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What can I say? The Block.

Well you all got to see the ‘explosive’ episode last night. I didn’t watch it. Why would I?
I knew the whole thing would be hyped up, heavily edited (probably by a man no doubt) and I really didn’t want see any of it again.
That builder (who even wants to say his name!) grabbed the cameras whilst we were out on a challenge and really let it rip, so I hear. How stupid of him. What can I say about $7,000 for 3 and a half days work?? “Tell him he’s dreamin’.” So NO, we did not pay him that amount of money.
I was asked by the media yesterday…. Do you think he took advantage of you? No, ‘advantage’ isn’t the right word because we had nothing to offer him. We had no tradeskills and he did, so his knowledge was greater than ours. What we were made to feel was ‘silly’. Just downright silly. He wanted to rub it in that he knew more than us and we knew nothing. How childish…

Everything always works out in the end and I still loved my experience on The Block. I’ve said it before – we did not sail through this. There are still rocky times to come. My husband was furious last night. His phone was ringing all night. Relatives and friends were so angry at how Amie and I were made to feel. My Mum was crying. It’s all ok! We got through it and more power to us.

People are asking me why I don’t respond to the negative comments over on Facebook? Are you serious? What the heck for? Why would I bother with that vile place? It’s a hate page for the all of the contestants not a fan page. I am so surprised they are allowed to get away with it. No one is happy to let you be warm and fuzzy. I have learnt so much about people in general… this could be a whole blog post I think! Or I should write a book about “treating people how you’d like to be treated”. I truly feel Australia has lost it’s way and only knows how to be rude. Actually, I think Australia is breeding a huge generation of know-alls. I’m surprised we haven’t taken over the world with so many geniuses on hand!
Anyone, feel free to give us some love over there on my behalf…
Remember people, this is JUST a tv show and we are NORMAL people!
Read my earlier post about Amie and I just being normal people.
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65 comments

  • Beth

    Katrina, It's so disappointing that the editing of The Block is trying to manipulate the viewers. I'm sure that most people will be able to see through it and appreciate the sheer hard work, guts and persistence that you and Aime have. The way that you two pull together and support each other is an absolute pleasure to watch.
    As for the negative FB comments…just try and remember that they are all strangers – what do they know? The people that matter support you.
    Take care and have a wonderful birthday.
    x

  • BusyBrissyMama

    I had to laugh when Amie said that the builder hadn't even invoiced you yet and that's why he hadn't been paid!!!

  • Belinda - Nest Design Studio

    What a silly mistake that builder made….he has made a goose of himselfon national tv and has no doubt caused damage to his own reputation by the way he was commenting on the show!

  • Patrice

    Foolish little man!

    I don't subscribe to FB, and for good reason by the sound of it. Not sure what's being said, but my mother taught me that unless I have something nice to say then say nothing at all.

    You girls are doing a fab job!

  • Sharon

    Hi girls! Having read your blog long before The Block came along, it's a given that I'm "Team Katrina & Amie"!
    I joined the FB Fan page, but OMG, I was horrified at the bashing so many of you copped. I even left the odd comment about how distasteful it all was 😉 I looked today and see that all the rot has gone..thank goodness!
    Keep it up girls, am loving watching how you are bringing the house together and love even more these posts here giving the inside goss 🙂 I think you guys are doing a fabulous job and I for one am in awe! Well done!

  • Sharon

    oops I was wrong, I just had it on the wrong settings. Think I will just avoid that page now!

  • thatpeterbrewer

    Ditto to the posts above Katrina.

    We're with ya all the way.

    MASSIVE virtual hugs headed your way from the Mrs and I.

  • cheryl

    hiya Katrina.
    stay strong chicklette!
    you & Amie rock!!
    hugz,
    xox

  • Candlewick5

    As mother's you are an inspiration……as women you are an example……..as renovators, you are a class act!
    Love your work!!!!!!!!

  • The Heffernan's

    Katrina, I watched it last night thinking to myself that there is no way I could even attempt to achieve what you both have. I am not on facebook for the reasons you mention. Good luck and be proud of yourselves.

  • onlylisa

    Some of those people who make negative comments about you on Facebook also dump their pet kittens, steal from charity collections, stand outside abortion clinics to abuse those going in and cheat on tests.
    Do you care what they think of you now you know that about them?
    Good. You shouldn't have cared what they thought in the first place 😉

  • Penny

    Argh… Poo poo all the poo pooers. I think you're fabulous! Thanks for being the bright sparks on the show and adding personality plus. You just need very thick skin in any business where you are in the limelight. Don't sweat it. XO

  • Paddy

    Hi there. Never commented b4 but feel the need to spread the love. I follow A-M et al. Our family watched last night (we watch every night) and that guy who took you for the money repulsed us, and I think most viewers would have seen him for what he was. It was the worst advertisement for his business. Plenty of people have been through similar experiences, particularly in bathroom renovations, so rest assured there would have been a lot of (silent) empathy for what you went through. Welcome to the world of the media. There are a lot of loonies out there. But don't give up. Most people really are nice. They just keep their mouths shut!

  • Julie-Ann

    Hiya lovely – a big hug to you and Amie. That guy just made a fool of himself. Where as you and Amie came out not looking silly at all. But 2 sisters that love and support each other. 2 women giving it all to achieve their goal. So impressed that you did the ready set yourselves. You were both so brave to struggle through this. I think I would have just sat in a corner and cried.
    I haven't been on the FB page for weeks. And there are many Decorating Forum members who have said they refuse to go there too. They are so disgusted by the comments.
    But stay strong lovely – the FB people are the minority. I think you will find that the majority of people are right behind you. I think you can tell by the phonecalls and number of comments left today that your friends love you and are so very proud of you for giving it a go.
    Always here for you:)
    JA xxx

  • MaidInAustralia

    The builder's behaviour said way more about him than about you. I doubt he'll be getting much work, especially from women, who let's face it, usually make the major decisions about these things. Stay strong, you're above all of this.

  • Janette

    My husband and I both thought that builder was an idiot. And I loved it when Amie pointed out that in the real world you need to submit an invoice to get paid! HA! just shows what a show off attention seeker he was trying to be. I'm sure he's going to loose a lot of potential customers now out in the real world, esp female customers when they see the way he behaved.

    I love how you girls are able to be sad and then give each other pep talks and get back to it. You're both very brave! Jxx

  • Kylie VDH

    I love the show and everyone on it, everyone is an individual and considering the circumstances, acting with grace and integrity in a high pressure situation with no family or friends around them to support them (other than the other part of the couple). Good on you remaining true to yourself 🙂

  • Trish

    Im a little late to comment here, but, after watching your builder make a wanker of himself I thought I should say something. My hubby has an electrical contracting business & we both took the same lesson away from this episode. That "DICK" just guarenteed no one in Melbourne will hire him for any building work..Talk about bad business practice, VERY unprofessional, this was a fantastic opportunity for him to promote & grow his business & he BLEW IT big time!!!. I hope he watched this episode & hung his head in shame. You guys are definately an inspiration to me.
    Cheers

  • ElsieMay

    I reckon its an accurate reflection of what can happen. Sorry that you guys had to go through it but it means other women who try to do stuff don't feel so "its just me" about it.
    Go girls! We love watching you!

  • Erin Michael

    Hi Katrina, Erin here from the last block. I hope you are doing ok? I know exactly how you are feeling… I had drafted an email to send to all of you guys just to give you the heads up how nasty it can be- especially on fb! But it sounded so drab and negative and I didnt have all of your emails etc.. – so I didn't send it. The Block was an amazing experience and one I don't regret but it definitely has it ups and downs. All you want is to come across the way who you really are on TV – but as you know that doesn't always happen. Editing is amazing and people believe anything they see, what goes on in the background is also not as it seems as I am sure you know. Anyway I don't want to go on about the -ve's. Well done to you both for the amazing job you have done – its the hardest thing ever – and no one really knows what you have been through (except fellow block contestants perhaps) Keep you head held high hun because people will say nasty things behind your back etc.. but no one has never ever said anything nasty to our face – so who cares! I am sure things will get tougher as the series proceeds – if it was anything like our experience. At the end it will be all worthwhile and you will be a much stronger person and will realise even more you what is really important in life. If you need any advice or just want to chat please visit my interior styling fb page http://www.facebook.com/erinmichaelstyling and email me.
    E x

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