Summary: An alternate universe that sees Pam turning over a new leaf at a private art school in Chicago, Ill. In this world, Dunder Mifflin doesn't exist, although a few of its characters are guaranteed to pop up here and there. On her first day, Pam meets Jim, a cute, affable, and somewhat geeky Journalism major who introduces her to indie rock, old movies, pop culture and a whole new world.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Alternate Universe
Characters: Andy, Angela, Dwight, Jim, Kelly, Pam, Ryan
Genres: Angst, Drunk Pam/Jim, Humor, Romance
Warnings: Adult language, Explicit sexual content
Series: Indie Rock & Keds
Chapters: 25 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes
Word count: 105532 Read Count: 138870 ePub Downloads: 63
Penname: albie_ Real name: Ali
Member Since: March 16, 2007
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Reviews by albie_
[Report This] Published: December 10, 2008 Updated: January 13, 2009
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: December 14, 2008 Title: Chapter 10: Home is Where You Hang Yourself
Date: December 14, 2008 Title: Chapter 10: Home is Where You Hang Yourself
There's no another word but "adorable" for that chapter. And I'm thoroughly amused by the ending. It was both sweet and the equivalent of passing a note in class, "Do you like me? Circle yes or no". I'm glad Pam circled Yes :)
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: December 16, 2008 Title: Chapter 12: Big Jumps
Date: December 16, 2008 Title: Chapter 12: Big Jumps
I really enjoyed the last two chapters. It was very amusing to see Pam and Jim try to communicate with Pam miming her way through the night. It showed more of their connection how they could speak through expressions. And it was rather sweet how Jim took care of Pam and indulged her insistence to make sure they were together at midnight. I also liked this chapter and that's not just because I kinda adore a drunk Pam. I do appreciate how the two of them really speak so openly together and I agree with Jim's perspective on soulmates. Sometimes, the way people paste on that "soulmate" label really dilutes what real love and real relationships are, IMO. Pam and Jim's confession to each other was nicely done and I look forward to them being in the same vicinity again.
Author's Response: Thanks for the wonderful review. I thought it would be sweet to show how much Jim really cared for Pam and how attentive he is in their relationship. Drunk Pam is so much fun! (Whooo!) Pam knocked up on antibiotics is even better. Haha. :P I can\'t wait to move onto the next chapter where those two will finally be together. I\'ve always been iffy on the whole soul mate thing, but I\'m also siding towards your (and Jim\'s-hehe) point of view.
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: December 17, 2008 Title: Chapter 13: Break the Ice
Date: December 17, 2008 Title: Chapter 13: Break the Ice
Aw, you did a great job! Icould not tell you were a virgin smut writer, no worries.Honestly the emotion that built in this chapter towards that scene really helped make that scene (and that Greg Laswell song really added something nice too). I loved Jim's misleading of Pam at the beginning, it was so funny, their fight in the car, and the way Jim's confession went with Neruda's poetry and Pam's reciprocating. It really was such a lovely chapter and I really like seeing their relationship develop.
Author's Response: Total virgin smut writer! Right here! So can I tell you that I am having some major heart palpatations just thinking about the next chapter. I hope I can keep up with my updates because to be honest... I have not started on it yet. It\'s up there, in that little head of mine, but I\'ve yet to let it materialize on my keyboard. Soon! I promise. I\'m glad you enjoyed the whole scavenger hunt that Jim sent Pam on. I was worried some would be like, \"Ok, what the hell? That was a waste of time,\" but I thought it expressed the fun nature of their relationship. Those two are just so goofy. Greg Laswell is love. Thanks for the review, albie. Your are always such a joy to read.
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: December 19, 2008 Title: Chapter 14: Cheer Me Up, Thank You
Date: December 19, 2008 Title: Chapter 14: Cheer Me Up, Thank You
I think what I like best about your depiction of this Pam and Jim relationship is just how...normal it is. That it's about the little things and that the little things don't need to be perfect or overly schmoopy or anything. They just are and the fit and it makes the relationship come off real and fun and so very enjoyable to read about. Your dialogue flows really well and I loved the Kelly/Angela banter in this chapter as well. I think the touch about Roy(and ha! to kelly bringing it back to When Harry met Sally again!) was also interesting and I think Pam's emotions were spot-on. I'm curious if there will be a meet up with Roy again in the future. Also curious if we will see more about Pam's relationship with her parents. Either way, obviously looking forward to more!
Author's Response: I\'m still iffy on bringing Pam\'s parents in the story (a.k.a. I\'m honestly just really nervous about writing two brand new characters so late in the story, and being lazy, haha) ... but at the same time, I think Pam has come to realize that Angela, Kelly and Jim are her little family now, which happens, I guess. You grow up, move out of your parents house, and find your own gang that takes care of you. However, I\'m still entertaining the idea. It would be interesting to see just how different Pam is from her actual family and discover what caused such a bitter separation between the two parties. And I\'m so glad you find Jim and Pam\'s relationship normal, because that\'s been my main concern throughout this entire story. I want it to be relatable, not some fluffy fairy tale that just isn\'t realistic at all. Not that those aren\'t fun to read, just that\'s not necessarily where I wanted this story to go. So, thank you! And I love writing chapters that include Kelly/Angela. I don\'t see nearly enough fanfics out there that shows Pam interacting with fun girlfriends that she\'s actually close to, so I thought I\'d try something a little different. ;)
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: December 22, 2008 Title: Chapter 15: Your Ex-Lover is Dead
Author's Response: Ah, I hate all of the unnecessary angst. I know that the Pam and Jim in this AU are a lot younger than they are on the show, but I\'m trying to bring a little more maturity into their lives. It\'s just too frustrating when a couple who is supposedly so great together has problems communicating and being honest with one another. I think that\'s one thing Pam learned from her relationship with Roy, and it\'s allowing her to be a bit more honest and aggressive in her new relationship with Jim. And, oh, Jim is just so supportive of Pam. And coming from a family who never really supported her true ambitions, she so needs someone like Jim to encourage her along. :) Thank you for another amazing review.
Date: December 22, 2008 Title: Chapter 15: Your Ex-Lover is Dead
I know he’s your first love, Pam. But you’re mine.
I loved that. I loved that he threw this right back at her after she attempted to deflect his understanding of the situation. I loved that you allowed her to talk about thsi immediately, not fester and create sitcomish, unneeded angst. You had them talk it out, shout it out, and heh, fuck it out ;) Another reason I love how you've written the relationship. And no worries about the dirtiness. We eat it up and this was a lovely snack :) I really like how you always make sure to show their connection. You continue to highlight Pam slowly becoming contented with who she is and I enjoyed how you showed how Jim is enamored with THIS Pam, current Pam, with all the faults and accepts and encourages her. That will definitely help Pam get to where she needs to. As always, looking forward to more.
Author's Response: Ah, I hate all of the unnecessary angst. I know that the Pam and Jim in this AU are a lot younger than they are on the show, but I\'m trying to bring a little more maturity into their lives. It\'s just too frustrating when a couple who is supposedly so great together has problems communicating and being honest with one another. I think that\'s one thing Pam learned from her relationship with Roy, and it\'s allowing her to be a bit more honest and aggressive in her new relationship with Jim. And, oh, Jim is just so supportive of Pam. And coming from a family who never really supported her true ambitions, she so needs someone like Jim to encourage her along. :) Thank you for another amazing review.
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: December 23, 2008 Title: Chapter 16: Obstacle 1
Author's Response: Oh, yes. Leave it up to Angela to come up with a huge list of completely unrelated questions that somehow allow her to decide if Jim is truly a good guy for Pam. I\'m glad he passed the test! He was on his toes that morning. And yes, Jim most certainly received Kelly\'s approval once she saw shirtless/toweled/recently showered Jim. ;)
I\'m not sure I ever addressed Pam\'s living/financial situation, and that\'s probably just a part of the story that I overlooked and a slight error on my part. Sorry! I can say that Pam definitely has some huge school loans to take care of after graduation. I actually went to Columbia and lived on campus- taking out a loan for both tuition and board- and now that it\'s repayment time, I\'m left wondering if that really was the best idea. So yes, she is living on loans. That poor girl. And she started working at Starbucks, A) for the basic necessities and B) because I\'m sure she has an endless list of things to do this summer with Jim. There\'s just so much to do in and around Chicago. ;) Thanks for the review!
Date: December 23, 2008 Title: Chapter 16: Obstacle 1
Hahahaha, I LOVED Angela's quiz and subsequent prerequisite haircut. I can't believe Jim actually let her do it. That whole scene played wodnerfully and I do like seeing Jim getting the approval of Pam's family. I'm assuming he was getting Kelly's when he wandered out shirtless ;) Really, such a good time.
I have one question and you may have answered this before and I just forgot. How is Pam paying her rent? Is it through school loans? I'm all for her liberation of the parents. I was just curious about that little factoid.
As always, looking forward to more!
Author's Response: Oh, yes. Leave it up to Angela to come up with a huge list of completely unrelated questions that somehow allow her to decide if Jim is truly a good guy for Pam. I\'m glad he passed the test! He was on his toes that morning. And yes, Jim most certainly received Kelly\'s approval once she saw shirtless/toweled/recently showered Jim. ;)
I\'m not sure I ever addressed Pam\'s living/financial situation, and that\'s probably just a part of the story that I overlooked and a slight error on my part. Sorry! I can say that Pam definitely has some huge school loans to take care of after graduation. I actually went to Columbia and lived on campus- taking out a loan for both tuition and board- and now that it\'s repayment time, I\'m left wondering if that really was the best idea. So yes, she is living on loans. That poor girl. And she started working at Starbucks, A) for the basic necessities and B) because I\'m sure she has an endless list of things to do this summer with Jim. There\'s just so much to do in and around Chicago. ;) Thanks for the review!
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: December 26, 2008 Title: Chapter 17: Feeling Lucky
Date: December 26, 2008 Title: Chapter 17: Feeling Lucky
I enjoyed Pam's outfit crisis in the beginning. I remember being just as obsessive. I really enjoyed how you wrote the family scenes, it was obvious that this was Jim's family without being too much, and you kept the brothers just as douchey and hard time older brother like as the show portrayed them, which i appreciated as many authors like to paint Jim's brothers as his clones. This whole chapter worked so well because of all thebanter and competitiveness running through amongst everyone. And it was great how his mom was right in on it as well. I liked their bet and how really, Jim never denied anything and they all knew it too. Hearing it from Larissa's POV was also great as she enjoyed seeing her son fall inlove. I am curious about Pam's family and if they are just that bad or just that bad a fit for Pam, which unfortunately happens. We see how Jim's family just compliments one another. Some are not that lucky. Looking forward to more!
Author's Response: Poor Pam. Meeting the parents is such an excruciating process, and as we learned in the most recent chapter, it can be especially stressful when you come from a family like Pam\'s. I\'m glad you enjoyed Jim\'s brothers in this story. Jim is the youngest, and I figured it would only make sense that he was teased the most. I think he has a great family that will happily accept Pam with open arms... If Jim comes through with this proposal, that is. Six months! Two soon? Hmm...
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: December 28, 2008 Title: Chapter 18: Gravity Rides Everything
Date: December 28, 2008 Title: Chapter 18: 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. :)
Reviewer: albie_ Signed 
10
Date: January 01, 2009 Title: Chapter 19: Timebomb
10 Date: January 01, 2009 Title: Chapter 19: 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. ;)
Reviewer: albie_ Signed 10
Date: January 04, 2009 Title: Chapter 20: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
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 Date: January 04, 2009 Title: Chapter 20: 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.)
Reviewer: albie_ Signed 10
Date: January 07, 2009 Title: Chapter 21: Seven Days a Week
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.
10 Date: January 07, 2009 Title: Chapter 21: 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.
Reviewer: albie_ Signed 10
Date: January 09, 2009 Title: Chapter 23: Spring and by Summer Fall
Author's Response: And I am going to miss your wonderful, wonderful comments bringing me cheer and inspiration everyday. It\'s readers like you who have kept me going throughout this story, and I thank you for that.
I\'m glad that you have continued to enjoy this story and the direction it has traveled. I have a few ideas about the ending, but I\'m still not sure which path I\'ll take. Either way, I hope it satisfies. I promise we have not seen the last of Angela and Kelly. :)
10 Date: January 09, 2009 Title: Chapter 23: Spring and by Summer Fall
I'm unable to do check MTT for a day and look at what I get when I come back: 2 chapters! AND a new playlist. I'm going to miss this story, no doubt, but I'm also going to truly miss all this music. I love that song by The Weepies.
I enjoyed the fun and ease of the last chapter and I also enjoyed the seeds you dropped in this chapter. Jim encouraging Pam to focus on her illustrations, Pam's want to improve her cooking skills for the future, Pam speaking to her mother, the final ring conversation. All of this leading to more things in the future for Pam and Jim. I liked seeing Karen again and was amused by her gift to Pam, as well as Pam's reaction. And Jim's gift was a welcome complement to that gift too.
Oh and the cockroach scene was hilarious and so familiar. Though I'm the resident exterminator in my house.
I don't want to think of the story ending :( It's such a welcoming and comforting feeling to sit down with a new chapter every time you update. But all things must end. I'm not sure how I want to see it come to a close. Not on a proposal, I don't think, or even a wedding. I know these things will happen for them, but in this story, it's never been about the big things for their relationship, but more about the small ones. I can almost see it closing on music and keds just to keep it cyclical. I personally love glimpses into the couple's future when a story ends, but I'm not sure if that's something you were interested in doing. I'd also love to see more Angela and Kelly before you tie things up.
Ultimately, you continuously keep me happy with everything you bring about for Jim and Pam, so I feel anything you eventually offer up will be just right. Looking forward to it!
Author's Response: And I am going to miss your wonderful, wonderful comments bringing me cheer and inspiration everyday. It\'s readers like you who have kept me going throughout this story, and I thank you for that.
I\'m glad that you have continued to enjoy this story and the direction it has traveled. I have a few ideas about the ending, but I\'m still not sure which path I\'ll take. Either way, I hope it satisfies. I promise we have not seen the last of Angela and Kelly. :)
Reviewer: albie_ Signed 10
Date: January 13, 2009 Title: Chapter 25: Twenty-five
Author's Response: It is so wonderful to hear that you were pleased with how this story came to an end, and thank you for the beta offer. It was a little scary, posting these last 25 chapters without another set of eyes to glance over it and find all of those little grammatical errors or pointless jokes that may not translate as I had originally intended because, man do I have some weird thoughts sometimes. And the smut, holy goodness. So, so nervous. AH!
I\'m glad you enjoyed the music as well, because nothing inspires me to write (well, besides amazing comments such as this one) like a dang good song. I happened to be listening to \"Into Dust\" while driving to work, and the entire story just started flying through my head, as I was brainstorming \"final chapter\" ideas at the time- probably not safe while driving, but whatever. And so yes, I thought- \"Ah! Perfect. Flashbacks. I hope it will work, because it\'s a little difficult to get those images just by reading, but oh- we\'ll see.\"
Sequel! Ah, yes. Believe it or not, after reading through the past couple of reviews, I have started jotting down plot ideas just in case I decide to start writing again. I do spend a lot of time at MY Caribou Coffee, which just has this atmosphere that makes me want to write something. Maybe it\'s the fireplace. Maybe it\'s the espresso putting my brain into overdrive- I don\'t know. But I do feel like this AU Jim and Pam have a lot of growing to do together, and I would love to share the rest of their story with all of you. Besides, we still have to meet this \"crazy\" sister of hers.
I\'m glad you didn\'t mind the reappearance of Roy- I felt like Pam still had some underlying issues with her past and the fact that he moved on so quickly. She just needed a little reminder that she really was meant to be with Jim, and that she\'s moved on to something far better. And oh, she has grown so much, and it\'s so great that she\'s had an amazing supporting cast (Jim, Angela, Kelly, and then Karen) to help her along. I\'m glad you enjoyed the idea of those three ladies being friends with Pam. I always hate to see Karen pictured as \"the enemy\", so I\'m glad I got to put her character to good use in this story.
It has been such a wonderful treat to read all of your reviews, and I am going to miss them oh, so much. Thank you for everything!
10 Date: January 13, 2009 Title: Chapter 25: Twenty-five
Okay, I think the proposal book may have beaten the proposal in the rain at the gas station. Hee. And haha, you know, did not expect it to end with sex on the floor with a vibrator guest star!
These last two chapters were a lovely sendoff to a great story. You celebrated all that these two were and have become and I was so glad to see all the characters come together. Jim bribing Kelly with a bag was perfect and I love how he asked for permission of both Pam's parents and Pam's friends. I think the growth that you showed regarding that as well was wonderful. Pam's relationship will never be perfect, but it's great that it changed for the better and that she'll always have her "real" family to back her up.
I was also glad to get a bookend to the Roy story, even if it created some awkwardness between Pam and Jim. I really think you tied up so many stories, though really, you tied up their past and got them ready for the future and I really would love to see what this future holds. In other words, SEQUEL YES PLEASE YES!
More love for the music you selected. Yes, I signed up just so I could hear it. I loved The Stills song and I've never heard that version of "Into Dust", only Mazzy Star's. See, this is another reason you need to do a sequel. More music!
But really, it's all just been a pleasure reading this and getting to know your versions of Jim and Pam and all the rest of the crew. Good luck with the new semester and maybe make some time for us when you can. If you ever need any help or beta work, feel free to message me.
Author's Response: It is so wonderful to hear that you were pleased with how this story came to an end, and thank you for the beta offer. It was a little scary, posting these last 25 chapters without another set of eyes to glance over it and find all of those little grammatical errors or pointless jokes that may not translate as I had originally intended because, man do I have some weird thoughts sometimes. And the smut, holy goodness. So, so nervous. AH!
I\'m glad you enjoyed the music as well, because nothing inspires me to write (well, besides amazing comments such as this one) like a dang good song. I happened to be listening to \"Into Dust\" while driving to work, and the entire story just started flying through my head, as I was brainstorming \"final chapter\" ideas at the time- probably not safe while driving, but whatever. And so yes, I thought- \"Ah! Perfect. Flashbacks. I hope it will work, because it\'s a little difficult to get those images just by reading, but oh- we\'ll see.\"
Sequel! Ah, yes. Believe it or not, after reading through the past couple of reviews, I have started jotting down plot ideas just in case I decide to start writing again. I do spend a lot of time at MY Caribou Coffee, which just has this atmosphere that makes me want to write something. Maybe it\'s the fireplace. Maybe it\'s the espresso putting my brain into overdrive- I don\'t know. But I do feel like this AU Jim and Pam have a lot of growing to do together, and I would love to share the rest of their story with all of you. Besides, we still have to meet this \"crazy\" sister of hers.
I\'m glad you didn\'t mind the reappearance of Roy- I felt like Pam still had some underlying issues with her past and the fact that he moved on so quickly. She just needed a little reminder that she really was meant to be with Jim, and that she\'s moved on to something far better. And oh, she has grown so much, and it\'s so great that she\'s had an amazing supporting cast (Jim, Angela, Kelly, and then Karen) to help her along. I\'m glad you enjoyed the idea of those three ladies being friends with Pam. I always hate to see Karen pictured as \"the enemy\", so I\'m glad I got to put her character to good use in this story.
It has been such a wonderful treat to read all of your reviews, and I am going to miss them oh, so much. Thank you for everything!
Summary: Set in S2 after Casino Night.
Categories: Episode Related, Jim and Pam, Present
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst, Fluff, Romance
Warnings: None
Series: None
Chapters: 2 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 4301 Read Count: 4992 ePub Downloads: 0
Categories: Episode Related, Jim and Pam, Present
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst, Fluff, Romance
Warnings: None
Series: None
Chapters: 2 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 4301 Read Count: 4992 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: December 15, 2008 Updated: December 23, 2008
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: December 19, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: Words Failing
Date: December 19, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: Words Failing
Interesting premise. Jim staying despite his confession adn even though Pam is still with Roy. I don't think I've read that yet. Looking forward to where it goes.
Reviewer: albie_ Signed 7
Date: December 26, 2008 Title: Chapter 2: Workdays
7 Date: December 26, 2008 Title: Chapter 2: Workdays
You're doing an excellent job building and I'm certainly looking forward to more.
Summary: AU. What if Jim and Pam had gotten together after Casino Night?
Categories: Jim and Pam, Alternate Universe
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst, Oneshot
Warnings: Adult language
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 2048 Read Count: 3489 ePub Downloads: 1
Categories: Jim and Pam, Alternate Universe
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst, Oneshot
Warnings: Adult language
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 2048 Read Count: 3489 ePub Downloads: 1
[Report This] Published: December 16, 2008 Updated: December 16, 2008
Reviewer: albie_ Signed 10
Date: December 19, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: When you're kissing someone who is too much like you it's like kissing a mirror
10 Date: December 19, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: When you're kissing someone who is too much like you it's like kissing a mirror
Wow, I really enjoyed this. I know everyone wants that perfect ending to Casino Night, but I really don't think their relationship would be as strong as it is now if that ending had happened. Pam needed that independence, something you really can only get by being by yourself, no matter how loving or supportive Jim could be. Pam would just fall into another bit of safety and she needed to feel unsafe and alone and challenge herself. And Jim needed that too. He needed to step away and not be so caught up in all the drama. And yes, even be a bit of a prick. It has made them stronger and you highlighted that here in many great ways. I love this final covnersation between them. It was rough but so true and so needed. Really wonderfully done.
Author's Response: It was kind of hard to write, but it\'s something I\'ve always been convinced of. I\'m so glad it didn\'t actually go down this way.
Summary: Jim wants a change and decides to take some college classes in hopes of eventually leaving Dunder Mifflin for something bigger and better. His first assignment shakes up his life and makes him realize what's really important.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Past, Alternate Universe
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst
Warnings: No Warnings Apply
Series: None
Chapters: 8 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 11496 Read Count: 20383 ePub Downloads: 5
Categories: Jim and Pam, Past, Alternate Universe
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst
Warnings: No Warnings Apply
Series: None
Chapters: 8 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 11496 Read Count: 20383 ePub Downloads: 5
[Report This] Published: January 05, 2009 Updated: February 09, 2009
Reviewer: albie_ Signed 10
Date: January 28, 2009 Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 5
10 Date: January 28, 2009 Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I just read the last 5 chapters and I'm really enjoying myself. This stream ofconsciousness style is really working well here and you have a lovely handle on the dialogue and banter between the two. This last chapter was a lot of fun, them using The Princess Bride to bide time. I look forward to more!
Summary: Post 'The Dundies' Jim is wallowing only to be interrupted.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Past, Episode Related, Alternate Universe
Characters: Jim, Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst, Oneshot, Romance
Warnings: Mild sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1813 Read Count: 5976 ePub Downloads: 5
Categories: Jim and Pam, Past, Episode Related, Alternate Universe
Characters: Jim, Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst, Oneshot, Romance
Warnings: Mild sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1813 Read Count: 5976 ePub Downloads: 5
[Report This] Published: January 16, 2009 Updated: January 16, 2009
Reviewer: albie_ Signed 8
Date: January 17, 2009 Title: Chapter 1: One.
8 Date: January 17, 2009 Title: Chapter 1: One.
That was lovely and you painted it all beautifully.
Summary: A companion piece to Indie Rock & Keds that follows an AU Jim and Pam while they deal with the everyday squabbles that come with living together as they struggle through the daunting beginnings of their careers, and eventually try to find a place to permanently settle down.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Alternate Universe
Characters: Angela, Dwight, Holly, Jim, Karen, Kelly, Michael, Pam, Phyllis, Ryan
Genres: Angst, Drunk Pam/Jim, Humor, Romance, Travel, Weekend, Workdays
Warnings: Adult language, Explicit sexual content
Series: Indie Rock & Keds
Chapters: 25 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 136759 Read Count: 78729 ePub Downloads: 27
Categories: Jim and Pam, Alternate Universe
Characters: Angela, Dwight, Holly, Jim, Karen, Kelly, Michael, Pam, Phyllis, Ryan
Genres: Angst, Drunk Pam/Jim, Humor, Romance, Travel, Weekend, Workdays
Warnings: Adult language, Explicit sexual content
Series: Indie Rock & Keds
Chapters: 25 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 136759 Read Count: 78729 ePub Downloads: 27
[Report This] Published: January 19, 2009 Updated: May 13, 2009
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: January 31, 2009 Title: Chapter 8: Crack the Shutters (Autumnal Equinox)
Author's Response: That is too funny! I\'m so glad you enjoyed the pairing. Snow Patrol is amazing. I have yet to see them in concert, but I feel that I should find a way to go the next time they are in town.
I\'m happy that you enjoyed this chapter and that you didn\'t think, \"Holy adjective overload, Batman!\" I wrote this around three in the morning, while listening to \"Crack the Shutters\" on constant repeat and that scene would not get out of my head. So I did the best I could at trying to relay all of that to you guys. I\'m glad to hear it worked. ;)
Enjoy the Super Bowl tomorrow, although I\'m far more excited for The Office than the game. (Would you expect any less? Heh.) I\'m a Cowboy fan, so I\'m not really siding with anyone. I think everyone should win. Woot-woot.
Date: January 31, 2009 Title: Chapter 8: Crack the Shutters (Autumnal Equinox)
Okay, you clearly live in my music brain. I've been obsessively listening to this song! And this was some perfect usage here.
Aw, you gave us some smut all wrapped up prettily. You're too generous, girlie. But really, you painted the scene beautifully. The cloak of the yellow cover, the light streaming in, even their morning looks leading to this. I really love how they just...enjoy one another, in all senses. And it was just really sweet to see them just goofily thrilled that they would be marrying one another and this is a luxury they can take advantage of whenever they want.And it goes without saying that it was all rather hot, yes? Hee :) BUt really, smut isn't good unless you get the details right, set the scene, grab the emotion. You do this all very very well. And the music was the icing.
Have yourself a good weekend and thanks for the prezzie.
Author's Response: That is too funny! I\'m so glad you enjoyed the pairing. Snow Patrol is amazing. I have yet to see them in concert, but I feel that I should find a way to go the next time they are in town.
I\'m happy that you enjoyed this chapter and that you didn\'t think, \"Holy adjective overload, Batman!\" I wrote this around three in the morning, while listening to \"Crack the Shutters\" on constant repeat and that scene would not get out of my head. So I did the best I could at trying to relay all of that to you guys. I\'m glad to hear it worked. ;)
Enjoy the Super Bowl tomorrow, although I\'m far more excited for The Office than the game. (Would you expect any less? Heh.) I\'m a Cowboy fan, so I\'m not really siding with anyone. I think everyone should win. Woot-woot.
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: January 20, 2009 Title: Chapter 2: Diving a Dumpster
Author's Response: Argh- Pam and her cold feet- and it\'s only been a month!
I love, love that you have read this story, and that you totally get it, because there is so much that I wanted to throw into this chapter, as far as what was going through Pam\'s head, and for some darn reason I just couldn\'t figure out how. So I am left hoping that my words and little Jim & Pam conversations speak for themselves and just convey what this story is all about.
So what happened to Pam? Just a couple of months ago, she was a housewife-in-training, and now she\'s somewhat hesitant toward the idea of growing up, and beginning a new life with Jim in the suburbs. It is a big change from living in the city, and I think she\'s a little nervous, since this whole situation is all brand new. It\'s been a month since she\'s last traveled to the city or seen any of her close friends, and I think the isolation from all of that is just killing her. It will take awhile for her to settle in to Kenosha life and get adjusted.
And Jim, poor Jim! He\'s trying so hard to create a little nest for him and Pam to happily live in, and she just doesn\'t see that at all. Sure, dumpster diving wasn\'t the greatest idea, but his intentions were respectable. Oy. Pam is just going to have to learn what it takes to be an adult! Let\'s hope Jim will continue to stand by and teach her.
Thank you for the wonderful review, this made me so happy, and I\'m so glad to hear that you are enjoying this story so far.
Date: January 20, 2009 Title: Chapter 2: Diving a Dumpster
You're back already! *dances* And you named the sequel after a Sufjan album! How wonderful.
Looking at these two chapters, it's really interesting to see where the characters are developing and it's also interesting how we are focusing more on JIm than before, or at least Pam's perception of JIm, rather than her own progress(so far). It's so interesting because Pam seems to fight against this maturity, with the food shopping and the rational decision making and the motions of being a couple in an apartment together. It's harder for her to adjust, it seems, to this living and I really like seeing her frustration and her adapting and such. Being a couple is one thing, living together is entirely something else.
On the other hand, we see Jim wanted to be this responsible adult and working really hard at it. With the nesting and the prompting of the wedding planning and just being comfy with the old married-ness that he seems perfectly content to settle into. I think these two will reacha happy medium, but it's so interesting to see the contrast. I also really liked how Jim threw himself into an HGTV livelihood and how it took Pam a bit to really see why he needed all that and why he needed her support of it too.
Altogether, I just really love how they have remained the same, but there is also a new angle to their dynamic and that's going to be great to see develop. Oh! And i love the running "That's what She Said" gag here with Jim shrugging it off that it's due to some guy he works with. Just great :)
Reall looking forward to more.
Author's Response: Argh- Pam and her cold feet- and it\'s only been a month!
I love, love that you have read this story, and that you totally get it, because there is so much that I wanted to throw into this chapter, as far as what was going through Pam\'s head, and for some darn reason I just couldn\'t figure out how. So I am left hoping that my words and little Jim & Pam conversations speak for themselves and just convey what this story is all about.
So what happened to Pam? Just a couple of months ago, she was a housewife-in-training, and now she\'s somewhat hesitant toward the idea of growing up, and beginning a new life with Jim in the suburbs. It is a big change from living in the city, and I think she\'s a little nervous, since this whole situation is all brand new. It\'s been a month since she\'s last traveled to the city or seen any of her close friends, and I think the isolation from all of that is just killing her. It will take awhile for her to settle in to Kenosha life and get adjusted.
And Jim, poor Jim! He\'s trying so hard to create a little nest for him and Pam to happily live in, and she just doesn\'t see that at all. Sure, dumpster diving wasn\'t the greatest idea, but his intentions were respectable. Oy. Pam is just going to have to learn what it takes to be an adult! Let\'s hope Jim will continue to stand by and teach her.
Thank you for the wonderful review, this made me so happy, and I\'m so glad to hear that you are enjoying this story so far.
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: January 22, 2009 Title: Chapter 3: Revolutionary Tea (The Chicago Tea Party Song)
Author's Response: Ah, I\'m so glad that you can relate and completely sympathize with both characters as they struggle through these rough changes. With Pam and Jim, I just feel that for them... Moving in together is just so hard, and you may think that the communication between you and the significant other was good and honest UNTIL- you live under the same roof, and all of a sudden you find yourself biting your tongue in certain situations because you\'re living with this person and... Pam seems to avoid confrontation at all costs, so of course she\'s not going to say anything. She\'s realizing that Jim has all of these little quirks, and his new hobbies may annoy the crap out of her, but deep inside she knows he\'s doing it, not only out of love to create a home for her, but because he needs it, he needs something to do where he feels useful and that someone will appreciate, instead of those silly fluff pieces in the newspaper that nobody reads... So once again, I feel like you are right there with me in this chapter, which is amaaazing. :) I just hope that I can keep their relationship as real and honest as any other couple out there, because love is hard work- it isn\'t always a fairy tale. But if you can work through all of the tough times together, then you have truly found someone who is your meant-to-be.
Date: January 22, 2009 Title: Chapter 3: Revolutionary Tea (The Chicago Tea Party Song)
Heh, I'd want to smack Pam upside the head if I didn't relateto what she's going through so much. Because I kinda felt exactly the same when I first moved in with my significant other, especially when I first finished college. I wanted to be grown up and engaged and moving ahead and yet... There was still this part of me that felt like I was settling down too quickly and wasn't I too young and how do I know and really, everything about being in your 20s is transitioning from one thing to another and fighting almost every change. You know, until you finally get to that point where it just...settles, somehow and you don't even mean to do it. It just happens.
I sympathize with Jim and Pam here. Jim isn't happy with his job or the place he is in his life, but he's focused himself on life at home because it's the one place he can escape and maybe have control on making things better. Pam, on the other hand, sees Jim gung ho on something she's still unsure about, not showing his own insecurities because eh's so focused, missing her friends and the life she had grown so accustomed to, in a new job, and everything is as far from settled as possible.
I'm glad Angela and Kelly and Karen all saw through her just moved in jitters and kinda cut them down. no one's perfect and nothing is more apparent than when you first move in. The honeymoon period you think is going to happen is kinda over that first weekend.
I thought Jim's gifts were thoughtful, but in the face of just having a good tiem with friends and coming home to her husband(basically) who wants to be Mr and mrs Suburbia, it just didn't ring as strongly as it could've. Because Pam is fighting it all so hard. Even compromising how she would paint is more than she wants.
I wonder if Pam would actually be happier if they were working in the city. If Jim was still wanting to be all old married like still even if they were in Chicago. I'm glad Jim saw through all that and kinda called Pam on it, but there's just so much he can do to make her happy if she's so dead set against it. I'm looking forward to tis exploration because, as always, it's so very true to life and my sympathies fall on both sides.
Oh and as far as the dress, I prefer #1 because of the bust line, as well as how it's fitted down the hips. The bust on the second may not be as complimentary for someone with a larger chest, as Pam has.
Author's Response: Ah, I\'m so glad that you can relate and completely sympathize with both characters as they struggle through these rough changes. With Pam and Jim, I just feel that for them... Moving in together is just so hard, and you may think that the communication between you and the significant other was good and honest UNTIL- you live under the same roof, and all of a sudden you find yourself biting your tongue in certain situations because you\'re living with this person and... Pam seems to avoid confrontation at all costs, so of course she\'s not going to say anything. She\'s realizing that Jim has all of these little quirks, and his new hobbies may annoy the crap out of her, but deep inside she knows he\'s doing it, not only out of love to create a home for her, but because he needs it, he needs something to do where he feels useful and that someone will appreciate, instead of those silly fluff pieces in the newspaper that nobody reads... So once again, I feel like you are right there with me in this chapter, which is amaaazing. :) I just hope that I can keep their relationship as real and honest as any other couple out there, because love is hard work- it isn\'t always a fairy tale. But if you can work through all of the tough times together, then you have truly found someone who is your meant-to-be.
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: January 24, 2009 Title: Chapter 4: Slightly More Domesticated, A Little More Crazy
Date: January 24, 2009 Title: Chapter 4: Slightly More Domesticated, A Little More Crazy
Oh, how I loved everything about this chapter. I loved the honesty at the beginning of the chapter, that Pam told Jim how scared she was about everything coming at her and changing her life. I loved the impromptu talk about where they could live and why or why not. The ease of that lazy morning, I just thought that worked so well.
The bowling together, leaving stressors behind and just relaxing into a good ol' fashioned competitive afternoon of bowling. It was great seeing them just having fun together, buying $5 socks, and mocking one another as they are so good at. It was a nice reprieve for them to just be reminded of who they are outside of all the other pressure going on in their lives.
The surprise addition of Sir Norman McSchnugglebug Beesly-Halpert was also good fun and I hope they're able to keep him. Get him all checked out and officially add him to their clan. And then later with the night club, again, another great moment for them to just be the giant dorks, especially Jim. And finally, I also appreciated their final talk, because again with the honesty. Nothing is perfect, but if you have one another to hold onto, you can get through it. I'm glad to see that they do. Can't wait for more!
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: January 28, 2009 Title: Chapter 5: Six Days, Many Sleepless Nights
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 Title: Chapter 5: 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!
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: January 29, 2009 Title: Chapter 7: Kenosha (For the Unemployed and Underpaid)
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 Title: Chapter 7: 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
Reviewer: albie_ Signed
Date: February 12, 2009 Title: Chapter 9: Hot Toddy (Your Age is Starting to Show)
Date: February 12, 2009 Title: Chapter 9: Hot Toddy (Your Age is Starting to Show)
Gah! So behind! You get bogged down in life and fanfic gets pushed aside. Seriously, my priorities need some looking into :)
Because of the catchup, my reviews may not be as lengthy as usual but just as genuine. I loved seeing Pam seeing Jim, the teacher. I can fully picture him as the great English teacher everyone wants and crushes on. Sweet to see Pam showing the shy countenace she probably had when she was in HS as well, hanging onto the arm of the popular guy. And yet she's completely different and so is Jim. I liked that conversation they ahd about being glad to have met when they did. Because as lovely as it is to wish you had known your sweetheart forever, it took all that time without them and growing to fully appreciate them and be the right person for them.
I also liked how they stuck their toes in the "babies" pool. Pam showing her insecurity and Jim assuring her, especially as she mothered him in his sickness. Just very sweet, quiet moment for them.
Next chapter!