I finally convinced my mom to get rid of dial-up. When it finally gets here, I'm going to get rid of ALL traces of AOL.

YAYNESS!

So, yeah .... YAY!

That is all I have to say.


YAY!

I was going to rant about my school, because I feel that our superintendant is making poor choices, but I think I need to rant to other people, people who can help me.

Anyways, on Friday I went to the movies with a couple of friends. We saw that Will Smith movie, Pursuit of Happiness. It was okay. Some of the people who I was with didn't like it, though.

Saturday I didn't do much. I went to costco with my mom. They stopped selling Niisan's Chow Mein, so my life is over. lmao. Also, I bought the Covenant, which I loved. I'll probably watch it again later.

Yesterday, I practiced driving with my Aunt and Uncle. I'm a natural at driving. Except for my parking. lmao! And my turning is a hellova lot better. w00t w00t.

Today I did a lot of nothing. I watched Sky High, which has the main guy from the Covenant. After Sky High, Raise Your Voice came on, but that movie makes me cry, so I didn't finish it. Destiny might call me today, but it's a might.

So, yeah. YAY FOR A SEMI-COMPLETE SOCIAL LIFE!

Today was not my day. I had a test in 1st period, and the girl next to me was trying to cheat, and the teacher caught "us." I haven't had a chance to argue about it. Things were great until 4th period when I discovered my gym uniform was stollen. At the time, I was through the wall about it, but now I'm a bit calmer about it. Then, a couple of periods later, I got into an argument with someone incapable of passing french 3. We kept going back and forth, him saying I'm a fucking bitch and me saying something along the lines of at least I'm going to graduate in 4 years. He's the definition of a loser. He aspires for nothing.

What ever.

Then, after school, I was walking home with a friend, and she mentioned National Honors Society and teacher recomendation. Then everything hit me like a train and I was like, "mother fucker." One teacher even uses my name in the same line as cheating, and there goes every chance I had. For a while, I thought that I didn't have a chance, but then I had my hopes up. I guess I shouldn't have thought that I would get in.

Oh wells, life is hard.

I tried asking my mom, but she was like, "you don't need one."

I don't need a lot of things. I would like to have some things, one of them being another piercing in my ear.

Oh wells. I still have time to try and convince her. And if she doesn't comply, I'd only have to wait a year.

Suh--yeah.

I found out yesterday that today is my manager's last day. She is becoming a supervisor for the area. Her office will be in the Belleville store, though, so that is cool.

We don't know who will be the new manager. They asked our shift manager to do it, but she doesn't want it. Actually, she was told she was doing it, but she really doesn't want it.

Also, I won the receptionist contest. Go ME! I get a $25 American Express gift card. w00t.

Sooooo yeah.

I;m hungry. And I have to get ready for work. I get to wear jeans today.

Yeah. But some how I have to convince my mom. I'm not going to go behind her back. I could. I know a lot of places that will do it without checking your age. All they want is your money.

I've done a lot of research, and I am determined. I know that it is one of the most painful ear piercings to get, I know that it takes a lot of care while it is healing, and I am prepared. I have the money for it. All I need is my mom.

I'm turning 17 soon ... maybe I can ask for it as a gift. A gift that I am going to pay for. I've called all the local shops and got pricings. I am set.

I'm am prepared with my arguement.

Wish me luck.

I'm in Florida! ... yay for me.

So far, so good. I flew down this year. It was my first time flying. I asked for a sprite, and I got one, but it was in Hebrew. I thought that was awesome.

Ughhh .. I wanna see my grandmother this year, I haven't seen her since ..... a long time ago. lmao. So, yeah.

I'll post again when there is something to say.

The Moral of the story is: Don't opt to update the connectivity if you have "free" Norton (when I say free, I mean it came with your computer and you didn't choose to buy it). If you can't change your firewall settings, then there is a good chance you can't remove it either. AOL's then points fingers to Norton.

The Story:

I've been seeing this little message telling me that there is a connectivity update for me. It said nothing else and only had a button to update.

I updated. It asked me to restart, but I wanted to eat, so I just shut down. Later, when I came back to start homework, I tried signing online, and my AOL froze. No biggie, I'll just exit and restart the application.

So, I try again and I get an error message. I could either have AOL fix it or call them. I know that if I let AOL fix it, all they are going to do is change my access numbers (which seems to be their solution to everything), so I decided to call them.

My intellegence was insulted. No lie. First off, they open up by offering me AOL services as if I don't have it already. Then they go into the whole if you hablos espanol, press numero 7. Then, I spent 10 minutes arguing with a machine over stupid things. What I really wanted was to talk to someone that was real, because I actually know what is wrong with my computer. It's AOL's update.

Apparently, getting smart with the machine causes you to start over, because they asked me if I was infront of the computer, and I said, "maybe." So, then the machine was like, "I'm sorry, it sounded like you wanted to start over." Bitch.

So, after answering no to wanting to restart my computer, no to wanting to try the "Fix It For Me" option, and no to reinstalling my AOL, I finally was able to talk to a human being... from India. No offense to anyone of that nationality, but I asked him what he meant more than answering his questions.

Either way, he told me that I have to disable the firewall or add the AOL programs to it. Since I haven't paid for the program, it won't let me edit ANYTHING with the settings or even turn it off. Yippie. The guy on the phone was like, and I loosely quote, "You'd have to talk to Norton, this is out of our hands."

After hanging up, I must have cursed the whole situation a hundred times.

I didn't call Norton, 'cause I have work to do, so I just did a system resotre from Saturday. All problems were fixed, and everything is right with the world.

Thanks a whole fucking lot AOL. Maybe a little warning next time you offer a fucking update. And don't you fucking dare to offer services on the tech support hotline.

I don't know what is causing this, but some of my .exe programs don't work. I've had this problem on my laptop for a while and it just happened on my PC.

I think it might be the file name that is wrong, because I was able to fix AOL by changing it from "aol.exe" to "waol.exe." I don't know why it changed in the first place.

This happened with my AOL, AIM, YIM, McAffee, Norton, AVG, AOL Spyware Protection, Quicktime, and others that I don't know of, yet.

I've reinstalled my AIM, but YIM took me FOREVER to download in the first place, so I don't think I'm going to do it again. AVG I have saved to a CD, so that isn't all that bad.

Does anyone know what caused this problem? All I did was turn on the computer, and I noticed that half the stuff I turn off wasn't loading (AIM, YIM, Quicktime). So, yeah.

Any help would be GREAT!



Edit: I had to system restore because AOL fucked up. Be sure to read my warning in my next entry. I'm so fucking ticked because of it.

Okay, a friend of mine asked me about something I said last year about her. Somebody she knew stumbled on my blog by accident and told her about something very mean I said about her.

I have changed drastically since then. The things I said about her I no longer feel, and this person has grown to become someone I trust.

There are a lot of people who have come and gone since I started blogging. Best friends, Dr's, boyfriends, crushes, enemies.... there's a lot of people that I will probably never see again, and others I'd be happy to never know existed.

iono ... Harry is trying to come into my life again, and I don't want him to ...

This was taken from the -Sims 2- community on myspace. One of the members was lucky enough to preview the next expansion and take pictures!

They say the release date is Feb 27th, 2007.

quote:

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As many of you know, I was sent on a secret mission on December 1, 2006, to Redwood City, CA, EA Games. I had an awesome time meeting the staff that runs TS2 community for Thesims2.com, the creators and the producers. Oh, and I can’t forget the other fan sites that were invited from all over the world. It was a great pleasure meeting with them too. All of them are very talented custom content creators. I felt like the little gal since I just run a forum, but an awesome forum at that! ;-) We toured the EA campus and learned a bit about the history of the company. We saw where video games once were to today’s versions. Let me tell you, we have come a very long way from squares, LOL! We also played a bit of a game called Sims 2 Trivia. It was the creators vs. the fans. Of course the fans won, but it was a tough game. We also had a little help, well, more pity than help I think. We would have been demolished if we didn’t receive a bit of help, LOL! It was a simple game but required us to know the common Sims 2 knowledge of the base characters and neighborhoods. Many of us fans that went do play the game but we only play to see what our new content looks like in the game or to run our forums, as I do. Believe me, I do play, it’s the building aspect that I love to do most though. So, common storytelling questions baffle me. Anyway, I am finally able to release and expose you all to the wonderful, long awaited for Seasons expansion pack for The Sims 2. Yes, I know that TS2: Pets was the long awaited for EP, but many have been waiting for it to change seasons too. This is the first ever for the Sims to have actual weather without using those unstable hacks that could ruin your beloved game. So, are you ready?


First things First


You all do have to remember that what I played and what will come out may be a little different since they still have bugs to fix in the game. Also, some of the stuff was not yet added or finished in this version. This doesn’t mean that it limited my game play though. All pictures taken are from my digital camera. Screenshots were not possible so please forgive me for some of the photo qualities. I still tried to be creative with my shots, as always though.


So, the question is, does it really change seasons?


Yes it does! And it doesn’t even rain inside. I had a blast watching it rain, seeing the leaves change, seeing the leaves fall, and watching it snow. The Sims now have some what of a calendar. It is approximately 5-6 days per season. It has not yet been decided. That may not seem long, but come on, it’s the Sims. If the seasons were long and dragged out (cough, cough University cough, cough) then it would get boring. Plus, we are able to control what season would come next or if you want the season to be extended. Seasons are chosen by neighborhoods.


Once you click that icon, you get this screen:





As you can see, I chose it to be Fall, Winter, Spring, Winter for this certain neighborhood.
So you are into your game and 5 hours later, you forget the season pattern of the neighborhood. No worries. There is a season indicator on your console to reminder you what season is next.



More Interactions/Animations

Sims can be affected by the weather. If they are outside in the cold with a swimsuit on, they will shiver and head on inside. If you are not careful, they can freeze out there. Your motives slowly deplete and you will freeze to death. A new death you say? Kind of, not really. You can become unfrozen. Another Sims that you have a relation with will come out and rescue you by using a hairdryer to defrost you. If they don’t like you, you might just be out of luck. I wish I had photos of this but I don’t. L I didn’t get the chance to experience this. I saw it on someone else’s game though. It was pretty cool. Sims can make snow angels, have snowball fights, and build snowmen. Depending on the mood of the Sims will determine the outcome of the snowman.






During the summer, if you get too hot you can pass out from the heat. I also didn’t experience this, nor did I see anyone else there. This was relayed to us though. A pool game has been added. Can you guess which one? It’s a toughie, LOL! Marco………Polo! Except in Simlish. Bet you would have never guessed that one, huh?



That’s not the only fun in the pool. Now Sims can really make a big splash with the new slide in a rounded or square pool. Yes, a rounded pool.





For the Fall season, you are able to rake the leaves.



For the Spring season, it rains, it pours, it puddles. Careful of those puddles Simmers. They love to play in them. You think your addiction to the Sims is bad, wait until you see your Sims and their puddles. Puddles are highly addictive. Hopefully, by the time the game releases, they have decreased the addiction level they have with the puddles. If you are on one side of the lot and you can’t find your Sims and it has been raining, look for the puddles. It is more than likely you will find them there.





It’s about to get fishy!! Not fishy as suspicious, but fishy as in fishing. Yes, the Sims can now go fishing in the ponds. Not only can they catch the fish, but they can barbeque them and mount their prize too. If they are not the successful fisherman, as many are not, they get the boot, literally. You can catch a boot and mount that prize boot also. Everyone loves a great fish tale, but the boot is a story on its own.





Let’s go skating! Ice skating or roller skating, it all depends on the weather of course. There are a few interactions and tricks they can do on the skating rink. I believe they can twirl and chase other Sims they have a good relationship with. I just went to the community lot to see what the skating was all about. I didn’t get very far. Just far enough to fall on my hinny.





Are you sick and tired of cooking such a feast and then having all that food left over wasted. Have no fear Leftovers are here!



I know I am forgetting other interactions. There was much to cover and see and I didn’t get to see and do it all. Sims can give gifts now. How or what, I have no clue. Let’s all be surprised.

Challenge Is Everything!


The creators of this EP wanted the Sims to have more to do at home. So they have added a great challenge for you on your lot, gardening. It might sound lame, but in fact, it is one of the greatest aspects of the game. Gardening on your lot is such a challenge and takes a lot of time to produce many great products for you to harvest, sell and consume. You can plant a tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, pole beans, strawberries, and cucumbers. For fruit trees, you can have apples, oranges and lemons. To be a successful gardener, you have to tend to your garden often. If you are a really good gardener, you will have the option to talk to your plants. No your Sims have not gone crazy. Like Sims, plants need love too.
Wanting to share your new found hobby with others? Join the garden club. Once you join you get a lovely gift. That is one of the many wonders you will have to keep on wondering.



It’s snowing outside, can my plants survive? I think so. I am not sure. If you are worried about your plants, you could always build a greenhouse to protect your plants.




It Must be That Green Thumb

Not only do the aliens get to be green, but the new add to the odd and mysterious Sims. If only I can remember what they are called. They are the cream of the crop when it comes to gardening since they too need exactly what plants need. Can you guess what those 3 things are? In order to make a plant thrive, you need to give it sunlight, water and lots and lots of love. That’s all they require. Maxmotives can’t even save this loving creature.





Help Wanted

Are you tired of that dead end job that is taking you nowhere fast? Are you wanting to excel in something more exciting than the career track you are on? How about a wonderful career in Journalism, Education, Gamer, Adventurer (one of the Maxiod’s fav by the way), Music, or Law. See what new heights these may take you too. Don’t forget, new careers bring new career rewards. One may even predict how the sky will fall and if you are not careful it really comes down.


But wait, there‘s more!

Have you Simmers had enough yet? Of course not. Well, if you are tired of playing the same old Maxis made neighborhoods and are too lazy to make you own (raises hand) there is a new one for you. Please welcome the friendly new neighbors from the neighborhood Riverblossom Hills.







Click this pic to enlarge Please


We can’t forget about the new NPC’s that wanders about. Picture this…..you are cleaning around your house or watching TV. Next thing you see is this little black and white thing wandering in your house. You get up to see what it is and lo and behold, it’s a penguin. A penguin? What on earth would a penguin be doing in your household. It obviously wants something you have and you are not ready to part with it. Well that’s for me to know and you to find out. :-p





I know, I have gone on and on and on. Let me just wrap things up quickly. With every new EP there are new objects. You will find new décor for many rooms, new appliances for that country kitchen you have always wanted, your bathroom needs, gotta have stuff to help make that garden thrive, and the list goes on. Wanna know what the weather will be that day, pick up the daily paper and read up on the local weather report. Did it snow really hard over night and you left your bills somewhere out in the yard. No worries cause your cursor has x-ray vision. It toggles so you can see through the snow.

In CAS (Create-A-Sims), you now have the option to change your hair to the outfit you wear. You can go from everyday wear and hair to formal wear and hair with a click of an outfit. No longer do you have to go to the mirror and load it all up unless you want to change it all up. There is also an option for outerwear. You can place a coat rack in your house that changes your clothes for you as the seasons change. Of course you can still control all that too. If you want your Sims to go outside in the snow in their swimsuits, so be it, let them go out there and freeze.

All in all, I am very impressed with what Seasons will bring to the screen. It’s full of fun and new discoveries. Speaking of discoveries, there’s a new transformation. We were not told what it was and I don’t think anyone found out what it was. So that will be another surprise to come our way. The creators have listened to what the fans wanted and did their best to bring it to life. Remember not everything is possible and there will always be bugs. Oh and one more thing, be careful of the lightening, it’s a shocker.




TITLE
The Simsâ„¢ 2 Seasons*

POSITIONING
Enjoy All Four Seasons with Your Sims!

DESCRIPTION
Head outdoors for year-round fun with your Sims! New seasonal activities await your Sims including snowball fights, chasing fireflies, jumping in leaf piles, and more. Strengthen family ties in Winter, let romance bloom in Spring, deepen the bonds of friendship in Summer, or fast-track your career in Fall. Your Sims can now explore new careers and master new talents throughout the year, but beware freezing, sunburn, sneezing, and other unexpected weather effects! Dress your Sims appropriately or face the consequences!

FEATURES
Benefit from Each Seasonâ€"Seasons impact your Sims’ relationships, moods, wants, and fears.

Share New Activitiesâ€"New ways for your Sims, their families, and friends to have fun together! Build snowmen, splash in the pool, play catch, and go ice skating.

Reap the Fruits of Your Sims’ Laborsâ€"Harvest fruits and veggies all year round and blend love potions, energy drinks, health boosters, and more.

Master New Talentsâ€"Join the Gardening Club for tips on how to make your garden blossom, and reap the rewards! Catch fresh fish to grill on the barbequeâ€"but beware surprising catches!

Explore 6 New Careersâ€"Do your Sims crave the life of an adventurer or gamer? Perhaps they’d rather explore music, law, journalism, or education? Fun reward objects like a heavy metal guitar await your Sims with each new career path.

Dress for the Seasonâ€"Dress your Sims in seasonal outfits including Winter coats, gloves, ear muffs, raincoats, and Summer dresses.

Fun New Itemsâ€"Decide the season with the weather control device, grow fruits and veggies in the greenhouse, slip in the skating rink, make a wish at the wishing well, and add fun with a pool slide.


* Requires The Simsâ„¢ 2, The Simsâ„¢ 2 Special DVD Edition, or The Simsâ„¢ 2 Holiday Edition for PC to play.

SPECIFICATIONS
Publishing Company: Electronic Arts Inc.
Developer: The Sims Division
Ship Date: February 27, 2007
Category: Simulation
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Platform PC-CD (NA)



I want to now take the time to thank everyone at EA Games for allowing us fans to intrude on your work day to see your Frankenstein come to life. I especially want to thank MaxiodMel for putting this whole event together. This is one of the best opportunities that have come my way and I will never forget it. I also want to thank all the members of our group for making this the largest Sims 2 group on Myspace. You all rock!!!




(more pics will be posted soon, I just haven’t photocopied them yet.)

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