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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. Nadia

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Katrina, Although I have been reading your blog for a while now, I have never commented (a little shy I guess!) but I am loving watching you and Amie on the show. You guys are so real and make me laugh and I love a good laugh! You are doing a fantastic job and I can't even start to understand how hard it would have been for you all.

    Love your work… love your style… love your positive attitude… Keep on laughing!

    Nadia

  2. CompulsiveReno

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    I love to watch both of you girls! It is great to see you doing it and each week you produce some fabulous work. Go girls. xxx

  3. Noosa Beach House

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Katrina, I'm so sorry you had to write such a post. I don't read the Facebook comments anymore, the comments fom the small minded, nasty people just floored me, please know you are much loved and appreciated and anyone who knows anything about putting a room together knows that you two know what is relevant and what is "now". Don't letthe idiots get you down xxxx

  4. ClaireyH

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Most important question of all,

    Where did you get that shirt dress you were wearing with the brown boots on tonights episode.

    I want it.

  5. AlyceB

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Since "meeting" you on Twitter/here, I've become super conscious of the fact that people on reality TV are REALY people. With real feelings. And if I'm bitching about some contestant I don't like on a show, there's a chance they might read it. And would I like someone to say that about me? NO!
    So for the times when I've publicly bagged reality show contestants, I'm sorry.

  6. B is building a house

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    I Love watching you on tv and seeing your work!!!!

    B

  7. Natasha Burns

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Hey girl,
    I can't believe the disgusting things I've read on Twitter (it's even worse than on facebook!). People have no concept that what they say can be hurtful. It's horrible.
    I find I have to stop myself from looking because I get all defensive and possessive.
    I think it's easy for people to hide behind a computer and just say whatever they think is amusing.
    BUGGER THEM!
    You girls are hilarious and great entertainment. Loving your rooms too!
    My son cried tonight when you didn't win the room!
    Keep up the great work, and keep being you. The haters can go on hating being miserable people living their miserable lives.
    xoxo

  8. jo_an

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Sounds like a few negative people out there are downing a hell of a lot of 'haterade'. I say, let them hate cause in the end they're gutless nobodies sitting at home behind a keyboard trying to act like they're above everybody else. Keep on doing what you girls do best! & toss all the negative remarks into the rubbish bin where they belong.

    p.s: all the best! you two rock!

    * note: 'haterade': a figurative drink representing a modality of thought, those who consume it are themselves consumed by the negativity which with they speak.

    (http://www.urbandictionary.com)

  9. Carolyn Brown

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Hi Katrina – I find it hard to comprehend that people can be/are so mean. I regularly laugh at you (laughing with you of course lol)while watching The Block. Don't worry about the naysayers – you have many more supporters. Carolyn

  10. Trish @ A dream house for Trish

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    It sux to think you feel the need to defend yourselves Katrina, like you say,if you dont like it, dont watch!!! I think the way they edit the show, the producers can really accentuate different character traits to make a person appear in a certain way. Im sure Jenna is copping a hard time because they are certainly picking a lot of her worst moments, she certainly would be upset at times. I love the show & you guys certainly brighten it up & good on you for having a little pride in your appearance!
    Cant wait for tonights episode!!

  11. Kerry

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    hi Katrina, I am an avid follower of A-M and only started watching The Block because she told me you were a friend of hers and I LOVE watching you and Amie every night! It makes me sad that you had to write a defence of yourself and Amie and the vile behaviour of some people is unbelievable! you and your sister look like someone I'd love to go out and have a drink with and chat for hours about design and kids and life, so I think you are both doing a great job and should be proud of yourselves. As my Grandma used to say "what Peter says about Paul says more about Peter than Paul" and it's true. Have a great day. Kerry x

  12. angelica

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Dr. Seuss: 'Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.' When it comes to you girls I have a serious case of design crush/envy. Actually if I'm honest it's probably more life crush/envy! My guess is that so do the people knocking you. Instead of being honest and inspired they're hateful and insecure. Bill Cosby had the best advice, respond with "So?". "Your mama wears army boots?"…"So?"…"Your designs suck"…"So?", they'll soon get bored. As a mum of 3 that has to vacuum every day and is often buried under washing piles, my hat goes off to you for fitting this amazing experience into your life xxx KM

  13. Just Martha

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    I admire that you were keen to move out of your everyday and to have a go at something new and challenging. I doubt those making negative comments would be so brave or adventurous. Stuff them. Don't let any negative people bring you down. You have 50ish beautiful comments from wonderful fans so block those who feel the need to judge. You both rock!

  14. Wendy C

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Hi goils,
    Good to see this acknowledgement of your fantastic work.Your room is great. What a luxury to have a dedicated study. I so agreed with Aime when she said the twofer becomes a junk room! As to books back the front….hello John??
    Be strong.
    Wendy

  15. Mrs B

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    I have just read all these beautiful comments for you and Amie, it brings tears to my eyes.

    Just turn off the computer and just bask in the moment knowing you have done what so many people have only dreamed…

    Mrs B xxo lots of hugs and kisses

  16. Team Melmac

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Katrina, it is 'funny' how people interpret things. I love watching you both on The Block. I always have a good chuckle, especially at your singing! To me, you look like you are being yourselves, taking it seriously but enjoying yourself at the same time! Your last point about your boys brings tears to my eyes, so true.

  17. The Moerks

    Reply
    July 11, 2011

    Hi, I already left a comment yesterday but just had to say, I loved that shirt dress you were wearing for last nights lstudy reveal, it looked fab. Care to share where you purchased it?

  18. Kathy

    Reply
    July 12, 2011

    I am loving the show this year even better and I love your good humour. It would be hard to listen to negative comments when seriously, you were away from your families, doing something completely consuming, fun and rewarding all at the same time. Don't listen to negative commments and whilst you have made your comments known, don't feel you need to justify yourselves for being you….. those people do not have to read your blog, watch the block or be in your lives. Kathy, Brisbane

  19. Chrissy Mac

    Reply
    July 12, 2011

    I just wanted to say I think you girls are fabulous just for having a go. What a great journey to take with your sister, and how brave and supportive your wonderful husbands must be to keep the home fires burning.
    Chrissy

  20. Exquisite Accessories

    Reply
    July 12, 2011

    well I have loved watching the block I think you girls rock I have only just started looking at your blog found you through AM keep your chin up TV & journalist only want to show & report what is in there best interest we all know you are stars you sound like your family & friends are so supportive thats all that matters what an experience I am so glad you were picked keep up the singing too I am always dancing around when I am sewing carn't keep still some times I have to stop myself else I would never get an item finished hee hee!!
    All the best elaine 🙂

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