Paper Clips and Yoghurt Lids - The Official Diary of Pam Beesly

January 21, 2004

Almost everyone had assembled in the conference room when Greg and I arrived, and it was full of chatter. Obviously, it was a VIM (Very Important Meeting!), so Michael had forced everyone to attend unless they had a valid reason (like Roy, who was sick).

Jan, Todd Packer, Bob Vance from Vance Refrigeration, Darryl, Madge and Lonny from the warehouse were all there.

It was amazing that we had managed to cram into this one room. I scanned the tight but packed space for Jim. Surely enough, there he was, crouching behind Stanley in the back row :)

Aw, Jim. He's so cute <3 He must have taken the stairs as he didn't want to go in the elevator OwO

Immediately, Michael saw Greg and gave him a big bear hug, almost knocking his briefcase out of his hands. "Greggo!" he said excitedly. "Welcome to Dunder Mifflin! WAZZUPPPPPPP?"

I cringed. Michael's exaggerated "WAZZUPPPPP", if taken the wrong way, can seem like a rude introduction. Sometimes he says it so viciously spit flies out everywhere. Luckily, this time, it didn't.

Greg chuckled as he awkwardly released from the hug and shook Michael's hand. "I'm very happy to be here, Michael. I just came to the office and met one of your employees, Pam..."

"Nice to meet you, Greg! I'm Dwight K. Schrute, assistant regional manager!" Dwight interrupted.

"Assistant to the regional manager," Michael corrected him. "So glad you came...that's what she said!" He couldn't resist. I couldn't believe he was acting this way in front of a Very Important Man who was going to produce and create our show.

But Greg didn't seem to mind at all. He laughed. "Ah! I get it! It's like "So what the actress said to the bishop" kinda thing that David Brent always said."

I took a seat next to Jim.

Jim was still looking down as far as his neck would reach now that Greg was in the room, he didn't notice me.

"Psst, Jim!" I hissed. "You don't need to hide anymore. It's me! Pam! Greg isn't angry at you, I promise! I just talked to him on the way here."

Jim cautiously looked up, it was so HEARTBREAKING, diary :( see what a lovely soul he is inside when he realizes that he screwed up...by accident!

"Really?"

"Jim, I promise. Greg doesn't give a crap."

"Okay, Beesly, but I don't need to move. I'm fine sitting behind Stanley."

Omigod, it is SO flattering when he calls me by my surname, diary :D I bit my lip, trying not to laugh. Poor guy.

Michael cleared his throat to stop the chatter. "Thank you everyone for being here for this VERY SPECIAL MEETING about our American Office! To explain more about this exciting opportunity, we have a VERY SPECIAL guest joining us today! Without further ado, please put your hands together and give a warm welcome to our showrunner and soon-to-be creator, Greg Daniels!"

We stood up and clapped. Dwight and Michael whooped. Apart from me, Dwight and Michael, most of Dunder Mifflin were clapping...reluctantly? Or so it seemed. Although I should have expected this before, most people didn't look that enthusiastic when Greg stood in the front of the room, nodding and smiling appreciatively. I hoped he wouldn't realize ninety percent of our reactions.

"Thank you!" Greg began as he looked around the room. "I am honored to be here at the Scranton branch today. On my way here I was fortunate enough to be introduced to TWO loyal employees here, Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert. They were friendly enough to voice their opinions and thoughts on this project, especially Jim -" he paused and winked over at Jim, who responded with his ADORABLE signature look that we had known for so long when he was in these situations that we called his "Jim" look: his bottom lip covering his top lip and his cheeks puffed out :)

Everyone curiously craned their heads to look at Jim.

"What did Jim say, Herr Daniels?" Dwight called out, obviously basking in Jim's unwanted attention.

"To respect Jim's wishes, I won't repeat it. But, before we deep dive into the nitty-gritty, I would like to know everyone else's opinions on The Office being remade, anonymously. I would like you all to close your eyes. I won't judge you, I promise. I'm used to this from being a writer and show creator. So please be honest."

We obeyed.

"Really close them." I think he was referring to Kelly and Kevin, who NEVER close their eyes when asked.

We waited.

"Raise your hand if you do not believe that The Office should be remade at all."

I could just hear most hands in the room shoot up. How AWKWARD that must have been for Greg... :0 :0