Still working on the finale for the RRL. It's coming along even if it's coming slower than I would like. That's not why I'm posting, though.

Being easily distracted by shiny objects, I discovered a new sim story I wanted to recommend to everyone. It's called SimTopi and it's definitely worth the read.

The author has made a conscious effort to take the third generation of her hood (I'm not sure if it started as a legacy or a prosperity hood) and turn it into a stand alone story. It's definitely my cup of tea, with supernatural elements and a strong focus on inter-personal relationships. The author also makes use of Maxis playables and townies in ways that are true to those characters, but also quite unique. The pictures are lovely and the story is an easy read. I highly, highly recommend it.

Go! Go read it now!

As for me, I'm going to try and put on some blinders and ignore any further shiny objects as I get this last chapter of the RRL out before someone sporks me.

Even though it feels like I'm moving as slow as molasses, I am working on the finale for the RRL. When I got back into the game after posting Part 4, I realized I still had about a week of time I needed to play through. Unfortunately, this past weekend was very busy (with an awesome wedding), so I still have a little ways to go before I can start pounding out the staged scenes.

While Bottom, Mercutio and Tybalt are still in the background, I am no longer playing them. Still, I wanted them to be part of the story, which is why you saw Bottom and Jaiden pregnant in the last update. I really wish I could be playing this lot, but I can't. So, I get to force age up the kids.

( Here they are... )

From my favorite little family that wouldn't exist without your little family. It's been awesome unconsciously coordinating with you for the last year. I definitely can't wait to keep doing it. :)

Have a great day!

Because smiles need to be shared. :)

"Lou, tell me one thing?"
"Yeah?"
"Who the hell is Di, why are we celebrating her birthday, and why the #*$@% does that mean I have to wear a corset and a dress?!?"
"That's three things, Star."
"You are so lucky I like you."
"Just smile for the camera."

(I saw Jamie's post earlier and figured I'd let my two girls wish Di a birthday in true Victorian style. Have a great day, Di!)

I've been meaning to do a Post-GenCon report, but of course, I also meant to do a Post-Origins report and you see how quickly that got up. Mostly I've been trying to get myself back on track with various projects while settling back into work.

So, while I don't have a Post-GenCon report, I do have some random pictures I took during the trip.


(Self Portrait!)

( More under the cut because I like you and don't want you to hate me and my spam. )

Gencon has been a blast so far. I think the first day qualifies as a success. I got to demo a new game, got to sit in on a talk with the writers/designers of the Eberron setting for D&D, and I played in a Supernatural based game where I got to save Sam and Dean while kicking ass and taking names.

As you might guess from this post, I have access to a computer with access to the internet. What's nice about this little tidbit of information is that it's my laptop. I finally had the money so I broke down and bought one. Initially I'd been thinking of getting a netbook, but I decided if I was going to spend that much on a toy to connect to the internet and use for writing occasionally, I may as well go all out and get a damn laptop.

It's probably a little better than my home PC as far as specs, but I don't think I'll switch to playing Sims2 here. I much prefer being able to lounge in my chair in front of the computer than worry about balancing a laptop on my lap while using the keyboard and the touch pad. Still, it's nice to have some options in case I want to watch some TV while working on writing. Like Supernatural season three.

( Cut for some Supernatural Season Two Spoilers )

*slump* Part Two is done and up. :)

I really enjoyed this and figured I'd share. :)

And it's live! The first part of my turn of the BRRL has been finished and published. Hopefully everyone enjoys. (Click on the picture for a link to it, btw)

Just as an FYI for everyone, I'm really trying to concentrate working on getting this done as quick as possible, so this means I'm going to be a bit distracted in regards to other things. I won't be responding to comments in the Pseudo thread until I'm done and I, more than likely, won't be able to comment on anyone else's stuff either (though I'll still be reading.. can't keep me from that). So, I may be a bit incommunicado, but that doesn't mean I'm not out here enjoying everyone's stuff. :)

It's that time again! While I should be spending as much time as I can working on the RRL, I have some time at work where I can write, but can't sim. So you still get a Behind-the-Scenes post on both parts of 4.13. Lucky you!



( First, melt at the cuteness! Melt I say! )

I still intend to do a Behind-the-Scenes post on 4.13, but I may as well wait until I have both halves up. In addition to that, I've been working on getting Veronaville ready for me to take over the RRL. I already know who I'm going to use as my heir, but I'm waiting on Cait to wrap up her turn before I make the announcement. I'm going to get playing this weekend, which is exciting and nervewracking all in one.

One of the things I've spent quite a bit of time on over the last couple of days is a custom university. I decided that I didn't want to use any of the prebuilt unis for a number of reasons. First, we've already seen SSU in action with Marina's turn. Cait also just used LFT, and the very next turn after me is Pen who is going to be using ALT as her hood. None of them seemed right to use, so... I did the only insane thing and made my own.



May I introduce to you Stratford Globe College. The university is up on the hill overlooking the town below. Its a liberal arts college with an excellent arts program, but also a strong foundation in science and technology.

Mostly I just grabbed the Three Lakes hood template and stole buildings from the other three universities that I then redecorated the exteriors to match. If you look hard enough, you can recognize buildings from LFT and SSU. A few have seen extensive remodels, but there's also at least two lots in there that are basically just hood decorations.

So, that's what I'm up to. How are you all doing on this fine Thursday evening? I'm off to work and its slow, so entertain me. ;)