Hi Mum, it's Sammy clone 17 (part 5)

I managed to take advantage of someone's unguarded picnic basket to get a free and filling meal. Every penny I don't have to spend counts.

Suddenly, it was my birthday. I invited everyone I know plus a few people showed up that I didn't know. But it was such a great party that they were *all* my friends by the end.

Since I'd really love 20 friends, this was a great discovery for me. Good party + gate crasher == new friend.

Good thing I'm a legendary party host. Otherwise the guests might have complained about the dishes or me.

River can't seem to help herself. She's always cleaning when she visits. It seems to make her happy so if that's what she wants to do.

We both had fun doing this.

I finally managed to afford a double bed and so River could spend the night. My first fantasy book is worth 818 each week for 6 weeks. My bank account with the Sunday royalties went up to 2,900 Simoleons.

I still paint from time to time. It's far more fun then writing.

The guests are queuing up for the next party. I don't know Cyclone or Christopher but I will before they leave.

It's odd how parties can go.  This one was another epic, even though the guests spent forever just standing around.  When this party was done, I had acquired enough friends to make my life goal. 

To celebrate, I proposed to River.

And she accepted.

It's so great to have River around.

Mum, I know you wanted me to wait until I had enough money to properly care for a family.  But I failed.  I asked River to move in with me.  She brought in 5000 Simoleons and she has a job as a journalist so she earns regular money.  That wasn't a lot of money and

we've spent most of it on a computer and desk so I can work here instead of the library.  Plus River took a class so she'll be better at her job now.  Oh, and we got a nicer bed.  Much better.

Hi Mum, it's Sammy clone 17 (part 4)

It's still very difficult for me to make ends meet.  My plumbing is ancient and keeps breaking.  I'm getting quicker at fixing it but that's not what I really want to do with my time.

I've started to chat and play games along with the writing.  I have to find ways to relieve stress.

Working at the gym helps too.  Though I need more work at working out, it's dangerous to slip on a treadmill.

I keep improving my writing skills.  I'm hoping that better skills will make my books more popular.

Time to unwind with some friends.

And meet new people.

As I say, the plumbing is old and keeps breaking.  I'd love to replace it but I still don't have much in the bank.

Did anyone see that major goof?  Good thing I live alone, it shouldn't effect the worth of this painting too much.

I've decided to use library time to work on other skills too.  Right now, I'm mainly interested in charisma.  I want more friends in town and the better I am at chatting, the faster this will go.

I'm also improving at cooking but you may not love the condition of my kitchen.

This is me finishing my latest creation.  I've finished 4 books in total, one fiction and three science fiction.

Celebrate with a workout.

My table seems to be getting a bit full.

Now this is something you don't see every day.  I'm cleaning my kitchen plus washing the dishes.  This is because...

I've invited River for a visit.  You see, this is Sunday and I got my weekly royalties.  My bank account temporarily had 693 Simeleons in it.  Then I spent some of that.

On a comfy sofa that two can sit on.  We practiced our kissing skills a bit then I cooked a meal for River.

I've started having one proper home cooked meal a day.  I can't afford to eat out.  And quick meals get really tiring, they aren't nearly as satisfying as a real meal.

While I was cooking, River went upstairs and started cleaning.  She made the bed and cleaned everything in the bath.

After dinner, she washed the dishes and that triple dratted sink broke again.

I'm taking a gamble Mum.  I've started my first fantasy novel.  It's going to be far longer then anything I've written yet.  And so I'll have to work longer and harder just to reach the 20% required for each advance.  But if it sells well, it will make buckets more money then anything I've done.

It may not be much, but it's home.

Hi Mum, it's Sammy clone 17 (part 3)

Well Mum, I had the most glorious and really odd day.

It all started at the Old Pier. I met up with River. My heart beats faster when she's around, there is no question about that.

And we had our first kiss. It's official, we are in love.

I decided to press my luck and ask her to go steady. She must be feeling the same way because she said yes.

This feels right. I could hold River forever.

Now Pauline had been sitting right there when I asked River to go steady. Why on earth does she think I'd be interested in her flirting? So I've hurt her feeling by refusing but what was I to do?

Then out of the blue, I was attacked! Nick Alto, one of the richest men in town just decided to beat me up.

I insulted him for attacking me but it's not clear what triggered the assault. He can't have an interest in River, he's married. To one of the dirtiest politicians in town I might add. I'll have to watch out for Nick.

Between Pauline randomly flirting with me and Nick attacking me, I decided I had best leave the Pier. I want to remember the day for becoming River's boyfriend.

I find writing a bit stressful, but I do prefer it to painting. I really want to increase my writing skills and produce some really great books.

Well, I spent a fair amount of my cash on this table and the bookcase along the wall. I still have 120 Simoleons, which should cover my next bill. I painted the chair later so it matches the table. I'll have to keep working hard though. 120 isn't going to last long at all.

First it was the tub, then the sink broke. I tried to fix it once but I failed.

The next morning, I tried again and finally fixed the sink. Mum, I wish I could afford help and a decent place for River to visit. Love may be blind but I only own one chair. I really can't ask River to visit here until I can afford some decent stuff.

Hi Mum, it's Sammy clone 17 (part 2)

Well Mum, last time I wrote, I had about 7 Simoleons to my name but I had paid the bills and had a chair.

The next day, I worked pretty hard on another painting. My art is slowly improving.

And I spent some time writing until the publisher sent me another advance. By the end of the day I had 33 Simeleons.

I grabbed a shower and a quick meal over at the gym. I was going to work out but it was too late by the time I was finished so I headed home.

The next day, I thought I'd try my very first home cooked meal. I made waffles.

Told you I had a chair now. Awfully expensive given it's outdoor furniture and not something nice though.

Then I realised that the meal was the best I'd had since moving in, but it was a mistake. It cost me 11 Simoleons and I had a new bill for 42. I was going to have to earn more soon.

I finished another small painting.

And went back to the library. It's a good thing that no one is on the computer when I arrive, I don't know how I'd cope without my daily advance.

Before I really got into the session, I stopped to talk to Erin. She and I didn't hit it off too well but I am getting to know people.

By the end of the day, I had 55 Simoleons but 42 of them went to pay the bills. So I could pay my bills.

The next day was more of the same. Too busy for a shower, but at least no one is going to casually interrupt me when I smell this much.

I got home and indulged in a bath.

The bathtub broke, which was so very annoying. I was clean and not stressed but not happy about the broken tub.

Today was a great day. I finished my second book. My royalty check was for 138 Simeleons so my account has 181 total now.

Finally Sunday rolled around. I went to the park to meet a few more people. This is just some random guy roaming the park.

Then I met River McIrish. She's recently graduated from high school and doesn't know many adults yet herself.

At noon, I got the royalties from both books so my account jumped up to 348 Simoleons.

River seems to like my advances quite a lot.

I celebrated the end of the week with another home cooked meal.

Yeah, I know. The sink is grotty and you do not want to peek in the toilet ever.

I spent some of my money on a small cheap table and a bookcase. Now I have a place to put my works.