Getting into TS3?

[yeahyeahjess]

Hello lovelies! I have begun to write my petition letter for college and I'm terrified. A distraction is needed, so I was wondering...if you've made the (permanent) switch from TS2 to TS3, how did you do it? For me, it's taking more than playing the game to actually get into it. Ignoring the hours I spend creating a sim and their home, the gameplay just doesn't seem to grab at me. It seems so expansive and open and I'm not sure how to make it mine, if that makes sense. In TS2, it's so easy. I make a family, plop them down, and go to work. But in TS3, I can't even make my own bloody hood. Once I get in game, it seems that there is so much to do. I can't put my own unique touch in the game at all. Mayhap that's why I love TS2 so much...it seems that I can control almost literally every aspect, if I wish. I'm sure it's the same in TS3, but I can't figure it out.

So if you read that huge block of words, do you have any tips or suggestions for the game? I installed it yesterday (Sulli unknowingly convinced me), but I played the game for two minutes before shutting it off. I have no cc installed this time, to get more into the game. Everyone's pictures seem so fun and great! But then I have a go at it and meh.

I'd appreciate any tips or suggestions or whatever. Maybe I'm just one of those that doesn't like the game, but I hope not.

And also, if you wouldn't mind, please wish me luck on my petition! I need all I can possibly get. :3