Playing SIMS IRL...but the ctrl shift "motherlode" cheat code doesn't work!!!

Today was interesting and a bit adventurous. Thanks to my foresight it all went according to plan!

Started the day off by going to work expecting to be there until 1:30pm, which is when I planned on leaving to drive to SLC International Airport to pick up Haley who was returning from Chicago. (She helped Jessica and Jason drive their car out to Poplar Grove, Illinois. They just purchased their first home. Jason is based out of Chicago O'Hare Airport, so instead of commuting back to SLC, they decided to move faaaaaaaaaaaaaaar away from me! I am sad, they are so far away, *sniff sniff)!

I took my lunch break to check Haley's flight status just to make sure she would be on time. Lo and behold, she was running 40 minutes early!!! How does that work? So I skedaddled out of work earlier than anticipated. She even arrived 5 minutes earlier than what they reported on line! She was worried I wouldn't be there for her...but she has a smart mom, I checked the flight status.

After I picked her up, we drove down to Fieldstone Home Fitting Center, which is actually on our way home. (Haley missed out on the Saturday excursion). I think I have decided, with Haley's help (Karen and Jade's too), on kitchen cabinets, and vinyl flooring. Still can't decide on counter tops! So Kitchen cabinets will be the spice colored, roman style, rustic (knotty) oak, ceiling height with crown molding. Yeah!!! And going with a level 1 (no extra charge for level 1 options) vinyl flooring in kitchen, baths, laundry, pantry room, hall and entryway. Whew! Same cabinets in bathrooms as well.

I spoke to Seann, Cindy and Stephanie about how I will go about paying for all these options! They were all so very nice and friendly. Gave me some assurance that it will all work out for the best and actually work with me on setting up an escrow account I can save payments to for my down payment. That is hopefully, after I am approved for a mortgage loan. I'm already up to $18,000 in options. (I may need to cut back to $11,000)

Oh, how cute, they gave me a gift of a little digital camera, photo album and frame to document the building of the home! Sweet! There I go again, getting my hopes up.

I sure hope it comes true, nothing like dreaming and planning and getting your hopes up just to have it taken away from you! That has happened more than once in my lifetime! PANSIES! You know who you are, *wink.

I believe I will go with the 8lb pad with the protective coating (the most expensive one of course, I believe the padding makes the carpet) and level 2 carpeting...cant decide on which color though. They are close in color, Oyster which is kind of a yellowish spotted short shag or the Sand Bar, same spotted shag but not quite as yellow.

Decided on the door style to match the cabinets, two panel Roman style. Including the front entry door. But what color of front entry door? Sure that's another upgrade too, color!

Now, do I want the orange peel wall texture? Which is at no additional charge, or do I go with the skip trowel rustic look? Hmmmm, that's like another $500. What to do? What to do?

Kitchen appliances? Wow, who would have thought a refrigerator would cost $2500? That's what I get for having expensive taste, I guess. If only I had that kind of taste in men! Hahahah, I made fun of myself, couldn't resist. Whirlpool french door stainless steel with freezer drawers in the bottom. Of course its all stainless steel. (Maybe I need a “man of steel”? Is Superman avialable)? Okay, joking aside. I chose a Whirlpool flat glass top electric range and dishwasher, and I opted to go with the extra deep stainless steel sink. Now, do I want the regular Microwave/Exhaust hood combo? Or do I go with the microwave/convection oven exhaust hood combo? The price difference is about $500. It is more expensive, but it would be an answer to my much desired double oven!

Then there are the bathrooms. Do I want to go cheap? Or luxury? I can go with the tub/shower combo that comes with the house, or, upgrade, upgrade, upgrade! Add a separate shower, garden or spa tub? Do I go with fiberglass or marble surrounds? Yikes! Then there is the vanity size. Keep with what comes standard? or go with something bigger? with more storage. Do I add a door to the toilet room? or keep it open? Do I want a window in the Master bath? or do I want extra outlets and upgraded light fixtures and faucets?

Then there is the beautiful fireplace, I will have to upload the photo I took. I can get the fireplace which will be flush with the wall, and add the stone and mantel later. Its so pretty though. These builders, sure know women and how to get them to UPGRADE! Whats a house without a hearth?

Found the photo for you all!

There is more, a lot more decisions to be made. So I will keep looking and deciding. And updating this blogspot. If any of you would like to share your building wisdom and experience, please do! I could use it!

Gotta go hit the sack so I can focus on work tomorrow! Now, if I could only sleep!

PS...if you plan on spending money on me for Christmas or Birthday...Please, just deposit the funds to my escrow account...when I get one! And, if you just want to help a single girl out, feel free to deposit funds at anytime! More later! Loves and hugs!