I relay for life

As of four hours ago Relay for Life brought in $46,403.82 and we still have two more weeks of bank days for people to bring in their pledges. It will be amazing to see $50,000 come in at the end of it all.

To be honest I've experienced some slight nostalgia the past few days, so hearing this latest update was a warm welcome. There were many bumps throughout the night, but nothing that participants would've noticed at all. Ultimately I think that's what a successful event comes down to; ensuring that the participants are having a fun time and remain unaware of any hiccups.

It's funny how the issues that we dealt with in the first few hours were nothing compared to what we faced later in the night. It was like we were living an episode of 24 where what used to be of the most importance is now insignificant in comparison to what is presented now... For instance: ensuring parking and traffic was organized properly, relocating the Survivors reception and changing directions, underbooking the number of tables needed for reception and opening ceremonies, refilling the garbage bags, setting up security patrol checks throughout the night.

My favourite part was just seeing everyone have a good time and hearing how people were impacted for the positive. I'm so excited to be involved with this again next year. I can see the whole Carleton community coming together and making this potentially the biggest university relay event in all of Canada.

Also as a wannabe event manager/coordinator, I always considered myself a person who plans all the details leading up to the actual event and then sits back and enjoy. I've learned that is not who I am, because even as the event unfolds I find things to do. There will be always things to do, so my satisfaction does not come from me enjoying the event but from knowing that everyone else is. It's fun when you learn something about yourself. Now, how am I going to share that?

There are many things I'm in the mood for doing right now, unfortunately this essay, which has to be done, is not one of them. And I was so looking forward to Alice in Wonderland tonight.