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 Case in point, my fingers originally made that “I’m the kind of typos.”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

  1. Christie says

    Though my husband is very versatile with music instruments, a renovation of our house seems worse than a nightmare to him and all the dexterity that is apparent when he’s playing music virtually disappers at the moment he touches a hammer. :) We’ve changed our roles slightly. But I’m satisfied – I’m getting the best inspiration from you guys (Thank you!), some of HGTV’s TV shows and my husband’s music.

    Reply

  2. Sarah C says

    Can you please take a video of at least one of the skits while you’re being celebrated at Richmond Famous and post it for all of your dear readers who don’t live in the Richmond area?

    Reply

  4. Dawn Pfeiffer says

    My father, while not a SAHD, worked evenings and nights most of my childhood, so he would often chaperone field trips and bring snacks to school and was the one who got me ready for school every morning. Those small chunks of time were his time to spend with me. I thought it was cool to have my dad on field trips and a lot of boys in my classes thought he was cool too! I’m now 30 years old and am still very close with my father. I am very grateful he ignored the idea that only moms can do that sort of stuff. I’m sure Clara will have the same feelings too!

    Reply

  6. Nicole says

    You guys are great! I love how you both are openly honest about all your “quarks”. It’s really nice to see people who are being true to themselves in a world that’s making everyone be like everyone else.

    On a complete random side note. You guys actually inspired me to get back into webdesign and I just offically opened my website a few days ago. (it’s still in the “developing” stage haha) But I just wanted to say thanks. Ever since my daughter was born the things I used to love doing got put to the back burner and I finally got enough inspiration (and courage) to do it again. :)

    Reply

  7. Leah B says

    Attention: totally random question in no way related to post.

    Okay, I need some big-time help, friends! (I like to pretend we’re friends, at least.) I made an offer on my VERY FIRST house today and I’m waiting for a response from the seller…but in the meantime, I’m plotting and planning my first “projects” in this house that I’m *sure* will be mine (think happy thoughts…). First on the list: a big, corner, floor-to-ceiling river rock fireplace straight from 1984. I love the fireplace but hate the big, imposing rock. So I’m wondering- WWJASD? (What would John and Sherry Do?) Can I paint river rock? Should I just clean it and then learn to live with it? Would a chunky white mantle look weird on a rock fireplace? What do YOU two (or anyone reading this!) think?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, I’ve seen them painted glossy white and even chocolate brown by designers and they look amazing! It’s really a personal preference thing so some folks would never paint them while others don’t think twice.

      xo,
      s

  8. Michelle says

    Love this post! Quick question, I remember you recommending Polycrylic for furniture that doesn’t yellow? Have looked through a lot of posts and can’t find which one you recommended. It’s going on a refinished kitchen table. Was it the Minwax Water-Based Polycrylic?

    Reply

  9. Laura Jinkins says

    Once again, you’ve made yourselves all that much more adorable and lovable by showing you’re real folks like the rest of us. Aside from enjoying your blog, I APPRECIATE your blog because you’re showing the rest of us that we can do cool stuff like this, too! :)

    Reply

  10. Hometipster.com says

    I’m with you… I really don’t like shopping, except for when I’m redecorating. I really love the DIY stores and can spend hours buying the bits that I need.

    My greatest joy ever was buying all the finishing materials for the villa that I had built. Buying stuff like floor and wall tiles, sinks, tubs and everything else was a blast.

    I’m hoping to build another villa in the near future, just so I can go through the process again!

    Reply

  11. Jeri Atkin says

    I enjoyed your blog. Thank you for entertaining me all these
    months or maybe it’s years. Your home is beautiful and I know a lot of hard work (not to mention money) went into each
    project. I have enjoyed you, Burger, Sherry and finally Clara
    since the beginning. You are a delightful fellow and I know Sherry appreciates all you do, as does Clara. Thank you.
    Jeri Atkin

    Reply

  12. Pamela says

    Dear Stay-at-Home Mom and Dad,

    REALITY CHECK! You are self-employed. You own and run your own business. This business had grown and evolved during a severe recession. How many other DIY/decorating blogs get the number of hits, let alone the number of comments, as YHL? When you are standing in the checkout line I’ll bet you are also mentally contemplating paint colors, furniture arrangement, remodeling details… That’s the nature of owning your own business. It’s your third baby, after Clara and Burger. It’s why you have to make resolutions about “balance.”

    But nothing is more rewarding because you “did it yourself.” You are recognized by your peers as well as your followers. You are keynote speakers at conventions, you have a book deal, and now you are FAMOUS! Heck, Bill Gates looked like a dork in the beginning. Who knows where the Petersiks will go? Only UP! (But you may have to rethink $herdog and J-Boom.)

    Reply

  13. nina says

    hi, love u guys. Just wanted to know if you’ve gotten any comments on how u look just like the kid on the new movie extremely loud and incrediably close? The whole movie I felt like I was watching your son or something ;-)

    Reply

  15. Stacey says

    I find it most surprising you don’t read YHL! It makes sense but for those of us who can’t get enough of you and Sherry it’s almost blasphemy!!!

    Reply

  16. Andria says

    John–I think your voice is amazing! I’d be singing all the time, too, if I could sing that well. I’ve never heard Sherry sing, but she’s probably great, too. And, not to sound like a stalker, but I had a dream about you guys, where I moved in down the street and was SO excited to be your neighbors. Then I woke up. :(

    Reply

  17. Justin says

    My wife and I sing our way through life as well. Although, I truly cannot sing, so I overcompensate by contorting my voice to be something along the lines of a dying alien chicken.

    My wife actually can sing, but she humors me by joining in. Especially around Christmas time when we hack slaughter every song in the car. It gets pretty intense.

    Reply

  19. Greg says

    Thanks for representing the fellas. It can be hard at times to be a guy that is in to home design. You can tell that you are a great dad as well. That is cool that you get to spend so much time with your daughter. Keep representing John us guys appreciate it!

    Reply

  20. Bridgette says

    I cant say anything new that these hundreds of comments haven’t said already! Thanks for sharing and I hope the comments helped with any insecurities. We are all human and flawed. Butits easy with even blogs you only want to share the ” perfect” house and ” awesome” times. Not saying should be as transparent as glass. But you two are best at not just sharing life, love, DIY tips etc, but also being real and not afraid to show messes and flaws. So thanks!!

    Reply

  21. Jessica says

    I’m a few days behind, but I just want to say this…..

    John, I think it’s great that you are home with Clara as much as you and Sherry both are. We have a little one who is just about a month older than Clara. My hubby recently moved into Sales from a Golf Professional position. Because we live in the Northeast, hubby usually only worked from about March-early November as a golf pro. It was AMAZING having him home with our little one for an entire winter, and it’s been very different now that he is a 9-5 kinda guy. I watch the videos you guys post of Clara and I’m amazed at how advanced she is….I think the fact that you guys are there with her every day has such a positive effect on her…

    You guys are lucky and your hard work and dedication has provided you the opportunity to spend so much of these precious years with your little lady. Many of us are JEAL—OUS! lol! So, anyhow, what I’m trying to say is that you shouldn’t feel bad about not getting up and going to the office every day. As long as you are providing for Clara (which you are), you are doing things right. She is obviously benefiting from your presence and you will never, ever regret being the guy who got to spend the most precious years with your child(ren). So just enjoy it….keep doing what you’re doing….you and Sherry are the most amazing parents and every day when I read your blog, I wish that my hubby and I could be at home with our little lady….

    Reply

  22. char says

    I love these confessionals =)
    I have to tell you, my other half is also a JOHN, also cannot survive without spellcheck and grammar check, and also humors his role/required tasks as a spouse. Where you differ is #3. He aspires to be the stay at home dad, and I support it. Think about it: how many people out there had the opportunity to be essentially raised by Dad?! Most dads (I think) are sadly absent, at work, or become the disciplinarian. Wouldn’t you rather be the Good Cop?! =) Nope -I fully love the stay at home dad thing. Love it. Wish more guys would man up to it.

    Reply

  23. Emily Renee says

    I’m sure this may have been asked, but I will be honest I’m not going to read 350 some odd comments… #7, no shame in getting frustrated with things. I know my guy has to be forceful sometimes when something just won’t cooperate. I’m just curious about your little four legged guy. Chihuahua’s are fairly known to be fearful in times of “anger”. Does Burger show any signs of being afraid when you “lob” a screwdriver to the ground? Or does he have the “I could care less” attitude he portrays? :)

    Reply

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