Unveiling the Faces Behind the Blog: 10 Surprising Facts About Our Journey

Welcome, dear readers! As we continue our shared journey through DIY projects, home renovations, and the everyday adventures of life, we often find ourselves connecting with you on a deeper level. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain a little further to share some surprising, intriguing, and sometimes even hilarious facts about us – the people behind the stories and tutorials. Beyond the paint swatches and power tools, who are John and Sherry, really? Get ready to discover some unexpected truths that shaped who we are and how our little corner of the internet came to be. From unexpected career paths to family legacies and even a brush with reality TV, these revelations offer a unique glimpse into our world. We believe that learning and growing together is what makes this community special, and sometimes, that means sharing a bit of our own messy, wonderful, and entirely human story.

1. From Novice to DIY Enthusiast: Our Unconventional Home Improvement Journey

It might come as a shock, especially given the extensive How To page filled with tutorials we’ve since published, but just a few months before we even conceived of this blog, our DIY skill set was virtually non-existent. We had never touched a paintbrush to brick, navigated the arduous task of ripping up old carpet, attempted the intricate art of upholstering a chair, or even built a simple headboard. Caulking was a mystery, changing out hardware seemed like a complex endeavor, and the myriad of other home improvement projects we now tackle with relative ease were completely foreign to us. This isn’t just a fun fact; it’s a testament to our core belief: that learning as you go is not just possible, but incredibly rewarding. Our entire journey into home renovation and creative living started from a place of absolute beginner status, driven purely by curiosity and a willingness to try. This approach not only transformed our homes but also laid the foundation for sharing our evolving knowledge and empowering others to embrace their own DIY adventures, proving that anyone can learn to transform their living space, one project at a time.

2. Our Quirky Identity: The “Burgrr” License Plate Saga

In a world of mundane vehicle identifiers, our license plate stands out with a distinct and slightly humorous touch: “Burgrr.” You might wonder about the story behind such an unusual choice. Well, the truth is delightfully simple and perfectly encapsulates our slightly playful approach to life. Here in our state, custom license plates are an incredibly affordable luxury, often costing as little as $10. Faced with such an accessible opportunity for personalization, we simply couldn’t resist injecting a bit of our personality into our everyday commute. The “Burgrr” plate isn’t just a random assortment of letters; it’s a small, daily reminder not to take ourselves too seriously, to find joy in the little things, and to embrace the quirky side of life. It’s a fun conversation starter and, for us, a constant source of amusement that adds a unique flourish to our car and our personal brand.

3. A Nod to Ancestry: The Story Behind John’s Middle Name

Names carry stories, traditions, and often, a profound connection to our heritage. For John, his name is a double tribute to the men who came before him. While his first name, John, honors one of his grandfathers, his middle name, Freeman, holds an equally significant place in his family’s history. Freeman is a direct homage to his other grandfather, a way to keep a cherished family name alive and remember the man who bore it. This naming tradition reflects a deep respect for ancestry and the desire to weave the threads of the past into the present. It’s a reminder of the generations that shaped his family, imparting a sense of identity and continuity. For John, Freeman isn’t just a middle name; it’s a piece of his family’s legacy, a quiet tribute to the roots that ground him.

4. The Name Game: My Journey from Sherry-Beth to Sherry

While most people know me as Sherry, my birth certificate tells a slightly longer, and arguably more complicated, story: my first name is actually Sherry-Beth. My mom, in her infinite wisdom and creative flair, genuinely believed it flowed beautifully, envisioning it as a Southern equivalent to “Elizabeth.” Unfortunately, in my experience growing up, it flowed more like a turbulent river than a serene stream. To put it mildly, the name Sherry-Beth pretty much defined and, at times, “ruined” my life during my formative years. The comparisons to “Bobby-Joe-Becky-Sue” country bumpkin archetypes were relentless, making childhood and adolescence unnecessarily challenging. Consequently, I swiftly adopted “Sherry” as my primary moniker, a simpler, less regionally specific name that allowed me to navigate social interactions without the immediate assumptions or teasing. It was a strategic move for self-preservation, a way to shed an identity that felt ill-fitting and embrace one that allowed me to be perceived simply as myself, free from the confines of a name that carried too much baggage.

5. An Unexpected Blend: My Italian Roots and a “Good Ol’ Girl” Name

The humor and irony of my chosen “good ol’ girl” name, Sherry, becomes even more pronounced when you delve into my family background. Contrary to what my name might suggest, my mom’s side of the family is vibrantly, proudly, and undeniably Italian. We’re talking deep-seated traditions, rich culinary heritage, and names that sing with Mediterranean charm. For instance, my mother’s full name is Diana Teresa DeCesare LaPadula, a symphony of Italian lineage. Among my relatives, you’ll find an Uncle Vito, a Grandpa Carmen, and a Cousin Dominick – names that unmistakably echo our heritage. This stark contrast between my somewhat Southern-sounding name and my intensely Italian roots often throws people for a loop. It’s truly out of left field, especially when you consider that my brothers and cousins were all given wonderfully conventional names like Daniel, David, Adam, Tim, and Jennifer. My name remains a unique, almost comical, anomaly within our family, a testament to an unexpected cultural blend that makes my story all the more distinctive.

6. The Bold Move: John’s Unexpected First Kiss

When it comes to our relationship, one fact consistently surprises anyone who truly knows us: John made the first move and initiated our first kiss. This detail consistently blows people away because, in our dynamic, John is generally the reserved, quieter one, while I’m often characterized as the loud, crazy, and more outwardly audacious partner. Given our contrasting personalities, most would naturally assume I would have been the one to take the romantic initiative. Yet, in that pivotal moment, John, with an unexpected surge of confidence, stepped forward. It was a moment that perfectly captured the intriguing complexities of our personalities and the subtle ways we surprise each other. That initial bold gesture from the typically shy John solidified an early spark in our relationship, laying the groundwork for a partnership built on surprising turns and a deep appreciation for each other’s unique qualities. It’s a story we often recall with fondness, marveling at how our paths converged in such an unexpected yet perfect way.

7. From Improv Stages to Advertising: John’s Unexpected Career Pivot

Before settling into the world of advertising and eventually co-founding this blog, John led a fascinating, albeit short-lived, life in improv comedy. During his college years and immediately after graduating, he honed his comedic skills on improv stages, first in college and then in the vibrant comedy scene of New York City. The world of improv is notoriously demanding, often requiring late nights, unconventional schedules, and a lifestyle that thrives in the twilight hours. However, John quickly realized that this wasn’t the path he truly desired. He discovered a profound appreciation for sleeping at night and being awake during the day – a preference that ultimately led him to opt out of the improv circuit. And for that, I am eternally grateful, as it was in the advertising world that our paths eventually crossed. Interestingly, many of his improv acquaintances have since gone on to achieve significant fame; he even knew Kenneth from the popular show “30 Rock” and Jenny Slate, who became a notable presence on “SNL” and in various films. John’s pivot from the unpredictable world of performance to the structured environment of advertising not only shaped his career but also fortuitously brought us together, demonstrating how unexpected career choices can lead to truly wonderful life outcomes.

8. My Childhood Health Adventures: Tumors, Teeth, and Triumphs

My middle school years were, to put it mildly, a period of rather extraordinary health challenges that provided me with plenty of fodder for conversation – and a few unforgettable experiences. One of the most significant was the discovery of a tumor in my airway, specifically nestled between my nose and my throat. As you can imagine, this led to countless opportunities for me to hear the infamous line, “It’s not a tumor!” (a nod to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic movie quote) from well-meaning but often repetitive doctors and nurses. Thankfully, after two surgeries, it was confirmed to be benign, and I eventually recovered completely, feeling as good as new. But the medical adventures didn’t stop there. I also faced a unique dental predicament: a set of teeth that decided to grow in near the back of my throat. Correcting this required a protracted and frankly torturous series of orthodontic procedures, involving wires and gradual adjustments to painstakingly pull them to the front of my mouth. While the process was undoubtedly difficult at the time, enduring the discomfort for years ultimately resulted in a normal, healthy smile – an outcome I wholeheartedly agree was worth every bit of effort in hindsight. To this day, I occasionally quiz my mother about what she might have consumed during her pregnancy to explain these unusual developments, though she has yet to provide a definitive answer. These experiences instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and a unique perspective on overcoming physical challenges.

9. John’s Unwavering Willpower: A Life Without Alcohol

One of John’s most defining and, for many, surprising characteristics is his absolute abstinence from alcohol. He simply doesn’t drink – not a single drop, and he never has. This fact became readily apparent to his colleagues early in his advertising career, often after just a few happy hours where John was present. What struck everyone was his remarkable ability to remain the life of the party, engaging, witty, and fun, without ever needing a drink. He was never “that drunk guy” who needed to be put in a cab at the end of the night, a stark contrast to some others. This unwavering willpower and remarkable self-control were incredibly intriguing and appealing to me from the very beginning of our relationship. It showcased a strength of character that I found, and still find, profoundly attractive and inspiring. To this day, his disciplined approach to life continues to captivate me. It’s worth noting, as a popular internet rumor about us often suggests, that we are not Mormons. Haha! For more details on that and other fun facts, you can read our blogiversary post here. John’s choice is simply a personal one, reflective of his inherent discipline and unique personality.

10. Our Near-Miss with Reality TV: The Amazing Race Audition

Long before our blogging days, back when our relationship was still blossoming from friendship into something more, John and I embarked on a rather ambitious and potentially relationship-defining adventure: we tried out for “The Amazing Race.” Our clever “hook” for the producers was brilliantly conceived: the intense pressures of the race would either inevitably ruin any chance of a romantic relationship between us or, conversely, forge an unbreakable bond that would bring us closer than ever. It was a high-stakes proposition! However, despite our carefully crafted pitch and enthusiastic audition, we never even received a call back. While a part of us might have been disappointed at the time, I now realize this was undoubtedly for the best. My notoriously terrible sense of direction combined with my tendency to be quite outspoken would likely have made us a rather frustrating, if not utterly disastrous, team on such a demanding global competition. Yet, I firmly believe that John, with his exceptional map-reading skills, innate sense of direction, and impressive running ability (three crucial competencies I notably lack), could absolutely win the entire competition – provided, of course, he had a significantly more directionally astute and less boisterous partner. It’s a fun memory that reminds us of our youthful ambition and how some unfulfilled dreams can, in hindsight, be blessings in disguise, steering us towards the wonderful life we have now.

Connecting Beyond the Screen: What Surprises You About Us?

Well, that was a delightful little dive into some of the more personal and quirky facts about our lives. It’s always a pleasure to share these stories and peel back the layers of who we are beyond the DIY tutorials and renovation updates. We hope these revelations offered you a fresh perspective and perhaps even a chuckle or two. Now, it’s your turn, our lovely readers! Do any of these strange or surprising facts about us particularly blow you away? Did Number 1, revealing our humble DIY beginnings, resonate with your own learning curve? Was Number 9, about John’s non-drinking lifestyle, a complete surprise? Or perhaps the near-miss with reality TV in Number 10 sparked your imagination? We’re eager to hear your thoughts and discover what resonated most with you. Do tell – we love hearing from you and connecting on a more personal level!