Sunrise Falls

Welcome to Sunrise Falls!

2017-09-13T00:01:00.023-04:00

Sunrise Falls is completely built from the ground up. All of its residences and community buildings (with the exception of the college dormitories) are constructed from scratch according to the needs, desires and tastes of its denizens.

The neighborhood is founded by sixteen individuals, eight men and eight women, who have been recruited and selected on the basis of diversity and compatibility of background. Although they have widely varying personalities and goals, all arrived with a sense of adventure and a willingness to leave their pasts completely behind and start new lives together. They began their journeys as young adults at Sunrise Falls College.

What's New on Our Website:

2/16/2010 - Now that births are happily a frequent occurrence in the neighborhood, we will no longer be announcing new arrivals on the frontpage. Keep up with each family in the Simdaily Recaps or the residents' directory, both located in the sidebar to the right!

2/11/2010 - Now that the neighborhood is entering its third Simdecade, we've cleaned up the recap sidebar a bit. Don't worry, all of our recaps are still on the site. Just click "Simdays 11-20" at right to browse Sunrise Falls's historical archive!

2/10/2010 - Now that our final founders have finally gotten hitched, the residents' directory to the right has been reorganized by family. We would also like to welcome Max Reilly, Sunrise Falls's first son!

2/6/2010 - It's a(nother) girl! Cheers to Aimee Richman, and also to the newlywed Reillys!

2/3/2010 - The neighborhood celebrates the birth of Kavita Srinathaphan and the weddings of the Kungs and the Menos!

1/30/2010 - Added directory and listings for our shopping district, Sunrise Valley! Also, a hearty welcome and congratulations to our first native-born resident, May Turner!

8/27/2009 - It's springtime in Sunrise Falls, which means love is in the air! Mazel tov to our first three married couples, the Turners, the Richmans and the Srinathaphans! You can view each wedding announcement, complete with photos, under "Commemorate Our Milestones" to the right.

3/5/2009 - Updated individual lot profiles for our residential neighborhood!

2/7/2009 - As of Simday 11, Sunrise Falls Online will no longer be updating individual journals. Instead, we will be posting a neighborhood-wide summary each simday. All recaps can be found in the menu to the right. We hope you will continue to follow us in this new format!

2/3/2009 - Updated Simday 10 entries for selected journals!

1/22/2009 - Happy new year! (A new era indeed!) Updated Simday 9 entries for selected journals!

12/20/2008 - Updated Simday 8 entries for selected journals!

12/10/2008 - Updated Simday 7 entries for selected journals!

11/29/2008 - Updated Simday 6 entries for selected journals!

11/12/2008 - Updated Simday 5 entries for selected journals!

10/29/2008 - See the map for our main neighborhood (also available under "Tour Our Areas")! Updated Simday 4 entries for selected journals!

10/20/2008 - Congratulations to all of our founders for graduating from college!

9/27/2008 - Updated profiles, journals and party pics for the 9-semester grads!

9/17/2008 - Updated journals for every resident, plus new profiles for our recent graduates!

6/22/2008 - New menu added (see "Commemorate Our Milestones" at right), with link to a photo gallery for our very first college graduating class!

6/7/2008 - Fully updated attraction listings for Sunrise Falls College and Sunset Heights!

Simday 29

2010-12-01T23:35:00.013-05:00

A new week began with several husbands pitching in on domestic duties:

Clockwise, from top left: Tom goes grocery shopping, Leonardo puts them away while Alicia cooks, Nick repairs the bathroom sink as June mops up the mess, Adam and Magdalena put Isabella and Frederick to bed

At Sunrise Grocery, Tom ran into Angelique researching some gourmet ingredients for her latest recipe and invited her over in the spirit of "friendly" "neighborliness."

After a "friendly" dip in the hot tub, she seemed to make a "big" "impression" ("big" "impressions"?) on Jeffrey, too. Like father, like son...

The Srinathaphans had an up-and-down kind of day. Naomi was fired as editor of Sunrise Falls magazine for rewriting Sally O'Neill's column (instead of teaching the publisher's niece to do it herself). Fortunately, due to recent extensive layoffs throughout the journalism industry, she was rehired to write a new horoscope column for the magazine.

Vik converted his practice from personal injury to the much less sleazy family law, while their daughter, Kavita, became the neighborhood's first A+ student.

Whether it was Naomi's turbulent day or impending puberty for her 12-year-old, though, what should have been a congratulatory chat between mother and daughter turned into a disagreement over—surprisingly—studying.

Teenagedom is about to come to Sunrise Falls. But before that, a couple of other birthdays:

Spot (Richmond) became an elder, and the milestone was unfortunately marked by losing a fight to the mysterious and dangerous Baxter.

And Sue Turner grows up to become the spitting image of her sister, May. That's her sleeping parents in the background. Rumor is they're trying for another baby!

Frederick Bridgeport

2010-06-29T22:33:00.001-04:00

Born: Simday 28

Parents: Adam Bridgeport and Magdalena Light Bridgeport

Simday 28

2010-06-29T22:04:00.019-04:00

Sunday began with another early-morning break-in, this time at the Reillys' Victorian on the corner of Pioneer Way.

Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), the Sunrise Falls Police Department's experience with burglaries made for another relatively easy arrest. However, in response to the recent resurgence in home invasions, the department promoted Nick to lieutenant with the specific mandate to crack down on neighborhood crime.

Nick wasn't the only Turner to receive a promotion. June was finally given a new column, Horoscopes.

Down the street, Magdalena gave birth to a son. Welcome to the world, Frederick! Since the Bridgeport household now has as many children as adults and dogs, the family added a second floor to the house, which now includes a nursery and a beautiful bay window overlooking, fittingly, Sunrise Falls Bay.

Lola also celebrated a birthday, becoming a child just in time to start school.

Elsewhere in the neighborhood, the residents spent the weekend skill-building, spending quality time with family and visiting with friends.

Simday 27

2010-06-12T01:03:00.007-04:00

It's Saturday in Sunrise Falls, and with home lives stabilizing, the residents are jumping at the chance to ~~snoop on~~ visit their neighbors.

Clockwise, from top left: Charlie and Aimee visit Lissa and the Reillys for lunch; Alicia meets Adam's daughter, Isabella (and his dog Duke); Max and May hang out in the evening; Erica chats with May after dinner at the Turners'

On the job front, as the founders advance in their careers, promotions are harder to earn. However, Leonardo recently worked his last ~~day~~ night shift as a studio musician and will now be playing concert halls as a pianist, while his wife, Alicia, hot off her bestselling memoir/cookbook Eastern Eats, has been named executive chef at Rock 'N Roll.

Not pictured: Rumor is that the Freemans have recently come into a large fortune, although Isaac declined to confirm or provide details. Regardless, if true, the news must certainly come as some comfort to his wife, Erica, whose SWAT team has thus far been unable to generate any leads in the recent high-profile theft of a diamond from the nearby Sun City Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Simday 26

2010-06-09T20:42:00.002-04:00

Sunrise Falls has officially gone to the kids.

Victoria, Jeffrey and Isabella all celebrated their third birthdays. They grow up so fast!

Also growing up fast are the four children in the neighborhood, who have been treating every day like it's Father's Day. Max, who just turned seven, chatted about the planets with Jed before bedtime:

May squeezed in a quick game of catch with Nick in the morning:

After school, Kavita received a congratulatory hug from Vik for winning $225 in the Sunrise Falls spelling bee (and succeeding her neighbor May Turner in the fourth grade group!):

In the late afternoon, Aimee was waltzing with Charlie outside before Max Reilly walked by. Talk about growing up fast!

Simday 25

2010-05-28T23:25:00.010-04:00

Selected family updates:

The Freemans

Isaac and Erica continue to just miss each other as their careers take different trajectories. As Erica weathered a tirade from her superior after botching a sting with an ill-chosen flashbang grenade, her husband decided to enter the field of "personal wealth redistribution."

The Turners

The family has had much to celebrate together. Nick solved the case of the Maltese Llama, while June's patient tutoring of May paid off: the fourth grader won the Sunrise Falls spelling bee! Meanwhile, her little sister, Sue, became a toddler.

The Srinathaphans

Although the family's day began with a midnight home invasion, the burglar was caught (netting the Srinathaphans a $500 reward) and Vik was inspired to become a personal injury attorney, in order to help others coping with such loss (and recover some profits).

The Richmans

Happy birthday to Aimee, who became a child today!

The Bridgeports

With newborn Isabella peacefully at home, Magdalena has another little one on the way. Over on the canine side of the family, Duke may have become an elder, but he reminded local wolf bully Rufus that he's still a Pet Corps vet, besting him twice in one day.

Jeffrey Kung

2010-04-17T21:10:00.003-04:00

Born: Simday 24

Parents: Tom Kung and Clarisse Wong Kung

Dominant Personality Trait(s): Moderately outgoing, Moderately active, Moderately grouchy

Loves: Toys, Sci-Fi

Hates: Politics

Jeffrey as a baby:

Victoria Freeman

2010-04-17T21:07:00.003-04:00

Born: Simday 24

Parents: Isaac Freeman and Erica Hamilton Freeman

Dominant Personality Trait(s): Neat, Outgoing, Active, Grouchy

Loves: School, Toys

Hates: Politics, Entertainment, Culture

Victoria as a baby:

Isabella Bridgeport

2010-04-17T21:05:00.004-04:00

Born: Simday 24

Parents: Adam Bridgeport and Magdalena Light Bridgeport

Dominant Personality Trait(s): Moderately sloppy, Moderately active, Moderately nice

Loves: Sports, Toys, Sci-Fi

Hates: Politics

Isabella as a baby:

Simday 24

2010-04-17T19:07:00.013-04:00

Sunrise Falls officially has baby fever! With the arrivals of Jeffrey Kung, Isabella Bridgeport and Victoria Freeman, all of our founders have now become proud parents. Congratulations to all the families!

Some of the newborns have already begun to collect the odd experiences that often characterize the neighborhood. Jeffrey spent his first day posing as model and muse for his mom, Clarisse, while Isabella played curious spectator to a strange and frenzied dance her parents, Adam and Magdalena, performed under the blankets.

And let's not ignore the little ones already in the neighborhood: Lola and Kavita both celebrated birthdays today!

Meanwhile, life for the grown-ups has had its ups and downs. Jed returned to Sunrise Falls College as a field researcher after the principal at Sun City High fired him for unconventional teaching methods. Despite his disappointment, Jed was able to put his professional disappointment aside that night to successfully potty train his son, Max.

Isaac and Vik fared better at the office, with promotions to something called bank acquisitions and paralegal, respectively. Naomi in particular was delighted with the news of her husband's long-overdue job elevation, and congratulated him even before their carpool could pull away.

Sue Turner

2010-04-14T20:35:00.004-04:00

Born: Simday 23

Parents: Nick Turner and June Lin Turner

Siblings: May Turner

Dominant Personality Trait(s): Shy, Nice

Loves: Entertainment, Travel

Hates: Money, Crime, Environment, Food

Sue as a baby:

Simday 23

2010-04-14T19:27:00.012-04:00

Occasionally we, in our omniscient observing of Sunrise Falls, encounter a moral dilemma. What to do when our laissez-faire style of governing leads to one resident behaving in a way that would surely injure another?

Exhibit A: Horndog Tom, leaving his knocked-up wife Clarisse at home to rendezvous with Ally Andrews at the Valley Boutique.

For now, we have decided to tell it like it is and let the chips fall where they may (leaving the burden of responsibility to any eyewitnesses... ahem, Charlie.)

Or maybe Lissa will be the one to spill. She signed a $20,000 book deal to write a tell-all about Sunrise Falls nightlife. Will it include a chapter on her onetime lover Tom's recent excursion to City of Industry with a carful of (curiously, mostly male) townies?

In much less tawdry news, the Turners have become the first multiple-child family in the neighborhood! The proud parents, Nick and June, welcomed their second daughter, Sue, in the predawn hours of Simday 23. And just in time, big sis May celebrated her birthday into childhood!

Lola Meno

2010-02-16T15:53:00.005-05:00

Born: Simday 22

Parents: Leonardo Meno and Alicia Barnes Meno

Dominant Personality Trait(s): Active

Loves: Sports, Entertainment, Paranormal, Travel

Hates: Environment, Money

Lola as a toddler:

Lola as a baby:

Simday 22

2010-02-16T15:21:00.011-05:00

With all the new families humming along as Sunrise Falls welcomes autumn, the neighborhood has been busy with many new developments.

Births and birthdays:

Lola Meno, born to Leonardo and Alicia

Max Reilly becomes a toddler today

Pregnancies:

Erica Hamilton Freeman

Clarisse Wong Kung

Magdalena Light Bridgeport

Job changes:

Lissa Stephens Reilly goes into freelance web design. (Sunrise Falls Online counts itself among her clients.)
Isaac Freeman is... well, we're not entirely clear on what his new job entails. We're told it involves securing investors for various start-up deals and inventions.
Leonardo Meno is now recording sessions as a studio musician.

Adam Bridgeport has been named president of Sun City Pets, one of the largest pet supply companies in the area. Meanwhile, after the tally of box office receipts from this summer's animal blockbuster, his dog Duchess has officially been named an A-list star.

Sun and Suns, LLP has finally made Vik Srinathaphan a legal biller. Meanwhile, his wife Naomi made a splash with the publication of an investigation into the cost-effectiveness of nanny employment, despite (or perhaps of) her own full disclosure on the necessity of hiring a nanny as a career woman. On the heels of the article's reception, Naomi has decided to start up a magazine dedicated to life in Sunrise Falls. From now on, this website will now be a joint web portal for the neighborhood's newspaper, The Sunrise Falls Sun, and its lifestyle magazine, Sunrise Falls.

(As you can see, certain men's promotions have not precluded them from pitching in on domestic chores.)

Simday Recap Archives

2010-02-11T23:36:00.003-05:00

Simday 11: Vik, Jed, Nick and Angelique play SSX3 at Charlie's party

Simday 21

2010-02-11T22:32:00.008-05:00

Since getting married three Simdays ago, the Kungs have reached a chilly détente of sorts, borne as much out of lingering attraction as resignation. Clarisse even forgave her husband enough to consummate their marriage, which seems to have led to the usual consequence nowadays.

Unsure of what to do and still distrustful of Tom, Clarisse stopped her next-door neighbor Jed on the sidewalk and invited him in to pick his brain. Jed, whose own spouse last cheated on him with Clarisse's spouse (everyone following?), was perhaps better equipped than anyone else on starting a family with the philanderer you love. He told Clarisse that an adulterer can still be a good parent, and if all else fails... turn a blind eye for the sake of your child.

It was advice Clarisse should probably take to heart, considering that while she was at work, Tom brought home one of the many comely young blondes on the tennis circuit, Ally Andrews.

He bid her farewell just as he heard Clarisse's car pool pull up, and footsteps running to the front door. But Clarisse hadn't been rushing in to catch him in the act.

"Guess what, Tom? I'm the new exec -- oh, hello. You're not Tom."

The comely young blonde smirked and shook her head. "Naw, we play doubles sometimes. Ah was just visiting."

Blind eye, Clarisse...

In more functional family news, Nick taught May to talk, relieving June of much of the childcare and housework duties, since she is indeed expecting their second child.

Speaking of children, the Richmans had a small birthday party for Aimee becoming a toddler, inviting the Freemans over for some cake.

Perhaps that's why Erica was so knackered when she went over to the Bridgeports' house later for dinner. Odd, Magdalena was suffering the same fatigue...

The Turner Family

2010-02-11T03:39:00.008-05:00

Residence:

The Srinathaphan Family

2010-02-11T03:35:00.007-05:00

Vik Srinathaphan

Naomi Bailey Srinathaphan

Kavita Srinathaphan

Residence:

7 Pioneer Way

The Richman Family

2010-02-11T03:14:00.007-05:00

Charlie Richman

Angelique Noble Richman

Aimee Richman

Spot

Residence:

6 Pioneer Way

The Bridgeport Family

2010-02-11T03:05:00.011-05:00

Adam Bridgeport

Magdalena Light Bridgeport

Isabella Bridgeport

Frederick Bridgeport

Duke

Duchess

Residence:

5 Pioneer Way

The Meno Family

2010-02-11T03:02:00.010-05:00

Residence:

The Kung Family

2010-02-11T02:59:00.008-05:00

Residence:

The Freeman Family

2010-02-11T02:55:00.009-05:00

Isaac Freeman

Erica Hamilton Freeman

Victoria Freeman

Residence:

2 Pioneer Way

The Reilly Family

2010-02-11T02:46:00.006-05:00

Jed Reilly

Lissa Stephens Reilly

Max Reilly

Residence:

1 Pioneer Way

Max Reilly

2010-02-10T17:11:00.004-05:00

Born: Simday 20

Parents: Jed Reilly and Lissa Stephens Reilly

Dominant Personality Trait(s): Outgoing

Loves: Animals, Science Fiction

Hates: Food, Crime, Money

Max as a toddler:

Max as a baby:

Wedding - Adam Bridgeport and Magdalena Light

2010-02-10T16:52:00.005-05:00

Adam Bridgeport and Magdalena Light were wed on Saturday, Simday 20, on the lawn of the groom's residence at 5 Pioneer Way.

The nuptials were witnessed by some of the couple's closest friends from their days at Sunrise Falls College: Mr. and Mrs. Charlie and Angelique Richman, Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Clarisse Kung, and Mr. Vik Srinathaphan. During the reception, the guests played with Duke, one of the groom's two American foxhounds, and mingled inside the house. Mr. and Mrs. Kung, whose own wedding night was reportedly marked by a huge fight, were overheard attempting to reach a frosty reconciliation.

Following the ceremony, the newlyheads continued their celebration privately (although Duke attempted to join in) with a late dinner at local favorite The Grill. The couple, both 41, plan to expand their family with both children and puppies.

Wedding - Isaac Freeman and Erica Hamilton

2010-02-10T16:39:00.007-05:00

Isaac Freeman and Erica Hamilton were wed on Saturday, Simday 20, outside the groom's residence at 2 Pioneer Way.

The wedding was attended by Mr. and Mrs. Leonardo and Alicia Meno, Mr. and Mrs. Jed and Lissa Reilly, and Mr. Tom Kung, fellow alumni of Sunrise Falls College, where the couple, both 41, first began dating in the second semester of their junior year. Immediately following the exchanging of vows, Mrs. Meno, who has been experiencing bouts of morning sickness, bolted indoors for the restroom. During the reception, Mr. Kung, who had engaged in relations with Mrs. Reilly before her marriage, was heard exchanging words with Mr. Reilly.

The newlyweds were set to depart for their honeymoon following the ceremony, but their departure was briefly interrupted by the arrival of a vehicle driven by one of the groom's work associates. The bride, who leads Sunrise Falls's SWAT team, inquired about its presence but the groom simply explained he had some business to attend to upon their return.

Simday 20

2010-02-10T16:19:00.012-05:00

Our first order of business is to congratulate Erica and Isaac, and Magdalena and Adam, for finally tying the knot! Took you all long enough!

Secondly, cigars all around for the Reillys, who welcomed Sunrise Falls's first baby boy, Max, in the wee first minutes of the 20th Simday! Later that day, Jed accepted a position at Sun City High School as its new science teacher. With all the babies being born in Sunrise Falls, though, it can't be long before he'll be able to find work closer to home.

In other growing family news, Kavita celebrated her birthday into toddlerhood. She is becoming quite the adorable Daddy's Little Girl. Meanwhile, Mama Naomi returned to The Sunrise Falls Sun and was quickly promoted to the investigative beat. With her dogged work ethic, we're sure nothing will escape her eye!

Over across the street, the Turners are in the throes of domestic chaos, dealing with a hydrophilic toddler, a broken sink and a clogged toilet. And it looks like that's not all they'll have to deal with soon...

Aimee Richman

2010-02-06T19:08:00.004-05:00

Born: Simday 19

Parents: Charlie Richman and Angelique Noble Richman

Dominant Personality Trait(s): Outgoing

Loves: Travel, School, Sports

Hates: Politics, Environment, Money

Aimee as a toddler:

Aimee as a baby:

Wedding - Jed Reilly and Lissa Stephens

2010-02-06T18:54:00.004-05:00

Jed Reilly and Lissa Stephens were wed the morning of Friday, Simday 19, outside their renovated Victorian at 1 Pioneer Way.

The couple, both 40, exchanged vows in a private ceremony. "Lissa was there for me when I went through a rough patch in my 20s," said the groom, a field researcher in the physics department at Sunrise Falls College. "I'll never forget how she would come over to cook for me, and just to keep me company. I can't believe I'll get to spend the rest of my life with her."

"Jed is different from any of the other guys I've been with, and I've been with a lot of guys," said the bride, a freelance photographer.

The newlyweds, who are expecting a child together, hosted a reception in their home. Guests included Mr. and Mrs. Vik and Naomi Srinathaphan, Mr. and Mrs. Leonardo and Alicia Meno, and Mr. and Mrs. Nick and June Turner.

Simday 19

2010-02-06T18:00:00.008-05:00

The morning began with a surprise. Jed had the day off from the field, and, gazing at his pregnant girlfriend's form in the shower, was seized by a loving impulse (or an impulsive love).

"I know we just moved in together," he began. "But let's get married."

"What? I can't hear you over the shower."

And so he waited, then repeated the question.

"When? Today?"

"Why not? I have the day off."

And so they did.

Meanwhile, Angelique gave birth to a daughter, whom she named Aimee. Inspired by her passions, Angelique published a bestselling Eastern-fusion cookbook, which netted her $10,000 in royalties. Even better, her recent literary acclaim prompted the proprietors at The Grill to name her, finally, executive chef of the restaurant.

Erica is also rising in the ranks. An impressive dressing-down of two wayward cops in Sunrise Falls PD led to renewed determination in cracking down on a crime wave that had been plaguing the neighborhood. Lt. Hamilton's leadership led to the arrest of a major local kingpin, and her chief was so impressed that he appointed her the new head of the SWAT Team.

The Meno family toasted smaller career advances: Leonardo announced he was leaving Battle of the Bands to tour with its latest winner—as a road technician, and Alicia was given a spot in Rock 'N Roll's kitchen after providing above-and-beyond to service the unlikeliest of benefactors: Sun City's It Boy, evidently having no memory for places or faces, had just purchased the diner-cum-roller rink and graciously promoted his waitress for the evening.

The newlyweds have been living the good married life: staying up late to WooHoo in bed, rising early to WooHoo in the hot tub before breakfast, but all that WooHooing may be leading to some changes in their happy-go-lucky lifestyle.

Finally, happy birthday to May, who becomes a toddler today! (Hey! A song.)

Wedding - Leonardo Meno and Alicia Barnes

2010-02-03T22:24:00.013-05:00

Leonardo Meno and Alicia Barnes were wed on Thursday, Simday 18, in a backyard ceremony at 4 Pioneer Way, the groom's home.

The pair invited several of their dormmates from Sunrise Falls College, where they first met: Mr. Jed Reilly, Mr. Adam Bridgeport and his fiancée, Miss Magdalena Light (who performed double duty with the Kung-Wong nuptials across the street), and Mr. and Mrs. Vik and Naomi Srinathaphan, who would welcome their newborn into the family on the same day.

Mr. Srinathaphan provided musical entertainment during the reception, while several guests took a turn toasting the newlyweds.

The party quickly adjourned when a thunderclouds abruptly appeared, but the happy couple seemed oblivious to the stormy weather, moving their personal celebration indoors.

The groom is a beloved judge for the local Battle of the Bands competition, while the bride recently returned to her waitressing position at Rock 'N Roll.

Both 39, the couple have no specific plans for the future, other than to enjoy one another's company for as long as possible.

Wedding - Tom Kung and Clarisse Wong

2010-02-03T22:03:00.011-05:00

Tom Kung and Clarisse Wong were wed on Thursday afternoon, Simday 18, behind the groom's home at 3 Pioneer Way.

The couple was spotted the morning of the ceremony at The Valley Boutique finalizing the groom's formalwear arrangements. Despite the narrow timeframe, shoppers report that the impending newlyweds engaged in not one but two bouts of WooHoo in one of the dressing rooms.

The wedding was attended by the couple's Sunrise Falls collegemates Mr. and Mrs. Nick and June Turner, who left their newborn daughter with a nanny at home, and Mr. Adam Bridgeport and his fiancée, Miss Magdalena Light. Following the ceremony, guests were invited to take a dip in the backyard hot tub, or take part in other recreational activities.

Guests departed at sundown but neighbors report hearing a loud wail emerge from the house that night. According to hearsay, the bride discovered tokens of the groom's former conquests in his bedroom. The screaming match continued throughout the house.

It is unclear what the future holds for the newlyweds, both 39. The groom is a member of the futures tennis circuit and the bride is a prep cook at The Grill.

Simday 18

2010-02-03T21:29:00.014-05:00

It's been quite a fruitful Simday, to say the least.

The Srinathaphans welcomed a daughter, Kavita, to the world. Congratulations to the family, and especially to Vik, who was (re-)promoted to receptionist at Sun and Sons, LLP!

Also riding the upswing on the Ferris wheel of employment and personal life: Alicia, who married Leonardo in a romantic ceremony at his home and was (re-)(re-)hired by Rock 'N Roll later that evening.

Across the street, another wedding was taking place: Tom finally tied the knot with Clarisse, although if neighbors' reports from last night are to be believed, the union may be off to a rocky start.

Let's hope co-habitation is smoother for Lissa, who agreed to move in with Jed to raise their impending child together. They accidentally set fire to the kitchen on the first night, but the on-again redhead couple is nothing if not dramatic.

Also not getting married (yet): Adam, who has been too busy getting himself and his American foxhounds up the career ladder. Thanks to a cunning hand (paw?) of poker, Duchess will be featured as a stunt double in next summer's animal blockbuster, while Duke has reached the highest echelon of security: Pet Corps!

Speaking of career peaks, Charlie has fulfilled his lifetime goal of becoming a professional party guest. He celebrated by extensively renovating the Modern Pacific and purchasing Sunrise Falls's sweetest ride.

Finally, a public service message to all residents: Please exercise caution when venturing outdoors at night. Wolves have been seen lurking throughout the neighborhood after dark, and their loitering has not been restricted to households with dogs (although pet owners should be especially cautious). These creatures are unlike the usual strays and should be considered hostile and extremely dangerous.

Kavita Srinathaphan

2010-02-03T21:25:00.005-05:00

Born: Simday 18

Parents: Vik Srinathaphan and Naomi Bailey Srinathaphan

Dominant Personality Trait(s): Outgoing

Loves: Animals, Science Fiction

Hates: Politics, Crime, Environment

Kavita as a toddler:

Kavita as a baby:

May Turner

2010-01-30T20:22:00.007-05:00

Born: Simday 17

Parents: Nick Turner and June Lin Turner

Siblings: Sue Turner

Dominant Personality Trait(s): Outgoing, Nice

Loves: Animals, Sports, Toys, Travel

Hates: Culture, Environment, Crime, Money

May as a toddler:

May as a baby:

All Creatures Great and Small

2010-01-30T20:17:00.003-05:00

This pet paradise is where residents come to find the newest canine, feline or rodent addition to the family. We not only carry any breed you can imagine (literally), we provide all the accessories you could ever need to keep your animal safe, happy and cared for. Be sure to spend some time on our back porch and spacious backyard getting to know your prospective pet a little better!

The Valley Boutique

2010-01-30T20:11:00.002-05:00

The high-end Valley Boutique carries the latest designer trends for men and women of all ages. With plenty of dressing rooms for both genders, you're guaranteed to find something to suit your unique and personal style!

Sunrise Grocery

2010-01-30T20:08:00.003-05:00

Residents can restock their refrigerators at Sunrise Grocery, whose humble general store atmosphere belies a deep and sophisticated selection of the freshest produce and the finest packaged food products. Kitchenware and a garden center are also featured.

Sunrise Valley

2010-01-30T20:05:00.004-05:00

Sunrise Falls residents can find all their hearts desire (or need) in this one-stop shopping district, located in a grassy valley adjacent to the residential neighborhood.

1 Sunrise Grocery

2 Hard and Soft

3 The Valley Boutique

4 All Creatures Great and Small

Simday 17

2010-01-30T19:31:00.013-05:00

We lead today's recap with the biggest news since our founders graduated from college: Sunrise Falls's first native-born resident is here! A warm welcome to May Turner, born at home (8 Pioneer Way) at 9:47 a.m., and heartiest congratulations to her parents, Nick and June.

Mother and child are both doing well, reports the proud papa, who received a promotion to Sunrise Falls PD's vice squad earlier the same day. June will remain on maternity leave from The Sunrise Falls Sun but looks forward to climbing back on the career ladder soon.

Also eager to return to the paper: Naomi, who isn't letting her final trimester prevent her from keeping up with her sports section, currently manned by a guest columnist in her absence.

Also expecting: Angelique, whose stomach virus turned out to be a bout of morning sickness (naturally). The former socialite is adjusting to her condition fairly well, all things considered, balancing domestic chores with the occasional jaunt to the Valley Boutique.

But that's not all! Lissa has also learned that she is with child, breaking the news to her babydaddy.

Looks like hate sex can be quite productive, eh, Jed?

The recent baby drama has nearly overshadowed another surprise announcement, Leo's proposal to Alicia. We wish these two crazy kids the best.

(They'll need it.)

Finally, in non-relationship neighborhood development news, Sunrise Valley is finally and officially open for business, with the groundbreaking of its flagship shop, the Sunrise Grocery. Various residents have already visited to browse its offerings.

Simday 16

2009-10-10T22:16:00.011-04:00

Engagements are now a full-blown trend in Sunrise Falls. Congratulations to Adam and Magdalena, and Tom and Clarisse! Who knew the latter couple was even back together?

Eyewitnesses reported that Clarisse appeared surprised when Tom popped the question at The Cutting Edge, the site of their first date. (Maybe she should have been suspicious when he invited her to an ice skating rink in late spring?) Tom declined to speak to the Sunrise Falls Sun following the proposal, but rumor is that he's been finding his debauched lifestyle unfulfilling of late.

In employment news, as with the rest of the nation, Sunrise Falls's job market has been marked by ups and downs.

Jed's career finally seems to be on the rise, as he was awarded a post-graduate fellowship to conduct research in the field. He's looking forward to his work, although he did use part of the grant money to reward himself with an electric guitar.

On the other hand, Vik's roller-coaster relationship with Sun & Sons, LLP took yet another dip, as a poor judgment call landed him back in the filing room.

The decrease in Srinathaphan family income, coupled with their recent home renovations, has made Naomi even more determined to work on her job skills, despite being in her second trimester. Also on maternity leave but not necessarily maternity rest: June, whose husband, Nick, recently quit his teaching post at Sun City Elementary to man the desk as Sunrise Falls PD's new sergeant.

"I've been worried about the burglary spree that's been plaguing our neighborhood for a while," Nick explains. "With a couple of little ones on the way, including in our own family, I think Detective Hamilton and the SFPD could use all the help they can get."

(On a perhaps unrelated note, Erica's fiancé, Isaac, was recently seen behind the wheel of a vehicle leaving Sun City Bank shortly after an alarm call.)

We conclude this Simday's report with Angelique's unusual day off. She was awakened by nausea, and after making a mess in the bathroom, made a mess in the kitchen just trying to make an omelette. Hungry and tired all day, she fell asleep in her bowl of chili con carne later that evening. We wish her the best and hope whatever bug she has isn't contagious!

Simday 15

2009-09-08T02:30:00.017-04:00

After four college years and 15 Simdays, Sunrise Falls is delighted to announce that new arrivals are coming to the neighborhood!

Recent brides Naomi and June are expecting, and we wish both women safe and comfortable pregnancies. The news was the cherry on top for the newlywed Srinathaphans, who both received promotions on the same day Naomi's test results came in. Vik has returned to the receptionist's desk at Sun and Sons, while Naomi will be The Sunrise Falls Sun's new sports columnist after she returns from maternity leave.

Isaac also received good news on both the job and relationship fronts. After four Simdays of unemployment, he has secured investors for a new venture involving unbreakable utensils, which Isaac vows will revolutionize kitchens and dining rooms around the world. Flush with capital, during an ostensible dinner to celebrate his new business deal, he popped the question to Erica, who was elated to say yes.

In less joyous news, local crime seems to be on the rebound. Clarisse and Magdalena's houses were burglarized on the same night. The Sunrise Falls police apprehended the thief at 3 Maiden Lane, but Magdalena was not so fortunate: Her intruder got away.

Clarisse will also be returning to work at The Grill after accepting a demotion to prep cook.

Despite an awkward wedding date at the Richman-Noble nuptials last Simday, relations between Jed and Lissa seem to have thawed, to say the least.

Does the détente have anything to do with celebrating recent job moves (Jed to lab assistant, Lissa to freelance photographer)? Is makeup sex the hottest kind of sex?

Or would that be turns-out-he's-still-angry sex?

Not everyone can have the healthy (ahem, and active) sex life that Charlie and Angelique enjoy.

But it's not all about sex, Alicia is beginning to realize, as friends and neighbors all around her make commitments and move forward.

Wedding - Vik Srinathaphan and Naomi Bailey

2009-08-27T04:04:00.009-04:00

Vik Srinathaphan and Naomi Bailey were wed on Sunday, Simday 14, at 7 Pioneer Way, the groom's home.

The couple, who met during a graduation party at Sunrise Falls College, invited several of their former classmates to the ceremony: Misters Isaac Freeman, Jed Reilly and Charlie Richman, and Misses Alicia Barnes and Erica Hamilton. Misters Reilly and Richman arrived after the conclusion of Mr. Richman's wedding across the street.

Miss Barnes and Mr. Reilly, two of the couple's closest friends, provided the toasts.

Immediately following the reception, the guests saw the newlyweds off to their honeymoon. It was a brief outing before returning to work the next day. The groom is a file clerk at the law firm Sun and Sons, and the bride writes the weekly horoscope column for The Sunrise Falls Sun.

Wedding - Charlie Richman and Angelique Noble

2009-08-27T03:30:00.008-04:00

Charlie Richman and Angelique Noble were wed on Sunday, Simday 14. The wedding took place outside the groom's Modern Pacific home, located at 6 Pioneer Way.

Mr. Richman and Ms. Noble, both 35, are central figures in the Sunrise Falls social scene, and their nuptials were witnessed by Mr. Adam Bridgeport and his date, Ms. Magdalena Light, and Ms. Lissa Stephens and her date, Mr. Jed Reilly. Mr. Tom Kung was also in attendance.

Despite the polar difference in intra-relational warmth between their two pairs of guests, the happy couple remained gracious hosts.

Sunrise Falls's first wedded couple, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Turner, missed the ceremony but returned from their honeymoon in time to deliver a post-reception toast.

The Richmans plan to focus on renovating their home and furthering their respective careers. The groom has made his fortune through a variety of occupations in the media sector, most recently as webmaster of ALlamainEveryHome.com, among other buzzworthy sites. The bride is a sous chef at The Grill.

Simday 14

2009-08-27T02:55:00.009-04:00

It was a very good day for some, and not so great for others.

Two couples (Charlie and Angelique, and Vik and Naomi) took advantage of the last weekend of the season to have springtime weddings.

Clarisse and Alicia both lost their

restaurant jobs—Clarisse for spending too much time

endorsing a product called Sporks of Steel, which was later discovered to break easily in dishwashers, and Alicia for yet again serving a lemon to her nemesis, the teen heartthrob

who had recently mounted a comeback.

Leo and Erica were luckier in employment. With the support of his girlfriend, Alicia, the portly Latin lover finally decided to go after his dream in music, landing a job picking tunes at Café Soleil, while Erica is now Detective Hamilton to you.

And Lissa had the most mixed-up day of all. She began by going over to Jed's house to apologize. He still needed time "to process"—unfortunately, part of that time had to be spent as each other's dates for the Richman-Noble nuptials. In the afternoon Clarisse dropped by unexpectedly—awkward!, considering Lissa had just shtupped her ex, but it turned out to be a nice visit. And finally, at the end of her shift at the Sun City Cineplex, she was approached by a certain teen heartthrob who offered her a gig editing his—ahem—home videos.

Wedding - Nick Turner and June Lin

2009-03-18T18:11:00.011-04:00

Nick Turner and June Lin were wed on the morning of Saturday, Simday 13, at 8 Pioneer Way.

The backyard ceremony was attended by the bride and groom's closest friends: Misters Isaac Freeman, Leonardo Meno and Charlie Richman, and Misses Naomi Bailey and Clarisse Wong. Mr. Richman served as the best man and Miss Bailey as the maid of honor.

The happy couple, both 34, first met at Sunrise Falls College, where he majored in literature and she in mathematics. The groom now teaches at Sun City Elementary School, while the bride was recently promoted to fact checker at The Sunrise Falls Sun.

The newlyweds also gave a casual dress afterparty in their home, where the festivities continued into the night.

In the immediate future, the Turners hope to start a family as soon as possible.

Simday 13

2009-03-18T17:54:00.007-04:00

June had quite the eventful day. She and Nick became the first Sunrise Falls residents to wed, in a beautiful morning ceremony overlooking the park. At work she received her first batch of irate reader mail, for a negative film review she'd written, and was called into her editor's office. Fearing the worst, she was instead given quite the surprise: a promotion to the print publication as fact checker! Quite the wedding present!

In other love news, two more couples got engaged: Charlie and Angelique, and Vik (who once again made his way back into employment at the ground level) and Naomi. The two new brides-to-be met up at The Valley Boutique to go dress shopping together and ran into the newlyweds, who offered their best wishes and congratulations.

With two newspaper employees now in the community, word spreads fast, especially when it concerns affairs of the heart. How else to explain Jed finding out about Lissa's one night stand with Tom?

Uh oh.

8 Maiden Lane

2009-03-04T23:45:00.003-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Special features: Rear deck

7 Maiden Lane

2009-03-04T23:44:00.003-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

6 Maiden Lane

2009-03-04T23:42:00.003-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Special features: fenced-in backyard, eat-in kitchen island

5 Maiden Lane

2009-03-04T23:41:00.002-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1 (toilet, sink, shower/tub)

4 Maiden Lane

2009-03-04T23:39:00.003-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Special features: detached 1-car garage

8 Pioneer Way

2009-03-04T23:37:00.003-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1 (toilet, sink, shower/tub)

Special features: Eat in kitchen with island counter

7 Pioneer Way

2009-03-04T23:36:00.004-05:00

"The Brownstone"

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

3 Maiden Lane

2009-03-04T23:04:00.003-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

2 Maiden Lane

2009-03-04T23:02:00.001-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1 (toilet, sink, shower)

1 Maiden Lane

2009-03-04T23:01:00.002-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1 (toilet, sink, shower)

6 Pioneer Way

2009-03-04T22:59:00.003-05:00

"The Modern Pacific"

Floors: 2 (includes basement)

Bedrooms: 1 (in basement)

Bathrooms: 1

5 Pioneer Way

2009-03-04T22:57:00.000-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1 (toilet, sink, shower/tub)

4 Pioneer Way

2009-03-04T22:56:00.004-05:00

"The Bungalow"

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

3 Pioneer Way

2009-03-04T22:55:00.000-05:00

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1 (toilet, sink, shower/tub)

2 Pioneer Way

2009-03-04T22:52:00.005-05:00

"The White House"

Floors: 1

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

1 Pioneer Way

2009-03-04T22:49:00.005-05:00

"The Bizarro Victorian"

Floors: 2 (second floor currently unfinished)

Bedrooms: 0

Bathrooms: 1

Sunrise Falls Community Park

2009-03-04T22:17:00.004-05:00

Sunrise Falls Community Park features a full-length swimming pool with custom sun-logo tiling, multiple diving boards and a water slide for maximum fun. Adjacent male/female changing rooms include full-service shower and toilet facilities. Residents can grill freshly caught fish from the park pond, hot dogs or burgers at any of several picnic areas dotting the landscaped grounds, while children and the young at heart can enjoy the swingset.

Simday 12 Recap

2009-03-04T06:58:00.012-05:00

First, on the job front:

Charlie has added "freelance web designer" to his growing resumé, buying out ALlamaInEveryHome.com from some former clients. Her blunder as forgotten as yesterday's teen idol, Alicia was rehired at Rock 'N Roll—but just as a hostess. Lissa is Sunrise Falls' hottest new DJ, a gig that led to some unexpected consequences recently when, after one night's rave, she went home with Tom, high on ecstasy and their mutually amorous natures.

Also at the party: the very-recently fired Vik, who was heard outside Rock 'N Roll loudly complaining about the legal system to a sympathetic, still-unemployed Isaac.

"The shyshtem doeshn't work, man... you can work ash hard ash you want, but if your bossh ish a tool, you'll never make it... hey, ish that a bunny behind you, dawg?"

Speaking of law and order, the burglary spree in Sunrise Falls continues, with Charlie and, ironically, Erica the cop the latest victims. Sunrise Falls Police Department suspects that the Richman household was marked because of Charlie's high-profile job successes, while the Hamilton residence may have been targeted in retaliation for last Simday's bank robbery sting. Unfortunately, the burglar at Erica's house got away, much to the chagrin of the officer on duty, who got an earful from his superior in the nightgown.

Finally, in personal news, Adam welcomed a new addition to this family: Duchess, another American foxhound. And he and Magdalena recently took their relationship to the next level. We would not be surprised if there was yet another addition to the Bridgeport household very soon. Alicia and Leo also consummated their relationship. We think (hope) this one will stick for both of them.

And June has been hard at work cleaning and packing up her house, so we expect Sunrise Falls' first nuptials to occur any day now!

Simday 11 Recap

2009-02-07T16:10:00.016-05:00

Economic downturn has come to Sunrise Falls, with many residents losing their jobs or getting demoted.

Jed's exciting new job as a lab assistant took a hit when he was saddled with busy work from his principal investigator. Mounting a protest, he tore up his paperwork and set it on fire in front of her office. He's probably lucky he was only demoted back to test subject. Isaac was not so fortunate when he decided to help himself to some bugged "hazard pay" on his team's latest job. The gang managed to avoid capture, but Isaac was tossed out, literally. Actually, he should probably count his blessings he didn't suffer worse consequences... from either side. Meanwhile at Rock 'N Roll, Alicia served Sun City's latest heartthrob tap water with a twist. The twist turned out to be her near-fatal mistake, as the tween king was allergic to lemons. Back to browsing the classifieds for her.

In more positive career news, Naomi and June both received promotions at The Sunrise Falls Sun, Erica was given a spot on the Sunrise Falls PD's vice squad after successfully planting an electronic tracker in a stack of bills that was taken during the latest bank heist, and The Grill named its new sous chefs, Clarisse and Angelique (whose promotion she and Charlie celebrated in their usual way).

On the amorous front, Tom made his first townie conquest (Carla Chun) with the help of his new hot tub. Alicia and Leonardo continued to explore their relationship with a date downtown, where Leo told Alicia about his love of music. The new couple ran into Leo's old flame Lissa at the new Rock 'N Bowl, effectively extinguishing any sparks that may have lingered between the college couple. Speaking of college relationships, June told Naomi the happy news of her engagement to Nick and asked her to serve as maid of honor at the upcoming wedding.

Our residential neighborhood

2008-10-29T02:29:00.009-04:00

Residences:

1 Pioneer Way - occupied by the Reilly family

2 Pioneer Way - occupied by the Freeman family

3 Pioneer Way - occupied by the Kung family

4 Pioneer Way - occupied by the Meno family

5 Pioneer Way - occupied by the Bridgeport family

6 Pioneer Way - occupied by the Richman family

7 Pioneer Way - occupied by the Srinathaphan family

8 Pioneer Way - occupied by the Turner family

1 Maiden Lane - unoccupied

2 Maiden Lane - unoccupied

3 Maiden Lane - unoccupied

4 Maiden Lane - unoccupied

5 Maiden Lane - unoccupied

6 Maiden Lane - unoccupied

7 Maiden Lane - unoccupied

8 Maiden Lane - unoccupied

Community lots:

* Sunrise Falls Community Park

Sunrise Falls College Graduation - Generation 1

2008-06-22T00:34:00.016-04:00

Pic from the 10-Semester (Angelique) Party:

June and Magdalena, dressed in their hottest clothes, joined Charlie in congratulating his girlfriend on her graduation.

Pics from the 9-Semester (Nick, Vik, Alicia, Erica, Lissa, Naomi) Parties:

Vik and Nik boogie like the cool guys they are...?

Alicia and Erica treat Vik to quite the show.

Erica speculates that Nick isn't dancing because he just misses June.

Vik is lucky to be flanked by two choice ladies.

Hmm... Vik and Naomi seem to be getting cozy.

Angelique and Erica get some last minute girl talk in before Erica has to leave campus.

Gee, ladies? Already partied out at your own graduation? You ARE getting old!

Pics from the 8-Semester (Charlie, Leo, Adam, Jed, Tom, Isaac, Mag, June, Clarisse) Parties:

Nick and Charlie provide the entertainment at the party hosted by the men's dorm.

Magdalena, Jed and Alicia do the smustle in the commons room.

Vik, Alicia (again) and Lissa smustle in the kitchen. The cafeteria lady does not seem amused.

The smustling continues in the women's dorm. Even June joins in with Angelique, but Magdalena seems more interested in her espresso.

June and Nick share a tender moment in the kitchen. "Don't worry," she tells him. "I'll wait for you out there."

Clarisse (in her PJs) and Lissa grab air in the commons room.

Later, Clarisse finally gets dressed and rejoins Lissa and Vik upstairs.

Apparently, not even two commons rooms are enough to contain the party. Erica, Alicia and Naomi smustle in the girls' showers (no, not like THAT).

Erica sure has loosened up a lot since freshman year!

Nick and Vik get down in the girls' dorm—but, unfortunately, not with any actual girls.

Café Soleil

2008-06-07T21:50:00.002-04:00

Sunset Heights' signature coffeehouse serves up the finest java whether the sun is up or down. In addition, patrons can enjoy chess on the outdoor patio, curl up with a book on our comfy sofas or check their e-mail with our free Internet access. And if that's not enough, every night is Open Mic Night on our stage.

The Grill

2008-06-07T21:45:00.005-04:00

Bring your most important dates and functions to The Grill, Sunset Heights' finest steakhouse. With our impeccable waitstaff serving up gourmet cuisine in our cherrywood dining room, we guarantee you'll have a night to remember.

City of Industry

2008-06-07T21:38:00.003-04:00

City of Industry is the aptly-named premier nightclub in Sunset Heights. The multilevel club features enough dancing flames and strobe lighting to set any kind of mood you wish. With DJs and fully-stocked bars on every floor, including the rooftop deck, you won't run out of places to party.

Garden

2008-06-07T21:29:00.005-04:00

The garden is Sunrise Falls College's oasis, located just across the street from the student center. The pond is open for public fishing, and students can relax or study on the outdoor benches, shaded by the willow trees. Grills are also available for picnics in good weather.

Rock 'N Roll

2008-01-31T01:51:00.001-05:00

Sunset Heights' non-wintry skating venue is available year-round, 24/7. In addition to the large roller rink, Rock 'N Roll features a full-service diner with table and counter seating, as well as a dance floor balcony with staffed DJ and bartender for residents who prefer more adult fun.

The Cutting Edge

2007-12-27T06:29:00.001-05:00

In wintertime, residents enjoy ice skating at The Cutting Edge, which features a large outdoor rink bordered by tall evergreens. The rustic lodge upstairs features a cocoa bar and hearth for skaters to warm themselves back up, and a balcony that overlooks the action below.

Sunset Heights

2007-12-27T06:18:00.005-05:00

When night falls or whenever the residents of Sunrise Falls just want to go out for fun, they head downtown to Sunset Heights, sprawled across the plateaus overlooking the (relatively) quieter residential area. Attractions and businesses will be added according to need and residents' demand.

Recreation:

1 The Cutting Edge

2 Rock 'N Roll

Nightlife:

3 City of Industry

Restaurants and Cafés:

4 The Grill

5 Café Soleil

Naomi's Journal

2007-10-11T18:46:00.003-04:00

Simday 10 (Age 31)

I have a strong suspicion that in addition to the incredible amount of strays, there are also wolves in the neighborhood.

Simday 2 (Age 23)

Last night Vik came over (we sort of bonded last semester) and we were just hanging out, and it was getting late. I got up to see him off, but suddenly he pulled me towards him and kissed me!

I so was not expecting to get into a relationship so soon, at least not while I still have a career to establish, but... if the timing's right...

Senior year, second semester

FINALLY. Don't get me wrong, I loved college, but I did NOT love being held back. I feel like I won't be able to breathe until I have that faux-sheepskin diploma firmly in my hands...

Senior year, first semester

Oops. Sometimes I forget how thin these dorm walls are sometimes.

Junior year, second semester (repeat)

Finally! Thank you, Lissa! Between the streakers, feuding mascots and inane cheerleaders, the daily intrusions have gotten ridiculous.

Junior year, second semester

Psst! Don't tell anyone, but I'm getting some extra math tutoring from Prof. von Ball! I'm his best student!

Junior year, first semester

I had breakfast this morning with Alicia, because I can't believe we're juniors already and we're not as close as we should be. I feel like there should be a bond of sisterhood between us, since we are the only two black women in this entire community, but for some reason we couldn't really get past small talk. It's strange and definitely surprising to me that I feel more kinship with June (my best friend, actually), than with someone with whom I should have so much in common.

Sophomore year, second semester

Over breakfast this morning Lissa told me that a streaker ran through our dorm yesterday, while June and I were (thankfully) in class. What a stomach-turning picture. It seems that our institutions of higher learning continue to retain unevolved bastions of crudity. I just feel angry for Lissa, Magdalena and the other girls who had to witness such vulgarity. I told Lissa she should look into filing a formal complaint with the school administration.

Sophomore year, first semester

All work and no play can make even Naomi a dull girl, so when Erica invited all the guys over today, I took a day off and cut loose. I even met a pretty promising guy, Isaac, who seems intense, intelligent and just a little competitive. Just my type!

Freshman year, second semester

I must admit, I'm rather surprised that I've made such a good friend so quickly. June and I come from such different backgrounds, yet I'm finding that we have so much in common. We're both intelligent, driven women, and we're both math majors, so we share all the same classes.

In fact, it's a good thing that June is the kindest person I've ever met, otherwise I might be feeling a bit of competition!

Freshman year, first semester

So far, it seems like everyone has got their eyes on the prize. Our first night here, everyone was in the upstairs commons room doing group research. Let's hope this trend continues.

Magdalena's Journal

2007-10-11T18:40:00.004-04:00

Simday 9 (Age 30)

Very big news: I may have fallen in love. It may have happened at Charlie's party the other day. I may have invited Adam Bridgeport over the next night. We may have fallen in love.

Simday 7 (Age 28)

Strange. I had coffee with Adam Bridgeport today, and it was... nice. I know it's been years, and I'm still not totally sure I'm ready to get back in the game, but I know that we're all getting older and I really do want to raise a family someday. That's all I want, and I know that seems paradoxical to my man-hating ways. Anyway, Adam told me about his dog, Duke, and he generally seems like a really responsible guy (Adam, not Duke) and like he would be a good caretaker. I know for sure he's not a player. I'm just saying.

Simday 6 (Age 27)

Poor, poor Clarisse! Her meathead boyfriend Tom cheated on her—and, from what I've heard, it wasn't the first time. I've never liked him, but this is no time for "I told you so"s. Right now, Clarisse needs her best gal pals... and a comforting, home-cooked meal.

Simday 3 (Age 24)

Oops. I tried throwing a dinner party and burned the food. More wounded, however, is my pride—I always pictured myself being the perfect hostess, and filling my house with delicious smells and delightful people. Maybe someday.

Simday 1 (Age 22)

Finally, a real restaurant in town. Tonight I invited the ladies out for a formal dinner at The Grill. It was divine!

Senior year, second semester

Okay, I know I've cultivated somewhat of a reputation as a man-hater, but I don't think it's unreasonable to ask people to take their PDA elsewhere, is it?

Senior year, first semester

Read 'em and weep, boys. Heh heh heh!

Junior year, second semester

There's nothing like sitting on the futon all day with your girlfriends watching cooking shows. I can't think of a better way to spend a rainy afternoon!

Junior year, first semester

Today I had lunch with Erica to thank her for all her hard work in throwing all these mixers for us. All of us really do owe a huge part of our social lives to her. For me personally, without these gatherings, I would probably never have gotten around to meeting our guys, and they all seem quite nice so far.

I also thought I would take the opportunity to try to explain to Erica that I think her wardrobe choices kind of give put people off. I mean, I know she's a classy lady, but, you know, it's the afternoon and you don't want give people the wrong idea!

Sophomore year, second semester

The strangest thing happened today. A streaker ran through our dorm, and I happened to be the very first person he passed, since I was on my way out the door to class. Given my pattern of thoughts since coming to school, I would have expected to be extremely disturbed, but instead I felt a strange sense of calm. I felt like this man was the very embodiment of all I had come to fear and loathe, and I faced him head-on, and then he... waved at me. Perhaps this will all be good for me, after all.

Sophomore year, first semester

Today Erica threw a mixer for all the guys and girls. I know she did it to be nice, and there are a lot of people around here who I know have been really impatient to start meeting members of the opposite sex, but I don't think I'm ready yet. So I spent most of the time outside on the balcony by myself, where it was peaceful, quiet and safe.

Freshman year, second semester

One good way to take your mind off anything that might be bothering you is to work out. Especially when it comes to man trouble, there's nothing better for getting over it (and sometimes getting even!) than getting yourself a hot bod.

Let's be realistic, though—it's hard work! Although the results, I believe, are definitely worth it!

Freshman year, first semester

It's so nice just to be around women again. No man drama. Instead of spending my nights ~~crying~~ on a date with Mr. Wrong, I hang out in the dorm with the girls, playing darts and hanging out. It's so nice!

Lissa's Journal

2007-10-11T18:36:00.007-04:00

Simday 10 (Age 31)

Dear diary, I almost made a HUGE mistake tonight. So I came home from work today and I don't know if I was bored or nostalgic or what, but somehow I had the idea to booty call Leo. Yeah, we haven't been in touch much since that whole thing with Tom at Rock 'N Roll like a million years ago, but anyway, he agreed to come over.

So he came over, and, wow, the years have NOT been kind to him. First of all, he's gained like a ton of weight, and his hair that used to be all Fabio-hot now just looks greasy, and he was wearing (ick!) a tracksuit. He came in and started messing around on the piano, and I immediately flashed to Jed, sitting in his adorable red boxers in my living room doing the same thing. Miraculously, at that very moment my phone rang and it was Jed, asking me out. I didn't have to think twice. I grabbed my coat and headed out the door, barely even bothering to say bye to Leo.

Simday 9 (Age 30)

Is this for real? I went out with Jed again tonight, and he ended up spending the night. After we had sex neither of us could fall asleep, so he wandered out to the living room to play on the piano (that he got me) and as I stood there listening to him, it was all I could do not to jump him right then and there. After all the lotharios I've dated, never in a million years would I think I'd fall for a skinny, gawky geek type. But I can't deny it any more: Jed Reilly makes me HOT.

Simday 6 (Age 27)

I ran into Tom at the bookstore, Hard and Soft, today, and guess what? He and Clarisse broke up! I haven't really seen him since that night we flirted at Rock 'N Roll, because... well, for obvious reasons that no longer apply now. Anyway, we went outside to the bubble blower to catch up, and... it was okay. It's weird, to be honest, I would have been all over him before, but now—buff, newly available bad boy just isn't doing it for me.

Simday 5 (Age 26)

So my "date" with Jed ended up with quite a bit of action. Hopefully it still counts toward good karma, even if I enjoyed myself. What can I say? I've always kind of had a thing for pale, skinny redheads.

Speaking of skinny, Jed is still looking kind of Irish potato famine, so I invited him over today for lunch. While it was getting ready, he wandered over to my piano and started playing. you know what I really have a thing for? Pale, skinny, redheaded tortured musicians. I think I'm in love!

Simday 4 (Age 25)

In an attempt to reverse my karma, I've been trying to look beyond myself and help others. Clearly the biggest cry for help in the neighborhood is Jed Reilly; no one's seen him out for ages, ever since he lost his job.

So I went over to check up on him, and he really is in a pretty alarming state. He answered the door unshaven and in his pajamas, even though it was the middle of the afternoon, and old newspapers were piled up on his front lawn, unread. Clearly he hasn't even been looking for a new job; he said he was too depressed.

I'm taking him to Rock 'N Roll tonight. He's even skinnier and paler than he usually is, and not in a good way. Hopefully a good meal, for once, and a good time will get him out of his slump!

Simday 2 (Age 23)

Okay, enough is enough. Every night I come home to find my garbage can mysteriously tipped over. Roaches are starting to swarm my yard. This morning I waited just inside the front door and ran out when I saw that creep Leonardo walk over.

I don't feel sorry AT ALL anymore that I flirted with Tom (actually, Tom flirted with ME, AND he has a girlfriend, but that's his issue). But we are COLLEGE GRADS now and all this trash-tipping is just a little immature for me. Plus, Leo is getting fat. Gross!

Senior year, second semester

Okay, one good thing about being held back? All your guy friends automatically become "older men." I know, I know, we're actually all the same age, but still -- it's cool to say you're going out with guys who are already out of college.

Senior year, first semester (repeat)

Oh yeah, I flunked last semester. June, always thinking of others, offered to help me with my homework, so I'm going to be fine.

Senior year, first semester

FIGHT! We're rooting for the cow, because sometimes we can get him to do our work, whereas the llama is just mean, but honestly, it's a win-win for us. Either way, one less mascot pest around the dorm!

Junior year, second semester

Boys, boys, boys! Leonardo, Leonardo, Leonardo!

Junior year, first semester

You know, I know I said last semester that after my traumatizing incident with that streaker, I was gonna swear off guys for a while, but at Erica's mixer today I ended up talking to that weird guy Jed for a pretty long time. I guess it doesn't count because we were just talking—I mean, don't get me wrong, he IS a guy, but he's not really my type (not that he isn't kinda attractive!) and we were talking about POLITICS and stuff, if you can believe it. Anyway, I've never quite had that kind of experience at a party before.

Sophomore year, second semester

Oh, oh, EW. I think I may have to swear off guys for a while. Today our dorm was totally VIOLATED by a gross STREAKER who ran RIGHT PAST ME while I was in the downstairs commons room! I am seriously, like, traumatized by this incident.

Sophomore year, first semester

I met the HOTTEST man today. Seriously. Erica threw a party and invited all the guys from the dorm across the street over, and he made them all look like little boys. His name is Leonardo. Le-o-nar-do. Sigh. That is such a romantic name, don't you think? I can't stop thinking about him!

Freshman year, second semester

Today we had a faculty member visit our dorm. His name is Prof. Joel Ng, and he's in the art department. I've always liked art, so I had a pretty long conversation with him and he said I would probably make a good art major, so I think that's what I'm gonna study here.

Plus, Prof. Ng's kinda cute, don't you think?!

Freshman year, first semester

This dorm is HUGE! I live on the first floor, and the bathroom and TV are on the second floor, but the dining hall is on the first floor, so I think it all evens out. There's a pretty cool telescope outside, too. I checked it out last night, and it's really so pretty out here in the middle of nowhere.

I wonder what would happen if I just swung the 'scope around...

June's Journal

2007-10-11T18:32:00.004-04:00

Simday 10 (Age 31)

I got my dress today!

Simday 9 (Age 30)

I have a secret! A good one... !

Simday 8 (Age 29)

Guess what? I just accepted a new job! I was talking about work with Naomi at the café the other night, and she was telling me about how much she loves working at The Sunrise Falls Sun. We took all the same classes together in college, so it's no stretch for us to work together now. Starting tomorrow, I'll be writing tech columns for the Sun's website!

Simday 1 (Age 22)

There sure are a lot of interesting people off campus. Our town opened up a bunch of new establishments after we graduated. Tonight I checked out the new coffeehouse, Café Soleil, and played chess with a real countess! She's even paler than me!

Senior year, second semester

Nick invited me on the most perfect date last night. We went to the coffeehouse at the student center, and Angelique was performing on stage, and we started dancing. We fell in love then and there. It was beautiful, and it was perfect. Did I say that already?

Senior year, first semester

Most of the girls in the dorm are always talking about how hot Leo is. I don't know, I guess I can see how he's "objectively good-looking," but he just doesn't do it for me. There's something very smarmy about him. I much prefer guys who are cute and nice, like Nick.

Junior year, second semester

I didn't anticipate anything like this, at least not during college. But Nick, definitely the nicest of all the guys, had been asking me out for weeks, and finally (after I was done with my paper) I agreed to come over. When I saw him waiting for me out on the sidewalk, he just looked so adorable that for some reason I felt the urge to give him a hug. So I did, and the "date" just got better and better from there.

Junior year, first semester

Okay, I think this whole open-door policy might be getting a little out of hand. It's one thing to listen to people's problems, but I was awakened this morning by Lissa coming into my room to play SSX. I mean, normally, that's fine (although I don't see why she couldn't use the computer out in the commons room), but I was up studying really late last night, you know?

Sophomore year, second semester

Angelique and Erica both FAILED last semester! Personally, I think academic probation is a fate worse than death, but Erica seems to be pretty blasé about it all. Angelique, on the other hand, is devastated, which kind of surprised us all, since we didn't think she cared about her grades. Anyway, I've been tutoring her on her schoolwork, which has actually brought us closer. Who would've thought two people like us would become best friends?

Sophomore year, first semester

I don't know how I sort of became den mother around here, but a lot of the girls have started coming to me for—I don't know, not necessarily advice, but I guess for a listening ear. Even when I'm trying to work on a paper, I want to be nice, so I just listen and nod to whatever they're venting about—boys, professors, anything.

Freshman year, second semester

Whoo! I did it, my work all paid off, I made it on the Dean's Lissssssssszzzzzzzzzzzzz..........

Freshman year, first semester

I'm so nervous about college. I really want to do well, to graduate at the top of my class. I have to make my family proud. I want to write a term paper every term so I can make the Dean's List every term. Wait. Is that redundant? It's 3:32 a.m. right now. I have to go take my exam in two hours and 28 minutes. I have to drink more espresso. I have to drink more espresso.

Erica's Journal

2007-10-11T18:28:00.004-04:00

Simday 9 (Age 30)

I can't believe how well my new career has been going. I was recently promoted to desk sergeant, which means I am now a ranking officer! And it couldn't have come at a better time: There've been a rash of burglaries in Sunrise Falls: Leo and Adam have both been hit recently. Solving this case could really put me ahead on the force!

Simday 7 (Age 28)

Wintertime in Sunrise Falls is surprisingly beautiful. I don't even mind all the extra clothes we have to wear, because I get to play outside in the snow with my boyfriend (and then go back inside, where he warms me up, if you know what I mean...)

I think we're getting ready to make a big decision soon. Our careers are both going well. It seems like every week that Isaac gets a promotion; he's in acquisitions. I'm so proud of him, and I know he'll be supportive of me, too, when I tell him my big news: I finally saved up enough money ($10,000!) to go back to school... the police academy! I know, I'm not thrilled about the polyester uniforms either, but hopefully I'll advance past that stage quickly. I'm just really excited about getting in there and helping to keep order in our new little town!

Simday 2 (Age 23)

I can't believe how different it is to live all by yourself. I mean, we had our own rooms in college but now that everyone's split up and has jobs with different working hours, I think I have a little cabin fever. Last night I started talking to this strange dog that wandered into my yard, before Isaac ran out of the house and pulled me inside. He said it was a wolf!

Senior year, second semester

To be honest, I wasn't sure, four years ago, whether I would get along with this group of girls. They all seemed so different from me, and although that's still true, somehow I've made actual friends. I'm not the nostalgic type, but I'm savoring our final days of college together.

Senior year, first semester

Senioritis isn't going to get me. No way.

Junior year, second semester

... I really don't know what to say. Isaac and I have spent a lot of time talking on the phone, and at some point I guess we've become really good friends. He's really smart, so I invited him over the other day to help me with my term paper, and he just surprised me with this... move, and then I surprised myself because I liked it! What does this mean for us now?

Junior year, first semester

I just love summer, which means the return of warm-weather clothes!

Sophomore year, second semester

So I finally got meet Adam Bridgeport at one of my mixers. I always used to read about his family in the society pages, and I would be lying if I said that reading the announcement that he was forgoing the Bridgeport fortune to come to Sunrise Falls didn't factor into my own decision as well. He's cute enough, and I can tell that even though he was just renegade enough to come out here, he's kept his family values.

Sophomore year, first semester (repeat)

So apparently the thing I forgot last semester was my final exam, so now I have to repeat the term. It's a mild setback, but if academics are the price I have to pay for socializing, so be it. Angelique also failed the term, and she took it a lot harder than anyone expected. Since I was going through the same thing, I tried to make her feel better, and I actually think I just made a new best friend?

Sophomore year, first semester

Persistence always pays off. The planners told us we had to spend the first year getting to know our housemates better, but now that we're sophomores, I decided to do what I do best: throw mixers. Since it's finals week and I know everyone's stressed, I invited all the guys over for a sports party, and it was a total success. Of course, throwing a great party takes tons of work. I feel like there's something I forgot to do, but I'm just so tired......zzzzzzz

Freshman year, second semester

The girls continue to be intimidated by my presence. Today I tried to organize an outing to the student center, but no one agreed to come. I must work on balancing my authority with more approachability.

Freshman year, first semester

I thought it would be pretty easy to make my authority known among these girls, but they all seem to look at me kind of strangely whenever I come up to them. I don't know what their problem is, but I'm sure they'll come around soon.

Clarisse's Journal

2007-10-11T18:24:00.003-04:00

Simday 9 (Age 30)

It's been a long time since Tom and I broke up. It feels like a lifetime ago—I can honestly say I feel healthier and more like myself now, and my career's been going pretty well, too. Does any of that explain why I went back to him? He's the same (maybe a little porkier, though), with the same lines and lame seduction techniques. But I was feeling really good about myself, and I'm not an innocent little girl anymore (and maybe a tiny bit of those old romantic feelings for Tom still exist), so I let myself go inside, and, you know, we did it. Slept together. But I left before he woke up, so maybe that's a point for me? Should this—the game of love and sex—even be something where we're supposed to be keeping score?

Simday 4 (Age 25)

I don't even know what to say. That jerk! No, worse than a jerk. That A$$HOLE!

I defended him when some of our friends said they saw him flirting with Lissa at Rock 'N Roll. Turns out I'm an idiot.

Simday 1 (Age 22)

Even though I miss living the other girls, there are perks to living alone. Such as, making out with your boyfriend in your brand-new custom-designed bathroom! Don't you love my color scheme? Tee hee!

Tom only came over for a bit before heading out. I heard a bunch of people went to Rock 'N Roll tonight, but I'm a little tired from moving, so I think I'm gonna stay in.

Senior year, second semester

I can't believe I not only survived college, but I actually had a pretty great time. It feels like so long ago that I was that scared little girl who clung to June like a baby chick. Now we don't just have each other as best friends, but we both have boyfriends too! Who woulda thunk?

Senior year, first semester

College offers the ideal time and place for young women to pursue fine arts and physical fitness in a leisurely environment.

... Hee hee! I talk pretty today!

Junior year, second semester

Our college just opened a beautiful garden on campus, with a fishing pond! I love fishing; it reminds me of summer camp. And I'm good at it! I caught a bass on the first day!

Junior year, first semester

Tom and I have been having so much fun together! I decided to take him out the other night. We went to the new roller skating rink, since it's springtime again. I love roller skating! And maybe love is in the air?

Sophomore year, second semester

OHMIGOSH! That boy, Tom, asked me out on a DATE! We are going ice skating at the new rink! I've never been on a date before! Maybe college isn't so bad after all!

Sophomore year, first semester

I met a BOY today! He lives in the dorm across the street and his name is Tom and he is BUFF!

Freshman year, second semester

We literally weren't allowed to bring anything with us except for one set of each type of clothes, so I was really missing my teddy. (Shut up, I know you all have one.) Anyway, I went to the Student Center gift shop the other day and saw one just like my old one back home, and since I made the Dean's List this semester, I rewarded myself by bringing him home! I feel a little better already.

Freshman year, first semester

Thank goodness for June, my floormate. Even though we're all the same age, I feel like she's so wise. And even though we all just met, she kind of makes me feel more like I'm at home.

Angelique's Journal

2007-10-11T18:13:00.007-04:00

Simday 9 (Age 30)

I finally had a day off today, and it was perfect, because it was my birthday! I can't believe I'm 30, but I have a great job (prep cook at The Grill—woohoo!) and a great boyfriend, and great friends. I decided to celebrate by throwing a party and cooking for all my guests. It was lovely!

Simday 7 (Age 28)

I'm done with fast food forever! Starting tomorrow, I'll be waitressing at The Grill, Sunset Heights' finest dining establishment. I invited Charlie over to tell him the good news, and we celebrated in the usual way.

Simday 4 (Age 25)

Today Charlie and I went to the new shopping district to buy some lingerie. We found what we were looking for, but after he saw me try it on, we just couldn't wait to get home! Literally.

Simday 3 (Age 24)

FINALLY. I moved into my own house, on the same street as all the other ladies. And Charlie and I—how do you say?—"christened" my room.

Senior year, second semester

Just a few days left. Being totally alone in this huge dorm is more lonely and boring than I can describe. Thank goodness for Charlie -- my boyfriend came over and took me out almost every night!

Senior year, first semester

Sigh, I'm going to miss these girls after they're gone. I can't believe I'll be the ONLY one on campus next semester!

Junior year, second semester

Ack, I must get in SHAPE!

Junior year, first semester (repeat)

I'm in love? Charlie and I have been dating, and he's so fun, and cute, and I really love to be with him.

Not to say that I want to settle down anytime soon! But it's nice to have a boyfriend!

Junior year, first semester

Sigh. Maybe I am just not meant for college. I failed another semester and now I'm back on academic probation. Perhaps I am just dumb?

Sophomore year, second semester

I had the strangest sensation last night. I was asleep but kept dreaming that someone was breathing very hard above me... and they smelled like a farm.

Sophomore year, first semester (repeat)

I've turned over a new leaf, as the people here like to say. I'm outta here if I fail another semester, so this term is all about studying, studying, studying. Lucky for me, a couple of the girls here are geniuses, so I'm gonna ask them for some help. Maybe I can trade for makeover tips!

Sophomore year, first semester

Oh, I had a terrible day today! I failed my final exam and got a D for the term, so I have to repeat my courses! Even worse, now I am on "Academic Probation!" I know the old me wouldn't have cared about all this, but I have really been trying to do better in school, and now I feel like I will never change; I can never be better.

Freshman year, second semester

I've been spending a lot of time with my next-door neighbor, Magdalena. She is very beautiful, very exotic—with sad eyes. She had her heart broken right before we all started school. We spend a lot of time playing darts and talking about love. It's nice—but I can't wait until we can stop talking and start meeting the men already, yes?

Freshman year, first semester

American girls are friendly, but so strange. This morning at breakfast, my neighbor Erica (the one who wears her lingerie everywhere—I was told that kind of behavior was frowned upon!) was talking about Japanese sumo wrestling, while the ladies at the next table were discussing—how you say?—"spatulas."

Alicia's Journal

2007-10-11T18:07:00.006-04:00

Simday 10 (Age 31)

I'm not sure if this is much better, but I really needed something to wash Tom out of my head (and my sheets), so I invited Leo over. It wasn't a booty call per se, but even though I wasn't expecting much I was surprised at how much we still click, all these years after mild flirting in college.

Simday 9 (Age 30)

Oh, geez. I've really done it now. I've tried to stay away from Tom ever since you-know-what went down, but today he came over and was all lurking outside my yard, so I thought, what the hell, maybe I can put him to some use, so I made him clean the house while I sat at the counter and read a romance novel. But he was so earnest and maybe the trashy book was getting to me, and so, well, I totally didn't mean for this to happen, but you've all seen the porno with the handyman, right? That's kind of what happened.

Ugh. I feel really dirty right about now.

Simday 5 (Age 26)

I haven't been able to sleep well, feeling guilty about what went down with Tom, so I was outside when Clarisse walked by tonight. I apologized to her, face to face, and the amazing thing is that I think she forgave me. She really is more mature than I've ever given her credit for, or maybe she's grown a lot.

I still feel bad about letting it all happen, but she seems to understand that Tom has some issues that need to be straightened out. For her sake, I hope he does. And on my part, I've realized that having friends means a lot more to me than I thought it did, so I'm going to try to take better care of my relationships—all of them—from now on.

Simday 4 (Age 25)

I'm in trouble. To be honest, I knew Tom was flirting with me, but my style is usually to just roll with things as they happen. But today Clarisse caught us together, and even though it wasn't anything super bad, I knew that what we were doing, or at least where it was headed, was wrong.

I feel so bad for Clarisse. She's always been an innocent girl, and I can't imagine how she feels right now. The worst part is that even after she ran off, Tom still tried to put the moves on me. What a sleaze. And I feel terrible that he apparently thinks I'm the kind of girl that's okay with this whole situation. I mean, what does that say about me?

Simday 2 (Age 23)

That guy Tom invited me over to his place for lunch today. I've been feeling weirdly nostalgic for college anyway, so I went. He's trying to become a pro tennis player, just starting out on the circuit. He suggested we work out together sometime, which sounds pretty cool to me.

Senior year, second semester

Zoom, zoom. I'm outta here! I'm surprised to admit this, but I felt a teensy bit sad saying goodbye to the girls, even though we're all moving out to the same STREET. I guess things won't ever be the same once we're living in our separate houses.

Senior year, first semester (repeat)

So a bunch of us went on academic probation last semester (what can I say? We all got senioritis), leaving Mags, June (of course) and Clarisse are the only girls to graduate on time.

So good Lord, Clarisse. I'm the one on AP but you're the one jumping on the couches like a five-year-old. Calm down, will ya?

Senior year, first semester

In my ongoing battle against the bulge, I've taken up yoga. It's quite zen to do it under our big tree in the side yard, especially now that it's fall again and the leaves are turning a beautiful gold.

Junior year, second semester

Finally! Summer's here and we've been dying to hit the pool. Today I went with Magdalena, Angelique and Lissa. Mags, of course, has managed to stay skinny all year, but the rest of us have got winter weight to get rid of!

Junior year, first semester

The coffeehouse in the student center has a little stage set up for open mic. The other night I went over by myself to play around on the guitar. I didn't do it for tips (yet); I was just messing around. It was nice to get away from the dorm on my own for a while—don't get me wrong, the other girls and I are actually getting along pretty great, but sometimes I still need a change of scenery, you know?

Sophomore year, second semester

Erica threw all of us a great party last semester, so I decided to return the favor and give her a friendly word of advice. I know she's been feeling a little bit ostracized by the rest of us lately, so I took her out to the back patio and tried to explain it to her. Judging by the way she looked at me (and they way she was still dressed), I'm not sure if she got it.

Sophomore year, first semester

OH NO! I got the Freshman 15!

Freshman year, second semester

The girl in the room next to mine, Clarisse, seems like a really fun girl, but she is homesick like crazy. I feel kinda bad for her, so I've been trying to tell her that she is definitely gonna make new best friends with the people here.

Besides, my life philosophy is all about looking forward, and never looking back. This is the perfect place to practice that!

Freshman year, first semester

Alright, alright, I know it's a big cliché, but it's true—when we first moved in here, there were a lot of pillow fights.