibly next weekend.

Waah. I have a whole afternoon to myself today and nothing to do! I'm feeling a bit under the weather and nothing would cheer me up like a good game of sims. :(

[Jazz]

Where has 123 been lately? Hope shes ok...

[surprised_by_witches]

I'm not sure. I was wondering that, myself. 123, are you out there?

[Lynet]

I think 123 is writing. I thought she set herself a goal of writing some huge number of pages each day. She does drop by now and again to check up on us. I've seen her logged in.

[surprised_by_witches]

Oh, good.

What's new with me is my brother loaned me an old computer to play sims on until I can afford to fix mine, and I killed his computer! I played for five minutes and the whole system crashed. I can't revive it.

He hasn't written back yet. I hope he's not too mad at me. :(

I'm beginning to think my game is cursed.

[Lynet]

It's those vampires, SBW. Maybe you should burn that neighborhood. :p

And I'm being bad checking in here while I'm at work. Better say 'bye.

[hugzncuddles]

What's new with me is that I have started a new job again and have done my first week. It's temporary, possibly up to 36 weeks (though not confirmed yet), but hopefully it will lead to something more permanent. The job is in a highly confidential environment, can't say more than that but it's really interesting and I'm enjoying it a lot. The staff are a great team to work with and even at 5pm I still feel I could do another couple of hours' work - it's absorbing and interesting. It's also an emotional job at times and from next week I know that my resolve will be tested further. Hopefully I can handle that aspect of the job.

Our wedding date is not gonna be 1st September anymore. We had an awful time trying to find a venue for the reception - everywhere was booked up. We did find a place that we fell in love with (only with a few dates available), and the day after I saw it, the church phoned with an apology that the vicar was unavailable for the 1st Sept after all (church outing that week). Anyway, our new date is either gonna be 4th August (which will be a rush) or we will put it off until Spring 2008. Rush or wait, rush or wait..... :confused:

[surprised_by_witches]

Personally, I'd go for it if you've got everything planned. But that's just me. I planned my wedding in four months. Others, like Shana, prefer to take their time.

Honestly, I think it what feels right to you.

Congratulations on your new job!

[Mirelly]

Yes congrats on what sounds like a great new job, Hugz. As for the wedding it's a shame that venues, vicars and caterers are such a nightmare to co-ordinate. It never used to seem to so difficult. My own wedding was quite a big and formal affair, cute country church, family friend vicar and big "do" at a fabby country mansion house with an ginormous georgian ballroom. Very traditional (for the time). The marriage is over (good riddance to one rat) and my regret is that we didn't have a more modern wedding of a private civil ceremony followed by a humdinger of a party in one of the local area's many function rooms for hire. You can keep your marquee tents, and caterers in uniforms poncing about with chrome-plated trays (supposed to look like silver) bearing canapes no-one in their right mind would imagine inventing ... anchovy and asparagus pate on french toast anyone?)

Nope. I'm as common as muck, me. Gimme a plate of cheese butties, glass ozzie shiraz and Hi-ho Silver Lining and I'm awaaaaayyyy! :rolleyes:

*shuffles off, embarrassed after realising I have shown myself up*

[jupitershana]

Others, like Shana, prefer to take their time.


Pffttt....I could have been ready in 4 months! It's Brandon that wants to take his time! :p I'm a little anxious...and you can see since I have a countdown now!

Just went to my cousin's wedding this weekend which was planned in about 2 months and it was interesting to see what I now know we will and will NOT do after seeing things she did. It was still a fun time and everything came out okay, but there were some bumps. I hope the bride didn't notice though and just enjoyed the day. I know I want to be blissfully unaware of anything that goes wrong on my wedding day! As long as Brandon makes it to the alter I'll be happy! :rolleyes:

8 months, 26 days.......*sigh* Is it January yet????

[surprised_by_witches]

LOL, Sweetie. One thing I have learned is that every wedding has its snafus. But if you're the bride you're so happy you don't even notice. I thought you wanted a long, drawn out thing a ma bob. Shoulda guessed it was his idea. :)

My sister's wedding was planned at a cool venue here in town, until the guy tried to fleece them for extra money. They threatened to sue, he backed down, they had their wedding elsewhere anyway and demanded their money back. I think the case is still pending. What a weasel.

BUT her wedding turned out to be a testament to friendship ... all of her friends pitched in and set it up at a theater here in town and it was beautiful, perfect, and amazing. Plus we had fabulous live music thanks to the fact that she married a jazz musician and all of his friends were there.

So, all's well that ends well.

I'm with you, Mirelly. I'm not a fancy schmancy person. My wedding was in a park, followed by a reception at my favorite Greek restaurant. We served appetizers aplenty and lots of wine, and of course a nice lemon cake. I avoided the wedding industry altogether except for said cake. Even rented my dress from a local theater. I was married in blue. (My sister followed in my footsteps and got married in red. I wanted red, couldn't find a dress, and the blue one was lovely.)

We wrote our own vows, didn't go nuts on the flowers, and all told had a lovely day that didn't put us in debt. Two years later we went on our honeymoon and that's where we blew a wad ... went to Florence thanks to an inheritance from, wait for it ... my great aunt Florence.

Apt, methinks. :D

The point of all this rambling? Your wedding will be lovely and perfect no matter what, even if it rains or thunderstorms or hails, if you're marrying the right guy and your dress isn't too tight. :p

[Mirelly]

... went to Florence thanks to an inheritance from, wait for it ... my great aunt Florence.

Good job that great aunt's name wasn't Kandahar :rolleyes:

[surprised_by_witches]

Yes, well, I do have SOME free will. :p

[hugzncuddles]

Thanks for the congrats, SBW and Mirelly.

I think I'm spending too long deciding what to do about the wedding date. August 4th wouldn't have been my ideal choice of date as a) it's a date linked to my ex, and b) the number 4 is supposed to be an unlucky number according to a Chinese belief I read about.

Then I've been looking at other dates and adding the digits, and if any have 13 as a total in any combination, it's a no-no. Then I looked at dates in April - 5th is an odd number against month 04/ year 08, 12th April is too near to 13th for my liking, 19th is my niece's birthday (so it's her day), and 26th is unavailable at the venue. So it's either March 08 or May 08. And so on etc etc blah blah I'm just freakin insane! Superstitious to a fault. :o

The main issue above all else though is whether we can afford to wait even longer to ummm have children. Age is not on our side. :o

The date of 4th August is causing a mental block, though it would have been achievable, timewise. Spring 08 is achievable timewise, allows us the date we want, but it will impact when sproglets appear. :confused:

Sorry if none of that makes any logical sense. My head's messed up. Had an emotional day with work stuff.

[Lynet]

I'm not superstitious. My co-workers sometimes get upset because I will open an umbrella in my office so that the thing will dry. I tell them not to be so silly. Stuff happens. Just because one event follows another in time does not mean that one caused the other.

Of course, telling anyone NOT to worry about something they have always worried about does not help anything. *sigh* Can't prove a negative.

I just think that superstition, when carried to extremes, can lead to terrible things, like burning people for witchcraft. ("She looked at me funny. I got sick. She must be a witch.")

Sorry to hear of all the trouble you're having Hugz. But as long as everone you love is there--family, friends, and the groom--your wedding will be wonderful, and you'll have a lot of good memories, regardless of the date.

p.s. Congratulations on the job. It sounds mighty stressful, though.

[hugzncuddles]

Thanks Lynet. :) The job is emotionally taxing at times due to the nature of the work, but the staff support one another really well, and they are a great team. Yesterday I wasn't prepared mentally for what I was dealing with, but have a strategy now for coping. Still, it's really rewarding. :)

As for the wedding, you're right - the most important thing is that my loved ones are all there on the day. I guess I just think too much about stuff and should take a more laid back approach. I'm a perfectionist to a fault - sorta like when I play Sims 2 - I prefer to plan everything in advance down to the last detail. I think I have too much time on my hands. ;)

[Lynet]

I think I have too much time on my hands. ;)Oh, I sincerely doubt that, with that difficult job, and a wedding to plan. Some people just care a great deal about certain things.

My husband is very, very orderly about everything in his life. (You should see how much effort he takes to arrange the newspapers for recycling. Neatest trash in the neighborhood. :D) His concern for neatness and orderliness extends to everything except me. My desk at home makes him crazy because it's so messy. But at least I make the bed every morning. :rolleyes: He appreciates that.

p.s. We're both bean counters by trade. He's just better at it than I am.

[suitemichelle]

my wedding was really on the cheap... so to speak. borrowed my wedding dress... bought a simple veil... bought the bridesmaid's dress for under $40 I think... friend made our cake... reception at the church, so no cost (we were members)... tipped the preacher of course... friends and family did the ushering. It was just before Christmas so decorated pews with holly from a friends tree and blue ribbons. My bouquet and butoneers (sp?) and corsages around $30. Invites word of mouth.... I'll have to scan a picture and post it some time. anyway... 26 years and counting.

[Lynet]

That's wonderful, Michelle!

When I got married the first time it was on the cheap (made my own dress, for instance,) but great fun. Family and friends baked and brought all the food to the reception at my parent's house. Only the cake was ordered. Everyone had a grand time. There was even dancing.

When I got married the second time (and not so long ago - August, 2003) it was at the courthouse with my daughter and her husband as witnesses. I was so happy to be marrying this man that I didn't care about anything else. We had a catered reception at our house a couple of months later for family and friends. That was a little bit of a strain because we'd only just moved in and had to unpack and get the house cleaned up. It was good for both families to get together like that, though.

Still feels like a honeymoon to me. :D

[surprised_by_witches]

That's the best kind of marriage to have. People still tell hubby and me to get a room and we've been married 13 years, this August. ;)

[butterflyarashi]

I'm getting married in October...My dad is susposed to be helping pay for things, but his money keeps "disappearing".

[surprised_by_witches]

Perhaps you ought to have a plan B, then. Just in case.

[butterflyarashi]

yep I do......I've had it since my dad said he would pay, isn't that sad?

[Jazz]

*yawn* it's been a long past few weeks, testing, MAP and English feild testing. apparently, they picked our puny lil school to be the guinea pigs for the new tests. Arg. School's rough.

[Lynet]

That's the best kind of marriage to have. People still tell hubby and me to get a room and we've been married 13 years, this August. ;)August? Ours was August 7. :D And 13 years later they're still telling you to get a room? That's wonderful.



Jazz, school can be rough sometimes, but summer break is almost here. Right?

[surprised_by_witches]

Ours is August 20. We plan to get a cat this year, so maybe it should be a black cat, in honor of 13 years ... :p

I finally have the $$ to fix my computer but my brother, whose help I'd really like, is busy all weekend. My big fear is we're going to spend the money on something else before I get a chance to buy my new parts.

And next weekend is Mother's Day, so he'll probably be busy with his wife and daughter ... and I'm sure Witch Baby and her daddy have plans for me as well.

Which means two more weeks before I can sim.

Argh.

[Lynet]

It may be a couple of weeks for me, too, because my husband is anxious to get the weeds out of the garden and the mulch down. Then we're having his mother and family over for mother's day.

*sigh* :cry: Why does RL have to interfere with my FUN. :p *stamps foot*

[surprised_by_witches]

I'm with you. I may just have the guys at the computer shop do the dirty work for me. Rumor has it they don't charge an arm and a leg.

I'll talk to them tomorrow. :)

Good luck with the gardening!

[Jazz]

Jazz, school can be rough sometimes, but summer break is almost here. Right?


May 24th

[surprised_by_witches]

Witch Baby gets out June 9 or thereabouts.

I ordered my computer parts today!!!!!! Yeah!!!! I'm getting a new heatsink/fan combo, a new PS, and an external hard drive to back up my simmies and everything else (it's bigger than my internal drive, LOL.) I'm also going to go to Best Buy and buy this cool little fan.

My brother's gonna help me install everything once it arrives.

I can't wait to play sims again!!!

Woo hoooo!

Happy Mother's Day to me. :D

[Jazz]

is that today??!!??!?!?!

im get my mom an iPod. Did I miss it???
if not, when is it?

[surprised_by_witches]

It's next Sunday, May 13. I'm just anticipating, is all. :)

Didn't mean to scare you.

You're a nice son! Wish I had an iPod.

[ManagerJosh]

I'm wondering if I should spent money on flowers this year :)

[surprised_by_witches]

Flowers are nice, but electronics last longer. :)

Of course, I'm always a sucker for chocolate.

[ManagerJosh]

I wonder if I can afford jewelry this year :)

[jupitershana]

I have NO clue what to get my mom for mothers day this year. Last year I got her the mother/daughter willow tree figure that we both love. She cried...this year I'm clueless!



On another note for SBW and Sach, found the most wonderful bookstore just north of Minneapolis near where I work...blink you'll miss it kind of a place. He's in one big room and there are piles and piles of old leather bound books and shelves full of more! We found a leather bound 18?? of Alice in Wonderland, and many more like it. I thought you would both appreciate a place like that. The guy runs his own hours, says he normally works noonish-7 on weekdays, but he's never sure if he'll work weekends. He just sets a little plywood tent sign outside the door to advertise... honestly I'm not sure how he's still in business but I'm sure he has regulars!

He's called Bumper Crop Bookshop; Books, Records, Art, Memorabilia (formerly known as Bibliopolis) Here is his website (http://www.reinerbooks.com/). I can give you directions if you want them.

[ManagerJosh]

At least you are one step ahead of me Shana. I absolutely have no idea what to get my mom every year -_-;

[hugzncuddles]

Josh: perfume, a year of cinema tickets, earrings/ other jewellery, flowers (always welcome lol), pamper kits (body lotions etc), CDs or DVDs, computer stuff / gadgets, theatre tickets, or take mom on a trip out somewhere for a day, or take her shopping for new shoes/ handbag (or purse as they say in the USA).

Find her weakness :p and still add flowers to it. ;)

[ManagerJosh]

Perfume - mom doesn't like
cinema tickets - mom doesn't watch enough
earrings - mom doesn't like
jewelry - the ones mom likes isn't in my budget range.. I could probably afford a a small stud...
flowers - affordable
body lotions - hmmmm..will give that some thought
CDs and DVDs - doesn't watch enough
technology - mom is slightly technophobic
theatre tickets - mom doesn't like going out on the town
trip - possibly....again she complains no time.
shoes/handbags....this screams Nordstroms.

[hugzncuddles]

Perfume - mom doesn't like
cinema tickets - mom doesn't watch enough
earrings - mom doesn't like
jewelry - the ones mom likes isn't in my budget range.. I could probably afford a a small stud...
flowers - affordable
body lotions - hmmmm..will give that some thought
CDs and DVDs - doesn't watch enough
technology - mom is slightly technophobic
theatre tickets - mom doesn't like going out on the town
trip - possibly....again she complains no time.
shoes/handbags....this screams Nordstroms.

Hmm ok :p well that narrows things down a bit. :) Sounds like mom is a busy lady, not much time to go and do things. Pamper kit sounds like a good pressie. ;) Body lotions, aromatherapy oils, foot spa, body massager, etc.

And flowers. :p

[suitemichelle]

A pretty Scarf for her neck or shoulders? Or maybe: Decorative candles.... you know the kind she wouldn't buy for herself... or if she likes books, either a gift certificate for some or a book if you know what she likes. does she collect things.... like salt and pepper shaker sets or stamps.... if she has a hobby then something to make her hobby easier...

just a couple of ideas

[hugzncuddles]

A pretty Scarf for her neck or shoulders? Or maybe: Decorative candles.... you know the kind she wouldn't buy for herself... or if she likes books, either a gift certificate for some or a book if you know what she likes. does she collect things.... like salt and pepper shaker sets or stamps.... if she has a hobby then something to make her hobby easier...

just a couple of ideas

Good suggestions Michelle, I was thinking about hobbies too while I was out at the mall. Arts, crafts, reading, collections are all good.

I was thinking about home-made things too that give an extra touch - like home made cards with your own design and poem/ verse, or a slideshow/ video made with family pics or something, with a specially designed cd cover (if you have a printer that prints onto cds).

Another thing I thought of is cooking - buy a recipe book or an appliance/ gadget for the kitchen, only if mom likes to cook.

And flowers. :)

[surprised_by_witches]

Josh, I've been thinking about your mother's day dilemma ... do you live close to your mom? Why not take her out to lunch? If she doesn't like to go out, go to her house and help with the chores or make her lunch or something like that.

If she lives far away, how about a nice card and a long phone call? That's what my mom prefers.

Just some ideas for you.

[MegRen]

I got my mom a pair of earrings from Premier Jewelry. She got them yesterday since she'll be in Hawaii over the actual Mother's Day. Lucky woman.

[Sacharissa]

Last year for Mother's Day, I sorted through the THOUSANDS of digital photos I have taken of my Nephews and Niece who live here in Minnesota. I pulled the best ones together into a kind of storybook of their life so far - Holidays & Birthdays - Family Outings - Family Traditions - Playtime - That sort of thing. Then I sent them all off to Apple.com to have them hardbound into a glossy-paged picture book.

Sent the book to my mom, who lives in far off Oklahoma, and doesn't get to see these grandchildren nearly enough. She was THRILLED! I don't think I can top that this year! (Now my Sister wants me to do the same thing for her kids...Unfortunately, most of the pictures I have of her kids are Pre-Digital! Can Anyone recommend a good scanner???)

[Jazz]

Yeah...My brother and I are probably going to split getting my mom one of those thin digital cameras. She hinted about it once or twice.
She insists she wants "flowers" but thats not going to happen.

[Lynet]

She insists she wants "flowers" but thats not going to happen.Why not? I'm just curious. Does she get them all the time?

[suitemichelle]

we use a brother mfc 6800... I know it's a scanner/fax/copier but it's good quality for the money. scans in color... and you can buy it with a color printer, but we just have the laser quality b/w

[surprised_by_witches]

Need a laugh? Check out this web site:
http://icanhascheezburger.com (http://icanhascheezburger.com)

Too funny!

[hugzncuddles]

Need a laugh? Check out this web site:
http://icanhascheezburger.com (http://icanhascheezburger.com)

Too funny!

LOL!!! That was the laugh I needed today. :) The facelift pic had me crying laughing, and had to stop at the Invisible onion and knife, or I would have fallen off my chair from laughing. :p

Will check out the rest after dinner. Thanks for the link, SBW! :)

[Mirelly]

LOL. Thanks for that from me, too. I saw that site a while back and I wish now I had kept up with it.

[surprised_by_witches]

I have installed my new parts! OK, my brother did ... but still, pretty new Zalman fan and a 500W power source ... now I just have to restore my ancient drivers so the computer works OK, and back everything up on my adorable new external hard drive (it's really cute!).

And then I finally get to play!

After I take my daughter to the school carnival, that is. :rolleyes:

Anyway, fingers crossed that my computer can now handle the sims!

[Vega]

I have installed my new parts! OK, my brother did ... but still, pretty new Zalman fan and a 500W power source ... now I just have to restore my ancient drivers so the computer works OK, and back everything up on my adorable new external hard drive (it's really cute!).

And then I finally get to play!

After I take my daughter to the school carnival, that is. :rolleyes:

Anyway, fingers crossed that my computer can now handle the sims!

that is great :)
good you can play again, when my pc crashed the other day i was really upset i can imagine how you felt all this time without palying :(

[Mirelly]

Ooh that is good news! :D

[Lynet]

That's wonderful, SBW. Let us know how it goes. And have a very Happy Mother's Day. :D

[Sacharissa]

I'm crossing ALL of my fingers and toes that it all works out, SBW! I want PICTURES!

[surprised_by_witches]

I'm working on it. Sheesh. ;)

After all my efforts I now have a computer that can run the sims without fear of overheating; however, my *!9%*(! graphics are still blurry.

But I think I found a solution. Leighcy on MTS2 had an identical problem and solved it. I've entered the coordinates, now I'm going to go play. If it works I have a new best friend. :)

And yes, it is a happy mother's day if I can FINALLY play my game. I had a very nice brunch, prepared by my loving and tired husband, who is now in bed. The night shift ain't easy, folks.

Oh, and just to be a tease, Declan Patrick is quite nice looking. One of my better efforts. Though credit should go to Vividmiss at MTS2, who gave me an idea of a new face shape to try. Declan sort of looks like her Phin.

If I can get his clothes to stop blurring I'll start taking pictures again.

Speaking of pictures, I had to dump a whole bunch of PDL thumbnails because they are corrupt. I think it's time to backup those photos and delete 'em from the game. It's going to be a long process, as I'm not sure which ones are corrupted. I have 26,000 if you count snapshots and thumbnails. :o

[Lynet]

You are a tease, SBW, about Declan. But I wouldn't mind seeing him in blurry clothes. :rolleyes: You could put him in a bathing suit and do a head and shoulders portrait. I know, I know. Dressing the sims up is a lot of the fun in playing with them. Fuzzy clothes would annoy me endlessly.

Now that the Mother's Day family get together is behind us, I can relax, and I plan to get back to my Sims as well. They've been sorely neglected. I left Ben and friends surrounded by wolves. :eek:

[surprised_by_witches]

It's fixed! It's fixed! It's fixed! I'm turning metaphorical cartwheels here. My sims look GORGEOUS ... all thanks to leighcy ... must thank her immediately.

Yeah!

My computer still runs a bit hot during sims play, but the core never heats up past 44C. It hovers between 39 and 44 while I play. I'm going to get a second fan tomorrow just to cool it down a bit more. My graphics card is doing well, but I plan to get a little PCI slot fan to cool it down 10C or so. Listen to what a geek I'm becoming!

I've uploaded two pix: One just for you, Lynet, of Declan before I bothered to vamp him, with blurry clothes, one of Tybalt in yet another new house without blurry clothing, just so you can see the difference! (Warning: the house with the hedge maze that comes with Veronaville plays sloooooowwwwwly. It drove me nuts so they moved to this one.)

[Lynet]

Very, very nice-- both DeClan, and the improved graphics. :D I'm sure looking forward to seeing DeClan as a vampire.

I had a real slow lot recently. Strangely, it wasn't a very big lot. It was Mungan's Well, where Ben and Thackary had a fight with the bandits. I was so glad when it was time for them to leave that lot. I don't know what the problem was and can only guess that it had something to do with its rather steep slope. Taking pictures was very difficult.

[hugzncuddles]

SBW - yay! Congrats on your new spec computer. :) I can imagine you're thrilled to be able to play Sims 2 again and with better graphics too. :)

Well, what's new with me is that I just got back from the dentist again and I need a root canal. ARGH! Two weeks ago I went for a routine scale and polish, and asked him to check a tooth that was sensitive to hot/cold. He put an ice stick on it (to check it was that tooth :rolleyes:) and I almost jumped through the roof. So he said it needed a filling, but the last 2 weeks I've been in agony (stupid £$%^&* ice torture stick) and Saturday another dentist said it was infected. Today I went back and he showed me the xray and gave me 2 options: root canal or extraction. :(

He also told me that he wanted to wait til later in the week to open it and put a temporary dressing in it, as he explained that infection neutralises the anaesthetic (making it useless), so it wouldn't be numb. Less infection = less pain during the procedure. Great. I have antibiotics and have to wait til Thursday to get the work started. Funness. :rolleyes: :(

It's gone from like mild occasional twinges/ pain to throbbing infection very quickly. I wouldn't mind but I already brush twice daily, use mouthwashes etc, and rarely eat cakes/ sweets/ sugary foods. Dunno why it's gone so bad so fast. :confused:

[Lynet]

That's awful, Hugz. Did your dentist suggest anything for the pain?

I have a crown on one molar and every once in a while it aches or feels sore and I mix salt in lukewarm water and rinse with it. I mix enough salt in the water to make it rather horrible to taste, but not so much that it won't dissolve. It always helps. The mixture is soothing and helps wounds to heal.

Infections in the teeth do get bad fast. The antibiotics should help calm things down.

[hugzncuddles]

That's awful, Hugz. Did your dentist suggest anything for the pain?

I have a crown on one molar and every once in a while it aches or feels sore and I mix salt in lukewarm water and rinse with it. I mix enough salt in the water to make it rather horrible to taste, but not so much that it won't dissolve. It always helps. The mixture is soothing and helps wounds to heal.

Infections in the teeth do get bad fast. The antibiotics should help calm things down.

On Saturday he prescribed very strong painkillers (opiate type things) and they zonked me out completely - awesome pain relief though and felt super relaxed and dopey. Then I read the leaflet afterwards (tiny lil paper in the box) and it interacts with 2 meds I take. So no more nice floaty pain meds.

I'll try the warm saltwater rinse, and the antibiotics should help too. I had to get an xray on another tooth today (other side of mouth, my whole mouth feels sore at the moment) as that's hurting too - dentist said 2 weeks ago that he will replace the filling in 6 to 12 months. Huh? If it's hurting now, replace now! lol, don't want it getting worse. I'm just amazed that from having no problems at all up until 2 weeks ago, suddenly now my mouth feels like pain city. Whine whine whine, whinge, groan, grumble, bleah! LOL :p

[Mirelly]

:eek: Poor Hugz. Speaking from experience (personal as well as professional) the best pain-relief for dental pain is simple aspirin (900mg soluble every 6 hours) ... if that proves insufficient add 1,000mg paracetamol (acetaminophen) every 6 hours as well spacing the doses so that you're popping something every 3 hours :rolleyes: [the usual cautions of liver, kidney, stomach ulcers, anaemia, & blood clotting problems apply :rolleyes:]

All severe dental pain is caused by the hydrostatic pressure resulting from inflamation -- which causes tissues to swell -- having nowhere to expand to. Opiates merely block central nervous system pain receptors, the anti-inflammatory drugs act peripherally to reduce the inflammatory response, aspirin and acetaminophen work on different mechanisms so alternating a full therapeutic dose of each is rarely completely ineffective in allieviating even quite severe dental pain.

CAUTION: I do not advocate using such a regimen for longer than 72 hours and I would think twice before repeating the routine within 3 months. A tooth causing that much trouble should be in a bucket. Sometimes a bridge is not too far to go for the sake of sanity ... beside a dentist has to eat too and a bridge pays for quite a few good nights out at a Michelin starred restaurant. :p

[hugzncuddles]

LOL Mirelly. :p He gets £21 a month in Denplan subscription fees from me, regardless of treatment needs. I've paid into Denplan so long (over 10 years easily), I've probably paid for any treatment several times over. :p

I've never used Aspirin, don't know why, just never used it. I have to be careful though what I take (due to other meds).

I refuse to get the tooth removed - it's a molar. Just dreading the procedure now that he explained why it's often difficult to get root canal teeth numb. For his sake, I hope he can make it numb, as I'm gonna have the urge to bite his fingers really hard. :rolleyes:

[surprised_by_witches]

So sorry to hear about your dental woes, Hugz. Nothing worse than a toothache. Very hard to ignore, aren't they?

I hope you can find some relief. My personal favorite? Whiskey. :D

[hugzncuddles]

My personal favorite? Whiskey. :D

Sounds good, SBW. :p

Thanks everyone for being supportive. :o I've just felt horrible over the weekend in particular and can't wait til it's fixed.

[Lynet]

Another what's new -- I found the closeup setting on my camera. Never played with it before this spring. I'm going to try to upload a flower picture here. Seems to have worked. It's from an Azalea bush in the back yard. The color is so pretty. :)

[Vega]

very cool your photo :D i love to take pictures too :)
i will show you one of my favorite pictures of a very small flower, i don't know the name of it :o

[Lynet]

Very good! Is it part of a shrub? Or a vine?

So what do you think of this guy? He was on the patio behind the house on Saturday morning. I put him in the woods after I took his picture. :)

[suitemichelle]

how way cool...! great pics all... Yankee lost to Mariners yesterday 2-1`
It was supposed to be warm and sunny but it wasn't. Still got a sunburn. go figure

[Vega]

No it's just a wild flower :) how cute the turtle, really beutifull :D i love animals!

[Lynet]

Animals fascinate me. I'm always watching them when they show up in the back yard. I try to take pictures, but the turtle is the only guy who can't run away from the camera. :rolleyes:

[surprised_by_witches]

We only get city animals, but once a turkey wandered down our street. I think he was a tourist. :D

[Mirelly]

Darn it. What's new is that a couple of years ago I got rid of a load of old camera equipment, planning to get a digital one. I've regretted it ever since. I've just kept on waiting for prices to come down a tad more. Y'know how it works. You see a shiny new gizmo and you think, I'll have one when the price halves ... then when the price comes down you see the new even shinier model and you say to yourself, I'll save me money and wait till the price drops on the shinier model. This is a waiting game that won't end.

I just took a look at Lynet's pics again ... and then I went Google-shopping for a camera like hers (it was that close up of the azalea that did it :p )

Found a used one for 45 of my British pounds. Now all I have to decide is whether I want to post a new bid on the ebay auction for a complete Olympus 35mm SLR kit of luvverly scratched-up goodness or get meself a digital one ... maybe I should get both :rolleyes:

Decisions, decisions. Why is life so difficult? ;)

[jupitershana]

So what do you think of this guy? He was on the patio behind the house on Saturday morning. I put him in the woods after I took his picture. :)

He's almost kind of creepy with his red eye! :scared:

Awesome picture though!

[muffin-tacos]

Aw, what a cute turtle, Lynet! And he just came to visit your garden one day, did he? How cute! :slaphappy:

And, Vega, your picture is really beautiful too! I love flowers (and turtles of course *lol*)!!

Speaking of animals, two hedgehogs came to live in my garden for a while under a heap of leaves. They were so cute! I sat outside with my camera for ages 'til I got a picture. It wasn't a very good one though. :frown: But I'm never going to forget that cute little hedgehog couple!

I've got the rest of the week off of school because my school is having a few inset days... Looking forward to that! Hopefully I can do lots of stuff and spend some more time on World Sims. :optimist:

[Chee-Z]

I finished my first year of college! I was advised yesterday and it wasn't really helpful. :knockedout:

I was essentially told that I'm so far ahead, I'm stuck. That's what I get for taking 5 classes a semester...AND AP credit for two courses...:rolleyes: Wouldn't someone be happy that that was the case? :o I sure am! :D

But what's the strangest thing is that I'm technically going to be a sophmore next term, but if I finish all these courses in the fall, I'd be considered a junior in the spring. I'd be taking courses for my major and minor. Whoa I'm already there? :eek:

I'm going to be in journalism with a focus on magazines and websites, and the minor will be information science (because I'm sooooo not taking a bunch of fluff courses to pad my GPA. C'mon, I'm not forking $600 in loan money to pay for a sex ed class, intro to sociology or CPR training :rolleyes:). A magazine writer who can be a librarian? Sounds good to me. :) I love mags, books and computers. :D

By the way, all of those pictures are great! I should be taking pictures of the flora and fauna around my house. My dog is having a field day chasing chipmunks down their chipmunk holes. :rolleyes:

[MegRen]

I finished my first year of college! I was advised yesterday and it wasn't really helpful. :knockedout:

I was essentially told that I'm so far ahead, I'm stuck. That's what I get for taking 5 classes a semester...AND AP credit for two courses...:rolleyes: Wouldn't someone be happy that that was the case? :o I sure am! :D

But what's the strangest thing is that I'm technically going to be a sophmore next term, but if I finish all these courses in the fall, I'd be considered a junior in the spring. I'd be taking courses for my major and minor. Whoa I'm already there? :eek:

I know what you mean. I had so many AP credits that when I started college, I was a sophomore. Unfortunately, I finished college in 3 years. I really would have liked a 4th year, though. I wasn't ready to leave the good times behind, ya know? ;)

[surprised_by_witches]

Not me. I hated college. Couldn't wait to get out. And then I discovered the "real world's" not always that much fun either ... :rolleyes:

Of course, now it is. It just takes a while to get a situation you like, and I've been very lucky. But when you first start out, sheesh there's a lot to learn! :)

[Jazz]

Are we talking about Uni. or real world here?
I gotta catch myself up. Our summer vaca. starts the 23rd!

[surprised_by_witches]

LOL, real world. I don't like it much in the sims, either. :rolleyes:

But I make the most of it.

[muffin-tacos]

I don't like the collages in sims much, either. They are such a drag.. I use them as a dumping ground for unwanted teens mostly. The only reason I got Uni was because of all the extra stuff you get with it! :biggrin:

I've spend most of the day playing TS2 and taking pictures of the sims. I needed to have a picture with Grim in it for my story and you won't believe how long it took to kill him off! Starving sims in a room with no doors isn't the quickest way of killing off sims!! But I had to starv him so I didn't have a choice: I had to wait. But I got my pic in the end though. :classic:

Sheesh, all this work for a lousy picture for my short story that I'm ente