What a wonderful NEST 2010 !! Every year it gets better and better. So many friends to see again. So many "thank-yous" to go around (I know I'll miss some .. my apologies). Let's get started. First (and most) of all, THANK YOU, LEE ALLURE, for co-ordinating this crazy extravaganza. I know there were setbacks and that things didn't always go as planned, but the whole NEST crowd loves you and was happily willing to join in and help move stuff from here to there as needed.
It all started with the Friday night "social" (yeah, right) which quickly degenerated into a tickle free-for-all on the carpet (Thanks, Drew, for the tip about Christine's feet, that got things stated ... and immediately required the National Guard to try to control the flopping, and more reinforcements later to try to control Shira, and ending with the kidnapping of TklVix. It was a newbies night, and us NEST veterans were so glad that you all were there and got us off to such a great start. Best ever.
Now, slightly more personal. Thank you to "Girl Who Loves To Laugh" for rooming with me again this year. I sure enjoyed giving you those unusual wake-up calls. Thanks, too, for participating (as a lee AND a ler) in the wonderful playtimes we had with others where we learned about knots, floggers, custom cuffs, and canes; and they learned about the joys of feathers, fingertips, zerberts (raspberries) and rib counts (and re-counts) and the elements of anticipation............and surprise.. So, of course, thank you to all of you who played with us; we hope you enjoyed the time as much as we did. And to the newbie couple who wanted to come back for seconds but didn't make it, let's do it next year. I know you'll be back.
So many friends it was great to see again.....had more "good-bye" hugs than ever before: Ann & Drew, Big John, Kered, Alchemy, Reverend Jamie and the ever ticklish Amanda(now with a second beautiful child), Ticklechicago, Max Speer, Armpitlover (thanks for the ride), Viper, Kwill, Lyte, Milagros, Ray & Tracy(too short a time), the SPOT couple, Mike K, Playjoe, SnailShell, Irishgirl, Blood, Pokey, Bella, Lori & Andy. I know I am leaving many, many, out. Forgive me.
This was a huge newbie NEST. Really enjoyed meeting TklVix, Mushy(clasp your hands behind MY head), Drew & Christine, Shira, Deanna, Texastickler, Terrence and more.
Also there were old friends that didn't make it that I was hoping to see: Tickleshotel, Ticklerbart, DVNC, MTPJEFF, Spencer & Melinda, QB, Terrorizer and others I'm sure.
Max - Glad we were able to visit a bit at the diner. We'll keep in touch. Hope to see you between NESTs whenever I am in the area. (who was that girl with the big smile?)
Andy - Fun running into you at the airport. Sorry it didn't work out. Please be clear: I DO believe you.
And finally, possibly the best news of all (or not), a message yesterday on my voicemail from Laniece in Denver: "Hi, Joel. I've been out of town quite as while. I miss you. I miss your tickles", etc., etc.