Throwing in the Towel
At 8:02 p.m. I posted the beginning title above with only this text:
Damn it!
...but now it's 9:07 p.m. and I'm back at it.
Because I am no quitter. Even when quitting is probably not a bad idea at all.
---
Grand Designs
About a year ago the friends we bought our house in San Miguel from told us about a British TV show called "Grand Designs".
It was the beginning of a serious addiction.
Finding episodes to watch is very hit or miss. The show is in its 20th season. We have found some on Netflix, some on YouTube, some on Amazon Prime. There are around 200 episodes and we've probably seen about half by now.
Format of the Show
Kevin McCloud is the show's host and he really draws you in. Each episode begins with Kevin meeting the people starting a home build project. He goes to the site with them. A computer generated mock-up of the design gives an idea of what they're aiming to accomplish.
 |
| We started with the more recent series and were amazed when we saw some of the early shows: Hey! Kevin had hair! |
He then asks how much their budget is, and how long they expect it to take. This, as in real-life, is always the comic relief/tragic element of the show.
As anyone who's ever tried to do anything with their house; from repainting one room, to rebuilding it from the ground up, knows: it's going to take way more time and waaaaay more money than you could ever anticipate.
Kevin usually registers his skepticism with an eye roll and a mild comment like: 'interesting' or 'I see'.
As anyone who's ever tried to do anything with their house; from repainting one room, to rebuilding it from the ground up, knows: it's going to take way more time and waaaaay more money than you could ever anticipate.
Kevin usually registers his skepticism with an eye roll and a mild comment like: 'interesting' or 'I see'.
He visits the site several times following the progress, and the delays, and the road blocks, and the constantly increasing budgets. He usually looks pretty sporty as he visits, sometimes even donning work clothes to pitch in on an element of the build.
The Big Reveal
You know the project's been completed when he shows up at the site wearing a starched shirt and spiffy blazer.
Then you get to ooh and ah at all they've accomplished. It's very satisfying.
Kevin and the homeowners then go over what the original plan for the budget was...and compare it to what the actual cost turned out to be. It's often double or even 4 times as much as the original guess. Ditto with the time line.
The few exceptions where the project comes in on time and under budget are really impressive
The few exceptions where the project comes in on time and under budget are really impressive
Was It Worth It?
But the question is often presented: Was it worth all of this time and money (pain, suffering, blood, sweat, tears....)
The answer is almost always: Absolutely!
The answer is almost always: Absolutely!
Check it Out
It's a great show. You should really check it out.
But I warn you: it's seriously addicting.
But I warn you: it's seriously addicting.
---
Phew! Post 171 got done after all. An hour ago I would have told you I didn't give a crap if I ever write another word in my life, but that's not true.
a) I've barely gone a day in my life without writing something, and b) I set up this challenge myself and can't seem to let it go.
Phew! Post 171 got done after all. An hour ago I would have told you I didn't give a crap if I ever write another word in my life, but that's not true.
a) I've barely gone a day in my life without writing something, and b) I set up this challenge myself and can't seem to let it go.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for dropping by my blog!
Please share your Daily Hits of Happy. After all... shared happiness is doubled.