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 Case in point, my fingers originally made that “I’m the kind of typos.”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

  2. Kimberly says

    John, I love you as much as Sherry and it’s nice to learn more about you and your take on your YHL life. I think you all are the bees’ knees!!!

    Reply

  3. Rebecca @ the lil house that could says

    This was great and you remind me of my husband in a lot of ways. He will be working from home when our baby comes in May, usually likes going to Crate and Barrel just to shock himself on the escalator (somehow he discovered that running his fingers along the metal under the rail while riding up worked every time) and he doesn’t publish a post until I read it because of the typos (and uses of the words “yo”, “sucks” and rap music references no one would get…)

    Reply

  4. Zoë says

    John – you are awesome. The whole Petersik clan rocks!!

    I would so be hiding with Sherry in the car. I used to love going to improv comedy back when I lived in London, but I would always try and find the spot where I could not possibly be picked on. Front row = bad. Back row = too obviously hiding and ripe for the picking. In the middle and at the side = safe. Have fun!

    ps In an online community I am a member of, someone asked which celebrity would we be instant friends with and I picked you guys. Consider youself celebrityfied (yes, that is a word).

    Reply

  5. Holly says

    “I’m like Russel Crowe in Gladiator – except significantly less ripped.”

    Well John, in that photo it doesn’t matter…lookin’ mighty fine in those jeans ;)

    Sherry – lucky girl, hubba hubba! (And yes, Adam Levine is epitome of male perfection!)

    Reply

  7. Alison says

    What an awesome post! Thanks for sharing John, this post is now one of my favorites, so funny. Sherry- you’re right, your hub is hilarious!!

    Reply

  8. Leigh Anne says

    I love the projects, both big and small, and have copied/been inspired by you all more times than I would care to admit. However, these types of posts really resonate with me and make those of us who feel like “DIY slackers” compared to you feel normal. P.S. You are famous – quit living in denial;) TGIF!

    Reply

  9. Carla says

    I seriously do not believe there is such thing as Dulce de Leche Cheerios. You HAVE to try the real deal though (maybe you have already):

    http://bit.ly/xoRGf9

    Has to be eaten directly from the jar with a spoon. Warning: totally addictive.

    Reply

  10. Erin says

    “#4 – I’m a shameless consumer of “new” things.”

    I’m a shameless consumer of pretty packaging therefore I totally understand the LIFE cereal splurge. I’m pretty stoked that the consumer world is finally figuring out that aesthetically pleasing packaging = big bucks. 8th Continent Soy Milk anyone?

    That really had nothing to do with the post… thanks for listening anyway. :)

    Reply

  11. Shannon @ Bungalow960 says

    These honestly posts are killing me. Love it. I also never think of either of you as stay at home parents, but as work at home parents. I am also known to “lob” things in frustration. My boyfriend likes to call it “chucking and breaking things” but lobbing sounds so much nicer.

    Reply

  14. Alison says

    Jimmy and John,
    I think you are both great. Restores my faith in men. Needless to say I had a deadbeat dad. You should both be proud of the work you do, it is so important.

    Reply

  15. Monique says

    Love the name J-Boom!

    And my dad totally gave my mom and I the strangest look when we came home from the grocery store last night with Dulce De Leche Cheerios.

    Reply

  16. Meredith says

    I’m totally guilty of being a projected judger, not meant with any negativity attached. I have an 8-5, M-F job and when I leave work during a weekday (for a doctor’s appointment, day off, whatever) I’m always SHOCKED at the number of people out and about because I (falsely) assume EVERYONE is working when I’m working and so where do all these people come from? Who is this at the grocery store on a Wednesday afternoon? The schedule flexibility is mind boggling.

    However, I also used to work as a waitress years ago; my hours were 3:30-11:30 PM and days off were Monday/Tuesday, so my “out and about” time tended to be when everyone else was at work, and I do remember feeling the desire to proactively announce, “no really, I work full time!”

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It’s okay, Meredith. I do the same thing (being shocked at the number of people out). I always think “Oh, I’ll go the store now because it’ll be empty” and then I’m consistently flabbergasted at the fact that I’m not the only car in the parking lot.

      -John

    • hjc says

      I’ve decided that NOBODY works anymore because it doesn’t matter where you go or what time you go, there are always people there! I think you’re right Meredith, there is just a lot of schedule flexibility these days. Which is probably good – just imagine rush hour if literally everyone was going to work at the same time.

  18. Beth says

    Re #3: I so admire you both for making your own, independent thing. You are setting an awesome example for that little munchkin.

    Reply

  19. Rachel says

    My husband and I love to sing out loud together too. Always off key. Its silly, but its one thing I really love about “us”. I’m glad there are others out there like us.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We’re the only ones being featured in this particular show. They try to do the show once per month with a new “celebrity” each time, but I don’t know who else they’ve got scheduled for any future shows. Sorry!

      -John

  21. nat says

    Guys. Thanks. Really. I was beggining to lose interest to the site exactly because I was beggining to feel a little irritated by how perfect I thought you and your life was. Haha. You’are like the rest of us. Phew. ;-P

    Reply

  23. heather says

    My husband would be so much better at being a stay at home parent than me. His skill set to teach the kids real world applicable technical skills. It would mean I would suddenly have to make enough money to cover both of our jobs (unlikely, especially now that I’m not a tax accountant) but in the world of dreams, I would love for my kids to be raised primarily at home by my husband with me working.

    So hats off to both of you for being able to stay home with Clara. It’s huge and wonderful that she is being raised by both parents from such a young age. I hope whatever the future brings you’ll be able to sustain doing something similar.

    Oh, and the throwing the screwdriver thing? Yep. We have the swearing-at-inanimate-objects thing going on in our home.

    Reply

  24. Lindsey says

    Don’t get too down about being a work at home dad…..my husband would love to do that and I would love to have him home with us everyday. You have a “dream job”! Love both of your keeping it real posts. They are great!!

    Reply

  25. Tara says

    my husband is a marine. my best friend’s husband is a marine. their deployment schedules never meshed and we would always go everywhere together. since it was always 2 women, a bunch of little kids and one man (since the other was deployed) in my great big suburban with utah plates (military can keep their original state residency even when they move all around the country) people always thought we were polygamists! gotta love human nature with all it’s tendencies toward assumptions!

    Reply

  26. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    I admire you being home to stay home with your daughter everyday. I’m sure she treasures the time with you. I can understand it making you feel “less manly” sometimes, but you’re more manly for still doing it everyday and not giving in to societal stipulations!
    And next weekend sounds like a great show! Hopefully I can talk Hubby into it!

    Reply

  27. Corie says

    Oh J-Boom! Did you HAVE to post this? I was getting really good at saying things to my husband like “This guy, he goes with his wife to Michaels” and he was all “Good for his wife but nope”. And now to know that you might not even want to be there? Well, that just put my hubs in even hotter water! ;) He COULD just grin and bear it, too! Hee!

    And do you know how many mothers/kids would love the gig Sherry and Clara have? You’re all very lucky, I wouldn’t think twice about the cashier at the grocery store, she isn’t paying for the food you bought OR raising your daughter… just keep focusing on what’s important!

    Reply

  28. Lynn @ SafeBeauty says

    Thanks for this little insight into your male brain John. It’s super important to keep it real online I think. And don’t forget to take time for yourselves (sans cute and cuddly Clara) and keep the fire going in your marriage so you don’t start feeling like roommates living in an Ikea. (Although your house looks way better than alot of sample rooms from Ikea!)

    My best, Lynn

    Reply

  29. Katie S. says

    Oh John, My husband just bought the Dulce De Leche Cheerios! Maybe its a guy thing…but my husband is the same way!

    Reply

  30. Rachel says

    Do I spy new recessed lights? So exciting! Really enjoy your blog and all of the invaluable tips that you share. So great for those of us designing on a budget but who appreciate great style! Looking forward to seeing the finished kitchen. – Rachel

    Reply

  31. Heather says

    I often feel that people are looking at me funny in the grocery store or even getting the mail in street clothes….but I try to just pretend I have been gone & busy all week & I am finally enjoying my day off! People assume you just have a day off; actually most people are not thinking anything…they don’t care.

    Reply

  32. karen says

    Sherry…you got to get a video of John singing one of his “Disney” type tunes!!
    I think Clara has a pretty awesome dad!!

    Reply

  33. Catherine says

    Before I found your blog on a home decorating top 10 list somewhere out there on the oh-so-helpful internet, I had never looked forward to reading a blog everyday. I would skim my google reader for a good post once a week. But, now I wake up in the morning and check to see what new cool project you two are working on. It feels a little creepy but, at the same time, so fun to follow all the projects you two tackle! Main point: keep those posts coming, they are fantastic!

    Reply

  34. Chrissie says

    It’s so sweet to see these posts. I think reality is far more awesome than faux-fection :-)

    It probably doesn’t hurt that I can totally see myself and my almost-husband in you two – made up songs and all. Made up on the spot songs are the best, if not from a musical perspective (unless you’re Wayne Brady) then for the fun and hilarity they offer.

    Reply

  35. Dina says

    Thank you so much for this, ESPECIALLY #1 and #7. Now the next time my husband gripes about being dragged to Bed Bath & Beyond, or punches a wall while trying to hang shelving at my behest, I won’t say to him “Why can’t you be more like J-Boom?” (and since he doesn’t read YHL, he won’t have to scratch his head and ask me why I’m such a weirdo). John and Sherry-Beth, you should add “marriage counselors/referees to your resume!

    Reply

  38. Eileen says

    “lob it at the ground” – I immediately thought of the Andy Samberg sketch “Threw it on the ground.” If you two haven’t seen it yet, you should, it’s pretty hillarious.

    Reply

  40. GreenInOC says

    My Dad worked his schedule around ours so while he wasn’t a work from home Dad we did get to spend an inordinate amount of time with him. It was incredible, we were so lucky and had the most incredible relationships between us.

    Be damned what people think, just enjoy Clara!

    Reply

  41. Kelly says

    Random and unrelated question to John’s post but do you all have extra penny tile? If so are you going to craigslist it? I would be so interested!

    Reply

  43. Amanda says

    I loved this post John. My husband runs a website and his retail store is literally down the street, so he can be home a lot. I love it and I’m sure our son will too once’s he’s older ( he is 6 weeks ) but people assume he doesn’t work all the time. Or because it is a family business they think he must be slacking at home. We laugh at the judgements though, because we know the truth and it is so nice to have family time so often. It would be great to see post like this for Clara and Burger, although I am thinking they are both perfect:)

    Reply

  44. Olivia says

    Thanks, John! My dad stayed home with my sister and me when we were little and I know he struggled with some of the same feelings. (He did things like send funny notes in our lunch which were from “Freegon”, his alien alias – highly recommended). I have SUCH happy memories from that time and will always appreciate that time together. I have no doubt that Clara will feel the same way.

    Reply

  45. Beth says

    Ha ha, I like #5 because yesterday I was painting bead board and it took for-ev-er to get all the paint into each little groove. I found it helpful to sing, “Get into the groove, boy you’ve got to prove your love to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee” for hours on end!

    Reply

  46. lisa bump-riley says

    I always wondered if John really enjoys the shopping, picking out curtains etc. I usually get the eye roll when I tell the hubby we’ve got to run out to pick things out for the house too. I do want to say that I admire all the wood working projects that John has done. I’m jealous of how he has taught himself the correct way to build random items out of wood and they always look professional. I am still struggling with trying to build a radiator cover. Wish I had the skillz John has! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  47. lisa bump-riley says

    lol i would have addressed you directly in my comment john but i glanced up and saw that sherry was responding to comments…now i see that john is too! sorry about that! :)

    Reply

  48. Sabrina says

    Eww Bieber! My husband knows about those “unemployed” stares. He works at night a lot of the time and we quickly go shopping on the days our oldest has school. One even told him that it gets better for everyone lol He also just brought home those cheerios and sugar cookie pop tarts.

    Reply

  49. Rebecca says

    If my husband wouldn’t laugh at me and think I was crazy, I would totally try to convince him to drive 3 hours to Richmond to see you guys at the comedy event. Have fun Sherdog and J-Boom. And please, try to convince the comedy group to refer to you by that all night long ;)

    Reply

  50. Jar says

    I’m right there with you on this, John. I’m a guy (almost) always game for a DIY or home improvement project with my wife and was a stay-at-home dad for a while during our stint in fostering a couple of boys. My wife and I joke that you and I are actually a lot alike and hearing your insecurities and tendency to get ired by projects gone awry pretty much confirms it.

    Reply

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