Date: January 04, 2009 02:53 am Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
i hate you, because every time i read this story, i'm always looking at my scrollbar and getting sad as it inches down and signals the end of the chapter. i love this story, i wish i had a jim!
Author's Response: Aww, thank you! There really aren't enough Jims in the world. Seriously, I don't care how old his parents are- they need to start getting busy and multiply. Fast. Lots and lots of boys. And I will have lots and lots of daughters who can marry them. Ha-ha.
10 [Report This]Date: January 04, 2009 01:44 am Title: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Um, who are these people who could possibly be getting tired of the playlists you so awesomely provide? Because their asses may need kicking. I love them, I've learned of artists and songs because of them. Keep it up!
This may not have been your favorite chapter, but it was definitely one of mine. As always, I adore the ease of the Jim/Pam relationship, their banter over the beet buffet, their bets over every little thing, Pam silently begging for Jim not to sing in an accent, Pam's care package which I was highly amused at the lines about the scarf. I really just love how well it speaks of their relationship which as Pam pointed out, is always a friendship first and best. Speaking of...
I’ve just… I’ve never had all of those types of people in one person before. Before I met you, I’ve never felt like I literally couldn’t live without someone. And I’m just… I’m really going to miss you.”
Okay, that bit killed me dead. I just want to again thank you for being able to get out lines that are filled wih emotion and truth without them being over the top sap. They are just genuine and I loved this moment for Pam, as well as for Jim.
I also appreciated Jim's Saved By the Bell inspired promise ring and his reasoning for it not being an engagement ring. How wonderfully practical and real. I loved that touch too, because it's true and I like how Jim thinks. He's a romantic but he's also grounded, which the same could be said fo Pam as well. They are great that way.
Jim/Pam aside, I loved all the descriptions of the Dwight/Angela wedding, especially the adoration Dwight showed when seeing Angela and Angela's perfect calm in it all. Very apt. Pam's speech was well doneand I sympathize, having done the maid of honor speech myself. Not an easy task.
Altogether, I had a great time with this chapter, laughed and sniffled and left looking forward to more.
Author's Response: Wow.
This review is amazing. I don't even know where to begin... Ok.
First off, I'm so delighted to hear you enjoyed the chapter. I don't know why I made this chapter such a struggle to get through, but it's over. Whew! And I'm glad that you are fond of keeping these two characters grounded, which I think is so important- in being slightly on the same wavelength as the show, and keeping up with the fact that Jim and Pam are both very broke, college students in one the most expensive cities in the world. (Seriously, our sales tax is somewhere over 10% right now. It is ridiculous.)
And, ah, I just love how Pam and Jim are one of those couples who just get each other and that's what makes this couple so much fun to write- the banter is just silly and playful, and at times childish but so them and a clear reason why they belong together. And they're making decisions together and being smart about their choices and supporting each other and- oh, if only every relationship could be that easy and uncomplicated. I'm sure there will be some angst thrown in for good measure (long-distance relationships can do that to you), but I have faith that they'll be able to work through all the tough times together.
Seriously, words cannot describe how amazing you are. Thank you so much for reading and providing such wonderful feedback. You, my friend, are truly remarkable. Wonderful. Incredible. Marvelous. Unbelievable... Friggin' beyond belief. (Hey, so I snuck a peek at the Thesaurus on that last one. I started running out. Ha-ha.)
10 [Report This]Date: January 03, 2009 12:09 am Title: Timebomb
ok things to do in Chicago
interesting educational kayak tour up the chicago river - funish too! that would be funny to read about jim and pam doing
angela could drag them to churches
lunch in china town is always good.
and the shark exhibit at the shedd
otherwise bars duh
restaurants - observatory from the jh is neat really nice view which brings us to the sears tower
ooh navy pier, when it has a carnival in town that is always fun and just nice and classic
then theirs the art institue which would be an obvious because of pam, and a football game - if only to watch green bay defeat the bears (he he)
i dont know if any of those help but ideas out of the pure 'club' scene (ha)
Author's Response: Ooh, thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the ideas. I love the Shedd Aquarium. I never thought about a kayak tour, but that could be interesting... I know I haven't had Jim and Pam out much this summer, but I think they've been on a bit of a budget with Jim unemployed and all. But, now that he has a job, I'm sure I'll be able to toss around a couple of your amazing ideas. I'll be sure to give you a shout out if they find their way into a later chapter. Thank you! And thanks for the review.
Date: January 02, 2009 01:45 pm Title: Timebomb
Happy New Year, Nightswept!
At first, I thought that the "Timebomb" you were referring to was the one by Rancid of the mid-90s, but the Old 97s are so much better, and so much more Jim :) I am loving this story (I know, old news) and am also loving the music playlists you have posted.
It will be interesting to see how Pam and Jim work out the long distance relationship, and to see how Pam's last year at school goes. Sometimes I think it's a little uncanny how many parallels your story draws with my life!
Author's Response: Thank you! I hope your new year is off to a great start. :)
I heart the Old 97's, and I'm glad you thought it closely identified with Jim. I'm also so happy to hear from you again! It's been awhile. ;) It's too funny how well you're able to relate to this story. I promise I'm not pulling thoughts out of your head or anything. Ha-ha. I'm glad you're still enjoying it. Thanks for the review. :)
10 [Report This]Date: January 02, 2009 03:58 am Title: Timebomb
Thanks for the reminder that summertime still exists! It's easy to forget when there are inches and inches of snow to be brushed off the car. I love a summer playlist... So again, thanks for that.
We've seen and loved Super Awesome Supportive, Encouraging BF Jim... will his new job let us see Super Awesome Supportive, Encouraging GF Pam?
Oh, and I'm 100% in agreement with Kelly, if you have a hot boyfriend, who gives it good... NEVER, NEVER, NEVER hold out!! Embrace the addiction, Silly Pam.
Author's Response: Yes, Pam will definitely be stepping up and being a little more assertive in her relationship with Jim, and I am very excited. It will be interesting to see the tables turned as Pam will now be supporting Jim as he goes after his dream career. Interesting, indeed. ;)
I'm glad you enjoyed the playlist. I hope you're managing ok with all of that snow. (Ugh!) And yeah, if I had someone who looked like JKras, I would not be holding out on anything. Oh, Pam. Silly, silly girl.
Date: January 02, 2009 01:06 am Title: Wanna Be Sedated
i dont think its possible for the white sox and the cubs to ever play each other in the world series, at least thats what i heard, oh well im more into football a true packer fan living in chicago... works out really well.....
Author's Response: I have a lot of friends who are Packers fans, actually. We are continuing to learn how to co-exist over here in Chicago in "Bears" territory. Oh well, the Bears didn't make it to the playoffs this year, so... Let's not talk football shall we? (*Cowers in corner and cries*) Also, I do believe the White Sox and Cubs could meet in the World Series (if they didn't keep getting swept out of the first round of the playoffs-grr) because they are in seperate leagues, AL and NL. :)
Date: January 01, 2009 09:21 pm Title: Timebomb
I've really enjoyed this story and the playlists that you've uploaded to go along with the chapters! You've turned me on to some great new artists I've never heard of before, so thank you! My only complaint is that during sex scenes you often have Pam staring at the ceiling and trying to be quiet. Maybe it's just me but it makes her seem detached. Is there a reason why you've had her do this? I was curious.
Author's Response: Hey! First off, thank you so much for the review. I'm so happy to hear that you're reading and enjoying the story.
Oy, the sex scenes. To be honest, that whole area of writing smut is a totally new and daunting experience for me, although I am trying my best as not to convey that it's all uncharted waters on my end. So, I apologize if it's all a bit clumsy- the writing is something I am definitely working on.
Pam's apparent disconnection during sex was not quite intentional, although I do think that as Pam slowly grows into herself we will see her become a bit more confident and assertive in the bedroom... As hopefully so will I in the area of writing sex scenes. Ha-ha. Thank you so much for the feedback and for bringing that to attention. It will definitely help when writing future chapters. :)
10 [Report This]Date: January 01, 2009 07:45 pm Title: Timebomb
Yea Summerfest! Thanks for throwing that in! I think beer was $6 bucks this year for a 16oz Miller Lite so you were right on.
Still love this story and where it's headed, can't wait to see how they handle the long distance and the pressures of "real life" and I cannot wait for the Schrute-Martin wedding! Please keep the updates coming! Happy New Year!
Author's Response: Ok, so how jealous were you of Jim and Pam getting to go to Summerfest when we are here suffering through all of this cold weather? Seriously, not fair. I will pay $6 for a beer any day if it gets rid of all this dang ice and snow. Grr. As you can tell, not a big fan of the winter. Ha-ha. And Happy New Year to you, too! I hope yours is off to a great start so far.
Date: January 01, 2009 10:29 am Title: Timebomb
Sour Patch Kids win hands down. Thanks for the extra long chapter. loved the smut, lol. But noooo Jim has to leave? :( how far away is that from Chicago?
Author's Response: I believe Kenosha is a little bit over an hour and a half away from Chicago. At least, that's what MapQuest is telling me. But, luckily for Jim and Pam it is only a train ride away on the Metra so... I see a lot of commuting in their future! ;) And I totally agree with you- Sour Patch Kids. Definitely.
10 [Report This]Date: January 01, 2009 10:05 am Title: Timebomb
In a rush, so I can't do my usual lengthy reviews. But I enjoyed this story and sincerely empathized with the post-college unemployment and being forced to move back home just when you are feeling so adult. Definitely shows the level that their relationship is at that Jim is making career decisions with Pam in mind and I'm glad she made the decision that was needed for both. Distance is hard but I hava faith that they'll be able to figure it out together. And Fleet Foxes!!!
Author's Response: Love Fleet Foxes. Ahh!! Yes, it will be very interesting to see the tables turned on Jim and Pam as she will now be the one supporting Jim while he goes after his dream job. At least, I hope it will be interesting. ;)
Date: December 31, 2008 09:57 pm Title: Timebomb
I need to download all these songs, and re read this again, oh no, what a chore.
God, seriously dude, you say you aren't the best story teller, I think you lieeee, because you're freaking awesomecakes.
This chapter was so utterly hot, and I really love how well you describe things, I can see everything that's going on in my head as I read, and that is so rare for me.
“Can I just say that your boyfriend is looking crazy hot in his little man cardigan or whatever?”
omg I lpve men in cardigans, especially JKras, so that got me all squeedly.
I have missed you, never leave us for more than two days again, that's an order lol.
10/10 as usual :)
Author's Response: Well, I am very sorry that this latest update took approx. 2.5 days to get up, but I hope you enjoy it. And thank you for all of the kind words. Seriously, you bring tears to my eyes, your reviews make me ridiculously happy. :) And I definitely agree with you, JKras + cardigan = Oh, boy.
10 [Report This]Date: December 31, 2008 06:44 pm Title: Timebomb
Still lovin' it. Okay, eventually in this story, if you're going with the Old 97s, you have to include Question. You know what I'm talking about. It's probably the most fitting Jim/Pam song ever, and it's a shame how underused in fanfic it is. :-)
Author's Response: Ok so, don't hate me but I have not heard that song, though I will definitely be looking it up now that you've mentioned it. Thank you!
Date: December 31, 2008 04:02 pm Title: Timebomb
this. was. awesome:
"He slid his underwear down and…
Oh, there was Jim’s penis"
best reveal ever !! xD
&& of course your music rocks my socks, I know all the bands (:
Author's Response: Ha-ha, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed that bit. I don't know why it made me laugh out loud re-reading it in your review, but it did. I'm glad you liked the chapter. Your taste in music rocks! We must swap playlists. ;)
10 [Report This]Date: December 31, 2008 03:46 pm Title: Timebomb
this story is so addicting! Love this chapter, cant wait to see what you have in store for them!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, I'm so glad that you're still onboard and enjoying this story. Plenty more coming soon.
Date: December 31, 2008 02:38 pm Title: Timebomb
Another awesome chapter. I love the sex contest and of course fooling around in their parents' houses. So perfect. I'm curious what this will mean for them now with him in Kenosha for the time being.
I do have to say though, I'm beyond glad that Jim is a "giver" but I think it's time Pam returns the favor. Just saying.
I cannot wait for the next part. Totally got my NYE off to a great start.
Author's Response: Hey, Bayjb. :) Thank you for another wonderful review. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, even with all of the dirty. Ha-ha. Hey, it's summer, it's hot.
Hmm, very good point on Jim and Pam and their scandalous "bedroom activities". I think it is somewhat interesting to note, as this chapter shows, that in the past we have always seen Jim being there for Pam and fully giving his all and supporting her, and now it's Pam's turn. I think she's slowly gaining a bit more self-confidence, and now she's going to have to become even more self-reliant without Jim constantly by her side. Pam has never truly been alone, alone. She's either had Roy, her friends, or Jim, and now she's going into her final year at school in the big city, somewhat isolated from everyone. It will be pretty interesting to see what happens as Pam slowly grows into herself and gains a little more confident in herself... both in the real world, and in the bedroom. ;) Tee-hee.
10 [Report This]Date: December 30, 2008 08:51 am Title: Gravity Rides Everything
update please! i am in need of some fluffy, jam goodness, complete with an awesome soundtrack. AND i love it when you include their outfits, because i am addicted to online browsing. love love love.
Author's Response: Hi, thank you so much for the review. I'm glad you're enjoying the story and that you don't find the music too irksome and distracting. The songs just inspire this story in so many ways... It's crazy. Let me know how you like the update! ;)
10 [Report This]Date: December 30, 2008 07:30 am Title: Gravity Rides Everything
I replaced my lost mp3 player a few days ago as a Christmas gift to myself and have found myself downloading a lot of the songs you've accompanied to this story. Thought you'd enjoy knowing that. :-)
So yes, 900 years later, I'm finally getting around to reviewing the past couple of chapters. Which are amazing, actually. I really loved Jim's parents, they are just the perfect example of why Jim is the sweet, humble, hilarious person we've come to love and adore. And his brothers! Ha! Remind me so much of my own, hee. And yes, I'd too like to know what Pam bet. Something tells me though, that'll it'll work out just fine for her. ;-)
You know. It's so interesting this little story arc you've created with Pam's parents because it kind of fits in with her new-found independence and bravery that she has had on the show too.. while that dealt with getting out of a stale 10-year relationship, this has more to do with proving to herself that she can be this self-reliant, self-sufficient, awesome person without her parent's money and whathaveyou. I love that. I love that no matter what, Pam refuses to settle any longer and follows her dreams. And that she does that with Jim’s constant and never-ending support and love. (Which, him sticking up for her to her parents was really awesome, too. And kind of hot. Just saying.)
So yeah, to conclude the longest review ever.. am still loving this. Sigh.You’re SO good at this and I can’t wait to read more! It kind of saddens me that eventually this’ll end. Can you just like, write it forever or something? No? You have a life? Dammit. ;-)
Author's Response: Wow. Thank you for such an incredible review. You are amaaazing!! /Kelly. I so thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
I'm glad you're enjoying the music that goes along with each chapter. I know my taste in music is a bit eclectic, and weird and all over the place so I'm glad that you have found some new and satisfying tunes. :)
I'm glad you're enjoying this new story arc with Pam. I think in this latest chapter, we will learn that Pam will slowly have to become even more self-reliant in the impending absence of a certain someone... This is only the beginning for our Fancy New Beesly, and it's such a joy to take part in journey of self-discovery for her character with all of you.
I don't want the story to end. I honestly feel like I could go on forever until you all get sick of me, but yes, school will come a'callin' soon enough. I do want to start getting everyone's opinion on a possible "sequel"? We'll see. ;)
10 [Report This]Date: December 30, 2008 04:55 am Title: Brighter Discontent
I love this story. I signed up for an account just so I could write a review. I look forward to every chapter. The way you tie music into the story is great. I find myself pausing while reading in order to sample the bands. I can't wait for another chapter!
Author's Response: Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to sign up and review- you are truly amazing, and I'm so delighted to hear what you think so far. I'm glad you are enjoying the playlists that supplement each chapter. Oh, music is life. I hope to continue hearing from you. Thank you.
Date: December 29, 2008 04:41 pm Title: Gravity Rides Everything
wow where did you find an acoustic version of Chicago!? I kinda swooned when I heard it. Sufjan Stevens seems to create great music just as easily as breathing. good playlist. :D sweet chapter. I liked Jim's little speech.
Author's Response: Ahh... I love Sufjan Stevens, they are amaaaazingggg /Kelly. The acoustic version of Chicago is on Sufjan's "Avalanche" CD. I'm glad you enjoyed the playlist. I have a pretty lengthy one coming up in the next chapter as it covers almost the entire summer. I hope you enjoy it. ;)
Date: December 28, 2008 04:39 pm Title: Gravity Rides Everything
cute chapter (:
I would LOVE some more music-loving Jim, pleaseeee.
Author's Response: It's summertime, and music-loving Jim is definitely back. I apologize for the wait between updates, but the next chapter is going to be quite lengthy. I hope you enjoy it. ;) Thanks for the review!
Date: December 28, 2008 10:34 am Title: Gravity Rides Everything
I think you did a great job with Pams parents. I don't think they are all bad just don't really get her. Sadly alot of parents are like that. I don't doubt they love her though. I loved that Jim spoke up to them.
Author's Response: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed this small glimpse of Pam's past. :)
Date: December 28, 2008 06:02 am Title: Gravity Rides Everything
Excellent introduction. And yeah, as you said, they can't all be Jim's parents. They don't have to be abusive or awful in tha way. It's just that sometimes our parents are just not the best fit for us. They love us in the way they know how which may not be the best way either. And maybe they never see us for who we are. Unfortunate, but it happens. And it seems like Pam has found the best way to deal with it. She's made her own family and it's a quirky, but fiercely loving bunch and she's a lukcy one for it. And I'm glad Jim, after feeling hurt at first, began to understand that those who know about them are really the ones that matter and showed Pam's parents how she's earned someone else in her corner. Oh, and I'm also glad, all things considered, that Pam's art show went well :)
Author's Response: Three cheers for a successful art show! Poor Pam. Her nerves had to be frazzled today, but she pulled through. :)
I hope to see Pam gain the support of her parents as the story goes on. It will just take a little time. I'm glad you enjoyed this little introduction to Pam's family. I know that it was a slight detour from the original direction of this story, so thank you for sticking with me. We'll be back on track in the next chapter. :)
Date: December 27, 2008 10:11 pm Title: Gravity Rides Everything
Great chapter. I like that we got to see a bit of Pam's parents too, who were exactly how i thought they would be. It's too bad they're not very supportive of her, but I love that Jim stood up to them. That was great.
Cannot wait for the next part. Maybe a little smutty action coming up again :)?
Author's Response: Thank you for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed Jim's little speech. I think his mother needed to hear it, and she needs to realize that Pam has a good thing going for her.
Summer is next! Lots of hot... sizzling... steamy... nights.... ??
10 [Report This]Date: December 27, 2008 08:37 pm Title: Gravity Rides Everything
god I love this story! you are so spot on with them!
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm so glad you are still on board and enjoying the story.
10 [Report This]Date: December 27, 2008 07:51 pm Title: Gravity Rides Everything
Like this story I love both Jim's!
Author's Response: Thank you!