The Kryten and Kochanski Families - Round 1

Well, as you can see the week started out badly, and somehow didn't get much better, at least on a personal level. Incidentally, my name's Ian Kryten, and I've moved to Prosperton for a fresh start after my wife died in a freak accident. She was doing well in her chosen career, Natural Science, but that went horribly wrong when she was eaten by her own experiment; some kind of weird hybrid of a cow and a plant. It's terrible what Scientists can do now. I mean, who in their right mind would want to cross-breed plant and animal lifeforms? Still, Eunice payed the price!

She left me with two small sons to raise, and not a simolean in death insurance. It seemed the company had not formally sanctioned her research in writing, although they knew what was going on. I mean, Eunice had received millions in research grants, and big name Corporations don't give away that kind of money without some knowledge of what their investment is being used for. I kicked up a fuss, and contacted the papers, but it's obvious I'll never get justice or a simolean in reparation for her death.

Here's my baby boy, Louis,although he's getting big now. I didn't have a clue about potty training, or anything like that. Eunice had always hired the best nannies for our boys, which just left me to play the odd game of wobbly wabbit head, and kiss them before bed!

This is Robbie, who looks just like his Mother. It's painful to watch him sometimes, as he reminds me so much of her! I wish I could find someone to take my mind of it, but it's all too fresh in my memory at the moment. I hope to eventually move on with my life, but not yet; I still haven't been able to forget her!

The local nanny I hired was a great help, in fact she stays after work to have a meal and socialise. I was wary at leaving the boys at first. I'd heard some horror stories about nannies, but Calista was a godsend. And she could cook, something I have yet to master. It meant I could spend time working or training the kids without worrying, although the I've found the whole situation very draining, both emotionally and physically. As you can see, I am not a happy bunny, although I avoided a total breakdown. Incidentally, I have a new job in the military. Early starts, but it means I have my afternoons free for the boys.

Louis is turning into quite a little character, and can twist Calista round his little finger. He even used his influence to get her to garden the other day. She's a sucker where he's concerned.

He grew up well, although I hardly noticed it happening. One minute he was learning to use the potty, the next he was asking for homework help. Exhaustion can do that to you!

I felt really sorry, after all Calista had made us a meal and all, but I could hardly keep my eyes open. Poor Louis, some birthday that was! I promise things will get better now he's more able to take care of himself.

Even Calista is disgusted with my behaviour, and she's a hard woman to disgust. I mean the woman handles baby poo for a living!

Louis growing up gave me more time to socialise, which helped my mood alot. It's hard to be stuck with only two kids and an old lady for company, especially for a popularity sim. Although I don't seem to be that popular; Judas Rimmer on the other hand get's on with everyone, especially the ladies. The man's obsessed with woohoo, and the conversation soon turned in that direction. He was amazed when I admitted I hadn't since the death of my wife. I've come to the conclusion he's not the most faithful man in Prosperton, and if I ever meet another woman I'll be keeping her well away from his clutches.

I managed to get both the boys to learn to do homework this week, and it did alot for their aspirations. Mine on the other hand have taken a few knocks!

It's funny, but it's almost like every decision I make is cursed!

I eventually get promoted at the end of the week. I'm not so fussed now though; I realise my boys are more important than my job, and as long as we remain best friends, nothing much else matters. Ok, I'm not funny or handsome like Judas, and woman will never swoon over me in a Pirate's outfit, but I have the respect of my boys. And that counts for a lot!

Although I look very smart in my new uniform, even if I do say so myself.

We even ended the week with more money than we started with. And I earned every penny the hard way!

The Kochanski Family

My name's Adam, and these are my brothers and sisters. We're an adopted family, although the elderly spinster who took us all in had no idea her life would end so suddenly, or prematurely. She was knocked down by the school bus right outside our home. Tom had only moments earlier grown up, and she tried to get him a seat before it left the lot. It wasn't the fault of the driver, just an unfortunate accident. Social Services decided Hannah and I were old enough to raise the family after we begged them to let us stay together. We had to give the house back to the landlord, as the lease was no longer valid. Social Services found us this place in Prosperton. It was cheap, as the place has few amenities. I was glad to move; who'd want to stay in that house with all its memories. I do feel Social Services are breathing down our necks now though, just waiting to take the little ones into care the first time me or Hannah slip up.

For that reason it was doubly important Daniel learnt his toddler skills. Luckily he was a quick learner, and I didn't have too many problems teaching him to walk.

Neither Hannah or I knew how to cook, so while she gained a couple of points, I got on with teaching Daniel to talk.

We got a nanny in to watch the younger kids while we both worked after school. It didn't bring in much, but it helped a little. As a fortune sim, I was constantly worried about money, and didn't want our small nest egg to dwindle to nothing. Something had to be kept aside in case of emergencies, and for the bills, which arrived all too frequently.

We tried to make learning as much fun as possible. Here it's boys versus girls in the homework teachathon. The best team obviously won, but only by a whisker.

Potty training took forever. With no smart milk, it was almost impossible. Although I finally managed it, Hannah had done her fair share too.

What a relief! We'd managed it; Daniel was finally a child! Not only was the threat of Social Services receeding, but both Hannah and I now had time to finally concentrate on getting a few scholarships together.

Buggle eyed little devil isn't he!

I made a really bad decision at work, which could have cost me my job, or got me a caution from the police. I know I should therefore be happy, and $150 isn't a huge amount, but to a fortune sim like myself it's a , well a fortune actually! I shan't be doing that again!

I soon taught Daniel to do his homework. If you look, in the background Kristine is painting, and she's getting really good at it. It's raising a small amount of income, and it makes her feel like she's contributing. She has a very wise and level head on her shoulders does Kristine.

I'm expecting her to take Art when she gets to University. If she get's to University! She's just so shy, and hates the idea of parties and bustle. I doubt a hall of residence would suit her!

The week ended well, with Hannah getting to the top of her teen career. Thankfully it's almost time for Kristine and Tom to become teenagers, which will allow Hannah and me to leave for University. I can hardly wait, although I know I'll miss them all. After all, they're all the family I've got, blood or not!

The Rimmer Family - Week One

I couldn't believe how small the place was when we finally arrived. Having spent my growing up years in a large city, this place was little more than a hamlet. 'One horse town' was being too generous, I doubt this place could boast even a donkey!

That's me on the left, Judas Rimmer. Handsome and available! In fact that's why we've moved here. My over availability when it comes to the ladies. Things became difficult in the old place; I couldn't leave the house without getting slapped by some disgruntled former lover. Then there were the knocked over trash cans, hate mail, flaming bags of poo, and cockroaches. I wasn't so worried, but Arlene my daughter nearly died from a sickness she caught from the bugs. That's when I said 'enough is enough'. Arlene is the light of my life, although I'm not sure who her Mother is. My mother woke me one morning to say there was a baby left on the doorstep. Apparently one of my former conquests decided now was not the time for her to be bringing up a child. And she thought I'd make a good parent? The parents have helped a lot, I don't know how I would have coped if it wasn't for them.

Anyway, before we go any further I want to get something straight! I've read Samantha Lister's account of her first week in Prosperton, and it was me that had the 'senior moments'. And I have the photo's to prove it. I know that a gentleman's not supposed to 'kiss and tell', but with a name like Judas, do you really think that I abide by any etiquette or unwritten rules! It's amazing, one minute she's hopping into bed with me, the next that Tabby fellow shows up, and it's "I'm sorry Judas, but we can't continue our relationship, it was a mad moment of lust, but now I'm in love." She's even stopped returning my calls, but she's a notch on my bedpost, whether she wants to be or not!

This is the nearest thing to fun in this place? A game of 'catch' in the garden? I'm already beginning to hear the call of the bright lights of downtown!

These are my parents. Both failures in their own way. Dad is nowhere near to maxing his skills, and my Mum is the most inept 'romance' sim I've ever met. I'm almost ashamed of her. I don't understand how she has the nerve to call herself a romantic, she's never even made out with a man. Other than Dad, and he hardly counts!

See what I mean? Way to go Dad! If there's a right way, and a wrong way, he'll confidently head up the blind alley without a thought!

Not that I can talk, I was fired after this chance card, and it was my dream to become a Hall of Famer. I took a job in the adventuring field next. What lady can resist a 'Dread Pirate'? Well it seemed to work for Johnny Depp, and I'm equally as good looking!

It was particularly galling to be fired on a day when both Dad and Arlene managed to get promotions! Always remember the wheel of fortune Judas, that's what I tell myself. Things always have a habit of swinging full circle.

Mum's taken up fishing! Quite right too. She has little else to do with her time. I've told her to start working on her cooking skills, as Arlene isn't going to be in public school forever. I have high hopes of getting her into Private School, and want to ask the Headmaster over as soon as possible. Mum's 2 cooking skill points don't seem adequate for the job, so she'd best start reading up. What else is there to do all day while the rest of us are out the house?

What's with the fishing in your pants guys? Get dressed the pair of you. God, elderly relatives can be so embarrassing sometimes. I hope you're going to dress for the Headmaster, or I really won't be impressed. Neither will he, probably! I'm sure my Mother's pantyhose is not something many men would find attractive!

Oh well, if you can't beat them, join them. Well done on your A+ Arlene! Just let me put down my rod so I can 'yip, yip, yip' properly!

Well, the wheel revolved, and poor Arlene was struck by lightening running from the school bus to get the 'phone. It's a good job she was healthy, and in the green, because it could have killed her! She's a lucky girl, that's the second time her life's been in danger; but she's a fighter, and always pulls through.

Before any of you think me a right b*****d, I did not make her go to work after being struck by lightening! She insisted. I told you she was lucky, she even got promoted, and reached the top of her career field. It's unbelievable when you consider the colour of her plumbob!

The following night Arlene got into Private School! Apparently the Headmaster liked my Mother's pants, and left with a huge grin on his face. Sims in this town really need to get out more if they find my Mother's pants amusing!

Arlene leaves for school wearing her new uniform, which really suits her. I'm trying to figure out some advanced mechanics for my job promotion, Dad's decided to get fit (Jeez only knows why? The man's an enigma, and a mystery to his relatives), while Mum does the usual, and lounges on the sofa. With the pond frozen over, and her Headmaster obligation fulfilled, I'm starting to think she's losing the will to go on.

At least the place is looking a little more homely. The council have done a little landscaping; planted a few trees. If I could just find some women under the age of 70, the place might even turn out to be fun. Next week I'm going to start looking for some female companionship. Let the hunt begin, as they say!

Round One - The Lister Family

Hello! As you can see from the above photo, my name's Samantha. My grandson is Dave, and he's proving to be a right handful. I wouldn't mind, but I hadn't expected to be bringing up a small child at my time of life. When my son moved to Prosperton, I let him aspirate all my skill points. That's right, he just sucked them all out of me, easy as pie with that weird vacuum thingy. After all, he and his wife would need points if they wanted to succeed in their new careers, in a completely new town. I was happy to see them off, and even sold my own property so they could afford this little place. It was a tragedy when that snow plough literally ploughed into their vehicle the day they moved here. Dave was lucky to survive; apparently his car seat was flung from the wreckage on impact, and he didn't have a scratch on him! Personally what do people expect if they suddenly move somewhere with so much weather. Where I come from it was sunny year round; no lightening strikes, heatstroke or freezing to death! I hear tell you can even be killed by falling hail here!

Anyway, the first few days were really hard, and I even had to resort to hiring a local nanny, just to get some sleep. She turned out to be more of a hinderance than a help though! Talk about expensive, and the darn woman kept making herself lobster. Guess who was footing the bill! Lobster! I couldn't believe it. In the end it proved more hassle than it was worth, and I eventually learnt how to nap when Dave did. I wish that boy would sleep more; he has me up day and night.

Here's a photo of Dave demanding porridge at three in the morning. As you can tell, I'm not feeling so hot, and I was worried I might end up in aspirational failure at one point.

But those precious toddler years soon flew by, and Dave learnt to walk, talk, and use the potty. I wish I could say I enjoyed those years, but I was too tired to even register their passing.

I was so pleased when Dave finally grew into a child. 5 years! It had felt more like 5 millenium to an old biddy like me. To say I was happy would be an understatement. I invited over a couple of friends to his aging up, but was too tired to realise I hadn't even dressed. I was mortified to find myself standing in my underwear in front of Arnold Rimmer and Tabby Felis. I wasn't so worried about Arnold, but I had a bit of a crush on Tabby, and wondered what ever he must think of me.

Money was an issue, and so I put in a small pond. That's one good feature of all this weather, the fishing! I'd never done it before, but Dave enjoyed it! It raised a small amount of cash, and gave me quality time with my grandson. I realised I actually quite liked him. I'd been to busy just feeding and changing him when he was a toddler to notice what a sweet boy he really is.

Tabby continued to visit on a regular basis, and even brought a couple of his grandchildren on occasion. Dave got on really well with both of the girls, who seemed very sweet. Kitten was a lovely child, and I bonded with her straight away. Poor mite, growing up without the love of her parents, although Tabby did everything he could to fill their shoes.

Dave loved school, and soon learnt to homework. It had been years since I'd been a first grader, and I was worried things might have changed alot since I was young. But when you look at it 2+2 =4 no matter how old or young you are!

Dave was soon a star pupil. Unfortunately I still seem to forget to dress alot of the time! I put it down to my age, I mean if you can't have senior moments when you're old, when can you have them!

One night, Tabby came over without the grandkids, and I caught him looking at me in that 'I'd like to get to know you much better' sort of way. I hoped I hadn't misread the signals he was sending, and decided we'd both wasted enough time if we both felt the same.

Yup, we both felt the same!

OK, so money's tight. Winter's coming so there will be no more income from fishing. The house is so basic I struggle for comfort. I have more senior moments than I'd like to admit to. I can barely cook, and the fridge stocks are getting low. All in all, I've never been happier!