Those who bring you NEST...yet another thank-you thread

[TklDuo-Ann]

I think I'll start off with a bit of a personal note and explaination here. For those whom I'd planned/hoped to spend MUCH more time with this weekend... I'm sorry I wasn't able to do that. Maybe next year?

The reason folks didn't see much of me this weekend is that the main hotel we were using ended up being extremely toxic for me. I couldn't stay in the building for very long before I'd have to go out and use my inhaler so I could breathe again. Each time I came back in, it hit me harder and took less time to start closing up my lungs...in addition to messing me up in other ways. So, I finally had to just stay out of the building completely.

My system is still struggling to clear from it. Thank God we were staying next door or we'd have had to just leave! Though the time we were able to spend with others was much less than we'd hoped for, every bit of what we did get to spend was a gift.

OK. Now that that's out of the way.....

I've been sifting through the NEST threads little by little. There are a lot of thank-yous scattered throughout. But, I thought I'd do my own. So, here goes. Apologies in advance. I'm still pretty out of it. So, I'm likely to miss someone.

MaxSpeer - Max is our NEST "daddy" and the inspiration that keeps things going. You are a true pioneer and a great person in general! All that you give of yourself is a gift. I couldn't even begin to do justice to the thanks owed to you...both for NEST itself and personally. So, I'll simply say "Thanks, big brother!!!"

LeeAllure - My partner in crime...or at least in coordinating things. Lee is the one you all have to thank for keeping on the backs of the hotel when problems arose so that you all got your room arrangements straightened out. She also worked with me on registrations and a ton of other stuff. This weekend, she had my back and took over things when I couldn't be in the building for workshops and the like. Thanks, partner!

Venray & Venraya - Ray & Tracy went out of their way in the midst of their own personal hardships to go through all the applications and assign tasks for all of our guests who offered to help with things. For those whose offers of help we didn't take advantage of this year....next year! 😉 Ray was also our liason of sorts with those who had additional questions and concerns and is likely responsible for many folks actually getting up the courage to come. Tracy also assisted in much of the record keeping and drawing up some of the forms you all filled out in the application/registration process.

Bella & DVNC - These are the two wonderful folks who communicated with all of our newbies to address questions and concerns and aid them in easing their way into things more comfortably. From what we saw, I think they get an A+ for their efforts. This is the first year that we've tried to do something like this for the new folks. It won't be the last!

AffectionateDan & AylaNY - Two more folks who ended up doing MUCH more than we ever planned on. Dan was our coordinator to be sure that those presenting workshops had all that they needed. He also took my massage workshop when I was unable to do it. He and Ayla also assisted in picking up and preparing all the great food you had. I don't think there was a single time that I looked over and didn't see Ayla making sure that there was plenty of fresh food out to enjoy. As if that weren't enough, Dan also rented a van to be sure that we'd have enough hauling space and rides for everyone. Thank-you both for your generosity!

TickleChicago - Andy was the devious team leader behind the kidnap scenes. I doubt we could ever find a more perfect choice to be sure that all who were snatched remained safe and had a wonderful time being destroyed. Andy also supervised the pool party on Saturday night to be sure that all remained safe and fun. He's also the sneak who covered everyone's bills at Denny's on Monday. No real surprise there for those who know him. Thanks, bro!

Bride & StarWolf (AKA Greg & Mina) - These are the folks who did all the initial leg work to set up the hotel. Figuring out which has the best to offer as far as discounted group rates, conference room availability and other necessities is no small task. They actually went in person to check out a number of hotels and what they had to offer before setting up the initial contact and arrangements with the one we ended up using.

Johnmath & Kittentoes - I understand that your workshop was a glowing success, as was your demo at the main event. You two always bring an extra touch of class to things. Thanks also for agreeing to share your space with the gang so we wouldn't terrorize the other hotel guests...and for so many other things.

All of our DMs - There were a number of dungeon monitors who gave up their own play time to wander through the crowd and help to ensure that all play remained safe, sane and consentual. Thank-you one and all!

JamesBond & Chaneda - Both newbies who simply MUST be recognized and thanked for taking the initiative to organize the Friday afternoon luncheon and other fun activities during official down times. Nobody asked them. We didn't have to. They simply did it. You guys rock!

Lisa & her crew - The folks we worked with who run this year's venue were wonderful! Lisa was amazingly flexible to deal with and went out of her way to work with us and make things happen in the midst of all the craziness that conspired to try to keep this year's gathering from coming off. Though we'd never met before, she is now one of the NEST family...and an excellent addition at that!

Thanks to all the NEST vets and newbies alike for having the courage to "come out" and join us. We could do all of the work and organizing in the world. But, NEST wouldn't be the wonderful time it is without each and every one of you. Seeing the wonderful time that was had by all makes all of the hard work seem insignificant and well worth it.

I'll save the more personal thanks and sentiments for PMs. Once again, my apologies to anyone I may have missed. I'll likely pop back in here to add to this as the fog lifts.

 

[Azrael]

Az Speaketh, Part I

As some who tried very, very hard to get me out of my shell will attest... well, I spent most of my time... in a shell. After several years without any real social endeavors whatsoever, and not being a particularly outgoing person to begin with (until I get to know someone), I've recently tried to hurl myself forcibly back into the ranks of the human race. This included a trip to Chicago to see an online friend, which involved a lot of finding my own way around; I've never been anywhere with a population larger than 60,000 before, and I thought that was big at the time. After that, came NEST... a fetish convention. I'm a pretty one-on-one person when it comes to being intimate with people. So, yeah... I was awkward, nervous, and apparently walked around scowling the whole time, which I didn't actually realize until later.

That said...

There was a large group of people who put a lot of effort into trying to get through the wall I'd thrown up. I'd say, about 100+ people. Just about everyone there. I've never, in my wildest dreams, imagined such an incredible group of understanding, accomodating, friendly, loving, caring, warm, generous, intelligent... and did I mention warm, understanding, friendly...

It blew my mind. I think that, at one point, I thought I was dreaming. People who are celebrities to a community numbering in the thousands were recognizing me, calling me by name, and maneuvering through the crowd to shake my hand; and they were doing this for everyone, newbie or not. I'm still staggered. I know it happened, but I almost can't believe it.

I'm going to make my own effort at a thank-you. It'll probably be woefully inadequate. I'm terrible with remembering names, so do please forgive me; if I don't mention you, it's possibly because I can't remember your forum SN, if I knew you by your real name at the event. What follows is in no particular order.

MTPJeff... Dude. You came up, and shook my hand. Don't you get tired of shaking hands? Everyone wanted to shake your hand, yet you came up and shook mine too. I figured you'd be swamped; I wasn't planning on bothering you. I didn't have to, you came up to me. The only thing I can think of that explains this, is that you must be an absolutely, impossibly awesome guy. Simply incredible. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better. May your videos sell ten million copies each!

MaxSpeer... As soon as I saw you, I knew who you were. Obviously, an organizer... but what's this? Running yourself ragged across the hotel, making sure that everybody there feels like they've just made a new best friend, and doing a terrific job at it? There was only one person you could possibly have been. I'd never seen a photograph of you, but you were the easiest person to recognize, given that. You came up to me, looking happy to see me, shaking my hand... how many times, over the course of the weekend? You're the beating heart of NEST, man.

DVNC... Man, you're great. Your enthusiasm knew no bounds, your excitement was as obvious as it was constant, and yet... though I wasn't quite comfortable with where I was, or what I was doing... you were very easy to be around. Your questions, at the newbie introduction, were extraordinarily helpful; you're another that I wish I'd come out of my box more to talk to. In a gathering filled with over a hundred excellent people, you still managed to stand out, and made it seem pretty effortless.

LeeAllure... Anyone else, being on the receiving end of so many of my "I'm not sure I'm doing the right thing" moments, would have taken the nearest heavy object and introduced it to the back of my head. No sleep, no rest, little food if any, for the entire weekend, and yet you still took time to focus on me personally and try to get me involved in things that I wanted to get involved in... but for whatever unexpected reason, didn't feel that I should. You are every bit as fantastic as you'd seemed beforehand, in every way, and then some. Thank you, so much, for being so outgoing, friendly, and caring.

TicklishGiggle... It's been said by many already, but it bears repeating. Anything and everything that I might say about you can be summarized in two short words: never change. You were the light and the life of the day for everyone who hung out with you. You're simply a fantastic human being; beautiful in every way, talented, smart, and wise beyond your years. I hope you have a truly wonderful life 😀

AffectionateDan... I'm sorry that I didn't really get much of a chance to meet you, and I mean that. Any time I started to feel uncomfortable, all I had to do was look around and realize that you were in the room. Your presence is that of a gentle giant, keeping caring watch over everyone around you; one gets the feeling that you could handle any problem that might arise. At the same time, you were having fun, and others were having fun with and around you. You came across as a friendly protector, and I can honestly say that... while we didn't talk much beyond basic introductions... you added to the event for me.

TickleChicago... Man, I'm still floored that you remembered where I came from. It was Monday afternoon, and a lot of people had already left; a lot, myself included, were in the process of leaving (in my case, waiting for a taxi to take me back to the 30th Street Station). Goodbyes were going on, something that I shamefully avoided with many of the people I should not have avoided them with (Lee, I did look for you!) and there's TickleChicago... and he remembers where I'm from. It just floored me, somehow. I think that I finally kind of opened my shell at that very moment; a pity we didn't all have three more days 😀 Oh, and by the way... You're insanely generous, man. I still can't believe... wow. We filled half the restaurant. That couldn't have been pocket change. You... are a truly great man. It was much appreciated, and will be remembered I'm sure by everyone who was there. Beyond impressive. I'd heard a lot of things about you prior to going to NEST, about what a fantastic guy you are, how great it is to have you around. This was not in any way exaggerated... not even close.

The TklDuo... Drew, I'm glad I at least got to meet you. You were one of the many people there who I didn't get to know beyond the initial handshake and a couple of the many "Having fun?"'s that were going around during the main event. Like many of the others amongst said group, however, finding your face amongst the crowd was a reminder of why I was there. Though I'm not particularly sociable, people like you... warm, friendly, always smiling... made it a lot easier to try. For the first time in my life I feel like I might honestly *become* a more open and outgoing person, as opposed to simply *wanting* to be, and it's because of people like you who were there and always happy to see me. Thanks for being there, man. Ann... omg... I had no idea you were having such difficulty! I was so happy to meet you, so glad you made it... I wish I'd known where you were. I'd have hunted you down 😉 You're another of the ones who recognized me right off, always asked if I was having a good time... it was just, so obvious, how much you cared about each and every one of the attendees. God, with all the work you put into this, Ann... I do hope you got to enjoy yourself.

JonMath & Kittentoes... Now, I find myself sorry that I didn't attend the bondage workshop. You two, no matter what hour of the day, never failed to open your doors and make a guy who'd been wandering the halls of the hotel at the wee hours feel more than welcome. Your presence added to the main event... it added to the fun, as well as to the sense of safety and security that helped me, at least, feel a lot more at ease than I otherwise might have. It's absolutely fantastic to have finally met you both.
More is Coming...

 

[James_Bond4334]

JamesBond & Chaneda - Both newbies who simply MUST be recognized and thanked for taking the initiative to organize the Friday afternoon luncheon and other fun activities during official down times. Nobody asked them. We didn't have to. They simply did it. You guys rock!

Thank you so much Ann. That really means a lot. We had fun doing it. Hope to help you out next year.

 

[Azrael]

Az Speaketh, Part II: Azth ith Lithping

Venray & Venraya... I don't think anybody else made so many people feel comfortable and welcome on an individual, one-at-a-time basis. You were always there, and absolutely dedicated to making sure that everybody had a wonderful time. Truly extraordinary. Venray, I know we've had our head-ons in the forums, but you brushed all that aside and made me feel truly welcome. In summary, you're an amazing guy 🙂 You're both truly wonderful people, who added to the overall fantastic nature of the event just by being there, but then went out of your way to do so much more.

Lite & Kwildoctr... Can I get a round of applause for what has to be the sweetest, most loving, warm, outgoing and friendly couple in the history of human civilization? You two were absolutely fantastic to meet! It's such a pity that Lite isn't ticklish 🙁 Though she's very, very loud and rather squeal-ish about that fact... kind of odd. I'll have to ask her again, the next time I see you two 😀 You were the only ones to come up to me and actually ask me to join you in a scene. I'm one who for whatever reason has a lot of trouble ever believing that other people want me around... but you two made it really, really difficult to doubt. Thank you, so very much 😀

Starwolf & Bride of Dracula... Two more great people! You two are far too modest. I had no idea how much work you put into finding and setting up everything with the hotel in the first place. Bride, your conversation at the event was much appreciated, and that after how tired you must've been following your *cough* ordeal 😉 Starwolf, you're a great guy; I enjoyed talking to you over breakfast at Denny's, and I'm genuinely sorry that I didn't do so much earlier. You're friendly, funny, and very generous; before TickleChicago picked up the tab, you flat-out refused to let me pay for my meal. Seriously, great to meet you, and I hope I get the chance to do so again 🙂

James Bond & Chaneda... I'm not sure what else to say beyond "poker" and "order of the sandwich." You two were friendly beyond all expectations and always ready with a funny comment or open conversation. I'm so glad you organized the initial lunch outing, and repeatedly invited me along until I finally committed (as opposed to "being committed," which very well might happen if I do in fact show up with the sandwich next year). Poker night and the associated wild antics were heaps of fun.

A & J... I'm not sure if either of you have SN's in the forum..? It was good to see new people joining us, and both of you were astoundingly generous with your time... and your ticklishness 😀 You were both beyond fun, and are obviously wonderful people. I hope you both start posting, and decide to join in on the fun in future gatherings.

Avenger... Dude, what can I say? Honestly? I only just met you, and you're obviously a true-blue let's-hang-out friend. I wasn't expecting to come home from NEST so fortunate as to have made such a friend. I'm absolutely floored. Thanks for hanging out, chatting, inviting me in on scenes that were already in full swing... much appreciated. You're a really understanding guy.

ASU... Official mascot of the Order of the Sandwich! Or not. But, hey, I thought I'd bring it up. It was great meeting you, hanging out, and everything else; I'm sorry I didn't make more of an effort at having conversation outside of that which was sandwich-related. You're hilariously funny and a lot of fun to be around. I can truly say that I'm very glad I finally got to meet you, after bantering about the forum back-and-forth for a while now 🙂

ViperGTS & IrishGirl... You two, are both fantastic. I know I didn't do much more than shake your hands on Saturday and Sunday and apologize for not doing it Friday; you're the first people I saw on arriving, but I was still a bit shelled at the time... as well as having not eaten or slept in a couple of days, at least... and by the time I shaped up, I'd lost track of who I'd said hello to and who I hadn't. For all that, though, you were obviously friendly and... what else can I say? You're both great. From talking to everyone who seemed a little shy or withdrawn, to being available for tickling fun, to just being downright friendly and open all-around... really. It was impressive, and appreciated, and it made the event that much more enjoyable.

Spareme... Y'know, I kept thinking about how awfully familiar your screenname was. Then, after you hugged me and everyone was leaving the club, I remembered that PC you sent me a while back. I could've kicked myself at that point. You seemed to have a lot of fun, and you're a genuine sweetheart; I'm so sorry I didn't seek you out earlier. It would've been wonderful to meet you; I hope I get another chance 🙂

Armpitlovr... Man, how could I almost leave you out? Ugh! I'm embarrassed now. You chauffered me about between the hotel and Denny's, and the chat there-and-back was really interesting. You're a great guy, and I'm so glad I got to meet you. I think you helped me out with a few "direction in life" problems, too... at the very least, you've given me some great ideas to think about. All the best, man; I look forward to seeing you at future events 🙂

To everyone else: Don't worry. I'm sure that by tomorrow I'll be writing Part III, absolutely horrified at myself for not remembering each and every individual SN from the past weekend.

 

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

I just want to thank you and Drew for being able to come even though you had some recent troubles. Hope you both will be okay.

As for ticklishgiggle, in my opinion, I really don't even speak to her that much and my perspective is that she's not the most friendliest person I've met but again that's my opinion. I have spoken to another person who knows her who lives in your area (don't want to name who) and I know she's young so maybe in the future she won't be as stand-offish. Just my thought.

I am so glad to have met many new people especially James Bond and Avenger. Hope you guys can make it next year as well.

 

[milagros317]

Thank you, Ann and Drew, for all the work you did to organize and run things at NEST. 😀

And thanks to Max for that raffle, of course.

 

[chicago]

I just want to thank you and Drew for being able to come even though you had some recent troubles. Hope you both will be okay.

As for ticklishgiggle, in my opinion, I really don't even speak to her that much and my perspective is that she's not the most friendliest person I've met but again that's my opinion. I have spoken to another person who knows her who lives in your area (don't want to name who) and I know she's young so maybe in the future she won't be as stand-offish. Just my thought.

I am so glad to have met many new people especially James Bond and Avenger. Hope you guys can make it next year as well.

Sorry if I came off as rude. I didn't think I did, as I said hi to you a few times and spent the entire weekend smiling at everyone, but again I apologize. I get a bit nervous at parties and big gatherings of people such as NEST and can be a bit wallflower-ish.

 

[TklDuo-Drew]

I thought I'd post my own NEST thank you thread.....after all, you can't have too many NEST threads. But I decided just to piggyback on my sweetie's thread.

So.........thank you Max, Lee, my own honey Ann, the Venrays, Bella, DVNC, Ticklechgo, Affectionate Dan and Ayla(especially for the food run), Kwildoctor and Lite(thank you for my necklace), Jonmath and Kittentoes(thank you for my book) Bride of Dracula and Starwolf, and everyone else who made NEST 2007 a rousing success and all-around fun time.

I always say that even though the weekend features our favorite hobby, the best part of the time is hanging with our friends and meeting new people.

Oh....did anyone else notice how cool it was to hear "Do You Wanna Touch Me There" by Joan Jett during NEST?


Drew

 

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

Sorry if I came off as rude. I didn't think I did, as I said hi to you a few times and spent the entire weekend smiling at everyone, but again I apologize. I get a bit nervous at parties and big gatherings of people such as NEST and can be a bit wallflower-ish.

You did say hi to me a few times but I did want to talk to you more but you just didn't seem like you wanted to talk. I do understand that you feel this way at parties.

 

[Ayla ny]

I’m glad I could help. Gave me a pretty valid reason to be in the kitchen where no one could tickle me, too. 😉

Johnmath, your wife is beautiful, gracious, kind and cute (I don‘t think that will change, no matter how skilled she becomes with that whip. She’s chronically cute)! Thank you for the bag. Dan will be daring me to carry it in public without blushing for the next year…

Ray, Tracy is right. Stewie is freaking scary. He's gone out to live in the game room where no one has to try to sleep with him leering at them. Thank you for helping me mentally scar my child. 😉

Ann and Drew, Lee, Andy… Wow… Thank you. It wouldn’t have happened without you guys.

DVNC, you were there? 😛

Pat, my ticklish, cuddly ‘ler. I adore you. Thank you for being my friend and for being you.

It was so good seeing old friends again and I think I managed to make a few new ones along the way. I just wish we had a yearbook or something so that I could put the names with the faces again.

What an amazing weekend!!!

 

[Spenser]

Ayla,

"Gave me a pretty valid reason to be in the kitchen where no one could tickle me, too."

Oooooh! So --that-- was the reason!

"DVNC, you were there?"

You didn't see him? He must've been all over the place!

"It was so good seeing old friends again and I think I managed to make a few new ones along the way."

It was so good to see you again too, and with that constant cute smile on your face. It was a special treat to see you and Dan together. Dan is truly a lucky guy!

Spenser

'n I think a -lot- of the big guy too!

 

[Ayla ny]

and the lovely Ms M is pretty darn lucky, too! (almost as lucky as you are 😉 )

 

[TickledToDeath]

Most difficult to say thank you individually for the desire to accidentally not leave someone out is too great ergo.... thanks to EVERYONE me met whether it be for the first time and or the folks we have met many times before. Twas a great weekend indeed and new friends were made for sure and you all know who you are.

TTD and Shygirl

 

[TickledToDeath]

TickleChgo aka Andy

Hey, Nice Shirt

 

[Ticklee1973]

I'm not going to try and name names here because there are just too many and I'd feel terrible if I left anyone out. This was my 4th NEST and each and every year I have the privilege of meeting new TMFers as well as getting back together with friends I've met from years past. I will say it was a bit different for me this year and perhaps some had noticed but I was back and forth all weekend with the pregnancy and perhaps missing someone from home. The organizers of this event do a tremendous job of putting everything together and when I really sit and think about it it's just amazing how well it comes together really.

My many thanks to the organizers for all their hard work and to those who traveled distances whether it was their 1st or 10th NEST to come together for the thing we all love and enjoy. I agree with what others have said though you just can't beat the friends made on this forum and at these events. So to those who worked so hard to make the event happen and successful, kudos to you all and to those who worked up the courage to attend their first NEST, same to you too. I hope to make it again next year but we'll see how things go.

Sandee

 

[TickleChgo]

Hey, Nice Shirt

ROFL!!!! You got me again!

 

[TickleChgo]

Hey, Nice Shirt

Hey TTD - remember this...?

 

[dvnc]

Aw, thanks Ann. It's what we do, though. Would be hard NOT t'wanna help the new folks to where they're comfortable. Far cooler near the 3 digit range, too. NEST always makes what I do out west here seem SO much easier. 😉

Ayla's just teasin' me 'cause I ran in t'sleep, then leapt up to go see more people. Terminably sociable, that's me.

Azrael, yer kind, brer. Thanks.. You'll see me again, and mail and PMs work wonders for inquiries. You can always visit California for one of ours. It ain't anywhere NEAR the mad size and scope of NEST, but we find ways to be amused. 😉

 

[tickleshotel]

Thank you to Max Speer ,MTP Jeff ,AffectionateDan,DVNC, Ray & Tracy,Ann & Drew,LeeAllure,and the whole Nest Team for organizing and making this years Nest even more unique and special as Nest every Year !! .

I want to thank ALL of the attendees this year for being such wonderful and engaging people whether this was your first time and we just met or you have been attending Nest for Years!. I simply wouldn;t want to name names and forget anyone by mistake so my Best is to TThank you to One and ALL for being such outstanding people that it is a Pleasure to call you friends that I know have enriched my life and if I can add smiles and laughter and enrich your life as a friend ,that is what makes me Happy
I may not know all of you by name but I do remember all of you by faces and I sincerely hope to see many of you again at some time in the future

 

[TickledToDeath]

Hey TTD - remember this...?

Burned into my brain and eyes forevermore!

Thanks.


Hey, Nice shirt!


TTD

 

[venray]

Thank you Annie for all you did behind the scenes to help make this happen....
(If it were not for you and Drew we may have missed it this year)


Max...brother....there aren't enough words....


Lee. my love.....ya kept everything going all day Sunday....


Jonmath & Kittentoes....terrific as usual.....I miss you both so much...


Thanks to those I have known for a few years now for being such great friends....

Thanks to all the new friends I have made this year who will remain friends for many years to come....

Azrael......the little squabbles we may have had on line were mostly tongue in cheek and I would never allow that to come between me and a potential buddy...you are a great guy and I was very happy to finally meet you...

Thanks to Dirk, Brad, Pokey,Classy, Spareme, James Bond. Barefeetarebest. Schoolgirl Lisa and far too many more to name...for making this year better than the rest for me...

Minerva....what a lovely lady...I was sooo happy to get to meet you and to "play" a little....miss you tons my love....

Every year it gets harder to get in the car and drive away from the from those I call family.....next year is far too long to wait to see you all again...

And to those who couldnt make it this year....know that you were truly missed by many....

To those of you who havent yet decided on whether you should attend or not.....you should.....if only to meet some of the best folks ever....

 

[minerva]

Minerva....what a lovely lady...I was sooo happy to get to meet you and to "play" a little....miss you tons my love....

you know, just meeting you was worth coming - I mean it !!
Thank you so much for all the fun we had and I can't wait to meet you and Venraya again one day