Date: November 15, 2011 07:25 am Title: You're three thousand miles from the place you once called home
Soooo glad your back! This is, of course, Awesome! Please (pretty please) continue this one!
Author's Response: YAAAAAAAAY you're my 200th review. and I'm glad to tell you that I am already writing the next part. Thank you for sticking with me on this, I know I take forever xx
9 [Report This]Date: November 13, 2011 09:33 pm Title: You're three thousand miles from the place you once called home
I love this series. It's a nice twist on the original setup of the show. And it's very true to Jim and Pam. It seems like you've been writing it for a while based on the notes. Had you chosen the name Ellie before she was an actress on the show? If so that's some eerie coincidence :) Keep writing 'cause it's really great :D
Author's Response: LOL! I have been writing this for a while, I really need to work on how long it takes me to update each chapter. I started this without really thinking about the name Ellie, I just thought Jim would pick something cute for his little girl. I'm glad you think it's true to their characters, because even though it's an AU, that's something I wanted to make sure I got right. Thank you for reviewing. I'm writing right now :)
10 [Report This]Date: November 12, 2011 10:36 am Title: Patience, Grasshopper.
So Sally... how in the world is it that a weiter as brilliant and talented as you are is not writing like, TONS? I mean really, your mind is fantastic at working this stuff out. We the people demand more!
I just loved how sweet it is that Pam simply sat and listened and let Jim talk out his relationship with Chloe. What I also like about this is that all the cards are on the table in the beginning. Not that there is anything he would or should hide but sometimes going through something like that, the person will just not want to share about it. Meanwhile it's clear to the other person that there is something big on his mind so she starts filling in the blanks herself. Maybe she would have decided in her mind that he still is in love with Chloe and wants her to come back. ANyhow, it's just so great that everything is just out there.
I really adore how Ellie takes to Pam so completely right away. It's just another thing that should show them it's meant to be. Here is his normally shy daughter + his friend at that point, who professes to not be any good with kids and they just seem like they are drawn to each other like magnet in the same way that Jim and Pam are. It must just be that the Halpert Beesly chemistry is that strong it even extends to offspring. Seriously, it's sweet how the first night Pam is over she gets introduced to Jim's daughter in a completely unplanned way and they just never seem to look back from there.
I love love LOVE how Jim takes so much pride in the way he dresses his daughter, I have seen dads raising girls and the poor things grow up looking a bit like ragamuffins. I was dying over how adorable the watermellon dress/outfit was. (Oh and also the lion costume.) I could actually picture either one of the cuties (the one in the lion costume pictured on the webpage or the one that is a snapshot of a little girl in the watermelon outfit and sunglasses) as being Ellie. It really made me smile because you have him dressing her exactly the way I dressed my kids, especially my youngest. I ADORED Gymboree for her because of all the accessories I could get with the clothes. (My friends liked to give me a hard time about E being the accessories princess and me the queen! I'd STILL dress her like that but at 11 and in middle school the darn kid has her own thoughts! UGH!)
Anyhow... It's just sweet and wonderful how you have the relationship flow. It's clear early on that these two click and are just destined for each other but we go from the night at his house, she meets Ellie kinda briefly and gets to help put her to bed (was that THAT night or a different one? I think it was that one.) Then the wonderful day at the park. So sweet that Pam would choose to spend her day with a single dad and his daughter in the park. I love how Jim keeps picking up on Pam's maternal instincts even as Pam continues to say how she isn't good with kids. It's also so so sweet how Jim just can't stand it any time he senses Pam is uncomfortable or ill at ease. He has this deep need to make things better, make her smile. It's just great how they each stay so aware that Ellie is there and as much as desire starts overtaking them at different times, and it's clear they very much want each other, they want it to be where they are alone, it is special and I sense they would never want it to be where either felt in any way annoyed at the baby because she interrupted. It's great how these two share what they are feeling and it's so obvious very quickly that yeah, this is love. I think it's clear even to them much sooner than they are willing to admit. Oh I LOLd at Pam when Jim answered the door when they were going to the park and she asked if she had missed his memo about the shirtless theme! That was great!
So I love how you have them decide on a night for themselves and really I wasn't sure at first how I felt about it being that night after the birthday party but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. At first my hesitance was Jim having the party and then sending his little girl who he adores, to his parents for the rest of the day on her birthday. I just wasn't sure if devoted daddy Jim would spend part of Ellie's first birthday without her. Then I looked at it again and realized, she was going there probably about bedtime. He had spent literally every minute possible of the last year with her. He had alreasy put his relationship with Pam on hold some and Pam had even helped, in big ways, with Ellie's birthday and her party. I decided that after all the time that Jim has devoted to Ellie and then Jim and Pam as friends and as a couple have spent all their time with her at least there, even if she's sleeping, I liked the idea of them ending the day in an adult way. It's also, a day that a year ago marked the beginning to a wonderful, crazy, very tumultuous chapter in Jim's life. Fast forward to a year later and Jim is once more starting a new chapter on that same date and this one will hopefully bring him nothing but joy. (Not that Ellie has brought him anything but joy. I'm more talking about the Chloe leaving element and even fining out his daughter's disability and then moving so far...) New year, new chapter.
So... Jim's brother's are the same idiots we got on the show. I can see where those two would feed off of each other and become just totally juvenile in each other's presence. I was so sad when Pam felt like maybe she wanted to leave because of his brothers but I certainly understood how she was feeling. I'm glad that Pam at least had Jim's sister to bond with. I have always pictured that in the scenerio that appears to be what the show puts forth, Jim has two brothers and a sister (though I always wondered just why it would be that Jim's sister wouldn't have been one of Pam's bridesmaids at the wedding) I just have always seen Jim as having a close relationship with his sister. You do bring out far more human sides to the brothers, Pete sending the towel with the note and something Tom said to him early on but also Tom coming in at the birthday party and taking Ellie right out of Jim's arms. LOVED where Jim used his cellphone as a pretend mic. and said about Ellie rocking an outfit from Gymboree's spring/summer line. So cute and shows the brothers really do care for each other. So cute how Jim is so obviously nervous to send Ellie off for an overnight with grandma. Turns out it's a very good thing he did!!! (OH Jim! Why oh why did you have to eat that stuff?!?!)
So, the newest chapter was NOT what I was expecting, not at all, but was very much NOT a disappointment. We learn a lot more about people when things don't go as planned than we do with them being able to make plans. It's nice to see how they adjust and adapt. I was feeling so awful for poor Jim. Just wanting a wonderful romantic night, a child free time to pay attention and finally make love to Pam as I imagine he has now dreamed quite a bit and well, even the best of plans go astray. I did know from the moment it became apparent that Jim was sick, there was no way Pam was going to leave him. You wrote this chapter just so SO well. Love her coming after him quickly, knocking on the door and asking if he's okay. When he can't answer her letting him know she's coming in and doing it. The whole scene of Jim being sick becomes a lot more soothing when Pm is with him, letting him know she is there by rubbing his back, wetting a washcloth for his neck, getting his pjs and then despite the fact that it would have been easy for her to say, he's sick, get him settled and leave, I sense that even with him sick, maybe especially with him sick, there is just no other place Pam would want to be. She's there for him in the night, getting up when he is sick again... it's all just so wonderful. I sense that this has cemented their relationship even tighter than making love would have and besides, they know, and we know, that WILL happen soon. (Soon, right? RIGHT?) This showed Jim that Pam isn't just around for fun and the good times. First she stuck around after enduring feeling a bit humiliated by Jim's brothers and then after their evening plans were canceled by his illness, she stuck around to take care of him. On top of all of that, she got up the next day, letting him sleep,and took care of his daughter when she got home. I think all of this probably made Jim fall so much harder for Pam and cemented in his mind that yes, she is THE one! IT for him! The girl he's supposed to be with and all of this is without the benefit of having even started a physical relationship.
You left us in such a sweet place (PLEASE, I beg you PLEASE don't leave us for long this time... seriously... begging... on my knees...) with the three of them snuggling sweetly on the couch. It was just such a nice content feeling.
I can't help but wonder about the future. Since obviously SOMEONE is going to tell Chloe that Jim and Ellie are living in Scranton, and the history of their relationship according to what he told Pam is on again off again, I can't help but wondering if she is going to pop up in Scranton having decided that she wants Jim back. I'm sure it wouldn't have occured to her that he could have someone new, someone who he loves very much. I just wonder. Seems to clean for her to never come around. Never wonder about her and Jim getting back together or wonder about Chloe. Then again, if Pam and Jim get together like I'm sure they will, I would think they would both want Pam to adopt Ellie and really be her mom. In that case, I wonder how Chloe comes into play. Just things I can't help but wonder and think about.
You are doing an AMAZING job with this. I love the way your mind works and how this story shows things about you as a person. I couldn't help but think that I now picture you as making cakes and frosting from scratch. Cutting cakes to makes things from them like the 1 for Ellie's first birthday. I've cut ones to make two bunnies for my oldest daughter's 5th birthday and then much hardr made an elephant by cutting for her 6th. I also see you as that mom, like me that likes the matching stuff head to toe. I can just see that you are very creative and I'm glad you're sharing that with us in your story. OH... how brilliant sharing the signs with us. I LOVE that Pam is so interested but I love more that you are teaching us. I find myself trying motions as you describe them in the story. Thanks for that.
Amazing, really amazing. I can't wait for more!
Author's Response: Your reviews are so awesome, I can't even begin to tell you how much everything you said means to me. I'm not a very confident writer at ALL, hence why it takes me so long to update,so to know people enjoy and appreciate something I have fretted so much about is amazing. I'm really going to try and write faster, as the more I write the better I'll get.
What you said about Jim not wanting to leave Ellie on her birthday was something I had thought long and hard about, and like you said, it was bedtime, so she was going to sleep anyway, BUT I thought it sort of symbolic that he was beginning this next year to Ellie's life, completely differently to how he thought he would, you know?
Writing now <3
10 [Report This]Date: November 11, 2011 11:46 pm Title: Patience, Grasshopper.
So happy to see another chapter of this. I don't even watch new episodes of The Office anymore, but that doesn't stop me from reading and enjoying the really good stuff still being written on this site, and this story is one of my favorites. I will gladly wait however long it might take you between updates, because this is really good stuff.
This might not have been the original plan for this chapter, but I think what you did worked even better as far as establishing their relationship. Very well done, as always.
Author's Response: MayorHaggar , thank you SO much. I cannot express just how much I appreciate people taking the time to leave reviews like these. I was really worried about this chapter, because it wasn't what I had originally planned, but I'd like to think other people saw what you did, and what I was trying to do. That as hot as smut would have been, they are more than that and they have that beautiful desire to just be together. It doesn't matter that Jim is sick, Pam just wants to be there with him, taking care of him =) Thanks again, I'm already working on the next part :)
10 [Report This]Date: November 11, 2011 06:06 pm Title: You Complete Me.
Wow. I never thought I'd enjoy an AU fic quite as much as I'm enjoying this. How you have Jim interacting with Ellie is seriously beautiful. I'm catching up with this story slowly, but I try and avoid WIP as much as I can, as I get really frustrated when something isn't finished. I don't think I'll be able to do that with this story. So please keep writing.
Author's Response: Aww thank you. It's always nice to hear about people who don't usually enjoy AU's liking something you've written. I hope to be able to update this more often, and I really hope I don't disappoint.
10 [Report This]Date: November 11, 2011 03:46 pm Title: The Telling Of The Tale.
I/ve read this before, several times in fact and I just want to say how sorry I am that I've never reviewed before. I see you posted a new chapter today and I am seriously SOOOO excited about that! I'm making myself re read the entire thing from the beginning and leave some reviews before I read the new chapter. I'm going to leave sorta mini reviews every few chapters (mini compared to the reviews I tend to leave :::embarassed look:::) so I don't take up a crazy amount of space and then after I read the current chapter I'll leave a longer one.
Soooo I LOVE first off the way the story starts out. I like how rather than starting with all the backstory, you dive right in with him getting ready for work his first day at Dunder Mifflin and gradually pepper the backstory of why he is a single dad, him moving home from CA to be near his parents, Ellie'e hearing problems, all off that is just peppered in here and there through the chapters so we learn little bits at a time rather than getting bogged down with it all at once. I like how you use the early chapters to establish Jim to be the kind of dad and man that I always have thought him to be. His dedication to his daughter is so true to the character of Jim Halpert and that and the fact that he is both torn to leave her when he goes to work, and also looks so forward to his routines with her in the evening and his time with her on the weekend is just endearing.
I'm glad that as he was there longer you showed him beginning to also look forward to his time at work and seeing Pam because I think as an unattached single man, no matter how dedicated he is to his daughter, he is going to beging craving the company of other adults, especially females.
His mom and his relationship with her is so very true to how I have always pictured her and their relationship. I LOVE her coming in the house and going straight for the baby and equally love Jim's smart alec quip to her. It's sweet how you can see just how much she cares about and loves her son and grandaughter both in her inquiries about Chloe and her inquiries about Pam. I understand her concern about Ellie knowing her mom but I understand evn more Jim not wanting Ellie to ever know her mom didn't want her (though I have a feeling that she's going to end up with a mom that is going to want her so much you'd never know she didn't give birth to her) and I'm sure the pain of her abondoning him to become a single dad.
I like that the connections Jim makes right away in the office are Toby and Pam because that's who I've always thought Jim would be the most friendly with. (Well, before Toby became creepy anyhow.) I was sad for Pam when she and Toby asked Jim to go for a drink and she was obviously disappointed when he turned them down and I'm sure the feelings got worse when Toby inquired about if Jim had a date and Jim answered yeah, something like that. I would think that you combine that vague answer with Pam taking a message from a DRs office about an Ellie Halpert and it's understandable what Pam's mindset is when Jim comes into the office Monday morning. It's sad that he had been looking forward to seeing her only to get the cold shoulder but he has to understand when you only give people certain pieces to a puzzle, they can only put together what they have and are left to decide for themselves what it looks like it is.
I liked the more forward, more brave Pam that you gave us at Cuginos when they had lunch. I equally enjoy this Jim who when Pam is so obviously upset, first he thinks it can't be at him and his thoughts are just wanting to know what is wrong and he wants to cheer her up but then when it becomes cleer he is the one she's upset at, rather than being non confrontational Jim, he insists that she tell him what's wrong. SO sweet that in order to difuse the tension he brings out a picture to share with her.
The picture reminds me, you are so wonderfully descriptive with your story. You paint a picture for us so we can see the scene playing out or the picture he showed Pam, without weighing the story down with too many details. I've read stories where they just don't seem to find the balance that appears to come so naturally to you here. There is enough description that in say, the bath scene, that I can clearly picture Jim pretending to much on the bubbles and playing with diver dan with her (what a sweet thought. His mom saving his beloved toy for his child) but there aren't so many details that it bores me.
It's perfect that rather than Jim giving Pam a bit of a half explaination or something rushed that may leave her uneasy, he simply implores with her to have lunch with him promising to explain everything then. I like that rather than having Pam continue to be hurt by all this or hold a grudge, she agrees and then she is in fact the first one to bring it up at lunch. It's just wonderful that there is already enough trust and enough friendship there that Jim not only feels safe sharing the story with Pam, he seems that he actually wants to.
I guess this is isn't quite as short as I meant is to be, sorry. If it's a bit scattered that's because I've had a couple of days of some pretty horrible headaches.
You have a lot of talent, it's a shame you don't write more. I really cannot wait to learn more about this Jim and Pam (SOOOO glad that Roy wasn't present in THIS story!!) and see how things develop. I have a feeling we'll learn that it's actually fate that forced Jim back to Scranton because duh, he needed to meet Pam, the ONLY woman who is truly right for him. (That is, of course, IMO!) Thank you SO much Sally for sharing this story with us. It's unique and I love how well that you, while adding strength to the characters, you also keep them very true to the characters of Jim and Pam, just in a bit of a different dynamic. Thank you for sharing this with us. I cannot wait to read more. (I think I'll probably wait to review again until I read the newest chapter since I can't seem to stop myself from the silly long reviews!!!! EEaakk... sorry!)
Author's Response: Firstly, NEVER apologise for writing long reviews. I cannot tell you how much we appreciate them, you have quite literally made my day. I have honestly been hoping you'd review my story at some point. I'm so happy you like this, and I really hope I don't disappoint you with what's to come :)
Date: November 11, 2011 01:42 pm Title: You're three thousand miles from the place you once called home
Well that certainly didn't turn out as expected :D Lovely nonetheless. How wonderful for someone who is used to doing everything alone to have someone to take care of him <3 More! Don't keep us waiting, lady! ::cracks whip::
Author's Response: I hope it wasn't a disappointment. I had a whole smutty chapter written out, but I thought this worked better (for now, don't worry, there will be nakedness LOL) But like you said, for Jim to have someone looking after him for once, and her doing it so naturally.... this once, I thought cute over ruled smut (I never thought I'd say that LOL)
10 [Report This]Date: November 11, 2011 01:18 pm Title: Patience, Grasshopper.
I love this even more the second time through! I love how caring Pam is and how well she takes care of Ellie, and how well she takes care of Jim, modestly shy but still very much wanting to be there for him. The image at the end of them all snuggling together makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I love it so much. Get used to my nudging you for the next chapter of this! Get to writing!
Author's Response: Thank you so much babes, you really are such an inspiration to me when it comes to writing. Glad you enjoyed it.
Date: November 11, 2011 12:50 pm Title: Patience, Grasshopper.
I was so excited to see an update of this! It wasn't what I expected, given where you had left off, but I loved it! Pam taking care of Jim (and later Ellie) was so sweet, and I loved the cuddling at the end. Very nicely done. I love this story :)
Author's Response: Mwahahaha that was my plan. I wanted the smut to happen, but I actually thought this was much cuter (for now ;)) with Jim being looked after by Pam, and for it to feel so natural to the two of them, you know?
The title of this is for both you guys and Pam ;) It's a comin'. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing <3
10 [Report This]Date: November 08, 2011 11:57 am Title: You're three thousand miles from the place you once called home
*nudge*
*nudge* *nudge* *nudge*
Author's Response: I'm SO lame, BUT guess what? It's almost done. It's with my beta and should be done this week. I said that before, but I mean it this time LOL. Ellie misses you guys <3
10 [Report This]Date: November 05, 2011 07:35 pm Title: You're three thousand miles from the place you once called home
This is already so enjoyable to read. Jim as a daddy always weakens me at the knees. I want to know all about this little girl and his life before he moved back to Scranton.
Author's Response: That is so nice. Thank you. Hope you are catching up x
10 [Report This]Date: September 28, 2011 03:28 pm Title: You're three thousand miles from the place you once called home
Eek! can't wait for the next one! :)
Author's Response: Thanks chick.I had writers block for a while, but it's almost done YAY
Date: August 13, 2011 09:32 pm Title: Par-tay in da house!
I was just introduced to this story (through your review of Acquisition), and read through the whole thing. Really, really good stuff. Very unique and fun, and I can't wait to read more.
Here's a quick question: in the little AU you've created, were Pam and Roy ever actually engaged?
Author's Response: Aww thank you so much. I'm working on the next part now. I'm not as speedy as some of the great authors on here lol. In my AU, she was engaged to Roy, but broke up with him much sooner than she did on the show. I wanted to try and show how Fancy New Beesly was always in there, she just needed the chance tobe on her own for a bit. Which is why my pam is a little more forward and confident than the Pam on the show :)
10 [Report This]Date: July 14, 2011 11:11 am Title: You're three thousand miles from the place you once called home
Cleearly such an awesome story. I'm loving it. I love how sweet Pam is portrayed to be. Can't wait for the next update. xxx
Author's Response: Thanks so much <3
Date: July 11, 2011 09:33 pm Title: You're three thousand miles from the place you once called home
Hi. It's me. You know, the nag who CONSTANTLY annoys you and wants to know when she can read more about single dad Jim, his awesome little girl Ellie, and thier good friend Pam.
I was just wondering....
You know....
[sorry, just want you to know that I really do miss your story and cannot wait to read more]
Author's Response: You make me SO happy. I have had writers block with ONE part and it's really frustrating me, but this has just given me the push to try try trrrrry :)
Date: June 01, 2011 08:27 pm Title: Par-tay in da house!
So glad to see an update on this! I love this story and how much Ellie is bonding with Pam. Can't wait for the smutty goodness next :)
Author's Response: Thank you so much. I promise I wont make you last a year this time :)
10 [Report This]Date: May 31, 2011 06:05 am Title: Par-tay in da house!
I'm slightly concerned. It's almost the start of June and we still have no idea how Jim and Pam's after party is moving along... Did they go to dinner? Just stay at the house and enjoy each others company? What is going on?!?
I really hope you don't fall off the most recents page...
Author's Response: I just got back from vacation, so I took a little break from writing, butthye definitely had a nice stay at home date ;) which may have included dinner and smut ;)
Date: May 12, 2011 07:11 am Title: Par-tay in da house!
Hey Sally, it's been forever since I've read this story, so I took some time this morning to reread the entire thing. There's such a sweetness in how you portray Jim with his little girl that always gets me. He's such a wonderful dad to her and the fact that she has a disability makes it all the more heartbreakingly so.
The idea of the birthday party was adorable. I'm glad it was such a big thing for them to celebrate his daughter. Love that.
I loved this chapter and how you had Pam come right into Jim's family. Jim's brothers are still douchebags but I'm glad that Pam got along with his parents. She does seem to be fitting into the picture quite nicely :)
Can't wait to see where you go with this. Mmmm...smut ;)
10 [Report This]Date: May 07, 2011 05:21 pm Title: Par-tay in da house!
Have I seriously not reviewed this, like for serious? I guess I was just patiently awaiting the smut. ;)
Oldleaf likes. Oldleaf likes a lot.
Author's Response: Smut is coming. I thought this chapter was already long enough, but it's coming, TRUST :) Thanks for being an awesome beta <3
10 [Report This]Date: May 06, 2011 05:05 pm Title: You're three thousand miles from the place you once called home
Commenting! I haven't been on here is ages, but something told me I should come on. And, what do I find? This! So worth the wait. This story is just so sweet, and I can not wait to read the steam in next chapter! Keep up being so awesome, lady! xo, S
Author's Response: Thank you so much for commenting, especially as you don't sign on very often, This means a lot. The steam is a coming :)
10 [Report This]Date: May 06, 2011 05:50 am Title: Par-tay in da house!
OMG, I'm so happy that you're updating this story! This is one of the first stories I ever read at this site and I was DYING to know what happens next! The party was so cute; I love how Pam feels nervous and a little awkward around Jim's family but she feels right at home with him and Ellie. I adore Jim's interaction with his daughter. SO sweet. I can't wait for more. Please don't make me wait a year! :)
Author's Response: It makes me so excited to know that after alll this time, you're still following and enjoying the story. Thank you so much, it means a lot. I'm already almost done with the next part :)
10 [Report This]Date: May 03, 2011 10:32 am Title: Par-tay in da house!
I was really happy to see a new chapter of this story up. I can't wait to read the next chapter!
Author's Response: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much, that aftersuch a long break, people still want to read this!!!
Date: May 03, 2011 09:51 am Title: Par-tay in da house!
I love love LOVE this story and i'm so glad you started it again! please keep going with it, it's such a great story not to. :)
Author's Response: I'm definitely going to continue, I'm already almost done with the next part. Thank you for taking the tiime to read and let me know what you think. It meansos much!
10 [Report This]Date: May 03, 2011 08:53 am Title: Par-tay in da house!
Yay! One of my favorites gets an update! Good day! I really like how you worked in Pam's art and Tom and Pete's joke about her art and had Jim defend her. And I really like how Ellie has taken to Pam and crawled all the way over to her all excited. I'm looking forward to the next chapter :-)
Author's Response: Coming from you, you don't know how excited that makes me feel. You're one of my all time favourite authors, so for you to come and reviewone of my stories, and say you like it.... I'm grinning so wide right now. Thank you.
Date: May 03, 2011 06:50 am Title: Par-tay in da house!
OMG!!!! I can't believe it! Sally, I'm so glad you continued this. I've missed it! I can't believe it's been that long. Jim's interactions with Ellie are so precious. This party had better continue soon, lady!
Author's Response: I look forward to your reviews SO much, and as always, you're so lovely and encouraging. So, thank you for sticking by this story after such a long break.