Date: January 29, 2009 07:37 pm Title: Kenosha (For the Unemployed and Underpaid)
Thank you sooooo much for all the updates lately. I'm so glad Jim is finally gone from his unhappy job but Michael still cracks me up. I loved the end here too where he said he will make her naked and she will like it. Hilarious! Fingers crossed for a smutty next chapter! I have to also go back and comment on the past chapters too. Great work!
Author's Response: yay...
I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed this chapter, and I apologize for throwing three chapters at you all at once. I was subjected to bed rest the past couple of days. Patooey, I know. Heh.
I have already gotten started on the beginning of the next chapter and, wow... Well. I'll just say this... Smut.
Date: January 29, 2009 07:05 pm Title: Kenosha (For the Unemployed and Underpaid)
Where to begin? First of all, don't let the trickling off of reviews get you down. It doesn't mean you're a bad writer, or the story is not good--those two ideas are absolute blasphemy. I'm guessing that there are people (like me) who have gotten busy.
Next. And I am being totally honest here. I was sitting in class today, thinking "I really hope Nightswept updates her awesome story really soon." And I was delighted to find not one, not two, but three new chapters! :D:D:D I read them all straight through, and how amazing they were! Because this is only one review, I'll make it nice and long for you. (that's what she said)
Things I loved:
-That Jim was working so hard so they could move back to Chicago
-The scene during the thunderstorm. So cute!
-That this story isn't just fluff--there's real character development here. (angst = okay, as long as there is some fluff to counteract it)
-Michael singing "Float On". Modest Mouse is great. And I could see him doing that.
-Just the flow of the whole story. It's seamless and great.
-You've taught me Pogonology is the study of beards. Awesome fun fact.
Hopefully this review helps. Now bring on the sexy.
Author's Response: Wow. That is so awesome to hear, you have no idea. I love you. Can I say that? Ha-ha. I'm glad you are enjoying this story. :)
I had no idea what pogonology was until I started filtering through my Balderdash cards. I had to actually look it up, and what would you know- study of beards. That's once class I wouldn't mind sitting in on. I love a man who can grow a good beard. But maybe that's just me.
Thank you so much for reviewing. I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying the character development so far, through all of the good times, and the bad. I think the next chapter will reveal yet another interesting side of their relationship as Pam has some doubts about... something. Can't wait!
Date: January 29, 2009 06:56 pm Title: Kenosha (For the Unemployed and Underpaid)
I am sorry for my lack of comments. You are really pumping out the updates! That whole game night was great. It was nice to just let them take a step back from their lifes and relax. Really great job. If this help with the smut, all the better!!
Author's Response: I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I've already started on Ch. 8 and... smutty indeed. ;) Thank you for the review!
Date: January 29, 2009 06:11 pm Title: Kenosha (For the Unemployed and Underpaid)
Pfft threatening with no smut, that is no fair, but also so smart lol.
I LOVE how you have brought Holly in to the story, and Michael and her laughing at the whole weiner thing in the kitchen, omg seriously CLASSIC stuff.
I adored the whole end of this chapter, Jim's talk of "curing Pam by having sex was brilliant ”Am I, Pam? Am I? Or am I healer?” < seriously you need to go write for television, you're hilarious!!!!!!!
Author's Response: Ha-ha. Well, that's how I am. Lack of reviews turns me into a prude. Hah! Kidding.
I'm glad you enjoyed the introduction of all these new characters. I realized I kind of threw them all in at once, but I thought it would be able to show how far Jim and Pam have come since college- making new coupley friends at work. Pam as matchmaker I thought was too cute.
I have no doubt that Jim is a healer in the bedroom. Oh, lucky Pam.
Date: January 29, 2009 05:34 pm Title: A Clear-headed Concern for the Welfare of Others
YAY Pam got to meet Michael, I'm so happy she got to experience the "that's what she said," in person lol.
Poor Jim is so tired at work, and Pam giving him her parents money for him to go back to school - PERFECT. Oh I love herrrrrrrrr (and you)
Author's Response: Oh, Michael. No Pam finally realizes why Jim is oh so stressed when he gets home. I felt like she needed to see that in person, because Jim seems like the type of guy who keeps a lot of his frustrations to himself.
And Pam coming through for Jim! Woot-woot. They take care of each other. Yayyy relationships. Ha-ha.
Date: January 29, 2009 05:09 pm Title: Six Days, Many Sleepless Nights
Hey babes, firstly, I hope you're okay and that it was JUST a scare after all, and you're no 100% back to normal, we missed you around here *snuggles*
I seriously do think you have a key to my brain, just the image of Jim falling asleep in the shower, and pretty much everywhere else is just so sexy and an image I know so well (from my own fic dreams lol)
I can't wait to see what is stressing him out aw :(
Pam being scared of thunderstorms, omg I want to squish heeeeer.
The Save The Date cards are SO Jim and Pam, and I can so see Pam sitting down carefully designing them aw.
Phyllis, OH thank you for bringing her and Bob in to this, will she have a crush on Jim like real life (real life on the show? lol) Phyllis does?
I can't believe Norman belongs to Kevin's daughter Abbey, omg my heart dried up a little at him being carried away like that, and when Abbey was all "He's called Oliver." when Pam said bye Norman, I was like gees kid, stop being so cold lmao, then I realised she's a kid and to not be so harsh ;)
I've missed you =) God this is even better than the first series me thinks =)
Author's Response: Hey there! I'm doing alright- the required bed rest allowed me to update like a mad woman these past three days. And I was able to stay home from school. Woot-woot. Don't hate. Appreciate. Ha-ha. But seriously, being sick is certainly no fun. Are you feeling better? I sure hope so!
Yes, I have the key to your brain and all of your secret thoughts and plans to take over the world. (You have to beat me to it!) I can also see into the future, and I am currently sensing that tomorrow will be Sunday. (I'm on some ridiculous drugs to get rid of whatever-type flu I came down with so, please forgive the crazy. And no I'm not sharing! My drugs! Mine!)
I don't have plans for Phyllis and Jim to meet until at least the wedding, but I have a feeling that she has seen plenty of pictures and thought to herself, "Hmm. Very nice." ;)
I'm glad you are enjoying this story, even better so than the first. I just hope that I can keep up with your expectations. I shall be using that key to pick the lock in your brain for upcoming chapters. If I were you, I would sleep with one eye open...
Ok, I just realized that sounds kind of creepy. Don't worry, you do not have to worry about weird fanfic writers sneaking into your bedroom at night to steal your wonderful thoughts. Ha-ha.
10 [Report This]Date: January 29, 2009 04:48 pm Title: Kenosha (For the Unemployed and Underpaid)
I totally love this chapter. Michael and Holly were hilarious, and I actually can see Michael singing Modest Mouse...even though I'm sure he has never heard of them. Good chapter!
Author's Response: I thought Michael Scott and Modest Mouse fit perfectly together. Or at least it did in my head when I heard it. Ha-ha. So I am glad you enjoyed it. :)
Date: January 29, 2009 04:07 pm Title: Kenosha (For the Unemployed and Underpaid)
Yay! I get two chapters! Did they give you drugs to make you an updating machine?
Seeing what Jim was going through in the last chapter was well done, how hard he was working to get ahead, in all regards. I'm glad Pam got to see it, because Jim would've never wanted to burden her with that. I also appreciated the decision that Pam eventually came to. Her point about just wanting to be married to him, that the wedding wasn't what mattered. And yay for Pam also coming to the decision about her dress. It's good to see the two o them alternating stressors like this.
And yes, this game night chapter was such good fun, on almost every level. When I first opened up that playlist, I was amused at the randomness of it and heh, when we got to the karaoke, I got it.
I'm glad Jim finally broke free from the job and that he can now go towards teaching. The relief is palpable here.
I loved the renaissance fair scene, with Dwight and Jim betting and them having a little couples date in a way.
The gaming was great, Pam objecting to all games that she couldn't definitely win. The Holly/Michael interactions were hilarious and spot-on and having everyone observe their interactions was great. Really the whole game night was done so joyfully and it left me grinning the entire time, even down to when Jim and Pam both piped up that it wasn't Tom Petty. I kinda just loved that because it goes back to Jim music educating Pam in the first story. I love reminders of that.
I really enjoyed in general in the last two chapters your bringing in of familiar characters (Michael, Holly, and Phyllis). They slipped in nicely and warmed the story. It also reflected a kind of maturing, not just showing friends from HS or college, but now we have our work friends and couple-y friends.
Altogether, I really enjoyed these last two chapters. I don't mind the angst at all, because there are ups and downs for all couples and I think you handle them really well. I like seeing them get through the hard times just as much as I enjoy seeing them just having a good time together. That picture they used for their engagement picture really does reflect exactly who they are as a couple, which is probably why I had no trouble picturing it.
As always, I look forward to more.
Author's Response: I'm not going to lie, the doctors totally gave me drugs and I so thought it was a good idea to take a couple of those magical little babies before penning these last three chapters. If any of them made you feel like you were on a weird acid trip (like watching Happy Feet while taking said drugs), I would not be surprised. Kind of scared for myself, but not surprised. Ha-ha.
That last playlist was oh-so random, wasn't it? When I posted it, I was thinking to myself, "How random." Drugs. I blame it on the drugs. And I will use that excuse until at least the end of the story if any other crazy storylines develop that people are too happy with. (Drugs. It was the drugs.) And by drugs, I mean totally legal anti-biotics perscribed by a physician out of Chicago, IL. Just thought I would throw that in there in case anybody tries to come after me. Just FYI.
I'm glad you enjoyed the introduction of some new characters. Pam and Jim are so maturing with there new couple friends, a sort of blending the old with the new. And don't worry, we have not seen the last of Kelly!
And the engagement picture- ah! If I were a bit better with Photoshop, I would have had some nice little eye candy for you. But alas, like Pam, graphic design and I don't mesh very well together. But if you know of anyone who would like to volunteer, I am all ears. :P
Date: January 29, 2009 04:06 pm Title: Dinner at Eight in the Suburbs
Great chapter!!!!
I'm enjoying this story so much. I can't express how appreciative I am for THREE updates in two days.
I love the ways you've expanded on Jim and Pam's characters beyond what we see for 20 minutes every week.
Please keep up the good work!!
Author's Response: Thank you, I'm glad that you are enjoying this AU Jim and Pam and that you appreciate the updates. Doctor-ordered bed rest has turned me into a machine. I just hope the drugs and antibiotics don't turn this story turn into one weird acid trip... Heh. :)
Date: January 29, 2009 01:05 pm Title: A Clear-headed Concern for the Welfare of Others
those pancakes are making me hungry.
IHOP, anyone? (:
Author's Response: I could totally go for some IHOP right now. (Are you a socialist? Ha-ha.) Let's go!
Date: January 29, 2009 12:57 pm Title: Six Days, Many Sleepless Nights
awww, angst.
but still goooood (:
Date: January 29, 2009 05:04 am Title: A Clear-headed Concern for the Welfare of Others
ah happiness. So much easier to swallow than angst. Great job. And Michael! He never can change, can he? haha
Author's Response: Yes, much more happiness to come in the next chapter. And all I can say is- oh, Michael.
10 [Report This]Date: January 29, 2009 01:16 am Title: A Clear-headed Concern for the Welfare of Others
Late to review here, suffice to say I'm loving it! Its a refreshing change to see that life for the nearly-weds isn't all wine and roses. Great characterisation of everyone - there's something so familiar but different about them all! Great work, looking forward to the next updates.
Author's Response: Thank you so much for reviewing. I'm glad you enjoy this particular glance at Jim and Pam as they adjust to living together. Not only is planning a wedding very stressful, but being so far from their family and friends while they work through all of these changes has to be hard for them, too. I promise things will get better. :)
Date: January 28, 2009 11:55 pm Title: A Clear-headed Concern for the Welfare of Others
Ooh, bonus gift! Hope you're doing better, in regards to your surprise health issue.
I was glad you put these two up together. I like Pam and Jim's little problem here, which is why I enjoyed this chapter more than the last one. Keep up the good work. =)
Author's Response: Thanks for the kind wishes- I'm actually stuck in bed today, which gives me more time than ever to write. Woot-woot. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, I know the last one was kind of bezerk, as that's kind of how my mind was during its conception. Ha-ha.
Date: January 28, 2009 11:06 pm Title: A Clear-headed Concern for the Welfare of Others
Poor Jim, having to work with Michael. Update soon! :D
Author's Response: Poor Jim is so stressed, having to baby-sit Michael at work. Oy! Thanks for the review. :)
8 [Report This]Date: January 28, 2009 09:10 pm Title: Dinner at Eight in the Suburbs
The messiness of Jim and Pam's apartment reminds me of what my apartment used to look like when my sister lived with me. And what her and her boyfriend's place looks like now. Lol.
10 [Report This]Date: January 28, 2009 07:58 pm Title: Six Days, Many Sleepless Nights
Once again, I've been bad at reviewing but I got a snow day today so I have the time to let you know that I've been reading this and have been loving every second of it. I really love this realistic portrayal into their life together; the arguments, the worry about money and paying for the wedding, Pam's small annoyances.. it just all rings so true.. I love that.
I gotta say, I really loved Norm too (he's not Oliver, dammit) and me being a huge cat person, I kind of cried when Abby came to retrieve him. I think I would have been just as sad as Pam was.
Anyway, I love this and it's just been all I hoped it was.. I'm anxiously awaiting to read more and I can't wait to see what else you have in store for old Jim and Pam. :)
Author's Response: Yay for snow days! I have family and friends who live in Dallas, Texas, and classes have been cancelled practically the whole week. I understand that even in 33 degree weather, the city is not prepared to handle icy roads because they don't have salt trucks, but hello! Where is my snow day when it's -12 degrees in Chicago? This is all I'm saying. School shouldn't start until at least March. I should petition for that.
I'm so glad that you have been enjoying this story, and it was so sad saying goodbye to Norm! In a way, he brought Pam and Jim together when everything else around them was stressing them out, and yes- Norm may have caused an equal amount of stress for them, too- but at least they got to work through something together. I think they'll be able to learn from that experience. :)
Thank you so much for the review, and for sticking with me through this story.
10 [Report This]Date: January 28, 2009 07:05 pm Title: Six Days, Many Sleepless Nights
I just love this fic. I think the problems they are experiencing are so realistic. I just love it. I hope they get another pet to replace Norman!
Author's Response: I think Pam will definitely be arguing her case for another pet in the Beesly-Halpert household. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thank you for reviewing!
Date: January 28, 2009 06:21 pm Title: Six Days, Many Sleepless Nights
Oh, poor girl. Sorry you had to deal with a health issue. Hope things are resolved or at least getting there.
I certainly welcomed this chapter. I do agree that this chapter was a bit all over the place, however, it also kinda reflected where JIm and Pam are and the lack of settlement that they're going through. The sleep issue really highlighted this. I remember an old roommate who talked in her sleep, it always got worse the more stressed she got. And I can see that Pam is working this all out in her sleep, especially as she worries over JIm who won't share his own stress. Jim sleeping more, exhausted not just because of Pam, but the stress with work and the pressure of the wedding. Interesting that just as Pam is trying to get things checked off the list, Jim is the now in need of centering and reminding of what this is all for.
There were several sweet moments, especially those under the covers with Norman and Pam trying to show Jim the right way to draw. I'm so sad for the loss of Norman here, for Pam and Jim, especially in the face of nothing going right at the moment, just another blow. Maybe they can get a new cat or dog or pet of some kind?
Another excellent chapter and I really look forward to seeing what's going on with Jim that we don't know about. And again, I hope you are feeling better.
Author's Response: Thank you for the kind wishes- it was very weird going to the doctor this weekend because there are a ton of people who are going crazy over this whole "sepsis" disease that's gaining world-wide attention, and now I feel like doctors just aren't taking their patients seriously enough. "We got another guy who thinks he has sepsis when he only has a cough. Test him for everything." So yeah, it was an interesting experience to witness that, and being forced to go through a flood of paperwork, blood tests, stress tests and whatever else they felt like doing to me... CAT scan. (I'm thinking- seriously? I'm here for a stomache virus. What the hell is a CAT scan going to do?)
Anyhoo, thank you so much for the review, and once again I apologize for this chapter being a bit bezerk- it's just where my head was at when I wrote it, I guess. Such a wild and crazy couple of days. I like to think that although Jim and Pam are both stressed in their own ways, Norman was able to bring them together, and although he tired them out just as much as anything, he showed Jim and Pam that they can still work through things as a team.
I was hoping the sleep issue would ring true for many people, as unfortunately I am the kung-fu wizard in my sleep. My husband is always waking up with a brand new bruise that I try to blame on the dog. It's horrible. But I'm thinking it could be worse. At least I don't snore.
I know for certain that Pam will be making a case for them to bring another pet into the Beesly-Halpert family. Norman just meant so much to her, even if he was only in their family for a couple of days. Not only did he bring Jim and Pam together in peculiar ways, but he served as her little protector when Jim wasn't around. That's hard to let go of. :(
Thank you so much for the review, as always, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapter!
Date: January 28, 2009 05:58 pm Title: Six Days, Many Sleepless Nights
It's so geeky how excited I get when a new chapter is posted.
Well, I'm loving this. You're being so realistic about domestic life for Jim and Pam - it's hard! I really appreciate that they're not all blissed out but also not yelling and breaking up. It's an adjustment.
I also really love Jim's stress with his job. I'm a journalist and it really can be a crazy, stressful experience. I can't wait to see what's going on (I have an idea, but in case I'm right, I won't spoil it for anyone else). More soon, please!
Author's Response: I'm so happy to hear that you're still enjoying the story. I'm glad you're enjoying a slightly different glimpse at the lives of Jim and Pam, as they try to get adjusted to living together while struggling through the stress of the early beginnings of their career. It's just so much at once for those two, and it's taking them awhile to learn that tackling things as a team would make things slightly easier at home. I'm glad you can relate to Jim's life as a journalist, although I'm sorry you have to deal with all that stress.
Next chapter features Jim in the journalism room, so you'll have to let me know how realistic the whole situation comes off as- it was all hopeful assumptions, and based off what I've seen in movies, like Michael Keaton in "The Paper", or "All the President's Men"... and that one show on MTV about the school newspaper. (What? I didn't watch that.)
Date: January 26, 2009 08:57 pm Title: Slightly More Domesticated, A Little More Crazy
Oh man, I totally wanted them to name the cat Waldo so if they lost the cat or couldn't find it they could walk around asking "Where'd Waldo?"
In other words - good chapter:) Glad Pam's coming around to good old Kenosha. And The Halpert Lounge sounds pretty darn good!
Author's Response: Aw man, now you have me thinking that I totally should have named the cat Waldo. Too perfect!
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Side conversation- "Seriously, Pam. Kenosha isn't all that bad! Stop hatin'."
Date: January 26, 2009 08:49 pm Title: Revolutionary Tea (The Chicago Tea Party Song)
I'm resisting the urge to write like a ten mile long review again and limiting myself to two things: dress 2 is way better for Pam than dress 1 and Poor Jim! Pam needs to get thinkin', girl!
Date: January 26, 2009 08:42 pm Title: Diving a Dumpster
The whole IKEA talk made me think of this IKEA commerical that makes me laugh EVERY time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeyEXt7-0jU
And if you ever invent that opposite Microwave - sign me up! I totally agree with Jim, ice just waters it down. Poor Jim and all his stress. I think Pam should do something nice for him. Plus I wanna see what Jim's side of the story is, I'm sure there are things that bug him about Pam. I'm glad to see more of this :) I'm lovin' it.
Author's Response: Oh, you so made my day with that commercial. "It's just a lamp!" Thank you for the day brightener. Yes, I just said day brightener. I'm pretty sure it's not a word. But we should begin using it like crazy. Tell all of your friends. Send Facebook Flair: "Here is your day brightener. Enjoy." They should bottle it and sell it. Like Windex.
Date: January 26, 2009 08:32 pm Title: Dinner at Eight in the Suburbs
Since real life has left me behind in this story and there are so many awesome things about this chapter I'll pick three things to comment on:
a) Being a Wisconsin girl myself, I love that that's what you've chosen as a setting.
b) Picking up groceries when you're hungry? Worst idea ever.
c) Nada Surf= awesome.
And the idea of DIY Jim in next chapter (which I will shortly begin reading) is just too much to handle right now! Great beginning!
Date: January 26, 2009 01:43 pm Title: Slightly More Domesticated, A Little More Crazy
A CAT!
this has been my ultimate dream for jim and pam (actually a dog, but a cat is the next best thing), after getting married and having kids.
this chapter absolutely delighted me.
Author's Response: yay- I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! The thought of Jim with a cat in his arms makes me die a little inside. Too frakkin adorable.