Please post your pictures, video link, thoughts and or updates as the Convention happens!
Good luck and have fun for all who are going!
Full Version: The Office Convention Live!
I'll open up this thread Wednesday or Thursday before The Office Convention October 26-28, 2007.
Please post your pictures, video link, thoughts and or updates as the Convention happens!
Good luck and have fun for all who are going!
Please post your pictures, video link, thoughts and or updates as the Convention happens!
Good luck and have fun for all who are going!
QUOTE (Officeholic @ Oct 16 2007, 12:28 PM) 
I'll open up this thread Wednesday or Thursday before The Office Convention October 26-28, 2007.
Please post your pictures, video link, thoughts and or updates as the Convention happens!
Good luck and have fun for all who are going!
Please post your pictures, video link, thoughts and or updates as the Convention happens!
Good luck and have fun for all who are going!
My brother and I are beginning our road trip right now!
We should be in Scranton around midnight, give or take. First stop after check-in: Poor Richard's. We will be sending photos shortly thereafter. Scranton, here we come!
I was planning on updating during the convention, but my laptop is not working right. I spent all last week trying to get it to work, but it looks like it's a losing battle. Anyways, I'll be sure to post plenty of pictures, videos, and stories when I get back! I'm leaving in 6 hours!
I am bringing everything so I can try to update!!
Tomorrow at 5:45....that would be when I have to be at the airport!
Tomorrow at 5:45....that would be when I have to be at the airport!
Okay, we are finally here in the Radisson and we have already had our first cast encounter!!! As we were checking in (more on that later 
) a woman came in and said she was here with Brian, Phyllis and Angela. We looked over towards the entrance and they were coming in and admiring the hotel. It really is so beautiful, we will post some pics of it tomorrow. Anyhow, I was a geek and waved to Phyllis and called out "We love you guys!". We didn't want to approach them because we knew they were probably exhausted from traveling (we are!), but Phyllis walked over to us. She shook our hands and asked us where we were from. After we told her, we mentioned that we would see her tomorrow. She took a convention map off of the counter to see where things would be, and we mentioned that a lot of it is within walking distance of the hotel. We told her we didn't want to bug them tonight and that we would see them tomorrow at the convention. Angela and Brian both said hi to us, and Brian patted me on the shoulder as he walked by. We told them we would see them tomorrow at Casino night. They were all so nice and I can't wait to see them tomorrow. What an awesome way to start the convention.
Our road trip in to Scranton was great but scary at times. Apparently there are a lot more semi-trucks in Ohio and Pennsylvania than in Michigan, and they all love to drive 20 over and drive like maniacs. We were almost run off the road several times. OH, and VBarkley, is this what driving in PA is always like?? Anyhow, my brother compiled mp3 of all Office related music (he spents hours on doing this before the convention). It was in order, plus it had clips from the epis preceding a lot of the songs. This really helped to keep our spirits up over the long drive. VB, I saw a sign for a place called Barkyville and I thought of you!
I loved seeing familiar names on signs as we passed them, like Wilkes-Barre, Susquewhana (sp?) river, Mifflin Street, Penn Ave, Steamtown Mall etc.
While we were driving into Scranton we played Rock 107, and the dj welcomed visitors of the office convention. Before we arrived to the hotel, we stopped at Poor Richard's because it is open til 2am and we wanted to see it before it became overrun with flans. It seemed to be locals in there, and they were having karaoke night. A guy from Angelo's came over and gave us a matchbook for there as a memento. The bartender was so nice and the service was very quick. We bought some Poor Richards t-shirts ($10 & $15) and some drink cozies ($2 a piece). To buy the shot glasses you have to go out to the bowling alley for some reason. We bought a set of 4 shot glasses ($14 on special) and a $6 pint glass. Everyone we encountered was pleasant, though I think we annoyed some of the bar patrons so we didn't take that many pictures, but will do that and video later this weekend. We took some pics and will post them shortly (hopefully). Okay, I am exhausted. We have to be at the University of Scranton in about 4 hrs. Yikes. More to follow tomorrow, err today. My brother should be posting soon.
As we were checking in (more on that later ) a woman came in and said she was here with Brian, Phyllis and Angela. We looked over towards the entrance and they were coming in and admiring the hotel. It really is so beautiful, we will post some pics of it tomorrow. Anyhow, I was a geek and waved to Phyllis and called out "We love you guys!". We didn't want to approach them because we knew they were probably exhausted from traveling (we are!), but Phyllis walked over to us. She shook our hands and asked us where we were from. After we told her, we mentioned that we would see her tomorrow. She took a convention map off of the counter to see where things would be, and we mentioned that a lot of it is within walking distance of the hotel. We told her we didn't want to bug them tonight and that we would see them tomorrow at the convention. Angela and Brian both said hi to us, and Brian patted me on the shoulder as he walked by. We told them we would see them tomorrow at Casino night. They were all so nice and I can't wait to see them tomorrow. What an awesome way to start the convention.Our road trip in to Scranton was great but scary at times. Apparently there are a lot more semi-trucks in Ohio and Pennsylvania than in Michigan, and they all love to drive 20 over and drive like maniacs. We were almost run off the road several times. OH, and VBarkley, is this what driving in PA is always like?? Anyhow, my brother compiled mp3 of all Office related music (he spents hours on doing this before the convention). It was in order, plus it had clips from the epis preceding a lot of the songs. This really helped to keep our spirits up over the long drive. VB, I saw a sign for a place called Barkyville and I thought of you!
I loved seeing familiar names on signs as we passed them, like Wilkes-Barre, Susquewhana (sp?) river, Mifflin Street, Penn Ave, Steamtown Mall etc. While we were driving into Scranton we played Rock 107, and the dj welcomed visitors of the office convention. Before we arrived to the hotel, we stopped at Poor Richard's because it is open til 2am and we wanted to see it before it became overrun with flans. It seemed to be locals in there, and they were having karaoke night. A guy from Angelo's came over and gave us a matchbook for there as a memento. The bartender was so nice and the service was very quick. We bought some Poor Richards t-shirts ($10 & $15) and some drink cozies ($2 a piece). To buy the shot glasses you have to go out to the bowling alley for some reason. We bought a set of 4 shot glasses ($14 on special) and a $6 pint glass. Everyone we encountered was pleasant, though I think we annoyed some of the bar patrons so we didn't take that many pictures, but will do that and video later this weekend. We took some pics and will post them shortly (hopefully). Okay, I am exhausted. We have to be at the University of Scranton in about 4 hrs. Yikes. More to follow tomorrow, err today. My brother should be posting soon.
Hello. I am Pamela Beesley's brother, and I am blogging at 2:30 in the morning when I will be up in a few hours to enjoy the lovely festivities of the University of Scranton, which thankfully is across the street. I am new to the boards and hopefully will not offend, nor bore, so here goes on my view of things for the convention thus far:
We left later than we had planned, and combined with stops for food and gas, got here far later than we might have wanted. My sister had the idea that maybe we could have our mother put a phone on speaker while we did the same in the car so we could listen to tonight's episode, but with roaming and long distance, it couldn't happen. For shame, that would have been dawesome.
Nevertheless, we kept ourselves occupied with joking around and listening to the playlist I made of music from the show. I used the thread about what music was on the show as my source, and have spent the last few weeks trying to get the whole lot of it assembled and in order (as best I could do). I think it turned out pretty good, with over 7 hours of music and fun-filled enjoyment as we associated the songs with their corresponding episodes. A great way to relive the series in a way.
But if this wasn't enough, my sister brought her voice recorder, which could hold about 8 hours worth of talk. At first we were just talking into it before we got the music going, but after a while it became something I was just holding in my hand between the two of us as we talked and sang along to the music. I am so glad I did this, because we got so many jokes and comments that it's going to be a whirlwind to listen to it again. And naturally, my longwindedness meant that I filled all the space. It was funny as we got near Scranton to see the seconds tick away as it got closer to not having any space left. Shortly before we got to Poor Richards it ran out. But oh well.
By this point we were enjoying Rock 107 and waiting for them to talk about all the stuff Scranton has to offer the Convention attender. The DJ never did tell us what we wanted to hear before we went into the bar. I was quite pleased with the price on the drinks, and we got some memorabilia (see above for prices). And we got pictures. I might not have minded staying for some karaoke, but our timing ended up being pretty much perfect.
WE GOT TO SEE PHYLLIS, BRIAN AND ANGELA!
They were being checked in by a woman who was delightfully beautiful and tall (I have a weakness for tall women). But you don't want to hear me talk about non-cast members, I'm sure. Especially since I already raved during the drive about this girl who served us at Panera on the way (and who was probably 16, so it was a very Andy-esque moment). Anyway, we waved at the gang and Phyllis came over to us. She looks younger than her character, or maybe it was just the lighting. She was very nice to us, and I gave her some convention maps from the counter.
As it turns out, originally they were going to put us in a room on the cast floor, and if we had walked away, we might have gotten to stay there. But then we got moved to a room that has made my sister quite upset (and hopefully we'll get the chance to move tomorrow), but during my sister's exchange with the hotel employee, I had a nice exchange with Angela about what was going on, and how we almost got a room on their floor, but at least I was fine with us moving because I want them to have their privacy and be able to rest. Besides, I have a corporate pass. I'll be seeing the gang plenty.
I am going to try to sleep now, so we can get up to see Al Roker and the cast at the U of S. You'll be getting plenty from me, I'm sure. My sister is making me. Plus, I like to post as a way to help me remember. As if the 8 hours of me talking won't be enough.
We left later than we had planned, and combined with stops for food and gas, got here far later than we might have wanted. My sister had the idea that maybe we could have our mother put a phone on speaker while we did the same in the car so we could listen to tonight's episode, but with roaming and long distance, it couldn't happen. For shame, that would have been dawesome.
Nevertheless, we kept ourselves occupied with joking around and listening to the playlist I made of music from the show. I used the thread about what music was on the show as my source, and have spent the last few weeks trying to get the whole lot of it assembled and in order (as best I could do). I think it turned out pretty good, with over 7 hours of music and fun-filled enjoyment as we associated the songs with their corresponding episodes. A great way to relive the series in a way.
But if this wasn't enough, my sister brought her voice recorder, which could hold about 8 hours worth of talk. At first we were just talking into it before we got the music going, but after a while it became something I was just holding in my hand between the two of us as we talked and sang along to the music. I am so glad I did this, because we got so many jokes and comments that it's going to be a whirlwind to listen to it again. And naturally, my longwindedness meant that I filled all the space. It was funny as we got near Scranton to see the seconds tick away as it got closer to not having any space left. Shortly before we got to Poor Richards it ran out. But oh well.
By this point we were enjoying Rock 107 and waiting for them to talk about all the stuff Scranton has to offer the Convention attender. The DJ never did tell us what we wanted to hear before we went into the bar. I was quite pleased with the price on the drinks, and we got some memorabilia (see above for prices). And we got pictures. I might not have minded staying for some karaoke, but our timing ended up being pretty much perfect.
WE GOT TO SEE PHYLLIS, BRIAN AND ANGELA!
They were being checked in by a woman who was delightfully beautiful and tall (I have a weakness for tall women). But you don't want to hear me talk about non-cast members, I'm sure. Especially since I already raved during the drive about this girl who served us at Panera on the way (and who was probably 16, so it was a very Andy-esque moment). Anyway, we waved at the gang and Phyllis came over to us. She looks younger than her character, or maybe it was just the lighting. She was very nice to us, and I gave her some convention maps from the counter.
As it turns out, originally they were going to put us in a room on the cast floor, and if we had walked away, we might have gotten to stay there. But then we got moved to a room that has made my sister quite upset (and hopefully we'll get the chance to move tomorrow), but during my sister's exchange with the hotel employee, I had a nice exchange with Angela about what was going on, and how we almost got a room on their floor, but at least I was fine with us moving because I want them to have their privacy and be able to rest. Besides, I have a corporate pass. I'll be seeing the gang plenty.
I am going to try to sleep now, so we can get up to see Al Roker and the cast at the U of S. You'll be getting plenty from me, I'm sure. My sister is making me. Plus, I like to post as a way to help me remember. As if the 8 hours of me talking won't be enough.
"Hawkman." This name keeps making me laugh every time I try to say it, and has contributed to my sister and I not being able to sleep, and now we're about to walk around the hotel in our jammies taking pictures and video and stuff.
Our room keys are "Office" themed. How cool is that?
My sister noticed my phrasing was a bit off in my previous post. I just wanted to say that it was the person assisting the cast that was tall and beautiful, not the person working the front desk. And I mean really beautiful. But I said I wasn't going to rant and rave about her.
If I'm lucky I'll get a little sleep. If not, hopefully adrenaline can fuel my day. My sister has already been up for 22 hours, me about 18. And "Hawkman" is still ridiculously funny, maybe because of that.
Our room keys are "Office" themed. How cool is that?
My sister noticed my phrasing was a bit off in my previous post. I just wanted to say that it was the person assisting the cast that was tall and beautiful, not the person working the front desk. And I mean really beautiful. But I said I wasn't going to rant and rave about her.
If I'm lucky I'll get a little sleep. If not, hopefully adrenaline can fuel my day. My sister has already been up for 22 hours, me about 18. And "Hawkman" is still ridiculously funny, maybe because of that.
^^^Wow!! How cool for you guys. I hope you have a wonderful time and that lots of amazing things happen. What a great start for your weekend. Looking forward to hearing more.
PB and brother your stories so far are great!!!
This is what I love about our Office Flans on how they can get into extreme detail!
Make the board proud!
This is what I love about our Office Flans on how they can get into extreme detail!
Make the board proud!
PB and PB's brother - keep up the great posts. I felt like I was there! Have a ton of fun.
It sounds like so much fun. i wonder if we got a chance to see you two behind Al this morning!
From an British fan of The Office...wish i could be there, but I hope you all have a great time. I hope one of you can pass on my best wishes to the cast who're present and thank them for a great show!
Andy and Pamela - thanks for your "live" reports so far! I feel like I'm riding along and checking into the hotel with you!
I want to commend you both for being so respectful of Angela, Phyllis, and Brian when you met them in the lobby. I'm sure there will be plenty of fans pawing and grabbing at them all weekend, but you did us all proud with the way you let them know you realized they were probably tired and didn't go crazy asking for pictures and autographs. Awesome! I'm sure your polite flandom will be rewarded down the line...karma!
Andy, in what way were the hotel keys "Office themed?" Did they have special keys made up? If so, what an excellent souvenir!
Looking forward to more of your posts all week! I'll be checking in regularly. I remember when I met Phyllis, Jenna, Rainn and Leslie, I couldn't wait to come back here to the boards and share the good news and details with you guys. I don't have a laptop so I had to wait till I got home from vacation.
HAVE FUN!
I want to commend you both for being so respectful of Angela, Phyllis, and Brian when you met them in the lobby. I'm sure there will be plenty of fans pawing and grabbing at them all weekend, but you did us all proud with the way you let them know you realized they were probably tired and didn't go crazy asking for pictures and autographs. Awesome! I'm sure your polite flandom will be rewarded down the line...karma!
Andy, in what way were the hotel keys "Office themed?" Did they have special keys made up? If so, what an excellent souvenir!
Looking forward to more of your posts all week! I'll be checking in regularly. I remember when I met Phyllis, Jenna, Rainn and Leslie, I couldn't wait to come back here to the boards and share the good news and details with you guys. I don't have a laptop so I had to wait till I got home from vacation.
HAVE FUN!
I just typed a post for 45 minutes and made the mistake of not saving it before I posted. It is gone forever. 
Andy (aka Bob) will be posting shortly, and I will supplement it in a bit.
Andy (aka Bob) will be posting shortly, and I will supplement it in a bit.
QUOTE (Pamela Beesley @ Oct 25 2007, 11:25 PM)
Okay, we are finally here in the Radisson and we have already had our first cast encounter!!! As we were checking in (more on that later ) a woman came in and said she was here with Brian, Phyllis and Angela. We looked over towards the entrance and they were coming in and admiring the hotel. It really is so beautiful, we will post some pics of it tomorrow. Anyhow, I was a geek and waved to Phyllis and called out "We love you guys!". We didn't want to approach them because we knew they were probably exhausted from traveling (we are!), but Phyllis walked over to us.
As we were checking in (more on that later ) a woman came in and said she was here with Brian, Phyllis and Angela. We looked over towards the entrance and they were coming in and admiring the hotel. It really is so beautiful, we will post some pics of it tomorrow. Anyhow, I was a geek and waved to Phyllis and called out "We love you guys!". We didn't want to approach them because we knew they were probably exhausted from traveling (we are!), but Phyllis walked over to us.Wow! Great start Pam! Way to be classy flans not psycho flans.
QUOTE (Pamela Beesley @ Oct 26 2007, 10:10 AM)
I just typed a post for 45 minutes and made the mistake of not saving it before I posted. It is gone forever. Andy (aka Bob) will be posting shortly, and I will supplement it in a bit.
Andy (aka Bob) will be posting shortly, and I will supplement it in a bit.That happened to me earlier today - I had typed a longish response to you guys and then it didn't post!
Just checked in to the Radish Inn and met Craig Robinson at the front desk immediately. We went outside to get our luggage and met Kate Flannery on the way back inside! Also met Tanster. Hotel is just beautiful and the drive from Philly to Scranton was gorgeous! Rolling hills with beautiful fall colored trees!
...Now I'm going to go watch last night's show. I missed it while we were stuck at the airport waiting for our flight.
Be back later!
OO
...Now I'm going to go watch last night's show. I missed it while we were stuck at the airport waiting for our flight.
Be back later!
OO
Reading these great stories makes me giddy with excitement!
QUOTE (OfficeObsessed @ Oct 26 2007, 10:33 AM)
Just checked in to the Radish Inn and met Craig Robinson at the front desk immediately. We went outside to get our luggage and met Kate Flannery on the way back inside! Also met Tanster. Hotel is just beautiful and the drive from Philly to Scranton was gorgeous! Rolling hills with beautiful fall colored trees!
...Now I'm going to go watch last night's show. I missed it while we were stuck at the airport waiting for our flight.
Be back later!
OO
...Now I'm going to go watch last night's show. I missed it while we were stuck at the airport waiting for our flight.
Be back later!
OO
Yay, OO!! Thanks for posting! I can't believe you guys are actually seeing the cast members! That is A-W-E-S-O-M-E!
QUOTE (OfficeObsessed @ Oct 26 2007, 11:33 AM)
Just checked in to the Radish Inn and met Craig Robinson at the front desk immediately. We went outside to get our luggage and met Kate Flannery on the way back inside! Also met Tanster. Hotel is just beautiful and the drive from Philly to Scranton was gorgeous! Rolling hills with beautiful fall colored trees!
...Now I'm going to go watch last night's show. I missed it while we were stuck at the airport waiting for our flight.
Be back later!
OO
...Now I'm going to go watch last night's show. I missed it while we were stuck at the airport waiting for our flight.
Be back later!
OO
YEAH OO! You're there and it sounds amazing.
Also, PB and PB's brother...thanks for posting your stories! I can't wait to read more about all of you lucky flan's weekends!
How wonderful it is to hear of people living vicariously through my sister and I. With that in mind, I know I identified myself as Pamela Beesley's brother in my first post, but please call me Andy. Or you can call me Bob, since that's my name in real life. I'm not trying to be pissy about being referenced through my sister, I just think it's easier to identify me this way.
So I think it's safe to say my sister and I got about an hour of sleep apiece. When last I "talked" to you all, we were about to go for a romp around the hotel in our jammies. The floors are pretty much the same with the exception of our current floor, floor 2, which has a lounge that the helpful hotel employee guy showed us (he earlier had given me some tips for helping us get to change our room from this smokey one) and we are hoping to use as a meeting place with other flans. Then after sitting in that room for a few minutes we came back, and I tried to sleep while the sis played around on the computer some more. We eventually slept, though I woke up about half an hour before I "had" to be up, and because of not eating for about 12 hours at that point I was starting to get queasy, and nervous, and it was only going out to the University of Scranton that helped make my stomach feel better (since the toast I had for breakfast wasn't cutting it).
Before I forget, once we get the pictures off our cameras and sorted out and stuff, not only will we be giving you pics from the convention events, but to answer the question about how the room key is "Office" themed, we plan on taking pictures of the key and our other merchandise to date. Like the stuff we got at Poor Richards, and some new stuff from today. Which pretty much is the next thing that happened so I might as well say it. Well, we got some good news about changing our room (and we will be taking care of that after we are done blogging, hopefully). Now we were on our way to the U of S, and we came across a Rock 107 tent and got bumper stickers (the intern, who appeared to be chatting up a lady, was ordered to fetch) and then some T-shirts specific to the convention that feature Dwight trying to be the 107th caller. Oh, and we got interviewed. No big deal. If anyone happened to catch it, I almost was able to pull off the fact that I am not that big of a flan of the show, but I just couldn't lie to a radio personality I had just met, who had given me a donut. Actually, my level of fandom showed itself later, but we'll get to that when the time comes.
Okay, so we showed up, and pretty much the only thing going on at that point was a bunch of students from U of S (mostly) standing around the fences and screaming and stuff. Al Roker popped in and out. My sister and I may have been on TV throughout the whole ordeal, but we won't probably know until we can watch it when we get home. At any rate, we ended up getting a fairly nice spot where we could see the cast members walking into the filming area, but for the most part we were on the wrong side to get good pictures. So for those of you out there who will eventually see them, that is why the pictures of Creed, Kate and Oscar aren't as good as the later ones.
Creed was "dapper" as my sister said it, and Kate was a big hit. Oscar seemed a little subdued at first, though he started mixing with the crowd eventually. In case people out there don't know, pretty much every cast member so far has appeared younger than they do on the show, and I think that is totally dawesome. It's much better than the other way around. Kate's hair was actually a lot redder than it appears on the show, at least in my opinion. Not that I want to spread rumors since I have absolutely no idea, but I think she might dye her hair. Looking good, though.
There was a little down time, and then we got Phyllis, Bobby Ray and Leslie. By this point, after yelling so much that Kate is Kate and not Meredith, my "true" level of fandom was surfacing. I also decided to try to get a better spot since the crowd was starting to thin a little. I ended up on this pedestal for a statue which ended up being a great vantage point to get pictures, although oddly enough the camera men kept getting in the way of the women (Phyllis at this point, and Angela later, though that's not really that hard [TWSS]). (*NOTE* My sister and I each have a laptop and we were doing a kind dueling blogging, but something happened to her post just now and she lost it. I was going to comment how we were probably saying a lot of the same things, and hopefully when she tries again later the same will apply, but in case you wondered why she hadn't posted as well, that's why.)
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. Phyllis is so beautiful. And she is so nice! Bobby Ray had a Vance Refridgeration sweatshirt and was totally working the crowd. Leslie is also an amazing crowd pleaser, and before I forget, he came back and my sister got a lot of up close photos of him. But like I said, with Kate and now Leslie, people were calling the character names and not their real names. This isn't really a big deal, but it really made it seem like most of the people there were not the die-hard flans. But maybe people just like shouting the character names.
Next we got Angela, Brian and Craig. Again, people were shouting character names. Plus, this is where I really got anal (TWSS): the crowd, and eventually Craig, were doing chants of "Scranton. What? The Electric City! Scranton. What? The Electric City!" But they were doing it WRONG! In the show, Michael says, "Scranton." and then Dwight says, "What?" Two separate people. The way everyone else was doing it was to have one person say the two together and then the other people (generally the crowd at large) would shout, "The Electric City!" Again, it makes me think it was mostly college students at the event and not the die-hards. Now I know what a TV dinner feels like.
So anyway, I wasn't able to get as many pictures of this trio since they didn't stray over to my side as much, but I was able to get a few with Craig holding this baby (and I missed getting one with Angela holding him). But there was a dance off between Craig and Brian, where Craig did the running man and Brian backed out without challenging at all. Somebody got served big time.
Brian and Angela went out through the barricade fence to do an interview nearby, and Craig stayed around to talk to people. Kent Zbornak was hanging out, too, and my sis got photos since she was closest. Things were pretty much winding down so we came back to the hotel, started posting, trying to get photos set and are about to change rooms to the 4th floor, with an amazing view of the atrium, according to sister. We'll probably have some time this afternoon to upload photos, but we're going to the Steamtown Mall after the move, and by then it will probably be time for registration. So probably after that. Sorry if this went on longer than you would have liked (TWSS) but I just remembered something before I go! There was this guy who made a giant Dwight head, and my sister and I got photos with him (he was also wearing a "Dinkin Flicka" sweatshirt, dawesome!). For my sister's photo I used my camera and hers, and hers was a little complicated, and it gave me the chance for a nice joke with the Dwight Head guy: "Sorry that took so long. That's what she said." And he laughed and thought it was a good one.
Okay, it's time to move, my sister is getting antsy and demanding we move it. More in a few hours. And photos, too!
So I think it's safe to say my sister and I got about an hour of sleep apiece. When last I "talked" to you all, we were about to go for a romp around the hotel in our jammies. The floors are pretty much the same with the exception of our current floor, floor 2, which has a lounge that the helpful hotel employee guy showed us (he earlier had given me some tips for helping us get to change our room from this smokey one) and we are hoping to use as a meeting place with other flans. Then after sitting in that room for a few minutes we came back, and I tried to sleep while the sis played around on the computer some more. We eventually slept, though I woke up about half an hour before I "had" to be up, and because of not eating for about 12 hours at that point I was starting to get queasy, and nervous, and it was only going out to the University of Scranton that helped make my stomach feel better (since the toast I had for breakfast wasn't cutting it).
Before I forget, once we get the pictures off our cameras and sorted out and stuff, not only will we be giving you pics from the convention events, but to answer the question about how the room key is "Office" themed, we plan on taking pictures of the key and our other merchandise to date. Like the stuff we got at Poor Richards, and some new stuff from today. Which pretty much is the next thing that happened so I might as well say it. Well, we got some good news about changing our room (and we will be taking care of that after we are done blogging, hopefully). Now we were on our way to the U of S, and we came across a Rock 107 tent and got bumper stickers (the intern, who appeared to be chatting up a lady, was ordered to fetch) and then some T-shirts specific to the convention that feature Dwight trying to be the 107th caller. Oh, and we got interviewed. No big deal. If anyone happened to catch it, I almost was able to pull off the fact that I am not that big of a flan of the show, but I just couldn't lie to a radio personality I had just met, who had given me a donut. Actually, my level of fandom showed itself later, but we'll get to that when the time comes.
Okay, so we showed up, and pretty much the only thing going on at that point was a bunch of students from U of S (mostly) standing around the fences and screaming and stuff. Al Roker popped in and out. My sister and I may have been on TV throughout the whole ordeal, but we won't probably know until we can watch it when we get home. At any rate, we ended up getting a fairly nice spot where we could see the cast members walking into the filming area, but for the most part we were on the wrong side to get good pictures. So for those of you out there who will eventually see them, that is why the pictures of Creed, Kate and Oscar aren't as good as the later ones.
Creed was "dapper" as my sister said it, and Kate was a big hit. Oscar seemed a little subdued at first, though he started mixing with the crowd eventually. In case people out there don't know, pretty much every cast member so far has appeared younger than they do on the show, and I think that is totally dawesome. It's much better than the other way around. Kate's hair was actually a lot redder than it appears on the show, at least in my opinion. Not that I want to spread rumors since I have absolutely no idea, but I think she might dye her hair. Looking good, though.
There was a little down time, and then we got Phyllis, Bobby Ray and Leslie. By this point, after yelling so much that Kate is Kate and not Meredith, my "true" level of fandom was surfacing. I also decided to try to get a better spot since the crowd was starting to thin a little. I ended up on this pedestal for a statue which ended up being a great vantage point to get pictures, although oddly enough the camera men kept getting in the way of the women (Phyllis at this point, and Angela later, though that's not really that hard [TWSS]). (*NOTE* My sister and I each have a laptop and we were doing a kind dueling blogging, but something happened to her post just now and she lost it. I was going to comment how we were probably saying a lot of the same things, and hopefully when she tries again later the same will apply, but in case you wondered why she hadn't posted as well, that's why.)
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. Phyllis is so beautiful. And she is so nice! Bobby Ray had a Vance Refridgeration sweatshirt and was totally working the crowd. Leslie is also an amazing crowd pleaser, and before I forget, he came back and my sister got a lot of up close photos of him. But like I said, with Kate and now Leslie, people were calling the character names and not their real names. This isn't really a big deal, but it really made it seem like most of the people there were not the die-hard flans. But maybe people just like shouting the character names.
Next we got Angela, Brian and Craig. Again, people were shouting character names. Plus, this is where I really got anal (TWSS): the crowd, and eventually Craig, were doing chants of "Scranton. What? The Electric City! Scranton. What? The Electric City!" But they were doing it WRONG! In the show, Michael says, "Scranton." and then Dwight says, "What?" Two separate people. The way everyone else was doing it was to have one person say the two together and then the other people (generally the crowd at large) would shout, "The Electric City!" Again, it makes me think it was mostly college students at the event and not the die-hards. Now I know what a TV dinner feels like.
So anyway, I wasn't able to get as many pictures of this trio since they didn't stray over to my side as much, but I was able to get a few with Craig holding this baby (and I missed getting one with Angela holding him). But there was a dance off between Craig and Brian, where Craig did the running man and Brian backed out without challenging at all. Somebody got served big time.
Brian and Angela went out through the barricade fence to do an interview nearby, and Craig stayed around to talk to people. Kent Zbornak was hanging out, too, and my sis got photos since she was closest. Things were pretty much winding down so we came back to the hotel, started posting, trying to get photos set and are about to change rooms to the 4th floor, with an amazing view of the atrium, according to sister. We'll probably have some time this afternoon to upload photos, but we're going to the Steamtown Mall after the move, and by then it will probably be time for registration. So probably after that. Sorry if this went on longer than you would have liked (TWSS) but I just remembered something before I go! There was this guy who made a giant Dwight head, and my sister and I got photos with him (he was also wearing a "Dinkin Flicka" sweatshirt, dawesome!). For my sister's photo I used my camera and hers, and hers was a little complicated, and it gave me the chance for a nice joke with the Dwight Head guy: "Sorry that took so long. That's what she said." And he laughed and thought it was a good one.
Okay, it's time to move, my sister is getting antsy and demanding we move it. More in a few hours. And photos, too!
PB and ACB your posts were fantastic - thanks for helping those of us at home feel like we're there with you.
Thanks for the stories, PB & Andy!!! We'll all be waiting by the computer for more...
great stuff, guys!
Wow - you really are a huge fan! I'm so glad you're having such a great time!
Absolutely wonderful stories. I can't wait for more!
TWSS
TWSS
Thanks for sharing all of this! It's making me jealous (in a good way ) Sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun. Can't wait to hear more
) Sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun. Can't wait to hear more
Bob, you are my new hero. I feel like I'm there. Keep those blogs coming!
Andy and Pam - these entries are SO great! Thank you so much for keeping the rest of us updated.
SUGGESTION for those that are blogging. Create your post in another word program as a catch all/safeguard against the post being lost here. It may take a few more minutes of your time but its WORTH it!
Cant wait to read and see pictures
Cant wait to read and see pictures
These posts are great!!! Thanks for keeping us updated!
OMG. I can't wait for pics. PB and Bob and OO - yall are great for giving us the inside info! So awesome.
well I am at the hotel!! my room will not be ready for a while so if you see a girl typing away at her computer in the lobby that is me!!!
It really is a pretty hotel.. I mean I really do not mind sitting here for a while!!
It really is a pretty hotel.. I mean I really do not mind sitting here for a while!!
Saw Al Roker at the convention on the Today Show - Wow! It looks like a fun party! You could hardly hear him or the cast members he was interviewing because of all the cheering! Keep up the good work, PB and Andy! Love your posts! 
SO I am not here 10 mins and suddenly I hear a voice... angela and brian are eating next to me... talk about odd!!
yeah it is really cool they are all just standing around in a circle talking about the food and stuff!!
yeah it is really cool they are all just standing around in a circle talking about the food and stuff!!
Nette's Layouts posted this on MS today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcKS09chZ0Y
I hope you guys that were lucky enough to go have a GREAT time!! Can't wait to see your pictures
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcKS09chZ0Y
I hope you guys that were lucky enough to go have a GREAT time!! Can't wait to see your pictures
QUOTE (Pam Halpert @ Oct 26 2007, 12:45 PM)
SO I am not here 10 mins and suddenly I hear a voice... angela and brian are eating next to me... talk about odd!!
yeah it is really cool they are all just standing around in a circle talking about the food and stuff!!
yeah it is really cool they are all just standing around in a circle talking about the food and stuff!!
That is so exciting, Pam Halpert!! Have a great time!! Post, post, post...for those of us unfortunate enough to be at home instead of in Scranton!
I'm with bubble wrap your making me jealous but in a good way. Have fun and post tons of pics!!
Great,exciting convention commentary. It makes me seriously happy to read every detail. 
I saw the Dwight head on TV this morning. Is this the same guy that was posted on Officetally?
I saw the Dwight head on TV this morning. Is this the same guy that was posted on Officetally?
I can't wait to see pics!!!
I have to say this trumps them all... I saw this little girl go running into her dads arms just in time to see that it was Oscar ( I think that was his.. he kissed her..) anywho SOO SWEET!
Has anyone seen Steve Carell or Rainn, Jenna or John K.? (I haven't watched the youtube video or The Today Show - can't see those here at work) It seems like most of the actors are freely roaming around, just casually. That is so neat. I wonder if the same would go for some of the bigger names?
it would be nice if I new some people here AHEM 
Angela Kinsey and Brian Baumgartner are interviewed from the first ever "Office" convention in Scranton, Pa. - October 26, 2007
Click here to watch the interview
Click here to watch the interview
QUOTE (khunter30 @ Oct 26 2007, 11:34 AM)
Has anyone seen Steve Carell or Rainn, Jenna or John K.? (I haven't watched the youtube video or The Today Show - can't see those here at work) It seems like most of the actors are freely roaming around, just casually. That is so neat. I wonder if the same would go for some of the bigger names?
I don't think they're going to be there.
QUOTE (mixedberries @ Oct 26 2007, 02:11 PM)
I don't think they're going to be there.
Oh.
Haven't seen anything on YouTube yet, but if you check out the Today show site on video.nbc.com, you can see Al Roker's interviews with the cast.
There isn't enough coffee in the world to make me that chipper so early in the morning...
There isn't enough coffee in the world to make me that chipper so early in the morning...
Lovin' all the blogs! Especially Andy's! Excellent writing and conveying the fun and excitement. But as much as those of us not attending want to read them, don't miss out on anything because you came back to your room to write or upload pix. Get out there, explore the town, soak it all up! As you've already learned, the cast members seem to enjoy being very accessible to the fans. It's not like they're surrounded by body guards and being herded into and out of places in secret. So you never know where you might see them!
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