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It’s a learning curve

Being on tv hasn't been easy. I am finding it a real rollercoaster of emotions...almost as intense as when I was on The Block.What stresses me the most is the 'interpretation'. Interpretation of what is chosen to be shown on tv, and the interpretation from the viewers.I have to remind myself every day that "it's JUST a tv show, …

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Being on tv hasn’t been easy. I am finding it a real rollercoaster of emotions…almost as intense as when I was on The Block.
What stresses me the most is the ‘interpretation’. 
Interpretation of what is chosen to be shown on tv, and the interpretation from the viewers.
I have to remind myself every day that “it’s JUST a tv show, it’s JUST a game”.
To say I have been disappointed with some of the interpretation is an understatement. How I deal with this is difficult. The questions and judgements made by other people is so annoying and frustrating. I am happy to answer all of your questions and am always ready to set the record straight.
Because this is my blog and my journey, I think I can say whatever I want to say hey?
Let’s list a few things…
1. NO, we did not shop everyday. This year there were no furniture sponsors so finding items from ALL over Melbourne took a long time. Amie and I shopped the same as everyone else. In the beginning we shopped together, but got smarter and usually split up.
2. Yes, we got dressed in different clothes very often. We were conscious we were on tv, so we still did our hair. Taking an extra 10 mins a day to dress decent did NOT hinder our renovation time.
3. We worked as hard, if not harder, than any other female on The Block. We have no trade skills between us, so yes we spent a lot of our money on hiring people. This just meant we replaced the male in the other houses (Waz, Josh and Rod) with paid tradies. This did not mean we were having a holiday!
4. We were dreadfully homesick and had no idea The Block would be so hard. We did not sail through it. I was very ill towards the end and almost didn’t make it.
5. We DID deserve to be there. We were lucky to be chosen. If you think you can do better, then try out next year and GOOD LUCK!
6. We are not bitches, conniving or nasty. Ask any of the contestants. Go on, ask them! 
7. I loved being on The Block. I laughed like a school girl and have never regretted being there. It was an amazing time in my life. My memories when I sit here and write this are all positive. 
8. I believe our rooms are awesome and I have never regretted any of our design decisions. I don’t want you all to love what we do, but then again, I will probably hate what you do… Design is subjective and is not for everyone. Our style is different… glitzy, eccentric, industrial and lazy… all rolled in to one. 
9. There is nothing special or pretentious about us. We are normal, average Mum’s who have husbands that work average jobs. We are not rich, not snobs or think we are better than anyone.
10. My boys are so proud of me and that’s all that matters! My husband is amazed at what I have done. Our parent’s are beaming with pride. They’ve done a great job raising us and we are so happy  we can share this journey with them.
Ok, so there you go!
It’s my journey… Love the show, or turn me off!

PS. Amie will be writing a post about our Room 2 reveal later tonight. So come back!

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Katrina

Katrina

Full-time day job as interior designer for sustainable construction company Passionate about creating beautiful, functional spaces tailored to clients' needs and styles.

Comments

  1. Toushka Lee

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    I am loving every minute of the block, Katrina. Don't let comments get you down. People are dumb. I haven't seen comments directed at you but I see what they say about other people on other shows and it's horrible. I think people forget that the "character" they are picking apart is a real person, not a character on TV.

    Keep being awesome.

  2. Toushka Lee

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    oops. I spelt Amie wrong. Sorry.

  3. tinkster

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    It must be hard, putting yourself out there in such a HUGE way.

    I'm loving watching, you and amie and polly and waz are so funny to watch 🙂

  4. A-M

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    It breaks my heart that you even had to write a post like this. Those evil comments out there are just pure jealousy, judgement and come from very unfulfilled, unhappy people. You and Amie positively shine on TV. Have you ever thought that the reason the show is so popular this year is because of you two and you two alone? Having gotten to know you over the past few years through our blogs and then finally getting to meet you in person, I have found you to be honest, genuine, loving, selfless and crazy fun…. and thanks to you I have beautiful blogs and a serious Nespresso addiction. Hold your head high girl. The only opinions that matter are those of who you love and who love you. There are a hell of a lot of us out here who love you to bits. You are doing great. Can't wait for tonight. Yay, TV during a school week…. my boys love you! Your bloggy friend, A-M xx

  5. Anna White

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Oh Honey…you have show great composure and poise in this post…I don't think I would have put it so politely. Water off a duck back sweety …thats just how you have to take it…like water off a ducks back. The people that KNOW you…know what your all about..and for every negative comment you read…know that there are 10 positive ones to make up for it…the good outweighs the bad big time. Sending big hugs x

  6. Belinda

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    I have never left a comment before – but i have sent you a few tweets (seedb75 is me). I started following you because I am a closet obsessive follower of A-M! I'm building a house at the moment and really want to start my own blog….you make me feel like I can. I love you guys – I am really close to my sister and we love watching together and thinking – we would do that – except maybe dance in the car rather than sing! You rock, I love watching and can't wait to see more!

  7. A Bite of Country Cupcakes

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Well I love ya! I think you wre rockin!….Everyone always has a opinion…xo

  8. Tina

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Oh Katrina, I am with lovely A-M…I am so sorry that you felt you had to write this post!! You and Amie are AMAZING and all of our family are LOVING the block…because of you both! My girls are so inspired by you both and we would not miss one single second of it because you make us smile, you make us laugh, you are genuine and real, we love your singing, and if anyone can't see that it's a TV show that is edited to fit into such a tiny timeslot, then that is truly their problem…certainly NOT yours! I remember the very first post I ever read of yours when I found your blog and it made me laugh so much… I loved that you were so real on your blog, just as you are on the show!! As a wise Dr. Seuss once said: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." The whole Rubie family can't wait for the show tonight and for the room reveal, we can't wait to see what magic you and Amie have done in your room! Go girls… you are both AWESOME. Huge hugs, lovely ~ Txx

  9. Nora

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Loving watching you on the block and hearing the inside story from your blog. Hope you can switch off from all those nasty people and enjoy the rest of your journey.

    Feel a bit weird writing here as I don't know you, but feeling your pain!

  10. loulou

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Oh Wow Katrina (& Amie)

    I agree with AM – it saddens me to have to read the above post of yours to "justify" yourself and your style.

    I was once told by someone very successful – the more 'hate' mail you get the more successful you are!
    So there – you girls must be going places girlfriends!

    Keep your eyes on the stars as only beggars are on the ground.

    You know you have style, you know you have that something that others want, you know you've "got it" and others will never have it.

    Keep strong – we've a team up here in Brisbane in our house (and AM's too) that jumps and down for you girls each night. You make us smile and laugh out loud – and I really mean we love you both

    Warm wishes

    x
    Loulou

  11. Kym

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Your bloggy friends love you….people who like to put others down obviously have no life! Be proud of who you are and what you have achieved..don't let them get you down… You and Amie are the most funny, gutsy, inspiring women on TV.. Can't wait for tonight XOX

  12. brismod

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    What AM said. Couldn't have said it better myself. The people that count in your life are all that matter. I personally love the show and think you and Amie are a hoot. Go girls! xx

  13. mtmlpearse

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Hi Katrina,
    I'm with A-M I cannot believe you've had to write such a blog. If these comments are on your blog or Twitter – BLOCK them (pardon the pun).
    I, and all my friends, think that you and Amie and everything you have done on the block are fabulous!
    Great quote "Love the show or turn me off".
    Tina.

  14. Cassandra Jane

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Its upsetting that someone/something made you feel you had to write this because for me I love you girls and cannot wait to see the block everynight. I get lonely on weekend nights when its not on. Remember they have to spice things up for ratings and to keep the viewers interested, its sad they hurt people doing it. Keep up the great work girls, your a beautiful person and thats what depicted to me through the show and your blog (which i love too!) P.S. Cant wait to see the room reveal tonight!

  15. Jayde

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Hey Katrina
    Firstly well done….you and Amie have done a wonderful job , although its really killing me to wait it out each week to see what you have both done and you dont have to worry about people loving what you do cause all i ever get is great feedback about what you both are achieving and as for the "nasty sisters" well any one i talk to just loves to see you both stirring them all up, after all thats what makes it seem so competitive and fun to watch. Your families must be extremely proud of you, was great to see them all visit you last week,brought a tear to the eye for sure.
    Katrina i really hope your feeling much better and as much as i think you do look great on tv i have to admit every time i saw an ad i was concerned for your health and was hoping you were not suffering too much…you just didnt seem to have that healthy glow you normally carry so well.
    Anyway we have all loved spreading the word that we know you, its so exciting, and Bailey is definitely a fan of your singing he has a chuckle every time and says "oh mum shes so funny".
    At the end of the day you girls can definitely say you are winners even if you dont end up winning the block, you have achieved so much as the famous 'sisters'
    Take Care of yourself Katrina…Jayde xo

  16. Mrs B

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Everything what A-M just said and double! You and Amie have done something that only very few have been successful…to get through over 3,000 people for a spot on The Block. People who make those nasty comments and assumptions are just envious, jealous couch potatoes who hide behind a computer screen, spreading nasties to cover up their own inadequacies.
    On a final note, I remember a real estate agent telling me once that the most critical comments about other people's homes come from those people who live in messy dumps themselves lol enough said!
    Mrs B xxx

  17. lovelifecareer

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    I'm loving watching you and Amie, you girls are so funny and inspiring! Ignore the people that are always going to have something to say. I know it's hard though 🙁

    Looking forward to tonight and to Amie's post!

  18. The Moerks

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Hang in there Katrina. You girls are personality plus in a refreshing and real way. I think AM summed it up all beautifully.
    I am hanging out for the study reveal tonight.
    You are doing us bloggers proud.

  19. Niki

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Katrina, you are the real deal, it shines through anyway on the TV.
    I absolutely adore you both, my kids think you are a riot & even the Husbands says "she reminds me a bit of you", must be the beautiful singing voices we share. You are right, you are just (gorgeous) everyday Aussie Mum's, and I for one could not be prouder of you.
    You both are real & unpretentious & how anyone could suggest otherwise is not cool. Can't wait for the big room reveal tonight.
    You girls are all kinds of Wonderful & the main reason I am watching this year.
    Niki

  20. Katrina Chambers

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Wow! Thank you all! I am just that kind of person that has to write things down and then I feel better. I don't expect you all to tell me how good I am, I just like to write and hopefully clear things up. It's just my way of saying f-off! Haha!

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