Survivor Crop 2005 is over. I made it all 24 hours! Only got about 8 pages done. They didn't have the printers they were supposed to, so I couldn't print my pictures. I was a little disappointed this year. There wasn't any personal feeling from the owners. It felt like we were an afterthought. At one point the owner even said that she brought a lot of giveaways back and divided them between Survivor and her new store in Escondido. I understand her focus being on opening their new store, but not so much that Survivor is in second place. The worst was not having anyone up on stage talking to the group, keeping their energy up, for 3 hours during the dead of night. From 3-6am there wasn't any music (it was broken) and no MC. This is the hardest time of the crop, and basically I felt deserted and ignored. Then came breakfast, cold bagel and cream cheese, or oatmeal. No juice, milk, coffee, cold soda. We really need some warm nutrition at this time of the crop. How about a microwave, or toaster? Maybe a danish, yogurt? They did have yogurt, but it had been sitting in a cooler without ice since 1am.
I think there could have been more little giveaways throughout the evening. Maybe going to each island and doing it that way rather than the whole group. Personalize it more.

I learned some things about myself, and I have some plans to make for next year. I need to be in better physical health. Time to start an exercise program. I plan to join a different table, or start my own with Phi Kappa Scrappa. I will not take on too much preparation work like I did this year. I was exhausted before I started. I know this effected my ability to enjoy myself. No reserve nothing to pick you up in the middle of the night. I will bring my own ice chest with plenty of ice for drinks. One table brought their own computer and printer, and had a special table set up just for them. Next year I could bring my laptop and printer for our table. Definitely less decorations on the table, they take up too much room. I liked the island that kept track of their pages each hour. The hostess has to make sure the members are having fun. Check in individually throughout the evening. Plan special events, picture taking time, get in some exercise, have back-up music and player available. Lots to think about between now and next year.
Even with my complaints, Survivor was a success because we raised over $37,000 for the fight against breast cancer. At the end of it all, it's the money that counts.