igglemouse

[igglemouse]

Song of the Year #9

This song is just beautifully crafted and it makes me feel like I'm floating inside of a lava lamp, if that makes sense!

No story posts tomorrow but it feels good to be caught up with myself again!

Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection. ~ Pindar

[igglemouse]

Thank you @pleasanttaleswithkaityb - @simminnikas - @weirdosalike for showing me the love! As I've been semi-away I really appreciate the messages!

[igglemouse]

Flavors of Home 10.3 Poll

[igglemouse]

The symptoms are hitting hard this morning as you can see and it is very difficult to make it to the restroom when you have to walk as slowly as possible. I worry for a moment that I might not make it but don't worry I get there just in time.

But my morning is the usual, changing diapers and keeping her squeaky clean. Which isn't easy since it sometimes feels like she does whatever she can to avoid being clean. At least this morning she waited until six a.m. to cry for attention!

Pascal's morning is also the usual, for him at least. Beating up that poor treadmill again. This man is really dedicated to his fitness and it's so admirable that I'm happy to let him be in the mornings.

So I feel like the sooner I bring it up, the better. It makes little sense holding it back from him since he'll figure it out eventually. I expect he'll be happy just based on the last time we talked about children, so there isn't any pressure about it this time. I think I'll just bring it up over breakfast actually. Yeah, that is the plan!

So that's exactly what happens. We finish an apple salad and before Pascal can get up and likely go train or work out again I keep him at the table with a simple sentence. "Looks like Flora will be having a little brother or sister."

It takes him a few seconds to either parse what I mean OR come to grips with it. "You're pregnant?" I give my head a little nod and watch as a smile spreads across his face. "Wow!"

"Would it be biased if I hope it is a boy?" He says and I quickly shake my head.

"Nope! I'd be happy with a boy too, keep things even, I guess," and maybe would get him more involved? Although, I will say, he has stepped up a little. Not a lot but...a little is better than nothing.

While I'll soon be a mother of two I am also still very much a Simtube content creator and I must make sure that to keep the momentum going for my channel and so it's time to record a new video.

This one will teach anyone how to make quick and chewy blueberry bagels. A nice desert to go along with a main dish to be sure and I think easy enough for anyone to bake! I will admit that my baking skills are not the best buuuuuuuuuut I think I am proud of the end result!

Thankfully Flora slept right through the recording of my video but you know right after it I had to go and check on her and play with her and give her a little tummy time. I think she does pretty well although she definitely throws a tantrum in the middle of it.

But if you recall I had planned on inviting both Sara and Marjorie over to meet Flora and well...because of previous events I'd like to move past it is only Sara who comes.

She does arrive with a bit of a frown on her face and I'm sure I'll find out why she's in such a sour mood but first to invite her inside and more importantly, introduce her to Flora!

And so I have to go and pull Flora from her crib and bring her to Sara who lights up at the sight of her. Whatever frown she had on her face instantly melts away and she can't wait to hold her.

"Florencia is her full name," I say to Sara as she coos and snuggles Flora who is being very well behaved right now! "She seems to only be fussy with me!"

"Well of course because she knows you'll listen to every little demand she has!"

"Having the strong urge to have your own yet?" I joke but I can tell saying that hit the wrong nerve. "Sara, I didn't mean-"

"No, it's fine, I want to but...can we talk about it a little later?"

"Of course!"

It was then that Flora decided she had enough of introductions and started to cry.

"Ok ok Flora, we get it, we get it!," I say taking her back and letting Sara know she's free to hang around but I have to get her to sleep.

Sara was exploring the house a bit since its actually her first time here and in the end I find her seated right before my tempting blueberry bagels. I'm guessing she would have taken one but she looks like she has a lot on her mind right now. "This place is...really nice," she says, at least in a much better mood than when she arrived.

"Isn't it? Still very empty but we'll fill it day by day, I hope."

"It's a lot of space to fill but it's also not too much, if that makes sense?" She is right. It's not exactly a mansion but it's big enough to be impressive.

"So..." I start, curious about what has Sara all sour right now. "Is everything okay?"

"It's the guy, you know the one I'm dating?" she reveals but all I can do is nod my head because I actually do not know the guy she's dating. She has kept his identity as vague as possible, not on purpose, I think, but he remains a mystery to me all the same. "He's umm, well, let's just say his occupation isn't clean."

"Clean?" I urge, needing a bit more.

"He works for the cartel...I think."

"Oh," well, that's no good. You all know i have an extensive relationship with the cartel but Sara does not know that. All she knows is that I'm an immigrant. "Sara, who exactly are you-"

"Well, that's not the problem," she says, as if there could be something bigger than that. "He apparently has a bit of a promotion on the table and thinks he should take it."

"A promotion in that world usually means more simoleons and more of a chance of also getting killed," I tell her honestly. "Sara, who is this guy?"

"My boyfriend?" she says, which is obvious. I know that but how do I get more information out of her about him?

"Sara, I've known a few cartel guys from...well, they basically ran the town I came from. Maybe I know about him and can better prepare you for-?"

"Simón," she says and at that moment my heart drops.

There is only one Simón that I know and I do not think there could be another especially tied to the cartel. Maybe there is, it's not that uncommon of a name after all, but before I can ask for his last name she's moved on, perhaps sensing that I wasn't into the conversation so somehow she's talking about Flora again.

"She really is adorable isn't she? You know it was dangerous coming over here I might get the fever myself!"

"O-oh uh yeah, yeah," I say, regaining my balance. She's very possibly dating Simón, my Simón. "Oh umm, by the way, I'm pregnant again," I announce for whatever reason. Perhaps because I was not sure what else to say or do in the moment.

Well, that will certainly be awkward if she introduces me to him. I would tell her that I know him but I'm only 90% sure that she's talking about the same guy...maybe, hopefully, she is not.

Frida Varela - Next Episode 10.4

[igglemouse]

It was a good thing that I did not spend too much time at the gym last night because of course I had to wake up and take care of Flora once again in the middle of the night.

Yeah, it's not easy, but I will say that the very sight of her, wriggling and demanding attention and care, is enough motivation to wake up at three in the morning and take care of her. Babies just have no sense of time!

But mama has to take care of herself too and that means breakfast. I'm up early enough for it any ways so why not make cinnamon oatmeal? It's easy and more importantly it is quick. You know how it is when sometimes you are just so hungry you want to eat as soon as possible? Yeah, that's how I'm feeling.

And while the taste of cinnamon oatmeal is tempting there is also another familiar feeling that I'm having this morning...

So I spent a lot of the morning in the restroom, as you can imagine, and barely ate and to get my mind off of what is going on with me I dive into work. Editing videos can be very distracting and its exactly what I need right now.

Yeah, I know, I can't run from it for long but just let me have this one day...

I'm all about distractions today actually and since it is Saturday it's the perfect time to sit down and watch a movie. Simder is our choice and wow it's just what I need! It's such an emotional roller coaster!

I can only imagine Flora old enough and watching it with her and her...brother or sister? Ah! I really don't want to think about the possibility that I'm pregnant again! I'm trying not to but...

"So what did you think?" I ask him as the credits roll, still with pregnancy on the mind but trying not to think too much about it because the idea of taking care of Flora WHILE being pregnant seems like a mountain that I can't climb.

"It was alright I guess," an expected response from him. "I'm not really much of a movie person."

"Uh huh, maybe we can watch a sports movie next time then?" He likes the idea of that while meanwhile I'm wondering how I will break the news to him.

The day goes on and soon I'm found soaking in the tub and contemplating life itself.

Okay, so yeah, I am expecting. I took the test before dipping into the bath because knowing is better than just remaining ignorant and trying to deny reality. I must accept it and now that I have I begin to think that it is better this way. At least Flora's little sibling will be close in age to her.

Actually, the more I think about it, the happier I am about it and I know Pascal will be happy to hear it. He did say he wanted another, which is easy of course for him to say.

The first person to know will be the smallest person in the house because she can't tell anyone at all! She's happy to see me too at least until I tell her she will be a big sister and then she's crying her eyes out.

To be fair, she just doesn't like being held for too long but hey this means she won't ever be spoiled as the only child at least! She's going to have to learn how to share at a very early age!

I spend time just playing with her until her little self gets tired and yawns and is ready for I hope a nice long sleep so that she doesn't bother Pascal too much.

Somehow, someway, I'll have to spread my love between two children. Right now, it seems impossible, but parents do it, right? Good ones do, I suppose. I don't want to play favorites after all.

I head to the gym because Marjorie had actually contacted me and asked if I wanted to hang out and after what happened yesterday, why not? I feel like yeah, she has some explaining to do, but maybe she just wants to hang out?

Of course the moment I step inside I'm not only greeted by the clanking of weights, the playing of some bouncy poppy music in the background, but by Marcus as well. He's working so hard that I can see the strain of his muscles and the occasional grunt. My plan was to just walk past him and look for Marjorie but the way he glares at me forces me to stop.

"Looks like you gained weight over night," he says with a scowl, seemingly ready for an argument.

"And chu are now more meaner," I say in passing and quickly avoid him. Thankfully he just laughs and gets back to working out.

Of course I find her in the yoga room doing warm up stretches.

"No tired yet?" I ask her grabbing her attention for a moment.

"Frida! no, not yet, gotta work to work, you know?"

I don't. That's not a phrase I've ever heard but before I can think about it she's continuing. "Here to work out too? You didn't get to get much in with what happened yesterday, sorry about that by the way."

"O-oh, it is good Marj, chu can't control others," there, that's good enough for me. Sometimes your friends have bad taste in men and it sucks but I can't live her life for her. "Chu know, he say something about me when I came on? He said I gained weight over night."

"You know Frida," she starts in that tone that hints that she should probably not say what she is thinking about saying. "You HAVE gained weight."

"Marj," I say low, warning her not to go down this path, but she is going.

"Marcus is a good man, he means well, he just thinks being honest about things is the only way to go and honestly, you've gained weight. That is a fact by the looks of it."

I'm not sure what to say to that or if I should say anything at all. Defensively, I want to announce that I'm pregnant again, which would explain the weight gain, not that it needs to be explained, but I'm too shocked to say anything at all.

"Frida, I'm sorry I didn't mean-"

"No, chu meant it! Bye, Marj," and I'm not sure if this is a final goodbye or not but right now I just can't continue a relationship with her. It is one thing to defend him, that I understand, make excuses for him. I probably would do the same for Pascal, but it is another to agree and also insult me. I draw the line at that. I have way too much going on in my life to deal with people like this!

Frida Varela - Next Episode 10.3

[igglemouse]

Just look at this little angel! I'm so happy for her and for the life she's going to have! She WILL grow up with loving and happily parents, something I did not have, and while she doesn't know how important that is, maybe someday she will.

But this morning I'm in such a good mood that its a banana pancakes kind of morning, and when you make banana pancakes they have to be made with a bit of extra excitement! It's always good to start the day on a high note and right now, I've definitely hit another milestone in my life. Honestly, I can't really imagine things being much better than they are right now.

"So, any regrets?" I ask Pascal as he comes down for breakfast, the aroma of pancakes always brings him to breakfast a little earlier than usual. I am also of course asking about the proposal because it did come out of no where, I hope it wasn't some impulsive thing.

"Why would I? I feel like, you and I, are really just scratching the surface," he settles into his seat and starts to dig into his plate. That means he has nothing more to add. He's simple and always to the point, it takes some getting used to, but I like that about him and he's right. We have not spent too much time together so I feel like there is always this potential for more with us.

"I did expect a proposal to be more hmmmm....in a more remote location than a regular park," I am teasing of course. I've come from the very bottom of the bottom and love, for me, has been fleeting and non-existent.

"Oh, were you expecting on the shore of a Sulani beach or-"

"Yes, yes, something like that!" I throw up my hands mockingly. "A girl can dream right?

He chuckles but his tone turns a bit softer, letting me know that he thought about doing something more. "I would have but...the baby, the time of year, and I really just felt like...why wait? I wanted to make a commitment to you since you've made a commitment to me, it only seemed fair."

"Y-yeah..." I'm happy he said that but...I don't know. I want it to feel like more than a commitment, I want just a little more romance, something that would make a good story to tell to Flora one day. Still, I know not to take things for granted and there is a wedding ahead of us, that certainly will be memorable and Flora will be able to witness it even if she won't fully understand it now.

I'd talk more about romance but I'm tired. That's what waking up to a wailing baby at 3 a.m. will do to you and when you are as exhausted as I am a couch looks as good as any bed. I'll take the naps I can get!

And if you are wondering why Pascal is standing in front of a mirror half naked its because he's been working on his charisma. He says that while he feels like no one can touch him on the field he worries that the team isn't always on his side. He wants to be a better leader, basically, and I guess that means he has to practice his charisma in the mirror? I won't argue with it!

I do eventually wake up because I can't sleep the day away and right as I do, or a little after waking up, I get a message from my friends! Rather one from from Marjorie who I've not seen in a little white. She wants to meet at the gym of course and that sounds like a good idea to me.

And don't worry about Flora, Pascal will be on baby duty for the night! I know she goes easy on him so I'm sure it'll be a nice and calm night for these two.

When I get to the gym I find that Marj and Sara are already into it. They offer me a few hellos but are too focused to do much of anything else and so I settle in behind them and do some light stretching myself. There is something calming about yoga although it can be very physically straining. Yeah, it doesn't look like it is but trust me, you'll be stretching muscles you never knew you even had. I do admit that I'm still not very good at it.

After the yoga we of course have to catch up which is mostly Marjorie asking me questions about motherhood. She seems really curious about it and really I'm happy to talk about Flora every chance I can get.

"We really should come over and see her this weekend!" Marjorie says and her face lights up at the idea of it. I'd love it too! I'd like to see how Flora reacts to strangers as well.

"Yes yes! Chu know, I work from home so any time is a very good time," I tell her. How is my Simlish? I've been feeling pretty confident with it lately!

"Sounds like a plan then!" Marjorie decides.

"No no no, that won't happen!" Sara suddenly jumps in. "She has a new guy that's been taking up all of her time," and just like Sara she's ready to gossip, a teasing grin on her face.

"Oh?" this is new to me, I guess I don't keep up that much with Marjorie, at least not recently. I've had a lot going on!

"Yes, really. What's his name again?" Sara asks, leaning into the desk, forcing Marjorie to answer.

"Ummm, Marcus," Marjorie admits with some hesitation. "Yes, it's Marcus."

"Yeah, Marcus," Sara is happy to confirm. "That's his name. You should see him too, he's definitely her type," Sara adds a little comfy, enjoying herself now. She's always been this way, a little nosy, especially when it comes to relationship gossip. Kind of funny considering how little I know about her own secret boyfriend.

"He's really not all that Sara," Marjorie tries to downplay it but I feel like it's a little too late. Sara has latched on and I can't help but laugh, which gets Sara attention over to me.

"Oh, trust me, you'll know what I mean when you see him," Sara continues, having taken full control of the conversation. This is usually when I have to jump into it and kind of pull her out of this mode or else poor Marjorie will always be on the defensive.

"So you meet him already?" I feel soo out of the loop!

"Mmhmm," Sara hums. "Well, he's always here at the gym, I think he works here, doesn't he, Marj?"

"Yes, he's a trainer here!" Marjorie says with pride which is no surprise to me, she's always been into her fitness.

"Yeah, he's something else too," the curl of Sara's lips tells me that isn't a good thing.

"He's a little intense to be sure," Marjorie jumps back in. "I mean..."

"I know the meaning," I come to her defense because I know how Sara can get. "Just that kind of man, very intense? Pascal is like this and I stay out of his way when he is," my simlish is not that well still but they do understand what I mean.

"No," Sara continues. "You don't get it he's-"

But she stops since apparently he's right behind me and taking the empty chair right next to me.

"Ah, so you're the girl that Pascal dates?" he says, taking a good look at me, one that makes me feel a little uncomfortable. I almost wanted to correct him, I'm the girl that Pascal will marry, but I guess that would be news to Sara and Marjorie and I don't want to break the news to them in that way. "Hmmmm..."

"What?" I say a little defensively.

"I see why he keeps you private."

I'm looking over to Marjorie, you know the look, correct your guy because I have no idea what that means and I don't know if I want to. She turns her attention towards him. "Marcus, she's just had a baby so-"

"Yeah but you wouldn't use that excuse, would you, Marj?" He says to her and I'm still staring at her, wondering what she could see in this guy.

"N-no, of course not, but it's not an excuse either! She'll get back in shape I'm sure-"

"What?!" I jump back in. "My weight?"

"Ummm, yeah? You're at a gym, honey," he tells me so casually, as if he didn't just insult me. "You're a bit overweight, aren't you? How long ago did you have your baby? I believe that a woman should begin a diet routine in-"

"Chu are not my doctor!"

"No," he continues. "I'm not YOUR doctor, I'm a personal trainer, sweety, and if I were yours you'd actually be in shape and Pascal would not keep you hidden in the house and would show you off a little more."

"Marjorie!" I appeal to her because there is no reasoning with a man like this. I'm now more disappointed with her that she sits there and lets him insult me like this.

"Sorry Frida," she chimes in, a little low. "He makes good points, they are harsh but..."

Meanwhile Sara sat in between all of this, seemingly expectant of this and she has nothing to say now. The look on her face mirrors mines really and only awkwardness can follow.

And then Marcus tells Marjorie he wants to go and she apologizes one last time for his behavior and leaves with him. I'm honestly left a little a shocked and looking at Sara for answers.

"I warned you," is really all Sara could say.

"It's no worries, I've dealt with a lot worse," as you all know...

Frida Varela - Next Episode 10.2

[igglemouse]

Song of the Day! New Music Friday!

Ooh new Tom Misch!

Frida tomorrow!

I finally feel i caught up with myself too...so i should be more active here! That starts with catching back up with all the lovely comments I can't wait to get to!

How beautiful the leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days. ~ John Burroughs

[igglemouse]

Introducing Teresa 1.4 Poll

[igglemouse]

I did such an amazing job on my commercial that I've already secured the role for the next one. Yeah, it's not exactly much to brag about, I don't want to just be a commercial girl for the rest of my career but right now it's something to put on my resume. That, for now, is what matters most.

One day, I'll probably start off my mornings with gourmet breakfasts, but for today it'll be mac and cheese. A quick whatever kind of meal, not even a breakfast-y kind of dish, but it'll get me to lunch, I hope!

I also make sure that I'm practicing my acting because if you want to be the best you have to put in the work for it. Actually, you have to work more than the best to be the best and better than the rest!

With nothing else to do I head to the park. Just a little ways from it I spot Derreck, standing there on Starlight Boulevard and staring at one of the tiles before him. A blank and empty spot, waiting to be filled. I can imagine what is going on through his mind because it is going on through mines as well. He sees his name on one of those tiles and one day, for sure, mines will be on one too.

I've had a few good conversations with him before so approaching him feels natural. The warm smile on his face as I get near tells me he's also happy to see me.

"So, you've never told me your stage name," casually I ask. Every musical artist has one, right? I feel at least ninety percent.

"I sort of thought my name was good enough, am I wrong?"

"Hmmm," I hum and think that it might be, but it is a little plain? "Don't you want something memorable? Catchy? Something people hear once and can't forget?"

"I'm sort of hoping my music is memorable enough."

"Yeah, that's fair," can't argue with that, at the end of the day the quality of the art does matter, most times at least. I start to say something else but I realize he's looking at me or rather his eyes are really taking me in. "What?"

"What's your dream role?"

"Oh!" I've thought about that a lot but the more I think about it the more complicated the answer. "Like you, I want something memorable. I want to deliver a line that people will remember forever, play a character that survives the test of time. It's impossible to see what that is right now."

"How about the love interest of a struggling musician?" He says with a cheeky smile. He's teasing, of course, but I can't help but wonder if there is a suggestion hidden beneath the humor.

"They do say art imitates life," I add.

"They also say life imitates art, either way..."

"Well Derreck," I hold his gaze and pull out my phone. "Let's see if either of those becomes true," and so we exchange numbers and I do feel like there is a little spark of excitement as we do. Who knows where this might lead but I admit he's made a really good first impression.

Yeah, this thing will say Teresa Tejedor some day....

I make it back home early enough in the day to hopefully enjoy the rest of it. That means watching a movie and diving into a book. Honestly, I just don't have much going on today.

Night comes with not much change which means a little cleaning and a little chore work. Although, my day wouldn't end without one surprise...

And that was a call from my agency about a new opportunity! It's about Raul, a comedian who has a new sitcom and they think maybe I'd fit the role? Ok, it's not specific to me, it would be an open audition but an opportunity is an opportunity.

Like I've been saying, it's only a matter of time...

Teresa Tejedor - Next Episode 1.5

[igglemouse]

Can someone explain to me how Sofia is already bragging about getting a part? How lucky can one woman get? Maybe she's lying about it? You never know with that one but...ugh, again, how does this happen?

So yeah all I can do is pass time until my own acting debut and that news, whether she's telling the truth or not, is only going to motivate me. She is a friend, for sure, but she really doesn't deserve more than what she has. Have you felt that way about someone? Someone just having a little too much? That's Sofia.

So, I need to keep that woman out of my mind and focus on my own career, which while it might start humbly, it will end with me being one of the best of the best, and it all begins here, in the make up and dressing rooms. Can't say the staff here are the best but what can you expect for a laundry commercial?

And before I get on stage and PERFORM I'm letting my fans keep up with me, all ten of them! We all have to start somewhere, don't we? I think, a year from now, that number will be 100x more, if not even more than that! I think I look good as a pirate!

"Yo-ho-ho and a bottle o' Suds! Dabra's the one that everyone loves! So raise that anchor and set your sails, because Dabra will never fail!" I sing the jingle, with perfection, I might add. Of course at the end of the commercial I must do the thing, you know the thing, you've seen the commercials, probably one too many times...

"So say the magic word, ABRACADABRA! That's the Dabra Detergent Gua-ran-tee!"

Yeah you know what? I think that went pretty well but of course, right? I'm a star in the making!

So yeah, this was a pretty good day! I think once that commercial hits your airwaves you will remember it, you'll remember that little jingle, it'll wriggle itself into your ear and stick in your mind and you too will be buying Dabra Detergent! ABRACADABRA!

After showering I get a call from Phi and I let her know that really everything has gone pretty well. She's really excited for me but lets me know that she hopes she can get her life going too. I think she can if she just, you know, gets up and does something about it.

As for me, I actually have a date tonight with someone I met on that dating site, by the way...

So I head to the nearby bar since that's where I'm supposed to meet this guy, Armino or something? Yeah, for whatever reason he's not here so all I can do is order a drink and wait. I'll give him twenty minutes max.

But eventually he does appear, taking the seat next to me and introducing himself as Arminio Cotta. He has a pretty full beard and he immediately apologizes for being late and blames his work for that.

So we find a seat deeper into the bar and away from the bar as you know it can get pretty crowded there. At first we are feeling each other out, wanting to know how much of our profile is true and what is fake. This guy had said he was successful and I'm not sure what he means by that so I am blunt and just ask.

"Oh," he starts, "Well, can I say that it's partly a lie?"

"Uh oh," I reply.

He laughs and waves away my concerns. "It's just that success to me is the work you put in every day to get better. No, I'm not a simbillionaire, or even a simmillionaire, but I work like I will become one and so that's what will happen."

"Oh..." now that is something I can vibe with. "I like that, you know that one day you will get there-"

"It is no guarantee but...I think there is a 90% chance that a year from now, maybe a little more, I'll be the richest man in the world!"

"I can dig it!" We all do have our dreams!

"And what about you?" he asks, eying me down. "I'm glad you're not a cat fish. You look exactly like your profile picture. Hard to imagine a woman like you being single."

"Oh umm...I guess i'm just picky."

"I've always wanted a woman like you," he says, and that raises my brow. I know he's about to say something that is going to ruin this date, I can just feel it. "Aspiring actress, model pretty, making everyone around me jealous. There is one issue though-"

"Oh?" I'm entertaining this right now because why not? In my mind he's already a hard no, I may as well leave this date with a story to tell.

"Your breasts, they are a little on the small side. I imagine in your line of work you've been asked to upgrade them? How are you going to win parts when your competition is working with, hmmm, a little more?"

"Alright, Ammo, I'm out," lets hope my next date goes a little better.

Teresa Tejedor - Next Episode 1.4

[igglemouse]

It's Monday which is kind of the start of the week? It usually feels like it at least and I'm not exactly sure what might happen this Monday but I'll be starting it in the shower. Washing off the last of yesterday, you could say, because one must smell good in show business. Just imagine me showing up for my audition with a stench? 'Sorry, you're acting was impeccable but but you stink, no literally, you stink!'

By the by, I'm not much of a chef and so you'll see me munching on whatever I can get my hands on and this morning its a very plain sandwich. I hope it'll be good enough for breakfast because it is the best I can do right now.

OH! Some news that you might not expect but I've decided to join a book club! I'm not sure exactly why buuuuuut, I did? Look, I saw an opportunity and I took it and besides, acting includes a lot of reading. Imagine being an A-lister and having countless scripts sent your way? Exactly. So I plan on being an avid reader!

ANY WAYS! Off to my first audition! Wish me luck!

After a successful audition (I won the part!) I head out to the park to clear my mind and just enjoy the day. A good day. A happy day because my career is beginning. Sure, it's just a commercial but one, it adds to my currently blanke resume and two, I make simoleons. So, we all have to start somewhere and I look forward to shooting it.

ANYWAYS! So I'm at the park and feeling the vibes until the sound of a clearly practicing and amateur musician hits my ears. I'm not going to lie, most of it was horrible, but for whatever reason it catches my attention and interest.

I'm not new here. Like I've said, I'm DSV for life, born and raised, so I'm used to seeing people out in the street begging for the right pair of eyes or ears to give them their big chance so this is nothing new, but the man certainly has a unique sound to him...

It's his voice. That's what it was. It has a tenderness to it that grabs you, that makes you wonder about his story, but then you hear his fingers carelessly pluck at a guitar and it ruins whatever comes from his throat.

I stare at him for a moment and wonder what his game is. Does he realize that he can't play the guitar or is this some new genre I know nothing about? I'll be honest, if it's not a musical I don't vibe with it so it is entirely possible that maybe he this is what you kids listen to nowadays? Anyways, the man seems satisfied with himself.

He finishes and puts his guitar down, satisfied with himself for whatever reason and looking at me as if he expects some applause. "Ummm, congrats!" is all I can offer for lack of not knowing what else to say. I don't want to put him down because he's so very proud of his performance. Actually, he should be, at least half of it? don't know what else to say, he seems so proud of himself.

"Ah, thank you, thank you!" Yep, definitely proud of himself.

"Your voice is very unique, in a good way!" Always focus on the positive, right?!

"Thanks! I'm new to the guitar but it's like they say, practice makes perfect, right?"

"Umm, is it a good idea to practice in the public?" I ask the obvious question because why practice in front of others? It would be like me performing my script out here in front of others.

"I figure if people see my rawness and see the growth over time that they might connect with me more, y'know?"

"Oh, yeah..." hmm, that is an interesting outlook on it, I guess he's thinking long term? "So, whats your vibe, what's your style? What kind of music are you trying to create?"

"All I have is my voice and my word, so I kind of mix things up, you know? A little melodic singing over music is what I tend to do. I don't have a genre, I want to transcend genres."

"Hmm, yeah," Yep, definitely a musician. I know us artists get flack for being odd but that's not on us, not on us thespians I should clarify. It's mainly the painters and musicians that are out there. Maybe you can include writers, if you can find them, they like to hide under rocks after all. "I think you definitely have the talent, at least with your voice, so yeah I can see that!"

"Yep, now it's just about finding someone with simoleons to believe in me I guess."

"Well, you might not get it playing like that in this park!" I joke, but he does laugh with me and seems to understand my point.

"I'm persistent, I'll be here everyday until someone gets tired of it."

"I get it! I'm the same way, I guess we are both here chasing dreams," and this is the city of dreams, isn't it? A city of stars is probably more apt.

"Oh, you too huh!? Derrick, by the way," and he gives me that smile, maybe you know the one? The one that tells me he'd like to see me again but in a different setting. Right now, I'm not exactly opposed to that.

"Teresa! Maybe one day our names will be on the front page of a magazine!"

Derrick was well met especially because his story feels similar to mines. He's out there grinding with the hopes that someone, anyone, will give him a shot. That's how this whole thing works, doesn't it? You do all you can for that one shot, that one moment that will launch you into stardom and once you are there? Once you are there it's hard to get you down. For him, it's one song that can transform his career and for me it's one performance.

So I find myself back home in front of my mirror and the script firmly in hand. It's a commercial so my lines are few, two sentences, but I'll put my entire soul into those two lines.

But commercials are not my end goal of course as they are just a stepping stone to bigger and better things. I don't have any connections but I do have a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend that thinks she can get me into an upcoming sitcom that is specifically looking for someone that looks just like me but this is an opportunity for another day so let's not think too much on it right now.

Alright, I think I've done enough for the day. I cook some friend plantains, which I do alright with, and get ready for bed. I'll need a full day of rest for my performance tomorrow. Do they give awards for commercials, by the way?

Teresa Tejedor - Next Episode 1.3

[igglemouse]

Song of the Day#TBT

You know I thought this grinch movie was not that good when it released but its grown on me over time...

Teresa tomorrow AND Frida Saturday since I missed monday!

Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. ~ P. J. O'Rourke

[igglemouse]

It was a good thing that I did not spend too much time at the gym last night because of course I had to wake up and take care of Flora once again in the middle of the night.

Yeah, it's not easy, but I will say that the very sight of her, wriggling and demanding attention and care, is enough motivation to wake up at three in the morning and take care of her. Babies just have no sense of time!

But mama has to take care of herself too and that means breakfast. I'm up early enough for it any ways so why not make cinnamon oatmeal? It's easy and more importantly it is quick. You know how it is when sometimes you are just so hungry you want to eat as soon as possible? Yeah, that's how I'm feeling.

And while the taste of cinnamon oatmeal is tempting there is also another familiar feeling that I'm having this morning...

So I spent a lot of the morning in the restroom, as you can imagine, and barely ate and to get my mind off of what is going on with me I dive into work. Editing videos can be very distracting and its exactly what I need right now.

Yeah, I know, I can't run from it for long but just let me have this one day...

I'm all about distractions today actually and since it is Saturday it's the perfect time to sit down and watch a movie. Simder is our choice and wow it's just what I need! It's such an emotional roller coaster!

I can only imagine Flora old enough and watching it with her and her...brother or sister? Ah! I really don't want to think about the possibility that I'm pregnant again! I'm trying not to but...

"So what did you think?" I ask him as the credits roll, still with pregnancy on the mind but trying not to think too much about it because the idea of taking care of Flora WHILE being pregnant seems like a mountain that I can't climb.

"It was alright I guess," an expected response from him. "I'm not really much of a movie person."

"Uh huh, maybe we can watch a sports movie next time then?" He likes the idea of that while meanwhile I'm wondering how I will break the news to him.

The day goes on and soon I'm found soaking in the tub and contemplating life itself.

Okay, so yeah, I am expecting. I took the test before dipping into the bath because knowing is better than just remaining ignorant and trying to deny reality. I must accept it and now that I have I begin to think that it is better this way. At least Flora's little sibling will be close in age to her.

Actually, the more I think about it, the happier I am about it and I know Pascal will be happy to hear it. He did say he wanted another, which is easy of course for him to say.

The first person to know will be the smallest person in the house because she can't tell anyone at all! She's happy to see me too at least until I tell her she will be a big sister and then she's crying her eyes out.

To be fair, she just doesn't like being held for too long but hey this means she won't ever be spoiled as the only child at least! She's going to have to learn how to share at a very early age!

I spend time just playing with her until her little self gets tired and yawns and is ready for I hope a nice long sleep so that she doesn't bother Pascal too much.

Somehow, someway, I'll have to spread my love between two children. Right now, it seems impossible, but parents do it, right? Good ones do, I suppose. I don't want to play favorites after all.

I head to the gym because Marjorie had actually contacted me and asked if I wanted to hang out and after what happened yesterday, why not? I feel like yeah, she has some explaining to do, but maybe she just wants to hang out?

Of course the moment I step inside I'm not only greeted by the clanking of weights, the playing of some bouncy poppy music in the background, but by Marcus as well. He's working so hard that I can see the strain of his muscles and the occasional grunt. My plan was to just walk past him and look for Marjorie but the way he glares at me forces me to stop.

"Looks like you gained weight over night," he says with a scowl, seemingly ready for an argument.

"And chu are now more meaner," I say in passing and quickly avoid him. Thankfully he just laughs and gets back to working out.

Of course I find her in the yoga room doing warm up stretches.

"No tired yet?" I ask her grabbing her attention for a moment.

"Frida! no, not yet, gotta work to work, you know?"

I don't. That's not a phrase I've ever heard but before I can think about it she's continuing. "Here to work out too? You didn't get to get much in with what happened yesterday, sorry about that by the way."

"O-oh, it is good Marj, chu can't control others," there, that's good enough for me. Sometimes your friends have bad taste in men and it sucks but I can't live her life for her. "Chu know, he say something about me when I came on? He said I gained weight over night."

"You know Frida," she starts in that tone that hints that she should probably not say what she is thinking about saying. "You HAVE gained weight."

"Marj," I say low, warning her not to go down this path, but she is going.

"Marcus is a good man, he means well, he just thinks being honest about things is the only way to go and honestly, you've gained weight. That is a fact by the looks of it."

I'm not sure what to say to that or if I should say anything at all. Defensively, I want to announce that I'm pregnant again, which would explain the weight gain, not that it needs to be explained, but I'm too shocked to say anything at all.

"Frida, I'm sorry I didn't mean-"

"No, chu meant it! Bye, Marj," and I'm not sure if this is a final goodbye or not but right now I just can't continue a relationship with her. It is one thing to defend him, that I understand, make excuses for him. I probably would do the same for Pascal, but it is another to agree and also insult me. I draw the line at that. I have way too much going on in my life to deal with people like this!

Frida Varela - Next Episode 10.3

[igglemouse]

Just look at this little angel! I'm so happy for her and for the life she's going to have! She WILL grow up with loving and happily parents, something I did not have, and while she doesn't know how important that is, maybe someday she will.

But this morning I'm in such a good mood that its a banana pancakes kind of morning, and when you make banana pancakes they have to be made with a bit of extra excitement! It's always good to start the day on a high note and right now, I've definitely hit another milestone in my life. Honestly, I can't really imagine things being much better than they are right now.

"So, any regrets?" I ask Pascal as he comes down for breakfast, the aroma of pancakes always brings him to breakfast a little earlier than usual. I am also of course asking about the proposal because it did come out of no where, I hope it wasn't some impulsive thing.

"Why would I? I feel like, you and I, are really just scratching the surface," he settles into his seat and starts to dig into his plate. That means he has nothing more to add. He's simple and always to the point, it takes some getting used to, but I like that about him and he's right. We have not spent too much time together so I feel like there is always this potential for more with us.

"I did expect a proposal to be more hmmmm....in a more remote location than a regular park," I am teasing of course. I've come from the very bottom of the bottom and love, for me, has been fleeting and non-existent.

"Oh, were you expecting on the shore of a Sulani beach or-"

"Yes, yes, something like that!" I throw up my hands mockingly. "A girl can dream right?

He chuckles but his tone turns a bit softer, letting me know that he thought about doing something more. "I would have but...the baby, the time of year, and I really just felt like...why wait? I wanted to make a commitment to you since you've made a commitment to me, it only seemed fair."

"Y-yeah..." I'm happy he said that but...I don't know. I want it to feel like more than a commitment, I want just a little more romance, something that would make a good story to tell to Flora one day. Still, I know not to take things for granted and there is a wedding ahead of us, that certainly will be memorable and Flora will be able to witness it even if she won't fully understand it now.

I'd talk more about romance but I'm tired. That's what waking up to a wailing baby at 3 a.m. will do to you and when you are as exhausted as I am a couch looks as good as any bed. I'll take the naps I can get!

And if you are wondering why Pascal is standing in front of a mirror half naked its because he's been working on his charisma. He says that while he feels like no one can touch him on the field he worries that the team isn't always on his side. He wants to be a better leader, basically, and I guess that means he has to practice his charisma in the mirror? I won't argue with it!

I do eventually wake up because I can't sleep the day away and right as I do, or a little after waking up, I get a message from my friends! Rather one from from Marjorie who I've not seen in a little white. She wants to meet at the gym of course and that sounds like a good idea to me.

And don't worry about Flora, Pascal will be on baby duty for the night! I know she goes easy on him so I'm sure it'll be a nice and calm night for these two.

When I get to the gym I find that Marj and Sara are already into it. They offer me a few hellos but are too focused to do much of anything else and so I settle in behind them and do some light stretching myself. There is something calming about yoga although it can be very physically straining. Yeah, it doesn't look like it is but trust me, you'll be stretching muscles you never knew you even had. I do admit that I'm still not very good at it.

After the yoga we of course have to catch up which is mostly Marjorie asking me questions about motherhood. She seems really curious about it and really I'm happy to talk about Flora every chance I can get.

"We really should come over and see her this weekend!" Marjorie says and her face lights up at the idea of it. I'd love it too! I'd like to see how Flora reacts to strangers as well.

"Yes yes! Chu know, I work from home so any time is a very good time," I tell her. How is my Simlish? I've been feeling pretty confident with it lately!

"Sounds like a plan then!" Marjorie decides.

"No no no, that won't happen!" Sara suddenly jumps in. "She has a new guy that's been taking up all of her time," and just like Sara she's ready to gossip, a teasing grin on her face.

"Oh?" this is new to me, I guess I don't keep up that much with Marjorie, at least not recently. I've had a lot going on!

"Yes, really. What's his name again?" Sara asks, leaning into the desk, forcing Marjorie to answer.

"Ummm, Marcus," Marjorie admits with some hesitation. "Yes, it's Marcus."

"Yeah, Marcus," Sara is happy to confirm. "That's his name. You should see him too, he's definitely her type," Sara adds a little comfy, enjoying herself now. She's always been this way, a little nosy, especially when it comes to relationship gossip. Kind of funny considering how little I know about her own secret boyfriend.

"He's really not all that Sara," Marjorie tries to downplay it but I feel like it's a little too late. Sara has latched on and I can't help but laugh, which gets Sara attention over to me.

"Oh, trust me, you'll know what I mean when you see him," Sara continues, having taken full control of the conversation. This is usually when I have to jump into it and kind of pull her out of this mode or else poor Marjorie will always be on the defensive.

"So you meet him already?" I feel soo out of the loop!

"Mmhmm," Sara hums. "Well, he's always here at the gym, I think he works here, doesn't he, Marj?"

"Yes, he's a trainer here!" Marjorie says with pride which is no surprise to me, she's always been into her fitness.

"Yeah, he's something else too," the curl of Sara's lips tells me that isn't a good thing.

"He's a little intense to be sure," Marjorie jumps back in. "I mean..."

"I know the meaning," I come to her defense because I know how Sara can get. "Just that kind of man, very intense? Pascal is like this and I stay out of his way when he is," my simlish is not that well still but they do understand what I mean.

"No," Sara continues. "You don't get it he's-"

But she stops since apparently he's right behind me and taking the empty chair right next to me.

"Ah, so you're the girl that Pascal dates?" he says, taking a good look at me, one that makes me feel a little uncomfortable. I almost wanted to correct him, I'm the girl that Pascal will marry, but I guess that would be news to Sara and Marjorie and I don't want to break the news to them in that way. "Hmmmm..."

"What?" I say a little defensively.

"I see why he keeps you private."

I'm looking over to Marjorie, you know the look, correct your guy because I have no idea what that means and I don't know if I want to. She turns her attention towards him. "Marcus, she's just had a baby so-"

"Yeah but you wouldn't use that excuse, would you, Marj?" He says to her and I'm still staring at her, wondering what she could see in this guy.

"N-no, of course not, but it's not an excuse either! She'll get back in shape I'm sure-"

"What?!" I jump back in. "My weight?"

"Ummm, yeah? You're at a gym, honey," he tells me so casually, as if he didn't just insult me. "You're a bit overweight, aren't you? How long ago did you have your baby? I believe that a woman should begin a diet routine in-"

"Chu are not my doctor!"

"No," he continues. "I'm not YOUR doctor, I'm a personal trainer, sweety, and if I were yours you'd actually be in shape and Pascal would not keep you hidden in the house and would show you off a little more."

"Marjorie!" I appeal to her because there is no reasoning with a man like this. I'm now more disappointed with her that she sits there and lets him insult me like this.

"Sorry Frida," she chimes in, a little low. "He makes good points, they are harsh but..."

Meanwhile Sara sat in between all of this, seemingly expectant of this and she has nothing to say now. The look on her face mirrors mines really and only awkwardness can follow.

And then Marcus tells Marjorie he wants to go and she apologizes one last time for his behavior and leaves with him. I'm honestly left a little a shocked and looking at Sara for answers.

"I warned you," is really all Sara could say.

"It's no worries, I've dealt with a lot worse," as you all know...

Frida Varela - Next Episode 10.2

[igglemouse]

My day starts at three, yes, three a.m. That's all thanks to Flora bawling her little heart out in the middle of the night. That meant I had to get up and attend to her. First, a bottle to calm her down and second, a bath to clean her up. Mama is always here to save the day! It's exhausting, sure, I wish she would have waited at least another hour before waking me but it is rewarding!

By the time I am done getting her settled Pascal is just waking up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes and stumbling into the kitchen.

"How long have you been up?" he asks yawning. I glance at him, wondering how he wakes up and gets straight to working out every morning. That takes a level of discipline that I know I do not have.

"For a few hours?" I ask with an arched brow, wondering if he slept right through Flora's crying. I know the answer to that, of course he did, he could sleep through an earthquake. "Flora was hungry and dirty and-"

"Ah umm, yeah. You know my body shuts down when it needs rest."

"Yeah, it really does," the man is an athlete and does need his rest. I can't fault him for that.

"So ummm," he reaches out, his hands taking mines with care. His touch is gentle but the look in his eyes are anything but subtle. It's clear what is on his mind and maybe that is so because it has been on my mind as well. "I was thinking-"

"I know," because with a sleeping baby and his very busy career we really need to take our chances when we get them.

And you can guess where that led...

I admit that session of ours was pretty intense. I'm not sure what got into him today but I'm very thankful of it although it has left me just a little tired after wards. Not too tired for Flora of course. She was napping all though that fortunately and she was just as happy to see me!

But mama is tired. I feel like I've had a full day and not even half of the day have passed. Time for a nap myself, let's see how much rest I'll be able to get before someone wakes me up.

As for Pascal he was messing with the gnomes who have been all over the place today. Ah yeah, I guess I forgot that it is Harvestfest but there isn't much of a celebration going on here. I don't have much of a family to invite over and neither does Pascal? Well, the three of us is more than enough I think!

I should add that he does also take care of Flora or rather that he tells me he will help out with her a little more and I make a deal with him that if he takes care of her during the evenings that I'll make sure a five star dinner is on the table. It might seem fair but remember cooking is no chore for me, I enjoy it, and this way I can hopefully find more sleep and be more prepared for when Flora decides to wake me up again at 3 a.m.

I think its a good deal for him too since he really wants to be a dad. That means being there for her and building a relationship with her and the sooner the better. It also just gives me space to do my thing, my cooking thing!

When he's done and ready for dinner I can't help but ask him how it went. Just the question alone brings a full smile to his face.

"She's really sweet," he beams. "No crying or anything, she really liked the bubbles I think but overall-"

"I guess she's going to be a daddy's girl then because she can certainly cry!" I suppose she saves that for me.

"I just didn't see much of it I guess but she didn't give me any issues!" Great news, honestly. I want him taking on a lot more daddy duties than he does now, I know its asking a lot of him, he has a career that asks him to sacrifice most of his time but in my mind that should come second to Flora.

He digs into this dinner before the conversation can continue but I can tell there is something else on his mind. Something far more serious or something is bothering him?

"So, what is the plan tonight?" I ask as he is practically inhaling his food. He usually savors it, my food deserves that respect, but tonight it's like he's late for something. Which is odd, if you notice, Pascal doesn't go out much.

"I want to take you out tonight," he says with his fork clinking against the plate, serving as a period to that statement.

"Oh? Where?" Again, I'm a little surprised. There's something off about this. "You could have mentioned this sooner? I wouldn't have cooked and oh, I'll need to call a babysitter-"

"Don't worry, the babysitter has been called, it's all been planned," he speaks so calmly which worries me further.

"What?" Is he talking about? "What plan, Pascal?"

"Will you come out to the park with me?"

And so despite the time that's what we do. Thankfully, it's quiet. There aren't many people around which doesn't surprise me since its a holiday night and yeah, it is late. I'm starting to also have some idea why we are out here, I can sense it in how nervous he seems, although I'll admit I expected a little more from the moment I'm predicting.

We settle onto the first bench we find and as I glance around I begin to have a flood of memories. "I kind of miss this place," I tell him, looking over to the spot of our first date. A simple picnic, here, at this park. I'm now very very sure at why he'd brought me here, I can't believe I almost forgot. I take a deep breath and try to play it cool and calm. "I'd have my stand right over there and even at night I would get a good amount of customers."

"I don't come here much," Pascal admits before looking around until he tilts his head upwards to the sky. "It's a little too public for me but it is a nice park," his eyes are locked to the heavens, locked onto the few stars that sparkle tonight.

"Do you know anything about astronomy?" I ask, breaking a quick silence, a throw away question to keep things moving.

"Nothing at all," he says with a laugh, "but I would always look up at the night sky as a kid and think I'd be up there."

"Huh?" I point up at the stars above, making sure I've heard him correctly. "You mean, a star in the sky or..."

"Figuratively, silly! I'd be one of those stars one day," he says but doesn't he know that he's already accomplished that?

But we do not spend the time talking about stars and my thoughts start to drift back to home, back to Flora. For a moment I forget why he's brought me here or rather, why I think he's dragged me here, and all I can think about is that she's there with some random babysitter. Some young woman who I suspect didn't listen to a word I've said when I had to hurry to give her my list of dos and don'ts and as time passes I grow impatient and want back home. Pascal tells me we have all night, but that's not true. What if the babysitter goes to sleep and... no no no, that won't do. "She is first now, she always comes first now," I tell him.

"Yes, I know that, but we still have a life to live and I just wanted to spend some time with you."

"There's nothing wrong with that but just a little more planning would be better. Just a heads up, maybe I could have called over a friend to babysit for her? I get so nervous knowing some complete stranger is taking care of her and-"

He silences me with a kiss...

And before I can properly react to it there he is dropping to one knee and pulling out a ring with a gem that is brighter than any of the stars above us..

Frida Varela - Next Episode 10.1 'Flavors of Home'

[igglemouse]

Song of the Year #10

We are in the top 10! Wooo! And this is just a positive song that always makes me feel better so these always get a lot of play.

We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time. ~ Vince Lombardi