Maxine Wise - Simday 20

30 simyears old, (12/01/07):

Simmington Hills College Preparatory School (CPS) is where my family resides. The school was built by GamingMom, Inc., and I must say it is very well built. Justin Starter of SimVannia Waters created our beautiful sign with the CPS crest on it. To all, I say thanks.

The Administration was gracious enough to even furnish our apartment for us! When we walked in, we almost fell over in amazement. It was so beautiful! The only thing left for us to do, was furnish the upstairs kitchen/living area.

My husband couldn't believe he had a baby grand piano. He's a starving musician, who's been playing an old Yamaha keyboard for the longest time. Now, his music comes to life. I'm in awe of how wonderful Jacques sounds on this piano.

When I accepted Nick Michels and Emerita Valdes' offer to come work in the Hills, I had no idea how it would be. Judge Cunningham and his Administration should all be commended on a first class job.

Judge Cunningham says he didn't design my home...a 'Mr. Dalton' did. Well, I must meet this 'Mr. Dalton' and thank him face-to-face. After I get a few paychecks in my purse, maybe I will take them both out to dinner! The Administration pays me $5,000/period to run this school, that should be more than enough for a dinner, don't you think? *smiles*

Meet my family: My husband Jacques, sister Lydia, and my kids Christina and Charles.

We were greeted not only by a Welcoming Committee, but also by several "Congrats on Your New Job" -type of greeting cards. I can clearly see how important education is to this close-knit town, and education is my life. So it's a perfect fit.

They've gone above and beyond to make me and my family feel at home.

It made me anxious to get to work. So, I had Jacques and Lydia, empty our move-in boxes while I went downstairs into my school office. I was surprised that it, too, was already furnished and ready.

I immediately organized my class schedule and curriculum.

We started classes on Monday and our schedule is as follows:

Monday: Daily Assignment (DA), Cooking, Cleaning, Chess Club

Tuesday: Gardening, Mechanical, Debate, Phys. Ed.

Wednesday: Gardening, Chess Club, Recreation, Music/Art Appreciation

Thursday: (Snow Day-Closed) - DA, Debate, Music/Art Appreciation, Recreation

Friday: Cooking, Cleaning, Mechanical, Phys. Ed.

We had a huge snowfall on Wednesday night, causing school to be closed on Thursday.

So because of that, we had to change Friday's schedule to include DA...the students grades were slipping drastically and I didn't want the whole weekend to pass without them doing some homework. (I will also publish a 'report card' before I end my journal so that everyone is aware of how the kids are progressing.)

The students were receptive to me and they liked their new classroom. We started with 5 students, but after his birthday, my son Charles joined us on Friday making the class total- 6.

I have to be mindful not to leave the classroom, otherwise I come back to total chaos! *laughs* But, that's ok.

It never takes me long to get them seated back down and settled into their workbooks.

The kids' report card: Period 4, Simday 16-20

Beginning/Ending Grade - Beginning/Ending Skills

Marchon Cunningham: C/A+, Cooking 0/0, Mech. 1/1, Charisma 6/6, Body 0/0, Logic 3/4, Creativity 5/5, Cleaning 3/3

Rashid Cunningham: A+/A+, Cooking 2/2, Mech. 1/1, Charisma 4/4, Body 2/2, Logic 3/4, Creativity 1/1, Cleaning 0/0

Elmer Valdes: A+/A+, Cooking 5/5, Mech. 1/1, Charisma 5/5, Body 2/2, Logic 6/7, Creativity 1/5, Cleaning 6/6

Erline Valdes: A+/A+, Cooking 2/5, Mech. 1/1, Charisma 4/6, Body 2/2, Logic 3/6, Creativity 1/2, Cleaning 0/3

Charles Wise: C/A+, Cooking 0/0, Mech. 0/0, Charisma 0/3, Body 0/0, Logic 0/0, Creativity 0/1, Cleaning 0/0

Christina Wise: C/A+, Cooking 0/4, Mech. 1/1, Charisma 0/0, Body 0/0, Logic 1/2, Creativity 0/0, Cleaning 1/1

There are extra-curricular classes as you've read above. Here are some pics of those classes:

Gardening:

Recreation: The Smustle

Chess Club:

Debate:

Music/Art Appreciation:

Phys. Ed.:

Now, don't think I work your kids all day without a break! We have a cafeteria that provides tasty lunches and we all get to socialize about our day.

Well, now that you've seen the inner-workings of CPS, I hope you are satisfied that your kids are in great hands.

I do realize that our skill scores are not as high as I would like them to be. There are just not enough hours in a schoolday to see a bigger improvement, so I am urging all parents to continue with their children's education. The next time this class convenes, half of these kids will be teenagers, moving onto Secondary Class...and I'd like them to have gained some skills on their return.

Thank you!

Lydia Sagacious - Simday 20

30 simyears old, (12/01/07):

I came to Simmington Hills for one purpose and that was to help my sister raise her toddler son, Charles, until he became a child. I hadn't thought much about what I would do after that. My dream is to be a Space Pirate in the Adventurer career. I may give that a go when Charles grows up...but, until then, it's cooking, cleaning, taking out the garbage, and being there for the kids.

I'm truly exhausted at the end of the day.

Somehow I managed to meet a couple of new people. One of whom has become my friend.
I met Kimberly Spencer, who's also new to the Hills.

And my friend, Peter Sims...who may be more than friends, once I move outta here.

I'm looking forward to moving out. I'm tired of the bathroom traffic jams. I'm tired of the kitchen jams.

3 young women in a house is brutal.

Jacques Wise - Simday 20

30 simyears old, (12/01/07):

Our first night in town and I start a fire in our brand new place!

It's a good thing Maxine was working in her school office or else she never would've let me hear the end of it.

I cleaned up everything really well, so she never knew...the fireman even helped me re-stain the wood floor!

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I get a glimpse of my wife in the early mornings as she shuffles off to school and I'm up studying music composition before I have to leave for work.

I'm a Piano Tuner right now. Been playing piano my whole life. Started as a kid at my late aunt's house, just plunking around, but the sounds started making sense to me, and I could hear something on the radio and play it. I became my family's dinner-hour entertainment....and loved the attention.

I always knew I had talent, I just didn't have any money to hone that talent. Now that I have my own baby grand, I plan on reaching the top of my Music career and possibly opening up a jazz club. SH doesn't have one, and GameTime is too sporty for jazz enthusiasts.

There is nothing like taking a long bath while playing Ramsey Lewis and EWF's Sun Goddess,Click Here to Listen, in the background...Nothing like it.

I am always so inspired when I hear that song. Take a listen and see if you are too.

I always talk to my son about the crazy jazz piano licks in Sun Goddess, especially towards the end, that can take you beyond the stratosphere if you let them. He understands me, I can see it in his eyes. He's gonna love music just as much as I do.

My daughter's not left out, either...I use her computer to write lyrics and then print them out with a special software program that turns lyrics and music into sheet music. heh. Christina's more interested in princesses and fairy godmothers, right now.

I sometimes get caught up in a new song I've written, and all of sudden hear loud cheers over my shoulder...it's just my wife, going crazy. She's my number one fan. Last night, she threw her panties over by the piano and they got caught on the lid and just dangled there. Heh. Session over. We had music of our own to make after that.

Our History

Written by Cameron Masters, Archive Librarian/Webmaster
(started Simday 19, 4th period, and constantly updated as 'historically deemed' events occur.)

The Hills started on December 10, 2006, human time (ht), with one man’s vision. The vision was to live in a community that thrived on its own independence, everything for Sims and by Sims.

This young man was a hard-working Poli-Sci student by the name of Sabien Cunningham. He and his fiancé, Tomika Green, recruited “The 6”, who we lovingly know today as Nick Michels, Cameron Masters, Honey Tebo-Michels, Trinity Higgins-Dalton, Sergio Spencer, and the late Asya Rasmussen. Each having a niche of their own, they formed the Hood Council and set out to build this town brick by brick.

Sabien Cunningham, Sr. is Simmington Hills’ first Mayor/Spokes Sim/Hood Council Leader. He’s been a leader in every way, hence the many titles he claims. His legacy includes arranging necessary start up monies through the NPP, Neighborhood Partnership Program in SimCity. The NPP gives the Hills $700,000 every period, only as needed, as long as there are less than 50 residents. At this point in time, Fall 2007, we are pleased to no longer need this funding with a population of only 35 Sims.

He also oversaw the building of several Administrative Buildings. City Hall, SHPD (Simmington Hills Police Dept.), SimCity Bank, to name a few….he was instrumental in starting the Technical Training Center at SSU (Sims State University), now demolished. This training center was to be the catalyst for Sims wanting to launch their own businesses. A new Technical Training Center is being proposed for construction in Willow County.

Sabien's biggest accomplishment was to join our hood with Simmerville and SUN, Sims United Neighborhoods. Through this alliance, Mayor Cunningham has built lasting relationships with Mayors and Spokes Sims from all over SimNation and is revered and respected by all of them as a great leader. Because of this, he was appointed as a SUN Core Representative.

A devastating hurricane nearly destroyed Simmington Hills completely in Period 4. Horribly inexperienced in these kinds of matters, Sabien thought that it was the end for all of us, and posted a tremendously painful goodbye letter on the site. At the last minute, several friends that he has come to love over the years came to his support! Apple Valley was one of those main supporters. They helped us get back on our feet. Our sitizens stayed at Kent Camp, which was a shelter named in honor of the Kent Family of Apple Valley, and was temporarily located at 403 Willow Rd. (where the McDonalds stands now) while Lars Larsson and his crews were able to rebuild.

The aftermath of the rebuilding and demolitions left our Administrative Budget in shambles. The Hills declared bankruptcy and many of our sitizens braced themselves for what was to be our hardest rotation yet. Hood Council members and Administrative officers were prepared to not get paid, hefty taxes were going to be imposed on our debt-ridden sitizens, until our leader came through once again! Sabien threw the most successful online fundraiser in the history of SimCity...an art auction to sell the rarest and most expensive art to wealthy Sims all over SimNation. We raised over 3 million simoleans in one simday! Traffic to the site that simday, our 2nd Anniversary, was the highest it's ever been.

Mayor Cunningham kicked off Fall 2007 with a tour of historic Cedar Street, the first street to be built in the Hills, in Willow County. Not only to show our visitors where all our simoleans went before the bankruptcy, but to show how proud we are that we were able to survive the storm! A new Simmington Hills stands bright and more beautiful than ever!

Willow County is the main county seat in Simmington Hills, through which all immigrants must enter. It is home to the historical Cedar Two Flats area, the very first residential apartments built in the Hills. This is where Sabien and all of the Founders first moved after graduating college. These two-flat apartments still stand today, although newly renovated. This is why they have been noted as historic buildings. We also appreciate having Lars Larsson as a resident of Willow County. He has been our main contractor and architect for the residential building and growth you see there.

Camden Park District is located on the North side of the bridge. It has not been developed at this time, but we forecast that residential buildings will start being built sometime in the future by many different architects. Camden Park is slated to be a more upscale, wealthy area, with mansions and gated communities, modern homes and shopping areas.

Keeping his promise to Apple Valley for all their support and generous donations, Mayor Cunningham commissioned Li Sweeney and James McMillian to oversee the construction of the new Wilsonoff Technical Community College (WilTech). It is named in honor of Ray Wilsonoff's family, who hailed from Apple Valley and cherished the importance of education and family business. Ray Wilsonoff is currently the only sitizen in Simmington Hills to hold a FENSA card, an elite club for Sims who have mastered all their skills. Mayor Cunningham established the Board of Education in the Fall of 2007; further enforcing his goal for excellence in education.

25 simyears after it's founding, Sabien Cunningham, Sr. officially became Mayor of Simmington Hills by reaching the top of his Political Career. This milestone was celebrated with a Mayor's Ball in December 2007, where all of his colleagues from around SimNation attended to witness his coronation. An heirloom timepiece was given to Mayor Cunningham by all the Founders to mark this occasion. It is engraved with the words, "To the 1st Mayor of Simmington Hills for your dedication in service and leadership, and most of all your unwavering friendship."

A more informal celebration of Simmington Hills' 25th Anniversary was held at Jacques and Maxine Wise's home where all of the surviving Founders were there to celebrate and share 25 simyears of memories, laughter and tears...unfortunately, the party was a catalyst to our 1st publicized court case, Case #001 Cunningham vs. Masters.

Despite the negativity surrounding the case, Simmington Hills was still able to celebrate the wonderful memories the 1st 25 simyears has brought us:

In August of 2008, it was decided that the old website had run its course and Webmaster, Cameron Masters, suggested we combine our main website with our journal blog.  Thus, Cameron began the task of transferring all of our archive records over to the new database.

Edward Valdes - Simday 15

35 simyears old, (11/09/07):

3rd Period was the best for me and my family. Why you ask? Because the Valdes' fought back from unbelievable odds and won the fight!

The money is rolling in now. Hopefully, I won't have to take on any more bank loans...I'm debt-free now. That's right - I went ahead and paid off all my loans. I hate having huge debts over my head. I'm grateful that Rita has been patient enough not to nag me too much about re-decorating that apartment...I know how much she hates it. We worked out an arrangement on getting new walls and floors...heh-heh. I'll let her tell you what she wants about that...

I've had to concentrate on making BBV Motors successful. I had one employee suddenly quit on me, but I didn't lose faith, we hired another fantastic salesperson and kept on rolling. We received the 1st Best of the Best Award in Simmington Hills from Andrew Enriquez. I'm too excited!

And because of our hard work, SimCoca-Cola has hired me to be a spokesim for their product! They set up a vending machine at my dealership, and afforded me the opportunity to serve free cokes to all my customers for a limited time. I'll also get my picture posted on the huge billboard that sits in front of Aldi's Supermarket and Restaurant. (You can see it in this picture, on the right)

Or even better from this picture...

And, here's the raw photo they're planning on using for the advertisement. Handsome fellow, eh?

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I've never mentioned how proud I am of my kids. Rita's been getting on me to spend more time with them. Gosh, they're growing so fast. And they're so playful with each other. I guess twins have a special bond. Now, I make time for them and let them know I'm interested in what they're doing. With Sandy Bruty being the manager down at the lot, I can just call in to work and check on things, when I don't want to go in.

Elmer needs his father in his life... mine left me when I was a real young boy. I take my son fishing...even if I have to at night. Rita doesn't like it...cause it's too cold outside, but if I get home late from work, it's not gonna stop me from spending time with my son.

Rita might not want me to mention this: We had a big argument over whether we should make it public or not. She is a homemaker and blames herself deeply over this. But, I feel we should be honest about our hardships and show that anyone can make it through hardships by being smart and working hard.

Confession: We almost lost the twins recently...it's totally me and Rita's fault, really. Not keeping up with their study habits like we should have. They both had Ds in school. And, they didn't know how to study efficiently. Rita's been working hard with Nick Michels on getting a school here in the Hills. It's needed so badly.

Rita took it upon herself to teach the kids how to study and spent every single day on their homework until their grades came up to A+s!

Two things about me...I applaud success. I reward success. So I came up with the idea to treat them all. I asked each of them what they wanted most. Erline said she wanted a new bedroom set. And, Elmer, said he wanted a pinball machine. Rita...she just wanted a vacation...to get away. Can I tell you how great it felt to be able to give them all what they wanted? I don't think this is spoiling them too much...they have never been able to choose whatever they want, and get it.

First, we booked a wonderful vacation through WTG Travels in Simmerville based on what we wanted. Our itinerary was packed with things to do. We stayed at an affordable but lovely hotel, and spent time as a family on the beach and visited the site of the pirate shipwreck. But, I'll let Rita tell you all about the fun we've had this period. I don't want to spill all the beans.

Emerita Valdes - Simday 15

35 simyears old, (11/09/07):




(Warning: picture heavy)

It pays to be honest and patient...

Literally - it pays.

I am struggling in this journal to be honest about some things that have occurred...but, my husband says he's gonna tell it straight, and that I should too. We shouldn't be ashamed of what we go through because it might help somebody else.

So here goes: The truth and nothing but the truth.

I have hated living in Simmington Hills since we got here. There's nothing wrong with the Hills, it's fantastic..its this apartment. You all know how much I detest this apartment.

I came up with this plan to 'coerce' Ed into giving me the money to buy some new wallpaper and floors for the kitchen and livingroom. I wanted to have a Halloween party for the neighborhood. I love to meet people and make friends. My plan was in motion, but we had an unexpected visitor disrupt things.

It was earrrrrly Sunday morning. My kids never wake up this early on a Sunday. I thought it would be a little risky/dangerous to get 'friendly' in the livingroom instead of the bedroom. Instead, it was a stupid and irresponsible thing to do. What a horrible mistake....talk about embarrassing. And, Erline wouldn't let up! She was asking all sorts of questions. Ed acted like he didn't know what to say...

So I decided to tell my 11 year olds about the birds and the bees. It was about time and long overdue. Now, they want us to have a baby. *laughs*

I had to make sure they didn't run off and tell all the kids in the neighborhood what I told them. Some people don't want their children knowing things without having talked to them first...so, I made them promise to keep this information to themselves. They play a lot with the Cunningham's kids...Rashid and Marchon. Playing tag and chasing each other around in the neighborhood. *smiles* Elmer and Rashid are the best of friends..sometimes I can hardly tell those two apart, they're joined at the hip!

Tomika asked me to tell Rashid that he was born here in this apartment. He doesn't remember, but this used to be his home and Erline's room used to be his nursery. That information kinda made me feel differently about living here...it's got history, and it's really special to dear friends of mine. I can't keep dogging the place like I have.

Needless to say, I got the money I needed to pay for new walls. I can't get the floors. They're not in our budget...and our lease will be up in 6 more simdays. So, it's not worth changing them too. My new walls aren't what I dreamed of for this apartment, but they are a whole lot better than the CAVE we've been living in! (You'll see the changes I made later on in this journal...first, I must get this off my chest.)

Confession: The social worker called to say she was on her way to pick my kids up and take them away for good. Can you imagine the Homemakers Representative on the Hood Council losing her children to Social Services? I'm the one that is supposed to uphold family values and children's and elders' rights! How in the world would that look?

I was so embarassed and ashamed at the neglect we've shown towards our children. My census taking duties, and Ed's car dealership shouldn't overshadow our responsiblities as parents. There are some parents who work 2 and 3 jobs and don't have a problem taking care of their kids! I called around and found this wonderful Quickstep Tutorial by a wonderful lady named Inge, it comes with a workdesk, and you can teach your children how to do their homework correctly. The kids raised their grades one grade level (Cs ) and thankfully, the social worker never showed up.

They've been working so hard that they both have A+s now. I'm sure Ed will mention also, how grateful he is. He would've never forgiven me if we had lost our children. I would've never forgiven myself! The horror!

This is the main reason I'm rallying with Nick Michels to get a school here. I don't want anyone else to go through what we've had to go through.

I met up with Nick and Sabien in the Administration's Conference Room at the bank, to discuss the school opening up at the beginning of the 4th Period. Looks like we'll be on schedule. The contractor, GamingMom, has built us a wonderful school with all the amenities. And, we have a fine Principal coming to head the school.

Ed treated us all to whatever we wished for. I needed a getaway. Badly. He took us to Twikkii Island. Talk about gorgeous!!

We got there and bought some new clothes. I got a suntan, and the kids had fun playing on the beach. Erline took some pictures of us at the hotel, the Double Palm Resort.

I begged my pale husband to get some sun. At first he didn't want to, but he finally gave in. hee-hee!

It's too bad I didn't get many photos of him nice and tanned. Just one. But it's at night. He literally waited to tan on the last day we were there.

We took the kids to the famous shipwreck...where some dead pirate still lurks about in his cabin waiting to scare the little kids. We didn't see any ghost - thank goodness. I un-wound in a hot sauna, Edward learned how to give a stone massage, and the kids found some seashells on the beach...it was the perfect vacation!

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When we got home, I had to hurry and organize my Halloween Party. Everything turned out wonderfully! The kids really had a great time. This was their first Halloween and they really loved the costumes. We managed to take some family pictures before our guests arrived.

When our neighbors arrived, the party was on! Everyone showed up in their costumes! Some of them looked quite ridiculous...I guess I can't talk. Our Raggedy Ann and Andy costumes were silly too! Here are some shots from the party:

I was surprised how festive the apartment looked, and that we could fit so many people in our livingroom. Of course, I had to pull some furniture out of there to make room, but all in all, it turned out nicer than I expected.

Here's everybody. From left to right (Sabien, Edward, Tomika, Me, Stacy, Honey, Trinity, Nick, Keith, and Cameron). Everyone dressed according to their alter egos. LOL! Sabien Cunningham, the Harley driving' rock star. Tomika, came as herself - an Officer of the Law (she says she couldn't fathom her real alter ego *wink*), Stacy and Cameron Masters dressed in the penguin outfits they fell in love in. Nick was a pimp, of course...Keith Dalton, a boxer (I found out he loves the Rocky series), Trinity dressed in a Sex In The City outfit, and Honey was Nick's ho. LOL!

Nick danced with Trinity, under the watchful eye of Honey...I thought there was gonna be trouble. (I've heard through the grapevine about those two).

But, everyone was cool and cordial. Things are still a little tense since the Asya-thing. Sergio and his wife didn't even show up 'coz Nick was coming. Those guys can't seem to mend their friendship.

Sabien and Tomika have no qualms with kissing in public. Everywhere they go, they're kissing. Tomika jokingly told me about all the making out they did at the Garris-Vanderburg Wedding at Joshua's Vineyard in Apple Valley (Flickr Wedding Photos 8-27-07).

I think it's cool...if you feel it, then show it. Don't worry about what other people think. I wish Ed and I were more like that.

The party didn't end until 3:30 a.m.! It was a Good Time! I'm so glad I did it. (Some folks had a little 'too much' of the good stuff - we had some funky gumballs to munch on...and started talking crazy...like Tomika. But, it was harmless. As I said above, she's way too in love with her husband to act on a little crush, plus she's a good friend. *smiles*)

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The kids were treated by their father for getting A+ on their report cards. Erline got a new bedroom. She needed one so bad. The trouble is, she won't come out of her room now. Ed and Cameron came up with an idea to scout for an interior designer to do her room. Cameron's gonna use the new idea as a feature in future publishings of the Simmington-Times.

Sabien gave her an Apple Valley Teddy Bear he got as a gift, and she just loves that thing! He is cute, isn't he?!

Days go by, and Elmer always gets off the schoolbus and runs upstairs to play his new pinball machine. He only yesterday allowed his sister to play one game. He was missing her...and that got her out of her room temporarily.

Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed reading my journal. Please don't judge me too harshly. There is no handbook to raising kids. You just have to do the best you can.