Day 4 in Equestria - June 14, 2016 (Tuesday)
Here we go. As I articulated previously, onward. Into the depths of Phase 2.
After a fairly hard-achieved sleep session due to eagerness for today, the interim period between activities that is the nighttime passes itself by yet again, and out comes the rise of making Equestria qualify as my home.
Hello, Phase 2! Today's the day!
Before I really get into that, though, I must jump out of bed and into the family barn, which I do so. I'm unable to schedule anything upon waking up, because I mean, I just woke up. Breakfast and coffee hadn't occurred yet, so I was bound to be a little hazy.
However, that haze didn't cover up the notice I take to the presence of Phase 2 with regards to my mornings while on my way across the field. In that, I went to sleep and woke up with anticipation of the guest barn and Sweet Apple Acres firmly cemented in my mind. In fact, I don't think I ever gave any thought to my old bedroom during any of these past nights other than the first one.
I also 100% anticipate the Apple family morning signatures of the greeting from Applebloom, a breakfast stuffed with apple everything, and two other morning routines they had introduced to me: well... they're hard to explain, but I assure you they're awesome. So, the loss of my old style featuring watching TV in the morning had little effect. I enjoy this new way of beginning my days.
And today is no exception.
I finish breakfast and get myself washed up and such. I even brought out a debut, in taking my first shower in Equestria today. The shower itself is incredibly high-quality. The spray is smooth, the area is clean and glossed in a white coat, and best of all, the Apple family seems to have a rather large water heater; I was able to remain in there for probably about 30 minutes and never lose the hot water. That's not something I can say about every place I've lived.
Alright, now that the prelude is done, I take a seat at my desk in the guest barn bedroom; the exact same location of that whole scheduling session I had yesterday.
Huh, that really was a full day ago! Wow!
Yep, that was yesterday morning; about 24 hours ago. That amount of time later, a new schedule is coming to town!
I begin the process of writing this new schedule by honing in my focus on the overarching theme. I vividly remember the theme: it's spending quality time with this new home and making it feel like my home.
Didn't I already do some of that, with breakfast?
Indeed I did! The fact that I put to use and enjoyed all these new Apple family morning activities fits perfectly under the description of what Phase 2 is all about!
So that's the morning part, already got that done...
I decide that I should take it period-by-period throughout the day. What activities at breakfast fit under Phase 2, what activities around noon, etc.
Starting with the after-breakfast portion; well, step #1 there is getting ready, which I also already did, and accomplished a piece of Phase 2 with the new shower experience. I must also note that I have grown to appreciate my new bathroom, toothbrush, and the like.
I am already in the process of accomplishing Phase 2, in many cases without even realizing it!
But there's a lot left to do; the time still remains at morning. So, what should entail in the period between getting ready and eating lunch?
Using the comparison as a foundation, what entailed for that time back in my old home was firing up my work day. So, what about doing that here?
...Nope. My application results for that data entry job at Sweet Apple Acres have yet to come. So that's crossed off.
Looking ahead into the rest of my old-home days... nothing else really took place in the late mornings. I filled up that entire time with work.
But luckily, my lightbulb flicks on.
Wasn't there a time on Day 2 where Golden Harvest asked me to list things that make a place feel like my home?
Yes, there was! It was that time she summoned on while on our way to Sugarcube Corner and made herself sound like a travel agent! I remember that! And I also remember one of the things I listed: grocery shopping.
Oh...
There we go! That's something I could do!
Except... do I even need to shop? Are the Apples low on food? I mean, even if they are, they make a ton of it themselves, so who knows how much grocery shopping they even do?
Well, I'm sure they eat some foods other than their own, and the only way to find out is to test, so let's test.
And hey, maybe I can go to Bon Bon's candy shop again.
Wouldn't be a bad idea at all for me to do so. I had already nearly exhausted the bag of assorted natural-juice-filled fruit gummies... when I bought only yesterday. With my own money, I also have the opportunity to consume more candy now then at home, so yeah. Why not restock?
I can't really give a sensible reason for this decision, but what I finalize is that if the Apples don't need any refilling of their kitchen cabinets done, I will for sure return to the candy store. If they do need grocery shopping, I may or may not go on the second trip.
Done.
As for what's up next... well, let me reveal some info to you: I'm tired of lining my days with a set schedule. I don't want to write down activities and times anymore. After all, I didn't do this back on Earth. I did plan things, like, I set goals for each days, and some things did need to be timed, like movie theater visits, but I never penned down a physical schedule. I just could never stay on top of it; I always get spontaneous desires to do things, some times get moved and I don't know what to fill them with, etc.
By the way, I was already planning to discontinue this practice as soon as I completed all of those one-on-one meetings, which I successfully did on Day 2. I did know exactly what I wanted to do yesterday, but I didn't write down times yesterday.
It must also be noted that those grocery store and possible candy visits I talked about above; I didn't write those down. I've done this whole schedule in my head so far.
And now, I honestly feel like the period feeling like I've got all the planned stuff done, I decide to ditch the schedule.
Therefore, the protocol I used back at home will reappear: not scheduling any part of the day in advance where you don't have anything predicted. Let that part come later and let the day surprise you. I did this before, I will do it now.
I'm ready to go. I head out of my guest barn and ask the Apples how much outside-of-farm grocery shopping they do and if it would help them for me to go and do the shopping for them today.
It turns out that they do enough of it to justify going to the store, which Granny Smith usually does due to the hefty work schedules of the other three. In fact, that's one of the very few instances in which she leaves Sweet Apple Acres.
But today, they could use more food, and Granny did offer me to do it for them.
Alright! Let's see what grocery shopping in Ponyville is like!
I still had plenty of bits leftover from that "starting pack" Applejack gave to me; the bag doesn't even appear halfway empty yet. But, I again choose to not take the carriage to Ponyville. I feel like I have an even bigger reason for that today; after all, the shopping. Especially if I'm doing a full-brown grocery shop. Okay, maybe it's not full-blown, after all, we're talking about the Apple family here, but I do hold fears of running out before I've run down the grocery list, so I won't risk the bits.
How exactly do I feel about grinding my legs like this? Especially when I have to grind them even more with that long hike back to Sweet Apple Acres? Honestly, yes, it is annoying. When I say "grinding my legs", I mean it. Far too many times in my life have I just barely made it to the precious front door after pressuring my legs across concrete, grass, dirt, and whatever else for who-knows-what durations.
Believe me, I'd be thrilled to ride the carriage. But, it looks like money is the golden exception that can get me to sacrifice my leg comfort.
On another uncomfortable note, today is also a day when work is overtaking Applejack, not allowing her to come with me on this trip.
However, the notion that I'm doing it solo... might not be coming to fruition.
Near my cross into downtown Ponyville, Pinkie Pie bounces toward me. I was perplexed as to why she was out of Sugarcube Corner at 11 AM on a weekday, and asked her likewise, to which she responded "I asked Mr. and Mrs. Cake if I could have some time off to see you! The bakery isn't busy right now, so they said yes! I can be with you until noon!"
And she knew exactly where I was?! Exactly where to go to see me?!
Oh, right. She's Pinkie; she can do things like that.
In any case, I am enthralled to gain another player with me. While I managed fine with traveling in solo mode yesterday, "fine" is the key word there. I can't say I like it. So I instantly accepted Pinkie's join-in, told her what I was up to this morning, and asked her to direct me to the location of Ponyville's grocery store. She agrees to do so, bringing out the bouncing in front of me as she heads in the correct direction. The lovely "locals' knowledge" is in its use to help a foreigner. Yay!
Upon my arrival, I am hit with a site my eyes somewhat don't want to believe is being seen. It turns out this "grocery store" in Ponyville bears quite a lot of difference from the places I'm used to shopping in back at home. This place is covered by the open air; not a single "door to the store" in site. Then, there is an aisle of multiple separated stands, each with separate cash registers, for different categories of food. One stand for bread, one stand for watermelons, you name it.
"So, you have to pay for all these things separately?", I ask Pinkie, sensing a great deal of inconvenience coming my way.
"Yep!", Pinkie says, casually. "That's how we do it here in Ponyville!"
And here's the anticipated arrival of culture shock. Due to me both being an avid viewer of FiM and retaining all my memories of it upon arriving in its world, the reeling fact that I was the one and only human around these parts and surrounded at every turn by talking ponies hasn't really been affecting me, in all honesty. So culture shock was a ball I had dodged... until now.
When I'm in a "grocery store" where I could rained on as I'm looking for food due to no enclosure, and where every time I pick out bread, apples, etc., I have to pay separately for each?! What the heck?
I decide now isn't the right time to talk about this. I feel like I'd be risking it by talking to Pinkie when I'm somewhat frustrated about not having what I like, and I think it's something I'd prefer to wait on for whenever I have a "culture discussion" with ponies, if you will. So right now, I'm going to roll with the new way and see how it goes.
It also gets reminded to me that the Apples are who they are, so there's no need for me to fill an entire whole bag of groceries to the top. So it's not like I was losing the full experience right now; this was a short trip. Plus, there comes the pleasing advantage of being able to talk face-to-face with multiple cashiers across a trip, rather than just one.
As I also reminded myself would most likely happen, there are cool discoveries that come my way. In addition to the Apple family stand that shows up at this place, which I had already been told about, there's also a wooden stand for Bon Bon's candy shop. I know that's what it is; I can recognize the colors and logo. The stand is definitely representing the candy store I have gone to. There's nopony behind the register, so it isn't open right now, but still, this is interesting.
Bon Bon's Bonbons (Yep, that's the name) does have its own full store, that is enclosed and much larger than a stand. I would know; I've been there.
And then there's the Apple family stand, representing Sweet Apple Acres...
So... is that how the grocery store industry in Ponyville operates? Individual companies that specialize in one category of food and run their own larger dedicated stores specifically for that food all collaborate together to create a "store" featuring mini versions of the stores, in the form of stands, across one long aisle?
I ask this to a cashier, and it turns out... I was right!
Huh! So, there's a really cool fact Ponyville and its culture! I have to say, it is a neat way of doing things. It's unique, creative, and shows the level of communal nature this city holds.
Still, I was sure going to miss those grocery store adventures I had at home. The game of winding through the place in protection regardless of the weather, picking out my choices of food, and ending the journey with one single check-out and looking-forward to starting a new food cycle; that can no longer be the way I do things in Ponyville.
I'll definitely want to have a chat about this with ponies someday.
At least the honeymoon effect allowed me to have fun with the new way. Eventually, after jumping from stand-to-stand, taking sights of some cool-looking Equestrian food and picking the gems out, catching small talk with the workers plus some shoppers, the grocery list for myself and the Apples has been run down, and this activity comes to an end.
"So, what are you going to do next, Player 4?", Pinkie Pie asks as we leave the store.
"Well, I just bought food and it's getting close to lunchtime, so I'm going to go back home and eat.", I say, flashing the bags in both of my hands.
"Then after that... uh, I have no idea. I couldn't schedule anything for after lunch today, and I still can't."
Guess who does have an idea, though? Pinkie!
"Well, Four, I noticed you've been out and about a lot these past days.", she says to me. "On your second day here, and Applejack told me this, you went to a restaurant, Sugarcube Corner, Twilight's castle, Rarity's boutique, then back to Sugarcube Corner for the welcome party I gave you."
True...
"Then, on the next day, you went to Lyra and Bon Bon's place, then another restaurant, then Twilight's castle again, then another restaurant."
Wow, I've been to a lot of restaurants!
"What I'm getting at here, Four, is that it seems like you haven't been spending much home time with the Apples."
At this moment, Pinkie has set off a bombshell in my head. She's totally right; I haven't been spending home time with the Apples! The longest continuous time I did was on Day 1, and in terms of the Equestrian portion, that took up less than half of the day! She is also fully correct that Days 2 and Day 3 featured me being out the whole day, running from place to place.
Yes. What Pinkie said is what I must do. Go to the farm, and stay there for the day. Start getting to know the Apples as my roommates. Sink into their daily routines other than the ones in the morning and at night. Do new things with them. Spend time with them.
I, with a very-obvious smiling face, say "Bye, Pinkie! Thanks a lot!", as I rev up my walking speed, heavily excited about my impending activity.
I'm coming, Apples!
Come to them I did. I understood they had work to do, so I didn't gather them all to a meeting for revealing my plans. That would have to be an after-the-fact surprise for dinnertime. Heh, that should be fun.
Anyway, I was to approach each Apple one-by-one and split time with them, as they're all working in distanced-apart stations. Starting with Applejack.
"Hi Applejack. I'm here for something I'd like to apologize about and start doing.", I say.
"I was just with Pinkie Pie, she was shopping for these here groceries with me, and she told me that, despite living with the four of you, I haven't really been spending time with you here at home. I've been out and about a lot these past days, going to restaurants and the like."
"If you feel like I'm not with you enough, I'm sorry. And I really want to start being with you more, so I'm going to stay home the rest of the day, and, in whatever way works for y'all's time, do activities with you. Just spend time with you."
Applejack's movement continues to be stalled with her looking in my eyes. She then puts down whatever farm tool she was holding and walks up close to me.
"There ain't no need for you to apologize, pardner. I understand; you're in a brand new world and ya wanted to explore the place. Don't feel bad 'bout that."
Goodness, she's so reassuring...
"But I sure do like what you're doin' now, Four. We'd all love to have ya here, hangin' around with us at home. Thanks for choosin' that today!"
"Good!", I say, giving her a thumbs-up.
Applejack smiles back. I wouldn't be surprised if she's using my response to (correctly) guess that she's fixed everything I was concerned about on the spot.
I was about to ask her what she wanted to do, but I snap into the idea to check my watch first, which does give me the perfect idea.
"It's about noon; do you think you could take a break and have an outdoor lunch with me? Like, at that picnic table over there?", I say to her, pointing to said table.
"Sure, pardner! That sounds swell!", Applejack says, her front legs rising off the ground a bit in excitement.
"Awesome!", I say.
So there we go. I kick off this special afternoon by having an outdoor lunch with Applejack on a picnic table, where we chatted mostly about work. I asked Applejack about how she makes it through all of the physical labor, how operations between orchards in the extended Apple family work, progress on my job application, what could entail if I get it... definitely a great conversation.
After Applejack had to go back to work, I moved my company to Applebloom, who, at the time, was washing a pig. But she told me that she would be done in a minute and had a "special activity" she had been waiting to do with me. I agreed, excited for what she had in store.
What she had in store was sitting down with me and going through a photo album. Specifically, she showed me a photo album containing the timeline of when Applejack was a teenager and Applebloom was just about to go to kindergarten. That's a time period I never gave much thought to, and there definitely were a lot of interesting pictures.
"This picture shows my very first day of school.", Applebloom says to me. "Applejack took me there."
Ah yes. The bond of those two ponies. Applejack really does act like a mother to Applebloom in some ways.
Another feature of this photo album session that I develop another question in my head: How old is Applejack exactly? I definitely want to ask her someday.
Who's next after Applebloom in this event? Big Mac. I was wary of having a conversation with him given that pretty much all he says are "Eeyup" and "Nope", but I didn't want to feel that way. He deserves interaction with me, regardless of how he talks. So I go for it.
While there, I didn't even really need to change my pattern of speech to accomodate him, in fact. Nearly everything I said could be responded to with just a simple "eeyup" or "nope." Due to him prepping to be stationed there tomorrow, our primary topic was the Apples' stand in Ponyville's outside grocery store, which Big Mac didn't know until now that I had just been to.
Last on the list was Granny Smith. She doesn't work due to her age, so I was able to get in a good long conversation with her. Topics we talked about? Honestly, way too many to list. She's such a great pony to talk to; her long existence had far too many stories to tell. However, one story that really stuck out to me is when she talked about an explosion of Zap Apple Jam. As in, it splattered itself all over the grass, tress, barns, etc. Uh, what? That can happen?! Interesting, if I do say so.
While in the chat with Granny, I look at the clock and it's now 16:22. It was 12:13 when I last looked at it just before I put away the groceries, so I've killed off four hours, and have left the day with only about an hour until dinnertime, by being at home and interacting with my new roommates.
And I do correctly believe that the last remaining hour can be filled by continuing to talk to Granny Smith, so I do. After which, we have another awesome Apple family dinnertime, which had been skipped yesterday due to Twilight's restaurant invitation that Applejack was part of. It's good to have it back.
This dinner in particular featured the debut of apple brown betties (the dessert, not the pony) on my taste buds, at dessert time. No wonder these are popular, I thought to myself.
After dinner, I have my second participation in the Apple family night routine of telling old stories and looking at photo albums, often both at the same time.
"Remember this?", Applejack says, pointing to a photo and giggling. "The time when I fell off a swing at the playground?"
The others giggle too... except me. Um, that's sure not something I'd be giggling at. Like, ouch. I can't imagine how I'd react if I fell off a swing.
Well, Applejack isn't remembering it negatively, I guess.
The hour count of the day reaches 19, 20, and beyond, where it eventually becomes time to put Day 4 to bed.
My thoughts at the end of this day? I absolutely love living with the Apples, and today was a great debut of a day spent at home with them, even if I was out shopping for a bit.
Another thought is that I rammed through this day with hardly any thoughts about my laptop or how much I missed it. I found great replacements that quickly!
Of course, there was still the occasional bout of missing my old home and developing sadness, but that was going to happen regardless, and I always ended up getting distracted by Equestrian activities.
It's a surefire sign of how I'm accomplishing the goal of Phase 2: coming through.
Let's see what I do for that on the next day!
Day 5 in Equestria - June 15, 2016 (Wednesday)
Hello, Day 5.
What do you have in store for me?
Well, again, let's have breakfast give me decision-making fuel first. Off to the family barn I go!
I couldn't be bothered to process any info in my brain other than the beauty of Equestrian sunrises during today's morning trip to the main barn. Let me just say that I really like this morning routine; I've already gotten used to it because it's so fun.
Screw walking. I'm going to run to the family barn.
As I'm in that barn and that fuel comes to me, another thing comes to me: a problem. A new stuck key that needs to be turned.
How much time should I spend out in Ponyville vs. here spending time with the Apples?
Because I mean... I want to do both.
My first reaction is to think "You've got your helpful roommates surrounding you." I hop outside for a bit in the middle of breakfast, leaving my cereal bowl idle, to consult Applejack for an answer to this question.
"I think ya should do whatever the day calls for.", she says to me. "You spent most of yesterday with us 'ere at the farm because ya hadn't done that yet. How you thinkin' it should be distributed today?"
"I'm thinking it might want to be equalized today.", I respond. "An even amount. And that doesn't include breakfast, dinner, and night, since those times are by default with you four."
"That sounds 'bout right to me.", Applejack says. "So it's 09:12 right now, and say ya get home for dinner at 17:20, that gives ya eight hours. Four with us, and four out in Ponyville."
"Although, what that bein' said, if ya need to spend longer or shorter out there, do it. Like I said earlier, do whatever the day calls for, and let it make its decisions gradually, not schedulin' the whole thang."
Yep. She is right. If going out wants more time, it should get it. And if it's run out of time, it shouldn't be stretched.
Just follow the principle I set for myself yesterday; put it in the day's hands.
I thank Applejack, and after finishing the rest of breakfast, go off to do so.
...And discover what should be my first activity rather quickly. I notice that my candy bag has run out, so I determine my first Day 5 stop as the candy store. Preferably with a different candy this time.
With nothing else left to do in the meantime, I head straight there.
As I'm approaching the building, Bon Bon herself walks out and up to me.
"Hi there!", she says. "You here for more candy?"
"Yep.", I say, showing her the bag of bits in my hand. Bits I'm willing to spend for this occasion.
"That's awesome, go in,", she responds, "but... I recently thought of something else for you to do today."
"What?", I ask, deciding to delay my walk into the store.
"Do activities that will expose to the cultural differences between your home and Ponyville.", Bon Bon says, "Yesterday, Pinkie Pie dropped by here to tell me you were surprised by the grocery store layout, after which Lyra looked it up, and indeed, they do it very different on your world."
"A big part of integrating into a new country is letting yourself go through the cultural differences, and I was thinking you might want to go straight at them, rather than letting them shuffle towards you."
There could be some truth to that. I was afraid of getting overwhelmed, but then again, I didn't react that badly to the grocery store thing.
"Okay. I can roll with that, especially when I don't have today planned out."
"Good.", Bon Bon says. "Now, I won't be able to do this with you since I have to run the store, but you know how I mentioned earlier that Lyra was looking up the culture things?"
"Yeah."
"She'll be the one to lead you in this project."
"That's right!", Lyra says, jumping out from the house's front door and suddenly beginning her part. "I just did a ton of research and I know where pretty much all of the biggest differences can be found, so I'll be your culture shock guide!"
I giggle at that last part. "Culture shock guide." Now that's a pretty funny term. Sure, I'll roll with it. I do feel ready for this; I think it would be fun to intentionally expose myself to the differences, rather than waiting to randomly encounter them. I like Bon Bon's idea.
"Have fun, you two!", Bon Bon says as she retreats inside to her candy shop.
And now I have Lyra as my guide.
"Alright.", I say to her. "So, what places are we going to go?"
"Well, where I found the biggest differences are with clothing, physical touch, currency, and technology. I'll leave out the first one since I hear it's a sensitive subject for humans, but the rest just involve going out into Ponyville and roaming around, pretty much!
"Good!", I say.
"Let's go!", Lyra responds.
I tag along with her for the beginning of the culture project... except, shoot, I almost forgot what I was at their house for in the first place!
LOL! Let me rephrase that: Let's go after I pick out a new candy.
After I clear out that part, Lyra directs me to the front of a department store, which is the perfect place for the first thing she wants to talk to me about; currency.
"So, I'm guessing you know how to pay with bits, but what I'm curious about is what currency you grew up using and the mathematical comparisons.", she says.
"Okay.", I say. I'm ready to tell her about my world. "So on Earth, the planet I come from, there are nearly 200 countries and many use different forms of currency, but the one specifically from my country, we use these things called 'dollars' and 'cents.' I'd say cents are equivalent to bits and dollars are like a larger category. Like, you could compare it to the minute and the hour. We don't say '120 minutes', we say '2 hours.'. Likewise, in my country, rather than saying '200 cents,' we say '2 dollars.' A dollar is made up of 100 cents."
"Dollars... hmm, we do have those here and they work the way you described, but they're not common.", Lyra says. "Even for really large pays, we tend to bring large bit bags and say '1,000 bits.'. Dollars are really only used for small stands, where a large gift bag might take up too much space."
Huh. That is really interesting. I can only imagine the difficulty of carrying a bag with that many bits; has anypony ever had to use a wagon for them or something? And yeah, I can also picture the scene of a pony behind a stand trying to stuff a 1,000-bit bag inside that narrow place while leaving room to run their operation. Probably wouldn't be fun.
My previous thought "That is really interesting;" Lyra holds that same sentence in her head.
"So that's really interesting!", she says. "So, have you yet had any trouble paying with bits at all?"
"Not yet, since the prices are posted and I've only been buying small things. But I do feel like it could become a problem when I start buying big things. Like, how easy is it to get dollars, and how would I carry a bit bag so large and heavy?"
"I'm sure you'll figure something out.", Lyra says. "And if you need any help, we're here."
That is true. Ponyville ponies are who they are.
We continue with this project, starting with Lyra's first task of having me go into the store and read price tags with higher bit numbers. I told her I had been to the grocery store today, but she rightfully pointed out that those little stands could only go so far with the size of their products, and likewise the prices.
She wanted me to get a glimpse of how on average things are priced in Ponyville, so I can be more prepared when my buying does progress to further points.
After the store, Lyra's next project is taking me to an (outdoor) arcade, to show me the technological comparisons with video games.
While we're going there, though, another point-out spontaneously shows up: how often ponies touch each other in public compared to where I come from. I took notice to this, finding myself thinking People in my country sure aren't this physically affectionate in public. I saw ponies petting each other's manes, hugging, and even letting their friends rest on their lap while on a bench. Definitely an unfamiliar sight to somebody from the United States.
As I was thinking, and as Lyra mentioned, there will be more I'll have to learn about and possibly get shocked by, but that's why she has another one of these sessions on her agenda. It's an ongoing thing.
After the video game portion is done (result: video games in Equestria only go as far as basic arcade-style machines), Lyra looks over at a nearby clock and notices hunger time approaching.
"It's almost noon.", she says. "How about we go to a restaurant together, since we're already here?"
"Oh yeah, that sounds awesome!", I say. "You're right; it does make sense, and I get to spend quality time with you!"
Lyra smiles and leads me to the restaurant of her choice. She had asked me to list which ones I had been to by now, to which I had replied the mushroom cafe and that dark-blue diner Golden Harvest took me to, so Lyra chose a new one. She wanted me to get restaurant #3 in the books here on Day 5.
The place she goes for ends up being a coffee shop; something I didn't know Ponyville had.
"I think you'll like this place. It's really relaxing with the dark brown walls, and in addition to coffee, they've got cookies, bread, sandwiches, all kinds of things.", Lyra says to me. "I like to grab lunch here if I'm out and about at the time."
I don't think Lyra knew that I enjoyed dark restaurants, but both she and Golden Harvest did choose right, for sure!
Due to me having already caffeinated myself with coffee today and not wanting to put any more of that stuff in my system, my drink choice from the menu was hot chocolate. I had a great time with it despite the current season being late spring, close to summer. Maybe it wasn't as good as in winter, but whatever.
As for the rest of the meal, I had another cheese sandwich, a comfort food from my old home. Then both Lyra and I had a symbol of togetherness with matching chocolate chip cookies.
Other interactions between us? Mostly basic updates on how I've been feeling. Lyra, being in a different house and not having made her first appearance until Day 2, hadn't really been caught up on the emotional aspect of my experience here, so I tell her the story of stories, one of which being what I went through at Rarity's boutique. Lyra didn't know about that.
Which sets off a reminder in me that I'm still wearing the exact same clothes as on June 11... four days from then. Let me tell you, it was uncomfortable. I luckily didn't have this in the front of my mind very often, but when I did... I badly wanted out of it. I understand and respect Rarity's time, she's a busy pony and honestly deserves more rest than she gives herself, but I sure do hope she's giving the clothing project for me extra priority. Despite that shower, I still feel rather gross in these old things.
But I try to brush that off, so for other topics, I asked Lyra what books about humans and our culture she had been reading that apparently helped her with this project. She did name a few titles, so I decide to put another visit to the library on my future agenda, to see if Twilight has those books. Now that I think about it, it would be rather interesting to read about my species from the perspective of a writer who has probably never met one of us.
After we finish up at the coffee shop, Lyra declares the culture shock project complete for today, and with no more out-and-about activities left on the horizon for me, I make the decision to fill out the rest of the day by spending time with the Apples. I say farewell to Lyra and travel the backwards route.
The first pony to notice my return to the farm is my closest contact Applejack, who declares herself too busy to do much with me at the moment, but then notifies me Applebloom has been waiting to read more photo albums with me. I agree to do so for the filly, but it's at this point that I realize I haven't spent much one-on-one time with Applejack. That's something I will definitely add to the schedule for tomorrow.
In the meantime, I do join Applebloom for her photo album activity, where she continued with the timeline. I found out on this day that the Apples organize their photo albums by chronological order of picture, and that there is a series of albums. The current one we're looking at features the time when Applejack was in high school and Applebloom was between preschool, kindergarten, and 1st grade. Huh, the school progress thing works the same way here as on my world.
Around 17:00 (5:00 PM), when I'm sitting in the main barn's livingroom and feeling excited whilst expecting an Apple family dinnertime, Applejack and Big Mac enter in from the front door and make an announcement + suggestion that shifts the course of things.
"Player 4, I just realized that Big Mac is havin' a bowlin' game today,", Applejack says, "and I wanted to ask; do you like bowling?"
"Yeah, I like bowling.", I respond. "I don't do it a lot; I'm far from good at it, but I do like going to a bowling alley."
"Good!", Applejack says. "Well, would ya like to go with Big Mac then?"
I would like to in a sense. But, looking at the clock, it would require making a sacrifice.
"I could, but then I'd miss the Apple family dinner.", I say. "I really like those."
"Aw, we ain't got no problem with it.", Applejack says. "Big Mac won't be here for dinner either with the bowlin', you were here for it yesterday, and I think this is a new experience that will be good for ya."
"Yeah, and I do like bowling alley food,", I say, "but I've been wanting to spend more time here with you four after I was out and about a lot these past days. I feel like I would continue that pattern of not seeing you enough by going to the bowling alley."
"Well, ya can stay if you want, but it sounds to me like you do want to go there.", Applejack says.
"I do want to go, but I don't at the same time.", I say. "There's a battle. Plus, and this is directed towards you, Applejack, we haven't really spent one-on-one time together since I came here outside of the first day. I know you've been busy, but I feel like we have a lot of potential together, and so I was wondering if we could have a hangout day."
This was a desire I only just began to realize as I spoke it. I didn't want to spend more time with just the Apple family, but Applejack in general. It feels like the mare who is supposedly my closest contact is getting fewer visits from me than other ponies.
Little did I know, the unexpected appearance of this desire sets off a lightbulb in Applejack's mind that shines enough to brighten up everything.
"I got an idea, P4.", she says. "You go to the bowling alley tonight, then tomorrow, the two of us will have a day where we hang out together, like you want. I still might have to do a bit of work, and I wasn't plannin' on this schedule, but I'm gonna do everythang I can for us to spend a day together. I agree with ya; even Twilight told us she thinks we could become friends. And let me tell you, I am havin' fun with ya."
Wow! That is such an amazing idea. Now I wouldn't have to make a sacrifice! I get to do both things! Oh yeah, and Applejack thinks the same way I do in regards to friendship status? My mates, this is some luck!
"I like that, AJ. Let's do it.", I say, lifting up from my chair and giving her a hoof-bump.
So I pair up with Big Mac and follow him along the walkway to Ponyville's lone bowling alley, where he introduces me to his bowling group, all the members of which welcome me in with open hooves.
Another feature of Big Mac's group is that it's all stallions interacting with me here. This comes to my knowledge as I arrive at the bowling alley; that these are the only stallions other than Big Mac I've talked to since I came to this town. Ponyville is a heavily female city, and most of the ponies I both knew about and really wanted to meet prior to my appearance are female. An interesting experience for me, a male. So here at the bowling alley, it was a unique experience, to be surrounded by stallions this time.
The number of bowling games that featured me was only one; I put the title "spectator" on myself from there on out and also take time to watch the sports on TV. Being a sports fan, this was something I had to get to eventually. I know about buckball, but not really any Equestrian sports other than those.
I want to give ponies a taste of the sports I grew up with. American football in particular. Ponies watching the NFL; oh yes. I've got to get at least one pony I know to do that.
Eventually, the stallions take a break to order the bowling alley dinner, which I have a spark of excitement for, but... then there's a problem: no meat.
The thing is, I had mostly been shielded from wanting meat back due to the honeymoon effect of trying Equestrian food for the first time. But again, honeymoon effects don't last, and now, I was feeling the absence of hamburgers, chicken quesadillas, and taco salads. I can tell something is missing.
Well, hey, there are meat-eaters in Equestria. Sure, ponies dominate, but for example, Rarity has a carnivorous species as a pet. Her cat. So does Twilight with her owl. And Fluttershy... I mean, she has to have some meat-eaters to feed. I don't think they'd be scared or bothered. So here's another thing to slap onto my agenda; tell somepony about human's omnivorous diets and ask if I can get any access to meat.
Sounds good.
The food later arrives, and while my hunger for meat was turning into a borderline craving as I thought about it more, the soda and sandwiches were still really enjoyable.
I remained a spectator during the entire second round of games, and the post-dinner period at the bowling alley also consisted of a lot more conversation than pre-dinner, mostly to the other stallions in the group who were kilometers more talkative than Big Mac, but even then, Big Mac spoke more words than his usual while caught up in competition. I can only guess that was the reason.
At the end, as I step outside the doors to join Big Mac on the walk back to Sweet Apple Acres, I remember in a flash what Applejack gave me as a reason to go where I just was. Her promise that tomorrow, she would adjust her work schedule to allow for the two of us to have a day where we can just be together. I'd say it will be a "friendship test" day. If my emotional state is in the green tier at the end of tomorrow, I think that will be the cross of the boundary where I can start calling my bond with Applejack a friendship.
Tomorrow is housing an amazing thing to look forward to.
When I make it to the point of setting foot in my bedroom and staying there for many hours, symbolized by the darkening of the sky, I organize my mind around what all has been going on recently, and I conjure up the idea to write down each component of Phase 2.
- Experience your new surroundings and integrate it into your life
- Adjust to Equestrian culture
- Find the extent of your bond with Applejack
The time at which these processes are completed should be when Phase 3 can begin.
There we go.
So, the first two dominated Days 4 and 5. That, then creates a perfect environment for the third one to control Day 6.
I can't wait for tomorrow, Applejack, I think to myself as I let Day 5 fade into the night sky and go to sleep, paving way for Day 6 to come seemingly faster, and most importantly, not be tired during it.
Day 6 in Equestria - June 16, 2016 (Thursday)
Today's the day. Today's the day I can finally let in the proper activity that allows for knowledge on if a friendship is blossoming. But, as is the case in my life, I can't do that without internal conflict.
Do I even want to "test" for a friendship, though? Isn't that wrong? Aren't you supposed to just let things happen?
Well, I mean, there eventually does have to come a point where you do officially figure it out.
And Twilight has said she thinks we're becoming friends...
Honestly, I don't know. I'd rather just dive into what is planned for today and see what happens. Try not to get drowned in one-person conflict.
So I leave my room and run out into the main barn, and I really mean run. Forget about my morning walk this time around.
And uh... is that an indicator of something?
It could be...
Well, we have to wait and see.
Despite today being centered around Applejack and I, we still leave open Applebloom's space to perform the daily greeting towards me.
"Mornin, P4!", she says. "Ya here to have fun with my big sis?"
"That's it.", I say. "I recently felt like we haven't spent enough time together for what we seem to have going on."
"You're right 'bout that.", Applejack says. "I took care of ya when ya first came, I've been helpin' ya with things since ya got here, Twilight told us we've got potential... everythang."
I feel my heart rise in temperature at the uttering of these words. I think that tells me something too.
"So let's put it into action.", I say.
Applejack nods.
The morning routine continues as normal until we meet each other in our designated "home base" near the start of the apple forest. We select two-player mode for the better part of this day; it's time to really get to know each other one-on-When the time comes, the hangout begins.
"So, Four, what ya wanna do today?"
Normally, asking that question of me yields a "Uh... I don't know" response, but today, Applejack has opened the gates for an idea that has been buzzing in my mind for hours.
"Oh. What I want to do today is something that's been on my mind for a while and I've been really wanting to talk to you about.", I say.
Applejack walks forward in interest. "Okay.", she says. "Shoot it."
"Did I ever tell you that in addition to a data specialist, I'm also a musician?", I say.
Applejack's facial expression moves from shot-open eyes to tapping her hoof to her chin with a smile on.
"Erm, I can't quite remember if ya told me that or not, but if ya did, I had forgotten. That's so swell, P4! I bet ya know that I am one too."
"You are!", I say. "And that's why I was thinking; what if we played music together? For reference, I'm a guitar player, and I'm sure there's some of those around here, I know you play them too, but due to the business of these times, I haven't played guitar in six days."
"Sure, pardner! That there's a perfect way for us to bond; common interest! Here, I'll lead ya to the area."
We take the trip across farm hills to a location I didn't even know existed; an entire barn specifically for music playing. Well, I guess it makes sense to avoid noise disturbance. Either way, the barn's color is a lovely dark brown, and inside indeed was a music utopia. Guitars, fiddles, banjos, a drum set, etc. could be found.
"So ah know ya like country music, and ah do too.", Applejack says, walking to one side of the barn. "Ah'd say we go for that; after all, we're in a country environment."
"I agree. We are in that environment!", I say.
"Swell! Let's get goin'!", Applejack says as she picks a guitar off a nearby stand. "Here, you can use this guitar.", she says, handing a flattop steel-string acoustic to me. "You know what, I'll start on guitar too.", she says, picking up a nearly-identical instrument.
Despite much appreciation for the genre, I'm somewhat lacking on experience in country guitar; my specialty was playing rock music. Owning up to that, I also dedicate much more playing time to electric guitar than acoustic. But hey, country music does have electric guitars too, and I still can play acoustic pretty well. I did always make sure to practice on the other one as well.
Her making the choices in her (given by me) role as Player 1, Applejack places a sheet stand in front of me and slides on it a tablature sheet, which at the top bears a song name I had no recognition of.
"The first thing I want to do with ya here is a little somethin' song that two of mah extended family members wrote. It's a song with two acoustic guitars and two voices."
"Although, ah guess I should ask ya about your abilities.", she catches herself with. "Are you better at playin' lead or rhythm guitar, or equal, and can you sing?", Applejack asks of me.
Ooh, good thing she asked this question! I sure didn't want to be given a role that I can't do!
"I've always played in bands as the single guitarist,", I say, "so I'm both a lead and rhythm player. But if I'm playing with a second guitarist, as I am here, I always take the lead role. And... I don't sing. Or, even lip-sync, ever. I'd say I'm weird in that regard."
"Okay. No problem.", Applejack says. "Here, I'll take that sheet then. That one shows the rhythm part; it's blocking your view of what you're gonna be playin'. And in fact, ah don't need it anyway, ah know how to play this song from memory."
"Good choice, then.", I say.
So the lead guitar part of this Apple family original song is now in my view. But uh... I don't really have a frame of reference.
"Hey Applejack, I've never heard this song before, so do you think we could play a recording of it and like, give me an idea of what I'm playing?", I ask.
"Sure, pardner.", Applejack says. It takes her hardly any time to get the recording on, as there's a vinyl record of the song right there in the shelves by us.
Whoever put those in this barn, good thing they remembered!
As the record spins and sounds through the gramophone, my impression of the song upon first listen is that it is very well-written. Not exactly a surprise to me as I knew the Apple family had a good stock of musicians, but I was pleasantly stunned by how good it is. Country, heartfelt, well-produced, everything.
I listen primarily to the lead guitar part while also referring to the tab sheet, getting a feel for what I'll be playing. Through a second listen to the song, repeated plays of individual riffs, and a couple practice takes of the song with both of us, we reach the level for the full playthrough.
"Alright P4, I reckon we're good enough. Ya ready to start the actual performance now?"
"I am.", I say. "Let's do it."
"Ah'll do all the singin'.", Applejack helpfully says. "You're good."
So now this was to be an even more juicy experience with that coated on. From the songs "Raise This Barn" and "Apples to the Core", I know I really like the sound of Applejack's voice. But we haven't really gotten to hear it other than those two songs, so I was even more ready for this than previously.
In this song, the rhythm guitar kicks things off first, so Applejack is the one to play first, after which my part comes in, then the vocals.
This song turned out to be a lot softer and melancholy then my mood was wanting. Applejack's vocal command did give off a heavily emotional feel. It's a great song, but I couldn't help but feel like my mood was blocking me from appreciating it fully. If I'm not having a sadness session, I can't exactly process sad music properly.
After the song finishes, I ask if we can switch to fast bluegrass, which Applejack agrees to do. Due to more instruments, we use a backing track for this song, but AJ handled the vocal and banjo parts simultaneously, which was rather impressive.
After we do a few more songs, we already click very well as musicians. We like the same types of country and bluegrass, and we communicate really well on our instruments. So much so that I feel like we can start writing songs together. I tell her this, and she replies "I'd like that, P4."
Right now, though, I'd like to move to the next activity, which is a game of horseshoes. I had asked Applejack what games she liked to play, and buckball and horseshoes were her answers. The first one was definitely out of my league, so I challenged her to a game of horseshoes.
For horseshoes, I declare Applejack Player 1 and myself Player 2. There wasn't room to get to the number in my name, but my name also means that I try to always be the last player by number, regardless of how far it extends.
Using the standard of one, two, or three points per throw, Applejack finishes with a score of 21, compared to my 16. I expected a loss, as I hardly ever played this game, but I still end up drawing pretty close to her.
We continue with the rest of the beautiful day, going into activities like talking about work, old memories, etc. That second one in particular seemed to spark something in us, as we emitted positive reactions to hearing personal details about each other. If that's not a sign of friendship, I don't know what is.
And then... at the end, something else of the sort appears! After dinner and close to bedtime, Applejack and I chat in my bedroom for a bit; first occurrence since Day 1. And the sentence I speak to her before she leaves is "See you tomorrow, my friend."
She went out the door without saying a word, but I take notice in a flash that I had just called her my friend.
Well, I guess that's the confirmation.
Day 7 in Equestria - June 17, 2018 (Friday)
So, the first thing I do post-breakfast on Day 7 is consult back to that Phase 2 checklist I made and measure how much progress I've built up.
Experiencing my new surroundings and integrating them into my life - well, there was something missing there: I haven't yet asked Applejack to show me the ropes of country living. Hopefully her schedule today will allow her to do that with me. Status: incomplete.
Adjusting to Equestrian culture - I've only done one part of that project with Lyra so far. Status: incomplete.
Finding out the extent of my bond with Applejack...
Honestly, I think we are friends now. Hear me out: AJ did amazing at guiding me through the first day and all the baggage it carried. She got me loving the place by my very first dinner with her family, and comforted me as I had, well, we all know what happened that night.
By the way, she called me "sugarcube" in literally the third sentence she ever spoke to me. Then as well, Twilight isn't the only one who has seen a potential friendship between us. Applejack herself said it on the first night.
And her direct Applejack awesomeness towards me did nothing but continue to manifest in full form as my journey continued. She's done way too many great things for me to list them all.
When I take a moment to examine the status of my bond with Applejack, "friends" is always the word that takes control in my mind. And while I haven't had a conversation with AJ about this yet, every sign I remember points to her reciprocating my feelings. In addition to "sugarcube", she's called me "partner" a ton, she helped me get through the embarrassment of talking to Rarity about clothing, she agreed to mess with her work schedule in order to spend fun time with me... I really don't see any doubt.
I will go to her for a confirmation, but a confirmation I fully anticipate, and if correct, it will be an absolute sunshine moment in my life. One of my reasons for coming to Equestria was to pursue friendships, after having almost no success with it at home. And it will also confirm Ponyville's status as "friendship city" in my eyes.
Later on, when I look back at my schedule, I discover another giant something to be said about this day:
Wait a minute. This is Day 7, so that means...
Yep! The weekly anniversary of me being in Equestria occurs tomorrow!
From that, I decide, what better way to cap off my first seven days here then blending together all these Phase 2 activities? Yeah, yeah! So long as everything remains stable (i.e. no black swan events), I'll integrate them all into one day! Even the one with its status labeled as "complete." And in fact, it can be part of the adjusting to surroundings thing, since my targeted activity (learning about country living) in that area involves Applejack!
I'm excited for today, my mates.
I dig up another thing I've been wanting to do in talking to Sea Swirl and Sprinkle Medley again, but I decide to save those for Day 8. Currently, what I'm going to do is a Phase 2 blend. I go through the breakfast portion of the day and head outside to my closest contact.
Luckily, Applejack did possess enough free time to give me a tour of what country life is like. It basically rolls around with being surrounded by tons of living space, appreciating the nature and quietness, and the animals. Lots of animals.
Space? Oh yeah, there's space. Sweet Apple Acres is massive; if you were to stand in at the home of the pig pen is, the music barn would be nowhere in your eyes' range. Similarly, when I look out the window of my guest barn, I have no visibility of the farm's border edges.
I was then given a few lectures on how the food-grow works; after all, it's an amazingly helpful skill to have when every grocery store is located acres away from you. My presence was probably making trips there easier, due to my mobility and (currently) lack of work, but of course, the Apples will continue to get their food from their own turf, and I love that.
Overall, becoming one with country life was to be a drawn-out process, but I'm ready for it, especially when the country folk I live with are Applejack and Co. I'm excited to start living country life. (Except wearing the farm clothes. I'd look ridiculous in those.)
After all of Applejack's pre-planned activities were exhausted, I used up the rest of the morning playing music with her, joined by Applebloom for a handful of songs with too. After lunch (which held the distinction of being only my (shoot, can't remember what number) lunch at the farm due to frequent restaurant visits), comes the time for me to go back to Lyra and tackle culture project #2.
Result? It goes well. Learning new things every day.
Over the course of the next three days, I rinse, but not repeat, the cycle until Phase 2 is complete. I mean, it's never really going to be "complete," life will always be full of learning and discovering, but I'm clocking the end of Phase 2 as when I'm accustomed enough to Equestrian life to walk into Phase 3. When I feel ready to start moving into my career.
At the end of Day 10, which is Monday, June 20, Applejack and I have a chat at my bedside as I declare Phase 2 over.
"Tomorrow, I'm going to start looking for a career.", I say, prepping my body for a lay-down. "My first choice is music, and I do want that farm job, but I'm always leaving open more possibilities.
"I like that, pardner.", Applejack responds, giving my blanket a tug. "Ya allow things to come your way sometimes, rather than tryin' to stick to a pre-made path."
Wow, hearing her say sure that is interesting. I always thought I was a stubborn status-quo guy.
Maybe I'm growing?
"I'm excited for tomorrow, whatever it may bring.", I say.
"Swell, pardner! And, uh...", she begins to show slight blushing and is biting her lip after this sudden shift-and-pause of her speech.
"What is it, AJ?", I ask.
She takes a large breath, seemingly to give this probably-embarrassing info a release.
"There's uh... somethin' I want to ask you about pardner. Uh...", she says, her embarrassment still trying to resist the shoot-out.
"Ya know those extra things you have on yer hands that we ponies don't have? Those digits?"
"Yeah, my fingers.", I say.
"Fingers. Yeah, that's it. Spike has 'em too.", Applejack says. "And uh... that's relevant to what I'm about to say here; ya know that... time when Spike scratched my back and I liked it?"
"Yeah.", I say.
I decide to give my friend a challenge and cut to the chase on her. "Are you asking me to use my hands on you?"
Applejack's blush very clearly shows now.
"Yup.", Applejack says, full of fluster. "Could ya give me just... a little scritch behind the ears?
This is not a surprise to me. I began my journey here with almost complete certainty that I would receive ponies requesting to experience touch from a human hand, and the feeling was mutual from my side of being the one with hands! It's really odd that it's taken so long for this to show itself; petting and scratching the ponies was something I had been looking forward to and had on my mind well before Day 1. It just kept getting drowned out by the other activities, I guess.
"Yes, Applejack. I'll do it.", I say. "In fact, I've been do this to you ponies. Use my hands. Why it laid in wait all the way until Day 10... I don't know. But it's here now, and I'll scritch you."
"Aww, thanks pardner.", Applejack says. She plants her front hooves on my bedside, offering the bases of her ears. I sit up on my guest room bed and begin to work the magic of my fingernails on an Equestria resident for the first ever time. I use my right-hand index finger to scratch behind her left ear.
Applejack's eyes didn't change appearance at the first seconds, in fact, they may have shot a little bit wider open. But as the sensation registers in her, she begins closing her eyes dreamily and relaxing her head, summoned by the sensation.
"Land sakes... that feels good. Ooh, keep goin, pardner.", she says.
I fulfill her desire, continuing to softly rub my fingernail at the base of her ear as she keeps her head lowered down, her eyes closed, and the dreamy smile on. No doubt she's enjoying this.
Deciding to take it a step further, I move my finger over to AJ's right ear, to which she also lets out an "Aww, yeah."
An even bigger step I take in surprising her by scratching under her chin. We didn't talk about this one, but I figured there needed to be a bit of a change here.
Applejack moves her head up in motion with my hand, and it looks like she might be enjoying the chin scratching even more. She lets out a soft hum and even sticks her tongue out like a dog for a brief second. She quickly retracted it, probably due to embarrassment, but that's a lost cause. I already saw it.
"This feels like a spa treatment.", she mutters out.
Hmm? Could that mean something?