Talking the Sims 3, the Bachelorette, a Vending Machine that sells $1,500 of caviar, and the most scarring music video ever!

The good news: I got pictures of my resort that I worked so hard on. The bad news: I can no longer load that game. It keeps crashing during the loading screen. Luckily, I did manage to get in and save the resort to the bin.

By far, my new favorite feature from The Sims 3 Island Paradise is the waterfall! I know, out of everything, that's kind of silly, but I've always wanted that! I don't have much to say about the game today. After my game wouldn't load yesterday, I got fed up and decided not to play for the day. I needed a glitches reprieve.

I caught up on The Bachelorette yesterday. My family has a voting chart where we guess each episode who is going home. I'm happy to say I was wrong about Ben vs. Michael. I thought for sure Michael was going to bury himself as most previous contestants have. But I was wrong. Apparently they need prosecutors every season to convince the judge that their is a fraud among the bunch. Bring out the guards, Chris Harrison! Take Ben away! I was finally right about Mikey T. going home!! I've been giving his little box an X since night one. The funny thing is, I almost changed it tonight because of their moment building a little snow family on the mountain. If I had changed it, that would've sucked. The night he finally gets eliminated would be the one time I didn't eliminate him on my chart! Good thing I stuck with my original decision! Now I can start guessing someone else to be eliminated in future episodes and not just Mikey. It's a shame about Bryden. I wouldn't care so much if it wasn't for the fact he was in my original Final 4 prediction. But then again, so was Ben. Yuck. As it stands now, my final four prediction was actually sitting around last episode all talking to each other. Brooks, Chris, Drew, and Kasey. Unless Drew and Kasey tell Desiree about James and both get sent home! That would really mess things up for me. But, she seems smart, so I don't think that's going to happen. For those who don't read spoilers (I do not want to know! Not this season anyways), who do you think is going to win? Brooks or Chris? I know. I'm jumping the gun a little on the finale two but I really do think it's going to come down to those two.

On another note, I saw the weirdest thing at the mall yesterday. Apparently, you can now go to a vending machine and buy caviar for $1,500! I know. That is madness. I don't know why anyone would even spend that much on food in the first place but even worse, from a vending machine? If you're going to spend $1,500, at least do it in a beautiful restaurant with outstanding service and the most amazing food you've ever tasted. I forgot to mention, you can also get escargot and a nice teacup set from this machine. I. Don't. Get. It.

For my final thoughts, have you seen that horrible Miley Cyrus music video "We Can't Stop"? I literally can't wipe that shocking image from my mind. I'm not a fan of hers in the first place but why would anyone make a video like that? It didn't make any sense and it just seemed like her way of saying "I'm grown up but I'm going to prove it by acting really immature". I really wish I could unsee it. Unfortunately, I don't have that power.

How long until your Sims game crashed? Do you think Chris or Brooks will win The Bachelorette, or someone else entirely? Would you spend $1,500 on caviar from a machine? And have you seen that horrible music video? If you have, here's a cute picture to try to erase it from your memory:

Willow sleeping in her cage during The Bachelorette!

Can You Get Seasick from a Computer Game? And is Don Draper dying?

As I predicted, yesterday (and today) I got far too caught up playing The Sims 3 Island Paradise. And hey, my first game crash took only a matter of about 10 minutes! That's always fun. I remember the days when I used to get stressed out that my game wouldn't work. Now I pretty much expect to fight it for the first few hours. Huh. That's actually quite sad. Anyways, here's a picture of my sim on her lovely new houseboat, making out with a co-worker:

I have spent most of my game time today building a resort for my sim to run. I'll show a picture tomorrow when it's done! I'm loving this new game so far, although, I have to say, the boat bobbing continuously is a little hard for me! I think I was getting seasick and dizzy by just watching it! I actually had to step away from the computer yesterday to feel better. I'm happy to say though that I had an easier time today!

I watched the Mad Men season finale last night... It was weird. I'm not really sure what happened exactly or why Don suddenly decided it was time to be honest - especially in the middle of a big meeting that was actually going well. It seemed a little too random. Although, I am curious if he now plans to tell his kids the details of his childhood. How would he break that to them? "Sally. Even though my last name is Draper, it's not really my last name. I stole it. That's right honey. You're not really a Draper." Awkward. And he thought she hated him before? She's a teenager and trying to figure out who she is. This news should really help with that. Not. I felt really bad for Megan when Don told her they weren't moving. He's been so against her career all season and then he tells her they're going to move. She was so happy because California is full of obvious possibilities for a rising actress. So, of course, she gets written off of her current soap opera in New York just in time for Don to come home and say he changed his mind. With her walking out the door, I have to wonder if that's the end of their marriage? Speaking of marriages, I found it funny that Ted decided to sleep with Peggy and then move to California to keep his family together. Sorry Ted but if you're unhappy at home, you're unhappy at home. Moving to California isn't going to change that. He's not like Don Draper, who's just unhappy being Don Draper. Ted actually has specific things in his life that he's not happy about. Why? I have no idea. I guess that's part of the beauty (or lackluster) writing of Mad Men. They don't give you the chance to feel for some of the characters dilemmas. It's one of the few shows where I truly do feel like an outsider looking in. I'm not attached to the characters at all, could care less what happens to them, and yet I am still curious to see what does happen to them.

The one thing I am getting increasingly curious about is Don. Particularly his shaking hands and terrible cough. Does anyone else think he might be dying? I'm not sure of what but he seems to be getting worse and worse; unless it's just the alcohol and cigarettes finally kicking in.

Have you played TS3 Island Paradise yet? Is anyone else getting seasick from it? And what did you think of the Mad Men finale? Or Mad Men in general? Is Don going to tell his kids the truth? Is his marriage over? And will Ted's problems magically go away because of a change in scenery?

Mystical Vibe, Big Bear, more Graceland, and Sims 3!

I was hoping to post a little earlier today but my hubby had the day off and I have my priorities! Speaking of today, my sweet husband surprised me by taking me to Big Bear! The ducks were out in force today and really wanted food; so much so that they started chasing each other away in the water! After that, we enjoyed a peaceful boat ride where we nearly fell asleep we were so relaxed! The day came to an end with some delicious Chinese food from Mandarin Lotus in Agoura Hills and episodes of Castle!

Now, onto my music. I said I'd talk about each of my songs and I intend to keep that promise. I'm going to start with "Mystical Vibe". Back when I was 14 and only dreaming of what true love could be like (and pulling from my fictional experience through TV), I wrote this song. The song is about falling hopelessly in love with someone and losing yourself in them. It really does describe the way you do fall in love for the first time as a teen. You completely forget about yourself and your world just revolves around this one person. The song reminds me of Disney World (where I had my first date & kiss) just months after writing this. This song was my teenage fairytale and will always hold a special place in my heart. That's why this song begins my CD. I really felt like it was the beginning of my journey of falling in love. In a cheesy way, it was my first stepping stone to eventually finding my amazing husband. Mystical Vibe releases on my CD "Stepping Stone" July 15th, on iTunes!

Switching topics to my daily TV talk! I watched the most recent Graceland last night and I'm liking where the show is going. Even that actress I was hating is getting better. Thank goodness because she really was painful to watch originally! Now that I know Briggs is being investigated because of "money" stuff, I'm more on his side. Is it weird that when I thought it was for him being a loose cannon, I found it much more likely that he was bad? And now that it's supposedly money related I just don't believe it's true. And how sad that the other guy couldn't put his drugs and CI life behind him and buy that house for himself.

The Sims 3 Island Paradise comes out tomorrow! Is it bad that being on the boat today reminded me that my sims will get to be on a boat tomorrow? I am so excited! My hubby and I are going to run to Best Buy tomorrow morning for the game! I would pre-order but they didn't have that option when I was 9 and I started the tradition way back then of getting it from the store the day it comes out. Well, or at that age, having my mom get it from the store the day it came out.

So that's it for today! I'm assuming I'll be blogging tomorrow but who am I kidding, there is a significant possibility that I'll be too busy sailing my sims away! But hey, it's got to crash sometime right? The game, not the fake boat.

What's your favorite weekend excursion to take? Do you remember the first time you fell in love? Again, is Briggs bad? And how long do you think it will take for Island Paradise to crash? I'm taking bets!

My Bunny is a TV Addict!

So I've been trying to be really good about making this a daily thing. Of course, yesterday, it was my hubby's day off from work and my dad's birthday so I had to prioritize!

I don't know if you guys noticed on my last post or not, but the new TV meter I created has a little bunny on the rating system. Of course, if I was truly rating shows by Willow's preference, things would get crazy! Two days ago, Gwith and I sat down to watch our nightly episode of Castle, and I kid you not, the moment we hit play and the TV made a sound, Willow came running into the room and flopped onto the rug all eager to watch. She didn't get up and hop around until the episode was over...and she came back in for the second one.

I think Castle is right up there with Dawson's Creek now. Have I mentioned that her favorite show is Dawson's Creek? She loves James van der Beek. She also loves Dawson & Joey (what can I say, she's not perfect). When Joey got together with Pacey (and I was filled with my usual happiness), she started boycotting the show. She'd only hop in for James van der Beek scenes. Yes, my rabbit is fickle. She also watches Beverly Hills 90210 with us - but she's skipped all of the really terrible episodes. I have no idea how she senses which episodes are good or bad but somehow she does.

Switching topics.

I was playing The Sims 3 today and downloaded the new ballet set from the store! I am super excited that my sims finally can have a dance skill. I've been waiting for this for so long! Of course, if my game would stop crashing and freezing on me, it would probably all be a lot more enjoyable. My sim (and her husband) did however get to visit her elderly parents that I built a retirement home for. I've never been very good at playing with my sims once their elderly, or having my sims see them once they move out, but this actually works well! My sims go over every weekend and play dominos/pool/ping-pong with her parents and watch a movie!

I wish Tuesday was here already!!! I am so excited for Island Paradise! I've been building beach houses for my sims with docks all ready for their new boats. Maybe I should put the 90210 beach house I built a while back in Island Paradiso?

Ooo! Even better thought! I can now create Dawson and Joey's homes and have Joey row across the water to Dawson's! That would be incredibly fun.

In other news, I'm improving on my guitar skills! I thought I'd learn to play so I could actually play along with my own songs. After teaching myself the basic chords and strings and practicing rotating between them, I have finally started to learn strumming. Yay! Now, if I could just stretch my fingers out so I could play that G chord without cheating, that'd be great. Oh well. It will all come in time. I'm looking forward to getting a teacher at some point. Although, I have to admit, it's nice to just teach myself. There isn't really any stress and it makes it even more exciting when I learn something new!

Finally, before I wrap this up to go and watch The Bachelorette, I must post my usual about Veronica Mars! Max Greenfield has finally be announced for the movie. I am very excited to have Deputy Leo back! I am curious how they're going to use all of these different characters, but I have faith in Rob Thomas.

Yesterday, my husband and I went to LA and we tried to sneak a peek at the movie being filmed. Unfortunately, it was all being filmed in the sound stages, so all we caught a glimpse of was the building.

Do you have any pets that are addicted to TV? And if so, what's their favorite show? Have you built any fun places for your sims to go or new homes? And finally, are you excited about the return of Deputy Leo?

Graceland Picks Up, The Sims 4, and a Haunting Bachelorette Dream

Gwith and I watched the second episode of Graceland last night. I have to say, it improved a lot! After the pilot episode, which scored a 4 on my TV-o-meter, this second episode scored a 7. I'm a bit intrigued. While I still can't stand Vanessa Ferlito's one expression, I loved the addition of Serinda Swan as Paige! She brings some much needed personality to the show.

My TV-O-Meter

So, do you think Paul Briggs is bad? I don't want to spoil to much for those who still haven't caught up but that last minute was definitely a little worrisome. Maybe the FBI is right and Briggs is bad or maybe...there's an conspiracy within the FBI and their worried that Briggs is going to uncover something? They definitely seem to be trying to find dirt on him and I'm looking forward to finding out why. On the other hand, SPOILER ALERT (highlight to read): *Briggs holding a gun to Mike's head didn't exactly fill me with faith that Briggs is just misunderstood.* By the scenes for this season, it looks like the show should be picking up soon and I'm expecting it to be a 9 in about two weeks.

I should add however, that Willow would give it a 10. She watched the entire episode and kept one ear up the whole time (except for commercials when she strangely put her ear down). I guess even rabbits know they're not worth listening to!

In other news, I watched the Sims 3 Live Broadcast today. There wasn't much information given out but they did announce that on August 20th, they'll be announcing some big information about The Sims 4! YAY! I feel confident that The Sims 4 will be amazing since Maxis is back on board. The Sims 3 was alright originally, but once Maxis came back, the latest expansion packs have been packed with fun stuff again, so I'm hoping that's a positive sign for The Sims 4. Apparently, the latest patch for TS3 is available now. I'm a little hesitant to download it since there always seems to be some big glitch but I guess I'm going to have to brave it. Especially since this patch allows the ability to build homes slightly on the water, purchase multiple properties, move towns, and gives ladders! I can start preparing for next week's release of Island Paradise! Yipee!

Before I go, I'd like to add that I had a very weird dream about The Bachelorette last night. Because my family is out of town, I have to wait till Wednesday or Thursday to watch last night's episode. So I dreamt last night that Desiree decided she didn't like any of the guys and sent them all home in the biggest twist ever! And then the season was over. What a nightmare!!! (I exaggerate). I guess my subconscious was worried that I missed a REALLY important episode. I clearly need to tell my subconscious that The Bachelorette is not all that important, even if it is fun to watch. NO SPOILERS about who she sent home though please! My family has a guessing chart we fill out before each rose ceremony...because we're awesome like that.

So, what did you think of Graceland? What is up with Briggs? What do you want to see in The Sims 4? And finally, have you ever had a dream about The Bachelor/The Bachelorette - don't be ashamed!

First post: The Sims 3 Island Paradise and Veronica Mars

I should start by saying I have a terrible fear of writing blogs. The perfectionist inside of me questions how I'll write, what I'll write about, and why it's of importance. So here's it goes, I'm going to give it a shot.

Here are the two things that I have to talk about today. The Sims 3: Island Paradise and Veronica Mars.

First off, I am super psyched about Island Paradise!! I've been playing The Sims since the very first one came out...

Cut to flashback:

(Justine is 9 years old struggling in math)

My dad says: "Justine, if you learn your math facts I'll get you a brand new video game!"

A few weeks pass and Justine quickly learns her math facts and heads to Park Meadows mall! The lovely man at the store sees me looking for a game and reaches to the very top shelf.

Salesman: "The Sims is a very fun new game!"

My little hands take the game and suddenly, my life has changed forever.

Cut back to present blog:

I have since owned all of The Sims, The Sims 2, and The Sims 3 expansion packs. The real math fact I learned that year was how many Sims games does it take to make my parents go broke? Just kidding... although it was an expensive reward after all of these years!

Back to IP though: I've always wanted boats and since Sims 2 Open for Business, I've always been obsessed with the idea of running a sims business! So that makes me even more excited about running hotels in the new game. I can't wait to play it and I'm sure I'm going to be spending months on it! And if I can make the Titanic as a resort.... Well then, my life will be complete. The game comes out a week from Tuesday on June 25th!

Ok. Onto Veronica Mars. I admit it, I donated a little to the campaign and am keeping track of all of the latest updates! I am super excited about the cast so far and really hope they somehow get Teddy Dunn to reprise his role as Duncan, although I doubt it. I've read he's kind of left the business. But still, a girl can dream!

In the meantime, I'm re-watching the show and I've managed to wrangle both my parents into watching it with me. They were firm haters of the show up until I forced my mom to watch a few weeks ago and suddenly she realizes it was actually good and Veronica had a reason for her AWESOME snarky attitude. (The word awesome was my addition). Then my dad sat down for "Wrath of Con" and suddenly he became hooked. I feel super proud to have converted them into fans! I've done this with my mom before. She hated Chuck (which became her favorite show), Roswell, and Buffy! What can I say, it's a gift!

So questions to my 0 followers at the moment, do you want Teddy Dunn back? What video game have you been playing since you were little? And was there ever a show that a friend hated that you made them fall in love with?

Final thing to add. Here's a picture of me and my adorable pet bun bun, Willow! She really does have me under her spell!