*Warning* I've been prodded repeatedly to do a blog, so I just poured out my brain. It is extremely long, so if you don't wanna read, thats cool with me.
NEST NEST NEST NEST.....
It's all you are hearing about, and for good reason. I've been on this forum since the day it was started and lurked for so long, until a year ago. I watched every NEST go by, and read the tribute threads, and it is always bittersweet. I love hearing people recount their fun times, and at the same time it leaves a little sadness in your stomach, as you wished you were there. Wishing you had the courage, the time, or the money. But I never wanted the threads to not be there. I could never fathom not letting these people express their joy. It shows the positive impact our community has on people and their lives. Once you go to one, you realize why they are important.
This year has changed my life in so many ways. The people it has brought into my life that makes my life, which I thought was awesome already, literally jump of the page at me. My life is so full right now. It is a cup spilling over. Since delurking I've made some of the best friends ever in my life that I speak to every day. I was scared to death of the idea of flying 7 months ago, and since then, due to love of these friends and wanting to see them, I've now been on 14 separate planes to 6 cities and have no fear of flying. I've stayed in awesome hotels, I've laughed until I thought I'd throw up, I cried with people, I've tickled some of the most fun, beautiful, sweet girls ever, I've shared very important secrets with people, I've had awesome dinners, I've cuddled giggling on couches in a pile of bodies at 4am talking about nothing.....I've lived hardcore.
Hardcore for some might be jumping out of planes, or bungee jumping. For me living life, loving life, and laughing the whole way is hardcore the way it should be. I did it all this weekend. It leaves such an impression. You can't shake it. You know when you get that perfect first kiss, or the high after awesome sex, or the jitters after that perfect session, and just can't quite shake the euphoricy of it all? That is the gatherings and NEST. Granted you have to make it happen for yourself, through building friendships, opening yourself up to accepting it, but..... I guess I'm just rambling.
Tribute threads are tough. It's double edged in multiple ways. One way is, that it is tough to write because it's over and you feel nostalgic and some sadness hits you, but on the other hand, reliving a lot of the moments make you laugh out loud writing them. I never fail to get a little misty eyed writing about those that are the absolute most close to me, because they are not in the same room with you to laugh with. The second way that it is hard is, you are so afraid to leave someone out. I try not to think about that when writing mine, I just let it flow. If I remember someone while in the shower, I'll go back and edit my post. Like this time I forgot Lite and Kwill, two absolutely phenomenal people that I spent time with this weekend, so I went back and added them, knowing they wouldn't have been offended either way, but did so, because they really left a great impression on me this weekend. Some I just mentioned quickly at the end and some not at all. It really is no reflection on anyone not mentioned. These things get written late at night, while the weekend becomes a blur in your brain, which is why I think so many threads are out there, we are so scared to forget anything, any morsel of what made it great. That thing is the people, and we are so afraid to hurt each others' feelings, yet another testament to how much we all care about each other. If I met you this weekend, it was my pleasure, whether it was the last time we spoke, or whether I mentioned you by name in my tribute, it was MY pleasure to meet you.
I admittedly got into a little funk this weekend (so did quite a few people in fact), but I carried my ass to my room and took care of it, because it is up to me to make the most of my weekend. Even amongst family, it's not roses and sunshine ALL the time, but it was such a minute point of a weekend so great.
I take such joy in the little things. Every gathering I make a small "to do" list. It's usually people I want to either meet or get closer to. I highly suggest people do this. Keep it simple and stick to it. Gatherings, especially something as huge as NEST really fly by and people are all over the place, and its easy to not hang out with someone, or even neglect those closest to you without ever meaning to. After Ohio, I said to myself I WANT to get to know Impailer (Chris) and Classy (Nicki) better. They seem like wonderful people and I simply didn't make enough time to hang with them. They were my list for Albany, and I think they will both tell you, the three of us are extremely close now and I love the both of them dearly and they both have a place to stay anytime they are in my area. For NEST 09, my list was more to meet two people, and they were Tickle Emperor (Lil Rob)(Laura you were a great bonus) and IrishGirl (Meg) (and of course Kelby you were a great bonus).
Once again, goals accomplished. Why these two people? Simple, they are two people that just always brought joy by posting alone. I've spoken briefly with Lil Rob on his radio show, but he always makes me laugh and is literally a bundle of love, and always spreading it. Meg doesn't get to post as much as she used to, but again, when she did it was always a great read and long before we met, she helped introduce me to a great band in such a round about way, I always felt a small connection to her. More importantly, every close friend I know has always spoken about both of these people with such love and respect and I've simply never heard a bad word about either, and I love people like that. When I spoke to Rob the first time, he jumped in my arms, instant sunshine. When Jo introduced me to Meg outside smoking, I got a huge smile and you can just feel warmth come off the girl. I can not wait to talk to both more down the road. Both people epic as well and their significant others (you both make great couples with your other halves), and mission accomplished for my list. This really is a such a great tool for meeting others like you that it would just been too easy to "not have the time for", and everyone there is so great that they deserve that time.
I'm going to make an extra paragraph here strictly for the purpose of mentioning my suite mates from NEST. Baldadonis(Dave), Sasaxrah(Sarah), tklee88(Katie), and Runoffstage(Sanna). I'm always told I'm good at writing stuff from the heart, but I can never, EVER, with words alone do justice to you guys. Some people, every gathering, have to figure out, "ok, who do I want to room with", but with us, it's already determined. We don't even have to ask each other, we just know already. We love each other such a ridiculous amount, and we always know exactly what to expect from each other. We know each other's personalities, sleep patterns, food choice, that we all know how to respect the other's rooms and expensive gadgets we tote around... I'm never more comfortable than when I'm with you guys. We ALWAYS make time every gathering to hang out by ourselves, even if just for a little bit to reinforce the love, and I was actually told twice at NEST that we are envied for it. I love every one of you in too big a way for words to ever contain. <3
My weekend was filled with highlights, but two were unexpected and they helped make my weekend. One was Monday night after everyone was gone. Myself, Runoffstage(Sanna), and Tortuga(Cassi) stayed together after everyone was gone. Poor Sanna crashed at 8pm due to being an awesome trooper that lived on a couple of hours of sleep a night for 5 days. So Cassi and I pulled out the sofa bed, crashed on it together and bonded. Now Cassi and I have known each other since Bellas where we originally bonded over two hours on a love seat, just talking and being silly, but still it was a randomly friendly bond. This night however, we clicked. Over what? Shitty Animal Planet programming and Physic Kids shows. But with no sleep for days, all defenses were down and we were just able to be ourselves and I was able to see her for her and love her so hardcore for it. I <3 you Cass, really.
The second which I won't go into detail about, but unusual circumstances brought just about all of Team Lean into a private dinner/game night with Aimee (Amy) and Sidrablem(Mel). Again after a 2 hour personal conversation and epic games of Catchphrase (which was so epic all weekend that we burned out the batteries), there was a bond made. It was one of those nights you would have never predicted at the start, mostly because most of us didn't really know either of them before hand, but you left our suite with a handful of friends. After another convo yesterday, I see that both sides understand just how solid a friendship and trust this is.
So why ramble Jason, why just pour out all the random info above? To further demonstrate what not just the community, but the people that make up the community provide. A betterment to the quality of life in general. The forum is great...no the people that make up the forum are great and make it successful. Gatherings are great...no the people that make it a gathering (of people) make it successful. This forum is great, NEST was great, our community is awesome. If you actually read this entire thing, I appreciate it. Thanks to each and every one of you that make my life better every day. Thanks to each person I met this weekend, no matter how brief, we'll see each other again.
I'm Blessed by NEST and all the Rest
Jason
NEST NEST NEST NEST.....
It's all you are hearing about, and for good reason. I've been on this forum since the day it was started and lurked for so long, until a year ago. I watched every NEST go by, and read the tribute threads, and it is always bittersweet. I love hearing people recount their fun times, and at the same time it leaves a little sadness in your stomach, as you wished you were there. Wishing you had the courage, the time, or the money. But I never wanted the threads to not be there. I could never fathom not letting these people express their joy. It shows the positive impact our community has on people and their lives. Once you go to one, you realize why they are important.
This year has changed my life in so many ways. The people it has brought into my life that makes my life, which I thought was awesome already, literally jump of the page at me. My life is so full right now. It is a cup spilling over. Since delurking I've made some of the best friends ever in my life that I speak to every day. I was scared to death of the idea of flying 7 months ago, and since then, due to love of these friends and wanting to see them, I've now been on 14 separate planes to 6 cities and have no fear of flying. I've stayed in awesome hotels, I've laughed until I thought I'd throw up, I cried with people, I've tickled some of the most fun, beautiful, sweet girls ever, I've shared very important secrets with people, I've had awesome dinners, I've cuddled giggling on couches in a pile of bodies at 4am talking about nothing.....I've lived hardcore.
Hardcore for some might be jumping out of planes, or bungee jumping. For me living life, loving life, and laughing the whole way is hardcore the way it should be. I did it all this weekend. It leaves such an impression. You can't shake it. You know when you get that perfect first kiss, or the high after awesome sex, or the jitters after that perfect session, and just can't quite shake the euphoricy of it all? That is the gatherings and NEST. Granted you have to make it happen for yourself, through building friendships, opening yourself up to accepting it, but..... I guess I'm just rambling.
Tribute threads are tough. It's double edged in multiple ways. One way is, that it is tough to write because it's over and you feel nostalgic and some sadness hits you, but on the other hand, reliving a lot of the moments make you laugh out loud writing them. I never fail to get a little misty eyed writing about those that are the absolute most close to me, because they are not in the same room with you to laugh with. The second way that it is hard is, you are so afraid to leave someone out. I try not to think about that when writing mine, I just let it flow. If I remember someone while in the shower, I'll go back and edit my post. Like this time I forgot Lite and Kwill, two absolutely phenomenal people that I spent time with this weekend, so I went back and added them, knowing they wouldn't have been offended either way, but did so, because they really left a great impression on me this weekend. Some I just mentioned quickly at the end and some not at all. It really is no reflection on anyone not mentioned. These things get written late at night, while the weekend becomes a blur in your brain, which is why I think so many threads are out there, we are so scared to forget anything, any morsel of what made it great. That thing is the people, and we are so afraid to hurt each others' feelings, yet another testament to how much we all care about each other. If I met you this weekend, it was my pleasure, whether it was the last time we spoke, or whether I mentioned you by name in my tribute, it was MY pleasure to meet you.
I admittedly got into a little funk this weekend (so did quite a few people in fact), but I carried my ass to my room and took care of it, because it is up to me to make the most of my weekend. Even amongst family, it's not roses and sunshine ALL the time, but it was such a minute point of a weekend so great.
I take such joy in the little things. Every gathering I make a small "to do" list. It's usually people I want to either meet or get closer to. I highly suggest people do this. Keep it simple and stick to it. Gatherings, especially something as huge as NEST really fly by and people are all over the place, and its easy to not hang out with someone, or even neglect those closest to you without ever meaning to. After Ohio, I said to myself I WANT to get to know Impailer (Chris) and Classy (Nicki) better. They seem like wonderful people and I simply didn't make enough time to hang with them. They were my list for Albany, and I think they will both tell you, the three of us are extremely close now and I love the both of them dearly and they both have a place to stay anytime they are in my area. For NEST 09, my list was more to meet two people, and they were Tickle Emperor (Lil Rob)(Laura you were a great bonus) and IrishGirl (Meg) (and of course Kelby you were a great bonus).
Once again, goals accomplished. Why these two people? Simple, they are two people that just always brought joy by posting alone. I've spoken briefly with Lil Rob on his radio show, but he always makes me laugh and is literally a bundle of love, and always spreading it. Meg doesn't get to post as much as she used to, but again, when she did it was always a great read and long before we met, she helped introduce me to a great band in such a round about way, I always felt a small connection to her. More importantly, every close friend I know has always spoken about both of these people with such love and respect and I've simply never heard a bad word about either, and I love people like that. When I spoke to Rob the first time, he jumped in my arms, instant sunshine. When Jo introduced me to Meg outside smoking, I got a huge smile and you can just feel warmth come off the girl. I can not wait to talk to both more down the road. Both people epic as well and their significant others (you both make great couples with your other halves), and mission accomplished for my list. This really is a such a great tool for meeting others like you that it would just been too easy to "not have the time for", and everyone there is so great that they deserve that time.
I'm going to make an extra paragraph here strictly for the purpose of mentioning my suite mates from NEST. Baldadonis(Dave), Sasaxrah(Sarah), tklee88(Katie), and Runoffstage(Sanna). I'm always told I'm good at writing stuff from the heart, but I can never, EVER, with words alone do justice to you guys. Some people, every gathering, have to figure out, "ok, who do I want to room with", but with us, it's already determined. We don't even have to ask each other, we just know already. We love each other such a ridiculous amount, and we always know exactly what to expect from each other. We know each other's personalities, sleep patterns, food choice, that we all know how to respect the other's rooms and expensive gadgets we tote around... I'm never more comfortable than when I'm with you guys. We ALWAYS make time every gathering to hang out by ourselves, even if just for a little bit to reinforce the love, and I was actually told twice at NEST that we are envied for it. I love every one of you in too big a way for words to ever contain. <3
My weekend was filled with highlights, but two were unexpected and they helped make my weekend. One was Monday night after everyone was gone. Myself, Runoffstage(Sanna), and Tortuga(Cassi) stayed together after everyone was gone. Poor Sanna crashed at 8pm due to being an awesome trooper that lived on a couple of hours of sleep a night for 5 days. So Cassi and I pulled out the sofa bed, crashed on it together and bonded. Now Cassi and I have known each other since Bellas where we originally bonded over two hours on a love seat, just talking and being silly, but still it was a randomly friendly bond. This night however, we clicked. Over what? Shitty Animal Planet programming and Physic Kids shows. But with no sleep for days, all defenses were down and we were just able to be ourselves and I was able to see her for her and love her so hardcore for it. I <3 you Cass, really.
The second which I won't go into detail about, but unusual circumstances brought just about all of Team Lean into a private dinner/game night with Aimee (Amy) and Sidrablem(Mel). Again after a 2 hour personal conversation and epic games of Catchphrase (which was so epic all weekend that we burned out the batteries), there was a bond made. It was one of those nights you would have never predicted at the start, mostly because most of us didn't really know either of them before hand, but you left our suite with a handful of friends. After another convo yesterday, I see that both sides understand just how solid a friendship and trust this is.
So why ramble Jason, why just pour out all the random info above? To further demonstrate what not just the community, but the people that make up the community provide. A betterment to the quality of life in general. The forum is great...no the people that make up the forum are great and make it successful. Gatherings are great...no the people that make it a gathering (of people) make it successful. This forum is great, NEST was great, our community is awesome. If you actually read this entire thing, I appreciate it. Thanks to each and every one of you that make my life better every day. Thanks to each person I met this weekend, no matter how brief, we'll see each other again.
I'm Blessed by NEST and all the Rest
Jason
