Played about 10 Sim days worth of Serena yesterday/last night. So far it's going good, but wish I'd started with a different Aspiration for her. She's passed the first level, Tone Deaf and is only one violin level away from completing 'part' of the next level. But after she gets that, can't go any farther because she's supposed to play for tips and serenade another Sim. Obviously can't do either one. I'm thinking I'll give her the painting or writing aspiration next.
She's published some books, poems, short stories and painted ALOT of paintings. I'll have to check her stats when I get in the game again later. One nice surprise is when she was 'playful' she had the option to "troll teh forums" which helps increase her social, fun AND ups her mischief skills. Still, that and chat are the only way she gets any social until her gardening skills increase and she can talk to her plants. She's getting there slowly but surely.
Funds aren't very high yet. I think the highest she's had is around $2,500, but I'm guessing that'll increase once she starts painting masterpieces and her writing skills increase. Thinking about buying a woodworking table since her handiness skills are climbing fast. The toilet has broken once, the computer twice and her little boombox three times, even though she doesn't use it much. She's only turned on her television once! Her fun level always stays high because it's fun for her to 'troll teh forums' and play the violin. The music lover trait is paying off there at least. :)
Another nice plus I've noticed is the upgrade parts she gets from sifting through the trash after fixing stuff are worth $10 a piece if you sell them. I kept a few though and have upgraded the toilet, kitchen sink and shower.
I haven't tried programming yet, does that make a lot of money? Oh, and I was wondering, can you sell the paintings she paints after displaying them on the wall and viewing them? Or do they have to stay on the wall to count? I've sold most of them, but kept a couple I thought were pretty/cute. I'm having fun with this so far and am really enjoying my Sim's personality. She's almost always happy, playful, inspired or confident, wants to dance all the time, whistles while she tends to her plants, giggles when on the web and makes the goofiest faces when she's cooking. I even heard her laughing in her sleep a couple times. :)
I'll try to remember to take some screenshots to share next time I play her. I get so involved watching and playing her, the time just flies by and before I know it, it's time for her to get some ZzzZs and me too! lol