Spooky Day and The Day of the Dead came around, he insisted on us dressing up as some characters I don’t know but it was fun. We set out candy and watched the kids trick or treating.

Honestly it just made me want kids all over again. We’d been trying but with no luck, it didn’t exactly make holidays fun when there were little feet running around.

Day of the Dead did give me an excuse to get creative in the kitchen though. I made spooky cookies and pan de muerto. I was even going to make a zombie cake but Rogue dragged me out of the kitchen.

He said we’d just keep trying until it worked.

Just would you look at that, we finally did it! I was pregnant!

Being pregnant gave me plenty of time off of work, which meant I had that much more time to work on honing my skills. I was sooo close to maxing out my cooking skills. At least the basics, once I’ve done that I planned on moving to gourmet, baking, etc.

I had also gotten a promotion right before my maternity leave, which was great. I still feel like I’m not where I should be but honestly I’m not as concerned about it as I was once. Especially with a little one of the way.

Rogue continued to fish daily, he even started mounting them in the entry room to display them. I think his goal is to catch every fish possible. Anything he has already caught, we’ve either been selling or eating.

With the weather getting colder, Snuggs has apparently invited several stray cats around because I always see them in our house. I’m not sure if Rogue is letting them in or what is going on but she is pretty popular.

Mayor Whispers is sort of like the town mascot. Everyone knows who he is and he acts like he owns the place, hence his name. When he showed up at my house however, he was sick with a bright red nose. Poor kitty, I tried to give him some medicine but he didn’t trust me yet. But we’re slowly becoming friends and Snuggs seems to like him too.

Rogue goes to the gym a couple times a week to keep in shape, and for that I will never complain. He also takes boxing classes where Supriya likes to help assist. I’m glad he’s getting along with my friends and doing his own thing, I love doing things with him but it’s nice having our own time apart as well.

I finally got Mayor Whispers to stick around, and decided to adopt him. He’s been a stray too long and his grey hairs were showing.

I bet you’re wondering about my arm scar? Well, remember when I was struck by lightening? Yeah, I used to cover it with make up but Rogue convinced me that it was my ‘battle scar’ and to wear it with pride. Not everyone survives lightening. He makes me feel like Xena.

I made an appointment and took Whispers to the vet, they had several treats in the entrance and even one that supposedly turns back the clock to make them younger. I’m not sure how that is possible but I feel like Whiskers deserves more time.

Mayor Whiskers is cured! Although he doesn’t seem to happy with the cone.

Snuggs has turned into Rogue’s best friend. She literally follows him everywhere and any time he fishes she is right by him side. It’s adorable.

Thanksgiving Day has come! I decided to host a small dinner party with Supriya and Moira. I also maxed out my cooking finally.

We had the table set and the food ready, I made a delicious turkey and pie for dessert and Snuggs started eating it! I’ve never seen Rogue so mad. He scolded her and made her get down. Rightfully too!

Supriya and Rogue talked most of the time, they seem to have a lot of common. Fitness, sports, etc. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up being friends with her husband.

Towards the end of the night my stomach started hurting, I was probably doing too much work but then my water broke in the kitchen! It’s baby time! I said my goodbyes to the ladies and Rogue tried not to panic while he took me to the hospital.

I changed my clothes, don’t ask me why I put on an apron. I was trying to be prepared! I’d never had a child before.

Labor and delivery was pretty much what I expected. It hurt, I was uncomfortable and my heart swelled when I seen my new baby….

Rogue finally did it, he got me to join him in fishing. It really wasn’t my thing but I never complained because he always sat patiently listening to me talk about recipes and the next ingredient I needed or food I wanted to try. So I touched slimy fish, and even started cooking them for him.

I took a break to check my social media, I had over 100 followers which was insane. I guess they like my cooking videos and now my Snuggs kitty pictures.

Rogue had something dangle at the end of his pole, I cheered him on and he held up a small box. We crouched down and opened it together but when he opened it he was on one knee and a ring was in his hand. He planned this!

Rogue: “Penelope Tarley, I didn’t think I could ever love again. That I could find someone who brought everything yellow and bright into my life. Will you marry me? I’ll take your name, because you’re all that I want.”

I was crying by the end of his speech and of course I said yes! The ring was beautiful, but I was happier to have him.

After being engaged we decided not to wait and Rogue moved in, and with that came a savings account. He had around 20,000 simoleons which helped a lot! Especially since he didn’t really have a job and I was still working my way through my career…slowly.

We didn’t have much after the house was rebuilt, but that’s okay. We had the basics and now that we had actual rooms I was more determined to decorate and fill it as soon as possible.

But you know, bills always arrive when you never want them too and any money that we had left went right to them. I think we lived off of 6 simoleons for a few days. Good thing I have my garden and he has his fish!

Without any money for a fancy wedding, my night shift job decided to help out. They allowed us to marry on the patio but we had to leave the place open to the public. Closing it for a private event would cost money which again, I didn’t have.

Unfortunately that came with a big downside. Johnny Zest.

Johnny: I object!

Time felt like it froze, I looked at Rogue who’s face looked first dumbfounded and then mad. I had never told him about Johnny, I didn’t keep him deliberately from him but I just never had a reason to bring him up.

Johnny almost looked smug when Rogue looked between us and then his hand dropped. I turned to Johnny, along with everyone else in shock.

After the shock dissipated, I was furious! How DARE he.

Penelope: What do you mean YOU object! You rejected me, you have no right to be here. I’ve moved on.

Johnny: I can see that, but Pen we had something. I had a lot of time to think about us and I love you.

Penelope: I DON’T CARE. I love *points finger to Rogue* HIM. Not you, you were a well learned mistake. GET OUT.

Johnny looked genuinely shocked, as if he thought I’d jump into his arms and elope together somewhere like they do in the romance movies. NOT. After Johnny left, thunder clapped and our guests started to leave. Bella even fell in a mud puddle, I could see Moira trying not to laugh and help her up. Bella was no longer in her prime as she has aged.

My wedding was ruined. I looked around and everyone was gone, I assumed Rogue would be as well but when I turned he was still there. Standing underneath the arch smoothing his hair. It had already started to rain, but he stayed.

Penelope: Rogue..I’m sorry I..I don’t know what to say. I should have–

Rogue: Penelope Tarley. You need to get over here and marry me before either of us get sick from the cold rain.

Penelope: You still want to marry me?!

Rogue gave a crooked grin, “Do you really think some scrawny kid is gonna scar me away from you. LOOK at me.”

That made me laugh.

And then we got married, in the rain with no guests.

We ran inside after that, I went upstairs to dry off while Rogue said he was going to get us some drinks. I may have heard some yelling from downstairs but I didn’t ask.

---

Instead I drank with my friends, who I was surprised to say was still there. Apparently they had watched from the upstairs window and cheered us on in spirit. I’m so thankful that I moved to Willow Creek.

All of my hard work is slowly paying off, I finally have two rooms! Oh to have the toilet away from my bed…is amazing to say the least.

I’m so glad I found Snuggs, and I think she’s appreciative as well. Although she meows…a lot. I think she’s in heat. I’m not sure if I should get her fixed on not because how could I take that chance away from her? I mean, I wouldn’t like it if someone fixed me. What if Snuggs wants kittens?

On my night walk I witnessed something! At first I wasn’t sure what was going on, it was like my brain was slow to register what my eyes were seeing. Bella’s daughter, Cassandra, was being abducted! Alex and I was just dumbstruck, we stood there like baboons not sure what to do. We called Bella and Mortimer out but by the time they ran outside, Cassandra was gone.
Alex said he’d wait outside all night until she came back, the rumor is that they only care about the boys. Alex is worried they were trying for him and got Cassandra by mistake. Either way it all sounds so bizarre! Alien, existing. Seriously?!

Misery strikes in pairs. I got struck by lighting…isn’t that supposed to never happen. It hurt bad, I ended up in the hospital that night for electrical burns and a scar on my arm. But thankfully I’m alive. The doctor said I could have some permenant scars called Lichtenberg figures, I’m still a little self conscious about them so I’ve been putting some makeup to cover them up.

Supriya invited me to her birthday party! Hitting the big 30, she seems to be taking it gracefully and …uh in very good shape.

Look who showed up! That rude guy from the island, at first I stayed away from him. He tried talking to me a couple times and I walked right past him before he trapped me in a game of chess and apologized for his behavior. Something about not catching this huge fish and it got away. I don’t know, sounds like a guy thing to me. I’ve never really been fishing so I just nodded..but other than the fish talk he was pretty interesting.

His name is Rogue Fisher, although I have a feeling that’s not his real name. Apparently he was in the military but when I tried to ask which branch but he said he couldn’t discuss anything. He definitely was quite a few years older than me, but I couldn’t lie. He was very attractive.

By the end of the party, Rogue was ‘walking me to my door’ and past it.

I don’t know if it was because I was lonely or because he was just so dang hot but I couldn’t resist. Rogue kissed me and I let him.

He did a quick sweep of the room with his eyes before he dragged me to my bed. I don’t need to tell you what happened next but when I woke up the next morning, I had no regrets. To my surprise he was also sleeping next to me, I had assumed he’d sneak out in the middle of the night before I woke up. Isn’t that what happened with most one night stands?

After that Rogue and I were inseparable. Well, maybe not that far but we did spend a lot of time together. I still focused a lot on work and was now on second shift so I worked late and slept a lot. He is a fisherman, I’m not sure if that’s actually a thing of it it’s his way of saying he doesn’t have a job (or does with the military) but he loves fishing.

On my days off we spent a lot of our time outside, not counting the beginning but my Summer ended up rather well.

I did learn that he was married once, but apparently she couldn’t handle him being gone for a long time and when he finally came home from his service- she had left him.

Honestly, I’m not sure why anyone would leave a man like him. He was so sweet, even though he doesn’t look it. With all those muscles and even mysterious name, he can put people on edge but he made me feel safe.

---

So I was having NO luck with Penelope finding a man, she’s either really bad at flirting or no one liked her. So I found this guy on the Gallery and I was like YES, this is the guy. So thank you to Glovely1 for making this stud.

So, I don’t trust my mailman. He just seems off, and not the awkward kind. I get the feeling that he’s a klepto so I make sure my door is locked at all times now.
(He did go in her house, but thankfully he didn’t steal anything)

I also made a penpal from back home in Sunset Valley, we’ve been using pen-names so for all I know I could’ve been friends or enemies with this person. Oh well, it’s still nice to keep in contact. They’re soaking up the information about Willow Creek and I get all the juicy gossip from my hometown.

Now that it’s officially Summer, I decided to take a trip to Windenburg. That’s where my foodie club is, on the big island. One of the members told me about this gorgeous lighthouse so I really wanted to check it out. While I was there, I noticed there were several strays. Poor things, or at least I think they’re strays- they could live here with whomever takes care of the lighthouse.

I seen a man carrying a toolbox and fishing pole, he looked like a local so I figured I could ask him about the lighthouse to make sure it was open to the public. I’m not sure what his problem was but he was visibly and vocally annoyed that I stopped him.

Stranger: It’s right over there, you’d have to be blind not to be able to see it.
Penelope: I can see it just fine, I was asking if it was locked! Maybe if you’d open your ears instead of your mouth there wouldn’t be a problem.

I probably shouldn’t have been so rude, I could have sworn I seen him smirk before he thumbed towards the lighthouse and said it was open before I walked away.

The trip was worth it, the view was beautiful from up here.

When I came back, I felt something rub against my ankle and almost panicked. But when I looked down it was only a kitty cat, honestly the thing was pretty ugly but it was very affectionate.

So I decided to keep her! I named her Snuggs, and she didn’t seem to mind that I brought her home. I ended up spending the last bit of money I had on food but at least I wasn’t so lonely anymore. I still missed Johnny a little but he’s gone to pretending that I don’t exist when I see him in public so I’m going to do the same to him.

I started going to club meetings regularly, it not only helped me with cooking skills but I also started making friends. Mila and Hugo were already in the kitchen when I arrived, I was however, overcome with the sounds of a crying baby. Clara, our leader, had just given birth which was why our meetings were at her house.

Not that I’m complaining, her house is huge. I went over and cared for baby Fernanda and I could feel butterflies in my stomach. I wanted one of these pudgy babies so bad. I forgot how much with being so focused on work and getting into my field. I’m still young so I have plenty of time but I should start soon….

Good riddance to Johnny. If he couldn’t handle a proposal there was no way he’d handle changing a diaper.

Since I couldn’t just make a baby out of thin air, I decide to refocus on my cooking skills. Again. This time though I bought a little drone to help stream what I cook. Who knows, maybe I could get attention this way? I hope so, the drone wasn’t super cheap.

Summer was great, but it was coming to an end soon. I could see it in all of the kids eyes, that last bit of excitement before they got stuck doing homework everyday.

I made sure I spent time with what seemed to be my only real friend, Moira.

Penelope: He was so rude. I mean, is that a Windenburg thing?
Moira: -laughs- Sounds like you might like him.
Penelope: Um no, he looked like a bear and did you not hear me when I said he was rude.
Moira: Oh I did, but you’re still talking about him. -big smile-
Penelope: UGH.

(Had to throw this in here LOL is this a walk of shame?)

I wish I had never seen, smelled and held that baby. I think it turned some maternal clock inside my body because I just feel weird now. Flirty? What is that.

I decided to get dolled up and go to a club, it’s not really my thing and when I arrived I was definitely overdressed but I was hoping to find…someone?

First I met Akira, I kinda already knew him from an acquaintance but my flirting skills were horrible. He was not interested

I danced for a while, but the heels were really starting to hurt. Akira kept giving me glances every time I tried to talk to another man but maybe they were all friends because no one wanted anything to do with me. Maybe love just isn’t in the cards for me after all.

---

Winter is my favorite season, but honestly the Sun feels so nice. It’s still chilly but the flowers are finally starting to come out. Life isn’t so bad, I do miss my old friends but when I think about it- not one of them has tried to contact me so whatever. I’ve started making some new friends and I’m hoping these are more lasting.

Easter time came and after work I kept busy! I never seen the Flower Bunny but I did manage to find all of the 12 eggs and as a reward I was given this big stuffed bunny.

While I was at the Library we had surprise visits from celebrities! I seriously almost fainted when Dirk Dreamer and Dustin Broke came in. I mean, come on, they’re local legends. They both started out with broken homes and practically nothing. They’re my idols, I had a similiar background and here I am climbing closer to 30 and I’m still struggling. I really hope one day soon I can have everything I want.
Dirk was more than willing to give an autograph but Dustin didn’t want to give any to anyone. Meeting him, I could tell he probably got famous by not so nice means.

With all of the food I’ve been making, and testing, I started to gain some weight. Not much, but enough for me to notice and I knew before long if I didn’t correct it I would end up gaining more and it would be harder to lose later. So I went to the local gym and right away the atmosphere was great. Supriya became my instructor, Don Lothario used to be the gym rat but I guess now that he isn’t on the ‘market’ and living the life of luxury, he doesn’t need to feel girls up anymore. Ha, yeah right. I’m sure he’s still a tease somewhere, just more discreet.

But me, I don’t think I’ll ever get someone to feel me up, I’m a wreck. I can’t even work out properly without making a fool of myself. I might as well adopt 50 cats.

Penelope: Just leave me here to die.
Supriya: Get up, I can see your butt jiggle from here!
Penelope: Rood.

All that working out made me hungry! I know, counter productive, but it’s Tilapia so I’m trying to eat healthier. If I don’t burn it to a crisp.

Yes, I’m still working at the bar during the night, and look who I ran into! The bartender from the festival. I found out his name is Johnny Zest. He’s kinda scrawny but he’s so funny.

We hit it off pretty well, the other bartender came in for an early shift so I was able to just enjoy my night out. We played games, danced, and just got to know each other. It happened to be Sweetest Day as well, which explains either all of the couples or singles out tonight.

Smile Johnny!

What the hey. I wasn’t sure if he wasn’t interested or not, he seemed a little shy- at least around me so I took the chance and gave him a kiss. Let’s just say he liked it, and asked me to go back to his place.

We cuddled on the couch and watched a romantic movie, before I left he gave me a red rose and asked me to be his girlfriend. Best Sweetest Day ever.

I also got another promotion! NO MORE DISHES. Thank the Watcher. I am now a caterer helping in formal events. I can finally handle food!

The Spice Festival arrived, which was amazing because I mean HELLO it’s food, and we all know how I’m allll about food. Thorne Bailey was there and was kind enough to give me an autograph, I’m definitely starting a collection.
I will admit that I can’t handle spicy food, yet, but I bought the spices from the vendor and I’m going to try to get used to it. There are so many dishes I could eat and make it’s worth it.

So, our relationship is going great. *ahem*

I finally got Dustin’s autograph! Don didn’t look to happy in the background, from the gossip I keep hearing, he doesn’t seem to like sitting in the background of the spotlight. Looks like his wife gets all the glory.

Summer was nearing and Johnny and I were doing really well. We took a trip to a clothing store. While looking around we were kinda talking about adding room for each other in our homes and I don’t know why but I just felt like…this was it. I wanted to marry him .

I got down on one knee and asked him to marry me. I forgot where we were, who many people were around us, and the fact that I didn’t even have a ring. It was a shiny ring from a vending machine that I liked to wear.

But when I seen his smile fade away and him nervously looking around at the strangers laughing at us, he pushed me away and asked to talk outside. I knew the answer was no, and all I wanted to do was hide under my blankets. Except I wasn’t home and my heart was breaking.

Johnny barely made it to the sidewalk before he blew up. He couldn’t believe I did that, and what was I thinking. How could I ask, when that’s the man’s job. Not to mention we’ve only been dating for a few months.

He was right, but it didn’t matter because I was also upset. We had it out right there, plenty I’m sure were looking out of the window but I just wanted to run away.

We broke our relationship off and I asked for my key back. I thought love was supposed to feel good?

---

Here are the three families I want to keep track of during my legacy. I just love them so much!

Penny for your thoughts? Hi, Penelope Tarley here, just moved into Willow Creek. I’m walking from the train station coming from good ol’ Sunset Valley. Who am I, and why am I walking like a dope talking into my phone? Well, let me tell you, I am a recent SU grad who studied in Culinary Arts. I’ve also bought my first house! I’m on the right track right?

Well….it all depends on how you look at it. You see, I’ve heard so many great things about these ‘Tiny Houses’. Apparently they come with super low bills, everything is compact and easily accessible. I won’t show you the inside yet but, well…let’s just say I want something more.

Oh, and that wonderful job I was promised right after I collected my degree? Yeah, that. I’m a dishwasher. I guess the people who live here still think that even if you earn a degree you still have to earn your way up the ladder. I could cry, or I could just deal with it. I’m choosing to save face and just take it one day at a time.

When I’m not working at my menial job, I’m working nights at the local bar. It’s not the most glamorous job, but I’ve met some interesting people along the way.

One of whom is Moira, she’s a mother of..I don’t know how many kids. She works the day shift. She’s a few years older than me but I can tell we’re going to get along great.

Penelope: SO you see, that’s my story. I’m going to be a famous Chef.
Stranger: Famous Chef, who works at a bar…who is drinking on the job.
Penelope: My shift just ended actually, but I have a day job too..
Stranger: And…you’re drinking before your day job? Good luck I guess.

Oooooow. Maybe that woman was right, I can’t act like a college student anymore. This is the real world.

One thing I love about Willow Creek, is that it has a train that goes pretty much everywhere. So I’ll never miss the festivals, currently the Humor and Hijinks Festival is going on. Once I drank the beverage…I had a sneaky suspicion that it was spiked with something because I got a little goofy and mischievous. Characteristics not normally associated with me.

Suffice to say, I think I made a lasting impression on the locals and the bartender.

The following day at work was brutal, I’m never going out the night before a long shift again…until the next time. You wouldn’t think washing dishes was hard work but it was, and oh how envious I was watching the Chefs and their cooks making all the delicious meals for the customers while I stood in the corner covered in leftovers. It’s not fair, I worked hard for my degree so I should automatically get the job I want. Yeah, yeah. I know that’s not how the world works.

I did get a promotion though! Not the one I wanted, but hey now I can tell other people to clean the dishes and watch them do it. But honestly the promotion came just in time because my bills are due.

I had just enough to pay them too. From now on I’m going to just start collecting whatever I can find and sell it. I’ve heard almost anyone will buy flowers, rocks, and even frogs. Gross!