Chiverish 2017

Let me preface this post by saying this:

I AM SOOOOO HAPPY THAT I WENT!!!

This past weekend was nothing short of amazing. I had such a blast, saw so many wonderful people, and wish I could go back right now.

Kiss Me I'm CHIVErish is always an amazing time. It was incredibly bittersweet this year because my other half couldn't be there with me. So of course it's a little weird. The Chive is our "thing." It's how we bonded. It's how we both, after divorces, built up a foundation of new friends together after our old lives weren't the same anymore. It's how we got so involved in charity and the community. It's basically how we got engaged. If David isn't here for a major Chive event with me....it's just not the same.

But man, did my amazing Chive friends pull through. Hugs for days! Left and right people showing their support and love for David and me. There are no words to express something like that unless you're in the position.

I saw so, so, so many people that I haven't seen in quite a while. And every single one of them--once we saw each other, we came running into each others' arms with huge smiles on our faces. There's nothing that can really describe that feeling--again, unless you're experiencing it.

I had my David on a stick with me the whole night. It almost--ALMOST--made it feel like he was actually with me. At least he was in pretty much all of my pictures!! :-D And to see the way so many people reacted to him--grabbing him, embracing him, kissing him on the cheek, LOL...it showed how many people really do care about him, miss him, and hope for the best in this stupid situation we're in. I can't express my appreciation enough.

I made a lot of new friends this weekend. It's nearly impossible to walk away from a Chiverish weekend without making at least a handful of new friends that you'll carry with you for a long time to come. Chivers are like that. They're good-hearted people who care about others, who support their friends, who would do anything for someone in need. That's why we're Chivers in the first place after all.

It's also so great to see so many amazing couples every year. There are a few that really stand out to me, who are not only incredibly adorable, but who honor each other, respect each other, stand by each other, and partake in these events together to try to put a little bit of good back into the world. You probably know who you are, most likely because I've made a post about how freaking cute you are. LOL. But I love you and respect you and keep doing what you're doing! (And please for the love of God stay together!!! Haha)

This weekend, over the entire weekend, we raised over $45,000 for charity!! From the Chive On Chicago FB page:

"Chive Nation. Over the years many of the faces have changed, but the mission hasn't... to party with a purpose.

This weekend, members from across the continent united in Chicago for Kiss Me I'm CHIVErish 2017. We've always been proud of its success - but this year, well this year you just outdid yourselves and our wildest expectations. Are you ready to know what we accomplished TOGETHER?!
*$560 - Ottawa disaster relief
To buy much needed supplies after Tuesday's tornado.
*$1,500 - CreatiVets
Our amazing Berry IL team coordinated a Sunday brunch that cured much more than our hangovers, it also helped enroll our member into their PTSD program.
*$9,200 - The Special Olympics of Chicago
Our philanthropy team threw caution to the wind and jumped in Lake Michigan to raise money with this year's Polar Plunge... and they're not even done yet! So please keep donating to their campaign.
*$34,197 - The People's Music School
That's enough to fund the musical education of 17 of Chicago's youths. Seriously, that's an entire classroom!

GRAND TOTAL - $45,457!!

'Misfit' is defined as: "A person whose behavior or attitude sets them apart from others". Well that's exactly what we are.
Thank you to everyone that came out (whether old or new) to support Chive On Chicago and pay it forward."

 

I couldn't be happier to be a part of such an outstanding group of people. The Chive has changed my life. I've met some of my closest friends through this organization, helped countless people, and I hope it just keeps going and going. 

To Liz and Jeremy: I don't know WHY you wanted to be friends with us, but you did, and now we are Chive roomies for life! You guys are amazing in all you do for the chapter, the philanthropy work, and just being awesome people in general. We love you two and we are so fortunate to have you in our lives. I'm sorry if I snored at all this past weekend. :-D

To Cami: I just met you this past weekend (FINALLY) but thank you thank you thank you! For being my savior from creepy guys, for being the best dance partner ever, and for just being the cool and sweet YOU. You're awesome and I'm happy to have you in my life now! 

 

To Katie: I just had this FEELING that you were going to be at Chiverish, even though you were making stupid pathetic excuses about why you couldn't come from Boston! So when someone posted that you were there, I was like I EFFING KNEW IT!!! And I'm soooo glad! I miss you so much. And damn you for that heart-to-heart. I mean, I appreciate it. I need to hear those things sometimes. But shoot how many times am I going to cry at Chiverish! (Apparently twice--once after your talk, and once after the bagpipes, lol.) I love you and miss you so much and I can't wait to be able to go to Boston and visit you finally!

To Andy and Jess: We haven't known each other that long, but you're already like family. Jess, my girl, my sista, going to the mall and brunch and being able to talk about anything. Andy, my annoying-ass little brother whose arm I want to break off. But I wouldn't trade it for the world! You guys are great and I can't wait until you move up here!

To Rolly and Amy: The two best photographers ever in this entire world forever. I love you guys. Thanks for the hugs, the supportive words, and the amazing photos of the event!!!

To Lu Go: Fuck you <3

To my Wisco loves: I'm so glad you came down again, it's always a treat to see you and hopefully we'll be making it up there more often from now on??

And finally to Holub, Henry, Pack, and everyone else who made this event happen: Thank you. From the bottom of my bittersweet heart, thank you. Forever. <3 <3