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About: Jason
Name: Jason Age: 33 Profession: Partner in an executive search firm Personal item: Surfboard Star sign: Virgo
Chat transcript with Jason & Kirsten on 13 July after they won the sixth room-reveal for their living and deck:
Interviewer says: Welcome to The Block chat with Jason & Kirsten, this week's room reveal winners.
Interviewer says: Kirsten and Jason, welcome and congratulations on your well deserved win this week.
Kirsten & Jason says: Thanks for very much for the great support
Kirsten & Jason says: we put a lot into that room
Kirsten & Jason says: so we were delighted with the win
Lisa in ninemsn_events1 asks: Did you really have any idea before you started, how time consuming and stressful the experience would be?
Kirsten & Jason says: Absolutely no idea
Kirsten & Jason says: It was the hardest thing that I (Jason) had ever done
Kirsten & Jason says: and it still exhausting just to watch it
Lucy in ninemsn_events1 asks: Do you think you had an advantage over the other couples living in Sydney and knowing where to get tradesman from quicker?
Kirsten & Jason says: There were some advantages
Kirsten & Jason says: but I think the fact that the interstate couples didn't have full-time jobs
Kirsten & Jason says: and therefore had more days at home outweighed any local advantages that we had
itsjustme in ninemsn_events1 asks: Jason, you seem to enjoy playing with the big boys toys, did you enjoy getting into using all those tools?
Kirsten & Jason says: I love anything that involves hard work
Kirsten & Jason says: and playing with big drills was a dream
Tri??ity in ninemsn_events1 asks: Did you find it petty that Jamie & Andrew wanted equal courtyard space?
Kirsten & Jason says: We were really disappointed with Andrew and Jamie's demand
Kirsten & Jason says: for half of our back yard
Kirsten & Jason says: because we felt that had we had their unit we would have been happy with what we had and would have worked with that.
Kirsten & Jason says: so you can imagine we were delighted after two weeks of negotiations to finally win the right to keep our back yard.
Kirsten & Jason says: and wait until next week to see what we do with it
mello in ninemsn_events2 asks: Do you feel your whole plan is flowing in line with your initial ideas?
Kirsten & Jason says: Yes
Kirsten & Jason says: when Kirsten and I set out, started our renovations we had a theme in mind and we tried to keep our theme consistent from the front door to the back fence
Kirsten & Jason says: we hope you can see the continuity throughout the unit
Bean in ninemsn_events5 asks: Hi Jason & Kirsten - Where did you get the three paintings from in your last room?
Kirsten & Jason says: We commissioned a local Manly artist called Karen Langman of Griffin Design
Kirsten & Jason says: and the paintings were exactly what we hoped for
Kirsten & Jason says: even better than what we hoped for
Kirsten & Jason says: we were delighted with them.
Kirsten & Jason says: Actually we'll get the contact details and put it on the website
Kirsten & Jason says: check back tomorrow
Erika in ninemsn_events3 asks: On the show everyone seemed to be fighting most of the time, was it really like that or was that most of the things shown on the show?
Kirsten & Jason says: To be honest
Kirsten & Jason says: we are a bit disappointed that there seems to be such a focus on the inter-personal drama because we really enjoyed the renovation
Kirsten & Jason says: and there was some really interesting experiences that all the couples had that weren't shown
Kirsten & Jason says: hopefully you can see some of these in the book
Kirsten & Jason says: or you may have followed this in other mags that have followed The Block.
Kirsten & Jason says: If we ever get the chance to catch up I could probably tell you a few stories!!!
Congratulations in ninemsn_events1 asks: I just want to ask Jason and Kirsten what was there best and worst part of The Block? And to also wish them Congratulations on there winning room from a boy in Melbourne
Kirsten & Jason says: The most challenging part of The Block was dealing with the inter-personal drama and rivalry, which was exhausting and at times
Kirsten & Jason says: and quite hurtful
Kirsten & Jason says: but over all we were so proud of what we achieved in terms of renovation and in particular developed wonderful relationships with our very dedicated team of tradesman
Kirsten & Jason says: and thank you.
dave in ninemsn_events5 asks: Hi guys, really liked the first stage of your courtyard. Would like to do a similar thing in my own courtyard. Where you buy your deck?
Kirsten & Jason says: The deck timber is a hard wood called Iron Wood
Kirsten & Jason says: which we purchased from Hardwoods Australia
Kirsten & Jason says: in Darley Street, Mona Vale
Kirsten & Jason says: its a beautiful timber
Kirsten & Jason says: since we have left the block we have built a similar deck in our own home
Kirsten & Jason says: and thanks for the feedback
caroline in ninemsn_events2 asks: Why do you think you guys were singled out as the "odd ones out"?
Kirsten & Jason says: I think Matt & Jane and Richard & Steven
Kirsten & Jason says: judged Kirsten and I in the first week at The Block
without knowing either Kirsten or I.
Kirsten & Jason says: I was disappointed that they were so quick to judge and to be honest upset that they directed so much negative energy, especially towards Kirsten
Kirsten & Jason says: Outside of The Block, Kirsten is a real angel and I'm not sure Kirsten has been properly represented as a result of all of the tension with the couples
thojack in ninemsn_events2 asks: Is your home very similar to the apartment you renovated?
Kirsten & Jason says: That's a good question, our home is pretty similar very open plan, very warm and comfortable
Kirsten & Jason says: and it really does have a sense of spirit
Kirsten & Jason says: I lived in Asia for much of my childhood
Kirsten & Jason says: and so our house is filled with beautiful artifacts from South East Asia
Robin in ninemsn_events7 asks: Hi to you both. I would like to know how you are holding up. Is the pressure having an effect on your relationship? I love all your rooms and the way you stand up for your beliefs even when you know they will not be popular.
Kirsten & Jason says: that's nice. There have been some really hard times during The Block and now sitting back watching The Block we were both surprised with how much hate was directed towards us at times.
Kirsten & Jason says: To be honest, because some times we had no one else to talk to
Kirsten & Jason says: Kirsten and I grew closer as a result of the experience and learnt a hell of a lot about each other
Kirsten & Jason says: and I certainly know that I will spend the rest of my life with Kirsten
Kirsten & Jason says: and we'll have a lot of memories to reflect on and hopefully laugh about
baldy in ninemsn_events7 asks: I like your lounge, were did you get the rounded seats?
Kirsten & Jason says: The rounded seats are from Freedom Furniture
Kirsten & Jason says: $199 per seat
Kirsten & Jason says: and they are surprisingly comfortable. They come in 2 colours
pepper in ninemsn_events2 asks: Does everyone really come up with their own design ideas or did they get some help. As an interior designer myself, the places are pretty mind-blowing with the budget & time restraints.
Kirsten & Jason says: I can only speak for ourselves
Kirsten & Jason says: and when we assembled our team of tradesman
Kirsten & Jason says: we invited everyone of them to provide their input through out the project and many of the ideas that you see were ideas that came from our tradesman as well as Kirsten and I
Kirsten & Jason says: Without our team of builders the place wouldn't be half of what we were able to deliver
Yvette in ninemsn_events3 asks: How come you both decided to go on The Block in the first place?
Kirsten & Jason says: lol
Kirsten & Jason says: When we heard they were casting for the second series many of our best friends insisted we put in an application
Kirsten & Jason says: they thought we would be perfect for it
Kirsten & Jason says: we always seemed to be renovating houses
Kirsten & Jason says: and really love to spend weekends sourcing furniture and renovating either in the house or in the garden so we are passionate renovators and thought we'd have a lot of fun
Kirsten & Jason says: We also applied what we call the Rocking Chair Test
Kirsten & Jason says: which is when we are 107 years old sitting in our rocking chairs will we look back and say what a wonderful experience
Kirsten & Jason says: and the answer is yes!
itsjustme in ninemsn_events1 asks: Kirsten, you seem focused on the body spirit and mind, ever consider getting into the holistic industry?
Kirsten & Jason says: Yes as a matter of fact I have been a fitness instructor for the last 15 years of my life and am planning to do a yoya instructors intensive training program after the show
Kirsten & Jason says: I also study naturopathy and nutrition
Kirsten & Jason says: and will always seek to learn more about holistic world
Tania in ninemsn_events2 asks: Good on you both for winning this weeks room. I must say, I love your elegant and classy designs. Please can you tell me who the manufacturing company is for the recycle water tank, shown in the room reveal. Thank you.
Kirsten & Jason says: BlueScope Steele and it has a filtration system which produces drinkable water although we put it in with the main application of being the watering of the gardening it collects water from the eave of the building.
jaffa in ninemsn_events6 asks: To both of you, do you think you fitness physically and mentally has helped your energy levels throughout your time on the block. You seem to cope well with what seems to have been completely demanding schedule?
Kirsten & Jason says: Absolutely
Kirsten & Jason says: I think our physical fitness just got us through but we had very little left in our reserve tank
Kirsten & Jason says: if we hadn't practiced our yoga and mediation and not gone for our swim we probably wouldn't have made it.
Kirsten & Jason says: It was really tough
Blockhead in ninemsn_events2 asks: Jason and Kirsten, did you really 'christen' every room???
Kirsten & Jason says: lol
Kirsten & Jason says: To be honest
Kirsten & Jason says: we didn't have the energy
Kirsten & Jason says: but we certainly had fun answering that questionnaire, and thought it was stir up some interest
blokka in ninemsn_events1 asks: How is your relationship with Richard and Steven now after the private investigator incident?
Kirsten & Jason says: I might remind you that the private investigator was organised by Richard and Steven, Matt and Jane, and to the boys credit, they apologised to Kirsten
Kirsten & Jason says: where as Matt & Jane, never did
katie in ninemsn_events7 asks: Kirsten, do you have a comment on the Millionaire challenge?
Kirsten & Jason says: Watching the Millionaire episode I must say I was embarrassed with the way I was portrayed
Kirsten & Jason says: at the time my parents had visited from Brisbane and I was due to have dinner with them on the night that we were given 10 minutes to pack our bags for Melbourne.
Kirsten & Jason says: I also don't deal very well with surprises and having never watched Millionaire
Kirsten & Jason says: I got horrible stage fright
Kirsten & Jason says: and terrified of how I might react on the show
Kirsten & Jason says: In the end, I enjoyed the experience and let me assure you if I had the opportunity to win money for a charity I would have done anything I possibly could have regardless of how I felt about the show
blockhead in ninemsn_events7 asks: Was it fair that only two couples had the chance to win money for their charity?
Kirsten & Jason says: It was a wonderful outcome to win $65,000 for the charity's
Kirsten & Jason says: Kirsten and I wished we too, had the opportunity to personally contribute to the charity, but we were delighted as a group at the outcome
the in ninemsn_events2 asks: Kirsten, do you know who sent you that book "Little Miss Scary"?
Kirsten & Jason says: Yes I believe it was Matt & Andrew
Kirsten & Jason says: and laughed it off then and now
Kirsten & Jason says: although I'm not sure that they didn't intend to stir me up I think they were disappointed they didn't get more of a reaction
lysh in ninemsn_events1 asks: Did you stay in touch with any of the other couples?
Kirsten & Jason says: Because we have the open house inspections on at the moment and we are doing a lot of publicity related to the show we often see each of the couples
Kirsten & Jason says: Although, at this stage are enjoying the company of our own dear friends
Kirsten & Jason says: and will probably appreciate the time away from our Block neighbours
Plastic in ninemsn_events1 asks: What was your real reaction when you saw the boys call your apartment bland?
Kirsten & Jason says: By that stage Kirsten and I had developed pretty thick skins to the boys and Matt's stirring
Kirsten & Jason says: It was ironic to see all of the judges speak so highly about our rooms
Kirsten & Jason says: when some of our neighbours had gone out of their way to try and find something negative to comment on
Katz in ninemsn_events3 asks: Can you use one word to describe each of the other Blockies?
Kirsten & Jason says: Steven: crazy
Kirsten & Jason says: Richard: confused
Kirsten & Jason says: Matt: self righteous
Kirsten & Jason says: Andrew: sneaky
Kirsten & Jason says: Jamie: goofy
Kirsten & Jason says: Jane: savvy
Knuckla in ninemsn_events2 asks: Kirsten, will we see you in Playboy or RALPH, Fiona did it, so should you. You ROCK!
Kirsten & Jason says: Thank you very much
Kirsten & Jason says: Actually, I did do the Ralph shoot
Kirsten & Jason says: and was on the cover and the centerfold
Kirsten & Jason says: lol
Kirsten & Jason says: in the July edition, unfortunately its already off the newsstand
Kirsten & Jason says: Check out website, and you can get the screensaver http://ralph.ninemsn.com.au/ralph/
pete in ninemsn_events6 asks: Can you please let me know who supplies the bifold doors leading to you rear deck?
Kirsten & Jason says: Stegbar provided all the cedar doors and windows and they looked fantastic and even better in real life
Interested in ninemsn_events1 asks: Jason & Kirsten. Congratulations on this weeks result. Love your renovation. If you don't mind I'd be interested to know what your day jobs were.
Kirsten & Jason says: Sure
Kirsten & Jason says: I'm a partner in an executive search firm (i.e. a head hunter) and use to be a corporate Lawyer. Its a great job but can be pretty demanding, so it was hard to fit in with The Block
Kirsten & Jason says: Kirsten is a business manager with a pharmaceutical company
Kirsten & Jason says: and teaches fitness classes part time
Kirsten & Jason says: that's why she was often up early and getting home late from classes
Johnno in ninemsn_events7 asks: What has been your favorite moment on The Block to date?
Kirsten & Jason says: Some of the developing relationships that we did with our team of tradesman, they were such wonderful guys and we also created an environment that we are so proud of
Blockhead in ninemsn_events2 asks: Jason and Kirsten, what do you think your strengths and weaknesses were during The Block?
Kirsten & Jason says: Kirsten: weakness: inability to hide my emotions
Kirsten & Jason says: Jason: weakness, naive and always looking for the good in people
Kirsten & Jason says: it took me half the show to work out that the couples were giving us a hard time and weren't necessarily playing
Kirsten & Jason says: Strengths: Kristin's strengths, is she is incredibly resilient and courageous and stood up to all the challenges that were thrown at her
Kirsten & Jason says: and I think being able to laugh at myself often helps
stacey in ninemsn_events2 asks: I thought your last room was amazing...which room was your favourite to renovate and which was your least favourite?
Kirsten & Jason says: My favourite is the courtyard
Kirsten & Jason says: which is yet to come
Kirsten & Jason says: and the reason for that is, Kirsten and I love spending time outside and the courtyard is just a wonderful place to entertain
Kirsten & Jason says: The hardest room to produce was the first room
Kirsten & Jason says: because we were still shell-shocked and scared to death of the whole enormity of the task, we both felt way out of our depth at that time
Gronk in ninemsn_events7 asks: If you could buy one of the other apartments (but not your one), which one would it be?
Kirsten & Jason says: That's a tough question
Kirsten & Jason says: Because we love outdoor spaces we would take Andrew and Jamie's courtyard, Matt and Jane's attic room and the boys technology
Kirsten & Jason says: and that would be a pretty sensational unit
Kirsten & Jason says: but for 100m off the beach, we really love our place and really suits Manly.
GoldCoasters in ninemsn_events4 asks: Who are the biggest threat to you in winning?
Kirsten & Jason says: That is a really hard question to answer
Kirsten & Jason says: because its not a normal auction
Kirsten & Jason says: and corporate buyers may have agendas that normal buyers not take into account
Kirsten & Jason says: we feel that if it was a normal auction place would be the winning unit
Kirsten & Jason says: lets hope it turns out that way on the day fingers crossed.
lily in ninemsn_events1 asks: Was there any limit on the places or times the camera crew could go? Was this difficult, especially when things were heated?
Kirsten & Jason says: By the way you can get all our auction details here: theblock.ninemsn.com.au/theblock/atTheBlock/winners.asp>
Kirsten & Jason says: While we were initially told that the show was not a Big Brother the reality was the cameras followed us everywhere.
Kirsten & Jason says: we often had to sneak sideways out if we wanted a hot date or even just some privacy and some quiet time
ben in ninemsn_events5 asks: Kirsten & Jason what is one life lesson you will take away from The Block
Kirsten & Jason says: Kirsten and I learnt so much about each other and our relationship
Kirsten & Jason says: I really think we are much stronger for it
Interviewer says: Unfortunately we are out of time tonight, do you have any last comments for all those that have come along to talk to us tonight?
Kirsten & Jason says: and by the way, we are not fearless renovators and will certainly keep renovating for the rest of our lives.
Kirsten & Jason says: Thank you all for your wonderful support and interest even though its been tough at times
Kirsten & Jason says: we've been overwhelmed by the feedback from members of the public that we've never met
Kirsten & Jason says: On behalf of us both, thank you
Interviewer says: Once again Kirsten and Jason, thank you, congratulations on your win and goodnight
Interviewer says: This concludes our Live Chat with Kirsten & Jason, 13 July 2004
Interviewer says: Produced by ninemsn.com.au in Sydney, Australia
Interviewer says: Thanks for joining us tonight.
Interviewer says: Don't forget to catch-up on all the latest news & goss on the rooms and couples @ ninemsn.com.au/theblock
See Jason at work, in the boxing ring, at home and relaxing: dialup
|
broadband
Stats on Jason:
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Papua New Guinea
CURRENT RESIDENCE:
Northern Beaches, Sydney
HAIR COLOUR:
Brown
EYE COLOUR:
Hazel
HEIGHT:
5 foot 8 inches
PETS:
Two gorgeous dogs (Tulsi and Shiva) and a cat (Bella).
PHOBIA:
Plaster dust
LUXURY ITEM:
Barbeque — it's summer.
FAVOURITE COLOUR:
The ocean on a clear sunny day.
FAVOURITE SMELL:
Kirsten's
FAVOURITE FLOWER:
Strelitzia (aka bird of paradise)
FAVOURITE GAME:
The Block
FAVOURITE SPORT:
Anything involving the water: surfing, snorkelling, swimming…
FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAM:
Australian Olympic Team — I love to watch elite level athletics and gymnastics.
FAVOURITE TV SHOW:
Backyard Blitz and The Block — I love to see other people's high-quality renovation ideas.
FAVOURITE MOVIE:
A Beautiful Life
FAVOURITE MUSIC TYPE:
Ambient — the Café del Mar and Buddha Beats series are favourites.
FAVOURITE BAND:
We have so many CDs that it is hard to pick one band. I love diverse types of music to suit my mood. From dance to classical.
FAVOURITE MAGAZINE:
Vogue Living
FAVOURITE BREAKFAST:
Fresh fruit salad including mango and paw paw, ideally eaten in Bali.
FAVOURITE DINNER:
Barbequed salmon steak with Kirsten's special mango salad at home with Kirsten and friends.
FAVOURITE VEGETABLE:
Carrot — I juice it all the time.
FAVOURITE SNACK FOOD:
Fruit — the more tropical the better.
FAVOURITE CHOC/LOLLIES:
A good nutty chocolate.
FAVOURITE DESSERT:
Mum's home-made apple crumble.
FAVOURITE ALCOHOL:
Mohito.
FAVOURITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE:
Freshly squeezed carrot, apple and beetroot juice with heaps of ginger.
FAVOURITE RECIPE:
Anything barbequed! And ideally shared with friends.
FAVOURITE CHARITY:
World Vision — for the sponsoring of children in third world countries.
We asked Jason:
How would you describe yourself?
Fun, positive, energetic and loving.
What are your personal strengths and weaknesses?
My greatest strength is my energy levels. My weakness is the high standards I set for myself (it can be very exhausting trying to keep up with my expectations!).
What is your most endearing trait?
My smile. It takes a lot to wipe it off my face.
What is your most annoying habit, if any?
I am always busy.
What are your hobbies?
Anything active, from yoga, surfing, swimming, running with the dogs, the gym and catching up with friends.
What has been the biggest challenge in your life so far and how have you dealt with it?
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (5995m above sea level). Only four of the original 12 in our party made it to the summit. It was an amazing challenge — physically and mentally.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?
Finding and marrying Kirsten — she is a wonderful friend and unbelievable wife.
What would be the craziest, wildest thing you would do for a lot of money?
I'm open to offers. But just remember I am an adrenaline junkie!
What would you NOT do for money?
Anything which seriously hurt another person — physically or emotionally.
What made you enter The Block?
To be honest, it sounded like fun at the time. I certainly have no plans to launch a singing career. It is really the opportunity to be involved in a "once in a lifetime" type opportunity. We will be able to laugh about this when we are sitting in our rocking chairs at 107!
What makes you laugh?
Most of my good friends and family.
What skills do you bring to The Block?
I hope it is good project management and some style and good taste. I guess that is yet to be proven.
What unique quality will you bring to The Block?
Positive and boundless energy and perseverance.
Why do you believe that you could be the winner of The Block?
Have you met my wife? She is my secret weapon.
What is your most treasured possession and why?
My photo collection. It holds so many memories.
Who is your hero and why?
Anyone who has had the courage to strive to achieve their dreams.
Describe your perfect day?
Waking up early — jogging with Kirsten and the dogs to the beach. Swimming some laps and then doing yoga on the rocks. Ideally, breakfast at one of the beachside cafes on the way home. Lunch with friends and then back to the beach to read a good book. A barbeque dinner and then a relatively early night… Perfect!
What renovations have you done before?
I have renovated several of my own houses in various stages of repair. I love it.
Who was your favourite couple on The Block 1. Why?
I thought Phil and Amity's devotion was wonderful — especially in the light of the challenging environment. Adam and Fiona's renovation style most closely matched mine.
What do you love most about your partner?
Kirsten is an angel. She is a wonderful soul who brings happiness into my life.
How did you meet your partner?
Kirsten and I met through mutual friends. It was a great match — I knew from our first date that I would spend the rest of our life together.
What is their most annoying habit/trait?
Kirsten is pretty flawless.
How do you relax?
Yoga and meditation plus as much exercise as possible. I have also learnt to take the opportunity to recharge the batteries with some quiet time.
How much money would you like to make from The Block?
As much as possible.
What would you do with prize money?
We would have a well-deserved holiday. We would also do some renovations on our home — we are suckers for punishment! — and pay off some of our mortgage.
Do you want to be famous?
Ask me when I understand what it means to be famous.
What's your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere exotic. I loved travelling in the highlands of the Philippines, the islands in Thailand, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and diving in the Red Sea. I love to explore new and exciting locations.
If you weren't doing what you do now (occupation) — what would you be doing?
Traveling! But if I had to do a job, I would be in property development and would help Kirsten set up a holistic health retreat.
