Hypothesis Incorrect & WYDC - Indefinite Hiatus

[amylu1988]

Jilly, firstly, thank you so much for the lovely comments, I keep meaning to reply but want to do justice to your comments, but now I have time, so here you go:

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OMG this chapter has been in the works for so long. The final plan was very different from the original plan, but I loved thinking it all through and piecing things together. I'd always hoped to do that meeting, and even as I shot it I didn't know the exact details of the plan they were deciding on; there's a lot of spare shots from that scene.

And yes, all the family on one lot was headache inducing, and I even forgot to invite Donnie and Mehrissa, so not all of them were there! I think it was 19 sims in all, with baby Zoey inside the house at the time. I've had more on a lot since, but not all being controlled and monitored.

I was so pleased with the Makoto scene on the TV, that was when my pictures weren't saving, so I was relieved that the ones I had left worked with what I wanted to say. So glad you liked it, and still totally grateful to you for suggesting his make-over, it suits him much better than his gaming uniform did.

I was saying to one of the commenters on boolprop, it makes Tommy's story worse that we know in advance some of the things he's going through, and watching it with prior knowledge, even to me playing through it, was hard.

I worried about the logic and consistency with Stockholm, but I've had so many varied comments that overall I think it worked. What's difficult now is the recovery stages with Tommy, keeping him in the same frame of mind but in the 'normal' family life scenarios.

Lydia is a psycho, she's not got the full understanding of others, or of how to treat Tommy. She's still a threat to his happiness, whatever happens, and unfortunately, she's not going anywhere.

Next chapter is neeeearly done now, hopefully only a few more days to go. ;D With all the happy birthdays and child-related scenes in the new chapter I had to remind myself to resolve Tommy's cliffhanger! But it is in there, so you won't have to wait too much longer.

Also, thanks for the comment on the picspam. It's about time I shared some pictures with everyone, I've played quite a way ahead with the kids, and need to keep people up to date with the last generation.

Thanks for your comments Jilly, you're awesome. ;D

[amylu1988]

*bump* Chapter 24!! ;D

*edit* The pictures on chapter 24 are even more blurry than usual, so I'm in the process of trying to get it all to the best quality I can. You can either read it as it is, or I'll let you know when I've found a new format. *sigh*

[amylu1988]

Re-uploaded Chapter 24 on Google Docs. The pictures are clearer and it's a slightly smaller file size. Enjoy!

docs.google.com/present/view?id=dcjm4sgr_12ngw9wgb&interval=10

[jillyson]

Ah! Just caught up! What a lovely chapter!

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So much - I don't know where to start, so I'll be jumping around a lot!

I love the dynamic of each family. You've kept them connected and grounded in the same values they were raised with, yet managed to give them each their own dynamic as well. I always feel like I'm visiting with neighbors when I read this story, not like I'm sitting down at a computer screen.

I was afraid Felicity's mom was going to show up and cause trouble - SO glad she didn't! To see Melody displaying her traits, never having met her - I can understand why that would be troubling to Latane and Felicity. Nature vs nurture - if it wasn't so personal and worrysome, the Psychologists would LOVE to kick that around! Hopefully Olive will be a good influence for her.

Olive - I can see her being the Bandura of her generation! Already keeping everyone connected, making sure everyone is happy, and with the energy to carry all of that out! I just want to hug her!

All of the kids are just adorable, and are already displaying their own unique personalities. I don't know how you manage that with so many, but you do a marvelous job! Even the spares, like Lucas having less than the others - always something to make them stand out.

I'm so glad that Tommy didn't rush back to Lydia and is taking the time before the birth to form a plan. I hope they can get that baby away safely! I don't think Lydia would hurt the baby intentionally, but I could see her neglecting it while she makes her devious plans. There's the teaching the child that this behavior is acceptable issue, too. They definitely need to get that baby!

Shaun gave us a scare there, didn't he? I hope he takes Olive's advice to heart (again, showing her Bandura-ness!) and finally retires. Maybe Chloe or Piaget (still COMPLETELY dreamy ...sigh...) can publish some books, sell some art, or find a way to bring in some money and still stay home.

I can't wait for the next chapter!

*I have to ask...even though the "challenge" will be officially over (I keep forgetting that this is what it is!) will you still be playing this family? I know how attached I am , just as a reader - I bet you're more so, being that you give them "life"!

[amylu1988]

Jilly:

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It was refreshing after Tommy's instense chapter to then fit everyone in and visit the houses in 24, I'd missed my main progression! I think the elders help to keep everyone connected, and Bandura does spend a lot of time being social and keeping in touch with everyone. But yes, different dynamics, problems, relations in every house; I try to keep them all unique and interesting. ;D

You're very good at picking up the Psychology; yep, lots of nature/nurture with Melody, she's really got Ariella's features, and her single nice point too! But with parents and friends/cousins like hers she'll get all the nurturing and good upbringing she needs, it's then up to her how much she takes after Ariella.

It's a bit of an easy way out for me, with Olive. I am going to miss Bandura so much when she goes, and Olive gets a lot from her. Bandura taught her a lot of her toddler skills and spends a lot of time with her, so I couldn't help but bring out the Bandura in Olive. But yes, Olive so far is loving being in charge and keeping everyone happy.

I love the variety I've got with the kids this gen, although trying to keep all 14 of them in the story and interesting is a challenge! There's so many personalities to add to the mix, I'm glad they're in waves of ages, so I can introduce them gradually.

With Tommy and Lydia the best thing is to cope with it all as it comes, he needs to plan and think this one through, as the last thing he wants is to be kept from the baby or for Lydia to do something drastic. Soo much psychology rests on early years that they need to get this child. Lots of drama coming up for them!

Poor Shaun has always been a hard worker. He and Zoe are the only sims in the main house that have worked a job for their whole adult life. And then Shaun paints, molds clay, looks after the kids, sees his relatives. No wonder the poor guy was asleep, at 65! Olive's right though, he needs to slow down before he stops. And the answer's staring him right in the face...

Yay, love for Piaget. ;D He's such a sweetie, I still love that picture of him holding Elle; his smile, bless.

As to your last question, I honestly don't know. It depends on my laptop. I've had it for 5 and a half years and it's doing ok-ish. But if I get a new laptop I'd finally move over to Sims3. But then I am so attached to these sims, I'd miss them too much! So I'm not sure yet. It could still be a good year or so until the end of the challenge, so we'll see.

Thanks for reading Jilly.

[amylu1988]

Chapter 25

[joandsarah]

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Love all the kids growing up, going to school and their personalities.

I like seeing how you are portraying Elle. I'll be doing more of that with my older toddlers now that I have an aging mod in. It won't be in for my OWBC, but will for my legacy. What age was Elle meant to be before her child transition? As I haven't seen you do this before I'm thinking it is for a plot point? I'm guessing Elle is exceptionally bright.

Zara is a sweetie and I can't think what is going on with her, but it is interesting.

Poor Tommy, I kept thinking okay soon we will see this baby and what they are planning... arrgh! Not even a peek! I almost feel sorry for Lydia, but not quite. Maybe if she takes some steps such as admitting she has a problem and getting some help I'll feel more kindly towards her.

Great update Amy. ;D

[amylu1988]

*hugs* Thank you for posting your comment here too Jo, the thread was looking kinda quiet there.

[Pixx]

I have a love/hate relationship with sims aging *sigh* .......

[jillyson]

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I am SO anxious about Tommie's baby! I absolutely can't wait to see that story play out! *pouts at secret!

Poor James, trying to explain to his granddaughter how his wife just doesn't care about any of them, and trying not to make her sound like the monster she is. At least now the knowledge of her is out there. Felicity seems to be doing better with it, so that's good to see. Lataine looks so mature now!

The wedding was so sweet and perfect for them, and it was great with Tommie giving the toast.

The children are so fun, watching all the different personalities. Melody & Olive's friendship is just so precious. Olive's relationship with Elle is so strong in their sisterly bond, and in turn, Elle guides the twins in a strong older sister bond. Zara's differences are very interesting, and I'm very excited to see where you're going with that!

I love how the adults all got toether to discuss Zara, and how Chole stepped in to calm everyone's fears. I know girls are usually close to their daddies, but I think Chloe & Zara have something special. It always makes me smile.

I love that most of the kids are all around the same age & get to ride the bus together.

I know I'm all over the board with these comments - I didn't take notes because I was too lazy to go look for a pen, and now my thoughts are all over - I'm sorry for that!

Now I need a Tommie and Lydia update!!!

[joandsarah]

Forgot to put my reply here as well.

Yah for the first 2012 update!

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Love all the kids growing up, going to school and their personalities.

I like seeing how you are portraying Elle. I'll be doing more of that with my older toddlers now that I have an aging mod in. It won't be in for my OWBC, but will for my legacy. What age was Elle meant to be before her child transition? As I haven't seen you do this before I'm thinking it is for a plot point? I'm guessing Elle is exceptionally bright.

Zara is a sweetie and I can't think what is going on with her, but it is interesting.

Poor Tommy, I kept thinking okay soon we will see this baby and what they are planning... arrgh! Not even a peek! I almost feel sorry for Lydia, but not quite. Maybe if she takes some steps such as admitting she has a problem and getting some help I'll feel more kindly towards her.

Great update Amy. ;D

[amylu1988]

You did post yours Jo, it was the response above. I just replied on boolprop.

Jilly:

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I can't wait to get into the real swing of Tommy's plot. I'm planning all sorts and hope it turns out like I plan it to. A few details have changed already, but I'm still having fun with it.

James had an unexpected difficult morning, having to relive Ariella to Melody, but he's the best one to explain it all; he dd marry her, after all. But yes, Melody knows now, even if she doesn't quite understand it all.

I put off Jamie's wedding for ages, wanting to get everything right for them, and other than that blurry shot of Tommy in the aisle because I had to crop the picture, I was pleased with how it turned out in the end.

I love all the kids and their different friendships this gen, there is a huge mix of personalities, and I can't wait to see what aspirations they all roll. The main house kids are probably my favourites as usual though, I'm looking forward to having all 4 of them as children for a little while.

Zara wrote her own story with her personality; 0 outgoing and 10 nice, bless her! ;D Lots of stuff ahead for her though.

Hopefully I'll stop procrastinating soon and get on with chapter 26, then you can all find out a little bit more about Tommy and Lydia.

Thanks for reading, Jill! ;D

[amylu1988]

Chapter 26

[joandsarah]

Lovley update Amy, I posted my comment over on Boolprop.

[amylu1988]

I know I get comments on LJ and boolprop instead now, but just in case:
Chapter 27