"Insomnia is a vertiginous lucidity that can convert paradise itself into a place of torture."

Day 87:

Life is really starting to get me down, It seems like the only thing I can get right these days is being a dad, which to be fair is a pretty good job as I love that kid to bits. It doesn't look like I'm going to be sleeping tonight as my head is so busy and I'm struggling to clear the noise, so I decided to paint, because it's one of the few things that seems to calm me these days. I'm so thankful for this creative brain of mine, I feel like I'd be a wreck without it.

Struggling to sleep yourself? Heres some handy information from Snoozy Monk about insomnia to get you through.

"Interior design is a business of trust"

Over the last few months the boys Nintendo gaming style (especially Seth's) when playing their 3ds' has really changed. With the release of games like Tomodachi life, Gardening Mama and Pokemon Omega Ruby, Seth has really been getting in to the role playing games and I think it is because there is a lot more substance to this kind of gaming. When we were asked to review Animal Crossing Happy home Designer the boys jumped at the chance. Opeie was really eager to get playing but not being able to read yet was going to be an issue. So the game has now become our quiet time (outside of reading) together, Opeie plays the game and I read, great team work!

First off Opeie loves being able to play as himself and being able to design yourself as the main character is definitely going to appeal to most children. In Animal crossing Happy home designer Opeie is a Lawrence Llewelyn Bowen kind of character who works for Nook's homes. Everyone we have met in the village so far has been in need of a full renovation on their property (which of course is great for business).

Happy home designer puts you in the creative driving seat straight away, starting each remodel from a blank canvas. You are given a brief idea from the customer, asked to include a few of their prized possessions (one customers prize possession was a cup of tea... I hear that!) and then it's all down to you and your creative flair.

Now lacking in a child's imagination and brimming with reasoning and logic I found myself getting a little concerned when Opeie put a toilet in the middle of a room with the dining table right next to it, but who am I to get in the way of cutting edge interior design. It turned out that the client adored Opeie's choices anyway. Which goes to show that aside from the reading this game could be played by any age group really.

As you progress through the game you unlock a great choice of furnishings including carpets, wallpaper, artwork and electronic gadgetry. You also build a name for yourself by word of mouth and the respect of your co workers opening up bigger jobs with the mayor around the village.

Personally I've always been more of a platform game fan but after sitting with Opeie and playing together I can see why these games are such big sellers. Role playing games really make you part of the game and rather than going back to a game each time to have another stab at a level you are struggling with, you are building something big and there is no end to what you achieve. Playing Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer has opened me up to the prospect of playing more role playing games, Seth is still really into Tomodachi life and it does look a lot of fun so that may be my next venture.

If you have a new 3ds or NFC reader/writer (which unfortunately we don't) there are also 100 different animal crossing Amiibo cards to collect helping you drum up more business with potential customers and adding an extra dynamic to your gameplay.

Right I can hear the boss calling and I've got some remodeling to take care of, until next time gamers.

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that Matters" - Audreyhepburn

I always put the important things first, the people I care about will always be my main priority. You don't know how long your going to get with these people so you should cherish the time you do have.

It's probably a gloomy way to start a post and its not usually how I come across but as I sit in a hospital waiting area with a family member it makes me realise even more how special this life is. Thankfully there's no negativity surrounding this visit, it's the aftermath of what has been and gone, but sitting here just makes me realise how happy I am with Mrs M and the boys. I feel so lucky to have people that care about me and I will never take that for granted.

'The peugeot entertainment centre'

Again I am sitting in the car waiting, but this time I feel very privileged as Opeie is awake and sitting on my lap with a big smile on his face. Mrs M has had to go somewhere briefly, work related and myself and the little prince are waiting patiently.

We did try and get him down for a sleep but he was having none of it. Thankfully

I remembered to pick up the iPad and were watching Yo Gabba Gabba and having a sing and a dance. Hooray for modern technology. I used to watch a TV in the car when I was little and waiting for my mom to come out of work, only a portable TV back then was black and white and the size and shape of a Dr Martens boot box. Also most of the TV viewing was spent trying to angle the ariel in awkward positions to get the best reception (happy days).

Well Mrs M came back and we headed off although it wasn't long till i was waiting again and this time the little angel had gone to sleep so I think it's time for me to read some comics or play my DSH. I hope i don't sound negative about being in the car waiting. It does give me a chance to do the things I enjoy for a short period of time in nice quiet surroundings. I also love looking back into the mirror and seeing that beautiful boy of mine sleepy and peaceful, I'm a very lucky daddy.