Creating a Banner

So, I finally got enough Kudos to buy a banner for my page!  After buying it, though, I thought that TSR would give us a variety to choose from and customize...you know, like point and click web design.  Nothin' doin' - you're on your own with this one.  But what a great opportunity to learn how to really use one's photo editor!  I think mine came out pretty well, given that it's a first attempt for me.  I've titled my little site "Adventures in Simming", taken after my favorite '80s movie, "Adventures in Babysitting".  This whole thing is truly and adventure for me, because whether I'm in game or learning how to mesh (still working on that one) and create new things, it's all an exciting adventure!

Meshing - the learning process

OY VAY!  Yes, I yelled, in bold, even.  I'm working my way through Riccinumbers Object Creation Guide, learning to use Milkshape 3D, UV Mapper, blah, blah, blah, and let me tell you - those Featured Artists deserve every stinking penny they get when we download their stuff!  Not that I can't do it, but what a painstaking process meshing is.  I'm kind of stuck with UV Mapper right now; somehow, recreating that little table in the tutorial is taking a whole lot longer than I thought it would.  In fact, I'll have to come back to it tomorrow because I'm just too tired to keep going tonight.  But I will get it, and I will publish my collection of chicken art prints that everyone needs in their kitchen!  HA!  

I kind of like little Pansy

Because I so lack in general creativity, I usually play the families that come with the game.  When I first cracked open Twinbrook, for whatever reason, I started playing the Prudence family.  I don't know why; maybe it's because Phoenix, the father, looks like Rowan Atkinson (I might be American, but I LOVE Black Adder!), or maybe it's because I felt sorry for a single dad and felt the god-like need to hook him up with a sweet young honey to be stepmom.  I really don't know.  All I know is this:  the children in this game are freakin' HOMELY, and Pansy was no exception.  Ugly duckling had nothing on this poor little girl...that is, until I downloaded some of Newsea's hair designs.  Yup, that made her a little more interesting.  Then I found myself keenly interested in what she was doing and now, I think she might even have a story to tell.  The game turned her into a budding young steampunk on her birthday, so I might let her pursue that for awhile.  In the meantime, I can't wait to see how she turns out.

Download Basket Binge

Throughout my life, I've struggled with the tendency to overeat.  When I was young and dumb (kind of redundant, yeah?), I would eat from boredom, or depression.  As an adult, I overeat simply because I love the taste and texture of good food.  This year I'm counting my calories - taken in and burned off (487 burned tonight in my workout), but I think I may have found something to replace food binging.

Download Basket Binging.  Known in the clinical world as DBBD (Download Basket Binge Disorder), this is commonly diagnosed when 3 of the 4 following symptoms are present:

• Staying up long past bedtime, browsing through the various TSR download options
• Feverishly clicking on all new featured downloads at least 5 days out of the week
• Upgrading one's internet connection to manage the massive amount of data traffic
• Increasingly cranky mood while waiting for items to finish downloading

My first submission

I am truly excited!  "Lemon Chiffon Luxury" - a fully furnished, 3 bed, 2 bath home, has just been published on TSR!  

And 55 - count them, fifty-five - of you have downloaded it, and even FOUR thanked me!  For any of you that might be reading this, please look up and download my house, and comment - come back and tell me what you think!  I'm open to comments, criticism, and any suggestions that you think might make my creations better.  

Watch for "La Vida Maravilla" (a truly luxurious home):

and "Bonny Beach Bungalow" (for those who crave ocean breezes intermingling with the sweet aroma of barbecue):

in the next few days.  

New on TSR

Here I am - putting off working on my thesis, AGAIN.  But today is my first day on TSR, and I'm so excited to get started, I just don't think I can focus on something as trite and mundane as a literature review...but I must.  So, just a few quick words.

I love building houses.  I'll be posting a few of the items I have on the Exchange as examples of my work, but from now on, I'll probably post exclusively on TSR, as the Exchange is one big let down.  I like beach and mountain homes, and enjoy driving through my community to find new homes to build.  I work hard during the week, and crave weekends so I can get back on and BUILD!

If I'm going to get anything posted today, though, I need to accomplish some thesis goals.  So I will sign off now, organize chapter 3 of my thesis, and then I'll be back.  I'm so excited to be part of this community!