It’s only day 5 and there is not a piece of me which does not hurt or ache. It’s like I have been to some kind of Sadomasochistic gym. I have cuts, bruises, scratches, scrapes and all other manner of wounds in the most unexplainable of places. And the dirt and dust – I won’t even go there! But this is what real property development is like – when you get “down and dirty”!
The great thing about “getting stuck in” when you do a development is that it gives you a greater appreciation about what is involved “work wise” and about how long things take to do “time wise”. I admit, I am not a natural manual labourer and most of the time I employ people to do this work for me, but on this project because of our tight budget and timelines I’m doing as much as I can myself. And to be frank, it serves as a great reminder as to how hard the work is and how long things take to do.
But I love stepping into the shoes of a “tradesman” because for this short period of time I get to become “one of them”. It’s hard work – but it’s rewarding – at the end of every day I feel like I have done an “honest” day’s work…in fact, I feel like I have done a “proper” day’s work! So proper in fact, that every day after we knock off I also feel compelled by the tradesman’s ritual to visit the pub on the way home. And my God that drink tastes good – it just feels so satisfying and “earned” as I sit there gently sipping from my glass in my paint splattered clothes.
And I know I have been accepted as “one of them” now – as when they pass me by at the pub (in their matching paint splattered outfits) they raise an eyebrow or cock a knowing grin at me – which says – you’re also into S&M.
Here is a progress so far:
Until next time…
Julie
Sam, you reminded me Tom Sawyer, painting the fence)
I like practical details too.
What equipment do you use for filming?
Jo King
Welcome to the Down & Dirty Club Sam – but I’m gobsmacked you found time to get to the pub! What am I doing wrong? Lol!
Sam
Jo – going to the pub is debrief and planning time!
Julie – it’s just an iPhone 4