- Tue Oct 18, 2016 7:57:50 am
#5932
Hey Ozzy! Congrats on making it to the final 7!
1) What does it feel like making it this far into the merge compared to your last two seasons?First of all, I just took a small propeller plane to Boise and it was terrifying. Those things are rough.
I cannot believe I'm still here honestly. First time, quit. Second time, barely missed the merge. And now I'm in the final 7? Like holy fucking shit. That's awesome. And I can confidently say that I got here by building great connections with people and making some moves along the way. So glad I saved Heidi at F13 because I really think it repaid me by staying tonight. So glad I kept up with Sierra and Hayden because it saved me tonight. They both see me as crucial to their games moving forward and that puts me in the power position, which is definitely the place to be. Hopefully this will secure me at least F6 if not F5. I have options and that's what I want. I just need to find a path and people to take with me.
2)How did you feel about Nate playing the idol for Penner and then getting voted off? Where does that leave you in the tribe?I don't know 100% obviously, but I think I got Nate to use the idol on Penner. Which ended up being needless but it helped me gain favor in the other camps.
(SIDE NOTE: I almost switched my vote to Nate thinking that Penner's votes would be null and then a Tie between Nate and Sierra would result in Nate leaving. And I would keep my word to Sierra about not writing her name down at this tribal, I would gain favor with Heidi/Tammy by offering up Nate as the boot... win/win. But I didn't because I didn't want to burn Nate. Turns out, wouldn't have mattered.) Like I said above, I see myself as the swing position this and next round. Sierra/Hayden will see me and Penner as votes toward Heidi/Tammy and Heidi/Tammy will see myself and Penner as votes toward Sierra/Hayden. With just Sugar as a left over piece. And that's the main reason I want to take out Sugar this next round. I don't want to flip on Heidi or Sierra yet, so it's either her or Penner and I can't have Penner leave. Penner will stick by me, that I'm confident in. So he needs to stay as long as possible.
My biggest debate currently is if Penner is a FTC goat or not. I don't see him getting votes from Nate/Rocky/Val (although not sure if I would get those votes either). And if Heidi/Tammy are there, I don't see them voting for him either (though they may not vote for me if their boots seem unnecessary). So still up in the air.
There's still Hayden, who I really don't see getting votes but he may surprise me, and Tammy, who I also don't see getting votes being a tail end to Heidi. So that may be my ideal F3. But Penner could sneak in there and replace Tammy honestly, that's two vote for not Penner. Still a long way to go, but current thoughts are that. Just need to find the right path.
3) Also, do you mind talking to us about what you love about Survivor? Who's your favorite contestant of all time and why?Survivor is my favorite thing, honestly. People have hobbies like hiking, painting, or some sport. But Survivor really is my hobby as weird as that sounds. I dedicate so many hours of my life to the show (TV, podcasts, the r/survivor sub, even daily conversations with friends/family/coworkers). It's something about playing this ultra social type of game that intrigues me. How people can maneuver relationships and people. How power dynamics work when relationships are at stake. And getting to play a version of it is exciting! Hopefully I can do the real thing one day.
It's also something I grew up with. My family has watched since the first season and it was a tradition of sorts. Every Thursday night (remember when it was on Thursdays?) we would watch and play our own version of it. We had challenges (rock paper scissors, stand on one leg, etc.) and would win doritos as a reward. We'd vote each other off and eat white rice out of pots with large wooden spoons. It was a family thing and still is. It has a lot of sentimental value to me too. My mom and I got really close through it. It's an important part of my life.
Favorite Survivor has to be Cirie. Watching this woman who was "on the couch" seasons prior take on this huge challenge and dominate was surreal. I mean, she was crucial in Panama, only losing to a fire making challenge. She was crucial in Micronesia, losing only to a final 2 that nobody planned for. And then HvV we won't talk about lol. She's the one who really perfected this idea that you didn't need to be a challenge beast, you just had to build connections and then manipulate those connections ot see things your way. It's devious and awesome. I will always welcome Cirie should she come back (and I would watch her play every season if I could).
I have a long day tomorrow and won't be at the challenge (or of any use in the challenge I should say) because I'm working a college fair. But I'll get my vote in and make sure to get to TC if I can.
