Julien Cooke: Week 1

The next name on my alphabetical list is Cooke, also in Desiderata Valley. When I set up New Maximiliania many years ago, I think I gave Julien Cooke this house, too.

It is one of those houses that look as if they have an upper floor but only have a playable ground floor. Still, the place is generous for a single Sim like Julien. 

It comes with some very basic furniture such as the cheapest bed and sofa, but a surprisingly expensive fridge and good toilet. As you can see, it is sparse, but Julien does not need much to begin with. He has still nearly 9,000 Simoleons left after buying the house and can well afford a better bed, shower, desk with chair (for Mr. Humble's computer) and more dining chairs. After that, he still has over 4,000 Simoleons on this Monday, the day of his move-in. 

Here he is, Julien Cooke. His Maxis-written biographies are nearly the same for his household and him personally: "After having his potentially prize-winning recipe stolen by his rival, Zebest Quizine, Julien decided to cut his ties and find a new place to create culinary delights." But we find Julien now dreams of a career in sports and sees himself as future Hall of Famer - nothing to do anymore with his culinary endeavours. His current job is Fast Food Shift Manager, and I have him quit that immediately. By the way, he only has 4 cooking skill points and not much else. His aspiration is Popularity, and he promptly wishes to make friends with some of the Sims he has already met, such as Edward Contrary. 

But first, the welcome committee arrive and want to be fed. Julien sits down for home-made hamburgers with Cyd Roseland, Natasha Una and Mary Gavigan. He tells his guests that sometimes life's road has twists and turns, such as his own experience (referring to his bio). 

Just before sunset, the phone rings and Nathan Gavigan asks Julien to an outing downtown. He and his guests bundle into the taxi and arrive at Cold Issue Clothing soon afterwards. 

Inside, Julien catches the eye of a diva, but since there are only two bolts between them, I won't allow her interest to go any further. 

Several Sims find their way out back, and Julien greets two neighbours he has not met before: Priya Ramaswami and Jessica Picaso. 

Do you see what I see? Does Nathan have the hots for Priya, and is he making her a sign to give him a call, behind his wife's back - who in turn seems to find Julien very attractive?! Never mind - Julien is tired and needs to get back home, because he has already found a job in the Athletic career and will start tomorrow as a Mascot. 

The most noteworthy thing happening on Tuesday is Julien's promotion to Minor Leaguer. Luckily, he had to wear the Llama mascot costume only for one day. 

Some skilling is in order, and when to do it better than before work, as on this Wednesday morning. 

His efforts pay off when he returns from work with a promotion to Rookie. The townie colleague is soon sent home. 

Julien wishes to serve a meal and be friends with Cyd Roseland. He invites Nathan Gavigan (who he is already friends with) and his wife Mary over, as well as Cyd. Everybody enjoys his Mac & Cheese and the conversation. 

On Thursday morning, the paper boy can't place Julien's paper near the door because a stray dog has dug a hole in the ground right in front of it.

Julien does not have time to fill the hole in before work if he wants to be on time, and is promptly rewarded with yet another promotion: He is now a Starter.

This calls of course for a celebration, and so the Gavigans and Cyd share yet another meal with Julien.

He still needs another body skill point and spends the remainder of the evening doing yoga. 

All of Friday, Julien is at work. By the time he gets home, makes a few phone calls, does the crossword and acquires a charisma skill, it is rather late. He finally goes for a run, and it is almost midnight when he returns, totally exhausted. Well, Julien, one does not become Hall of Famer from nothing. 

It rains on Friday afternoon when the team bus drops Julien off in front of his house, but he smiles nonetheless: Meet Desiderata Valley's latest All Star! 

The previously empty small room in the corner between bathroom and kitchen is turned into his personal fitness room now, and Julien spends most of the evening practicing his kicks and punches.

Many Sims don't work on Sunday, but for Julien, the team bus comes to pick him up at 8:00 just like the other days. When he returns, he spots Christian Love walking by and welcomes him. "I am throwing a party for my friends tonight - please stay and get to know them," he says. 

The Gavigans, Cyd Roseland and the Contrarys are all here.

Julien reverts to his former self for a moment when he produces a fancy meal of Crêpes Suzettes for his guests. 

He has bought a stereo for the occasion, and especially the Contrarys rule the dance floor with some great moves - who would have thought! 

When everybody leaves, there is a lot to clean up for Julien, but he doesn't mind - it was well worth it. 

We will certainly Julien when it is time to play the Gavigans, but it'll be a while before we'll find out how long it will take him to reach his lifetime want and whether he is going to find a romantic interest.