diff --git a/api/api.lua b/api/api.lua
index 376893cb..fa8a556c 100644
--- a/api/api.lua
+++ b/api/api.lua
@@ -340,9 +340,17 @@ end
 function pfUI.api.HookAddonOrVariable(addon, func)
   local lurker = CreateFrame("Frame", nil)
   lurker.func = func
+  lurker:RegisterEvent("ADDON_LOADED")
   lurker:RegisterEvent("VARIABLES_LOADED")
   lurker:RegisterEvent("PLAYER_ENTERING_WORLD")
   lurker:SetScript("OnEvent",function()
+    -- only run when config is available
+    if event == "ADDON_LOADED" and not this.foundConfig then
+      return
+    elseif event == "VARIABLES_LOADED" then
+      this.foundConfig = true
+    end
+
     if IsAddOnLoaded(addon) or _G[addon] then
       this:func()
       this:UnregisterAllEvents()