Author Topic: Dear Emi (Read 1489 times)

SimPoseyYum · « **on:** May 15, 2011, 12:45:28 AM »

Edit: /ooc When I first started writing this, I didn't know how to do screenshots and definitely didn't know how to add them into a post. Sorry for the walls of text. Since then, I've figured it out (thank you for the guidance and encouragement, Simstar!). The picture portion of this story starts on page 2!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Emi-chan,

First off, please excuse this snail-mail letter. I don't have a computer yet and I'm not comfortable sending stuff from the library. Hehe, this is so weird for me. I haven't written paper letters in forever. I hope you can read my writing!

Anyway, you'll never guess what I did with the money. I bought some land!!! I found an exceptional lot on the western side of Sunset Valley. Emi, it's gorgeous! Surprisingly flat with some mature trees and a few rocky outcroppings on the south side. And it really does overlook the bay! Ideal for building my castle. Pffft Don't smirk, I can see you...

One day, I WILL have a castle. It'll just take a little time. The lot was sort of on the expensive side. Actually, seriously on the expensive side. This is the big leagues, Emi-chan. Upscale, and all that. After assessments and fees, it cost 14,700, leaving me with a paltry 1,800. Needless to say, I won't be Swimming in Cash anytime soon. Thank goodness I inherited some handiness ability!

Did you know salvage-wood costs nothing? I'm not really frugal but hey, a bargain is a bargain and free is definitely a bargain! I managed to hobble together a little salvage-wood shack. At 2-squares x 3-squares, it has barely enough room for a toilet and bed. A basic plank floor and some grungy walls keep the elements out (thankfully, Sunset Valley has fabulous weather). And I got a great deal on some hydrangea shrubs from Steveslist, so I made a privacy hedge of pretty blue flowers. As I said, this is a seriously upscale cul-de-sac; I don't think the neighbors want to see my outhouse... um shack... um "house"...

I'd send you some pictures but I haven't figured out how to make prints yet. I mean, who sends paper pictures anymore???

Most people would say my place is depressing, and, well, I guess right now it is. I'll admit, it's particularly rough at night. No TV, no 'puter, not even any music. Just my cell and those awful earbuds that keep falling out. But know what? It won't always be like this. This is just a start. I'm going places, Emi, mark my words.

Ack, I'm getting hand-cramps, so I'd better wrap this up. When you get a chance, drop me a line. Snail-mail please. My new address is 15 Summer Hill Court, Sunset Valley. But don't come visit yet -- the only place I have to sit is the toilet (how embarrassing!!!)! Give my love to the family! I miss you all terribly!

Much love,

Michiko

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

/ooc Hi there, Posey here! Fairly new to TS3 and first attempt at Legacy/Dynasty. Michiko Sasaki was started this evening, so she only has a few game days on her. I didn't even think to take pictures

, but her house is exactly as she described: 2-squares x 3-squares. It's TINY!

I haven't really thought any of this out -- the Dear Emi format just sort of came to me. Even if this Michiko gets scrapped and started over (so I can figure out how to take and upload pictures), I think I'll still keep the letter concept as the means of presenting her

. Right now, I think Michiko is my Legacy. Emiko may be my Dynasty.

My hope is to adhere strictly to all rules except one: I'm using 190-day life. Other than that, no money cheats (yikes!), no do-overs or mulligans. Play it as it lays. Let's see what happens!

Simstar3 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2011, 01:05:20 AM »

Waai, I love her name~! ^^
Are you Japanese/Into japanese stuff? I am!

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #2 on:** May 15, 2011, 09:38:00 AM »

Emi-chan,

It was great hearing from you! As for me, I'm still plugging along. My biggest accomplishment: I got a job! I was exploring downtown and, on a whim, popped into a big office building. Lo and behold, there was an opening for a Coffee Courier, no experience needed. The manager said I was perfect for it, so she hired me on the spot! The hours aren't too bad and the pay is good. I start tomorrow. Can't wait!

I know you worry about me, Emi but don't. I'm ok. The shack may not have many conveniences -- ok, it has no conveniences, but I'm getting by. There's a terrific gym downtown and, even though I haven't done any workouts yet (working on the shack is exercise enough), I used the showers and ate at the snack bar. I plan to pay them back by doing odd jobs, like repairing or upgrading the showers (they really need it!!!).

I found the library, too. It's well stocked and quite nice! And it has computers loaded with the latest games. I'm in heaven! The machines are rather old, though, with the big box-shaped monitors. Perhaps the librarians will allow me to tinker with them a bit. Hehe you always said I'm a Computer Whiz. I guess it's true.

Anyway, I'd better get going. I start work tomorrow and I'm plum tuckered out. I need to get some sleep! Miss you!

Love always,

Michiko

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

/ooc Simstar3-san, konnichiwa! Heh no, I'm not Japanese but I am trying to learn the language. I've been studying on my own for a bit and I can pick up a word or two here and there. I'm also trying to learn more about life in Japan -- I'd love to visit one day! I figured making Michiko would be a neat way to marry the two interests -- Japanese and Sims3.

As for Michiko herself, I'm not sure if she's American or Japanese. There's a good possibility she was born in Japan but moved here to study (and stayed!). Or maybe her family moved here when she was a child. Or maybe she was born here. Don't know yet.

Simstar3 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 15, 2011, 12:17:35 PM »

Great update~!

That's cool! I've learned a fair amount of the spoken language from watching anime.

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #4 on:** May 15, 2011, 12:50:08 PM »

Emi-chan,

It's been a few days since I last wrote. Sorry. Things have been moving along. I'm getting adjusted at work. My boss says I'm in line for a raise and promotion soon! Her name is Nancy Landgraab (don't laugh, that really is her name) and guess what -- she's my next-door neighbor! From the looks of her house, she's super-rich. I told you it was a fancy-schmancy neighborhood! One of my other co-workers lives on the other side. His name is Nick Alto and so far he's a pleasant sort. Looks like he's rich, too. He's a VP in the company. I fixed his audio system a few days ago, so I guess he thinks I'm ok.

I hope some of this rich-ness rubs off on me, Emi!

So far, I have almost 1000 saved up. Soon I'll be able to put an addition on the shack. Then I can move the fridge inside (yes, right now, it's outside). Maybe I can even get a proper chair. It's sort of disgusting eating while sitting on the toilet, but I try to not think about it too much. I guess I need a sink, too. At some point, the dishes I stash behind the house are going to attract critters. Nick and Nancy might not like that. Property values and all that.

Hope all is well with you. Hugs!

Love forever,

Michiko

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

/ooc Rather than starting Michiko over, I think I'll just start taking pictures now. It's still early in her story and the house is still a 2x3 shack, although she does now have a fridge on the outside (the house is too small to bring it in). I took a few already but haven't figured out exactly how to post them in the thread. I even have one of her sitting on the toilet, eating her bread and jam. It was funny and yet heartbreaking at the same time. Thank goodness Michiko knows how to keep her eyes on the prize!

For what it's worth, my Sunset Valley is in the US. Specifically, it's on Cape Cod in Massachusetts and the bay is Cape Cod Bay. Although the real Massachusetts has all four seasons, it's always early summer in Sunset Valley. Don't ask me how that works.

Simstar, I think lots of folks pick up bits of the language that way! I imagine it's a good way to learn how real-people speak, as opposed to text-book. Although text-book is good, too! If you see anything I've done wrong, please please please let me know!

Simstar3 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 15, 2011, 12:56:46 PM »

Yay, another update! ^^
The forum has it's own Sims 3 Gallery, which you can find here. The forum thread about it is right here.
Hope this helps!

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #6 on:** May 15, 2011, 01:08:44 PM »

Emi-chan,

Are you sitting down? I met someone! I mean, I MET someone!!! Wink, wink. A few days ago. He's really cute, his name is Connor. He's got thick red hair and this lush, glorious beard. Oooo I want to get my fingers in there. Yum! I met him at the library and we just hit it off, chatting about books and such. He's quite smart. We exchanged numbers. I invited him to the park a few days later and he accepted. We had a great time, chatting and munching on someone's picnic leftovers (oh, don't turn up your nose, it was free food). He laughed at all my jokes and I at his. I guess I really do have a Good Sense of Humor. Anyway, after that, we went back to the library. Yep, I think he may be The One!

Oh, well, there is one minor obstacle: he has a girlfriend or fiance or something. Maddy-something? I forget her name. Pfft, if I play my cards right, he'll forget her name, too. Wink.

Look at the time! I need to dash. It's not too late to give him a call. I'll keep you posted.

Much love,

Michiko

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

/ooc Thanks for the links, Simstar-san!!! Much appreciated! This is so much fun!

Simstar3 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2011, 01:28:15 PM »

Ooh, Connor Frio!

I'm glad she didn't fall for his brother!

Is his girlfriend Madison VanWatson?

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #8 on:** May 15, 2011, 03:20:34 PM »

/ooc Heh Yep, Simstar-san, Madison VanWatson. You know her, I know her but Michi-chan hasn't met her yet. I wonder how things will go? The plot thickens!

/Posey cackles and twirls her (mostly) non-existant mustache...

Simstar3 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 15, 2011, 05:35:09 PM »

Ooh, this'll be interesting.

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #10 on:** May 15, 2011, 10:26:09 PM »

Emi-chan,

Exciting news! I think I may have figured out how to process pictures! Hang on, let's see if this works. If so, you'll see a picture of me a few weeks ago in the house. In my nightie, enjoying a bit of bread and jam while sitting on the only seat available. Cross your fingers, I hope this works...

It worked, Emi-chan! This is so exciting! And see, you didn't believe me when I told you the house is TINY! That thing to the left of the door is the fridge. I told you it was outside. But you have to admit, the lot is gorgeous, even if the house currently isn't. One day, Emi-chan, one day...

Now that I know how to do this, I'll send more pics. And probably fewer words. I'm not used to all this handwriting! Much love!

Hugs,

Michiko

Lilygirl · « **Reply #11 on:** May 15, 2011, 10:52:28 PM »

Well, at least she has a roof over her head! And places to eat, sleep, and pee. What more does a girl need?

Simstar3 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 15, 2011, 10:59:48 PM »

A husband?
Great update, I'm glad you can post pics now!

Lilygirl · « **Reply #13 on:** May 15, 2011, 11:01:44 PM »

An independent, strong woman doesn't need a husband, but I suppose a husband is good for the having children part.

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #14 on:** May 16, 2011, 08:46:39 PM »

Details, details, Lilygirl

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #15 on:** May 16, 2011, 09:09:06 PM »

Emi-chan,

So much has happened since I last wrote. Let me try to catch you up. I'll probably have to do this in a series of letters. I'll overwhelm you otherwise! Here we go:

As I told you, the house is... was rather small. As a result, I didn't spend much time there.

For fun, I'd hit the library and play games or browse the web.

Or I'd hit the gym. Still haven't tackled the workout machines but it's a great place to practice public speaking. Even if other people don't appreciate my speeches yet.

One day, she may be working for me, hehe.

Anyway, here's the big news: I finally mustered up the courage to ask Connor on a bona fide date. And he ACCEPTED! Pics coming soon, I promise!

Love,

Michiko

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

/ooc Good grief, I went from no pictures to a photo file that's brimming over! I'll definitely have to edit.

Simstar3 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 16, 2011, 09:30:56 PM »

Woohoo!

I hope Connor likes her back!

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #17 on:** May 16, 2011, 09:36:54 PM »

Emi-chan,

It's me again. I know I promised an update on The Date, but I need to get some other things out of the way first. I've been working hard and apparently, I'm doing a good job. I've earned promotion after promotion and raise after raise. I gave some to charity, of course (that always gives me a good feeling), but used a lot to add on to the house. Look! It's nearly double the size! The fridge is finally inside AND I have a shower! Ran out of money before I could buy a chair, though.

And here's me heading to work. Isn't the outfit adorable? Reminds me of our schooldays! Except now I can wear heels.

So, anyway, on to The Date. I called him and suggested a movie and dinner. It was all I could do to keep hold of the phone when he said "Sure, that sounds like fun!"

In case you don't believe me, here we are in the cab after the movie, heading to the diner.

I would have remembered what we ate had it not been for happened after... We went outside after our meal. He looked into my eyes and took my hands in his.

I definitely got the impression he didn't want things to end. We strolled over to a bench. And then we SNUGGLED. And HE initiated, Emi-chan!!! Didn't say a word. He smelled so good, it was all I could do to not melt into goo right then and there.

But it was getting late, and we both had work the next day, so we hugged (hugged!!!) and said goodnight and went home. No, no kiss. It's too early. But not for long, Emi. I just know it.

That's enough for you to chew on for now, Emi. More later. Love to the family!

Miss you!

Michiko

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

/ooc Wouldn't you love to know what Connor was thinking in the cab? Any ideas?

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #18 on:** May 16, 2011, 09:56:02 PM »

Emi-chan,

Why is it, every time things start to go well, something bad has to happen? I was doing quite well in the house, when one night I got ROBBED!!! A burglar broke into the house!!!

I couldn't afford a burglar alarm, so he (or maybe it was a she) just had access to everything!!! Everything in my whole house! ALL of it! And I slept through the whole thing.

Here's the worst part: the only things my darling burglar thought were worth stealing were the trashcan and the roll of toilet paper!!! HOW PATHETIC IS THAT???

I was so embarrassed I didn't even call the police. Or Connor, although I wanted to.

But I can take a hint, Emi. Looks like it's time for another house remodel. The next time a burglar strikes, they'd better have a lot of big bags for all the loot! And their running shoes, because I *will* have an alarm.

Ok, it's out of my system now. Hope your week was better than mine, Emi-chan!

Love,

Michiko

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

/ooc hehe I couldn't have scripted that any better. I had to search really hard to see what was missing! I was chuckling all night. Poor Michi-chan. How embarrassing!

Lilygirl · « **Reply #19 on:** May 17, 2011, 12:45:12 AM »

I just had the best giggle of my day! The TP thief strikes! Next time try shooting him with a water gun, it makes TP disintegrate. That should leave him damply confused!

Also, Michiko and Conner's date brought tears to my eyes! A combination of beautiful writing and nostalgia. Connor was my first ever CAS Sim's spouse in my first ever TS3 game. He holds a special place in my heart. Thank you for this little walk down memory lane.

Bde1225 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 17, 2011, 02:27:40 AM »

I love this story so far. I can't wait to see what happens next.

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #21 on:** May 17, 2011, 10:14:15 PM »

/ooc Well, it looks as if there may be quite a break before Michiko's story can continue. Technical difficulties have rendered my game useless for the time being. I hope it can be resolved but if not, I guess she'll remain 25 (or however old she is) forever.

25 forever isn't a super bad fate, eh?

Simstar3 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 17, 2011, 10:45:55 PM »

Oh no! What happened?

SimPoseyYum · « **Reply #23 on:** May 18, 2011, 12:00:20 AM »

Honestly, I'm not sure. I purchased and installed a new copy of the game because I lost my original serial code and, now that I rediscovered the game, I wanted to register it. Installation went kaBOOM, leaving me unable to uninstall (and thus unable to re-install my old copy). I described it in more detail in this thread over in the Tech Help section of the forums.

Basically, unless I can figure out how to wipe the bad game off my PC, I'm stuck in Sim Limbo (slimbo?). Not a good place to be.

Or, to quote Michiko, "Why is it, every time things start to go well, something bad has to happen?"

MoMoll · « **Reply #24 on:** May 18, 2011, 01:54:43 AM »

Like your story, so I hope you get your PC straightened out!!!