My inspiration was the incredibly funny Mo, but an awful lot of people I know have the Sims and everyone's addicted to it. I wanted something that would be entertainingly distracting, and I wasn't in the mood for chat rooms or MOOs or actual human interaction. But I also knew I wouldn't enjoy a shoot 'em up space blaster game, or anything that involved finding my way through a dank, menacing forest collecting gold coins after slicing up goblins with my katana. I didn't think a puzzle solver kind of game would be relaxing. Voila: the Sims, simulated people who need me to choose their personalities, houses, and types of interactions yet have some autonomy and independence so that I can never be sure of how they'll react to a situation. It's a fun way to waste time. And yes, it's relaxing.

I got the Livin' Large expansion pack from John as an early birthday present (two weeks from today, wow) but I couldn't find House Party for Macintosh at Fry's although I know it's available online. Actually, what would be great is if you Sims-maniacs could send me links for free downloads or cheats.

All right, for those who don't care about computer games, here's an update on the pet situation. I found a dog at Pets In Need, Redwood City's non-profit no-kill shelter, and I'm taking John to see her this weekend. She's a five year old Shepherd mix, gentle and sweet, and I felt good about her right away. She's 65 pounds which is a little less than Dixie weighed, and I believe she ought to weigh 60 or so. She seems a bit pudgy, but regular walks will slim her down (and me along with her). She has short hair, which would be a blessing after Dixie who shed all year round and always had a thick undercoat like a Husky. I'm really smitten with her, but I have to see how John feels about her.

This last weekend I took Dixie's box of ashes off our mantelpiece and put it on the top shelf of the coat closet. It's been four months since she died. I still miss her to the point of tears, but it seemed like the right thing to do. I'm going to move her ashes outside to the Tiki Hut once it's built, of course. Meanwhile, I feel like it's time to rescue another animal from a restricted life at the shelter and give it a loving home and a full life. I hope this dog is the right one for us. Whether it's this one or another one I haven't met yet, my heart is ready.

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