Monday, September 10, 2012

Coming Home via House Hunters International

We're coming to America! Well sort of. We'll be on your television screens this Thursday at 9:30pm Texas time. All five of us. Oh, and Clementine will be there too! 

You might remember that we filmed an episode of HGTV's House Hunters International back in May. It was an incredible experience and we loved every minute of it. We even got all into it and felt like pros for a few days.

{Day 3 of filming --with my boys}
Then the waiting set in. And the time in between was filled with doubt, vanity and anxiety. We may have looked silly. Why did we say that? How will it be edited and what parts will they show? Does the camera really add ten pounds? Oh, and when we spoke French on camera...losers!

Then I remembered that we did it for the same reason I started writing this blog.We did it so we could have a memento of this special time in our family's life. Something to document our time abroad; the indelible marks Ireland and France have left, individually and as a whole. We thought of the show as one whopper of a home video, living pictures of the children at this time in their lives, a professionally crafted keepsake. Priceless.
That's why we did it.

{Bray, Ireland 2009}
And hopefully that's what you'll see on Thursday.

The thing is, we can't watch HGTV here in Europe so we won't get to see it when you do. At first that had me all freaked out...I was going crazy searching for ways to stream or download it, even thinking of getting up in the wee hours (9:30 at home is 4:30am here) to watch it on P-Daddy's parents' television via Skype. But no. Now we're looking at it as a pleasant mystery, playing out for all of you at home, seen through your eyes first, just like the rest of American television.

{Action!}

I'll count on you to let me know how it turned out, what you thought and if you liked it.

I'm thinking of posting some crib notes on Wednesday. Just some things I think would be fun for you to know while you watch.
 
Deep breath. No one watches that show anyway, do they?




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39 comments:

  1. MeredithSeptember 10, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    I'm going to tell my family to watch and tape the show!

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  2. KatherineSeptember 10, 2012 at 10:50 AM

    I'm sure it will be great. Watched and enjoyed by many, and treasured by your family. Hopefully there will be a way for us to get it over here sometime.....

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    1. AidanSeptember 10, 2012 at 10:52 AM

      Definitely treasured by my family. No question. They will send me a dvd version in a few weeks and I'll get it on the blog somehow. If it's good... ;)
      a xo

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  3. Lisa C.September 10, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    As you know, I FEEL your anxiety!!! How strange that millions of people are going to take a peek inside your life before you do! I'm sure by next week, you can stream it off the internet somewhere...

    I wish you are happy episode launch and just from Kim's testimonials about you and your family, I just know it's going to be a great episode!!

    xo.

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    1. AidanSeptember 10, 2012 at 11:44 AM

      Not literally 'millions' though, right?!

      Thank you. That compliment from Kim goes down as one of the best I've ever received in my life. Who can ask for more than that?

      Yours will be wonderful. And stylish too!
      a xo

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  4. Opus T. PenguinSeptember 10, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    I love House Hunters International and now I'm really looking forward to your episode.

    I have a small idea about your nervousness. Last night on The Food Network they aired an episode of The Great Food Truck Race. My wife and I were there when they filmed it and we waited months for that episode to air. Unlike you, we weren't the stars of the show. We just wanted to see if we were in the background anywhere.

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    1. AidanSeptember 10, 2012 at 2:17 PM

      Hi Opus T.,
      Happy to hear from you.
      So, were you guys able to see yourselves on the show?
      Since we don't get HGTV here in France there are so many shows we never see! I know they have a lot of good ones. The Great Food Truck Race sounds intriguing.

      As for stars...that remains to be seen! Holy. Now I'm even more nervous.
      Best,
      Aidan

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  5. MarkSeptember 10, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    I watch it and I'm so glad I'm back from my blogging break to find out about this. Can't wait to watch! And Fred will be watching too to critique your French!
    m.

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  6. MemSeptember 10, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    I won't pay for cable because I think it's a rip-off (just my way of protesting).....so I'll just hope that someone will do a taping of the show and post it on your blog so I can view it. I would love to see you all in action! I'm certain it will be very terrific!

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    1. AidanSeptember 11, 2012 at 10:28 AM

      No problem Mem.
      They're sending me a dvd in a few weeks and I will post it on here for you to watch. If I like it, that is.
      a xo

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  7. MichelSeptember 10, 2012 at 4:02 PM

    I am looking forward to seeing this episode. I have the DVR set to record so I won't miss it in case I don't happen to be in front of the TV when it comes on. It should be great fun to watch all of you.

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  8. kristenSeptember 10, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    Such fun! I'm sure it will turn out great. I can't wait to hear what everyone tells you. PS: you have a gorgeous family :)

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    1. AidanSeptember 11, 2012 at 10:04 AM

      thanks Kristen. I'll let you know what I hear. and then share it when I get my copy.
      aidan x

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  9. LieneSeptember 10, 2012 at 4:10 PM

    Now I know why we are back in the US - so we can watch your show! (And side note, when we we contacted by HHI, I totally deleted the emails because I thought they were spam and we weren't looking for a house anyway... Oops!

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    1. AidanSeptember 11, 2012 at 10:22 AM

      Yes! That's it, Liene.
      You'll have to email me after and let me know what you think.
      P was skeptical at first too and I nearly didn't bother because we are only renting but that didn't matter. Apparently the show is super popular and they need new episodes for every weeknight, so....here we are!
      a

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  10. Kirsty @ Bonjour QuiltsSeptember 10, 2012 at 4:13 PM

    Damn straight, millions. And they will love you as much as we do! I can't wait to see it, just not sure when - make sure you let us know when you get a copy. We can pop it on before Magic Mike :))

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  11. Young at HeartSeptember 10, 2012 at 6:39 PM

    hilarious....and fun....and what delightfu;l looking kids you have!!

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    1. AidanSeptember 11, 2012 at 10:26 AM

      thanks! the kids are great. they loved doing the show too.

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  12. MichelSeptember 10, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    For anyone who wants to watch the show in the US, make sure you check the TV schedule. On the HGTV web site, it shows at 10:30 PM and on the TV schedule with tivo, it shows 10:30 PM. 9:30 Texas time would normally be 7:30 California time. So just a word to the wise.

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    1. AidanSeptember 11, 2012 at 10:24 AM

      thanks for this note Michel. You're right, everyone should consider their time zone when planning to watch. It will air again at 1:30am CST too so later for those on the west coast.
      aidan

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  13. Little Sweet SpotsSeptember 11, 2012 at 9:54 AM

    That's exciting! Can anyone video the show and upload it to you tube for you (and us!)

    xoKaren

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    1. AidanSeptember 11, 2012 at 10:25 AM

      Karen,
      I'm trying to find someone who knows how but haven't had any luck so far. I'll receive a dvd copy in a few weeks and will get it on the blog then, if not sooner.
      when they call you, you should do it too!
      a

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  14. david terrySeptember 11, 2012 at 12:06 PM

    Dear Aidan,

    Well, congratulations, of course, but I've got to say that you may be underestimating the popularity of that channel and that show in particular.

    I don't have (or, consequently, watch) television. My general impression is that I don't need to do so, since I HEAR about it all the time....and I can promise you that I can, without blinking, name at least five smart friends who are utterly addicted to that channel and that show. They talk about it constantly....confirming my fear that, if I did get a television, I'd watch it CONSTANTLY.

    In any case, my good guess is that "millions" might, indeed, be an accurate forecast of your audience.

    I'm sure that you and your family will come off looking very good.

    It's too bad the HGTV folks didn't contact me this past Spring for an episode. As of right now, I, all the dogs, and the major portion of what I own on this planet are finally plopped down in the middle of the 220 year old house we (I, more specifically; the dogs are never of much use when the topic of mortgages comes up) bought in June.

    Finding, buying, and moving were all such a horrible fete-worse-than-death that I never intend to do any of them again....so HGTV has missed its Golden Opportunity to film someone's (me, to be precise) acting REALLY BADLY and generally losing his s**t every other day for two entire months.


    I'm going to call my pal, Madelyn and ask if I can come over to watch this episode on her television.

    Thanks, as ever, for your particularly fine and invigorating blog. I particularly enjoyed the Canal du Midi posting; sycamores/plane-trees are my favorite trees, and I spent a very disheartening afternoon, this past January when we were in Toulouse, with an arborist (i.e., he knows what he's talking about) who told me to enjoy the sycamores while I still could. I proably don't have more than 20-30 years left, but (and as you may know) all those beautiful sycamores along the canal have even fewer.

    Level Best as ever,

    david Terry
    www.davidterryart.com

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    1. AidanSeptember 11, 2012 at 12:41 PM

      Dear David,

      First off, I have to say thank you so much for your compliments on my blog. 'particularly fine and invigorating' are high praise indeed.

      Thanks too, for your narrative commentary. Your comments are little escapist vignettes for all of us weary blog writers who feel that no one really reads it, feels it, pays attention to all the words we agonize over and then release out into the wild open.

      As for the millions, well, holy heck. Everyone who I mentioned it to before said that either they or their mother or their wife watched the show. so, there ya go. My mother watches it. That's how I knew of it. I guess it's like TLC's Trading Spaces was back when I lived in the US. At least there are so many episodes, a new one every weeknight!, that mine will be one of many, all blurred in with the rest for those who don't already know me.

      Sincerely,
      Aidan

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  15. david terrySeptember 11, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    P.S. Do you follow Ed Ward's blog "City on the Hill"? He's the astoundingly-well-informed "rock-historian" for NPR's program "Fresh Air (among other accomplishments,such as being one of the founders of the South-by-Soutwest Festival), and he lives in Montpelier. His blog is a completely refreshing (for me and Herve, at least) alternative to all those hyper-enthusiastic "As a lover of ALL things French!" blogs.

    I expect you two could talk Texas for hours on end. I've never met any Texans who couldn't (I have mentioned that my grandmother and all my great-aunts were born and raised in Waxahatchie, haven't I?...and did I add that their names were "David", "James", and "Ezra"? Go figure...as you'll know, folks in Texas don't necessarily follow the rules, even when it comes to naming their baby-girls).

    ---david terry

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    1. AidanSeptember 11, 2012 at 12:50 PM

      David,
      PS back at you...
      I've actually met Ed Ward, founder of SXSW and radio presenter/journalist extraordinaire. We had drinks together at an anglophone night out back when I first arrived. He reminds me a lot of my dad....also a journalist who enjoyes a glass or two of red wine.
      I do miss Texans and our way of welcoming and telling tales. My family reunions taught me one thing. The one who talks the loudest and tells the funniest story, wins.

      I can certainly empathize with your great-aunts David, James and Ezra. I've carried Aidan around with me all my life, spelling it out for confused east Texans, taking it to Ireland where everyone knew it well but were confused because something was all wrong. And then here in France where all those vowels don't make a name at all. Oh, well. 41 years later and I'm still Aidan. I have never felt like a Kristen or a Jennifer, so it suits me fine.

      Have a wonderful day.
      Aidan

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    2. david terrySeptember 11, 2012 at 6:33 PM

      Oh, this business of names can get even more complicated, Aidan. I find myself regularly explaining to folks/friends/family (many of whom pride themselves on their mastery of languages) that NO ONE ON THE PLANET CAN SPELL HERVE'S SURNAME.

      His grandparents and parents were all born and raised in France. His great-grandparents, however, were Irish and Russian political-exiles who ended up in 1920's Paris.....where the great=grandfathers did their best at franco-cizing (so to speak...what's the equivalent of "anglicizing" a name?) their surnames.

      Both of them (and neither of them actually spoke French) made a complete botch of the business...and then their offspring married and hyphenized the two names so that no one (French, Russian, OR Irish) can spell the danged thing.

      It's "Mommeja-Marin"...which doesn't conform to any rules from any language.

      I've grown long-accustomed (having taken a tip from widely-travelling Herve, who inevitably makes our rservations when we're abroad) to telling folks that, if they're trying to get hold of us at a hotel, simply ask for the guest whose name begins with "Momm", and who isn't & obviously from Pakistan or India.

      and, so you've met Ed? I like him/his writings & observations very much. He's so entirely NOT "cuddly"..and he's wildly smart.

      ---david terry

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  16. LieneSeptember 14, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    You're a star!!! It was great, y'all came across as stylish yet eloquent! (And the French was fine, you needn't have worried!) We all loved it! Bisous Aidan, to you and your lovely family.

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  17. KsamSeptember 14, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    I set the slingbox to record it and can't wait to watch it this weekend!! ;)

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  18. Kirsty @ Bonjour QuiltsSeptember 14, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    Have you seen it yet? I'm dying to!!

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  19. AidanSeptember 14, 2012 at 2:52 PM

    Ksam,
    Oh, yay! I hope you like it.
    A xo

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  20. susan*September 14, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    I am glad I am the first to report here: The Daniels..oops, I mean the Larsons were Brilliant :) They were charming, articulate, and did a great job showing the rest of the world why we all love them so much!

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  21. JennieSeptember 14, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    Aidan, checking in from San Francisco. You all were wonderful but I had a couple of questions. From your blog, I think you have been living in France for several years but the show made it look like you just moved from Ireland yesterday. Also have you been living in your current house for sometime? Maybe these are things you are not allowed to divulge? Thanks.

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  22. APVSeptember 14, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    I've nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! You can get it here: http://www.justanotherdoctorswife.com/2012/09/versatile-blogger-award.html

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  23. AidanSeptember 14, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    Susan*,
    I'm glad I didn't let down the performing Daniels side of my gene pool! Stars all....
    kisses,
    a

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  24. AidanSeptember 14, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Hi Jennie,
    Thanks for stopping by. And for the encouragement...we still haven't seen the show so are relying on the kindness of strangers.
    I'm not allowed to divulge a lot of the details but suffice it to say, even though the time frame may have been adjusted to suit reality tv, all of the emotions were the same and we got to relive them.
    I plan on doing a post for FAQs so send any more questions my way!
    Thanks for watching, reading and commenting. I hope you like my blog.
    Bisous from the Sud,
    aidan

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  25. MichelSeptember 15, 2012 at 7:15 AM

    I saved the show since I was at our Bistro Des Copains last night. But I got up this morning and was able to watch it and have saved it so I can go back and watch it again. You all did very well and it was nice to get better acquainted through the show. I have lots of questions but assume you can't share details. Have a great weekend.

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