Empty NEST Syndrome

Well, here I sit, back home and away from my family. I've now read through all of the post NEST threads and responded to a few of them along with all of the many PMs I had waiting for me. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. So, I've been doing both.

Drew & I were fortunate enough to not have to rush back home since he's off this week. We pushed the envelope so that we could spend a few extra precious hours with folks. We got in at about 1:30 this morning after a nasty rainy drive with loads of trucks spraying deisel puke all over the windshield making visibility even worse than the rain and fog. It was exhausting, but well worth it. We didn't even unpack the car when we got in. We just fed the cat and fell into bed.

This morning, we both woke up feeling ratty. Part is my usual junk. But, I suspect that most of it is what many of us have come to refer to as Empty NEST Syndrome (aka post NEST blues). After getting to spend 4 days in the company of such amazing folks...many of whom are more like family than our biological family...it's hard to wake up and not hear the laughter echoing through the atrium of the hotel or walk down to see so many happy smiling faces.

I'm not going to even attempt to name names. Well, perhaps a few. But, I did want to share a few thoughts.

First and foremost is to express how thoroughly impressed I was by the results of all of Lee's hard work. I know there were others involved with things. And you have our thanks and respect as well. But, Lee... You totally outdid yourself this year. Drew and I both agreed that it was the best run NEST ever. You totally rock!!! You're amazing! Don't you forget that!

Bella & DVNC... It's amazing to see so many newbies so well prepared and so comfortable. Part of that is the simple fact that they are such amazing folks on their own. But, your guidence and caring is a big part of helping them to be that way.

I think, more than ever before, we saw what NEST is all about. The fact that the entire weekend event was all in one location helped that. Everyone occupying the same space for anywhere from 1-5 days lent itself beautifully to bringing us all together repeatedly. The huge open gathering areas were rarely empty...even in the middle of the night. There was a fair amount of play and structured events. But, more importantly, there was a great abundance of social interaction.

OK, meds are kicking in and I'm zoning. So, lest I end up with another crazy rambling post, I'm going to close out for now and write more later on.

Love and miss you all!!!

Glad you two made it home safe and sound. I know what you mean about that lovely weather...it made driving such a treat. It was great seeing you all again after such a long hiatus.

Great to see you again as well! It's been wayyyy too long!!!

Awwww. I can totally relate - I've been feeling post-nest blues all day and it's been crap. I know we're all in the same boat, which is some comfort.

it was great to see you and Drew again! I have kind of mixed feelings of post nest blues yet feeling totally relaxed and energized from the weekend. I keep saying this over and over too, it is so much like family now. Never in my life have I ever felt so comfortable amongst so many.

It was nice to see you again Ann. Hope you back is feeling better, well as good as it can.

Thanks for the shout, sugar, but I was just bein' sociable wit' the new folk. I wasn't workin', this NEST, 'cept where Lee called for an assist every now and then. I was otherwise just hangin' like the rest. Bella did the official Newbie thang.

As ever, it was great t'hang wit' ya. Was great introducin' you to Penny Lane. Lookin' forward t'seein' you again later this year.

Ah. Thought you'd worked it with her again. I stand corrected. Then, even greater props to Bella for doing such an amazing job solo. I think part of it has to be all that energy. She's kinda like the Energizer bunny. She just keeps going and going and going and... She must recharge on the excess energy of the kids she spends so much time with.

It was great seeing you again as well, Dave...along with your fine lady. She's as sweet and loving as you are. Good on ya for snagging her. It was a treat to watch you stand and adjust her chair whenever she got up or sat down. What a class act you both are! We can't wait to see you both again! (Oh! And I'm soooo glad your car turned up!!! What a nightmare that must have been for you!)

sa.... I agree that not being alone is a comfort. It also helps to think of the simple fact that we wouldn't be missing everyone if we didn't all have such a great time.

Judy... It was great to see you as well. I get that you feel energized too. It's a tiring weekend since most of us are too busy gabbing with everyone to actually look at a clock and decide to get some sleep. But, the love of kindred spirits more than makes up for it in filling us with an energy that carries us through.

Music... You two saved me with that inversion table! Thanks again! At least I was able to function after hanging for a few. It was good to see you again and to get to chat, if only for a bit. I hope we'll see you again at the next munch.

I miss all my new friends from NEST !!!


PLAYJOE

Yeah. I miss poking back and forth with you every time we pass one another. lol

It was great seeing you again Ann and Drew. I had missed you guys over the past year and it gets worse each time we part. Ray and Tracy are lucky to have you living so close all year round.

WOW Ann I was hoping you would tickle torture me !! Maybe next time ....

Great seeing you as well, Dirk. A year is simply too long between visits.

LOL Joe. I'm not really that much of a ler. I'll goof around and get into little tickle fights here and there. But, I'm much more of a lee.

It was nice to meet you and Drew! It was a blast and I'm so sad now. Empty is truly the feeling. Hopefully I will see you all soon!

Miss You, Too...

Hope you're feeling better.


R

In that case I should of tickled you a lot more L O L !! Now you are on my to do list !!

It was great to meet you as well, 88. I wish we'd had more chance to gab. We'll have to make a point of it next time.

Kwil, miss you both too. We're actually feeling better tonight. Still sore throats. But, the fever and chills are gone. Guess it's just a quickie bug. So, that's cool. We'll likely go on down to the casino for a late lunch tomorrow. Wish you could be with us! BTW, Drew just put on Harvey Birdman.

Joe... Yes! You should have...tried! lol

A sad time indeed, but following such an awesome time how could it be anything else? It was wonderful to have met you, Ann, after having seen and replied to you and your n'er do well of a husband for so many years.