My Sims Blogs: December 2007

(Note: Last time, Geoffrey Chatain had graduated with honors from La Fiesta Tech, despite seemingly spending his entire college time checking out the ladies looking for the right one with whom to spend the rest of his life. But he did study some, reached the top of most skills, wrote his term papers, and made some friends, including enough Secret Society friends to get accepted into their society.)

Here I am, after graduating, in a "Safe House." Why, you may ask, did I end up in one of those Secret Society safe houses that Randy told me about (which I'd scoffed at, at the time?) Well, it appears that Randy may have been right. I came back to the desert, and first thing I noticed: no one's in sight. I wandered around looking for someone downtown to purchase some things from. Nothing. No realtors to buy a house from, stores are empty. And it's cold! This is a desert, for goodness sake!

I did find a few used things at a small flea market-type place, and they were expensive! This was all I could afford: one fridge, one countertop, one bookcase, one bed, one toilet, one sink and a phone. Wow, couldn't even afford a chair....

So I sit on the floor to read.

I ask the first person who walks by, the papergirl, what's up. She informed me of a strange explosion a few months back that resulted in weather change (exactly what Randy had predicted!) including the constant cloud cover and snow that we're going through now.

Then she began trembling a bit and let me know that now there are weird mutants or zombies terrorizing the neighborhood, and even though she's only about 14 years old, she has to brave those zombies every day to deliver the newspaper because her family depends on her income. Seems like jobs are very hard to come by these days.

An old fellow walked by and filled me in on more things, such as the corrupt politicians and businesses that have arisen since the apocalyptic event (everything now being run by a mob), the lack of food and clean water and electricity, the muscle-wasting disease that's spread around the populace, and especially the sense of hopelessness and fear that has gripped everyone. Everyone is now so afraid of disease and death, zombies and the mob, that people don't even want to leave their homes, and cower in the dark and cold.

Now it's possible to make only a few foods, and an even smaller number of ones that are safe to eat due to widespread spoilage. Basically one can only eat canned food and gelatin.

So I wasn't embarrassed, then, to serve him only gelatin (which was the only thing I'd been able to find at that market anyway.) But I was embarrassed that I had no place for guests to sit down to eat.

I became determined not to succumb to this widespread hopelessness and to get a job that will help change these horrifying circumstances somehow. There was no medical job in today's paper, but there was a science job that I was qualified for. I tried to apply for it, but then discovered that only the first job listed was a legitimate offer. Seems that only about half the info in the paper is trustworthy (if that.) So there was no job I felt qualified to apply for.

I tried to call some friends to see if they had any job leads, but it seems the phone wasn't working for outgoing calls, just incoming calls. A call came in from my old friend, Stella. We chatted a while about this apocalypse, and then about her job in the education field (she had no leads for me who had majored in biology.) She let me know that it's not real education that she's allowed to teach, though; that seems to have been lost. It's just some practical information about conserving food and heat, avoiding disease and zombies, and maybe some basic math and reading.

A group of people stopped by; I guess they felt safe going out on the streets as a group.

One of them was pretty playful, to the point of throwing a water balloon, despite the winter temperatures.

Wow, a pretty extreme response to a water balloon prank!

I break up the fight by chatting with the fellow. I discover he's quite a strange but interesting guy, called Nervous of all things, and perhaps he could be a good source of information about these apocalyptic conditions.

I discover later why it was that the young lady has such extreme reactions to others. Seems she's found it difficult to deal with the stresses of this apocalypse, and has had something of a mental or emotional breakdown.

Can't help my usual reaction to lovely ladies.

Unfortunately, due to the need to budget my food, I couldn't invite my guests in, and had to say good-bye. It begins snowing.

By the evening, quite a lot of snow, or maybe something else, had fallen. (Who knows what it is that's falling from the sky these days?)

Although I'd found a decent set of everyday clothes at that flea market, the only pair of pjs that were available was this ugly purple pair. Oh well. Maybe I'll just sleep in my underwear every night.

The papergirl wasn't kidding about zombies. Next morning I peek out the window and see one slouching by. At least he has good fashion sense!

Today, again a medical job wasn't available, and I spent the day reading in bed. Tomorrow I'll have to take whatever job is offered, whether or not it's what I'd prefer. My money and food situation is getting desperate.

And I spent hours daydreaming, which eventually made me think of my true love Marie.

I tried the phone, and hey! It worked! I was so happy to talk with her, and we chatted for a bit, especially about the state of the world. But then, when I mentioned getting together and maybe even living together, she suddenly lost it and began yelling and crying. She sobbed that she was too terrified to venture out to visit me, it was safer in her apartment in the city, she'd already found a protective man to live with her, and she didn't want to hear from me again.

That was a shocker! Devastating, actually. I didn't know quite what to think. I'd thought we were in love, that "true love conquers all." Not the apocalypse I guess... I felt a bit like crying, but tried to pull myself together.

I went back to reading for a while, but I couldn't concentrate. I do get lonely here, and need some companionship.

I can't live my whole life alone. I began to think about all the pretty ladies I know, wondering if any of them would be willing to come live with me in this shack. Maybe one of them would even want to help out in changing the world for the better. DJ was fun and pretty, but I'd have to think of someone who isn't already in a relationship with someone.

Ivy was always sweet. But come to think of it, I don't have her number, and although she was nice, I wasn't too attracted to her.

Ah, Katerina. She's quite attractive, fun but also hardworking, and the situation these days needs hard workers. And I think I have her number somewhere.

Yeah, I think I'll call Katerina. Hopefully the phone still works!

She was happy to hear from me and we chatted for quite a while. Although I was feeling kind of desperate by this point, with this overwhelming, discouraging world we're now in, I tried not to push things with her. Toward the end, I just mentioned getting together. She paused for a moment, and I held my breath. I sure hope she doesn't blow me off! She took a deep breath, and said that she's a bit afraid of going out, but if I have a car and could come by for her, she'd love to meet with me. That seems hopeful, something I could work toward. I let her know that I'd get a car as soon as possible. and then call her. (Hopefully the phone would work.)

I was beginning to feel really gross, what with no working showers or baths, and finally broke down and took a sponge bath at the sink.

It didn't get me thoroughly clean, but I guess I'll have to make do with what's available. Seems to be the rule, these days!

I was sure to clean that sink afterwards, since as you can see, I keep my toothbrush there, too. Some things are best not thought about, I guess.

Early next morning I checked to see if it was still "snowing."

Take a guess.

Finally, in this morning's newspaper was a job in the medical field, and when I applied, it was a legitimate offer! It's a job as Medical Researcher, which is pretty high up in the field, but exactly what I want to work in. I'm overjoyed to be hired! Since I'm assured of an income, I spent my last bit of cash on a comfy chair.

The carpool came in two hours. Nice car! I'm looking forward to hearing what research they're doing, what work I'll be involved in.

It was quite an enjoyable day at work. I was put to work on research in three areas: sanitation/clean water, medicine and birth control. If I can lead my team to discoveries in these areas, I'll be promoted to chief of staff of our hospitals. I look forward to making these discoveries, because of course sanitation and medicine and birth control are desperately needed.

That very afternoon I got a big zombie-crushing truck, and hopefully Katerina will agree to go for a ride with me in it!

Fortunately I have enough left to pay the bills!

Aarrrgghh! I found the phone didn't work today. But again, a friend could call in, so I could chat.

It wasn't until next week, again on a Tuesday, that I found I could phone out. I invited dear Katerina for a ride, and she agreed! Isn't she lovely?

Mmmm, it was so good to see an old friend again.

Yeah, I'm in love! I guess I've gotten over the letdown by Marie...

I was so overjoyed, I asked Katerina to move in with me.

She looked sad, and said, "I can't quite explain it, but I'm just too overwhelmed and depressed to make the effort to move. I can hardly even bring myself to go out these days. I barely make it to work each day, and only the fear of getting fired, and not having money for food and paying off the mob, gets me out the door to catch my carpool. If someone could think of a way to raise people's spirits, then I think it would motivate me to make a big change like moving."

I vowed to her that I'd do just that. I don't know how, but I will. I gave her a present to remember my vow to her (unfortunately, only a book, but that's all I could afford) and told her I'd hurry and keep that promise.

Yep, it's snowing.

There sure isn't a shortage of beautiful women in the world, even during the apocalypse.

I chatted with this one until nightfall.

Have to keep up with my friends, and make new ones, for my job. I guess even in the medical field "networking" is important. Stella called and we chatted about the old days. Then she griped a bit about her job, and how she's sensing that there's a lot of anti-alien prejudice in people these days. Her students are becoming rude and disruptive. I didn't know what to suggest and could only make sympathetic noises.

Then my new friend Merissa called to chat.

I came to a three-day weekend and didn't know what I was going to do that whole time. I haven't gotten my promotion yet, of course, and some guys at work let me know that to get that promotion I might need to come to work a bit happier and more upbeat. So I'll work on improving my mood over this weekend, and start by eating some cereal, even though the rest may spoil after a while, since there's no refrigeration. I've gotten mighty tired of gelatin.

A few hours later...

I spent some hours wondering what those I'd met in college are doing now. Blossom... She was a bit "different", shall we say, but I'd found her strangely attractive. Once, when I'd stopped by her place, I'd left feeling as though I'd been drugged, or hypnotized, or put under some kind of spell... I can't quite remember what had happened, only quite pleasant, vague memories...

Now, her roommate, Klara, was quite smart and ambitious. (Very unattractive, though.) Wonder what she's up to?

And that pretty burglar that had stopped by one evening. (Too bad she hadn't lingered...) She still up to her criminal ways?

Nothing left to eat today. Not even the detested gelatin in the house.

Nothing to do but go to bed early, and hopefully I'll be able to scrounge up some food tomorrow.

I had a little money leftover from my last paycheck and saw the papergirl walk by, so I ran down to give her a tip. She looks like she can't believe this guy running outside in the snow in his pjs.

But I know her family was having perhaps even more difficulties than average, and doesn't see many simoleons. From her reaction, that appears to be true. She looks like she doesn't see this too often!

Next evening, after repairing the leaky sink, I had a sudden realization. I'd always wanted to know everything there is to know about everything. I suddenly remembered there's a bit of mechanical knowledge that I've left to learn.

I mopped up the mess, though I hate doing that, and resolved to learn that last bit of knowledge tomorrow morning before work. Hopefully I'll get that promotion tomorrow, Monday, and if the phone works on Tuesday I can call my beloved Katerina and maybe my promotion to the top of my career will inspire her to move into my "comfy" home!

Wow, I hadn't realized that learning a little mechanical info would make me so pleased!

Off to work in a great mood. I have high hopes!

It worked! I impressed the higher-ups and got that promotion to chief of staff. I owe it to those guys at work for that tip on coming to work in a good mood.

I expanded my home so I could fit a comfy double bed in the upper level.

Here it is. I barely managed to drag it upstairs, and I put it in a good place, because there it will have to stay. I don't know what the problem is, because I'd been at peak fitness in college, but now I can barely move or carry anything. Must be that muscle-wasting disease the old guy I'd met my first day here had mentioned. Anyway, after moving up the old bookcase and chair, I had to call it a night.

Our team worked hard on bringing clean water and sanitation back to the region. Although the main reason is to prevent disease, another benefit is showers. Tonight is my last sponge bath; tomorrow I'm getting a shower!

This bed will have to stay here, because I don't believe I have the strength to move it. I can't quite bring myself to sleep in the new double bed without my dear Katerina. Tomorrow hopefully I marry her!

I didn't know I get a limo as chief of staff! I'm sure grateful for my college degree, because after only one promotion I'd achieved my lifetime dream of helping others through medical advances. Who would have thought those "advances" would be reinventing sanitation, medicine and birth control?

I came home and took my first shower since the apocalypse began.

I call my lady, and she agrees to come over. I'll soon surprise her with a proposal!

Now this was totally creepy. Old college acquaintance Blossom Moonbeam finally reemerges in my life. As if she knew what was up, what I've ben planning, she drops by uninvited. Same evening that Katerina's coming over! *Awkward*

(Note: true event. Blossom chose this evening to drop by for the first time, uninvited.)

She rings, and I try to pretend I'm not home. But that won't work, because moments later Katerina arrives.

They size each other up.

I come down and they're chatting, but I didn't catch what about. Just that Blossom's tone was quite schmoozing.

She laughed uproariously at a joke Katerina made.

I was quite enraged that she was here. Yeah, one afternoon we'd had a "thing" (that I don't remember), but nothing had ever come of it, and she has nothing to hold over me. I was not going to submit to any kind of schemes or mind games she might try to play with me. But I also didn't want to confront her and create a scene. I was able to politely tell Blossom good-bye. Thankfully, she left without trying anything.

I invite Katerina up and hold her close. It's so soothing to have her near, as if all the stress of my life and the challenges we face just melted away.

I let her know I've kept my promise to try to lift the pervasive sense of hopelessness. I inform her of my promotion, and ask her if that helps comfort her and if she'll be my wife.

I give her a ring that I'd bought long ago to give to my future wife. Life hadn't gone as I'd planned way back then, but I'm so happy, I wouldn't want it to have unfolded any other way.

I put the ring on her finger...

And suddenly get the feeling that life hadn't gone for her quite the way she'd planned either. I get a little qualm, and resolve to make her as happy as I possibly can, so she'll never regret this decision.

Mmmm, I believe making her happy will make me really happy!

***

Here is my hardworking wife, who's a chef, studying hard about food preparation with the hope of restoring good cooking means (like ovens, maybe?) and techniques to society. I'm really proud of her.

She's off to work (she never takes off that cute hat!)

When I get back from work, I make some more additions to our home.

Here's the bottom floor, now with a breakfast nook,

The second floor, with a side room for hoped-for new members of our family,

And the top floor, for our future children, with additional bathroom.

I may be chief of staff, but I have to do my own work around my home.

Which brings to mind that nice maid I'd hired back in college. Too bad we can't hire such folks these days. Too much corruption in politics, and businesses are all run by the mob, I guess.

Randy had predicted all this. Too bad I'd dismissed all his ideas as crackpot. I could use his advice now. Wonder whatever happened to him?

Stella had been going out with him in college. I should give her a call soon, when the phones work, and see if she ever hears from Randy.

Katerina needs some problem-solving skills in order to progress with solving the culinary crisis we're in, so we play some chess when she gets home. We also talk about our preferred forms of entertainment (more fun than chess!) that we no longer have access to.

As well as our favorite foods. I restrain myself from nudging her a bit to hurry and solve the food crisis!

When the game's over, we can't help succumbing to newlywed urges!

After Kat freshens up, we get to it!

I'm glad it's so easy to keep my wife happy!

Next day Kat has off, and she lets me know that I've become really famous, so she's going to write a book about my life. Seems that people get inspiration from my story, so she's going to spread that inspiration further. I don't quite get it myself, seems like anyone could have done what I did, but I'm glad my story's giving people hope, I guess...

She works on her book all morning,

And then studies some more cooking techniques.

I'm so proud of my wife, and love her so much, that I let her know it every day.

Seems she feels a bit shy or awkward about it, though, as she always changes the subject. When she did that again today, I suddenly wondered if maybe it's because she doesn't feel the same about me? Maybe the love's not reciprocated?

But then, as if sensing my disappointment, she shyly told me that she's really proud to be married to "the great Geoffrey Chatain" as I guess people call me. I was so moved and humbled by her saying that, and I don't quite get it, really. I'm the same person I always was, the kid from the Boys' Home who was lucky enough to go to college, lucky enough to get a safe place to stay when I got out of college and the apocalypse struck, lucky enough to get a good job in what I enjoy doing, medicine, and then lucky enough to get a good team of people around me to solve some problems we all had to deal with. Someone else would have done the same, in the same circumstances. And you bet I told her all this, too!

But she only smiled and shook her head. "Lots of people had the same opportunity to solve some problems. But they were all too beaten down by the whole sad situation to work at it. You were the only one who wasn't beaten."

Guess who came by for a visit tonight? Yep, the pretty burglar!

She stole my zombie-crushing truck!

Seems really pleased about it, too!

I tried to block her from stealing anything else, but she's just too good at what she does.

She's stealing our mirror! I'll admit, she quite flustered me, and I ran around crazily.

Why? Why? Why would a lovely lady like you stoop to burglary? You should be a movie star or something!

Kat was woken up by all the ruckus, but didn't seem phased by it at all. My wife has a one-track mind, and was just glad to wake up so we could have another opportunity to snuggle into bed again!

And she was happy to make the acquaintance of the burglar.

She told me the next morning that I shouldn't be too upset about losing our truck, as she has a plan.

She had the driveway removed and put a swimming pool in its place! And the space in the back, she informed me, could be used for a hot tub (which she's always wanted.)

Pleased with herself, she left for work.

That night she brought an attractive colleague home with her,

And promptly made friends with her. My wife's so talented!

I try to do the same on my days off. But it's not pleasant to stand out in the snow hearing about the mailman's exploits.

If he's going to brag, then I'll brag about my wife's recent promotion.

The same afternoon, a high schooler wandered in and joined me in a game of chess. Seems the only thing on her mind was the lack of makeup available these days.

Kat brings home another cute colleague. But these days I only view them as potential spouses for my future children.

Speaking of which, Kat and I decided that now's the perfect time to try for a baby since, with her promotion, Kat has some days off coming. (And of course, she can't risk missing any work or she'd get fired, so the timing for the baby is crucial.)

Kat doesn't really worry about such logistics, though. She just enjoys the process! Glad to accommodate!

That night we make plans for our coming baby. We've got a crib and changing table, but what else do we need? Of course, we're both new at this!

Kat talks about her favorite toys from her childhood that are no longer around for kids to play with. It's little things like this that kind of drag you down in this apocalypse.