Welcome To Fairbanks

So Fairbanks isn’t much different then northern Florida in the stand point that the trees and foliage is over grown, the building look older and a lot less commercial businesses than in southern Florida. Now on the other hand all the trees look like mini Christmas trees, which I want to decorate them all, it was 50 degrees in August and well I have no clue what the stores are here. I do think it is adorable on how almost every corner has either a diner or a coffee hut. Yes they have actual huts that serve coffee. Let me say you must think I am stupid for finding this entertaining, however let me say in south Florida we rarely have huts because they would blow away in a hurricane.

Another thing I found interesting was when we went to the movie theater the ticket booth was inside. I know it gets very cold and understand the concept and honestly think all ticket booths should be this way. Hell I don’t want to stand out in the muggy heat for tickets either.

 

On the topic of movies, I just saw Guardians of the Galaxy and holy hell it kicked some ass. Highly, highly recommend it.

Well that is really all I have to report on, it is only my second night here. I do have to say going grocery shopping and going to dinners and movies and bars has been really nice with Mr. GC. I am still adjusting cause I still can’t believe I am here but I enjoy every waking and non waking moment. I do enjoy waking up to him and being able to cuddle up next to him at night.

This….This Made My Eye Sweat a Little

So my mom was the one who drove me to the airport. Her and I have a very good connection and relationship with each other, but it took a while to get there. We bumped head when I was in middle and high school but that was because she was playing mom not best friend. Now that I am older we have a very strong friendship. Anyways, we had lunch before the airport and she handed me this.

 

Then she added, “This is so you can always find home. IF you trust Mr. GC give it to him and he’ll help you get there.” That is when the water works started. I was fine at the whole not crying thing until she said that. I am even getting a little teary eyed thinking about it right now, and I don’t need my fellow passengers thinking I am a weird crying weirdo. But yeah, if you ever want to make some one cry on there travels do this!

Top 5 Things I have Learned on Long Term Travel

Now that I am in the air on my first of two flights today I have time to sit and think. I got to say good bye to my mom, there were tears and hugs and randomly bumped into some friends. Now that being all said this is my first big move. I have gone to New York for a couple of days and what not but never had to go any where longer than a week. I learned 5 important things. I am sure there are more than just these but these were the ones that stuck out to me the most.

1. Packing is awful – Well we all know packing is awful, but packing for a year? I think I packed my stuff at least eight or nine times before weighing. Then I weighed it and realized I was ten  pounds over which is plus $90. Apparently if I brought 2 bags then I saved a lot more money, so that bring up the packing till about 10 times. Once you feel its packed, stop looking! This is very important, and I mean this fully. Don’t look in your closet, don’t go to the mall, and don’t go through your bag again! Just walk away. Oh and make sure anything of value is in your personal item, mine being my Mavel Universe bag. I also made sure each bag had at least three pairs of underwear and three shirts and jeans cause you never know what might get lost.

2. Getting rid of your car in Florida isn’t easy if you lose your title– So I was an irresponsible mover and lost my title when I left my odl apartment to live with my mom. Not only that but I waited till the last wee to junk my car that died two months ago. I now I am a bit of a slacker. However I found really quickly that in order to get rid of the car you NEED a title in FL. Other states they can check through the registration, but oh no I don’t live in one of those states. Also realize you are not going to get anything close to what you thought you would get. I thought since it was the computer and everything else was fine I would get $1o00, but sadly the highest I got offered was $400. At that point though I just needed it gone so my mom did not have to deal with it.

3. People will surprise you and let you down– This last week has been saying good bye, or at least trying to. Some people out of the blue surprised the hell out of me. I didn’t know I meant as much as I did to some and was taken to dinners and coffees and it was wonderful. On the flip side, there were people who meant a lot that didn’t even say boo. I know that life happens and people get busy, but I would have liked something since I will be gone for so long. Alas, I just have to let it roll off my shoulders because I want only good vibes on this journey.

4. Don’t be adventurous with food– If you are like me, you are horrified of flying. I have some anxiety issues so mix that with my fear of flying and well… my stomach does not do well. My suggestion is don’t decide a couple days before to eat food you are not use to. I made the mistake and this was what I consumed two days before:

*A crab Sandwich

*3 Giant things of coffee, very sweet

*greasy pub chips with cheese, bbq, and bacon

*An angry Orchid

Now this apparently does not mix well and made my stomach very unhappy, and  by stomach I mean the actual stomach right under your ribs, not indigestion. Just eat plain food and buy a pack of Imodium just in case.

5.You will never have everything– No matter how much you plan and pack you will always be buying things last minute. The important things are passport, I.D., any meds, chargers, electronics, and underwear. Now What could I possibly forgotten to buy last minute? I needed tags for my bags incase they got lost. My mom and I went to Target to get that and wound up with the tags, a box of Benadryl, sunglasses, sunglass holder, and a new green dress. Yeah you will always find more things. Remember I said don’t go into the mall earlier? Super stores count in this too!

Almost Three Months

So it has almost been three months. Holy crap it has almost been three months. Thankfully it will be ending at three months. I don’t honestly know if I could go on to four, not this fresh into a relationship. Not with not being able to see the person on weekends or at all besides through pictures and Skype. I don’t know how we would have gotten through this with out technology. I read an article about that technology is killing long distance relationships, but I think if you are both in sound mind that it is what saves it. I treasure the phone calls, every text, every Skype section. Would I like some of them to be longer then 5 minute calls? Well of course, but you have to be understanding life is still going on and the fact you get those five minutes is a blessing.

 

I said I don’t think I could do any more than 3 not because of sex. Where sex is a giant part of my life and Tumblr and our own personal photos and what not have helped with that, and I miss it terribly, I could go a long time with out it. However what I am referring to is the tears that have been shed. I have never hurt because I missed some one till now. It’s this hollowed out space that aches and yearns for that other person. There have been many nights while falling asleep on the phone with him that I silently cried because the missing hurt so much. It feels silly because I am an adult, not a high school teen who is missing their boyfriend. At the same time the hurt let me know it was worth it to me to wait.

 

I know it is not easy for him either. I am aware of a mans needs and I try fulfilling them as much as I can being so far away. I set up our special Tumblr, we have dates, we send pics, and talk on the phone. Try to keep thing spicy so to say. I am a little nervous since it’s been so long if I will be awkward at it. Let’s hope not. He also goes out of his way to show me he cares, like he has a watch that has both of our times on it. He also tries to show as much attention to me even when I know he is busy at work, calling when he is driving between sites. I think if both people give 70% and take 30% then things can work, but they both have to want and give equally.

I am ten days away from leaving my home. job and friends to go on this crazy adventure and I have no regrets. I am scared but who isn’t when it comes to change. This is a new chapter and like he said we both deserve a good thing, we deserve each other. Truth be told these three months have been the longest and shortest time of my life and I don’t think it has truly kicked in that shits about to get real.