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!