Bernard 3: Round 21

 Last round, Corellia Bernard was adjusting to life as a single mom of 3. Naturally, this placed more responsibility on her oldest daughter, Tatooine, to help out with the housework. Luckily, Tatooine found a confidant in Trumpet Flenderson, and by the end of the week the two were best friends. Meanwhile, middle child Hoth grew from a toddler to a child.

Hi, Corellia!

Corellia: Hi, Mysterious Voice! 

Doing some...late night grilling?

Corellia: I'm just trying to get ahead on the cooking...we've got a busy week around here.

And apparently, we're starting that week off with a canine birthday...

Happy birthday, Falcon...hopefully someone's got a wellness treat on hand for that blue fur.

Now then, let's take a look at the rest of the calendar...man, Corellia wasn't kidding. 3 birthdays and a holiday. And it looks like we've got Chandrilla's birthday right away.

Corellia: Mommy has a special surprise for her big girl after we have her birthday cake!

Really? Any hints for the mysterious voice?

Um...yeah, I guess...I was actually planning on taking care of that when I got to his house, but whatever...

Now then, about that surprise...

Corellia: Well, now that she's down for her nap I guess I can tell you....you're actually looking at it.

Um...a dresser?

Corellia: No, her room! They added this new channel to our cable package all about home decoration, and you know, I need something in the background while I'm painting. And I starting getting some ideas.

Corellia: Hey, honey, can you just keep an eye on your sister? I don't want her seeing her room until I'm done...

Tatooine: How much longer is this going to take, anyway? I wanted to go over to Trumpet's later...

Hopefully not too much longer, because it's birthday time! Happy birthday, dear Chandrilla...

Ok, that works...

But that outfit does not. Let's take a quick trip to the mirror...

Which happens to be in your new room. Wow, Corellia did a great job...

So, do you like it?

Chandrilla: Yeah! I have a tent inside! Look!

Very cool.

Well, it seems like Chandrilla likes her new room.

Corellia: I know.

Have you ever given any thought to...you know, doing that professionally?

Corellia: ...I can do that?

You can now.

Oh, wait...I'm sorry. I meant, you can as soon as we decide if another random person likes fitness or not...

Oh, I get it...so, am I going to have to do this every time a neighbor runs by?

And I guess Chandrilla really likes that tent.

Corellia: Thanks for getting up and setting the table, buddy. Breakfast will be ready in a minute.

Corellia: Ok, guys. After we eat I've got to head out for my first decorating gig...

Hoth: What? But it's Egg Fest!

Chandrilla: Aren't we going to look for eggs?

Corellia: Don't worry, I'm sure there's plenty of eggs around to find. And I'll be home in the afternoon. Now, Tatooine, you're in charge while I'm gone...

Tatooine: Wait...I am?

Corellia: Yeah, I think you're responsible enough. 

Corellia: Alright, guys...see you later!

And it looks like we're at Clam and Lily's...still got the bag thing going on over here, huh?

Clam: Hi, thanks for coming over. Our living room really needs an update.

Corellia: Um...yeah, no problem. Let's go inside and I can get everyone's ideas...

Corellia: So, what do you want for the new living room?

Raven: I don't know...just don't get rid of the video games.

Corellia: Keep the video games...got it.

Corellia: So, do you guys have any preferences about, like, color?

Ok, we've got that they like music...and the color blue. Not exactly a lot to work with.

Ugh...Flower Bunny, this is not the time!

Wow! That's quite the difference.

Corellia: Yeah, I know. I just hope the family likes it.

Corellia: Ok, are you guys ready to see your new living room?

Lily: I can't wait...

You know, you might be able to see it better if...you know, you took the bags off...

Lily: It's...it's beautiful...

Lily: Thank you so much!

Clam: This looks great!

...How can you tell?

Ok, well, we got Mom and Dad's approval...time for the kids.

Looks like it's a thumbs up from Raven...

Corellia: What about you, Sparrow?

Sparrow: Eh, it's ok, I guess...

What a surprise...the red twin doesn't like the blue living room.

Still, I think that went pretty well.

Looks like you've got some more offers.

Corellia: I know...and the Hannons want me to redo their entire first floor. That's...a lot.

Well, if Falcon keeps this up you'll get to practice on your own bathroom.

(sigh) Ok, fine...good to know that everybody suddenly has such strong opinions on exercise...

Jimmy: So, we don't have that much money to work with, but we'd really like to focus on the kitchen and the office...

Corellia: Ok, that's fine. So, what are you thinking design-wise?

...How does that help at all?

Corellia: Well, writing happens in an office, I guess...

Corellia: Ok, who's ready to see their new kitchen?

Huh, not bad...

Looks like the Hannons liked it too.

Corellia: Hey, guys...how was school.

Hoth: Fine...

Corellia: Where's your sister?

Chandrilla: I don't know...upstairs somewhere.

Well, you sure seem much more willing to help out than last week.

Tatooine: Well, yeah. I have to. Didn't you hear Mom? I'm in charge!

Ok, gig number three. Looks like we're headed to Han and Lori's house...

Corellia: So, a walk-in closet, huh? You sure are a lucky kid. 

Madrid: Yeah, about that...my dad kind of...doesn't want you to like, add any walls.

Corellia: So...I have to make you a walk-in closet without...building a walk-in closet.

This should be interesting...

Well, considering the circumstances I think it came out pretty well.

Madrid: Wow, I didn't think you could do it! Thanks!

Han: Nice job...do you know how long she's been bugging me for a closet? You really came through.

Huh, this designer thing's working out pretty well for you.

And the Hannons liked it so much they're asking you back.

Betta: Hi! Thanks again for coming over.

Corellia: No problem. So, what am I in for this time?

Betta: We have to finish Carp's room. I hope you're up for a challenge. I've been trying to get him to tell me what he wants for weeks now, and I still have no idea.

Corellia: So Carp...what kinds of things do you like?

Carp: I don't know...

Corellia: Well...um...you're wearing an orange shirt. Do you like orange?

Carp: I guess...

Corellia: Ok...I can work with that.

Huh...considering how small Carp's room is this is not bad.

Corellia: Alright, guys...let's check out Carp's new bedroom.

Um, guys? You may want to wait to cover your eyes until after you climb the stairs.

Corellia: So? How'd I do?

Carp: This is so cool...

Corellia: So you like it?

Carp: Yeah...I like it a lot!

Betta: Thank you so much! You are so good at this! 

Ok...4 gigs down. I think this is a pretty good career choice for Cori...

And I see the kids are doing fine at home...

Hoth: Ha! I win! 

Chandrilla: No fair! I'm gonna tell Tatooine!

Speaking of...

Tatooine: There! Falcon, you shed too much!

You know, your brother and sister are big enough to help now...

And I guess we're keeping it low-key for your birthday?

Corellia: Yeah, I'm just too tired. Besides, Tatooine's is tomorrow and we're having a party then.

Ok, well, then...Happy Birthday dear Corellia...

So then I guess that's it for the gigs this week?

Corellia: Nope. I've got one more lined up. But I should be done in time for the party. It's over at Moss Lytle's house. 

Oh, this should be good.

Corellia: So, what are we thinking here? Living room? Kitchen?

Moss: Why not both?

So, basically your entire first floor.

Moss: Hey, why not? You only live once, right?

Corellia: Well, I'd better get to work then...

Wow...

Corellia: I mean, all I got out of Moss is that he likes green...

Guys, your house is the other way...

Moss: Wow, this is amazing...

Corellia: Do you want to see the kitchen?

Marylin: It's so much brighter in here now!

Yeah, this is quite an improvement.

Corellia: So? What's the verdict? Are we all happy?

I'd take that as a yes...

And just in time for the birthday party!

Chimney: Hey, squirt. Happy birthday!

Alderaan: I hear you're becoming quite the babysitter. You know, that was my job when your mom and uncle Hosnian were little...

You know, I think Hosnian might still need one now.

And speaking of...

Hosnian: Nanny Faith! It's been forever! How have you been?

Faith: Oh, you know...alright. I can't believe you guys are all grown up...why are your clothes all wet?

Ok, let's get this show on the road before Uncle Hosnian ends up in time-out. Happy birthday, dear Tatooine...

Ok, that aspiration actually makes a lot of sense...

But again, that outfit does not.

Much better.

Present time!

Corellia: I'm glad you could come! Honey, this is Faith...she was my nanny when I was little.

Faith: It's so good to see you, Cori...you know, I half expected you to bring me back on yourself.

Corellia: I thought about it, believe me. But I just never needed it. Not with this one at home...she takes better care of the house than I do.

Well, as nice as this reunion is, I think I'd better be on my way to the next house. See you guys next round!

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: I know, a post the same week the pack launches? What craziness is this? I know there have been...mixed opinions on Dream Home Decorator, but I had a lot of fun. Obviously, I could have just hopped into Build Mode on any of these lots and made the changes myself, but having the restrictions, the challenge of finding out likes and dislikes, and the budget made it more engaging. (By the way, I have no idea where the budget comes from for these gigs. All of these families had way, way more than the budget that was provided, so I don't know if the game is actually pulling from their real finances or not.) I also don't know why it lists "walk-in closet" as an option for a room renovation, as there's no way for the game to know which lots have a walk in closet to renovate. Adding one makes sense, but with the renovation gigs you can't add or move walls. Hence, a makeshift closet with a room divider. (Hey, it was the best I could do.) Oh, and the "Does X like this activity" boxes popped up constantly; I'm not sure if this is a bug, or a design choice. I like that the game is giving me the option to say no, but the popups are really annoying.