Tifani Triumph: Architecture Years Part 5/Intelligence Years Part 3/Political Years Part 1

Last we left Janabel's family Jeremiah had grown into a child while Paul and Jill had managed a few modest promotions.  Janabel had rekindled her old fling with Neil but had also started grooming a potential new relationship, or shall we say fling.  Randy has been gone for a bit and she's ready to move on.  Not that she ever cared before anyway but you know.  I'm really 'trying' to find her softer side.  It's hard but surely there's a nugget of good in there somewhere?  Jeremiah thinks so anyway.

Yup, didn't take long before she invited him over for an afternoon whim.  And then quickly ushered him out before the family came home.  It's not cheating you know (so she told me) she's not married anymore.

While Janabel is busy making moves on the neighborhood again Paul buckled down and with a little work and a lot of luck managed to max out his career choices.

Once a great architect rises in the family, blueprints are drawn up to create safer homes for the survivors. With the construction company the architect started up, sights are set on rebuilding the community areas damaged by the catastrophe. Building supplies from other parts of the country are shipped in and distributed to those who need it. Together with the newly arrived City Planner, the region begins to make use of the quality building supplies stashed at formerly secret locations. The Architecture Restrictions are lifted.

Hello remodel!  I have obsessively waiting for this day.  New house!  Thanks Paul~

Sorry for the darkness but alas I did the remodel under cover of darkness.  Can't have the neighbors seeing everything we are doing or they will copy.  They will probably copy anyway but we were the first!  The outside makes me feel a little bit like a Bavarian ski lodge with the snow and all.  First floor has an enlarged kitchen with real counter space and an actual table, enlarged living room, nursery, master bedroom and a bathroom.  Second floor has 3 bedrooms now as well as an enhanced skilling area.  The third floor has even more skill options including the military workout inside now to help prevent from hypothermia.  Some day, some day we will have real seasons and not just a nuclear winter.

With the house upgraded it was time for Jeremiah to grow to teen.  The boy's kind of an enigma with the various influences and I worry what he will truly turn out to be like.  The idealist of his father, the dingbat of his mother and then all the is Janabel.

Forget the hideous outfit, we will come back to that check out Janabel floating in the background!

Me: Jeremiah have a minute to chat?
Jeremiah: Is it really my turn?
Me:  Yes, yes it is. 
Jeremiah:  Jana says you're crazy.
Me:  Jana has an altered sense of reality.  Focus here for me.
Jeremiah:  The list, I get a list right?
Me:  Yes.  I have your list.  But please focus.  I know you are a new teen but as the heir to this family you need to make some smart decisions.  Strategically choosing a career that you believe will best move this family, and thereby society, forward.
Jeremiah:  I won't let you down, I promise!
Me:  I trust you won't.  Hey, what's with the outfit by the way?
Jeremiah:  Alternative isn't it!  Doesn't it look amazing.
Me:  It looks something...

Jeremiah took his time and truly studied the list and discussed his options with his parents and Jana.  Ultimately he chose to go into politics.  It sorta fits I guess.  He's an idealist who has learned to appear sincere at any moment and you have to be a tad dingy to go there.

“Democracy is said to be the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried.”
The political scene is a mess, more so than it normally is. Local officials are haggling over the how and when supplies are sent to the region, while the citizens suffer. Corruption is rampant and waste is constant. The mayor has restricted the supply of building materials in an effort “conserve” them. Harsh and unreasonable property laws have been enacted. What is left of the police force seems oddly motivated to enforce this building law in particular while turning a blind eye to the looting and anarchy.

 

 Jeremiah also rekindled an old friendship with Felicia Huffman, whom he grew up with.  Things escalated quickly to best friends, to crush to first kiss to going steady.  Pretty sure he knows who hold's his future. Hope she's got what it takes to be a politician's wife.  They both have plenty of time to grow up some before we get to that step, for Pete's sake they just became teens after all.

Until next time...stay tuned for an update from the Other Houses as well.

Tifani Triumph: Architecture Years Part 4/Intelligence Years Part 2/Other Houses

 A last look back at Randy Triumph, a truly good man who loved his family, loved his wife (how I don't know) and cared about his community.

Losing Randy meant leaving the main house under the weirdness of Janabel.  Before we go there, lets check in with the rest of the family and take a look at the other houses.  I'm thinking it might soon be time for them to have their own blogs.  If you have an opinion please feel free to share in the comments.

At Samson's house we are back to Abigail and Clarence and the will he commit/won't he commit conundrum.  Oh, and they had a house makeover too, in case you notice those things.

  Needless to say Abigail was able to convince him that their love was real and they were engaged and married soon after.  It wasn't long after wedding bells rang that Abigail thought she 'might' be expecting.

Meanwhile at Delilah's house she is finally having her first child, about the same timing as a potential great niece or nephew.  No regrets, she had her fun first then settled down.  Meet Samuel, Delilah's ONLY child.

The day that Samuel grew to toddler Delilah aged to elder.  She's still rockin the pigtails like a teenie.  Samuel is loved and cared for and taught all he needs to know by his parents before growing to a child.  I had to include that picture from the roll as Delilah is hanging out sideways or something.  It made Me giggle and that's really all that matters.  Move on already!

After losing Randy, Martha knew it was more important than ever to get her and her half-siblings out on their own. They soon moved into a newly constructed, and gated, apartment complex.  Apartments are a new concept after the Apocaplyse, so we shall see how that goes.  Living so close to strangers and all.  Mary...loves it!

Mary grew up to a teenager in the new apartment while Martha met the neighbor across the hall Talin and suddenly started hearing wedding bells.  Of course she had to actually fall in love and make him fall in love as well but you know...she definitely discovered a few lightning bolts when she checked him out.

Love did happen, him first, and they were soon married.  The big picture up top, I need you to look closely.  You see Doo Rag's nose still hanging in after all these generations on Martha but check out Talin's as well.  If they have children it's like a nose of doom.  Before long Triumphant (yes that's what I named the town) will be known not for overcoming obstacles and rebuilding society but for their noses.  Noses of prominence everywhere!

So back to the main house we go, where the family is settling into their new routine without Randy around.  Baby Jeremiah had just been born and someone needed to be able to care for him.  Aganist my better judgement I had Janabel quit her job to stay home and watch the baby.  Baby's aren't that hard right?  And maybe with her it wouldn't be a gazillion bottles a day.   I was right.  I did have to force her to change him periodically but well, ya know, no one wants to do that.  Before too long Jeremiah grew into quite the cute little toddler.  This is when I started to worry...

Janabel carried it out though.  Kept him alive anyway. She did take him to potty throughout the day and started to built a relationship with the little nugget.  And with a few other people as well.

 She met a new 'friend' and I knew where this was headed.  She hasn't seen him again...yet but before long she won't have Jeremiah underfoot all day either.

She also rekindled her romance with Neil and it went exactly where we all knew it would.  She tried to tell me that she invited him over so he could get to know his son.  Until I reminded her that his son had moved out.  Then she didn't even care to lie just did what she does and told him goodbye.  Apparently times does heal all fights.





Janabel however is becoming a pretty good Jana to Jeremiah and did actually secretly work with him on his skills during the day.  She let mommy and daddy finish them so they think he's like a genius or something.  Time will tell.

Daddy hooked him up with the ability to talk and he loves his Jana.  Of course Paul and Jill think it's someone he's met, not someone in their household!  He grew up to be a pretty awesome child as well and follows his Jana around, annoying the nuggets out of her while he is at it, and is learning a lot.  Not always what he needs to learn mind you but a lot all the same.

While all this is happening Paul had a little setback at work and was demoted but soon recouped and is currently a partner in the architecture firm.  Jill is moving up as well and scored two promotions, and one demotion, dang chance cards, as well.  Before too long, maybe, there can be bigger and better houses for everyone!  As well as maids, and phone calls, and gifts and well you get the idea.  (Do you see what I did there...yup actually mentioned the careers which is really what this whole thing is about :D)

Until next time...

Tifani Triumph: Architecture Years Part 3/Intelligence Years Part 1/Other Houses

This week has been a tough on for the Almighty Ruler of Everything.  I managed to mess up the pictures, forgot what happened to whom and even managed to mix up Paul and Clarence (don't ask me how!).  But it's all sorted now.  And I'm back to worrying about Jill's fitness to handle the mantle of responsibility she has been handed by joining this family.  But I digress, let's jump in at the 'other houses' first!

At the Samson home both Samson and Kristy aged to elder.  I'm a tad worried about an end of life crisis for Kristy however, check out her interesting choice of apparel!  Meanwhile Abigail soon aged to an adult herself and has her eyes set on only one man.  She even had invited him over for her birthday so she could immediately turn on the flirt and charm.

Abigail literally turned on the charm right away!  Samson is close with his future son-in-law as well but perhaps Abigail rushed things a bit for Clarence.  Yes his name is Clarence Phillipine, but hopefully we can adjust that a bit to Triumph.

Why yes he did turn down her offer of engagement. Too soon, too fast he claimed.  He did agree to move in so there is potential there.  We'll have to wait for next time to find out how their romance blossoms...

Meanwhile at Delilah's house she's fallen a bit into her sister's trap.  Dang romance sim wants and whatnot.  Her and Brandon both fear engagement, which is fine for Delilah as she's sorta kinda fallin' in lust with one of his co-workers and very good friends Amin.  She also met Kennedy at the mailbox and might also have fallin' a bit in lust with him too.  It wasn't long before there were affairs to be had and secrets to keep.

 

I could not, in good conscience allow her to truly follow in her sister's footsteps however and did not 'force' her to get pregnant. The big diffrence, Delilah felt remorseful that she had cheated.  I think for her it's more needing to be secure that Brandon is the one for sure and getting a few romantic wild hares loosened.  She actually loves her intended, she's just terrified of settling down.  However, it wasn't long before neither of them had a fear of engagement and boom they got engaged!

And look, they are even both happy about it!  Time to seal the deal and the future.  Baby and marriage, in just that order.  However they both had some regrets about tying the knot.  No fears before had but serious regrets afterward.

Yes, a tiny baby bump at the kitchen wedding!

Ok, back at the Apocaplyse house.  And yes, I'm telling your ahead of time we will not be discussing Architecture...again.

Paul apparently explained Me to Jill but I'm still not sure that she's got superior intelligence genetics to pass on toward future generations.  However, she does have a better nose.  The two of them have a quick wedding in her underwear and get on to the business of living.

Good Gravy that nose lives on!

Before long Jill is expecting their first child and Paul is over the moon.  (His lifetime want:  marry of 6 kids.)

During all the excitement Martha grows up to an adult and immediately has a conversation with dad about her desire to move out.  She just can't take it anymore with Janabel and wants to take her brother and sister with her as well.  Needless to say the conversation broke Randy's heart.

 That same day, before the grandchild that Randy has longed for can be born, he discovers that his date with Grim has arrived.  The entire household loses it.  He was the only tether to normalcy with Janabel still around.  And of course Martha blames herself.

Do you see that pout!?!

 I have a feeling that despite her lack of apparent intelligence, Jill will make a good Momma.  Here she is comforting Mary over the loss of the only parent she truly knows and felt loved by.





 The next day the much anticipated,by all but one person in the household, addition to the family arrives and secures yet another generation for the future.

Meet Jeremiah.  Why yes, yes he was born in the kitchen. Beats the bathroom any day in my book with this family's history.Once Jill got him settled into the nursery, after a bottle or two of course, she summoned me for a conversation.

Jill:  Hey, um Fizzy?
Me:  Yes dear?
Jill:  Sorry I was so off the other day.  Paul said he didn't think it would happen that fast and didn't tell me everything.  I almost throttled him, I was so concerned that I'd flipped a bend or something.
Me:  No worries Hun.  Have you made any decisions?
Jill:  Yes.  I'm truly not set on a career in culinary.  It is something I enjoy and am passionate about as a hobby, but I'm also open to other opportunities.  Having looked at everything you have given me I think I'd like to persue a future in Intelligence.
Me:  *wipes my sip of coffee of the screen* Intelligence? Your certain?
Jill:  Absolutely.  It appears to provide a variety of opportunities for me to explore and expand boundaries but also has opportunities that will better the community as well.  Randy is going to go with me after work to apply.
Me:  *still agage, a bit, a lot, or totally confused*  I wish you the best of  luck.

"Trust no one."
The entire region is devastated. Zombies, bandits, motorcycle gangs, and other horrors roam the land, mercilessly taking from those that try to rebuild. Locked behind closed doors and barred windows, many pray that the evils roaming the wastes never find them. When something starts banging at the door and eerie shadows loom through windows, terror grips the heart. Is that a call for help? Is someone begging for their life, hoping, praying that someone will save them? Or worse? Could it be a group of bandits, waiting for someone to unlock that door so they can break in and take whatever they please? Everyone's afraid of what's waiting for them outside. People have no choice but to make do with the limited goods provided by the only trusted supplier in the region. People sit and hope, waiting for the day when they can trust again. No one asks questions and no one exchanges packages. Sims do not venture from their homes without an escort, except to go to work or school.

Once the dust settles Martha realizes that guilt gets you nowhere fast she decides to move out taking her brother and sister with her.  Leaving Paul and Jill alone with Janabel and a new baby.  May not be the kindest choice but most likely the smartest choice.

Before we go a look back on the life of Randy 'Flattop' Triumph.  He loved Janabel with all his heart, despite everything she wasn't for him.  He worked hard to reach the pinnacle of the Business career expanding opportunities for all sims.   He raised his family, loved all the children in his home.  Randy, despite his oddness, was a good man.  A good sim.  May he be remembered fondly by all who loved him and may be rest in peace and content away from this world and the tribulations he faced.

Tifani Triumph: Architecture Years Part 2/The Other Houses

For the record I'm still a bit torn in not considering Flattop's feelings when I was finding ways to mess with Janabel.  I mean, really, did anyone think it was possible for someone to remain in love with her?  I sure didn't.  I figured once the glam wore off I'd be begging him to stay. 
Before we dive into the chaos that is Janabel lets take a quick peak at what her brother and sister have been up to this last week.  I'm a terrible Ruler and didn't really get any good pictures this week.  Delilah has decided to move into her own place with Kiltie (ok Brandon if you must know) and start her own life.  They are both fearful of getting engaged to each other so for now I'm going to let them be.  Just working on making a life and careers and friends.  Abigail has decided that she wants to follow in her Grandmother's footprints and is going into Law Enforcement.  That's about it for them.  Two additional houses for a bit more security for everyone in the neighborhood.

However, at the Apocalypse house there were pictures and events and oh so much to talk about.

Obviously, baby Mary is not Randy's child.  Not sure how she is going to try and pass off this one.  Or will she even try?  I'm not so sure that Janabel even cares if Randy knows as she didn't even try to make it seem like this pregnancy was his.  Of course, born outside I was terrified that Janabel was going to ditch her in the snow and go on her merry way to find her next conquest.  I was happily surprised though that she did carry the baby inside before laying her aside.
Needless to say the entire family, except Janabel, ran around to hold the baby and feed her at least a million or so bottles before her birthday.  Janabel aged to Elder (dang no more oops babies!) and Mary to toddler on the same day.

You have to give props to Randy.  He knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Mary is not and could not be his child.  But he loves her as his own and as any good Daddy works to teach her to walk and talk, and does most of the potty training.  (On a side not please look at Martha in that picture.  We are 5 generations in and still with the Doo Rag nose.  Does it EVER breed out?)  Two days after the big birthday (no more babies for Janabel which I'm certain of she is ecstatic) the boys grow up as well.

Peter is an adult now and has already set his love goggles on someone whom he had previously been very close with.  Unable to pursue his romantic ambitions then due to their age differences it is the only thing on his mind now...love.  Paul on the other hand is just excited to have more opportunities to cultivate his own future.  And days closer to being able to move out on his own as well.
The very next day Mary aged up to child with a good set of toddler skills under her belt and a glint of eager mischief in her eyes.

Paul, while he is happy for his sister, I think is a bit more excited about not having any little ones in the house for now.  He has time to convince Jill that a younger guy is the best romantic option.

Just for giggles check out the bottom center picture.  Why yes that is a yawn that Jill is trying to stifle.  Apparently while one doesn't typically get engaged every day it's not necessarily the big exciting event the rest of us think it is?  I guess I'll give her a couple of days for the excitement to wear off before I have a chat about her career choices.

 Me: Hey Jill, have a minute to chat?

Jill:  Um...

Me:  Sorry, guess Paul hasn't had time to tell you about me yet, what with your whirlwind romance at all.  Congratulations by the way, I'm sure getting engaged is super exciting!  Anyway, I am the Almighty Ruler of Everything but most everyone just calls me Fizzy. I'm here to help you along the way and make sure the needs of the family and by extension the greater good are met. 

Jill: Hi?

Me:  Hi!  Let's just say as you get to know your Mother in Law better you may find more need of Me.  But let's get down to necessary business.  I see you are currently perusing a future in the culinary career.  I'm hoping you aren't too attached to that decision.

Jill:  Huh?

Me:  Woman of few words I see.  Let's keep on track here.  Let's refresh.  You Jill.  Me Fizzy.  Got that?

Jill:  *Stares at me like I have two heads.*

Me: I will just have to assume so.  Here's the deal.  Your current chosen career of culinary has already been done. Old news you could say.  I have a list of approved careers for you to consider.  Take your time.  Talk it over with Paul if you want.  Just get back to me about which career you think you want to pursue.  Good talk. *goes to check the mirror for possible additional head growth*

Moments later I can hear her talking to Paul about this weird dream she just had.  Hopefully he has sense enough to set her straight.  I'm not so certain she's a good choice for genetics.  She's cute and all but a little light in intelligence perhaps?

Until next time...

Tifani Triumph: Architecture Years Part 1/The Other House

 Before we jump back to the main house just a tiny update from the Other House.

 Delilah has met Brandon Lillard and they are working their way quickly into a potential future.  I kinda had to creep through the window, most due to laziness of not wanting to try and rotate the view around and I thought it gave an interesting picture.  Samson and Kristy have both maxed out their career choices, though remember their choices do not count to the ultimate goal so there is no 'unlocking'.  Samson decided to invite the family over for dinner so that his daughter could meet his sister and her family.  All in all the evening went OK and Abigail enjoyed playing with her cousin Martha.  Abigail also grew to a teen and did quite well for herself.  She rolled as a family Sim which only makes sense with the loving household she grew up in with her parents and Aunt.

Meanwhile...back at the main house.



 Baby Peter grew into a precious toddler. Older brother Paul took to him instantly...maybe something to do with Janabel handing him off to Paul at birth so she could go back to bed. Peter worked with Paul to get him potty trained and learning to walk.  He didn't get all his toddler skills but hey, in the hands of a teenager and a step-dad he did pretty well.

 Randy does love Peter.  He spends as much time as he can with him.








Before long though Janabel is bored again...

 Yeah, you totally know where this is heading.

 The same day that Janabel discovers for certain that she is pregnant Randy, Martha and Peter all celebrate their birthdays.  

 Did anyone else noticed that when Randy was aging Janabel was caught in the door, like literally hanging out inside the actual door?

Janabel:  FIZZY!
Me:  *mute*
Janabel:  I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME!
Me:  *hmm, wonder what Peter is up to.*
Janabel:  YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH.
Me:  *I think I need more tea.*

 Do you ever just get tired of being yelled at?  Not listened to?  Yea, me too.  I'm kinda over Janabel and her treats 'you don't know who you are dealing with' stuff.  I think it's the other way around toots, sorry.  I ultimately have the power.  I mean seriously preggers with baby 4 with 3 different men - only one you are married to?  Who trumps who here?  Thought so.  Poor Randy though, the moods swings on are wearing him down.

Randy:  Fizz, can we talk?
Me:  Sure hun, what's up?
Randy:  Could you please stop torturing Janabel?
Me:  Please define torture.
Randy:  Fizzy, you know exactly what I mean.  She is getting completely impossible to live with.  I have bigger issues than to listen to her go on and on about you and what you are doing and well you hear it.
Me:  Honestly, I've kinda had her on mute.  Sorry that it's causing you so much grief but she has to live with her choices, not blame me for them.
Randy:  That's just it but I have to live with those choices and your reactions to them as well.  Could you just cut her a little compassion?  For me?
Me:  Oh sweet Fla-Randy.
Randy:  Just tell me, what did you really do with her birth control?  She's adamant that you have done something.   Please, don't tease about it.
Me:  Oh Randy.  Truth?  I switched it out for something else.  I had to at first to ensure that there was an heir.  But she made life so difficult that I chose not to give it back. 
Randy:  You realize that by choosing to play games with Janabel you have also played games with me?  I know the truth. I know that Peter and the new baby aren't mine.  We've barely even spoken in ages, much less anything else.  I know she tried to create the illusion that Peter is mine but I can do basic math.  I know she is cheating, though you know she would deny it all.  But here's the thing.  By taking her birth control you have also condemned me to live with the effects of her choices.  Do you know what it is like to care for and love a child you know isn't yours?  And not only isn't yours but that it's own mother won't care for it?  Is your choice fair to any of us?
Me:  I'm sorry Randy.  I didn't know she was going to do the things she did.  And I didn't know it was going to fall on you or I would have done things differently.

Thanks Flattop for making me feel a total toad nugget.  I just can't right now.  Ugh.  Later Ya'lls.