…..or maybe more of a reality TV stalker….
On the road this weekend I found a random Walmart to get some supplies for the conference I was speaking at. As I was checking out, the guy behind me started putting his items on the conveyor belt and we made eye contact.
Me: I know you….
Him: No you don’t…
Me: Yes I do. You are on that auction show…..
Cashier: Who is he?
Me: He’s The Gambler from that auction show.
Him: Storage Wars.
Me: YES! My husband and I LOVE that show!
Then he said jokingly: It’s only the #1 show on cable.
Handing him a Choose Joy bracelet I said “so nice to meet you! I’m sure you get that all the time and it gets old.”
Him: It doesn’t get old.
I left…..trying to act normal….as though I run into reality TV stars multiple times a day. I got to my car and opened the door as slow as I could….maybe he’d be parked in my row? What’s taking them so long to check out!? No sighting. So finally I drove off.
Then I had a fight with myself:
You are so lame.
The #1 show on cable and you couldn’t just ask for a quick photo?
Is it the #1 show? Oh who really cares, he’s still famous!
Maybe you need medication.
You had him cornered…..he already put his items on the belt.
Why are you shaking!!!!?
You were supposed to meet him….why else would he have picked that checkout lane!?
This isn’t the movie Serendipity.
Back on the main road, I made a u-turn…..and pulled back in the parking lot. It just so happened that he and his wife were just walking out the door to the parking lot right as I drove up. I stopped the car and asked: at the risk of sounding like a crazy stalker (translation: I AM a crazy stalker), can I get a photo with you? He was so nice. I was overly apologetic. His wife kept walking with their cart….I don’t blame her. Then I told him “I know we were supposed to meet, so I came back.” (Ugh….that’s all you could think of? Lamer than lame.)
Holding up a traffic jam of about 15 cars, I panicked about how I was going to get a good photo. One car decided to pull around me and the passenger leaned out the window and yelled “LOVE your show!” I gave her my iPhone and asked her to snap a pic……I didn’t think it would be appropriate to whip out the big professional Canon from my bag.
The woman didn’t know how to use an iPhone…..a quick lesson ensued.
Finally:
**snap**
Never been so relieved to hear that sound.
So here’s the photo: Me and Darrell Sheets, aka “The Gambler”, from Storage Wars:
tabatha says
Lol he is so sweet they invited my family over for the 4th of july
Nancy says
WOOOOW!!! I love love love that show. My husband used to look at me with a smirk on his face when he sees me watching it but one time he watched it with me and was amazed at the good finds they get! He’s my favorite too! I am hearing the YEEEEEEEEP guy in my mind right now. LOL YEEEEEEP!
Michele C. says
ahhhhh so awesome!!!!! (the photo, the meeting, and, of course, the story). 😉
Becky Morinishi says
Totally cool! I’m not big into celebrities, but my husband and I love that show! I would have been a stalker, too. 🙂 I do have to say, though, that I think HE was the lucky one to meet YOU! <3
Kristi says
I agree…he was the lucky one!
Franchesca says
And THAT is why I love you!!!!!! admire your courage.
Peggy says
I love that show!! I would have done the same thing.. and probably asked for his autograph!! haha good job!
-Peggy
Taci says
WHAT A LUCKY CELEB I’d say!!! Looking pretty too 🙂
Megan says
LOVE THAT SHOW! So lucky! I would frame a pic like that. lol!
Julie says
So awesome!
Melanie P. says
Sooo glad you went back!!! I love Storage Wars!!!! Is it really the #1 show? I seriously thought I was the only one who watched it. It’s strangely addicting.
Joyce Gray says
Yes, Darrell is one of my favorites!
SarahJ says
I love this! So funny! I just finished season 1 on Netflix last night… hoping they add more seasons soon!
Lisa Velasco says
That’s so funny and you’re so awesome.
Liz says
I love that show! I’ll have to watch closely to see if he wears his Choose Joy bracelet!
Lisa Velasco says
and WOW you have a lot of hair!
Amy says
LOL! I love you. You make me feel much less weird about all the times that I know I’m a completely awkward dork. The dialog in your head, yep, been there. It’s great that you went back and got a photo. If you hadn’t you’d probably be kicking yourself right now. Love the picture of you guys! Way to be brave!
Kristi says
Ashley you are hilarious! You are awesome for having the courage to go back and get a photo! I have those funny conversations with myself in my head and think I am a total dork at times…guess we are all the same in that regard. Glad you got to meet him! Take care!!!
Melissa K. in Nebraska says
Course, I’d be all wackadoodle like that if I ran into YOU in line at Walmart!!
Joyce Gray says
Yes, Darrell is one of my Favorites! Great show!
Alyssa S. says
That’s WAY cool! I don’t know if I could ever be cool about meeting someone famous (even in reality TV world)
Jennifer D. says
That story is great! Love that you went back for the pic! That is one of my favorite shows. My husband and boys used to make fun of me for watching it until they got hooked on it too. I saw recently that it is the #1 show. The new season is coming soon and they have the best teaser for it at the movie theaters!! Good for you for going for the pic!
Emma says
“that’s like a $40 bill all day long” jealous – so happy that new episodes started last week. my husband and i were about ready to go to our own auctions to get our fix.
Joleen Brann says
Not crazy… I live in Portland, Oregon, and my family lives near Kobeys in San Diego. He makes appearances there often. Yes, I had to go! And yes, I took his photo, but couldn’t bring myself to ask to be in it with him. And, if I ran into YOU at Walmart, I would probably take a photo from around the corner because I would be too much of a dork to just tell you that I love your creativity, and your blog, and wish you the best on your journey.
FYI, I always look for them when I go to Kobeys now, because Hester sells there too.
Lisa says
Now, see, I would totally be like that if I met YOU!!!
Shelly says
best. story. ever
Robin says
too funny- does he live in Palm Desert?
My husband and kids love that show. We were just watching it the other day 🙂
Shara says
I wonder if any of his friends will see this post and tell him that HE met someone famous too that day!
Christina Bailey says
You look so cute for shopping….ugh, why cant I get out of sweatpants haha!!!!
I love that show!
Kelli W-S says
Love your story!!! I think it’s hilarious that you whipped a U-ey to go get a pic. 🙂 Stalker, yes! hehe – It’s great though and I love that you gave him a Choose Joy bracelet.
Jamie says
That’s awesome! I love this story! Thanks for sharing:)
Liliana says
Ahahahaha, you are so hilarious! Xoxo
Danielle says
I would have been too busy trying to appear disinterested and cool and then kicked myself for days!
Ali says
I am totally going to be looking for him to be wearing that Choose Joy bracelet on the show now! My favorite is Barry….even though he rarely sells ANYTHING he finds. I think he must be super rich and just bored. 🙂 Anyone else notice how EVERYTHING Dave finds is worth TONS of money?? YUUUUPPP.
Chelsea says
Apparently my husband and I watch the show a bit TOO much, my four year old just saw this picture and said “Hey! He’s from Storage Wars!” LOL, Glad you went back. =)
Jen says
But but but, wheres the Choose Joy braclet??lol
Amber L says
LOVE it! We love that show! How neat! And I don’t think you are a stalker! Like you said you were supposed to meet! 🙂
Lisa says
Love it!! You are too funny! lol We recently went to CA and purposely went to see Brandy & Jarrods shop and Dave H’s shop. We are stalkers too.
Michele M says
Too funny! Good for you for going back for the photo! You have to capture those fun surprises in life and enjoy! I once lived in CA and a friend of mine went to visit from NC. Her name is Ashley too. While we were driving on the Pacific coast highway we spotted a shoot happening on the beach. She made me stop because she was so excited about spotting a “star”. The crew saw us gawking in the background and asked us over. They started introducing themselves and then said… “Stand over there and when the music starts… just dance.” I was mortified. My friend was all giggles. It was a music video and they wanted us to be in the background dancing! We hung out for some time… enjoyed the filming and the food tent. HA! The young girl would run from her trailer …. sing… then go back in. Was so glad my friend made us join in. We had so much fun! You have to grab those surprise moments in life and enjoy. Funny thing was… months later as I was home… I heard a familiar song coming from my TV while I was in the other room getting ready. It was the video! I did end up seeing my friend and I in the background…. as a blur! HA! It is a great memory I have from my time in CA and being with a good friend who helps… reserved me … step out and enjoy those moments. I look back now and wish I had done more of that in CA and not worked all of the time.
Love your photo… and that show! You look great!! Michele M
Lauren says
this is awesome and adorable and wonderful all wrapped up into one!!!
Mary says
I love that show! And Darrell sort of reminds me of my brother. Barry is my favorite though. He cracks me up!
Clara says
its so funny because… if i saw you in the grocery store i probably would do what you did! i love this blog that much!
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says
So proud of you! Do you know how many times I’ve chickened out of something and kicked my own butt for the rest of the week? and look at you?! You did it! way to go!
Fawnda says
Here is what I found on the website:
“Storage Wars,” which follows teams of bidders looking to score it big in the high stakes world of storage auctions, ranks as A&E’s number one series of all time and the number three non-fiction show on cable among adults 25-54. The series’ second season averaged 4.7 million total viewers and in November 2011 hit an all-time high of 5.6 million viewers making it the series’ most watched episode and the network’s #1 original series telecast of all time.”
So it is the #1 show on A&E… and #3 (non-fiction) on cable! 🙂 Just trying to help settle the argument with yourself! : ) Any way- Super cool! I love that you went back for the picture! I totally would have done that too!!
Kara says
Dear Mr. Sheets: I hope some day you may actually find out who that crazy stalker woman in the Walmart parking lot really is. She is an amazing inspiration to a lot of people, she is whipping the heck out of her cancer, and you… yes YOU MR. SHEETS, should feel blessed.
Sincerely,
Blog Stalker of the Stalker Woman
Anne Jones says
He was not wearing the bracelet though! That is awesome you went back . . .
Beth Morrow says
Awesome…we watch that show too!
Korey says
Woo-hooo! I love that show! Glad you went back for a pic!
Aly says
If I’d written a post about the time I came up to you…a blog celebrity… while you were eating during the Snap conference at Thanksgiving point I would have expressed similar emotions… but still didn’t have the guts to ask for a photo!
Mindy says
I really like that show and it could have been worse – he could have been a jerk or you could have been like, “Hey, I know you from that show – Can you introduce me to Barry?”
Mindy says
Totally unrelated but related to Celebrities and Crafty Arty Goodness and Reality TV – Please tell me you are going to be on Tori Spelling’s Craft Wars??
Karen says
I laughed so hard I have tears. LOL Too funny. We watch the show too. It’s okay, because it’s real. LOL
Kelley says
I love that show and I love that you met him at Walmart – it makes him more human… Does that make sense? I am proud that you went back to get a picture with him – I would have been too chicken. We were sitting at the airport last year talking to some guys and it turned out they play with The Pointer Sisters. The girls came and sat down right behind us but we were too afraid to even ask for pictures! Next time I will think of you and just go for it! See, even when you think you are being a stalker you inspire people! LOL!
Mandy says
For the record, that’s exactly what I would do if I saw you in real life. You’re amazing. 🙂
Ashley says
Oh my gosh….you gals are so funny! Anytime anyone ever asks for my photo I’m like “huh? did I hear you right?!” Maybe it’s for an awkward family photo type site? And my lip twitches when I pose…..so then I start to get anxiety haha.
Coley says
I agree, with the above comment… He was lucky to meet YOU!!!! I do love that show though and probably would’ve also asked for a pic 🙂 (even though he sounded pretty arrogant…. you are so humble and you’re pretty famous yourself!!)
Elizabeth says
LUCKY! (:
I love that show!
Tamara says
Too funny! I love that the wife just kept on walking. You go girl!!!
Theresa says
THAT is awesome!! Love that you came back! 😉
jenny says
OMG, this is the funniest thing ever!! I would have done the exact same thing. Love that his wife was like “Whatevs”. Hilarious, thanks for the laugh!
Becca says
Its nice to know that even reality stars shop at Walmart!
KellyLynn says
How fun! I love that show too!!
Jennie P. says
I like Barry from that same show-the older guy…he’s a hoot! That’s a fun show to watch, I wish I could do what they do just for fun.
Kere says
LMAO at your meeting up with him! That’s fantastic!
I too would have done a U-y! LOL
It’s nice to hear he was sweet too…..
I’ll be looking for your CJ bracelet on his wrist now! 🙂
Kere
Amanda says
So funny and so very cool!
Heather @ Creative Preschool Resources says
So funny! I met the same guy on an airplane going to Kauai. He was super nice, enjoyed his fame and kept telling me how lame the other guy on the show was. 🙂 I didn’t think enough to ask for a photo. What a bummer, we could have had matching photos…
I have met a local TV anchor at the Children’s Museum before (while there with my preschool class on a field trip) and was brave enough to ask for a photo. All of the parents kept whispering about it, but I was the only one to walk up and start a conversation and even ask for a photo.
Love your blog by the way…
Cindy Click says
My husband and I watch this show all the time. (Also, all the pawn broker shows) He was impressed when I showed him the picture with you.
I hope you gave him your blog. I hope he reads it. Then he’ll know, you’re the celebrity here.
Cindy
Shelly says
Oh, I love it!! So glad you went back. 🙂 I like him even more now!
shari says
I. Could. Not. Be. More. JEALOUS!!!!!! 🙂
Brenda says
That is the coolest thing! How nice that he let you take the picture with him, too. 🙂
Patricia Blomeley-Maddigan says
Just want to say……… I love your hair, truly, I do!!
Patricia
Jennifer Goldberg says
Great story, I had to read it to my husband…we love that show. And my the way you look fabulous.
Lizelle says
LOVE.YOUR.HAIR 🙂
happytomodachi says
ha ha ha!!!! this is such a great story! i’m so glad that you went back to get that picture! 🙂 our family loves that show!!!!
you look fabulous!
tracy lynn says
Ashley – how cool. We don’t have cable – so I don’t know the show, but I went over to their website and listened to his bio – I love what he says, “I never want to be number one, always number two so I have somewhere to grow!”
Joy to you!
Hayley says
Not gonna lie, he is not my favorite on the show. I am a Barry fan. But it is really cool that you met him!! We love that how!
Susan says
My family loves that show. How cool to meet him!
Melissa K Johnson says
Seriously, I thought the story was going to end up that he knew who you were and asked to have his picture taken with YOU!! You look GREAT btw, your hair is adorable.
( Hubby and I love that show, I would love to have my picture taken with the funny guy, is it Barry, the one that brings psychics to tell him whats in the lockers? Ha! Love that eccentric~! )
Once again Ashley, thank you for sharing your life with us, my best friend has ovarian cancer and I often refer to your blog when helping her to do her best to endure!
Melissa
leslie says
I think he should have known who you are! You are totally famous too, I would ask to take a picture with you if I meet you at the store
Joy says
how fun! and how cute is your hair!
Disney says
Bah hahaha! This post was hilarious! I don’t have TV, so I have no idea who that is, but I LOVED your conversation with yourself. (And also your dress!)
Jaime @ Queen of the Creek says
Ahhh… lovely Mr. Sheets. 🙂 Love that SHOW! And I am so glad he obliged!!! Too bad his son Brandon wasn’t there. Cuz then you could have taken a picture ‘between the Sheets’… 🙂
Jen says
I JUST SAW THIS!!!!!!!! That is awesome, I probably would have hugged him then asked for his picture. So no your not crazy! I love that show!