Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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The Real J-Boom

First off, in kitchen progress news, all of the chaotic electrical work has been completed! In just five hours actually. Woot.

Electrician Craziness Horiz

So we’re cleaning things up, taking pics, doing some pendant hunting, and writing a big ol’ post about it for you guys on Monday. But apparently when Sherry shared “The Real $herdog” on Tuesday there were a bunch of requests for a John version. Color me surprised (I honestly thought Burger and Clara would get mentioned before I would). And since I don’t really have a cool street name like Sherry, she has suggested that I use “J-Boom” for the time being. It’s a little too close for comfort to a certain busty Jersey Shore cast member for me, but since I figure there’s little risk of confusing the two of us – I’ll use it for now. It certainly has more flare to it than my childhood nicknames of “JP” and “Petersik.” Anyway, since Sherry stole some shared facts for herself (about our marriage and our daughter) – my list might be a bit more random than hers. Here goes nothing.

#1 – I don’t always enjoy shopping and decorating. If reading our blog has given you the impression that I’m always the dutiful husband who skips merrily alongside Sherry on shopping trips for our latest decorating project, well – that’s not 100% accurate. I may participate in (and often enjoy) running house errands more than the average husband, but I also do my fair share of groaning when I’m told we “need to go out for pillows.” Same goes for tasks around the house. Let’s just say I don’t bound joyfully from the couch every time I learn we’re hanging curtains or need to go up in the attic to carry something that “takes two people, one being the strong and helpful husband.” But when worst comes to worst, I just try to find the humor in being the tagalong husband:

HGoods Dog Backpack

#2 – I’m the king of typos. Case in point, my fingers originally made that “I’m the kind of typos.” I’ve accepted this about myself: my brain and fingers don’t always work in unison and my eyes don’t do me any favors by catching them. Sherry has little tolerance for it (especially since I will even drop an entire word or three here and there). Yes, sentences like “then I spread the grout with a trowel” might get typed out as “then I with a trowel” and Sherry is left scratching her head. It’s one of the reasons Sherry proofreads every post before it goes up and also why I’m not as active in the comments (along with the fact that I have no idea where each of our ten million pillows hails from). I confessed my typo problem in a local interview two years ago where Sherry and I had to submit secret responses about each other separately. I said I loved Sherry because “she fixes my tyops.” Sherry told me it was a sweet and clever answer… until I further confessed that I hadn’t done it intentionally. It was just the most well-timed typo of my life.

JBoom Skirt Tyops

#3 – I’m sometimes insecure about being a stay-at-home dad. Those who caught my BabyCenter post a few months ago already know most of this. And though I think I technically qualify more as a “work-at-home” dad, I still often feel funny about not getting up, putting on work clothes, and trotting off to the office like other “normal” dads. Even though I can rationalize that being home with Clara is actually a very good thing, it still just feels off to me sometimes. Especially when Clara and I are checking out at the grocery store in the middle of the day and I get that “oh, he must be unemployed” look from the cashier. But I’m doing my best to just embrace it and be as good at it as I can.

DayInLife 13 Folding Laundr

#4 – I’m a shameless consumer of “new” things. Maybe it’s the former advertising exec in me (or the reason I got into advertising in the first place) but I’m a total sucker for new products. They don’t even have to be totally new – maybe Hershey Kisses’ just released their seasonal flavors, for example. I. Must. Try. Them. All. Heck, I even bought a box of Life cereal the other day just because the packaging had been redesigned. Sherry knows whenever I go food shopping alone that she should brace herself for the weird new flavor or product I’ll come home with (Dulce De Leche Cheerios? Check).

#5 – I sing. A lot. And not that well. Sherry and I are both guilty of bursting into song pretty often, whether it’s singing along to the radio or crooning an original tune that narrates what we’re doing (“a grouting we will go, a grouting we will go, high ho the tile-e-oh, a grouting we will go”). So maybe this goes along with Sherry’s admission that she’s painfully cheerful? It’s like a slightly off-key and slightly-sarcastic Disney movie up in here sometimes. And it’s probably why Clara isn’t shy about belting a little medley out too. We aren’t “real” singers or anything, but we can both (key word: sort of) carry a tune. And sometimes harmonize. Sometimes even on purpose. If we were to try out for American Idol we’d be in that in-between group that’s neither good nor bad enough to see the judges. You can catch a snippet of me singing in this mockumentary my college improv group made about a squash tournament (that obviously needed to close with a big mediocre musical number). Fast forward to about 12:10 for my extremely brief verse. Or if you care to watch the whole thing, start here with part one (warning: I can’t guarantee it’s entertaining for anyone beyond those of us who are in it).

JBoom John Singing

#6 – I don’t really read Young House Love. Since Sherry proofreads every post (see #2 if you’ve forgotten why) and responds to most comments (questions like “where did you get that mirror?” are like asking me what color earrings Sherry wore three days ago), she reads just about every single word that ever gets posted on this site. So with all that we juggle each day, it’s not really the best use of our time for me to read everything too. I barely find time to read other blogs, let alone the one where I already know how things end. So if we ever talk in person and you reference something funny that Sherry wrote, please forgive me if I just smile and nod. Does it make me feel like a bad person? Sometimes. But c’mon, you know brevity is hardly a virtue of ours…

#7. I can get pissed like the best of them. This might come as a surprise but I can get pretty darn peeved in the middle of a project that’s going anything but well. I have even been known to throw a screwdriver (maybe “lob it at the ground” is a better description) while grappling to fix an incredibly frustrating mailbox issue. I’m working on it, but just know that I’m not Mr. It’s All Going To Be Hunky Dory during every project. Sometimes I’m just gritting my teeth and muttering under my breath. But when it’s all said and done and we’ve lived to tell the tale, it’s 100% worth it. Which probably explains why I keep jumping back into the ol’ DIY arena. I’m like Russel Crowe in Gladiator – except significantly less ripped.

John Taking Cabs Down

So maybe my list was less “surprise, I’m not perfect” than Sherry’s since I figure you guys already knew I was no Matt Damon / Edward Cullen  / Justin Bieber or whoever else is the epitome of male perfection these days. Just don’t tell Clara that. I think she’s pretty convinced I’m all that and a box of raisins. And I’d like to keep it that way.

Pssst: We are not famous. But somehow we’ve been invited to be part of the Richmond Comedy Coalition’s series called “Richmond Famous” that’s happening next Friday night (Jan 27). We’re not totally sure what we’re in for, but supposedly we’ll tell some true stories from our lives and they’ll improvise scenes based on them. And yes, Sherry is beyond nervous that we actually “have to talk” so we’d love to see you guys there. At least I would. Sherry might rather hide in the car. Get more info here.

Yearbook Richmond Famous

Psssst again: We announced this week’s giveaway winner. Click here to see if it’s you.

Comments

    • Jenny says

      I really thought at first that the Dulce de Leche Cheerios were nothing short of Cheerios perfection, but they really outdid themselves with the Peanut Butter ones! But then again I’m all about some serious PB flavor in a low cal/fat version.

  3. Heidi P. says

    J-Boom! …I mean, John!
    I just clicked on Jimmy, the stay-at-home dad’s page and there’s a bicycle picture that I think you’ll really like. Here, specifically:
    http://www.thebookofjimmy.com/?p=376

    That was all hilarious, by the way. Especially the box of raisins.
    And I absolutely love that picture of you and Clara folding laundry. Such a perfect moment to capture on camera.

    Oh, and I’m the sucker for trying new things. I love trying hole-in-the-wall restaurants, too. I don’t know why…

    Reply

  4. Keisha says

    I love you guys and I read this blog everyday! I hope for my husband and I to be stay/ work at home parents with our child. I think it is fantastic opportunity to grow together as a family. We are looking for ways to change our careers so we can stay at home when I do have a child. You two are my inspiration :)

    Reply

  5. aaroohii says

    I totally imagined you two loving each and every project from the start to the end.. I started making a duvet cover myself but got so frustrated after 1 hour that I haven’t gone back to the project.. now I know that you get frustrated as well but you finish every project and that’s when the happiness returns.. you two are so inspiring! I will finish making my duvet cover today itself!

    Reply

  6. Vanessa says

    Great post. I think you should give yourself more credit for being home with Clara, I think she will appreciate it so much. I think you and Sherry are doing a great job!

    Reply

  7. Annalea says

    Okay, Mr. John (Sherry, be sure he reads/hears this):

    Re: ” . . . I was no Matt Damon / Edward Cullen / Justin Bieber or whoever else is the epitome of male perfection these days.”

    A man who works to support his family, no matter where he does it, who loves and cares for his wife and children, who laughs and smiles and sings, who is imperfect, readily admits it, and keeps on trying, IS PRETTY DANG PERFECT!

    So there you have it. Beiber ain’t got nuthin’ on you. ;o) Now Sherry, go kiss your man. He deserves it.

    Reply

  8. Wrenaria says

    My man also sings random songs he makes up about whatever is going on – though they mostly end up being about/to our cats.

    It’s totally endearing. <3

    Thanks for doing this post, John. It was a mighty fun read.

    Reply

  9. Katie G says

    My husband is obsessed with trying various flavored cokes whenever they come out (including the very suspiciously colored Mountain Dews that have come out over the past few years). Given your t-shirt collection, I imagine you’d be on board with that, too!

    Reply

  10. Vicky says

    I think Clara is so lucky to have you home with her. My dad always worked long hours outside of the home so now that I’m all grown up I dont have a close relationship with him because he was never there. I know he wants one especially because he misses his grand baby but I just don’t feel like ever picking up the phone to call and say hi even, cuz I don’t really know my dad, so I don’t know what to talk to him about. It’s sad but that’s just how it is. I wish he would have worked less while I was growing up. Also, Great post! Super funny, loved it! Thank you for writing it.

    Reply

  11. Karen says

    Haha John, I like your confession that you can get pissed with the best of them! I like to tell my husband that when our baby is born I will need to take it on outings whenever he is fixing something in the house. If I don’t the baby will learn lots of new words very quickly!

    Reply

  12. asha says

    My hubs is a “work from home” dad too. It’s definitely an adjustment (he’s had the same experience at the grocery store too!), but like you, he wouldn’t give it up for anything. Great job John! It’s nice to know there are more dads branching out to the “at-home” frontier.

    Reply

  13. ROK says

    When I see a dude in the grocery store in the middle of the day, I assume he is a doctor at a hospital or a professor and has weird hours.

    Or his kid is sick and he is home with the kid–because that is why I’m at the store in the middle of the day (as I usually work).

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We just went off the recommendation of the electrician and decided where we wanted to place them to maximize function (so they’d shine down on the counters, etc).

      xo,
      s

  15. Gretchen says

    Those Dulce La Leche cheerios are awesome! I may go buy several boxes just in case they are a short lived item!

    Reply

  16. Jill says

    Okay…so I now have to adopt you both. Any chance your next house could be in my neighborhood?

    Next time – roll-yo-eyes right back at her! Seriously!

    Reply

  17. pattilouwho says

    That’s so funny about the “Richmond Famous” gig…My husband has been the guest of a similar thing here in Sacramento called “Anti-Cooperation League” – they do the same thing where he gets up on stage and they interrogate him with a ton of questions and then they do about 40-50 minutes of improv from his stories. It’s very fun! I hope you have a great time!

    Reply

  18. Kelly says

    Dude. I just tried Dulce de Leche Cheerios for the first time this morning… definitely note my fave. Chocolate Cheerios is where it’s at!

    Carry on with the perfectly imperfect craziness, J-Boom.

    Reply

  19. Jenna at Homeslice says

    I loved reading a little more about the Johnster. See that? I’m working on nicknames for you… Johnny Boy? John Be Nimble… Ok this is rapidly digressing.. The POINT- thanks for sharing, I’ve loved these couple of posts from you guys. Good luck on the show!

    Reply

  23. Lindsay says

    Long time reader, rarely comment… But I have to say I cannot wait to see you guys next Friday!!! Don’t be nervous, but you must accept that you are celebrities around Richmond. I saw you guys at the farmer’s market this Fall and squealed and hid behind my husband! He told me to say hi but y’all were pushing Clara and taking pictures and I knew I would say something stupid. He laughed at me for hours.

    You guys will be great!! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw man, I wish you would have said hi! I love the farmer’s market. Can’t wait for spring! And you better say hi on Friday for sure. I’ll be the red-faced girl trying to hide in plain site (maybe there will be a giant potted plant that I can duck behind).

      xo,
      s

  24. samantha owens says

    i just accidentally referred to you guys as ‘shawn and jerry’ when talking to my friend. quite the tongue twister for me today lol!

    Reply

  25. Anika says

    Awesome – thank you for sharing! It’s wonderful to hear stories from both of you and get your pov – you’re hilarious John, and you and Sherry make a lovely team!

    Reply

  27. Angela says

    Oooo! The comedy show sounds great! Wish I lived in Richmond, I would totally go. I hope they do a video that you guys can upload a link to. Maybe you should explain your penchant for names like $herdog & J-Boom & they can improv-gangsta you! Sounds like fun. Don’t be nervous Sherry, you’ll be hilarious. So great that you guys are getting all these new opportunities from YHL, doin’ what you do.

    Reply

  30. Katie says

    My husband totally breaks out into song narrating things…though it is usually to frosty the snowman (and year round too!)

    Reply

  32. Tina Bland @ A not so BLAND life says

    $her-dog and J-Boom: I love the real YOU posts! I think you guys really shine through your blog and writing – I like that a lot. That is awesome about the comedy night – we live just north of Baltimore and I am trying to convince my husband to take a road trip next weekend to Richmond to see it! We love VA and spend a lot of time there, so it’s totally possible! oh and BTW I threw a shout out to you guys tonight in my measley blog – we are starting a small redo of our kitchen and I am using your cabinet painting posts as my guide for the project – so THANK you for that!!!

    Reply

  34. Tiffany T. says

    ahaha I’m laughing at the last few posts..I think yall will do great and I love this post! Will you guys do a post about the show? Maybe a clip or two? That would be so cool!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That could be really fun! If we can get some behind the scenes stuff it might pop up on Young House Life since we love sneaking that stuff in over there among Clara and Burger stuff!

      xo,
      s

  35. Jessica says

    It’s nice to hear that you are normal!! I was starting to get a little jealous of the blissful remodeling you seem to accomplish. Glad to know that it is most similar to our “growing together” time as well!!

    Reply

  36. Carolyn says

    Great post! I must admit I always thought John was always 100% into decorating and shopping – secretly jealous that my husband isn’t..hah :) Also, not that I am any authority (being a complete stranger and all)…John, I think you’re a great husband and father. You communicate that very clearly through your blog.
    P.S Sherry, you are awesome too! :)

    Reply

    • Frances says

      My husband likes to shop and decorate more than I do (which is a lot). It’s a mixed blessing, because he’s from the Jersey Shore, so we often have a difference of opinion, to say the least.

  37. Stephanie says

    Thanks for the Friday night entertainment! Loved it all, but, J-Boom, you blew it out of the water mentioning Edward Cullen. Wow – made my night that you mentioned that!

    Even though I’m sure Clara thinks your cool like Mufasa; I mean that in a good way, like in the beginning when he’s a king who makes time for his kid, you know before the other part. Oh man, this isn’t what I was going for…

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  39. Traci says

    I hate to bust your bubble in #7 about not telling Clara you aren’t perfect . . . We have two daughters, now ages 14 and 11. My husband was just saying yesterday, “when did they decide that I didn’t hang the moon?” Sigh . . . not sure when it happened, but it did . . . I told him, “at least the dog still thinks you do!”

    Reply

  40. Donna says

    Hello there, this question totally does not belong with this post…but, I don’t really know where to put it lol. I’ve been searching high and low for a plugin for my site that can do what your “projects” page does – display categories or tags or however you set it up on a page, instead of in the side bar. Please save my sanity and tell me how you did that! Thanks so much!

    Reply

  41. Amanda B says

    You two together inspire me to do more diy around the house, but this post inspires me to be more honest about myself. I’m resolving to start an anonymous blog (or at least a private journal) to admit my insecurities and by doing so work to overcome them. Thanks for opening up! You’re a great writer, even in spite of the typos. :)

    Reply

  42. Pip says

    Thanks for these great personal posts. Hope you guys have a blast as Richmond Royalty! Love that you spend the day singing randomly – keeps that happy vibe going :)

    Reply

  46. Susan Akers says

    re: “sometimes insecure about being a stay at home dad”. John – you are not a stay at home dad. You work at home. You mentioned the word ‘normal’ a couple of times, and in todays world you make your own ‘normal’. You are a very lucky person that you get to participate daily in your daughters life. She will feel more secure as she grows up knowing her dad was right there with her during her formative years. Thanks for sharing this post and keep belting out those songs!!

    Reply

  47. Katherine says

    Don’t you kid yourself Kids, the reason you have at the moment I write this already 305 comments to one posting is because we all love ya. The projects, the idea’s, the shopping tips… and often a glimpse that you are just like all of us {imperfect at times}.

    Reply

  49. Kristin says

    I just read all the comments posted/approved so far, and I cannot believe that only ONE other person commented on how John was rocking those jeans in the cabinet shot. I totally noticed it, too. Perhaps most folks simply had the sense not to write it!

    Sherry, I know you’ll be nervous anyway, but PLEASE know that all the people in the audience completely ADORE you. Anything you say, no matter how awkward or goofy it feels to YOU, will read as charming and lovable and just plain stinkin’ CUTE. Truly. Just go have fun!

    Can’t wait to see you both on Friday!

    Reply

  50. Frances says

    I do the same sing song narration thing! My oldest daughter’s “theme song” went like this

    She’s the Angie Doo
    She’s got the big old head
    the super giant head
    with the brain inside
    with the na na na

    (Angie added the na na na part herself! lol

    Reply

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