Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

For the last two weeks, I have had the people I love the most come and visit me in DC.  Two weeks ago, my Mom and sister came for five days and I was able to take a day off from work to spend extra time with them.  We had a blast and I was soo happy to see them.

Brenden came this past weekend for less than 48 hours.  We hadn't seen each other since mid-May so he was due for a visit.  While the weather was gloomy, we had the best weekend.  The best we had had in a long, long time.  Before we went our separate ways this summer it seemed fighting was the only way we could communicate.  I was dreading the distance.  I thought, if we can't communicate when we live two miles away from each other how the hell are we going to be able to communicate 1,200 miles apart?

The distance made us realize we had to work on our biggest problem, communication, or this was going to fail.  I would not wish long distance relationships on anyone.  However, after these last eight weeks, I would say it is worth a shot.  Before May, I was the most skeptical person when it came to long distance relationships actually working.  I've had plenty of people who have dealt with long distance to show me it can work but I never had enough faith in myself or someone else to actually make it work.

The key to making the distance work is communication.  That's all it is.  And of course a little give and a little take.  B and I were able to have longer conversations without fighting because the only connection we have had is talking to each other.  Before you leave each other, make sure you have a date set for the next time you are going to see each other.  It makes the 'good-bye' or 'see you later' a little easier.

My best friend, Holley and her husband Zack, and my parents were both excellent role models in making a long distance relationship work.  I have been so lucky to have them help me through this distance and provide me with tips on how to make it work.  It is possible.  Now with (hopefully) only ten months left in our year apart we will be able to stay together and be a stronger couple because we challenged our relationship.

If you have tips on how to make a long distance relationship work, please leave your tip below.  I would love to have some more insight to this.  It has only been two months into this long year for us so we still have many more hurdles to jump over.  If you have questions about making your long distance relationship work, I am no expert by any means, but I am willing to provide the  best insight I can. 

First Week in a New Chapter

Last week I moved to Washington, D.C. to start my life as a professional woman. I had no idea what to expect all I knew is I was exited for something new and different. As my last post stated, my parents helped me move everything in and get me ready for this huge transition. They left on Wednesday morning. The first realization of being alone in this big city started that night. I kept thinking to myself, what have I done? How will I make friends? All I have is work here. No clubs or college activities to keep me meeting new people. After consulting with Brenden, I began to feel a little better. I'm outgoing and fun. I can meet people.

Thank goodness my first day of work was the next day to keep my mind off being alone. I had a great first day. Once all the paperwork was finished, I was immediately given my first assignment. A very large one at that. So for the 8 hours I'm at work it consumes my time. Thank goodness my professors made me do competitive analysis and PowerPoint presentations all through my four years. I feel confident I can knock this first assignment out of the park.

In the words of my boss, I am to be a sponge for the next few weeks. Friday was my first full day of work and wow was it full of information. I left that evening a little later than the office was open. But I know this will be my first of many nights I'll leave a little late.

The weekend came and went and was full of activity. So I was beginning to feel like I wouldn't be alone after all. I kept myself busy and realized the more things I do the easier it will be to get through this. I also realized why people get married right after college. It would definitely make this transition a lot easier. But part of my journey is to learn to be independent. And I will do just that.

Today, I worked a half day because I am flying out to Chicago in about 30 minutes. Chicago is a dream place for me to go (and one day live in). I will be there for a week soaking up information about this new position.

After 22 years of being taught about life and prepared to go into the real world, you never realize how hard it will be to make it. People warn you, but it's not nearly big enough. I am excited about this challenge and chapter in my life. It comes with a lot of changes but I know I will come out just right.

Kayla