Quick Jet To Kimikura

My older brother, Ray, came into town for a short visit with his girlfriend, Lydia. He had come into a bit of money and I convinced him to travel to Apple Valley so that we could go to Kimikura. Julio had found a great deal for four sims and it didn't take much convincing! We hired a nanny to watch the twins and we were off!

After checking into our hotel, we visited the hotel gift shop and brought some east asian outfits. Lydia and I kept picking the same kimono. I didn't realize that we both have very similar senses of style. We both LOVE the color brown-though I could live with orange as well.

After changing we visited the Majoung Market for a game of majoung and some authentic noodle dishes. The boys kept whispering on thier end of the bar, but Lydia and I barely noticed. We were so involved in our own conversation. Lydia is very interested in finances, like myself, so we spent most of the vacation debating about the economic slump and ways to avoid it and overcome it.

It wasn't all serious talk, we managed to book a historic walking tour through some of the ancient, historic and most popular destinations in Kimikura. It was amazing, we managed to see ancient temples, vast forest lands, native animal species and more. We saw the most amazing sculptures including deities representing Nature and Wealth.

During our trip we stopped at the world famous Kimikura Tea House for a traditional tea ceremony. It was amazing. I have to tell Sazo about this tea, he needs to start stocking it in his business...or perhaps I could open an import store...hmmm. Oh, back to the trip. What I didn't know during the tea ceremony is that Ray was nervously planning a big surprise for Lydia. Julio had to distract me for a few hours and he chose the perfect way, a nice long soak in the natural hot springs. Later Lydia and Ray joined us and she was beaming and waving her hands about. In spite of her waving her hands about, I was able to see that she was wearing grandmother's ring. I remember our mom looking for that ring after dad's funeral. She said that Lydia was something special and wanted Ray to have the ring to give to her. Seeing the ring made me teary eyed as memories of mom and grandmom rushed back to me.

All too soon, the trip was over and I was waving goodbye to my brother and my future sister-in-law (I'll let Ray give the details about the proposal!)

Educational Charity

We liguidated some stock options, sold our share of The Peacock and cashed in the insurance checks. With the extra simoleans, I'm commissioning Wilsonoff Hall, school of business, as well as making a donation to Simmington Hills. I can not wait to see the new hall. I talked with Li and hope to make it in a similar fashion to this university building I saw. So she is sketching the details for me.

Expanding Again

I think we should have another baby...the twins have celebrated thier first birthday and I am itching for another baby in the house...now...if only I can convince Rebecca.

Death..Again

Mother died. Thankfully Ray was able to see her before she died...now I am alone in this world...no parents to guide me. I have found myself at the shop a little longer than neccessary and Li Sweeny offered a few words of encouragement. It meant a lot...I know she and her husband are struggling for a baby and yet they seem so optimistic.

Pets

I think we sould invest in a pet, nothing furry at the moment, but a fish tank would entertain the twins. Also, fish are supposed to have a calming effect on sims and with all the stress lately of Rebecca being on the hood council, Ajani's death, Rayne's failing health, my promotion at work...well we could all use some stress relief.

Spic and Span

Business has been slow at the Peacock...so slow that I had to clean windows out of boredom...I think the intense snow has kept families indoors. Perhaps offering some coupons would help boast business? Or hosting a special new years event at the place. I know that we need more tables, but there is a lack of space...perhaps expanding upstairs as well?

Studying

The house is quiet...Christmas time is near and we're planning for the twins first holiday. The snow is heavy and the night air is obviously cooler. I've been under a lot of pressure at work by the medical centre director. She wants to make sure that I know everything I need to before her...demise if you want to say so. She's semi-retired, meaning she comes into work every other day, so that leaves the clinic in my hands. I honestly think we try to do too much at the clinic, but she won't listen...

Coldly Exercising

I've thrown myself into my fitness regiman...it is one of the few things that I do to keep my mind off Ajani and the lack of his prescence...I hate it. Thankfully, I will see our son, Ray, soon as he and his girlfriend are coming for the memorial service. Roy could not make it due to the recent birth of his son...it will be nice to have most of my family in the same room again.

Unpleasant Convos

Mother and I sat down shortly after father's death to discuss several unpleasant issues. Such as wills and insurance policies. I have to send checks to my brothers for father's insurance policy and mother wanted to discuss her policy, not the best conversation after a formal dinner out on the town to take our minds off daddy's death...

Goodbye my love

My lover is like the morning fog, only here for a moment and then in the dawning of a new age, he is gone. My husband of many many simdays is dead...thankfully we enjoyed our anniversary party, but I resent him for leaving me here without him. Here alone with such a cold empty bed. WHY!!!!

Death

Father died. It was such an ironic death. He

recieved the news of his twin sister's death (Aunt Ayanna or Aunt 'Yanna as we call her) and once he barely hung up the phone when he clutched his heart and died!!! Now the family has to plan his funeral, I told Ray so hopefully he can come for the funeral...

A Small Party

I am glad that I agreed to host a small anniversary party for Ajani and I. Time is so short and I think I did not realize how old we had gotten. Our hair is now silver and our wrinkles deeper, but our love is stronger and our family ties are like steel. Aging does have it's benefits.

Happy Anniversary!

Rayne and I celebrated our golden anniversary with a small group of family and friends. It was wonderful seeing the look on my darling wife's face. I think I love her more than I did when we first married. I am very content, all my children are safe and happy. My niece gave me word of my son Ray and how he's doing in his new hood. He has a little girlfriend, can you believe it! Perhaps I'll have a chance to visit him and his family once he decides to settle down and have a few children.

Finally News!

Finally we recieved news of Ray from my niece, Fiona. Rebecca talks with him a lot, but Fiona was able to see him in the flesh and that calmed my nerves, especially after the news of the huge hurricane that swept his hood, Simmington Hills. Well he's fine according to our niece and even interested in a lady friend, so maybe I'll get grandchildren from him before my death. All my friends are getting old and making sure thier wills and insurance policies are accurate...a morbid outlook, but at my age it's simply reality.

Brand Spanking New

Business has been good so I splurged on a kitchen redo. Nothing fancy, just new counters and tile walls and a new dining room set. Speaking of business, getting the new buildings up and running is taking longer than I expected. The Peacock is back and running, but I need a new host since Fiona is joining the hood council, so I will promote Jorge and then hire a local teen or two to work as servers. Good help is hard to find, I hope we are able to do something about that soon.

A Grandmother

Yea, I'm a grandmother, but still a fit and cute granny. I can keep up with the twins better than the kids. I think it's my special protien shakes, I tried to share one with Rebecca, but she said it smelled horrible. What does she know! Wheat grass and rye seed are wonderful antioxidants. Doesn't she know?

Another Baby?

I know the twins are still infants, but I have already started talking to Rebecca about the possibility of another baby. I want a houseful of kids, heck it was five of us in the house and we didn't kill each other. Amazingly, Rebecca didn't scream bloody murder when I suggested another child. She simply said that it would be best to wait until the twins celebrated thier first birthday before we start trying again.

The New Stores

Visited the new and improved CupaJava and I must admit, I love the large open windows. It was a welcome sight to see the hood but not experience the cold weather. I picked up some coffee for my parents' anniversary party (those elders can drink a lot of coffee) and a box of cigars for Julio.

Explorers

Two children signed up for Explorers and our first event was participating in the fishing contest for the Food Expo. I taught them how to bait and cast a reel, we didn't catch very much, but that's alright. I mostly wanted to bond with the children. This simweekend we're going on a camping trip to Schatazweitzier Mountain. I am still searching for acceptable uniforms or at least shirts/sweaters so we'll see.

Helping out

I visited Pastor Lyndon's house today and simply helped out in the garden. He and his family don't have the time, nor the knowledge to care for thier plants, so I weeded, watered and disposed of a few items for them. I mean, they do so much for the hood anyway.

Building Plans

I overheard some teens talking about the lack of recreational activities for them and I wondered about starting a youth oriented hangout. There is empty space above The Toy Shoppe and I could get a loan, add a few arcade games, lounge seating, a dance floor and music and a smoothie bar (or maybe nightly snacks like sodas & pizza) and viola! A teen hangout! I could charge admission for the nightly club or simply have the arcade machines collect simoleans and limit the amount of pizza and soda. However, I do like the idea of charging admission. I could simply just have the club open after the Toy Shoppe closes...or maybe the Toy Shoppe could be open on simMonday - simThursday days, while the club is open on simFriday and simSaturday nights. I'd have to do bartender duty of course, but we'll see how that goes. Hmmm...that would be a nice venture actually. For now I am looking to hire a trainer to learn how to craft robots and man the cash register. Mom and dad are getting older and I need to make some wise business desicions, especially now that I'm a mother.

My Son...and Daughter

I am a proud father. Twins in fact. I wasn't surprised since I am a twin and Rebecca's father is a twin, but to have your own to raise...very different.

I have accepted a new position at the Medical Centre, the director is getting...older, so I am training for her role. Finally. It will mean a pay increase, which is needed around here and of course more responsibility.

A Surprise Delivery

I am a grandmother and not to soon either! When Rebecca started screaming about pain and cramping in her belly, I knew that the time had arrived. Thankfully simhours later, I was the proud grandmother of twins, a boy and a girl. Rebecca is content and wants no more children, but of course the rest of the family wants more. I wonder how my sons are doing? There was a tragedy where Roy lives, but I haven't heard word about him...only that they are still searching for him. I hope he is alright. Ray...well, I hope Ray doesn't cause any trouble in Simmington Hills.

Twins

Thank the Lord! I am a grandfather! Finally! Rebecca and Julio doubly blessed us with twins! Abel and Amanda, such beautiful babies. My wife and I are so happy that we want to do it again! (become grandparents that is)

Explorers

I am the Explorer Leader! Explorers is an organization for children/teens with the aim of supporting them in their physical, mental and spiritual development, so that they may play constructive roles in society.


We're having our first meeting at Celebration Park, I will be discuss a camping trip to Schatazweitzier Mountain and handing out uniforms and answering questions.


I can't wait, we're going to enjoy hiking, birdwatching, insect collecting and more!

Loan?

Been seriously thinking about a loan. We had enough simoleans to build an addition to the house, but now we need funds to run the businesses. We can't run a business without inventory! Agh! Soon the baby (or babies since Julio is a twin and dad is a twin) will be here.

Baby Blues?

So we're pregnant. Rebecca is anxious about simoleans and wondering about expanding the house. I understand her fear since we just had an expensive vacation, redecorated much of the living room and kitchen and brought a second business. I suppose we could get a loan for the expansion project of the house, but that would be another bill.


To calm my mind I've been spending time outside-while I can. Raking leaves, looking at birds and examining insects. I've even started an insect collection. Rebecca isn't fond of it, but it's fascinating the types of insects on this island. I"ve also joined the garden club. I like talking to other sims that love nature and plants.

Pregnant

Wow, we wanted to start trying for a baby soon after the honeymoon, but it seems as if we may have started a bit too early. I found out that I am pregnant. I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I am happy. A little baby will soon join the house, but that means some remodeling. Right now the third bedroom is used for the crafting room. Meaning either crafts get moved to the outdoors-not the best with winter coming soon, or we need to expand the house and build another room. Yikes, I hope we get some profits from the stores soon! Mama's got a baby on board!

Raise!

I got a raise at work-thank goodness. The employees at the Medical Centre are some of the lowest paid sims on the island. We're having a meeting this simweek to discuss a new name for the centre-something not so...generic. So we're supposed to come prepared and I'm researching notable sims in the medical history of Apple Valley for possible names.

New Inventory

With my crafting skill so low, I think I will also invest in creating my own collection of children's items. I have some ideas about baby blankets, dolls for the girls and of course teddy bears to go with my new series I'm writing. Yep, I'm writing a series of children's books about the adventures of a group of creatures called The Fruit Head Bears. I thought about the idea during our honeymoon and even wrote down some ideas (in bewteen making sand castles and swimming). Julio was the one to persuade me to go ahead and give publishing a try, as something to do during downtimes at the shop (very rare) and on days the shop is closed (when I'm not trying to work on inventory or hound my crafters). Maybe if the book is good, I could get a TV series for the bears and then a line of bedding (and matching pillows, curtains and rugs or course) and what about clothing-the kids would want to wear clothing of the bears and tennis shoes and bookbags and then we would be rich and The Fruit Head Bears would dominate the world!!!!!

*sigh* If only I could finish the first chapter.

Finally, Honeymoon

Rebecca and I returned from our honeymoon to Tiki Island not too long ago. It was rather short, but enough. We spent time at the beach, swam, visited an old pirate's ship and ate lots of food-including the best ice-cream I ever had! Wonderful! Rebecca and I were so distracted by each other that at times we forgot to...protect ourselves if you will. Ah, well. I am prepared for fatherhood should the opportunity come. Speaking of which, Rebecca seems to be more inclined to motherhood. We talked about it during the honeymoon and we even agreed to start trying for a baby soon! I can't wait!

Working on Building Inventory

I would like to take another vacation, but in order to do so, Ajani and I must build up the inventory for the shop since Rebecca isn't quite as skilled at building toys or robots. She is trying to learn, but her talents lie in the administration of the business. It would be better for her to hire a crafter, perhaps even buy the toys from the crafter.

I was browsing the Farmer's Market and saw some wonderful flowers and it got me thinking. With the talk of the new apprenticeship guild, perhaps we should establish a scholarship for one student to attend as long as thier guild is toy design. Then they could help around the store and the next generation of toy crafters would be established. I'll put the idea to Ajani and Rebecca. It would cost at least $1500 (half the tuition/room/board) to make it appealing to students, but I think we could cover the entire cost of the education ($3000) to ensure quality products in the future.

Owning The Peacock

The Peacock came up for sale and I put my bid in. What do I know about the resturaunt business? Nothing, but I know good business. The Peacock is fully staffed-employees are happy with thier pay (somewhat, but small raises would fix that) and hours-business is good. All I need to do is walk about, clearing a table occasionally and letting the employees make money for me. According to the documents, I would officially be known as the "manager"-but technically I'll own the resturaunt. I'll have to send a check every simday with a percentage of the profits-but that's ok. I met my cousin, Fiona, for cake and coffee at CupaJava (owned by a distant cousin...sort of) and we talked about her upcoming wedding. Her mom is making the invitations and she's expecting a lot of interhood guests.

New Family and Babies

My in-laws and I want children, well-they want grandchildren. The only thing is that Rebecca doesn't want a child right now. Perhaps she will think differently in a few simdays. I think a little one running about would be wonderful. A little girl that looks like her mother. My twin brother, Jorge, and his wife are trying to have a baby. I wish them all the luck in the world. I need to visit with him, perhaps we should go out for dinner. Invite Antonio as well, and have a brother's night out.

A New Generation

Rebecca and Julio are finally married, soon Rayne and I will step back in the home. We've already turned the reins over to Rebecca for the business, but we still maintain control over the home to some degree. It's strange with the newlyweds in the house. At the wedding we met the new resident everyone has been buzzing about, Li Yoo. She seems like a nice individual, a bit quiet but very articulate...cute too.

Growing Family

Rebecca is married and our sons are settling into thier new hoods. Things are going nicely I must say and my new son-in-law is very sweet. I adore him. I told him that he should consider running for the Community Director position in the upcoming elections. He has a few simdays to think about it before he needs to declare his candidancy, but he would be the perfect fit.

Married, at last

Finally I am married and can go about my business without worrying about Julio's affections. We had a small wedding and we're taking a nice vacation simtomorrow. However... I will miss the shop. I am working on learning how to craft toys, but I think I may just hire another crafter once mother decides not to craft anymore. Thankfully the shop sells more than just crafted toys. Nursery sets and other custom ordered toys fill our shelves. In fact I sold quite a few nursery sets to some eager grandparents on the isle. I suppose thier children will soon be fulfilling thier wishes. I predict a baby boom in fact. Speaking of babies, Julio wants to start trying for a baby. Ugh, not yet. We just married. To make matters worse, mom and dad are also asking for grandchildren. Grrr....

Married Man

Finally Rebecca and I are married! I've waited so long to be with her and have her as my wife! Yes! We were first in the rotation so we quickly put on our formal attire and went to the church and married. My brother, Antonio, took photos (for a family discounted price of course) and we enjoyed a small wedding dinner at the house afterwards.

We're traveling to Tiki Island for our honeymoon the next simday. We haven't decided where we will be staying yet, I would love to visit the Greke Isle with it's stone whitewashed buildings, sandy shores and deep blue ocean. Maybe even the cosmopolition Sunset Beach with the modern hotels and celebrities or the Ti'japaki Rainforest and the active volcanos and hot springs.

As long as I am with my wife, I don't care where we go! I would like to start trying for a family now. I am a bit older than Rebecca and we both lost out on valuable time sitting in the shelter, but I don't want to rush her. Maybe two children, definately not more.

My son

My son Ray is doing quite well for himself. He joined Aldaleigh's FENSE society and has started his own bakery in Simmington Hills. I think that he will do quite well for himself, as long as he stays out of trouble with the females.

Little Shop

The Toy Shoppe is booming! We recieved a Best of the Best Award! I must say a lot of my ideas are awesome!

We now sell toys and nursery items! I ordered the new shipment of dolls and am negogiating a contract with the Power Bears book series to get the bears and the books into the store. That would be a great way to get more customers!