VDSL: Ellen Parsons Project 1.1
Ready for weeks 3 and 4?
Week 3 Challenge: Suffering for your art
The teaser pic shows it all. Ellen is locked in a newly added room with only her easel, a sink, a mirror (that's what looks like a door there at the bottom of the pic) and a high(er) quality couch. Instead of a bowl of fruit I let her keep the Big Ass Palm Tree Thurston had in his inventory (oh and that wee little lamp too--she needs light).
Thurston's first act as a (now single) parent is to watch Alan and Pearl sparkle into childhood. Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle.
I can HEAR you, Pearl.
*is ignored*
Such insolence from the Wee Ones can not be tolerated.
"P.U! It smells like an elephant's BUTT!"
Hmm, that might be the latrine. I don't know if anyone's been sprinkling lime. You can get to that when you're done there.
"I'm telling dad on you!"
Good luck with that, kid. Your pops is off to work. And since your mother is technically still on the lot you can't even expect the sweet release of the Social Worker coming for you.
Speaking of. . .
That's looking Vaguely Cat-like.
"Really? How did you know. . ."
I've seen this episode before.
"Episode?"
Never mind.
Thurston?!
"Do you MIND?"
Could you put some lime down when you're done. Your girl child was complaining about the smell. Please and thank you.
(And I can see Pearl did SUCH a good job with the weeding. It's hard to enslave good help these days.)
"What's that about slaves?"
Nothing. I'm just going to feed your fiance real quick. . .
"They're even better the next day."
Yeah, I figured you'd like that. So even if things get rough your aspiration won't fail. That's good, right?
"Rough? What do you mean by 'rough'?"
*wanders off*
Thurston is doing well tending the children. He helped out with homework and in return they took turns waking him from his slumber with their whoops of joy. (I wish the child's good homework had a gold star on it, wouldn't that be cute!)
Thurston (like most of the townified p_t sims) has a good list of p_t friends (I made four groups of six, so each group are all pals).
After getting a warning that he's not keeping up with his friends, we invite over a face we haven't seen before.
Meet Jessica Hahne ( nutmegdealer ). Once again the dance sphere proves an attractive nuisance.
But no more than the hot tub (Jessica and her non-p_t friend got damn close to over staying their welcome).
Just because your fiance is locked away, don't go getting any ideas there Thurston.
He has bolts for Jessica but not as many as he has for Ellen.
*snicker*
"It's NOT funny. I have no way. . .I don't really like this any more. I want to see Thurston. . ."
Uh, you may want to get to that puddle first. It's liable to get stinky if you let it start to dry.
"Ooh, yeah. Good call."
*wipes sweat from brow*
"What the. . .I HATE costumed characters. Especially grubby stained up ones!"
Well you were complaining that you were lonely.
"I just want to tear that plushy head off of you and spit in your REAL EYE!"
Ok then. . .lets see how everyone ELSE is doing.
The children are taking the absence of their mother in stride. They have each other and that's really all they need. But their father is getting a mite lonely.
I'm going to assume you know what you're up to.
*grunts*
And what could happen if. . .
THAT CHILD WON'T BE ELLIGIBLE FOR HEIR!!
Somehow I doubt that's Thurston's major concern at the moment.
"Is he DEAD!"
"WHAT?!"
"I SAID IS HE DE. . ."
*maniacal laughter*
Alan! You shouldn't laugh at your father (even though I did kind of warn him).
Oh. *snerk* Carry on then.
Ellen were you able to see. . .oh, you have company.
"I don't like him."
Yeah, you mentioned your plushie disgust.
"No, this one SCARES me. I think he's one of Pink's *whispers* henchmen, come to rough me up. I don't want to get my legs broken by a PLUSHIE!"
No one does. Just brag to him and maybe he'll go away.
Really, she does brag to the rabbit and he LIKES it.
Then she promptly breaks the sink. And once again Maxis misses an opportunity. A spewing sink should count as a shower and sims/pets could dance around in it and get some hygiene and some fun.
But oh no, all it does is make a non-stop hissing spraying noise which makes me feel like I'm wearing sea shells on my ears (it's the ocean!). Ellen WILL NOT sponge bathe. And after making her one painting she won't paint much either. She spends her time flitting from the sink (to wash her hands) and the mirror to "gussy up". Oh and she eats and sleeps. So much for trying out the new custom painting pics I added to my DL folder just for this challenge. Eh, no big loss.
Post abduction (and before Ellen gets sprung from Art Prison) Thurston works on the twins to get them ready for their new baby brother/sister from the stars.
(her needs were equally balanced. All the ones on the left of the panel were green and lush while all the ones on the right were red and infected)
Thank the good lawd it's time to let Ellen OUT!
"You can say THAT again."
"What did you DO to this thing?"
"Nothing. . .just tried to pull off the faucet to see if I could fashion it into a crude digging implement to try and tunnel my way out. Why do you ask?"
"I thought you were in there to PAINT?"
"I did. But Pink and Yellow wouldn't let me and the place just really smelled like pee. . .hey is that a new toilet?"
"Yes, the old one got repossessed."
"Repo. . .good. The seat had a crack in it and it pinched my ass."
*shared laughter*
"Anything else happen while I was locked up?"
"Not much. The kids made the honor roll, the cowplants matured, and I was impregnated by aliens."
"Oh." *splashes in water* "So when I'm cleaned up you want to have some sex?"
"Mmm, yeah. But your room still needs cleaned, right?"
Don't worry, guys. I have someone on that.
*in unison* "THANK YOU!"
It was the least I could do.
*sound of chimes*
I really hope that doesn't come back round to bite me in the ass.
"OH lordy. ..is it TIME?!"
With the swelling of his father's abdomen, Alan goes into Birth Watch.
While it's not time for a birthing, it is past time for something else.
*Thurston blinking* "What?"
WEEK 4 Challenge: Family heirlooms
Seems the extended family heard about the upcoming nuptials. . .
"Nuptials?"
. . .and decided to send some gifties your way.
"NUPTIALS?"
Relax. Neither of you fear it and I want all the spawn (even the intergalactic bastard) to be Parsons so that means.
Sunday's "gift":
Uncle Cletus and Aunt Brandeen from Dog Patch sent you something to gussy up your garden. Aunt Brandeen swears by the scare crow for "keeping the varmits away" and Uncle Cletus hand made the mushrooms. He claims they are replicas (not to scale!) of the non-lethal and "brain tickling" varieties you might find in your climate. Do with that information what you will.
(I took the liberty of buying multiple decorative items to equal $1000 since there weren't that many $1000 items to choose from. Occasionally I went over a bit, sometimes I went under but it about even out in the end so. . .)
Perfect timing, too. Something new for the yard just in time for The Wedding, featuring three new p_t sims!
"Thurston said you have so much money you used actual bundles to level your house."
Blake Killingsworth ( simgaroop ) is amused. He would never have to level a pre-existing house. He has things constructed correctly the FIRST time and would never think of moving into a USED house.
To his right is Frank N. Furter ( xel_squirgle_ox ). Ellen's not exactly sure how Thurston knows these two but she thinks it has something to do with where he used to live. Some place called The Community. She has a feeling it might have been some kind of hippie commune where they grew all their own crops. He did mention "pollinating" and it explains why he likes to grow such weird plants.
Behind them is Lucrezia Van Buren ( foreverred ). Ellen can't figure her out AT ALL and doesn't get a chance.
Lucrezia keeps mostly to herself and, quite frankly, Ellen is relieved.
If Frank is making "crazy finger" at you then you might want to re-think dancing in your undies/pjs.
"So what? It's MY house and MY party and I'll dance if I want to."
Uh, guests! GUESTS! *whistles* The action is THIS WAY.
What the ever loving hell are you all staring at.
Ok, that's a wee bit creepy. I hope wedding guests aren't considered "varmits".
Oh, yeah, nice of you to finally pay attention to the NEWLY WEDS!
"That thing is so effed. . ."
Lucrezia, please. Don't encourage the podlets to use such language.
". . .fucked up."
Thank you.
"But where did the baby go!"
Don't fret, Alan. Your father is just wearing a man-ternity girdle. He wanted to look his best for the photos (hence the autonomous hand holding right under the wedding arch--I swear if I would have tried to pose that sims would have been going all sideways and making me swear up a storm--that's why I do love a good commentary style legacy, so freeing!).
"Frank, you should really try the grilled cheese. It's Thurston's secret recipe."
"I don't like fake cheese."
"Oh. Guess it's not that big a secret, huh? What's wrong Thurston? You're not eating."
"This girdle is killing me."
"Girdle?" *guffaws* "You're wearing a GIRDLE!"
"Shut up, Frank."
"Ooh, TESTY! Don't crack a whale bone, baby. Are you sure you're wearing it correctly?"
"You know about girdles?"
"Oh, Ellen sweetie, I know about ALL KINDS of things. Don't I Thurston?"
Ooh my! Looks like Thurston might have some explaining to do. *backs away*
The Wedding wraps and is a ROOF RAISER. I attribute it to Blake's rabid piano playing.
Thurston wastes no time liberating himself. (and once again I'm happy to see custom undies with a preg morph)
He may want to work on that stink cloud next.
Ellen, please tell me Thurston is just tired and you didn't make him pass out telling him about your pregnancy.
"Nah, he's just tired. And I haven't told him about that yet. I want to surprise him."
Monday's "gift":
Auntie Merken sent you a rug. She writes: "Sometimes you just want to run your fingers through some fluff! Hope it matches your drapes."
". . .when I saw that outfit I kind of figured it out."
So you're excited then?
"Kind of. I just hope it's not a multi. . ."
HUSH YOUR FACE! You'll jinx us.
The dueling preggos were on an actual date there. I was shocked (I tells ya) that She of the Cheese randomly rolled an non grilled cheese want so I pounced on it.
Raging pregnancy hormones made this possible. Hey, at least no one can get pregnant!
They fall asleep right after and let the date timer tick down. They wake (fully rested) just as it's expiring and achieve a dream date. That dream date nets Thurston a cleaning point. So we're ALL winners! Woot!
Tuesday's "gift":
A three panel painting that arrived without a card. Upon closer inspection we find the artist's signature. Ver. T. Go. Which one of you has a relative who's an artist with a bad pun for a name? Eh, at least it matches Auntie Merken's carpet.
Be careful, Ellen. That thing touts some powerful varmit scaring properties. Don't want it scaring out your womb varmit.
Speaking of womb varmits.
"It's a BOY!'
Thurston's face is so cute there I could die.
Then. . .
Get used to this sight. Still wet baby tossed aside so someone can make the damn bed.
"Thurston didn't TOSS him. He set him down very gently."
Yeah, don't cut yourself splitting that hair, Ellen.
Once the precious bed was sporting proper hospital corners they finally got around to naming the newbie.
"You know, you don't have to be so mean all the time."
*dismissive wave*
Robin Parsons (for those keeping track--and Robin can be glad he wasn't named Tracy--I'm all about gender neutral names right now)
Robin wasn't the only child being neglected.
Transition Express: Next stop, Teenville, with connections to Puberty Town and Blemish Heights.
"BLEMISHES!"
Yes, Pearl, blemishes. Big NASTY ones.
Pearl eases her fears by adopting a kitten. Then she goes to bed and leaves Alan to meet the new darling (Mandy).
Wednesday's "gifts":
It's a two-fer from your eco-conscious cousin Sierra Klub who reminds you (with more than a dollop of guilt), "If we don't start working toward more sustainable energy sources, this faux polar bear will be the only one your grand children will ever see."
And thanks to the rule that the "gifts" can't be sold, that rug is going to meet more than just the grand children.
"Uh, Alan. Do you know why there's a kitten peeing on the floor?"
"Uh because SOMEONE forgot to get her a cat box is my guess."
Yeah, yeah, wise acre. So I forgot the cat pan. And you're perfect?
Attractive Nuisance spam:
Ooh, that has to smart.
"I bent my fingernail back."
Ew, I hate that.
Oh, by the way, your kitten peed all over the kitchen floor.
"And?"
And? *shakes head* Nice boots.
"Thanks!"
(so clueless)
Mandy became an adult in record time (and no, I didn't even have to help her out) and wastes not time sharing her thoughts on a certain boy with odd hair.
The bus is here.
"And?"
*sighs* This is why I had a hysterectomy (instead of having kids).
"I think I'm about to go into labor."
The bothersome teens have some excitement waiting for them when they get home.
(baby): Hello? I'm still WET here.
"Must. . .line. . .up. . .sheet. . .just. . .so. . ."
Good thing you have two teen siblings who can whisk you away to the fridge for some eats (and tuck you into bed), Ruby.
Yes, it's a girl and her name is Ruby.
The fun continues as Robin fledges into toddler form.
(side bar: While I was playing this--and after I had already named him Robin--a fledgling robin was flapping against the window trying to cling to the lip on the window. It couldn't find purchase but did manage to keep its wits and got to the roof or gutter and was not hurt)
Thursday's "gifts":
Another two-fer. This time from second cousin twice removed Lillian and her husband Verner. When they saw the Relaxing Zen Water Feature with real working bamboo spout and All-Weather Aluminum Trellis with PerfectPlastic Poseys they just "screamed Thurston and Helen". I bet they did!
Perhaps they could have sprung for a toddler mat for Robin.
Honestly I thought about putting one down for him but the layout of the house wasn't good for it. I knew it would just cause drama (meaning it would be in a spot where it wouldn't be accessible and I'd get annoyed by it). So Mandy can just share her bed (and I had to buy the full sized bed since the single tile isn't set up for toddler napping).
Mandy takes it in stride. The couch (while still a bit aromatic from being in the Art Prison) is far superior to that PET bed.
Mandy is NO pet.
She's a legend in her own time.
Repairman: *singing*
". . . you made me obey you, oh Mandy.
Well I came and you gave me a swatting
but I simply can't stay, oh Mandy.
Well you scratched me and got me to bleeding.
I need a band-aid, oh Mandy. . ."
(apologies to Barry "I Write the Songs" Manilow)
Seriously though, the repairman was called to fix the trash compactor but Thurston fixed it first (I forgot the repairman had been called, actually) so when he showed up he hugged Mandy, proclaimed the house "fixed" and then left. So he must have tried to spay Mandy and she gave him what-for.
The only other eventful thing to happen on Thursday was Ruby's toddler transition.
Friday's "gift":
Dear EllenThurston Parsons,
We regret to inform you the gift recently purchased for you has been placed on back order. To view the specifics of this item, click HERE. You will be receiving "I guardiani del mare" once it becomes available. The anticipated wait is 4-6 weeks.
Thank you for your patience and for shopping Silo Pixel & Bean.
Customer Service, Silo Pixel & Bean CC.
So, it appears I forgot to take a picture of the painting "gifted" to the happy couple on Friday. I did buy it, I swear. And it cost more than the required $1000. You will see it proudly displayed in future updates, so watch for it!
"Son, do you ever get the feeling certain members of the family just don't LIKE you?"
"Mmmrph"
"What?"
"I said no way. Why would you think someone doesn't like you?"
"I just get this weird feeling sometimes is all."
Yeah, Thurston I can understand that. Seems Mandy has lured Ruby to the dark side.
Don't worry too much about it, Thurston. Seems Mandy has a general disgust for the entire family.
I get this look from my cats ALL. THE. TIME. That's totally a "you are a bad smell" face right there.
Perhaps the next (and final) gift will win her over.
Saturday's "gifts":
Oh, I'm sorry. These aren't belated wedding gifts. I regret to inform the Parsons household that their great great aunt Ginia Katz has died. And even more regrettably, she left you part of her extensive cat collection.
I guess you can be glad she didn't leave you any of her actual cats.
Mandy seems to appreciate the windfall and offers a rare moment of non-blood letting play (really, her highest relationship score is only around 12 points daily--lifetime is lower, but I don't now remember who that honor goes to).
Toddler Spam:
Ruby
Robin and Ruby.
Can you tell Alan is a family sim?
And something I hadn't seen in a while.
"A-HA!"
And away he goes folks.
Not to besmirch Robin his accomplishment but his younger sister escaped her crib TWICE but I missed it both times.
Guess he was just in a hurry to get to his transition.
And look at how CUTE he is. I credit it to his PT father, ( dorkasaur via gheez 's PT pack, the Official Replacement Pack of the Ellen Parson's Project).
Oooh, you are so cute I could just eat you up with a spoon!
"I'd thank you not to speak down to me merely because I am still of a scant age, madame."
Well, excuse me your royal hindass. Robin is a bit of a PITA. He has only one nice point but is extremely active so his fun meter is always burning red.
Perhaps it's that orneriness that draws him to Mandy (aka Bitcherella). He manages to play with her for an extended time and not pull back a bloodied stump. I'm impressed.
And that brings us to both the end of this installment and the end of Week 4.
What of Week 5's challenge?
Well lets just say The World's Oldest Profession is getting a new hire.
Until next time!