I think I found my new calling!

You may remember that I told you I had the opportunity to get free groceries from HEB as part of a market research study aka the HEB Low price challenge. I was as happy as a clam to get my free groceries and never really gave the whole experience much thought.

Until, one random Monday, Niki from HEB called and asked if I would be interested in doing a commercial for HEB. Since I am afraid of public speaking and hate to be in the limelight, I politely declined.

NOT!

Actually, I gasped out a yes without even asking any questions as to where and when it was to be shot, or how much, or even if, there was going to be any money changing hands. I think I scared the poor lady just a teensy bit!

She explained that the commercial was to be shot in Austin and the dates were already set. Would I be available and willing to fly or drive to Austin the following Monday? I could barely control my excitement. I think that she got the point that I might be willing to take a Greyhound bus or a scooter to Austin for this commercial opportunity. We ended the conversation with her promise that the production company would call me back with more details later that week.

As promised, a lady from the production company called and wanted me to send "head shots." This excited and scared me because I started to realize that I might be out of my league here as the closest thing that I had to head shots were some pics Jeremy took of me before his company Christmas party in front of the Christmas tree. She also mentioned that they might need some children for the commercial so I volunteered to send pics of my boys as well. You all know that I think that they are the cutest kids in America, right?

Before we got off the phone, she informed me that I was on a "Strong Hold" for Monday's commercial and I would hear more from them later. I sent those Christmas head shots off faster than you could say "Deck the Halls" and wondered what in the world a "strong hold" was. Much to Jeremy's chagrin, I failed to ask if I was going to be compensated for my participation in the commercial. I reminded him that I was still more than willing to pay them for this opportunity!

I fretted that I would not look like they wanted me to, but decided that I was who I was and that was that. Also, I still had the $150 in free groceries to assuage any of my tender feelings should they decide not to use me.

The family was planning a Cub Scout camping trip that I opted out of so that I would be available for any calls about the commercial. I started to realize that I might be more than a "strong hold" when I received an email from the production company with the scripts for the commercial. They sent three scripts and told me to be prepared for all three as they had not assigned them to anyone yet. (I knew that there were going to be at least 2 other women there for the commercial. )

Picture this: Me with my personal trainer practicing my lines while lifting heavy weights. Me on the treadmill at the YMCA practicing my lines. Me in the shower practicing my lines. (Wait, don't picture that one.)

The hardest part about the three scripts is that they were definitely different, but also VERY similar. The email had said we would have a teleprompter, but I did not really know how that would work so I wanted to be prepared. Remember, we are a scout family!

My excitement and tensions mounted when "Penny from Wardrobe" called on Friday evening to get my sizes so that she could go shopping for me.

Penny told me that the HEB folks were looking for the "Gap Mom" look with 3/4 sleeves, possibly layers, with no greens because we were shooting on a green screen. We discussed my height and jean and shoe options. She told me that I could bring a few things from home that I felt met the criteria and that made me feel comfortable. She mentioned that I did not have to bring my whole closet, just a few things in case what she bought did not work.

Again, much to Jeremy's chagrin, I did not ask if I was going to get any moolah for making the commercial. I told him that I had missed the opportunity to ask that question. Penny from Wardrobe was nice, but I did not think that she was signing any checks, you know! (I was still willing to work for free!!)

Penny from Wardrobe's call did, however, put me in a bit of a panic. Remember that I don't have any clothes from last year that fit me properly AND I had been sorting of limping by in the wardrobe department since my size keeps changing. (Getting smaller--wahoo!!)

I worried that I told her the wrong size, and I would be unable to participate because the clothes she bought might make me look like a sausage with a belt around the waist. I guess I could have always said that you could get the sausage cheaper at HEB.

With all this in mind, I selflessly set out to give ole Penny from Wardrobe a hand. I shopped until I dropped! I saved every receipt so that if we did not use the items, I could return them.

Well, fans, that is all for today's post. Tune in tomorrow to find out if the "Strong Hold" turned into something fantastic. (Here's a hint, IT DID!) Also, I promise that I will write more about shopping for the HEB Shopper Mom, the call from the Producer, and the question everybody wants to know: Will Linda be paid for her commercial?

It's a nailbiter! There you go!