How positive Jess hit rock bottom over one day

When Jess lost the chance to work with Dave Franklin, she did what Jess always does – shrugged it off and worked out how to move forward.

Thankfully, she quickly found a new option – and an outstanding one at that. She and Norm locked in Paal Grant, a newcomer to The Block, he’s a landscape architect with big ideas and loads of creativity.

But despite the fact she was brimming with confidence and energy, Terrace Week didn’t kick off in amazing fashion for Jess. In fact, four big hits saw her confidence finally shatter.

1. The plans weren’t approved

As Jess and Norm admired Paal’s vision, foremen Keith and Dan were quick to point out the plans had not been approved. Paal hinted that he had tried to send them via email to no avail, but the foremen shrugged his suggestion off and pronounced nothing would kick off until sign off had happened.

2. The plans were still not approved

Hours later, Keith returned with a verdict. The Block’s architect had knocked back the plans as they stood. “Basically, everything you’ve asked to have has been rejected,” said Keith bluntly. Jess took it in her stride, adding she had learned throughout the competition to toughen up. “[You learn] that only solutions will be the answer to your problems, not complaining about it,” she said wisely. 

“We’ve got to get this done and we’ve got to get this done as quick as possible, because we’ve already lost half a day.”

Paal was rattled by the news, particularly because he had already custom made some of the items. Jess however, was used to Block life and suggested he have a chat with Julian, the Block architect, to come to a mutually satisfactory agreement.

The two managed to talk through the issues and come up with some tweaks that they were both happy with, like adding wheels to the planter boxes.

Next on Jess’ bad luck list, she was kicked off the job site by Norm. Determined to help out with the decking, Jess struggled to put in a screw. Norm eventually lost it, especially when Keith pointed out that the dropped screws couldn’t be left under the deck to rust. Pulling up decking boards to salvage Jess’ dodgy work, Norm was deeply unimpressed. “I’m gonna have to sack you,” he told Jess. “Get your tools, put ‘em in your tool trailer, get out.”

“It’s a big decision to tell your missus to get off site,” he said later. “You couldn’t be happier,” retorted Jess.

But as a wise woman once said Jess, “Solutions will be the answer to your problems!”

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