Is it because I’m fat? (or “My brush with Reality Television”)April 5th, 2006 @ 11:00 am
It was mentioned in the comments on yesterday’s post that The King and I should get our own reality show for this whole “let’s build a house from scratch” thing.
Funny you should mention that.
A Reality Show (that shall remain nameless) recently contacted The King and me. I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that we dress horribly and our friends are trying to help us be more hip.
No, it isn’t that kind of a reality show.
They found us through some DIY home-building webrings that The King belongs to. They were looking for a couple who were getting ready to build their dream home and wanted it all to be filmed. And then shown on cable to The Entire World to see. The producers contacted The King to see if we might be interested in being the stars of the following season of the show.
We discussed it and figured, “heck yeah, we want to be stars!” (Who can deny the need to see your name in lights?) The Producer talked with The King on the phone numerous times and via e-mail. She wanted to know how we came up with the plans for the house (The King drew them up himself), where we’re building (right in Seattle), and who was going to do all of the work (we were, duh!).
She liked the sound of this.
Next, she wanted to see a picture of us together. Maybe even with our cat. She said something about “needing to get an idea of who you guys really are.” I’m sure it was just to make sure we were pretty enough. This made me very nervous. I mean, what if we aren’t pretty enough? What does that say about us? It would be official! We would be labeled “Not TV Worthy” for the rest of our lives. (Who can live with that shame?)
We submitted this picture. Taken of us in the house we just sold (notice the railing? Yeah, I hadn’t finished it yet.)
The Producer called us back to further discuss our options. (Phew, am not ugly. Could be on a reality show.) This time, she didn’t want to just talk to The King. She wanted to actually talk to me. This was a problem. Mostly because I am not very good at stuff like that. I fumble and stumble and might say things like “oh yes, we are very cool. We can build our own house out of paper and glue. And maybe some popsicles sticks. You want to film us, because the world, they need to see us in action.”
I survived my phone call with the Producer. She was very lovely. We talked. We laughed. I told her about how The King and I met. I even made sure she knew I was pregnant. I told her I thought that might make for some “good television”.
I felt okay about my conversation with The Producer. I called The King immediately after I got off the phone and told him to stop worrying. I had not failed him. We were still in the running. They would submit our information to The Network and we would be selected. I just knew it.
And this is where the story ends. They never called us back. We were not “still in the running”.
So while I am (apparently) not too ugly for reality television. I am not cool enough for it either.
I have a slight TV addiction · The First House · The New House
Frema
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:17 am
Well then, whatever station THAT is will be missing out on some high-quality stuff.
However, if you did go on the show, I’d be a little sad, because I don’t have cable anymore and couldn’t cheer you on the road to architectual victory.
AnnaBana
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:21 am
WAIT! How do you know for sure that you’re not in the running still? How long ago was it? That would have been SO cool!!! (Would they have paid you anything?) I totally would have watched it. Don’t give up, maybe there’s still a chance!
Mrs. Ca
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:25 am
That would have been a fun opportunity, but think about it. You probably would have gotten sick of the cameras and the fame, so it’s really better you aren’t doing it. I mean, if you got famous you’d have to deal with the papparazzi and you saw what happened when Britney was confronted by them with her baby, and you don’t need that kind of scandal. You’re way better off.
Isabel
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:27 am
I should have added…this was a few months ago. So I’m pretty sure we’re out of the running.
Oh, and there was no mention of money. Ever.
Which did not sweeten the pot.
Ashley
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:36 am
Isabel, you can be on my reality show. I don’t know what it’s about. So are you in?
liberalbanana
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:37 am
Well it’s disappointing nonetheless, I’m sure. I guess it would’ve been worse to have them say “NO THANKS” right at the beginning, but to get your hopes up and then not follow through? That’s awful! I hate when people leave me hanging. That’s when you just gotta say, “Well, fine! I didn’t need you anyway!” Right? Right.
K.
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:39 am
How very rude of them to not call back either way.
Lisa
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:41 am
Ok. If you would have gotten that gig I would actually get cable. Because that would have been so cool to watch.
I just read your comment and how they didn’t mention money? Bummer!
Janet
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:42 am
Wow, your husband looks about 12 years old LOL!
anna
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:45 am
While it may have been very awesome, it’s probably a good thing you haven’t heard back from them. Think of all the camaras, cables, extra people and their junk that you would have had to work around. Plus, what if someone tried to tell you to do something slightly different than what you wanted to do with your house. That would suck.
Hilary
said,
April 5, 2006 at 12:41 pm
Very cute picture!
Very cool story. I’m sorry nothing came of it but keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. They don’t know what they missed out on.
napagirl
said,
April 5, 2006 at 2:51 pm
I totally would have gotten cable JUST to watch you and The King.
They suck for not calling back and they have NO idea of the amount of coolness that they are missing.
Sarah
said,
April 5, 2006 at 3:49 pm
Such an adorable picture. I totally think you’re hot and cool enough for tv. Plus, think about how adorable your family will be once you have the baby. And talk about reality tv drama! Does the king still have the woman’s email address? He should email her and withdraw from the process. Thay way you quit them and they didn’t quit you.
AnnieM
said,
April 5, 2006 at 4:18 pm
Geeze! So close! I totally would have watched; I love reality TV.
Victoria Winters
said,
April 5, 2006 at 8:04 pm
Aw, man! Too bad!
DeAnn
said,
April 5, 2006 at 9:39 pm
How long ago did you talk to The Producer? Because maybe they are still narrowing the field.
Or maybe it’s because you’re pregnant.
But I really really want you on my TV. SO much!
kerri
said,
April 5, 2006 at 11:45 pm
Reality t.v. is not cool enough for you!
Cute pic.
Stephanie A.
said,
April 6, 2006 at 5:07 am
Great picture! And I was going to say exactly what Kerri said- you’re too cool for school. It’s them. They’re obviously looking for people with more problems. Reality tv people love problems and drama.
HollowSquirrel
said,
April 6, 2006 at 7:15 am
I’m in agreement with everyone here: their loss! I’m bummed though as I’d totally have Tivo’d you!
jessica
said,
April 6, 2006 at 7:20 am
that would’ve been so crazy! and it certainly is their loss.
p.s. LOVE the house rendering! can’t wait to see it finished.
Avorie
said,
April 6, 2006 at 8:30 am
Oh wow! How cool that they were interested! I’m sorry you didn’t get selected though… Maybe they are just taking a while to notify you?
Jenna
said,
April 6, 2006 at 8:56 am
Totally their loss!! You two look like stars to me!!!!!!