First, let me say thanks for letting me vent last week. I got some nice feedback from my last post and am glad to know I’m not alone.
Second, let’s talk about stalking Young House Love (YHL)! I mentioned here that I’m an avid follower of theirs, and was super stoked to learn they were coming to three different cities in my home state of Texas, for their BIG book tour. When I found out that my good friend got me their book for my birthday, you can bet your bottom dollar I was excited to get them to sign it in person. I’m not a big DIYer, but I aspire to at least be motivated to eventually do something crafty around the house, eventually. Ha!
Why follow them around you ask? Well, I live in one of their stops (Dallas), my sis lives in another (Houston), and my parents live in the third (Austin). So honestly, it was an excuse to see my family for a few days and hang out. I don’t think any of my family members complained too much. Plus, Sherry and John Petersik are really cool people! I admire their relationship with one another and their daughter; it’s very refreshing to see in this day and age. Their blog is where I learned about Oil Rubbed Bronze, blogging, and cloth diapering. Thanks guys!
So without further ado, allow me to do a quick recap of the their tour. Random note: Sherry wore her black blazer with a different shirt each time, and I wore a ruffle shirt each time. Gotta keep it fresh.
Houston
Their first stop was in Houston. I had no idea what to expect at their signings, so I planned to arrive two hours early just in case. Also, since I was watching my nephew, Dillon, at the time, I knew I had to get in early to get out early. Yup, you read that right, I took TWO TODDLERS to the book signing and waited 3 ½ hours to get my booked signed. Crazy? Yes. Worth the wait? Definitely.
The girl in line said I should get some award for taking two toddlers. Ha! I don’t know about that, but my secret weapon was FOOD! Don’t judge. My life revolves around food, especially growing up in an all Italian household, so I packed lots of fresh fruit, veggies, and nuts. Desperate times call for desperate measures people. Hey it worked, that’s all the matters.
When it was my time to go up to see them, I was a nervous wreck. I have no idea why, but I was shaking and getting all splotchy. What the?? I guess since it feels like a lot of us readers know them, it was like meeting a way famous friend. Weird I know, but John and Sherry were totally awesome! My favorite moment was when Sherry flipped to the title page and saw my name: ‘Jess,’ to which I added ‘Crunchy Hot Mama’ underneath, and then reacted like this:
Crazytown!! It meant a lot because when you get 5 million hits a month, it’s totally surreal that someone would recognize a lil ole blog name like mine. Thanks $herdog!
Dallas
This signing was a bit chillier compared to Houston, though it was only two days later (in yet another West Elm). For this one, I left Emma at home with Josh, and went with my friend/former co-worker, who originally got me hooked. We had planned to take the train down there, but after being unable to find the station, we decided to drive. We arrived later than that two hour window I liked having, but the wait wasn’t too bad. I think this one was only 2 ½ hours, and we picked up some Starbucks to keep us warm while we waited outside.
Once we got to the front, I got nervous yet again. C’mon now, this is getting silly, they are people just like you and me. Oh well, whatcha gonna do? So, once I got up there and they recognized me, I got hugs from both and then called out by Sherry. She yelled ‘She has followed us all over!’ Um no, just in Texas…I’m not THAT creepy. Riiiight.
For this signing, I had Sherry sign a note to Emma, from their daughter Clara, since they are the same age. I think Emma will appreciate it later, if she even remembers who Clara is by then. Oh, and they also put me in one of their posts…Holy Schnikes!! #sohonored #mosthitsinaday
Austin
The third and final stop of their Texas tour, was in the wonderful city of Austin. If you saw this post, you’ll remember that I declared a love affair with the gorgeous city and surrounding Hill Country. Honestly, though, this trip was three-fold, so it just so happened to work out that YHL was there, too. What a coincidence.
I did get a bit nervous this time, but not as bad as the first. I liked how it was in an actual book store, so we didn’t have to wait in the cold rain, and they also did a grouping system, so everyone didn’t make a mad dash for them. I was bummed that we missed most of their presentation, since I didn’t even realize that was going on, but at least we made it. Oops, my bad. We passed most of the time in the kid’s section, with an added potty stop, until our group was called. And once again, I got hugs from the both of them, and Sherry called me out for following them around. Oh that girl!
Emma even had a blast running around while patiently waiting our turn:
All in all, I had a great time. I got to see my family, my old high school friends (read: reunion), and explore a ton of gluten-free restaurants, all the while supporting a really awesome couple. I don’t know how they do all that touring, while still whipping out two posts a day, AND completing projects, but they do. They are definitely my heroes in the time management department…amongst other things. Check them out or grab their book if you get a chance, especially if you have any interest in DIY (they DIYed their wedding for Petersik‘s sake!). I think you’ll be pleasantly charmed by them, just like the rest of the world.
What about you? Have you ever travelled far to see someone you really like? Do you love YHL like I do? Please tell me I’m not the only stalker devoted follower. Sherry promised it wasn’t creepy, so I’m sticking with that.
