Why NEST? I have been asked that a lot lately. And even asked myself that a few times as well.
As in why do I feel this way? Why should I go? Why is it so important to me? Why is it important at all?
Well, I can answer of that simply by saying.....My friends.
I had a lot of friends on this forum well before I attended my first gathering (NHLee08) or NEST. I was comfortable in my role, of never meeting too many and keeping myself and feelings to only me. But hearing more and more, and reading the experiences of those that went made me jealous. Honestly, yes. Very jealous. Why were they having the fun that I wanted. Why was I not taking advantage of the opportunities placed in front of me.
I finally realized that it was no one but me keeping me from meeting these people who had become a part of my life through messages, phone calls and chats. I was very hesitant at first because I know I am annoying, have some medical issues, and tend to get more than a little hyper when people are around. I like to clown around a lot and often times try to hard to be "The life of the party", something I was reminded of several times by those that talked to me on the phone to CALM DOWN when I would attend my first gathering. I did my best at NHLee08, and found the event to be as memorable as my first kiss. I had a taste of gatherings, being with friends, being comfortable with myself and who I was. It was something I could never shy away from again.
NEST09 was another huge stepping stone, I was a newbie. Granted I had been to NHLee08, but NEST was a whole different experience. MORE PEOPLE than I had been around in a long time, and people from all over. Many of whom I had never spoken to online or offline. I approached it with anxiety and excitement. I couldn't sleep the 2 days before left. I tried planning everything out in my mind. Every person I would speak to, what I would say. What I would do. Ways to act so that I would stick out in peoples mind and make them glad they met me.
I went over and over in my head every possible scenario, even on the ride there, up to the point when I saw HDS who was picking me up from the airport. Even then I peppered him with questions about who was already there, what did I miss...etc. I took it all in upon my arrival, and was lucky enough to spend the first night with a smaller group of people, just kicking back and relaxing....getting to know some new people and reconnecting with old friends.
Friday was a whirlwind of activity. I had never met so many people happy to see me! I felt like, pardon the expression, the belle of the ball. Each person I talked to was genuine and made me feel at ease.
The rest of the weekend was equally fun as the people I met I enjoyed, and not a one made me feel uncomfortable. Handshakes and hugs were everywhere and every group I sat near or with included me in conversation and fun.
Way too many memories were made last year, and I expect the same this year. Now is everyone's experience going to be like mine...probably not. But I will say that everyone gives you chance. No matter who you are, a loud annoying Mexican like me, or a wallflower....the opportunity is there to make connections and friendships....all it takes is for you to say hello.
I know some thoughts are muddled in this post, but I wanted to say so much, but did not want to be overly chatty.
Needless to say, Why NEST? For me, the answer was simple. Why not.
This is like my extended family. So it is like that family reunion I look forward to once a year. Because these people....TO ME....are my family.
I can't wait to make all of you first timers a part of my family as well.
Rob
As in why do I feel this way? Why should I go? Why is it so important to me? Why is it important at all?
Well, I can answer of that simply by saying.....My friends.
I had a lot of friends on this forum well before I attended my first gathering (NHLee08) or NEST. I was comfortable in my role, of never meeting too many and keeping myself and feelings to only me. But hearing more and more, and reading the experiences of those that went made me jealous. Honestly, yes. Very jealous. Why were they having the fun that I wanted. Why was I not taking advantage of the opportunities placed in front of me.
I finally realized that it was no one but me keeping me from meeting these people who had become a part of my life through messages, phone calls and chats. I was very hesitant at first because I know I am annoying, have some medical issues, and tend to get more than a little hyper when people are around. I like to clown around a lot and often times try to hard to be "The life of the party", something I was reminded of several times by those that talked to me on the phone to CALM DOWN when I would attend my first gathering. I did my best at NHLee08, and found the event to be as memorable as my first kiss. I had a taste of gatherings, being with friends, being comfortable with myself and who I was. It was something I could never shy away from again.
NEST09 was another huge stepping stone, I was a newbie. Granted I had been to NHLee08, but NEST was a whole different experience. MORE PEOPLE than I had been around in a long time, and people from all over. Many of whom I had never spoken to online or offline. I approached it with anxiety and excitement. I couldn't sleep the 2 days before left. I tried planning everything out in my mind. Every person I would speak to, what I would say. What I would do. Ways to act so that I would stick out in peoples mind and make them glad they met me.
I went over and over in my head every possible scenario, even on the ride there, up to the point when I saw HDS who was picking me up from the airport. Even then I peppered him with questions about who was already there, what did I miss...etc. I took it all in upon my arrival, and was lucky enough to spend the first night with a smaller group of people, just kicking back and relaxing....getting to know some new people and reconnecting with old friends.
Friday was a whirlwind of activity. I had never met so many people happy to see me! I felt like, pardon the expression, the belle of the ball. Each person I talked to was genuine and made me feel at ease.
The rest of the weekend was equally fun as the people I met I enjoyed, and not a one made me feel uncomfortable. Handshakes and hugs were everywhere and every group I sat near or with included me in conversation and fun.
Way too many memories were made last year, and I expect the same this year. Now is everyone's experience going to be like mine...probably not. But I will say that everyone gives you chance. No matter who you are, a loud annoying Mexican like me, or a wallflower....the opportunity is there to make connections and friendships....all it takes is for you to say hello.
I know some thoughts are muddled in this post, but I wanted to say so much, but did not want to be overly chatty.
Needless to say, Why NEST? For me, the answer was simple. Why not.
This is like my extended family. So it is like that family reunion I look forward to once a year. Because these people....TO ME....are my family.
I can't wait to make all of you first timers a part of my family as well.
Rob
ooo man i hope im not to late, last year they ran out of towels and i could only drool over classy outside 
