Tifani Triumph: Education Years Part 6/Science Years Part 1

Felicia is one promotion, yes just one, away from the top.  She's got the skills, she's got the friends, she just needs to make it happen already!  The twins are about to age to adult and will soon find their own places in the world and little Charles is about to become a teen and face the decision all heir's before him have...what career is his destiny?

Day One and she's off to work.  All the home Sims are busy ensuring that no friendship is lost through the work day.  This HAS to happen.  I will NOT be a failure!  Gah, I never knew that a work day could feel soooo long.  But she's home.  And...

The Sim who becomes an Education Minister rebuilds the region’s educational system, and even restores the old college back to its former glory. The Education restrictions are lifted.

She did it!  Now that Education is lifted the kiddos can go to school!  This is important is as it will prevent parents from losing jobs when someone has to stay home with the kidlets.  Once vacation time was usable it made it easier but now it's better.  Get those monkeys an education.  And college, yes college! 

That same night, before the girls could age to adult the very next day I decided they were going to be off to college!  A few scholarships apiece, I wasn't planning ahead for this so they didn't work the skills like they should have, and out the door they went.

 Look at little Charles catching the school bus for the first time!  He won't be that happy when he gets home let me tell ya.  However, it has a certain Forest Gump feel to it as well.  I don't know, just the mental image I had when I watched him off to school for the first time.

The next day would have been the twins aging to adult, however they are safely off at college to experience Young Adult for the first time since Tifani, and Charles to teen.  His birthday went off without a hitch.

Of course the time came to sit down and have a career chat with our heir.  However, before we could accomplish that the little twit decided to sneak out with his friend.  And got caught.

I can hear Jeremiah lecturing Charles now about how when you are the Mayor's child you are held to higher expectations and what it would look like if this ever got out. I'm sure there was a line about 'did you even think?' in there somewhere.  And how lucky he was that the police who brought him home were willing to let it go, this time.  Think about your future!  I'm sure that was in there as well.

The same day, partly to prove a point while Charles was overly exhausted from no sleep before school, I sat him down for the career talk.

Me:  So, Charles, we need to talk.
Charles:  Now?  I'd like a nap.  Dad was pretty ruthless this morning, I get it OK?
Me:  Not about the stunt you pulled Charles, about your future.
Charles: Dad did that speech too.  I get it OK?
Me:  Poor nugget, you do need sleep.  Slow down and listen.  It's time for you to decide your future, which will decide the future of your community and future generations.  This is the day I give you the list of available careers.  You know, and you pick one?  That's today.  Today you have to look at career options.  Today you need to decided your future.  And now that future includes the opportunity to go to college you have to decide that too.  I know you are tired and I know that none of this went into your brain.  Take this list. Read it.  Talk to Mom and Dad.  Make a decision and let me know.
 Charles: Sure.  OK.  Can I take a nap now?

It took him a couple of days to get his act together, get caught up on sleep but then trotted downtown and secured his career.

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” -Arthur C. Clark

Without the flawless power grid and advanced electronics companies of modern day, the high tech gizmos that were once relied upon have slipped out of the population’s reach again. Technology has taken a step backwards.

 Toward the end of the week Felicia was surprised, as was I, by a date with Grimmy.  How did she get that old so quickly?  She just turned elder.  She literally JUST finished her career!  How did this happen?

Felicia was a good choice in wife for Jeremiah.  She supported him on the campaign trail.  She loved him without hesitation.  She raised 3 amazing children who will benefit from an Education that has previously been unattainable.  She provided Educational options for all current and future children of the Apocalypse.

The very next day Jeremiah made the decision to retire as Mayor.  He felt like it was time to allow more options and hopefully future growth for all sims.  He didn't want to leave the government in a lurch of he were to suddenly pass.  And it gave him more time for his remaining son.

Tifani Triumph: Education Years Part 5

Thank goodness the heir is born and growing up so fast it's almost like I can relax.  But I was wrong!  Felicia needs to get her act together and get this Education think unlocked so that future generations can benefit from an actual education.  And, so that I'm not a Ruler failure.  Even Tiffani, in all her chaos and ZERO comforts of civilization managed to get it all done for tomato's sake.  What is Felicia's problem?

Oh yeah, silly goose can't seem to get enough friends.  Well, and let's face it some cleaning skill would come in handy as well.  Oh, for giggles see that fear of having a baby there?  She's 1 day from Elder, it's not remotely gonna happen.  So I can be assured I can avoid THAT fear!

First things first, friends.  The children, either because they love their Mom or because their parents made them koolaide not sure which, hit the street to find new friends.  Three kids, three friends.  Right?  Sorta.  Charles pegged someone that was already friendly with someone else.  That's OK.  I mean there's still skills to get as well.  Felicia, go clean every possible clean-needing thing in the house.  Pronto!  And when done get thee to the bookcase.  This is happening!

While friending and skilling were going on Charles and Felicia's birthday rolled around.  Time is running short and there's still promotions to get woman!

Charles is finally getting with the program and grew up right on time.  Felicia however... She ate dinner, she cleaned up dinner, she ran potty and then went to bed.  Wait, bells forgot to age.  Get out of bed and woot, old age is your new look!  And speaking of new look, not so sure she's firing all cylinders anymore.

Still the skirt though no longer green (unlike Jeremiah's head gear thing) but that shirt?!?  Remember Kristy?  Not quite as bad but yikes!  Not flattering on an elder.

Meanwhile on the job front, I mean that is our ticking time bomb after all, there was a promotion.  But that meant more skills and more friends.  Back to the grindstone, work those phones!  Work that sidewalk!  Friends for everyone!  Not you Felicia, hit the bookcase already!  Felicia is one promotion, yes One - 1 - Uno whatever you wanna call it, from maxing her career.  And...the weekend.  No work.  No promotion.  And the end of our week.  This woman is killin' me!  However, friends in place as well as skills.  There is no reason she should not go to work on Monday and get that promotion.  Toes crossed.

Tifani Triumph: Education Years Part 4

Last we left the main house Felicia was ready to pop anytime with the new baby.  She's still needing a few friends for her promotions and I'm getting worried that Education may not be unlocked.  Not that she's not got plenty of time but dang babies and making friends don't really go together too well.  And Jeremiah has been Mayor for a while.  Thinking about a career change for him just to fulfill his actual lifetime want but alas, no decisions have been made there yet either.  The most pressing need to know is the heir however.

And settle in for a wait.  I 'thought' that baby would come anytime, like literally any minute.  I was very wrong.  The twins grew up to teens before baby ever made an appearance.

Am I crazy or does Jana look a LOT like her Great Grandmother Janabel? I mean change the obvious difference in hair color and slightly in the nose.  Even the clothing choices are pretty striking in my opinion.

One thing about these two is while they are twins, they are as different as night and day.  Jana is laid back, fun-loving and sweet.  Belle is yet another chronically unhappy, uptight but still sweet.  OK, maybe they are a little bit alike.  Since neither is slated to become heir they are free to pursue whatever dreams they may have...within reason.  Belle's desire to marry of 6 children could be the death sentence on my teetering sanity.

Later that same night the heir was born.  Yes, heir.  Spoiler.  Only 1 baby!

Meet baby Charles!  He's a little cutie, I know you can't tell from these photos but trust me, serious cuteness!  (Grits I may be channeling The Maker again.)

It is time to get down to business. Felicia needs friends and needs them yesterday.  She's working the phone, the girls are working the street (ok that did NOT sound right but geez, the walkers.  Again!  The people that walk by the house.) and Felicia finally gets that promotion to high school principal.  Only a few more to go!

While Felicia is focused on promotions little Charles is getting ready to grow up to toddler.  And, much like his looong anticipated birth so goes his birthday.  1 hours after he was set to grow up he finally aged.

And while Felicia still quests for friends, and a few skills, Charles is loved and learning those most important toddler skills.

And yes, before you say anything he is learning to walk in the bathroom.  He is a Triumph after all.

Before the week ended Jeremiah grew to elder. When we return Felicia will be right on his heels.  And, her career is still not unlocked.  And, I'm really worried about that one.  And Charles will grow to child.  But, there's still that career to be worried about.  And here's a birthday picture of Jeremiah.

Don't ask me why he chose to grow up in the nursery...I haven't the faintest clue what this man is doing at times.  I know he wasn't working on making friends to help his wife.  That is all.

Tifani Triumph: Education Years Part 3

Jana and Belle are now children and ready to really start coming into their own.  And they will have to as an heir must still be born.  While stilling getting the Education career unlocked.  A lot to do, hopefully enough time to do it.

With the progress of last week this week was much slower.  Like so slow that I almost feel like I am wasting everyone's time writing about it.  With Jana and Belle as children now there's not a ton of parental oversight or maintenance needed.  They kinda just float around doing their own thing with a bit of direction from me in order to get a few skills under their belt.

Jeremiah has maxed his career, I've toyed with the idea of letting him change careers to the one his actual lifetime want desires.  However, it hasn't come up in the paper yet and I'm not keen on sending him downtown to apply for a new job.  So he hasn't done that yet.  He wants to be The Law.  A good swing career from a life in politics though. 

Felicia is slowly, VERY slowly working her way up the Education career.  She's doing OK with skills, much like Jill it's the friends that are lacking.  She came into the household knowing so very few people.  And with their high social bar filled almost always it makes it hard to develop friendships.  She's stagnated at Guest Lecturer at the University for now due to a desperate need for friends.  Perhaps the girls should be working the street like their namesake before them.  And their Grandma Jill.  And...you get the picture.

However, there's still the need for an heir to contend with...begrudgingly at least by me.  Abigail has seriously babied me out.

 We should return next just in time for A baby to be born.  There's not a lot of substance this week and for that I apologize.  However, I am loathe to give them 'extra' time in my rotation as generationally thinks are starting to get skewed.  (Jeremiah is the same generation as Samuel's new twins if that gives you any indicator of skewed.)

Tifani Triumph: Education Years Part 2

Jeremiah has become the Mayor, Felicia is expecting their first (and hopefully only) child, and Paul has passed away.  It was a busy week for certain.  And there is only more to come.  Let's dive in!

It wasn't moments after dropping back into the house that the magical moment came and Felicia went into labor.

Baby Jana was born and immediately handed over to Jeremiah because...yup they despise me too...

There's ANOTHER baby on the way.  Twins.  Why?  For the love of all that is ooey gooey  and cheesy why twins!

Moments later baby Belle joins the family as well.  Paul, I believe, would have been in heaven.  However, I don't think these two realize what this means.  While Jana and Belle are sweet and cute and annoying and really do not need that millionth bottle Jill, they cannot be heir.  And that means another flippin' baby.  Thanks guys.  Seriously Jill, she doesn't want another bottle yet!

Before the girls grow up to toddler Jill's date with Grimmy sneaks in while she is preparing dinner.  Jill was a friend to Paul while he was growing up.  Paul set his sights on her and once he hit adulthood the proposal was swift, yet meaningful, and they began their lifetime of love.  I had serious concerns about Jill and the obvious lack of basic intelligence when we first spoke and became even more concerned when she chose to pursue the Intelligence career.  However, what she had in confusion in the beginning she more than made up for with compassion, love, and a drive to be her best.  Jill was a good sister in law to Paul's siblings, a good wife to Paul and a good mother to Jeremiah.  She exceeded perceived expectations and excelled in the Intelligence career despite a small setback due to Janabel's passing.  She carried herself with dignity, grace, and love for those around her.  Jill missed Paul after his passing but threw herself into the love for her grand-babies.  She will be missed by everyone.

The night of her passing Paul's ghost came for one of his visit's, probably to see babies since that was his lifelong obsession, and mourned over Jill's passing.  Not sure why as now their ghostly selves are back together as in life but it was cute to see that even ghosts can mourn.

With Jill's passing we have a small conundrum.  Jill had chosen to start her career once the babies came and Jill was being the perfect doting Grandma to them while the 'kids' were off to work.  With Jill passing the day before toddler-hood there was a serious lack of childcare in the house.  Oh wait..thank you again Jeremiah for allowing all Sims to use accumulated vacation time or even call in sick.  So, mom and dad took turns throughout their toddler-hood and I will assume into their childhood as well.  Jill, when she needs skilling time for a promotion will stay home on days Jeremiah works.  Otherwise Jeremiah will stay home as he's garnered vacation time and has already maxed his career.

Before long Jana and Belle's toddler birthday arrived. And as toddler's Mom and Dad worked hard with both girls to max out their skills.  Both girls learned to walk, talk and potty trained.  I have to be honest though.  I missed an adorable photo op of the two playing tug of war with a bottle, OK knowing toddlers more like fighting but still, however the nursery was too tiny for the right angle and they had stopped before I had a chance to pause.  Trust me though, totally cute!

As the girls age closer to child I move closer to knowing that an actual heir must be born, with dread.  However, it seems as I am not the only one with this sentiment as Felicia suddenly has developed a fear of having a baby.  Sorry toots, ya'll brought this on yourselves...and me.  Your lucky I'm being so nice right now!

Before moving on to more birthday pictures I should acknowledge that Felicia has made some strides in her chosen career and has moved up to high school teacher.  With the need for another child she also has no worries about losing her job due to taking the required time off.  There, see how I actually mentioned the only career being worked on right now?  Doesn't make up for having to have another kidlet though...

Until next time....

Tifani Triumph: Political Years Part 4/Education Years Part 1

Last we left Jeremiah and Felicia had taken the plunge and married.  Paul and Jill are more than ready to hand things off to the next generation though all Paul cares about is Grand-babies.  It's time to sit down with Felicia and find her direction for the future. And I think Jeremiah has been working on some ideas for his political platform...let's hope there's not a lot of Janabel influence carrying over there.  Let's jump in shall we?

First things first, a conversation with Felicia is in order.  That she understands the importance of her role for the community and the value she has for the future of this family.  And please for the love of hash browns let Jeremiah have prepared her for this.

Me: Felicia, have a moment to chat?
Felicia:  Almighty Ruler?  Really, you are going to talk to me?
Me:  Call me Fizzy.  So, I've never really had to include this into my conversations before but well, things have definitely changed.  You know that an heir is required correct?
Felicia:  Of course!  Jeremiah and I can't wait to start a family together!
Me:  Enthusiastic much?
Felicia:  I love him, and I want to have a family with him.  And face it, a family will help with his political career as well.  I'm not a total ditz-bag.  I do understand the importance of family and background to politics.
Me:  And a climber.  Wish I could say good talk but there's mor...
Felicia:  I know.  I have to chose a career.  Jeremiah prepared me for this!  I know there's a list.  But I also know the importance of choosing something that will benefit Jeremiah as well.  I know, I know future generations and all that stuff but honestly, Jeremiah has such plans that will benefit future generations and I need to do something that will benefit that plan.  List please?
Me:  Here ya go.  Good talk.

Have to tell you, never saw that coming.  She appears meek and mild.  Seriously, like Little House on the Prairie mild mannered.  Not Real Housewives crazy.  Can't wait to see what career she chooses, there's not a lot of choices left in this tier.  And of course, which one will best benefit Jeremiah?

Meanwhile...

Jeremiah: Fizzy, I need your help.
Me:  Really?  What's up?
Jeremiah:  With Jana gone it's hard to really develop my platform and the Mayorship is up for election this cycle.  It's the pinacle.  Everything I have worked for.  Can you look over my ideas?  Felicia loves everything and Mom and Dad don't get it.  They are too old fashioned.
Me:  Sure.  What do you have prepared?
Jeremiah:  I've got it all written out for you.  Just look it over, any advice is appreciated.

Me:  Jeremiah, got a moment?
Jeremiah:  Absolutely!  Did you get a chance to read it?  What did you think?
Me:  Well, it's a lot of good ideas.  It's obvious you thought them through and have a vision for the future.  But..
Jeremiah:  I did put a lot of thought into it.  Jana taught me so much.  She gave me so many ideas and thoughts and...You said but.
Me:  They are great ideas.  There is a lot of thought.  But it's also not relate-able to most of the population.  Janabel did give you a lot of opportunities.  Opportunities that most of the population does not have access too.  Your platform is not relate-able only in the sense that, the language you chose to use is not understandable to the average Sim.  And...
Jeremiah:  That's OK though.  This proposal is for the Party Committee, and I won't hand them this paper, I'll explain it.  And then I will make it relate-able to all the Sims on the campaign trail.  And best of all, Felicia has decided to go into education for her career.  She is going to work hard toward providing opportunities for all Sims to have the ability to go to school and further themselves beyond the basics.
Me:  That's great!  I know that the future is something that both of you are passionate about.  However, and I realize that your means of doing amazing campaign graphics is limited but seriously SAP?  You can do better than that.
Jeremiah:  I'm sure that party will have ideas and someone.  I'm not an artist, and neither is Felicia.  But they will.  But the ideas?  Are the ideas good?  Are they good for our future?
Me:  They are good.  They are worthy, important ideas.  They just need to be made relate-able.  Work on that ok?

All the major school systems are in ruins. Education has all but gone from the region. All that remains is a small gathering of teachers in a safe house to teach younger Sims the basics.

 While Jill has made her choice she has also decided to postpone starting until after the requisite heir is born.

Jeremiah hit the campaign trail with better graphics, better grasp of understanding of how to relate to the people, and having a pregnant wife at his side didn't hurt a bit.

After a great political leader emerges from the family and takes over the office of Mayor, political corruption is cleaned up. Building supplies from other parts of the country are shipped in and distributed to those who need it. The corrupt ‘housing permit’ laws are repealed. The prestige and notoriety gained by the family allows them to sway the actions others, who see everybody from the family as a leader. The Political restrictions are lifted.

There is so much to be grateful for this week in the main house.  Jeremiah wins the Election unlocking the Politics career for future generations, Felicia is expecting their first (and for the love of grits) only child, and has chosen a future in education.  Jill is content to continue working every day.  Paul can only mutter and think about grand-babies.  But he doesn't quite make it long enough to meet his first (and please mashed potatoes only) grandchild due to a date with Grimmy.

Paul was 5th Generation Post Apocalypse heir. Oldest child of Janabel and Randy he set his sights to be as little like his mother as possible.  He met and married Jill, the love of his life.  He also chose to pursue a dream of Architecture in order to provide better shelter for all citizens.  And with better shelter truly came better security.  He provided opportunities to upgrade and enlarge the original house.  He loved his family, he loved his community and he loved his chosen career.  He was a good, if not somewhat retiring, man who will be missed.

Grimmy is really starting to get on my nerves.  I feel like he is coming to visit somewhere to someone every week.  It's hard to say goodbye but it's important to continue moving forward.  The fate of all Simitizens depends on it. Until next time...and a check in with the other houses as well.