Chester Gieke: Week 2

Chester's first week is here.

No. 144, Pebble Drive in Pleasantview's Bluewater Village is our next stop.

Chester Gieke lives here, and last round he made good headway towards his lifetime want of becoming Criminal Mastermind, reaching the rank of Con Artist.

He also found a love interest in Florence Delarosa, whose house is just across the street.

Two three-bolt ladies are among his acquaintances, Wanda Tinker and Lisa Ramirez, but neither of these married women will be pursued by Chester if I can help it.

On this Monday, he is promoted to Getaway Driver.

Florence is asked over to help celebrate the promotion, but she can only stay for a couple of hours before Chester leaves for his second shift of the day (or, rather, the night).

After his double shift, Chester is glad that on Tuesday he has to go back to work only late in the evening. He sleeps in and then takes his time over the crossword, makes phone calls and does some skilling as per his typical Knowledge Sim wishes.

It is already 6:00 am on Wednesday morning when Chester has finally done enough getaway driving and returns home with a promotion to Bank Robber.

He is still asleep when early in the afternoon friend Gilbert Jacquet turns up for a surprise visit. The two men chat for a bit but then Chester has to get ready for his first bank robbery.

Working evenings has the advantage of being home when other Sims walk by, and on Thursday Chester meets and greets Katerina Kim, who is not yet a playable resident of Pleasantview but should certainly become one.

When all the snow is gone on Saturday, the sorry state of Chester's front garden becomes apparent, and he spends a bit of time gardening, watering those flowerbeds that can be saved and planting new ones for those that can't.

In other news, the bathroom sink's tap busts and is quickly repaired - that's how exciting Chester's day off is! He does wish to give Florence a backrub, though, and because he has Sunday off as well, he shall invite her tomorrow.

Oh dear! I shouldn't have sarcastically mentioned Chester's "exciting" Saturday - Sunday has only just begun when a burglar sneaks up to the modest cottage!

Chester's beloved piano is the first thing to go, followed by his rather expensive and very comfy armchair.

The police was called, though, and Officer Dorian Kauker captures the burglar just as he is about to sneak out of the door. Chester receives 2,420 Simoleons compensation from the insurance, but that doesn't cover the cost of the two valuable items he has lost.

Unlike other Sims, he doesn't wish for a burglar alarm, and so none is installed. Maybe he thinks that his being part of Pleasantview's underworld should be enough to deter any future attempts at burglaring his house. Well, it didn't stop the burglar this time, did it!

But the wish to give Florence a backrub is still there, and since she only has to cross the street to get to Chester's, she is there in an instant when he asks her over. The backrub is given - and that was it! Although it's spring, no other romantic wishes follow.

Instead, Florence goes fishing behind the cottage, joining Jason Larson who happened to walk by and was greeted. Chester is best friends with Jason's sister Jodie and so it seemed only fair to greet her brother, even though until now the two men had not met.

Chester eventually joins his guests by the pond but gets tired a lot earlier than usual, after the rudely interrupted night he's had. Not long after he goes to bed, Florence and Jason leave.

As is so often the case with a single Sim, this week was played very quickly. Chester was either out for work or skilling, and almost all his socialising took place over the phone. He didn't even visit a community lot, and I didn't take a picture for Friday - nothing worth mentioning happened that day.

I have already played Florence this round, so we'll have to wait quite a long time before we'll see where Chester's relationship with her leads to. Will he move in with her (she has the bigger house), or are they each going to remain where they are, crossing the road every time they want to see each other?

Chastity Gere: Week 3

The previous week with Chastity at this household is here.

This house in Belladonna Cove belongs to...

...Geoff Rutherford, who is having lunch with his 3-bolt-love Chastity Gere. She is the reason for us to be here this week.

You probably know that Geoff didn't live alone in the house before Chastity moved in. His best friend Connor Weir shared the rooms, the bills and the housework with him. But Connor is now moving to his own place - last round he became a Dad when his live-in girlfriend Sunny Tsirkunov (a former townie) gave birth to a little boy.

The house simply doesn't suit a young family, an aspiring Celebrity Chef (Geoff) and a woman who is working hard to have 20 lovers (Chastity), and so the decision was made for them to move out. We will of course find out where they have moved when it is their turn on the list.

Chastity is always looking for potential candidates on her list of 20 lovers, and when on this Monday the toilet and the shower in one of the two bathrooms need repairing, she generously tips the repair man... and along with the money hands him her phone number "for further reference".

Because Geoff has the day off and she really does not want to hurt his feelings by having one of her (potential) lovers visit the house while he's there, she heads to Freya's Raiments - she wants new clothes anyway, and who should be there but her old (literally!) flame Carlos Contender! Of course Carlos is well known in The Cove, even the girl at the counter has seen him on TV at one sports event or other.

It is Tuesday, and another day off for Geoff, who has quite a few additional skills to gain before his next (and probably last) promotion. Chastity really loves Geoff but can't help wanting those 20 lovers before she will be ready to settle down for good with just one man, and that will of course be her 3-bolt-man Geoff. Today, she limits herself to talking to the mail carrier who talks about wanting to be "friends for life". "Friends? Seriously?" Chastity thinks.

Vivian Cho walks by and is invited hin. The ladies make polite conversation but all Chastity really wants is to ring her latest crush and turn him into a red-heart-love.

When Chastity realises that Geoff has Wednesday off, too, she decides to take matters with her latest crush further by arranging for them to meet at Central Park where hopefully nobody who would tell Geoff spots her.

Well, someone DOES spot her, but Carlos Contender is not likely to report to Geoff - after all, he was one of Chastity's first lovers himself. Still, it upsets him to see her waiting for a date. "It's that young redhead over there, right?" he shouts and slaps poor Chastity. It's really not her fault that she has this lifetime want!

While the confrontation with Carlos was unpleasant, it is soon forgotten when she makes the otherwise unimportant townie her 10th lover - half her lifetime want is achieved! (I am a bit worried because she is only 3 days away from elderhood, and Geoff is a full 8 days younger than her... will their 3 bolts survive Chastity's age transition?)

Back home, Geoff has been diligently working on the skills he needs for his next (and I think last) promotion. Chastity spends some time talking to the mail carrier and then to some of her friends on the phone. It is time for her to find another crush she can turn into Lover # 11.

That evening over their bowls of chili Geoff happily tells Chastity that he has maximum creativity now, and can't wait to go to work at the restaurant tomorrow afternoon. Chastity smiles; she can't wait, either, but for different reasons.

With Chastity juggling so many romantic interests, it is not surprising that almost every day some Sim or other kicks the rubbish bin over. Usually, she cleans the rubbish up immediately, but on Thursday morning it's taken her a while to get round to it, and she has to deal with a small infestation of bugs.

Just as her latest friend (and hopefully soon lover) arrives (it's Joe Graham from the Gardening Club), Carlos Contender appears. There has not been any romantic interaction between Joe and Chastity just yet, and so he continues walking without confronting her.

That evening, Geoff returns from work with the promotion he was hoping and working so hard for: He is now a Celebrity Chef, meaning he has reached his lifetime want and can kick back... only that Chastity won't be able to do the same just yet.

On Friday, Carlos is here again - this time, he does not limit himself to walking by to check on Chastity, but he kicks over the rubbish bin with gusto. As soon as he's gone, I send Chastity out to clean up.

Today, she doesn't roll as many romantic wishes as usual (I like to think it is because Geoff has today and all weekend off). Instead, she wants to learn Phsyiology (it's not autumn, so I find that a bit odd), and Physiology it is.

The couple spend good part of Saturday at the chess table and then need to sleep for a few hours.

Soon after waking up, Chastity turns into an elderly lady - still sporting her mohican, and pleased to still fit into her old outfit! Her wardrobe is rather modest, though, and I think another trip to a clothes shop is in order. Also, the three bolts between her and Geoff are still firmly in place.

Because Chastity and Geoff don't have family living in The Cove, they invite Connor Weir over on Sunday - the closest they have to family. Geoff is on the patio making hamburgers while Chastity greets Connor. He has come alone, since Sunny neither wants to bring Bryant (toddlers can be somewhat disruptive when friends want to catch up with each other) nor to enlist a nanny's services.

The three old friends share the burgers and what they have been up to since Connor, Sunny and Bryant moved to their own place, and spend a most pleasant Sunday afternoon and evening together. I have never completely warmed to Chastity, and this hasn't changed this week, although I found playing her quite entertaining. Geoff wasn't much focused on but I always made sure he looked after his own needs and studied for his career, and it is good that he has already reached his lifetime want. It is also good that the couple are still 3-bolters in spite of Chastity now being an elderly lady. We'll revisit this household when it is Geoff's turn on the list.

The Gavigan Family: Week 2

Click here for the first week with the Gavigans.

This house at No. 1051 West Leisure Lane in Desiderata Valley is our next stop. It is the home of the Gavigans, where I last played in November 2023 - almost two years ago!

We arrive just in time on this Monday morning to witness little Joseph growing up to a toddler, helped by his Dad.

Mary gets up, feeling as if she's only gone to bed a minute ago - well, the joys of parenthood... But she, the Family Sim, loves her children dearly, even if it means to lose a few hours of sleep and not getting much time to herself, or with her husband. She dreams of six grandchildren, which was the reason for the Gavigans to have a second child - it seemed a bit unfair to leave all the responsibility for his Mum's lifetime want on their firstborn.

Here he is, Isaiah, on his way to the school bus. He used to have a different bed and bedside table, but everything from the IKEA pack has vanished from the house. This meant I had to start the week by replacing the most important items without spending too much, leaving the Gavigans with about 3,000 Simoleons in cash.

But not to worry: Nathan, who aspires to become General one day, returns from work that afternoon with a promotion to Counter Intelligence. His wage and the bonus just about make up for the money the family had to spend to replace the missing furniture.

Upstairs, the second birthday of today saw Isaiah growing up into a handsome teenager. He can now finally play with his little brother! My dice landed on Pleasure, although the young man was probably meant to be a Romance Sim - he wishes to have 50 Dream Dates, and I'll have him starting on that as soon as possible.

With her husband at work and Isaiah at school, Mary takes care of houshold matters such as paying the bills. By now, little Joseph has learned all his toddler skills and can be trusted to use the potty when he needs it, giving her a bit more time to do other things. She even manages to make phonecalls to her friends now.

Isaiah returns from school in an outfit that looks as if he's been the lead in the school's play, but this is apparently his outdoor wear now! I really must send the family to a clothes shop very soon.

Meet Flight Officer Gavigan! Another bonus means there is now a healthy 9,000 Simoleons in the bank, and Fortune Sim Nathan instantly starts rolling wants for better furniture. I still believe clothes should come first; it won't be long until the next promotion, I hope, and then some improvements can be made to the home.

First, though, Nathan needs to acquire another body point. He puts the obstacle course to good use and is later joined there by his wife, who has been wishing to get fit.

Nathan is up early on Wednesday morning and lets his wife sleep when Joseph wakes up. Finally, he can spend a bit of time with his younger son before he needs to go to work. He gives him a bath and even manages to teach him a nursery rhyme before his car pool arrives.

Mary feels much refreshed when she gets up later that morning. She potters about the house and plays with Joseph when the doorbell rings - the Travellers are here! Trisha and Trent have been friends with the Gavigans almost from the moment both families moved to The Valley, and now they have come for a surprise visit.

Trent heads straight upstairs where Joseph has just woken up from his afternoon nap. "Hello little man!" (I found that rather sweet - and it was not to give him a bath or a bottle, really just to talk!)

Shortly afterwards, Nathan returns from work. He smiles not only because he is happy to see Trisha and Trent, but also because... "Y'all can help me celebrate my promotion to Senior Officer!" he announces.

As is so often the case in my game, Thursday is one of the busiest days of the week for the family. Nathan is promoted yet again! Now Commander, he needs three more skill points for the next step on the career ladder.

Joseph's toddler days are over, and his Mum is not the only one to sigh with relief! Even though he was a good little kid, learning fast and being looked after by his Dad and big brother whenever they could, Mary will now have more time to pursue her own interests and friendships.

Isaiah makes a start on his lifetime want and asks classmate Veronica Long on a date. In his outfit, where else would he chose but Rod's Famous 50's Diner :-)

He and Veronica get along very well in spite of there not being any chemistry bolts between them, and it does not take long for Isaiah to get his first ever kiss from someone other than his parents or baby brother. Needless to say, the evening turns out a Dream Date. One down, 49 to go!

Several other playables appear at the Diner, among them Pauline Aspir, but she's on her own.

Back home, Isaiah places the roses Veronica has left for him on his new bedside table. The room has received a little makeover; gone is the deep red carpet, and at the other end of the room a second bed is set up for Joseph. (Some hours later, Veronica appears a second time and leaves a 12th Century Song Dynasty Sculped Vase, worth 4,000 Simoleons, on the porch for her Dream Date! It is put into Isaiah's backpack; it might come in useful some day when he needs money.)

After her sons have left for school and her husband for work, Mary walks to The Frippery Frock to finally do something about the family's wardrobe. She is happy to spot her best friend Sam Thomas just reaching the front door as she approaches the shop.

Mary buys outfits for everyone and changes into a cosy jumper and pair of jeans, much better suited for the chilly spring weather than her summerly dress, and then catches up with Sam. The two ladies enjoy their chat until it is time for Mary to head home; she wants to be there when her little boy returns from his first day at school.

Much earlier than expected, Nathan returns from work at the same time as Mary is back from the shop. He has a colleague in an Astronaut suit accompanying him home, and is happy to tell his wife that he has just been promoted to Astronaut - thanks to a chance card, but also because he had all the skills. After the colleague has shown Nathan how to suit up for his first mission in space, he is sent on his way.

Once the boys are both home from school, the family sit down for their first meal when all four of them can be at the table at the same time. "This calls for a celebration!" It certainly does, and all except for Joseph raise their glasses of sparkling wine.

It is already dark outside by the time Mary gets around to helping Joseph with his first homework. But he is a clever lad, and all that smart milk when he was a toddler pays off.

Nathan has the entire weekend off, and of course there is no school, either, and so the family head to Greaves Greener Gardens on Saturday. I am sure all four were included when I told them to walk there, but Mary must have decided to stay home on the last minute.

Joseph asks his big brother to swing him around.

Then Isaiah spots a girl his age by the chess tables and greets her. The crossed-out bolt stops him pursuing her any further as a potential candidate for a dream date.

Back home, Joseph "shows off" to his Dad on his own accord.

Isaiah invites class mate Lainey over and has a Dream Date with her right there and then, not for a minute bothered by his parents as well as his little brother being around. Only 48 more, and he'll be on Permanent Platinum :-D

By Sunday, Nathan has all the skills required for his next promotion and can dedicate some time to make phonecalls to his friends - as we all know, friends are just as important for our Sims' careers as skills and going to work in a good enough mood. Isaiah and Lainey are at it again while Nathan politely looks away, and before the afternoon ends, the boy has 3 Dream Dates under his belt. (By the way, while Lainey leaves roses after both dream dates, unlike Veronica, she doesn't bring anything else.)

Joseph knows few people outside his family and has been wishing to make a friend from the moment he grew up from toddler to child. When he spots Georgia Newson walking by, he runs out to greet her, and they get along fine. But she has to go home before they reach friendship status.

The week ends with Nathan making sure his younger son sleeps well. This was a great week for the family, especially once the initial financial struggle was over (not that it really was a struggle, but they had to be careful with their money).

I have a bit of a soft spot for Isaiah, and hope that Joseph will make a friend in Georgia next time I play this household (which will hopefully not take another two years in real life!).

Mary seems to have been a bit neglected this week, but now that her children don't need her all the time, she will be able to focus on her friendships and hobbies. Also, she and her husband have been rolling many romantic wishes about each other, which means I won't be worried even though I have found out that she has 3 bolts for her friend Trisha's husband, Trent Traveller.