No, I didn't die, I just procrastinated beyond belief. I've had good days and bad days.
The major cool news is THE CHICK PAID ME! Woo hoo! Remember the total stranger I was telling you about? It restored my faith in humanity.
Ok, back to the list. Today and the prior two weeks were a total loss, but with the Child home until next year, I'm not expecting much. Plus, I stayed up till 4 last night trying to finish a Christmas present that in no way can be sent until next week. This knitting for everyone thing was a total wash.
On the plus side, I can now run a full mile without stopping or dying. Tres cool and I'm so stinking proud of myself. :D I'm still a slobby fat broad, but I'm a FAST slobby fat broad. :D
I've got to give away some of the 6 batches of cookies I've made. I'm so far ahead on my calorie quota, I'll have to work out HOURS to burn them off.
More later, I've been online for hours now, trying to get caught up on the net.
Monday, December 23, 2002
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
Oh my gosh have I been bad. Sort of, anyway. Friday, I did my stint at the library for most of the day and ended up getting nothing at home done, nor did I do anything during the weekend. Total bum, probably because I'm fighting a cold. Everything shuts down when I'm sick because I so rarely catch anything.
The good thing is that Monday and today were very productive. I did everything, nearly, that I wanted to, only sacrificing knitting and writing to get things done around the house. The differences in the home are noticible. :)
In the meantime, I need to learn to let go of resentment and anger over the whole never getting paid by anyone who literally owes me. Just don't know how.....
The good thing is that Monday and today were very productive. I did everything, nearly, that I wanted to, only sacrificing knitting and writing to get things done around the house. The differences in the home are noticible. :)
In the meantime, I need to learn to let go of resentment and anger over the whole never getting paid by anyone who literally owes me. Just don't know how.....
Wednesday, November 13, 2002
Blah.
Blah blah blah
I got very little done yesterday. I made the beds, drank the lemon water crap, finished the wall hanging sets, and did the wall hanging class. Everyone had a good time, even though everyone didn't participate, and I sold a few sets. One lady bought three sets as Christmas gifts and I said it was fine to just mail me a check.
Later, I realized, if I can't count on my BEST FRIEND to pay me $25 of the $1000+ she owes, how can I count on a stranger paying me $30?
Stupid is not knowing any better, idiot is when you do know better and go ahead anyway. I'm such a moron.
Anyway, by the time the class had ended, I'd taken four Midrin and one little 'new' painkiller that really doesn't work. The Midrin worked fine, but the stuff leaves me groggy. It's why after everyone got home, we went to our local grocery store for their open house (free snacks and they were GOOD), then home where the only thing I did was knit on my child's mittens.
The one thing I did do on Monday was stop by the pharmacy, a VERY good idea. After that, we went to eat at the Golden Corral where the diet died a quiet death for the night, and we stopped by HD for plumber's putty.
The sink is now fixed. No leaks!!!! Plus, I have a new garbage disposal that really works!
Yesterday, I made a couple of apple crisps. Miss V wanted to make me a fruit plate where she cuts up any fruit in the house, and ended up slicing an entire bag of apples. I had my head on an ice pack until hubs got home, smelled apples, and lo, there were apples. I cut them up a little more and did the oats, sugar, flour and butter thing. We ate some after the grocery party, then watched a movie (the headaches destroy my memory, oh wait, it was Cheech and Chong and I still wonder what's so funny about them...), while I knitted on child's mittens. She doesn't want me to buy any for her, she wants to wait until I finish hers. So, that's what I'm doing.
Before classtime, and since I was in the area, I went to a yarn store in Independence. I found the most delicious mohair yarn that was just beautiful. It'll make a fantastic lace shawl for my Mom, but that's not what she's getting for Christmas, just in case she's reading this. :D I really must allocate tons of time for the Christmas gifts, and I'd like to get them done by December 15th for mailing. That leaves me a month, which isn't really very long, yarnwise. :(
Since I've been a bum today and yesterday, getting nearly nothing done, (especially today with the groggy and still headachy feeling) I'm just cutting and pasting the Monday's list to go by. Right now, I'm downloading some Sims stuff for fun, but I'm not playing Sims until I get all of the below finished.
Concerning diet, Monday bad diet day, Tuesday ate very little due to Midrin, today had no carbs and stuck to diet. Have lost 0 lbs since Friday.
Today's List:
The usual with added Wednesday tasks:
Food (low fat low carb to get to low weight, doing good so far today)
Make beds
Pick up clothes
Hang up clothes
Dishes and counter
Lemon water
80 oz water
Stretch
Vacuum
30 mins of aerobics (this makes my head pound and I'm not so sure I want to do this)
Evening face and tooth maint
Leftovers from the weekend:
Clean out linen closet
Oil change
Vacuum the car
Put together dresser in V's room
Put away the other clothes
Plant new bulbs
Dishes during the day
Dust better
Iron clothes
Read Plainsong for United We Read program tomorrow
Talk to sister about watching the child during hub's Christmas party.
Blah blah blah
I got very little done yesterday. I made the beds, drank the lemon water crap, finished the wall hanging sets, and did the wall hanging class. Everyone had a good time, even though everyone didn't participate, and I sold a few sets. One lady bought three sets as Christmas gifts and I said it was fine to just mail me a check.
Later, I realized, if I can't count on my BEST FRIEND to pay me $25 of the $1000+ she owes, how can I count on a stranger paying me $30?
Stupid is not knowing any better, idiot is when you do know better and go ahead anyway. I'm such a moron.
Anyway, by the time the class had ended, I'd taken four Midrin and one little 'new' painkiller that really doesn't work. The Midrin worked fine, but the stuff leaves me groggy. It's why after everyone got home, we went to our local grocery store for their open house (free snacks and they were GOOD), then home where the only thing I did was knit on my child's mittens.
The one thing I did do on Monday was stop by the pharmacy, a VERY good idea. After that, we went to eat at the Golden Corral where the diet died a quiet death for the night, and we stopped by HD for plumber's putty.
The sink is now fixed. No leaks!!!! Plus, I have a new garbage disposal that really works!
Yesterday, I made a couple of apple crisps. Miss V wanted to make me a fruit plate where she cuts up any fruit in the house, and ended up slicing an entire bag of apples. I had my head on an ice pack until hubs got home, smelled apples, and lo, there were apples. I cut them up a little more and did the oats, sugar, flour and butter thing. We ate some after the grocery party, then watched a movie (the headaches destroy my memory, oh wait, it was Cheech and Chong and I still wonder what's so funny about them...), while I knitted on child's mittens. She doesn't want me to buy any for her, she wants to wait until I finish hers. So, that's what I'm doing.
Before classtime, and since I was in the area, I went to a yarn store in Independence. I found the most delicious mohair yarn that was just beautiful. It'll make a fantastic lace shawl for my Mom, but that's not what she's getting for Christmas, just in case she's reading this. :D I really must allocate tons of time for the Christmas gifts, and I'd like to get them done by December 15th for mailing. That leaves me a month, which isn't really very long, yarnwise. :(
Since I've been a bum today and yesterday, getting nearly nothing done, (especially today with the groggy and still headachy feeling) I'm just cutting and pasting the Monday's list to go by. Right now, I'm downloading some Sims stuff for fun, but I'm not playing Sims until I get all of the below finished.
Concerning diet, Monday bad diet day, Tuesday ate very little due to Midrin, today had no carbs and stuck to diet. Have lost 0 lbs since Friday.
Today's List:
The usual with added Wednesday tasks:
Food (low fat low carb to get to low weight, doing good so far today)
Make beds
Pick up clothes
Hang up clothes
Dishes and counter
Lemon water
80 oz water
Stretch
Vacuum
30 mins of aerobics (this makes my head pound and I'm not so sure I want to do this)
Evening face and tooth maint
Leftovers from the weekend:
Clean out linen closet
Oil change
Vacuum the car
Put together dresser in V's room
Put away the other clothes
Plant new bulbs
Dishes during the day
Dust better
Iron clothes
Read Plainsong for United We Read program tomorrow
Talk to sister about watching the child during hub's Christmas party.
Monday, November 11, 2002
Ok, Saturday and Sunday.
I know I did something, just don't remember what. ;)
Taking by the previous paragraphs.....
Finished one of Mom's mittens, started on my kid's because they're smaller and the child keeps getting the sniffles. If I don't get them done today or tomorrow, I'm just buying her a pair and saying to heck with it. I did get her to clean up her room and I vacuumed it today.
I didn't get anything but the usual dishes, then cleaning sinks, tubs, toilets, and mirrors because the garbage disposal had been leaking since the 'spoon' incident. Went to Home Depot to get disposal, installed it, the other sink's drain just 'fell' off, I kid you not. So back to HD, tried to install new pipe, wrong size, went back to HD and tried again. By this time, it was Sunday (it all started on Saturday) and the sink still leaks at the drain. So, I'm going back sometime this afternoon after cutting my wallhanging fabric for tomorrow's 2:00pm class and before Small Fry comes home.
I did wash the car, but ran out of quarters so I had to come home to rinse it. I transplanted my roses like I'd wanted from the patch in the middle of the yard, also dug up the flags' bulbs. Still need to plant my new bulbs, but at least I'd bought potting soil for the movable containers I want to plant them in. Michael's is next to Home Depot (yes, I live in a perfect world.) and I bought little baskets for the bathroom. We put our 'used' daily items in those to keep them in order.
Husband fixed dinner on Saturday (I was in a mood after my third HD trip), and my sister came over to fix chicken and dumplings (some of which I'll eat today, lucky me). It was fab. One of the sinks is working, so I can still do dishes. :D
I have a tough time crossing things off like "clean the car" or "vaccum" because if I didn't do EVERYTHING (see below's diatribe) for the car, or get every inch of carpet in the home clean, I don't feel like those things can be called done. The good thing is that they are reoccurring, so I can do more the next day that task comes around.
I'd missed vacuuming on Saturday so I did that this morning and did every floor possible. :D Very cool. Also did some dusting, but didn't get obsessive, just brushed spider webs. Already did the lemon water and made the bed, yay, plus, I'd missed cleaning the basement's bathroom, so I took care of that, too. Since then, I've been cutting fabric for class mentioned earlier.
The omelette was hideous, didn't eat that, diet was out of whack, being good some hours, not so good others. Today is great so far, not a single carb in the bunch. :)
Today's List:
The usual:
Food (yada yada yada, low fat low carb to get to low weight)
Make beds (did one, one to go)
Pick up clothes (done)
Hang up clothes (done)
Dishes and counter (done for now)
Lemon water (done)
80 oz water (doing)
Stretch (at this point I'd settle for once a day since the morning and evening isn't working out)
30 mins of aerobics (crap, forgot about this today, I think I may pop in a dance CD and the kid and I can groove out for 30 mins)
Evening face and tooth maint (didn't do this at all over the weekend, MUST do tonight)
Leftovers from the weekend:
Finish wallhangings
Clean out linen closet (to fit in blankets)
Oil change
Vacuum the car (inside our garage and I have to 'modify' the Kirby)
Fix sink (another HD trip)
Put together dresser in V's room
Put away the other clothes
Plant new bulbs
Dishes during the day
Dust better
Get trash ready for pickup
Iron clothes (I'd settle for just a few shirts, there's closetfuls of clothes to do)
Read Plainsong for United We Read program on Thursday
Talk to sister about watching the child during hub's Christmas party.
Get various migraine prescriptions filled just in case I get a headache.
I did happen to make out my gift list for Christmas, and have nearly everything picked out.. :D
From using my hands as a pipe wrench, plus digging up the rosebushes, my hands ache. The cutting fabric thing isn't doing wonders for me, either. Everything else is fine, but this post is going to be short because each letter here is a little ow ow ow. :D It'll be fun tomorrow just to see how much I get done.
P. S. Knitting hurts a tad, but not much or enough to keep me from the yarn. :D
I know I did something, just don't remember what. ;)
Taking by the previous paragraphs.....
Finished one of Mom's mittens, started on my kid's because they're smaller and the child keeps getting the sniffles. If I don't get them done today or tomorrow, I'm just buying her a pair and saying to heck with it. I did get her to clean up her room and I vacuumed it today.
I didn't get anything but the usual dishes, then cleaning sinks, tubs, toilets, and mirrors because the garbage disposal had been leaking since the 'spoon' incident. Went to Home Depot to get disposal, installed it, the other sink's drain just 'fell' off, I kid you not. So back to HD, tried to install new pipe, wrong size, went back to HD and tried again. By this time, it was Sunday (it all started on Saturday) and the sink still leaks at the drain. So, I'm going back sometime this afternoon after cutting my wallhanging fabric for tomorrow's 2:00pm class and before Small Fry comes home.
I did wash the car, but ran out of quarters so I had to come home to rinse it. I transplanted my roses like I'd wanted from the patch in the middle of the yard, also dug up the flags' bulbs. Still need to plant my new bulbs, but at least I'd bought potting soil for the movable containers I want to plant them in. Michael's is next to Home Depot (yes, I live in a perfect world.) and I bought little baskets for the bathroom. We put our 'used' daily items in those to keep them in order.
Husband fixed dinner on Saturday (I was in a mood after my third HD trip), and my sister came over to fix chicken and dumplings (some of which I'll eat today, lucky me). It was fab. One of the sinks is working, so I can still do dishes. :D
I have a tough time crossing things off like "clean the car" or "vaccum" because if I didn't do EVERYTHING (see below's diatribe) for the car, or get every inch of carpet in the home clean, I don't feel like those things can be called done. The good thing is that they are reoccurring, so I can do more the next day that task comes around.
I'd missed vacuuming on Saturday so I did that this morning and did every floor possible. :D Very cool. Also did some dusting, but didn't get obsessive, just brushed spider webs. Already did the lemon water and made the bed, yay, plus, I'd missed cleaning the basement's bathroom, so I took care of that, too. Since then, I've been cutting fabric for class mentioned earlier.
The omelette was hideous, didn't eat that, diet was out of whack, being good some hours, not so good others. Today is great so far, not a single carb in the bunch. :)
Today's List:
The usual:
Food (yada yada yada, low fat low carb to get to low weight)
Make beds (did one, one to go)
Pick up clothes (done)
Hang up clothes (done)
Dishes and counter (done for now)
Lemon water (done)
80 oz water (doing)
Stretch (at this point I'd settle for once a day since the morning and evening isn't working out)
30 mins of aerobics (crap, forgot about this today, I think I may pop in a dance CD and the kid and I can groove out for 30 mins)
Evening face and tooth maint (didn't do this at all over the weekend, MUST do tonight)
Leftovers from the weekend:
Finish wallhangings
Clean out linen closet (to fit in blankets)
Oil change
Vacuum the car (inside our garage and I have to 'modify' the Kirby)
Fix sink (another HD trip)
Put together dresser in V's room
Put away the other clothes
Plant new bulbs
Dishes during the day
Dust better
Get trash ready for pickup
Iron clothes (I'd settle for just a few shirts, there's closetfuls of clothes to do)
Read Plainsong for United We Read program on Thursday
Talk to sister about watching the child during hub's Christmas party.
Get various migraine prescriptions filled just in case I get a headache.
I did happen to make out my gift list for Christmas, and have nearly everything picked out.. :D
From using my hands as a pipe wrench, plus digging up the rosebushes, my hands ache. The cutting fabric thing isn't doing wonders for me, either. Everything else is fine, but this post is going to be short because each letter here is a little ow ow ow. :D It'll be fun tomorrow just to see how much I get done.
P. S. Knitting hurts a tad, but not much or enough to keep me from the yarn. :D
Saturday, November 09, 2002
Yesterday, I did everything but both stretches (just did one), missed breakfast and lunch, only did 20 mins of aerobics, drank only 30 oz of water, and didn't make the bed until bedtime. I also didn't water the plants, clean or change the oil in the car, or do the dresser drawer changeout in the child's room. (she needs to clean her room, first, it's too messy to move in.) I did catch the Bonus Treks, but worked on Mom's mittens instead of the wall hangings. Didn't do the evening face maint or retainers, but I did do the retainers while working out and did the face maint while showering. It doesn't 'count' because it wasn't set up for overnight, but oh well, it was in there somewhere.
I went grocery shopping for the week and it took a lot longer than I'd thought. It was because I stopped at the dollar store just to see what they have. They had a lot. :D Tons of Christmas wrap and decor. I didn't get any, because we have enough from the clearance sales from last year. I'm thinking about inviting my sis and her pal over for a wrapping party, since we have enough to go around. At the grocer, I found bulbs on sale, so the small fry and I are going to plant those today.
Cool thing, the guy who bought candy from the child's fundraiser came by and picked up his order. Yay! because I'm truly postally impaired and he lives way out of town. It's something about mailing things, the females in my family can't seem to do. Really odd. Anyway, I think I convinced him to start a blog to help him with his goals, since mine here is actually working for me. The hubs can see a difference in the house due to my following these goals.
How I came up with 'the list'
I've been trying to get myself organized most of my life. I have at least five books on getting your life in order and how to keep your life clean and trouble free. You see, I'm what is called a covert perfectionist. The overt ones, you already know about, they're the perfect appearing people who's cars, homes, and personal selves are, well, perfect. I and other coverts are tough to spot because (to us) we look like lazy slobs when really, it's something different. The innate desire to do everything perfect is overwhelming.
When you look at your car, especially if you've let it go, cleanwise, cleaning your car is a huge task taking most of the day. To a covert, looking at it and knowing that after getting rid of the trash, sorting the kid papers, your papers, cleaning out the trunk and arranging (sp?) the trunk items, cleaning out the glove box and maybe console, then you can really clean the inside. This means deeply vacuuming the floorboard, mats, (probably shampooing them, too) and the seats and cracks in the seats themselves. After that, it's wiping everything with a wet cloth, then dry cloth, then some sort of Armor all. Then the inside windows. Just Windex(c) them, then wipe with a dry cloth. For me, once the inside is clean, then I can do the outside. Quick wash, then deep wash, then spot-free rinse, then clean the tires and hubcaps. Wipe down the car, again Windexing the outside windows (be sure to wipe them down with a dry cloth). Then, you can wax the car. Since I usually run out of time by now, I've only waxed one car in my life, and really don't know how often a person should do this. Just cleaning the car, though, should be done no less than once a week. If I could adhere to that, I know that keeping it clean would be easy, I just need to start it. The car is one example, though. If you look at everything in your life in that 'It MUST be done completely and correctly", it's exhausting just thinking about what needs to be done. Very often, I have to tell myself to just get it done halfway and it'll be better than it is now. Expecially in the kitchen, because really, the cabinets need to be reorgainized (I've been sloppy, not putting my Glad(c) lids in size order for easy access and the glasses are not in size order, nor is my pantry the least bit organized) and lemon oiled. I've had to put that aside in favor of other things. :P
Anyway, onward to the realistic list for today. :D
Today's list:
The usual:
Morning Stretch (gonna have to do this one, the 20 mins of walking at the gym left my walking muscles sore. :P)
24-32 oz of warm lemon water (you know what I mean by now. and yes, I did do this yesterday after all. )
Breakfast of fruit or egg white omlette (I'm actually doing this one as soon as I'm done here!)
Lunch-greens with small protein
Dinner-protein with greens
Make beds (my daughter's bed needs cleaning off before I can even put the sheets on)
Pick up dirty clothes
Hang up clean clothes (back to the chest of drawers in kid's room again)
Dishes, counters, and stove (I'm discovering this has to be done every two hours, does NOT make me happy)
Drink 80 oz of water (wishing Diet Pepsi counted, but it doesn't)
Evening face and teeth maint
Evening stretch
Saturday specific activities:
Vacuum
Clean sinks and tubs
Clean toilets and mirrors (oh yay)
Dust (even more yay)
Laundry (ha! I'm ahead already, I maybe have enough for one small load and that's IT.)
Wash sheets (I did that a couple of days ago, will wait until next Saturday)
Vacuum stairs (I don't care for this since I have to use attachments on the Kirby)
On the vacuuming thing, when I list vacuum, it really means the entire house. That means lugging the Kirby to the second floor, and then down to the basement. Not easy. Right now when I vacuum, it means the main floor because I don't have everything picked up off the floor upstairs and I don't drag the Kirby to the basement very often.
Other tasks.
These may not be all done today and may be reassigned to tomorrow. I prefer today, but...sometimes it's a lost cause.
Water indoor plants
Plant bulbs
Clean out car and oil change
Finish wallhangings
Dresser drawers (change out in child's room)
Mail letter of cute child drawings to Mom and Dad
Clean out linen closet (so the towels and blankets will fit properly. also, we have twin sheets up there and not a twin bed in the house. go figure)
Transplant rosebushes
I think I've typed enough of a novel for today. The butter for the omlettes are melted and the child is hungry, so, off I go to see just how much I can accomplish today. :D
I went grocery shopping for the week and it took a lot longer than I'd thought. It was because I stopped at the dollar store just to see what they have. They had a lot. :D Tons of Christmas wrap and decor. I didn't get any, because we have enough from the clearance sales from last year. I'm thinking about inviting my sis and her pal over for a wrapping party, since we have enough to go around. At the grocer, I found bulbs on sale, so the small fry and I are going to plant those today.
Cool thing, the guy who bought candy from the child's fundraiser came by and picked up his order. Yay! because I'm truly postally impaired and he lives way out of town. It's something about mailing things, the females in my family can't seem to do. Really odd. Anyway, I think I convinced him to start a blog to help him with his goals, since mine here is actually working for me. The hubs can see a difference in the house due to my following these goals.
How I came up with 'the list'
I've been trying to get myself organized most of my life. I have at least five books on getting your life in order and how to keep your life clean and trouble free. You see, I'm what is called a covert perfectionist. The overt ones, you already know about, they're the perfect appearing people who's cars, homes, and personal selves are, well, perfect. I and other coverts are tough to spot because (to us) we look like lazy slobs when really, it's something different. The innate desire to do everything perfect is overwhelming.
When you look at your car, especially if you've let it go, cleanwise, cleaning your car is a huge task taking most of the day. To a covert, looking at it and knowing that after getting rid of the trash, sorting the kid papers, your papers, cleaning out the trunk and arranging (sp?) the trunk items, cleaning out the glove box and maybe console, then you can really clean the inside. This means deeply vacuuming the floorboard, mats, (probably shampooing them, too) and the seats and cracks in the seats themselves. After that, it's wiping everything with a wet cloth, then dry cloth, then some sort of Armor all. Then the inside windows. Just Windex(c) them, then wipe with a dry cloth. For me, once the inside is clean, then I can do the outside. Quick wash, then deep wash, then spot-free rinse, then clean the tires and hubcaps. Wipe down the car, again Windexing the outside windows (be sure to wipe them down with a dry cloth). Then, you can wax the car. Since I usually run out of time by now, I've only waxed one car in my life, and really don't know how often a person should do this. Just cleaning the car, though, should be done no less than once a week. If I could adhere to that, I know that keeping it clean would be easy, I just need to start it. The car is one example, though. If you look at everything in your life in that 'It MUST be done completely and correctly", it's exhausting just thinking about what needs to be done. Very often, I have to tell myself to just get it done halfway and it'll be better than it is now. Expecially in the kitchen, because really, the cabinets need to be reorgainized (I've been sloppy, not putting my Glad(c) lids in size order for easy access and the glasses are not in size order, nor is my pantry the least bit organized) and lemon oiled. I've had to put that aside in favor of other things. :P
Anyway, onward to the realistic list for today. :D
Today's list:
The usual:
Morning Stretch (gonna have to do this one, the 20 mins of walking at the gym left my walking muscles sore. :P)
24-32 oz of warm lemon water (you know what I mean by now. and yes, I did do this yesterday after all. )
Breakfast of fruit or egg white omlette (I'm actually doing this one as soon as I'm done here!)
Lunch-greens with small protein
Dinner-protein with greens
Make beds (my daughter's bed needs cleaning off before I can even put the sheets on)
Pick up dirty clothes
Hang up clean clothes (back to the chest of drawers in kid's room again)
Dishes, counters, and stove (I'm discovering this has to be done every two hours, does NOT make me happy)
Drink 80 oz of water (wishing Diet Pepsi counted, but it doesn't)
Evening face and teeth maint
Evening stretch
Saturday specific activities:
Vacuum
Clean sinks and tubs
Clean toilets and mirrors (oh yay)
Dust (even more yay)
Laundry (ha! I'm ahead already, I maybe have enough for one small load and that's IT.)
Wash sheets (I did that a couple of days ago, will wait until next Saturday)
Vacuum stairs (I don't care for this since I have to use attachments on the Kirby)
On the vacuuming thing, when I list vacuum, it really means the entire house. That means lugging the Kirby to the second floor, and then down to the basement. Not easy. Right now when I vacuum, it means the main floor because I don't have everything picked up off the floor upstairs and I don't drag the Kirby to the basement very often.
Other tasks.
These may not be all done today and may be reassigned to tomorrow. I prefer today, but...sometimes it's a lost cause.
Water indoor plants
Plant bulbs
Clean out car and oil change
Finish wallhangings
Dresser drawers (change out in child's room)
Mail letter of cute child drawings to Mom and Dad
Clean out linen closet (so the towels and blankets will fit properly. also, we have twin sheets up there and not a twin bed in the house. go figure)
Transplant rosebushes
I think I've typed enough of a novel for today. The butter for the omlettes are melted and the child is hungry, so, off I go to see just how much I can accomplish today. :D
Friday, November 08, 2002
Oh gosh, where to start? Sure, there's an update on yesterday's to do, but I also want to rant.
Update.
Did the vacuuming in the kitchen!! (I finally looked up that word!)Yay! I really have to do the rest of the house, but to be honest, my lower back started hurting again. Last June, I was in so much pain from this, I could barely walk, couldn't sit or stand, for the entire month. It was horrible. I mean, I claim to be a slug, but as soon as I have to slow down or stop, I relearn how much I do. Even if it is non-essential. :D
Ok, the warm water with lemon isn't working out for today. I'm having a second cup of instant coffee instead. Yesterday, it was 1:00pm before I finished the lemon water, and so, I didn't get the full 80 oz worked in. Not only did I get the Other things done, (took two hours and an extensive search to find Ameet's tape and now I know where everything is in the house) I got almost everything else done as well. :)
It seems I fall down the most in personal care. No stretching, no working out, but then, no crazed Halloween candy binges, either. The only bad thing I did was each some fajita chili mac, with 'mac' being the bad carb word. You see, for eaons, I followed the low-fat way of life, literally keeping my fat grams below 20 on an average day. In an effort to lose weight since I'm considered borderline obese on the charts,(I'm 5'3", wear a size 12 on a really 'fat' day, and weigh 160-165) for four months I followed a low-fat 1500 calorie a day diet AND worked out no less than three times a week with 30-45 minutes of aerobics (target heart rate 145, a little high for my age, but I needed the workout) and another hour of weight training (free weights). I was at 160 when I started and in four months gained another 5 pounds. Yeah, it was muscle, but still, it edged me ever closer to obesity. This was very discouraging. Even when I went off the diet, my weight didn't change.
So how did I manage to lose 10 pounds in two weeks and keep it off until the "Halloween" incident? Atkins. I know, it's got a bad rap because of the beginning's requirement of less than 20 carbs a day for two weeks. It works, and helps to break your sugar craving. Don't think you have one? You'd be surprised. I dare you, if you don't think you need sugar but are eating potatoes, rice, and bread, to go a week without eating any sugar. Think that you can throw out your sugar bowl and call it good? Nope! Ketchup, salad dressings, coffees (mine is black and near esspresso) and teas, plus a lot of other things have sugar in their list of ingredients. I would say give up bread, because that does have tons of carbs and no redeeming value. If you're not wanting to deviate from the pyramid, eat something like Grapenuts for breakfast, whole wheat crackers with lunch, and brown rice or whole wheat pasta with your three squares.
This is turning into the health post. Anyway, I didn't do the face thing or the retainers thing. Since small fry is back at school (I'm going to call and make sure she's fine as soon as I'm done here), I want to clean up myself and go work out. I'm soooo out of shape. Our nearby Bally's closed last spring, I'd signed up for a new gym in May, but couldn't even drive there until July. :P (back pain, remember?) I'm not a wimp about pain, too much, since I'd had a kidney stone a while back and thought it hurt a little, but not unbearable. I was more afraid it was my appendix because it did hurt, was a new pain, and in that general area.
Plus, I'm achy from all the house cleaning. (thinking I'm going to let the manic cat out of the bag) After I posted here yesterday, I started cleaning and didn't really stop until 11:00pm when my hubs got home from class. (it's SQL sys admin) I washed the sheets, made the bed (at 9:00pm, just in time for bed, ::snicker::), did dishes, laundry (my sister's since there's only a couple of loads and mine was done). The fun part of the day was cleaning out the guinea pig's cage and then cleaning her. :D My child and I ran some water in her bathtub (the child's tub, not the pig's) and let her swim. There was a shallow end, and little Squeeky would swim out to the deeper end.
We didn't do the Monopoly game, but did install it here on the computer in the kitchen. Nickelodeon and computer games, does it get much better than that for a 7 yr old?
The child wants mittens. The child doesn't want to buy mittens but wants me to make them. Since child has had fever (yesterday) but still plays outside for recess, mittens for child has moved to the front of the 'knitting projects' queue. I'm dying to knit, since I didn't get to do a stitch yesterday.
Oh oh oh! I'm teaching a class on Quilted Christmas Wallhangings and have 9 people signed up! Isn't that cool?! It's my first class to teach in this, and I'd only prepared 10 kits, plus one for me to do. I'm going to set aside 2 hours, the length of the class, and see if I can stitch it up in that amount of time. It's a crazy quilted picture of a snowman. I didn't even think of doing an instruction sheet, but will have to do that soon.
Ok, since this is a long-assed post, I'm going to go ahead and type out all of Friday's daily tasks as a refresher.
Friday
Morning stretch
24-32 oz of warm water with .5 fresh lemon juice (don't want to, but will probably drink this out of guilt for trying to skip this)
Breakfast of fruit serving or egg white omlette (will probably skip breakfast, rather shower and go work out)
Lunch-greens with a little bit of protein (rethinking that breakfast idea, since typing lunch made my tummy growl)
I need to add that whenever I go over say, 50 carbs in a day, I wake up starving and tummy hurting from hunger the next day. Odd, because if I eat the same amount of food the day before but keep my carbs below 50, I just don't get as painfully hungry.
Snack of veggies (probably won't do this, since I'd have to go to the grocery store for fresh ones and I'm just not in the mood to run in for just one item)
Make beds
Pick up dirty clothes
Hang up clean clothes
Do dishes, wipe counters and stovetop
30 mins of aerobics (I do need to start out slow since it's been a while. this doesn't make me happy, but doing something is better than nothing, I suppose)
Grocery shop for the week (crap. disreguard the veggie excuse. I need more dish soap, anyway)
Clean Squeeky's cage (Done yesterday!!! woo hoo!! I'm ahead in one thing!!!)
Drink 80 oz of water (not tough because I plan on sweating it out. :D)
Evening stretch
Evening face and tooth maint.
Other things:
You know, this is Friday, and even though I was 'out' on Mon and Tues due to migraine, I really don't want to do anything but knit and watch movies. I do both at the same time because the knitting is fun and hearing dialogue helps with my screenwriting abilities. All movies start out as written words, so it helps to turn off the visual and really listen.
The thing is, these two careers are so much fun, I put them off until the crap jobs are done.
That being said, I have a hardcopy of my list excerpted here, that goes on the fridge. I need to make up a new one, adding plant care and car maintenance since the spider plants are looking peaked and I'm overdue on an oilchange.
The 'official' other list, then:
Water plants
Clean out car, possible oil change after working out.
I'd really like to get the broken chest of drawers out of child's room and put together the new one ($30, new, at Kmart, less than the thrift stores were charging!!) Don't know if I'll do that today, but would like to, just to get all the freshly folded clothes put away.
Work on quilted wall hangings while watching Friday Night Bonus Treks on the new TNN
Deposit miscellaneous checks from car payment (we sold, he pays), state of MO, and hub's birthday money (was Nov 5, he was in class, we will celebrate this weekend)
Forgot to rant! :D Here's the topic: Homeless person(s) have blog and websites with added features that paying blog customers get. Yeah, the computer is at the library, but still, they're homeless and yet still PAYING to blog? The added features mean that much to them? Me personally, I am more than happy to have ads here and on my Geocities homepage if it means I can live in a nice home. (the home is 2600 sq feet. since I'm still training the rest of the family to pick up their clothes, trash, and dirty dishes, the cleaning falls to me. everyone else is at school or work during the day, so I'm more than happy to do this, but if it's not in the sink, hamper, or garbage can, I don't know it needs my attention. this also explains my constant cleaning.) Um, sorry, that's ANOTHER rant. Anyway, here they are paying, asking for donations. I guess it bugs me to be asked to give money to someone else. I know they really need it, and some part of me feels sympathy, but honestly, we get at least 3-6 telemarketing calls a day, junk mail from charities asking for our money, and then of course the normal bills. The bottom line is I don't want to be asked to send money to support a homeless persons PAY website when I don't feel I can afford my own.
That being said, I probably could spring for a pay site, but that would mean less money for yarn, which means less knitted items, which means less profits in my designer knitwear business.
Gad! It's 10:40am already! Thanks for reading and catch you tomorrow.
Update.
Did the vacuuming in the kitchen!! (I finally looked up that word!)Yay! I really have to do the rest of the house, but to be honest, my lower back started hurting again. Last June, I was in so much pain from this, I could barely walk, couldn't sit or stand, for the entire month. It was horrible. I mean, I claim to be a slug, but as soon as I have to slow down or stop, I relearn how much I do. Even if it is non-essential. :D
Ok, the warm water with lemon isn't working out for today. I'm having a second cup of instant coffee instead. Yesterday, it was 1:00pm before I finished the lemon water, and so, I didn't get the full 80 oz worked in. Not only did I get the Other things done, (took two hours and an extensive search to find Ameet's tape and now I know where everything is in the house) I got almost everything else done as well. :)
It seems I fall down the most in personal care. No stretching, no working out, but then, no crazed Halloween candy binges, either. The only bad thing I did was each some fajita chili mac, with 'mac' being the bad carb word. You see, for eaons, I followed the low-fat way of life, literally keeping my fat grams below 20 on an average day. In an effort to lose weight since I'm considered borderline obese on the charts,(I'm 5'3", wear a size 12 on a really 'fat' day, and weigh 160-165) for four months I followed a low-fat 1500 calorie a day diet AND worked out no less than three times a week with 30-45 minutes of aerobics (target heart rate 145, a little high for my age, but I needed the workout) and another hour of weight training (free weights). I was at 160 when I started and in four months gained another 5 pounds. Yeah, it was muscle, but still, it edged me ever closer to obesity. This was very discouraging. Even when I went off the diet, my weight didn't change.
So how did I manage to lose 10 pounds in two weeks and keep it off until the "Halloween" incident? Atkins. I know, it's got a bad rap because of the beginning's requirement of less than 20 carbs a day for two weeks. It works, and helps to break your sugar craving. Don't think you have one? You'd be surprised. I dare you, if you don't think you need sugar but are eating potatoes, rice, and bread, to go a week without eating any sugar. Think that you can throw out your sugar bowl and call it good? Nope! Ketchup, salad dressings, coffees (mine is black and near esspresso) and teas, plus a lot of other things have sugar in their list of ingredients. I would say give up bread, because that does have tons of carbs and no redeeming value. If you're not wanting to deviate from the pyramid, eat something like Grapenuts for breakfast, whole wheat crackers with lunch, and brown rice or whole wheat pasta with your three squares.
This is turning into the health post. Anyway, I didn't do the face thing or the retainers thing. Since small fry is back at school (I'm going to call and make sure she's fine as soon as I'm done here), I want to clean up myself and go work out. I'm soooo out of shape. Our nearby Bally's closed last spring, I'd signed up for a new gym in May, but couldn't even drive there until July. :P (back pain, remember?) I'm not a wimp about pain, too much, since I'd had a kidney stone a while back and thought it hurt a little, but not unbearable. I was more afraid it was my appendix because it did hurt, was a new pain, and in that general area.
Plus, I'm achy from all the house cleaning. (thinking I'm going to let the manic cat out of the bag) After I posted here yesterday, I started cleaning and didn't really stop until 11:00pm when my hubs got home from class. (it's SQL sys admin) I washed the sheets, made the bed (at 9:00pm, just in time for bed, ::snicker::), did dishes, laundry (my sister's since there's only a couple of loads and mine was done). The fun part of the day was cleaning out the guinea pig's cage and then cleaning her. :D My child and I ran some water in her bathtub (the child's tub, not the pig's) and let her swim. There was a shallow end, and little Squeeky would swim out to the deeper end.
We didn't do the Monopoly game, but did install it here on the computer in the kitchen. Nickelodeon and computer games, does it get much better than that for a 7 yr old?
The child wants mittens. The child doesn't want to buy mittens but wants me to make them. Since child has had fever (yesterday) but still plays outside for recess, mittens for child has moved to the front of the 'knitting projects' queue. I'm dying to knit, since I didn't get to do a stitch yesterday.
Oh oh oh! I'm teaching a class on Quilted Christmas Wallhangings and have 9 people signed up! Isn't that cool?! It's my first class to teach in this, and I'd only prepared 10 kits, plus one for me to do. I'm going to set aside 2 hours, the length of the class, and see if I can stitch it up in that amount of time. It's a crazy quilted picture of a snowman. I didn't even think of doing an instruction sheet, but will have to do that soon.
Ok, since this is a long-assed post, I'm going to go ahead and type out all of Friday's daily tasks as a refresher.
Friday
Morning stretch
24-32 oz of warm water with .5 fresh lemon juice (don't want to, but will probably drink this out of guilt for trying to skip this)
Breakfast of fruit serving or egg white omlette (will probably skip breakfast, rather shower and go work out)
Lunch-greens with a little bit of protein (rethinking that breakfast idea, since typing lunch made my tummy growl)
I need to add that whenever I go over say, 50 carbs in a day, I wake up starving and tummy hurting from hunger the next day. Odd, because if I eat the same amount of food the day before but keep my carbs below 50, I just don't get as painfully hungry.
Snack of veggies (probably won't do this, since I'd have to go to the grocery store for fresh ones and I'm just not in the mood to run in for just one item)
Make beds
Pick up dirty clothes
Hang up clean clothes
Do dishes, wipe counters and stovetop
30 mins of aerobics (I do need to start out slow since it's been a while. this doesn't make me happy, but doing something is better than nothing, I suppose)
Grocery shop for the week (crap. disreguard the veggie excuse. I need more dish soap, anyway)
Clean Squeeky's cage (Done yesterday!!! woo hoo!! I'm ahead in one thing!!!)
Drink 80 oz of water (not tough because I plan on sweating it out. :D)
Evening stretch
Evening face and tooth maint.
Other things:
You know, this is Friday, and even though I was 'out' on Mon and Tues due to migraine, I really don't want to do anything but knit and watch movies. I do both at the same time because the knitting is fun and hearing dialogue helps with my screenwriting abilities. All movies start out as written words, so it helps to turn off the visual and really listen.
The thing is, these two careers are so much fun, I put them off until the crap jobs are done.
That being said, I have a hardcopy of my list excerpted here, that goes on the fridge. I need to make up a new one, adding plant care and car maintenance since the spider plants are looking peaked and I'm overdue on an oilchange.
The 'official' other list, then:
Water plants
Clean out car, possible oil change after working out.
I'd really like to get the broken chest of drawers out of child's room and put together the new one ($30, new, at Kmart, less than the thrift stores were charging!!) Don't know if I'll do that today, but would like to, just to get all the freshly folded clothes put away.
Work on quilted wall hangings while watching Friday Night Bonus Treks on the new TNN
Deposit miscellaneous checks from car payment (we sold, he pays), state of MO, and hub's birthday money (was Nov 5, he was in class, we will celebrate this weekend)
Forgot to rant! :D Here's the topic: Homeless person(s) have blog and websites with added features that paying blog customers get. Yeah, the computer is at the library, but still, they're homeless and yet still PAYING to blog? The added features mean that much to them? Me personally, I am more than happy to have ads here and on my Geocities homepage if it means I can live in a nice home. (the home is 2600 sq feet. since I'm still training the rest of the family to pick up their clothes, trash, and dirty dishes, the cleaning falls to me. everyone else is at school or work during the day, so I'm more than happy to do this, but if it's not in the sink, hamper, or garbage can, I don't know it needs my attention. this also explains my constant cleaning.) Um, sorry, that's ANOTHER rant. Anyway, here they are paying, asking for donations. I guess it bugs me to be asked to give money to someone else. I know they really need it, and some part of me feels sympathy, but honestly, we get at least 3-6 telemarketing calls a day, junk mail from charities asking for our money, and then of course the normal bills. The bottom line is I don't want to be asked to send money to support a homeless persons PAY website when I don't feel I can afford my own.
That being said, I probably could spring for a pay site, but that would mean less money for yarn, which means less knitted items, which means less profits in my designer knitwear business.
Gad! It's 10:40am already! Thanks for reading and catch you tomorrow.
Thursday, November 07, 2002
Hey, I did great yesterday! Not perfect, but pretty darn close. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner didn't go exactly to plan, but still, I stuck to the lean and resisted the huge bowl of Halloween candy. Plus, I did drink all that water and did everything but the evening stretch, the face and tooth maint before bed (I'd done that earlier in the day so it didn't count) and didn't get a chance to vacuum (must look up that word).
The same list applies from yesterday, just minus the carpet thing (avoiding vacuu.. vacumne... vacsomething) because I should have done that yesterday (will do today instead) and adding in the 30 mins of aerobics and weight training at the gym.
The bad thing is, the gym is a no-go today. My child (1st grader) is home today with a fever. I promised her a Monopoly game, so that means I must vacu the floor (I know, I'm obsessing, but I'd spent an entire day steamcleaning here in the kitchen and I want to keep it clean).
Oop. I forgot, I didn't make the beds. Completely forgot it, and besides, the sheets need washing. Will do that today, as well
Other things not on the list:
Find Ameet's tape, watch, and return (he's a fab video editor)
Mail Amex payment TODAY (ick)
Mail Family Readiness Group rembursement (worth 120 bucks)
Planning ahead:
Christmas.
Every year, we have fruitcakes sent to aunts, uncles (that doesn't look right), and sisters (neither hubs or I have brothers). I know, fruitcakes have a bad rap, but imagine a cinnamon-spiced, moist cake with chunks of fruits and nuts. In the homes we've surveyed, it's a fight and the cake doesn't last two days. So, that's going out this year again.
Plus, I have my own business, designing and making custom knits and wearable art. You can guess that everyone is getting something handknit this year. It'll be something personal, ie their favorite color, but not cutesy, like bears and bunnies on a background of country blue. I'm knitting like a fiend, since everything will have to be mailed this year. :P
Since I have a couple of things to do today, I'll sign off, finish checking email, and get busy. :)
The same list applies from yesterday, just minus the carpet thing (avoiding vacuu.. vacumne... vacsomething) because I should have done that yesterday (will do today instead) and adding in the 30 mins of aerobics and weight training at the gym.
The bad thing is, the gym is a no-go today. My child (1st grader) is home today with a fever. I promised her a Monopoly game, so that means I must vacu the floor (I know, I'm obsessing, but I'd spent an entire day steamcleaning here in the kitchen and I want to keep it clean).
Oop. I forgot, I didn't make the beds. Completely forgot it, and besides, the sheets need washing. Will do that today, as well
Other things not on the list:
Find Ameet's tape, watch, and return (he's a fab video editor)
Mail Amex payment TODAY (ick)
Mail Family Readiness Group rembursement (worth 120 bucks)
Planning ahead:
Christmas.
Every year, we have fruitcakes sent to aunts, uncles (that doesn't look right), and sisters (neither hubs or I have brothers). I know, fruitcakes have a bad rap, but imagine a cinnamon-spiced, moist cake with chunks of fruits and nuts. In the homes we've surveyed, it's a fight and the cake doesn't last two days. So, that's going out this year again.
Plus, I have my own business, designing and making custom knits and wearable art. You can guess that everyone is getting something handknit this year. It'll be something personal, ie their favorite color, but not cutesy, like bears and bunnies on a background of country blue. I'm knitting like a fiend, since everything will have to be mailed this year. :P
Since I have a couple of things to do today, I'll sign off, finish checking email, and get busy. :)
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
Ok, the promised todo list:
Wednesday
Morning Stretch
24-32oz warm water with .5 fresh lemon juice (heard this was better than coffee at waking you up, ick)
Breakfast of an egg white omlette (must find clean frying pan)
Lunch - greens with tiny bit of protein of choice.
Dinner - lean meat with greens
Make beds
Pick up dirty clothes
Hang up washed clothes
Do dishes, wipe counters and stovetop
Drink 80 oz of water in course of the day
Evening face and tooth maintenance (was just 'sarcasm-ed' by orthodontist about retainers, trying not to think of him as supreme jerk)
Evening stretch
Vacuum (one of those words I can't spell) floors and spot clean with carpet cleaner machine.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, I add 30 minuts of aerobics for all four days, and for two days of them, I weight train.
On weekends, I've added cleaning bathrooms, dusting, washing sheets and other laundry, plus cleaning out the animals (cat and guinea pig) poo.
Now, I'm not saying I do none of the above, because of course I do, but if I did ALL of the above, I'd be a lot closer to perfection. To be brutally honest, I don't clean every day, other than doing dishes and fixing meals, plus, I do none of the healthy stuff like working out and eating correctly. Thus, the need for accountability and goals.
Wednesday
Morning Stretch
24-32oz warm water with .5 fresh lemon juice (heard this was better than coffee at waking you up, ick)
Breakfast of an egg white omlette (must find clean frying pan)
Lunch - greens with tiny bit of protein of choice.
Dinner - lean meat with greens
Make beds
Pick up dirty clothes
Hang up washed clothes
Do dishes, wipe counters and stovetop
Drink 80 oz of water in course of the day
Evening face and tooth maintenance (was just 'sarcasm-ed' by orthodontist about retainers, trying not to think of him as supreme jerk)
Evening stretch
Vacuum (one of those words I can't spell) floors and spot clean with carpet cleaner machine.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, I add 30 minuts of aerobics for all four days, and for two days of them, I weight train.
On weekends, I've added cleaning bathrooms, dusting, washing sheets and other laundry, plus cleaning out the animals (cat and guinea pig) poo.
Now, I'm not saying I do none of the above, because of course I do, but if I did ALL of the above, I'd be a lot closer to perfection. To be brutally honest, I don't clean every day, other than doing dishes and fixing meals, plus, I do none of the healthy stuff like working out and eating correctly. Thus, the need for accountability and goals.
What's today, Nov 6th? Gad, six days in and I've already ruined the month. You see, I volunteer at my child's library and this month, I'm listed twice to help. Usually, it's at the middle of the month, but this time, it was Nov 1, which I didn't show up for. (ending preposition? bad! bad!)
Plus, the librarian is one of those who is 10 months pregnant but is still as slim as a supermodel and is uber(super) organized and also looks like she keeps a hair and makeup person stashed in her luxurious master bathroom. You know, the one with the gold fixtures and 3 piece string orchestra. Anyway, I show up looking like some Monty Python's ratbag, this after an hour of applying makeup, wondering where I went wrong in life.... Now she truly knows what a major f***up I am by my not being there on my assigned day. I know, one mistake does not a loser make, but still, it's just one of a never ending stream of crap. (Hmmm BAD mental image with THAT one....must edit later)
Which leads to this blog. I have an amazing lack of self-discipline (I totally blame The Sims), am THE laziest person on Earth, yet have this drive to be perfect just so I don't get that inferior-trash-worthless feeling and treatment from others (I have examples). If I'm publicly accountable for my actions, if I know that one other person knows that I didn't do what I needed to, maybe that will propel me in the right direction. I'm going to wander around this site and put up my tasklist for today, somewhere.....
Plus, the librarian is one of those who is 10 months pregnant but is still as slim as a supermodel and is uber(super) organized and also looks like she keeps a hair and makeup person stashed in her luxurious master bathroom. You know, the one with the gold fixtures and 3 piece string orchestra. Anyway, I show up looking like some Monty Python's ratbag, this after an hour of applying makeup, wondering where I went wrong in life.... Now she truly knows what a major f***up I am by my not being there on my assigned day. I know, one mistake does not a loser make, but still, it's just one of a never ending stream of crap. (Hmmm BAD mental image with THAT one....must edit later)
Which leads to this blog. I have an amazing lack of self-discipline (I totally blame The Sims), am THE laziest person on Earth, yet have this drive to be perfect just so I don't get that inferior-trash-worthless feeling and treatment from others (I have examples). If I'm publicly accountable for my actions, if I know that one other person knows that I didn't do what I needed to, maybe that will propel me in the right direction. I'm going to wander around this site and put up my tasklist for today, somewhere.....
Thursday, October 31, 2002
100 Things About Me because I'm a sheep.
1. I never have nor ever will be happy with myself as is. Sometimes I'm resigned to the way I am, but not content.
2. I have phobias of wasps and being boring. Sadly, one is much more avoidable than the other.
3. I was a standup comic for one night in Omaha. I rambled on too long and can't remember a thing I said, although, I think I was funny.
4. I don't like how often I use the word I. Sometimes, bad grammar is employed to avoid the word.
5. My Mom thinks I'm tiny, even though I think I'm a bruiser. It's the bodybuilder calves, quads, and pecs.
6. I've been weightlifting mostly off and some on since college. That was from '85 to now.
7. People who know the programmer side of me are amazed I have any creativity. People who know the artist side of me are amazed I can be so logical.
8. Speaking of that, I've been told I think like a guy. It's not tough, just a lot more instinctual.
9. Even though I'm terribly guilty of it, bad grammar and spelling really irks me. I went to public school, marginally payed attention, and yet, still know there are differences between lose-loose, it's-its, and your-you're.
10. I have a green thumb.
11. I have two wonderful sisters who do not have said green thumbs.
12. I've inherited my thumb from my mother and grandmother, both of whom should be completely green.
13. These two women are the among the most intelligent people I've ever known and my life is better for them having been in them.
14. My sister tells me I'm just like our father. I agree, only I'm the watered down version. He's Guiness, I'm Guiness with Coors Lite gently stirred in.
15. I hate martial arts as exercise. I also hate running but love that it's time-efficient.
16. I love Gilad's workouts. He acts manly, uses the same moves from one show to the next, and is encouraging. I need that.
17.I love yoga, especially the relaxation pose, ha!
18. My middle name isn't Grace for a good reason. I have none. Physically or conversationally.
19. I still love my grandparents, and aunts and uncles, like they're my own parents. I love my cousins like siblings.
20. My Mother is my best friend. I haven't told her everything, but can tell her anything.
21. My Father is my role model on a lot of things. I 'hear' his instructions whenever I'm doing home improvements.
22. My Husband is my other and better half. We complement each other. What one forgets, the other remembers.
23. My Daughter is my life. I probably don't blog about her that much, but then, I don't constantly blog about the air I breathe, either. I worship this child, adore her, and admire her. She's like her father, everyone adores her and goes the extra mile to make her happy.
24. I don't give false compliments, ever. If you didn't deserve it, I wouldn't have said it.
25. I'm a really bad bad liar. Every time my hand is getting near the cookie jar, I get caught. My family knows what I'm thinking when hearing my first hello over the phone.
26. I drive a psychic yellow car. It breaks down every single time I think good thoughts or say good things about it. The thing also does this to my husband. As long as I look hard at newer cars, Lemon runs just fine. Stupid car.
27. My grandfather and father were/are both in the oilfield. Although I try to always be a lady, there are times when I can curse in a couple of languages.
28. Even though I'm a Yank, I'd live in England or Australia in a second. If not here, I'd be so there.
29. This is how old I am. For the next few years or until people snort after hearing this, whichever is first.
30. I love naps. Our bedroom is very spa-like and none of us can stay awake in there for very long, even with the tv on.
31. I love trash day. Take it away! Take it all away!
32. If my doorbell or phone rings on a Sunday morning or afternoon, it'd better be a family member. Otherwise, I'm seething.
33. I'm easy to anger, but thankfully have such a short memory, I forget what ticked me off. Makes harboring a lifelong grudge really tough sometimes.
34. Speaking of grudges, I've been married and divorced when very young. If 22 is very young. After 18 years, I'd hate him a lot more if I weren't so lazy emotionally.
35. As a result, I don't care for blond haired guys, have learned that sometimes a quiet guy equals stupid guy, and divorce can be a very good thing to do.
36. I've had more than my share of boyfriends, but there's only one or two that I actually miss every so often. Even that is in the "I really like you but don't touch me" sort of way.
37. Once I'm done with a relationship, I'm done. No, I don't want you back, don't want a good-bye boink, and you're lucky I've not subscribed you to several "Gay boys in bondage" magazines. Seriously.
38. I've actually been married for more than a decade to my current and final husband! Me! It's the longest not-connected-by-DNA relationship I've ever had. I can't imagine being married for the rest of my life, but then, I can't imagine life without him.
39. Secretly, I'm proud of the fact that I can troubleshoot computer and other electronics over the phone. I usually do this from memory and have to close my eyes to 'see' the screen or menu items available to the family member needing help. When I'm really desperate, I'll Google a troubleshooting guide, but most often, I'll not need to do that.
40. I keep forgetting I'm THIS OLD. When the hell did THAT happen?
41. My father bought me a cordless drill for my birthday and I love it! Power tools rule. So do riding lawn mowers.
42. Secretly, I want our lawn to look like a golf course. Obviously, I'm too lazy for that. We live between two landscape perfectionists, so what I call 'nature preserve' is someone else's 'a little long'.
43. Another secret: When I watch "Monk", I totally get his OCD. Too busy impersonating a boneless chicken to sanitize my doorknobs, but yes, totally understand the germophobia.
44. I will not only brake for cheesecake, but will set up a camp and build a log cabin for it. If Red Lobster were any cheaper and delivered, I'd never need to leave home again.
45. Especially since I can order yarn on the internet.
46. I am a total yarnaholic. I won't live long enough to knit all this up, honestly.
47. At my current level of self-care, I'm expected to live another 54 years. If I don't, it'll really piss me off.
48. I love to love on my family. I will wooley and squeeze them in hugs.
49. On the other hand, if I don't or just barely know someone, I don't want any touching me or even within my reach. My personal space is rather big and I don't like it invaded.
50. It's easier for me to list what I don't like versus what I do like. My Don't is a lot shorter than my Do.
51. Watching The Love Boat, Gene Kelly movies, eating small pretzels with french onion dip, napping in the afternoon, and surfing yarn websites are all guilty pleasures of mine. I do have guiltier ones, but, this blog is rated PG.
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2. I have phobias of wasps and being boring. Sadly, one is much more avoidable than the other.
3. I was a standup comic for one night in Omaha. I rambled on too long and can't remember a thing I said, although, I think I was funny.
4. I don't like how often I use the word I. Sometimes, bad grammar is employed to avoid the word.
5. My Mom thinks I'm tiny, even though I think I'm a bruiser. It's the bodybuilder calves, quads, and pecs.
6. I've been weightlifting mostly off and some on since college. That was from '85 to now.
7. People who know the programmer side of me are amazed I have any creativity. People who know the artist side of me are amazed I can be so logical.
8. Speaking of that, I've been told I think like a guy. It's not tough, just a lot more instinctual.
9. Even though I'm terribly guilty of it, bad grammar and spelling really irks me. I went to public school, marginally payed attention, and yet, still know there are differences between lose-loose, it's-its, and your-you're.
10. I have a green thumb.
11. I have two wonderful sisters who do not have said green thumbs.
12. I've inherited my thumb from my mother and grandmother, both of whom should be completely green.
13. These two women are the among the most intelligent people I've ever known and my life is better for them having been in them.
14. My sister tells me I'm just like our father. I agree, only I'm the watered down version. He's Guiness, I'm Guiness with Coors Lite gently stirred in.
15. I hate martial arts as exercise. I also hate running but love that it's time-efficient.
16. I love Gilad's workouts. He acts manly, uses the same moves from one show to the next, and is encouraging. I need that.
17.I love yoga, especially the relaxation pose, ha!
18. My middle name isn't Grace for a good reason. I have none. Physically or conversationally.
19. I still love my grandparents, and aunts and uncles, like they're my own parents. I love my cousins like siblings.
20. My Mother is my best friend. I haven't told her everything, but can tell her anything.
21. My Father is my role model on a lot of things. I 'hear' his instructions whenever I'm doing home improvements.
22. My Husband is my other and better half. We complement each other. What one forgets, the other remembers.
23. My Daughter is my life. I probably don't blog about her that much, but then, I don't constantly blog about the air I breathe, either. I worship this child, adore her, and admire her. She's like her father, everyone adores her and goes the extra mile to make her happy.
24. I don't give false compliments, ever. If you didn't deserve it, I wouldn't have said it.
25. I'm a really bad bad liar. Every time my hand is getting near the cookie jar, I get caught. My family knows what I'm thinking when hearing my first hello over the phone.
26. I drive a psychic yellow car. It breaks down every single time I think good thoughts or say good things about it. The thing also does this to my husband. As long as I look hard at newer cars, Lemon runs just fine. Stupid car.
27. My grandfather and father were/are both in the oilfield. Although I try to always be a lady, there are times when I can curse in a couple of languages.
28. Even though I'm a Yank, I'd live in England or Australia in a second. If not here, I'd be so there.
29. This is how old I am. For the next few years or until people snort after hearing this, whichever is first.
30. I love naps. Our bedroom is very spa-like and none of us can stay awake in there for very long, even with the tv on.
31. I love trash day. Take it away! Take it all away!
32. If my doorbell or phone rings on a Sunday morning or afternoon, it'd better be a family member. Otherwise, I'm seething.
33. I'm easy to anger, but thankfully have such a short memory, I forget what ticked me off. Makes harboring a lifelong grudge really tough sometimes.
34. Speaking of grudges, I've been married and divorced when very young. If 22 is very young. After 18 years, I'd hate him a lot more if I weren't so lazy emotionally.
35. As a result, I don't care for blond haired guys, have learned that sometimes a quiet guy equals stupid guy, and divorce can be a very good thing to do.
36. I've had more than my share of boyfriends, but there's only one or two that I actually miss every so often. Even that is in the "I really like you but don't touch me" sort of way.
37. Once I'm done with a relationship, I'm done. No, I don't want you back, don't want a good-bye boink, and you're lucky I've not subscribed you to several "Gay boys in bondage" magazines. Seriously.
38. I've actually been married for more than a decade to my current and final husband! Me! It's the longest not-connected-by-DNA relationship I've ever had. I can't imagine being married for the rest of my life, but then, I can't imagine life without him.
39. Secretly, I'm proud of the fact that I can troubleshoot computer and other electronics over the phone. I usually do this from memory and have to close my eyes to 'see' the screen or menu items available to the family member needing help. When I'm really desperate, I'll Google a troubleshooting guide, but most often, I'll not need to do that.
40. I keep forgetting I'm THIS OLD. When the hell did THAT happen?
41. My father bought me a cordless drill for my birthday and I love it! Power tools rule. So do riding lawn mowers.
42. Secretly, I want our lawn to look like a golf course. Obviously, I'm too lazy for that. We live between two landscape perfectionists, so what I call 'nature preserve' is someone else's 'a little long'.
43. Another secret: When I watch "Monk", I totally get his OCD. Too busy impersonating a boneless chicken to sanitize my doorknobs, but yes, totally understand the germophobia.
44. I will not only brake for cheesecake, but will set up a camp and build a log cabin for it. If Red Lobster were any cheaper and delivered, I'd never need to leave home again.
45. Especially since I can order yarn on the internet.
46. I am a total yarnaholic. I won't live long enough to knit all this up, honestly.
47. At my current level of self-care, I'm expected to live another 54 years. If I don't, it'll really piss me off.
48. I love to love on my family. I will wooley and squeeze them in hugs.
49. On the other hand, if I don't or just barely know someone, I don't want any touching me or even within my reach. My personal space is rather big and I don't like it invaded.
50. It's easier for me to list what I don't like versus what I do like. My Don't is a lot shorter than my Do.
51. Watching The Love Boat, Gene Kelly movies, eating small pretzels with french onion dip, napping in the afternoon, and surfing yarn websites are all guilty pleasures of mine. I do have guiltier ones, but, this blog is rated PG.
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Tuesday, October 01, 2002
Just for Frygirl
ChatMaster (Jul 27, 2006 2:45:04 PM)
Hi everyone! Welcome to today’s The Sims 2 Pets chat! We’re so excited, we’ll be releasing Pets on all of your favorite platforms including PC, Playstation 2, Playstation Portable, Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo DS, Nintendo GBA. Today’s chat will focus on the Pets Expansion Pack for the PC. Make sure to check back next week for more chats on other platforms!
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:01:21 PM)
Hi guys!!
Tia Tong (Jul 27, 2006 3:03:50 PM)
How many breeds of dogs are there?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:03:50 PM)
We plan to ship with about 35 dog breeds and 15 cat breeds, but the Create-a-Pet feature allows you to create an almost unlimited number of custom breeds and mixes.
Tia Tong (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:17 PM)
How many breeds of dogs are there?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:17 PM)
we will be shipping the game with about 40 or so breeds of dog, but you can make your own kind in Create-a-Dog.
rosierealea (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:21 PM)
What are the age stages of pets? How long do they last?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:21 PM)
Dogs and cats can be puppies/kittens, adults, elders. Then they die of old age.
rauldn (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:41 PM)
Hello! Will we have a new downtown in this EP?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:41 PM)
No new neighborhood.
TSZCheetah (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:02 PM)
how many levels do the pet careers have
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:02 PM)
Five levels in each of the three careers.
needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:03 PM)
Are there any new fish?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:03 PM)
Yes, there's a new fishtank with delightful tropical/saltwater fish.
SamuraiCris (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:32 PM)
what kind of jobs can the pets have?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:32 PM)
Pets can be in three career paths: Service, Show Business, and Security.
simaster8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:44 PM)
New neighborhoods?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:44 PM)
No new neighborhoods.
meppu (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:54 PM)
I saw few cat and dog breeds told in Info page, but not enough. I wanna know is there golden retrievers or huskys in dog breeds and maine coons and/or other forest cat breeds in the game?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:54 PM)
We are creating the breeds in Create-A-Family and they are looking great. I can't say exactly how many there will be because we will keep making them until someone takes the computer away from us.
Shanniblue1 (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:59 PM)
Can we take our pet to our busineses if we have open for business
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:59 PM)
Yes, and you can run a pet store if you have ofb, too!
stephy (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:23 PM)
Do you have to get a special bathtub for pets?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:23 PM)
No, you can use the tubs that you all know and love.
Yuka (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:28 PM)
Will pets have aspirations like regular sims?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:28 PM)
Pets have motives, but no aspirations.
Tia Tong (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:33 PM)
Will guinea pigs or hamster give you a disease like the the first sims game?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:33 PM)
No.
speefus79 (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:37 PM)
Can you combine dogs and cats?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:37 PM)
No cags or dots. :-)
supersimmer25 (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:46 PM)
Will pets count as a member of the household?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:46 PM)
Yes they will (dogs and cats), but they dont count against your 8 Sims. You can have up to 8 Sims and up to 6 pets, but we're testing still, so there's probably going to be a limit on total number of characters -- we have it set to 12 right now.
neclika (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:48 PM)
So how can we buy/adopt pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:48 PM)
You can create a family with a pet in create-a-family. You can create a pet or pets in create-a-family and merge it with an existing family. You can adopt a pet over the phone. You can adopt a stray. You can give a pet to another Sim. You can buy a pet in a pet store.
greendaynix (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:57 PM)
Are there going to be werewolves?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:57 PM)
Maybe...
simslover2413 (Jul 27, 2006 3:08:54 PM)
When you Create-A-Breed, does it show up in the pet store with the Maxis breeds?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:08:54 PM)
Once you create a dog or cat in Create-A-Pet, you can save that breed. Additionally, the offspring of your in-game dogs and cats can be registered into Create-A-Pet to be used as a new template.
abbydnick (Jul 27, 2006 3:09:54 PM)
Are we going to be able to control the pets or do they control themselves?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:09:54 PM)
You control your pets only by having your Sims tell them things. Pets aren't controllable like Sims. There will, however, be a cheat to control them, for moviemakers and control freaks. ;)
NotKollormn (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:10 PM)
Why such a simple title? Ive come to expect much more then such a simple title from Maxis.
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:10 PM)
Pets says it all. You don't have to explain what it's about. Sims 2 Pets will be _the_ pets game to own on any platform.
Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:25 PM)
what are the gameplay features or objects in the EP that aren't pet-related
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:25 PM)
We have some really cool Atomic Age furniture. Maybe if you're nice we'll post some pictures.
needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:40 PM)
Are there any new options in build mode?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:40 PM)
Diagonal roofs are cool! I also really like the sledgehammer tool, which can delete pretty much anything in 1 click.
dudee (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:47 PM)
will there be any interactions between toddlers and pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:47 PM)
Yes, some very cute ones.
BlooFluff (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:33 PM)
Can pets be fat?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:33 PM)
Dogs and cats can be as fat as you make them in create-a-pet.
MrsEPotter (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:39 PM)
can a pet sleep in a bed with your sims?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:39 PM)
Yes, if you have a double bed. They will sleep on one side and your Sim will sleep on the other.
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:39 PM)
and that's pretty fat.
fionabalogna (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:00 PM)
what kind of animals will there be other than dogs and cats?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:00 PM)
Womrats, birds, and a saltwater aquarium.
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:32 PM)
The Womrat is my Fav!!
Shanniblue1 (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:42 PM)
can children train pets?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:42 PM)
Yes, we wanted children to have as many new interactions as possible.
north49guy (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:47 PM)
Are there any stray pets walking around your neighboorhood? Any skunks or raccoons like unleased?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:47 PM)
There are strays and there is a skunk. Gates can be locked to not allow animals through.
hell9997 (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:31 PM)
Will pets run away?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:31 PM)
Yes! If you don't take care of them!!
fluffydevil04 (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:41 PM)
Will pets be able to die from anything but old age?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:41 PM)
Pets are afforded the same protection as children: if you starve them, they will be taken away by the Animal Control Officer.
abcdefg (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:56 PM)
Will the skunks fart on you?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:57 PM)
They will spray.
mike145 (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:29 PM)
Okay... you gotta get me excited. What kind of interactions will pets have with toddlers?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:29 PM)
I enjoy the toddler deathgrip on the cat. The cat gives a look that implies a resigned loss of dignity.
stephy (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:41 PM)
can sims hug their pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:41 PM)
There are many ways for Sims and pets to express affection to each other, including hugs.
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:11 PM)
Hunter's right, the toddler hugging the cat is ADORABLE!!!
needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:30 PM)
Do we have to house train our pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:30 PM)
There is a whole learned behavior system between Sims and dogs/cats. This includes housetraining.
ChatMaster (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:49 PM)
We'll be extending the chat 15 minutes. Thanks everyone for joining!
robertsims12345 (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:29 PM)
how do they *try for a baby*
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:29 PM)
They have to have a good relationship with each other and with the commanding Sim. You also need to provide a pet house. Then the command becomes available.
simaster8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:42 PM)
New music?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:42 PM)
Yes.
PoisonGirl (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:02 PM)
will we be able to have birthday parties for pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:02 PM)
You can hire an animal trainer.
BlooFluff (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:37 PM)
Can you hire someone else to train your pet for you?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:37 PM)
You can hire an animal trainer.
stephy (Jul 27, 2006 3:18:26 PM)
Can pets fight?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:18:26 PM)
Oh yeah!!!
pianomarie24 (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:21 PM)
What special talents will Parrots have?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:21 PM)
Birds can be taught to talk.
needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:45 PM)
What is your favorite/least favorite breed of pet?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:45 PM)
I love labs!! But that's because I own one.
abcdefg (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
What's the most awesome new feature in the game?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Learned Behaviors is going to be a really powerful feature, because it will let you customize the habits of your pet beyond the normal personalities. You'll be able to scold or praise your pets for lots of things, like being noisy and disruptive as opposed to quiet. And once you reinforce a behavior all the way (for example noisiness) you'll unlock new commands for your Sim to perform (sing) that give more control over their pets. Pets with more learned behavior modification will be worth more money if you sell them. :)
Blue (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
pet tombstones??
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Yes and they are super cute!!
tara (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Do pets get lonely?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Pets have similar motives to humans, and they need Social and Fun, among others. Also, dogs gotta chew, and cats gotta scratch.
neclika (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:47 PM)
Do pets count towards sim limit on lots?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:47 PM)
You can have up to 8 Sims and 6 pets on a lot, as long as the total is 12 or less.
igjkhjkhj (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:07 PM)
DO U PICK UP POOP?!?!?!
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:07 PM)
It's blue fluid, and it gets mopped up.
dudee (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:53 PM)
will their be a central park such as the one in the E3 preview?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:53 PM)
Yes, one of the lots that we'll be including in the pack will be a park.
macmarge (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:57 PM)
Will cats have litter boxes?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:57 PM)
Of course.
Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:24 PM)
what are some things we can train our pets to do?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:24 PM)
In addition to learned behaviors, typical tricks are Stay, Speak, Roll Over, Play Dead, etc. Also, the cats can be trained to use the toilet.
TushieErin (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:31 PM)
Can you have long-haired cats in the game?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:31 PM)
Yes.
Stacielou132 (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:37 PM)
Do pets have Family Trees?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:37 PM)
Yes. Pets have genealogy just like Sims do.
rauldn (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:57 PM)
can we have pets in university?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:57 PM)
Yes.
asyouareme (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:07 PM)
Could you run a pet shop if you already have OfB?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:07 PM)
Yes, you can.
rosierealea (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:40 PM)
Do the pets go to work alone, or do you have to take them?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:40 PM)
Pets get picked up to go to work. They don't have to be taken by the owner.
PugLove888 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:02 PM)
Can pets be saved from death or resurrected using the Rresurrect-O-Nomitron?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:02 PM)
They can be resurrected.
Stacielou132 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
How many puppies/kittens are there in a litter?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
A litter will be 1-4 puppies or kittens.
ktlovessims2 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
where can cats and dogs go in/on in the house???
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
They can go anywhere you want them to. The new door locking system can prohibit pets in certain rooms.
greek4 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:24 PM)
Can dogs eat garbage? **yuk**
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:24 PM)
Yes.
sickpuppy301 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:28 PM)
will pets have memories?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:28 PM)
Yes.
sghkg (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:44 PM)
Can we costumize the pets face?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:44 PM)
Yes, there are many things you can do to create your pet.
Winter (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:46 PM)
Can they come back as zombies?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:46 PM)
Sadly no. :(
Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:52 PM)
Are birds customizable in any way?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:52 PM)
You have a number of different birds to choose from, but they are not in the Create-A-Family system.
nikki9dor92 (Jul 27, 2006 3:26:20 PM)
is there a new grim reaper for pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:26:20 PM)
No. Grimmie is an equal opportunity reaper.
Teresa (Jul 27, 2006 3:27:33 PM)
Will there be ghost pets :)
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:27:33 PM)
Naturally. :)
SimmerSoph (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:28 PM)
What was the most fun part of making the game?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:28 PM)
Wow, where do I start? The games we make are so much fun! The people on the team are just amazing!! I have fun every day at work and find myself laughing most of the day!
anissatine (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:32 PM)
they won't ruin my flowers, will they?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:32 PM)
They can, but you can encourage them not to. Eventually, they'll learn to be respectful of your stuff.
rauldn (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:46 PM)
Can a pet take the "elixir of life"?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:46 PM)
They can eat Kibble of life.
kwilltrice8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:37 PM)
Will there be doggie doors
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:37 PM)
Pets use the same doors as Sims.
CeJaye (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:53 PM)
Will any Maxis Made families ship with the game?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:53 PM)
Yes! Rain is hard at work creating the families for you guys.
TushieErin (Jul 27, 2006 3:30:51 PM)
Any openings at Maxis? :D
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:30:51 PM)
Yes. Check out the jobs site at www.ea.com.
ChatMaster (Jul 27, 2006 3:30:57 PM)
OK..5 minute warning! Send in your best questions!
Lottsen (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:29 PM)
can they break things?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:29 PM)
Dogs can chew your stuff and cats can scratch your stuff. They can be discouraged (or encouraged) from this practice.
charming86 (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:31 PM)
is ther a new phone in the game?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:31 PM)
Yep. Looks totally sweet, too.
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:53 PM)
Yep! There is a picture of it lurking on our site.
Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:57 PM)
What kind of skills do pets have?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:57 PM)
Pets start with personalities. They also learn new tricks and commands to advance in their careers.
kwilltrice8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:59 PM)
Can poodles be pink
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:59 PM)
If you unlock pink fur, yes, you can have a pink poodle.
Eria (Jul 27, 2006 3:33:31 PM)
can you trade pets, like being a pet breeder as a business?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:33:31 PM)
Yes, and training them to make them worth more.
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:34:17 PM)
Thanks everyone for your great questions. Bub-bye!
Hi everyone! Welcome to today’s The Sims 2 Pets chat! We’re so excited, we’ll be releasing Pets on all of your favorite platforms including PC, Playstation 2, Playstation Portable, Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo DS, Nintendo GBA. Today’s chat will focus on the Pets Expansion Pack for the PC. Make sure to check back next week for more chats on other platforms!
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:01:21 PM)
Hi guys!!
Tia Tong (Jul 27, 2006 3:03:50 PM)
How many breeds of dogs are there?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:03:50 PM)
We plan to ship with about 35 dog breeds and 15 cat breeds, but the Create-a-Pet feature allows you to create an almost unlimited number of custom breeds and mixes.
Tia Tong (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:17 PM)
How many breeds of dogs are there?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:17 PM)
we will be shipping the game with about 40 or so breeds of dog, but you can make your own kind in Create-a-Dog.
rosierealea (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:21 PM)
What are the age stages of pets? How long do they last?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:21 PM)
Dogs and cats can be puppies/kittens, adults, elders. Then they die of old age.
rauldn (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:41 PM)
Hello! Will we have a new downtown in this EP?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:04:41 PM)
No new neighborhood.
TSZCheetah (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:02 PM)
how many levels do the pet careers have
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:02 PM)
Five levels in each of the three careers.
needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:03 PM)
Are there any new fish?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:03 PM)
Yes, there's a new fishtank with delightful tropical/saltwater fish.
SamuraiCris (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:32 PM)
what kind of jobs can the pets have?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:32 PM)
Pets can be in three career paths: Service, Show Business, and Security.
simaster8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:44 PM)
New neighborhoods?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:44 PM)
No new neighborhoods.
meppu (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:54 PM)
I saw few cat and dog breeds told in Info page, but not enough. I wanna know is there golden retrievers or huskys in dog breeds and maine coons and/or other forest cat breeds in the game?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:54 PM)
We are creating the breeds in Create-A-Family and they are looking great. I can't say exactly how many there will be because we will keep making them until someone takes the computer away from us.
Shanniblue1 (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:59 PM)
Can we take our pet to our busineses if we have open for business
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:05:59 PM)
Yes, and you can run a pet store if you have ofb, too!
stephy (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:23 PM)
Do you have to get a special bathtub for pets?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:23 PM)
No, you can use the tubs that you all know and love.
Yuka (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:28 PM)
Will pets have aspirations like regular sims?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:28 PM)
Pets have motives, but no aspirations.
Tia Tong (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:33 PM)
Will guinea pigs or hamster give you a disease like the the first sims game?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:06:33 PM)
No.
speefus79 (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:37 PM)
Can you combine dogs and cats?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:37 PM)
No cags or dots. :-)
supersimmer25 (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:46 PM)
Will pets count as a member of the household?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:46 PM)
Yes they will (dogs and cats), but they dont count against your 8 Sims. You can have up to 8 Sims and up to 6 pets, but we're testing still, so there's probably going to be a limit on total number of characters -- we have it set to 12 right now.
neclika (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:48 PM)
So how can we buy/adopt pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:48 PM)
You can create a family with a pet in create-a-family. You can create a pet or pets in create-a-family and merge it with an existing family. You can adopt a pet over the phone. You can adopt a stray. You can give a pet to another Sim. You can buy a pet in a pet store.
greendaynix (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:57 PM)
Are there going to be werewolves?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:07:57 PM)
Maybe...
simslover2413 (Jul 27, 2006 3:08:54 PM)
When you Create-A-Breed, does it show up in the pet store with the Maxis breeds?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:08:54 PM)
Once you create a dog or cat in Create-A-Pet, you can save that breed. Additionally, the offspring of your in-game dogs and cats can be registered into Create-A-Pet to be used as a new template.
abbydnick (Jul 27, 2006 3:09:54 PM)
Are we going to be able to control the pets or do they control themselves?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:09:54 PM)
You control your pets only by having your Sims tell them things. Pets aren't controllable like Sims. There will, however, be a cheat to control them, for moviemakers and control freaks. ;)
NotKollormn (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:10 PM)
Why such a simple title? Ive come to expect much more then such a simple title from Maxis.
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:10 PM)
Pets says it all. You don't have to explain what it's about. Sims 2 Pets will be _the_ pets game to own on any platform.
Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:25 PM)
what are the gameplay features or objects in the EP that aren't pet-related
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:25 PM)
We have some really cool Atomic Age furniture. Maybe if you're nice we'll post some pictures.
needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:40 PM)
Are there any new options in build mode?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:40 PM)
Diagonal roofs are cool! I also really like the sledgehammer tool, which can delete pretty much anything in 1 click.
dudee (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:47 PM)
will there be any interactions between toddlers and pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:10:47 PM)
Yes, some very cute ones.
BlooFluff (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:33 PM)
Can pets be fat?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:33 PM)
Dogs and cats can be as fat as you make them in create-a-pet.
MrsEPotter (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:39 PM)
can a pet sleep in a bed with your sims?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:39 PM)
Yes, if you have a double bed. They will sleep on one side and your Sim will sleep on the other.
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:11:39 PM)
and that's pretty fat.
fionabalogna (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:00 PM)
what kind of animals will there be other than dogs and cats?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:00 PM)
Womrats, birds, and a saltwater aquarium.
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:32 PM)
The Womrat is my Fav!!
Shanniblue1 (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:42 PM)
can children train pets?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:42 PM)
Yes, we wanted children to have as many new interactions as possible.
north49guy (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:47 PM)
Are there any stray pets walking around your neighboorhood? Any skunks or raccoons like unleased?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:12:47 PM)
There are strays and there is a skunk. Gates can be locked to not allow animals through.
hell9997 (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:31 PM)
Will pets run away?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:31 PM)
Yes! If you don't take care of them!!
fluffydevil04 (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:41 PM)
Will pets be able to die from anything but old age?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:41 PM)
Pets are afforded the same protection as children: if you starve them, they will be taken away by the Animal Control Officer.
abcdefg (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:56 PM)
Will the skunks fart on you?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:13:57 PM)
They will spray.
mike145 (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:29 PM)
Okay... you gotta get me excited. What kind of interactions will pets have with toddlers?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:29 PM)
I enjoy the toddler deathgrip on the cat. The cat gives a look that implies a resigned loss of dignity.
stephy (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:41 PM)
can sims hug their pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:14:41 PM)
There are many ways for Sims and pets to express affection to each other, including hugs.
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:11 PM)
Hunter's right, the toddler hugging the cat is ADORABLE!!!
needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:30 PM)
Do we have to house train our pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:30 PM)
There is a whole learned behavior system between Sims and dogs/cats. This includes housetraining.
ChatMaster (Jul 27, 2006 3:15:49 PM)
We'll be extending the chat 15 minutes. Thanks everyone for joining!
robertsims12345 (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:29 PM)
how do they *try for a baby*
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:29 PM)
They have to have a good relationship with each other and with the commanding Sim. You also need to provide a pet house. Then the command becomes available.
simaster8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:42 PM)
New music?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:16:42 PM)
Yes.
PoisonGirl (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:02 PM)
will we be able to have birthday parties for pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:02 PM)
You can hire an animal trainer.
BlooFluff (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:37 PM)
Can you hire someone else to train your pet for you?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:17:37 PM)
You can hire an animal trainer.
stephy (Jul 27, 2006 3:18:26 PM)
Can pets fight?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:18:26 PM)
Oh yeah!!!
pianomarie24 (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:21 PM)
What special talents will Parrots have?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:21 PM)
Birds can be taught to talk.
needtheloo (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:45 PM)
What is your favorite/least favorite breed of pet?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:19:45 PM)
I love labs!! But that's because I own one.
abcdefg (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
What's the most awesome new feature in the game?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Learned Behaviors is going to be a really powerful feature, because it will let you customize the habits of your pet beyond the normal personalities. You'll be able to scold or praise your pets for lots of things, like being noisy and disruptive as opposed to quiet. And once you reinforce a behavior all the way (for example noisiness) you'll unlock new commands for your Sim to perform (sing) that give more control over their pets. Pets with more learned behavior modification will be worth more money if you sell them. :)
Blue (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
pet tombstones??
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Yes and they are super cute!!
tara (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Do pets get lonely?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:07 PM)
Pets have similar motives to humans, and they need Social and Fun, among others. Also, dogs gotta chew, and cats gotta scratch.
neclika (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:47 PM)
Do pets count towards sim limit on lots?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:20:47 PM)
You can have up to 8 Sims and 6 pets on a lot, as long as the total is 12 or less.
igjkhjkhj (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:07 PM)
DO U PICK UP POOP?!?!?!
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:07 PM)
It's blue fluid, and it gets mopped up.
dudee (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:53 PM)
will their be a central park such as the one in the E3 preview?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:53 PM)
Yes, one of the lots that we'll be including in the pack will be a park.
macmarge (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:57 PM)
Will cats have litter boxes?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:21:57 PM)
Of course.
Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:24 PM)
what are some things we can train our pets to do?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:24 PM)
In addition to learned behaviors, typical tricks are Stay, Speak, Roll Over, Play Dead, etc. Also, the cats can be trained to use the toilet.
TushieErin (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:31 PM)
Can you have long-haired cats in the game?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:22:31 PM)
Yes.
Stacielou132 (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:37 PM)
Do pets have Family Trees?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:37 PM)
Yes. Pets have genealogy just like Sims do.
rauldn (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:57 PM)
can we have pets in university?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:23:57 PM)
Yes.
asyouareme (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:07 PM)
Could you run a pet shop if you already have OfB?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:07 PM)
Yes, you can.
rosierealea (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:40 PM)
Do the pets go to work alone, or do you have to take them?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:24:40 PM)
Pets get picked up to go to work. They don't have to be taken by the owner.
PugLove888 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:02 PM)
Can pets be saved from death or resurrected using the Rresurrect-O-Nomitron?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:02 PM)
They can be resurrected.
Stacielou132 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
How many puppies/kittens are there in a litter?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
A litter will be 1-4 puppies or kittens.
ktlovessims2 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
where can cats and dogs go in/on in the house???
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:15 PM)
They can go anywhere you want them to. The new door locking system can prohibit pets in certain rooms.
greek4 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:24 PM)
Can dogs eat garbage? **yuk**
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:24 PM)
Yes.
sickpuppy301 (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:28 PM)
will pets have memories?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:28 PM)
Yes.
sghkg (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:44 PM)
Can we costumize the pets face?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:44 PM)
Yes, there are many things you can do to create your pet.
Winter (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:46 PM)
Can they come back as zombies?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:46 PM)
Sadly no. :(
Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:52 PM)
Are birds customizable in any way?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:25:52 PM)
You have a number of different birds to choose from, but they are not in the Create-A-Family system.
nikki9dor92 (Jul 27, 2006 3:26:20 PM)
is there a new grim reaper for pets?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:26:20 PM)
No. Grimmie is an equal opportunity reaper.
Teresa (Jul 27, 2006 3:27:33 PM)
Will there be ghost pets :)
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:27:33 PM)
Naturally. :)
SimmerSoph (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:28 PM)
What was the most fun part of making the game?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:28 PM)
Wow, where do I start? The games we make are so much fun! The people on the team are just amazing!! I have fun every day at work and find myself laughing most of the day!
anissatine (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:32 PM)
they won't ruin my flowers, will they?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:32 PM)
They can, but you can encourage them not to. Eventually, they'll learn to be respectful of your stuff.
rauldn (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:46 PM)
Can a pet take the "elixir of life"?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:28:46 PM)
They can eat Kibble of life.
kwilltrice8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:37 PM)
Will there be doggie doors
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:37 PM)
Pets use the same doors as Sims.
CeJaye (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:53 PM)
Will any Maxis Made families ship with the game?
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:29:53 PM)
Yes! Rain is hard at work creating the families for you guys.
TushieErin (Jul 27, 2006 3:30:51 PM)
Any openings at Maxis? :D
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:30:51 PM)
Yes. Check out the jobs site at www.ea.com.
ChatMaster (Jul 27, 2006 3:30:57 PM)
OK..5 minute warning! Send in your best questions!
Lottsen (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:29 PM)
can they break things?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:29 PM)
Dogs can chew your stuff and cats can scratch your stuff. They can be discouraged (or encouraged) from this practice.
charming86 (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:31 PM)
is ther a new phone in the game?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:31 PM)
Yep. Looks totally sweet, too.
MaxisShannon (Jul 27, 2006 3:31:53 PM)
Yep! There is a picture of it lurking on our site.
Guest (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:57 PM)
What kind of skills do pets have?
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:57 PM)
Pets start with personalities. They also learn new tricks and commands to advance in their careers.
kwilltrice8 (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:59 PM)
Can poodles be pink
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:32:59 PM)
If you unlock pink fur, yes, you can have a pink poodle.
Eria (Jul 27, 2006 3:33:31 PM)
can you trade pets, like being a pet breeder as a business?
MaxisHunter! (Jul 27, 2006 3:33:31 PM)
Yes, and training them to make them worth more.
MaxisDon (Jul 27, 2006 3:34:17 PM)
Thanks everyone for your great questions. Bub-bye!
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