10 [Report This]Date: January 08, 2009 02:37 pm Title: Your Birthday Present
I know I keep saying this but this story totally owns me like no other story ever has! LOVE IT!!
Author's Response: I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying it. Thank you!
10 [Report This]Date: January 08, 2009 01:28 pm Title: Your Birthday Present
super cute, yo.
seriously, I just reviewed the previous chapter when I saw this (:
Author's Response: Thank you!
10 [Report This]Date: January 08, 2009 01:18 pm Title: Seven Days a Week
aww, so sad.
but still so good (:
10 [Report This]Date: January 08, 2009 05:03 am Title: Seven Days a Week
I love 'your adventure, your story' inspiring Pam's gift project for Jim. I am looking forward to her giving it to him and his response to all her hard work. He displayed her 'puddle of mess' from the oil paints she experimented with, it will be exciting to see his reaction to her carefully crafted gift.
I like the Karen you created here. I liked Karen on the show {not with Jim, of course} and I am glad that she is a friend to Pam.
Really looking forward to this Assertive Pam you keep promising me! I guess we have step one, her going to see Jim. unexpected and unannounced, because she missed him and needed to make sure that they were okay. I am happy that Pam has realized that the train runs both ways and busy with work or not, I don't think that Jim would ever consider her 'in his way' if she came to visit him more often.
Again, thanks for the update, cannot wait for more!
Date: January 07, 2009 08:46 pm Title: Seven Days a Week
Great chapter. I can totally understand them having these adjustment issues because they're used to spending so much time together in person. I like that Pam is going out and getting some independence but Jim sees it as a double edged sword. Poor guy! I'm glad she went to see them and I hope things get easier and they can see each other more!
Thanks for a little smut too, that was great. And this post totally made my awful day at work better.
More soon please!
Author's Response: I'm sorry to hear you had a bad day at work. I hope tomorrow, the sun is shining and everything is better. :)
I'm glad you can understand why it's become such a struggle for Pam and Jim in their first month apart. It's just so hard getting used to a long-distance relationship, especially since they practically spent every day together. Even when they lived right down the hall from each other, it seemed like Jim practically lived in her apartment. He had his own key and everything. Eek! So yes, it's taking awhile for them to work out all the kinks, but I have faith that they'll be able to pull it together. I feel like Pam is taking the first steps towards her newfound independence and strength when she made the decision to go out to him and apologize. That was definitely big on her part, and we'll be seeing more of that- Pam taking big steps both in their relationship and in her own life. It will be exciting, I can't wait!
Thank you so much for reviewing. And again, I hope you have a wonderful tomorrow!
Date: January 07, 2009 08:38 pm Title: Brighter Discontent
oh and in response to your response for my last review: you NEVER have to apologize for tangents. Especially not ones about song meanings. :) I like that interpretation alot. And what's this about a Mandy Moore cover of that song? I have yet to hear it. I won't knock it till I hear it but the original Elton John is pretty amazing. It's pretty hard to live up to.
Author's Response: Mandy Moore's version is pretty amazing. But Elton John's version is far more amazing. As it should, since it is the original. ;) And I'm sorry this most recent chapter was lacking on the music department. I'll get my soundtrack guys working on that with the next one I'm currently working on... Ha-ha. But just to give proper credit where credit is due, "Seven Days a Week" came from a song by The Sounds. :)
Date: January 07, 2009 08:32 pm Title: Seven Days a Week
Thank you for updating. This was good, because it can't all be sunshine and roses. This could totally happen, especially since Pam is quite insecure. But hopefully she'll get a little better with this you hint? By "how they spent the rest of Jim's birthday" are you suggesting some smut perhaps? :)
Author's Response: Yes, Pam will definitely learn how to cope with the seperation a lot better in the upcoming chapter. The first couple of weeks are just so hard because you're dealing with so many changes and it takes awhile to figure out the best way to make a long-distance relationship work. And I can't tell you how they spent the rest of his birthday, but I promise it will be fun. Shh... Secrets. It could maybe be smut. It could maybe not be... We shall see... Ha-ha. Thanks for the review!
10 [Report This]Date: January 07, 2009 06:56 pm Title: Seven Days a Week
Oh man, I was so worried that Karen was going to try to steal Jim! (Please don't go that route! I like the way you've written her!) I was so frustrated with Pam throughout this chapter but she is, what, 24 in this story? Then again I'm 24 going on 25 and don't drink so maybe that's why I felt so irritated with her. But it's a realistic situation you've put them in, the frustration about not being able to see each other as often as they'd like. Well done, keep going girlie!
Author's Response: I promise I will not go the soap-opera route and Karen will not try to steal Jim! Ha-ha. Those are definitely not my intentions for her character, and I love that she's become a supportive room mate that Pam can rely on. Pam could definitely use Karen's support and friendship during these difficult times as she gets adjusted to all of the weird changes in her relationship with Jim. Even though Karen doesn't necessarily help Pam make a lot of respectable choices and keeps her out late on the weekends, I think she has a lot of knowledge to share with Pam, whether it's helping her understand Jim's Jewish background or teaching her how to sew her own clothing... Where all the good restaurants are... Seriously, where's my Karen/city guide? Hel-lo.
I, too, was frustrated with writing Pam's character in this chapter, but towards the end I feel like Pam eventually became frustrated with herself as she realized she was slowly going down the wrong path. She's just getting used to the idea of not having Jim around, and was just looking for a good time and for something to keep her mind off of missing him... Unfortunately, she went the wrong direction and found comfort in booze. Never a good idea! Tsk, tsk. Pam will definitely be wising up in the next chapter and learning how to deal on her own. It's just taking some time. So thank you for being patient with her as she struggles to find herself and works on gaining some independence away from Jim. And thank you for taking the time to review!
Date: January 07, 2009 04:58 pm Title: Brighter Discontent
Okay, so I haven't really gotten into AU before, but I want to read this whole story!!!!! I'm from Naperville so it's REALLY funny to see stuff about Edwards and North (although I'm a Central alum myself...bad choice in high schools;) )and I'm excited to read more :)
Author's Response: Hello, and welcome! It means so much that you've taken the time to read and review, and I'm pleased to hear that you look forward to this story. Buckle up- you're in for a long ride. He-he.
By the way, what up Naperville! I'm currently throwing gang signs your way, because that's just how we roll. I don't think I know anyone from Central, so yay! You're the first! Hope to hear from you again soon. ;)
10 [Report This]Date: January 07, 2009 04:38 pm Title: Seven Days a Week
I LOVE how you have brought Karen in to this story, it totally fits.
Aw man, reading the struggles that Jim and Pam are going through breaks my heart, I so want them to be happy aw:( I hope they fix it, and I cannot wait to see what he thinks of her painting.
I think you need to show us Jim at work, and Pam seeing how amazing and sexy he is in the office - meow :)
I say it all the time, but each chapter gets better and better, you out do yourself each time, and I look forward to this story so much.
SMUT soon? ;)
Author's Response: Yay! I'm so happy you enjoyed the introduction of Karen so late in the story. I was a little hesitant to bring another character aboard, but during difficult times like these, Pam could certainly use the help of a supportive room mate.
The first month was a little tough on Pam as she gets used to the idea of managing through life on her own. Ever since they met a little over a year ago, she has always had Jim to rely on, and having him so far away just... sucks. He introduced her to so many things and inspired her in so many ways, and now he's not around to help her navigate through her strenuous last year of school. Which sucks, because she could definitely use his writing expertise on those European Art papers. :(
Anyway, I thank you for bearing with me as Pam struggles to find her footing. I promise things are going to get a bit easier for these two. It just takes awhile to get adjusted to the changes.
10 [Report This]Date: January 07, 2009 03:35 pm Title: Seven Days a Week
Another great chapter. As someone who did the long distance relationship for several years (NY to DC), I sympathize with Pam and Jim's plights and give you major credit for getting it just right. It's that first month or so that is the hardest, before you can figure out your rhythm, when those first missed calls or visits where schedules just don't line up. It's awful. But if it's strong enough, you figure out a way to handle it. And I do have faith that Jim and Pam will do that. It's just going to take some time and adjustment.
That aside, I'm so glad for Pam to be finding her own footing. She's going to have missteps as she figures out the best way to handle life without those who ground her around, but that's part of being young. Maybe dumb mistakes and getting too drunk and figuring out what's right or isn't right. I'm glad that Pam also has a good friend in Karen, always good to have an amicable relationship with your roomie, makes things a lot easier. I look forward to seeing Pam spread her wings some more. And I loved the idea behind her mixed media art project.
Great work, strong characterization, and I will always love your handle on the dialogue. Looking forward to more!
Author's Response: Long distance relationships are so tough, and you hit the nail on the head by saying the first month is the hardest- as I'm sure you understand since you lived through a similar situation. Poor Pam just misses Jim so much and is recklessly stumbling her way through life without him as she slowly gets used to the idea of not having him around to encourage and inspire her like she's become so accustomed to. Sure, they have their nightly phone calls, but it just isn't the same and yes, it does take some time to get adjusted to all of the changes.
Pam is definitely on a journey of self-discovery, and it's going to take awhile to work out all the kinks and figure out where her true abilities lie, both as an artist and as an individual. I thank you for being patient as she works all of these issues out. I know this chapter was a bit of a bumpy ride.
Thank you again for yet another lovely review. I'm glad you were able to relate and understand the sudden change in direction as Jim and Pam navigate these choppy waters together.
Date: January 07, 2009 03:10 pm Title: Seven Days a Week
The chapter was great, only one thing I noticed: one of Jim's phone calls says its about noon, but the time above it says AM not PM. Other than that, great.
Author's Response: Aha! Fixed- thank you so much for bringing that to attention. Even after glancing over everything a third, fourth, and seventy-eighth time I did not catch that so, thank you. And thanks for the review!
10 [Report This]Date: January 07, 2009 03:03 pm Title: Seven Days a Week
Awesome chapter. I can totally imagine something like this happening. When you first introduced Karen I half expected her to be some ex-girlfriend or something!
I agree Pam does need a bit of growing up to do, hoping for a quick update!
Author's Response: Hey, Noodles. It's so wonderful to hear from you again. I was so nervous in introducing Karen in this chapter, because I'm aware there is some animosity out there concerning her character. I feel like Karen didn't have a chance to really develop personality-wise on the show, and as an actress, Rashida deserved so much more than that. I think I can put her character to some use, so I hope you're enjoying her interactions with Pam so far.
Poor Pam! Long distance relationships are tough, and she just has to learn how to manage on her own. I promise things will get interesting for our little Beesly very soon. Thank you so much for the review!
Date: January 05, 2009 11:40 am Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
mooooore, please! :D Seriously, I'm addicted, and I'm home sick, and your story is the first thing that has truly entertained me all day. More....Needdd moooree (No, I'm' not begging. Maybe I am. Just a little).
Author's Response: Ha-ha. Well, thank you so much for reading and taking the time to review, really- it means so much. I'm so happy to hear you're enjoying the story. I promise I will keep supplying the "good stuff", at least for another week. I'm sorry to hear that you're home sick! I hope everything gets better soon.
10 [Report This]Date: January 05, 2009 10:44 am Title: Obstacle 1
I actually did notice a bunch of Gilmore Girl references in there. Kudos for using them. And this is a really excellent story. :)
Date: January 04, 2009 07:45 pm Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
I have to say first that my respect totally went down a few notches for Pam when it was revealed that she watches The Hills. Ugh. I feel like giving myself a lobotomy after 30 seconds of that show.
I LOVED the wedding. The descriptions were lovely and I could completely picture the entire thing in my mind. It all sounded very classic, very Angela.
I had to give the speech at my cousins wedding. I wasn't maid-of-honor, but I was the next in line. The maid-of-honor(my cousin's sister) said she was going to cry, vomit, or burst into song if she had to make the speech. LOL so needless to say, I stepped up. Most nerve-wracking experience ever. I wrote mine down too, and I actually rocked it. As did Pam haha. I loved the speech, it was cute, not too long, and emotional without being sappy. Very well done :)
Where are Pam's parents at the end? Not to mention the previous chapter when they're sexing each other up in her bedroom? Haha, I guess b/c her relationship is so strained with them, they let her get away with more? Because let me tell you, that would not be going down under my parents roof...they have a sixth sense for those sorts of happenings.
I agree with Pam. Sour Patch Kids. WAY better movie snack. Keep up the AWESOME work! And don't apologize about updates b/c you are definitely one of the most consistent and timely authors on the site.
Author's Response: I have a feeling Kelly is totally to blame for Pam's apparent Hills addiction. She totally is; I just know it. You see? This is why Pam still has a lot of growing to do. Ha-ha.
Congratulations on rocking the speech, and so incredibly nice of you to step up as next in line. I'm not sure I'd hold together so well if I was required to get up in front of hundreds of people. Public speaking was never something that I excelled at or looked forward to for that matter. Bleh.
And yeah, I'm guessing in this story, Pam's parents happen to be very social people for them not to be home to hear all of the goofing and sexing around upstairs. And as far as the last chapter when Pam's mother kept Jim in the guest room downstairs, I guess she forgot that she was a very heavy sleeper. How else would she not have heard Jim sneaking out of his bedroom? Oh well. And yes, Sour Patch Kids are amazing. I cannot stand licorice, but my husband can devour a bag in less than an hour. It's disgusting.
Anyhoo, I'm glad you're still enjoying the story and once again, thank you so much for taking the time to review.
Date: January 04, 2009 06:01 pm Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
I’m just going to humor you here, not your proudest moment, no, this chapter was CRAP… not =)
So seriously, that chapter was amazing. Jim singing The Proclaimers to Pam made me squee and my heart almost popped right out of my chest lol. I really love how much detail you include, and when you said Jim’s tie was undone, I was like “woah, sexy Tony Bennett moment there,” lol.
Still waiting on Jim just cooking in an apron, I feel like you have teased me with that lmao.
God I cannot wait for an update, your fic is seriously like my drug and I am hooked and need to go to rehab lol.
The promise ring, holy beeeeeeeeep that was sexy guh - I so lol’d at the “are you asking if I want to go exclusive?” Jim’s speech to her about the promise ring honestly nearly killed me dead, it was so perfect and I just wanted to cry for them both lol.
You write everyone so perfectly, and I close my eyes and I can see everything you have said.
Hurry up and update, you are not allowed to have a life lol.
Author's Response: Ha-ha. Sorry, the last bit of your review had me laughing out loud. Seriously, you are amazing my friend.
Don't worry, I haven't abandoned the idea of Jim cooking in the apron. I do still have that planned for a chapter that will be coming up pretty soon actually... Hint, hint. Wink, wink. :P
I'm so glad you're able to picture the story so well. That makes me feel so honored and extremely happy. Thank you.
Date: January 04, 2009 01:41 pm Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Not your proudest chapter? You had me clutching my chest, and squealing in appropriate increments. It was great, especially Jim singing the Proclaimers to her, and the promise ring, and the care package... Everything was great. Can't wait for more!! :D
Author's Response: Aww, thank you so much! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the chapter. I don't know why I was so tough on myself when writing the Schrute-Martin wedding... Maid of honor speeches make me nervous, I guess. Ha-ha. And oh, I've had that darn Proclaimers song stuck in my head all day. Argh.
10 [Report This]Date: January 04, 2009 12:18 pm Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
I love Saved by The Bell... and I still watch it whenever I get the chance, so this chapter is awesome on that fact alone.
I really felt Pam's sadness as she tried to stay in and enjoy the moments she was sharing with Jim at the wedding, but her struggle as she thought about how different the future was going to be. Sometimes growing up stinks! I also loved Jim's promise ring, and speech. It was perfect.
So... like you said in your end notes, I also am very eager to go into the next phase of Jim and Pam's relationship! Bring on assertive Pam! {I think she is gonna be a fun time}
Author's Response: SBTB! I so have the first season downloaded through Netflix on my Xbox, which now reminds me that I need to begin watching them soon. Ha-ha.
Assertive Pam here we come! I think some time apart can be a good thing for our happy couple. I hated how on the show, they made it seem like our PB&J were completely reliant on each other- no all day bluetooth conversations here. Pam will definitely be growing into her own on her own. So excited to take the journey alongside Pam with all of you. I promise, this A/U FNB will be nothing but fun. ;) Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Date: January 04, 2009 11:38 am Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
I'm still loving this story, really reaaaaaaaly cute (:
&& now that song is stuck in my head.
Author's Response: Oh, I have so had that dang song stuck in my head for the past 24 hours. I love the idea of Jim serenading Pam and all, but "500 miles" is slowly growing to be a wee bit annoying. (Damn you, Jim! Ha-ha.) Thank you for reading and reviewing, you're amazing.
10 [Report This]Date: January 04, 2009 10:05 am Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
ok this is my favorite story on this website. You are doing a beautiful job at writing it. It is perfect and I get super excited when I see there is a new chapter!!!
Author's Response: Wow. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, your comment seriously made my day. :)
Date: January 04, 2009 08:51 am Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Ok love your dress choices and that is a fantastic ring! I want it. I really truly enjoyed this chapter. You SHOULD be proud. That was the most perfect song for Jim to sing. I was swooning. I'm gonna go out and say it. You are an incredible writer. I love your writing so much because I actually feel myself stepping in to this world and feeling like it's really happening. Seriously never stop writing.
haha my one complaint (because this is a review after all) is that you call this chapter Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters but you didn't include it in your playlist. Because I adore that song. lol that's it. more please!!!
Author's Response: Wow. Thank you! I am seriously beaming from ear to ear. And I truly apologize for failing to include Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters on the playlist- I should sneak it on there real quick for you... la la la la... Now do I go with the Elton John or Mandy Moore cover version, which is kind of awesome in its own way? He-he.
I got into a heated discussion with my friends about what that song means, and we found out through extensive research that there is an actual story behind the lyrics, but at the same time we like to think- through all of the layers- the song can say that life isn't always wonderful but that the people that you find are. Or, that living in the city (NY in the song) can be brutal, but definining yourself in it- that's beautiful. Both philosophies, I think, that relate to Pam's character pretty well as she enters the next chapter in her life. ;)
Anyway, I got off on a tangent somehow and I apologize. Thank you so much for the amazing review, you have been so kind and amazing.
Date: January 04, 2009 08:01 am Title: Brighter Discontent
Wow.
I have just spent the last 3 days reading this story. A few of my Office friends suggested this story and I thought I'd dive in. What an amazing world you've created here. I love AU stories that transport Jim and Pam to another time and place, but still keep the essence of the characters. That is definitely what you've done here.
I really hope you will continue this through to a Jim and Pam wedding, but I can't wait to read more about how Jim and Pam deal with the long distance relationship.
Thank you for all othe time and care you have put into this piece!
Author's Response: Hello, Beeswax, and welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review- it really means a lot. Long distance relationships can be tough, but I have faith in our Pam and Jim. I look forward to taking the journey with all of you.
Thank you again for such a lovely review. I hope to continue to hear from you... and sorry for the rhyming, it was just in such good timing. Ok, I'm officially lame. Ha-ha.
Date: January 04, 2009 07:14 am Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Angela and Dwight's wedding was just how I imagined it, but the picture of Pam's bridesmaid dress wasn't as bad as I envisioned. I love Pam's talk while she and Jim were dancing, it made me tear up, and I love that he finally gave her a ring, even if it's just a promise ring for now.
Hoping for some smut next chapter and of course the banter between them about the care package was perfect.
also, there is a Metra line that goes from Chicago to Kenosha, just wanted to throw that out there in case that factors into the story somehow.
Cannot wait, as always, for the next part!
Author's Response: Oh yes, I have a feeling Pam and Jim will be commuting quite a bit via Metra over the next couple of months. Have you by chance ever visited Kenosha? I haven't, but I'm trying to find an excuse to go so I can do some research. ;) I've seen pictures and it seems like such a beautiful town.
Pam certainly has Kelly to thank for her dress. If it wasn't for Kelly's big, embarrassing, screaming hissy fit at the bridal store, Pam would have been wearing one hideous costume piece. Luckily, she and Angela settled for something slightly in between. :)
Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Date: January 04, 2009 02:55 am Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
oh, and spot on, btw, with this: "are you asking me if i want to be exclusive?" i lol'd! =)