Skype Dating

Long distance can be hard, especially when months can go by without so much as a visit. Jonty & I do pretty well to talk to each other often, send goodies in the mail, & remind each other how much our relationship means.

However, thanks to this little post by a fabulous gal I know from high school, we have taken our relationship to the next level: Skype dating.

Our typical Skype date goes like this: We make a meal (or a dessert) together, then eat it while watching a movie. The above photo was our first one. We made kebabs & rice then watched Equilibrium with Christian Bale. Jonty & I didn't make the exact same thing - I had Mediterranean haloumi & veggie kebabs with mixed couscous, while he had chicken & veggie kebabs with rice - and of course mine was more delicious. But we really enjoyed pseudo- spending time together.

Nothing can replace snuggling up with your loved one, but if you're away from your beau, here are my tips for a good Skype date:

* Try to schedule it when nobody else is at home, so it's just you two.
* Make the same meal, preferably a recipe you've never made before. That way, you can do each step together, rather than just cooking/baking at the same time.
* Pick some good music to play while cooking/baking.
* Sync the films up at the beginning. It will be worth it.
* Watch the film on a TV, not your laptop (if possible).
* Turn down the computer's volume enough to cancel out the doubling effect of the other movie playing but high enough that you can still hear the other person if they want to comment.
* Keep the text chat up as well.
* Remember that nothing can live up to the real thing, but appreciate the experience.

Skype on, & have a great weekend!

<3

Just What I Need

As I write this, I am on a long-haul flight from London to San Francisco. But when you read it, I will be safely at home, where I haven't been for over eight months.

The past month or so has been pretty crazy: lots of stress, coffee, moments of inspiration, then surges of stress again - with a side of nostalgia. But my dissertation is completed, printed, bound, & handed to the proper authorities, my flat has new tenants, & I've said my good-byes to everyone in the UK. If you're reading this, I've also made it through an eleven-hour flight, thanks to free alcohol & coffee, my laptop, & my new read, Catch-22. Oh, & a lack of sleep last night, which I have made up while sitting upright, somehow.

Anyway, on to the the point of this post: Jonty. Through all of my stress breakouts, anxiety episodes, flashes of genius, & confidence waxes & wanes, Jonty has been such a trooper.

And I realized something about him, something very important. He is so good at knowing just what I need. Even when I don't. He knows when it's time for a break, & when I need a hug. He can tell when I need to go on a run or punch a pillow to get my tension out. Sometimes, I try to refuse his suggestions, but once I give in I know that he was right all along. He gives me pep talks when I'm down & space when I need time to chill out. He makes me breakfast in the morning (& gets upset when I even step foot into the kitchen). If I need to work hard without distraction to meet a deadline, he makes lunch or dinner (or both).

Even when he's not sure what will help me, the boy tries more than I've ever seen anyone try. He makes such a conscious effort to assess what will cheer me up, get me into a productive mindset, or whatever. And I have to say, What more could a girl ask for? He is such a blessing in my life.

But actually, as I write this, I'm thinking, "There is more a girl could ask for." Intelligence, passion for interests, a good family relationship, open-mindedness, comedy... Somehow, he's got these too.

Sorry for drawling on & on, but my guy deserves some acknowledgment.

Thank you Jonty, my love, for knowing just what I need. The truth is: All I need is you.

<3

Jonty's Graduation Day

Jonty was lucky enough to graduate in what was probably the most beautiful week so far in England. Except, possibly, for the fact that he had to wear a big, hot robe on said warm day.

Anyway, we had to be at the university quite early in the morning. After getting tickets & robe, we grabbed some coffee & a full English breakfast. Then, we headed into the graduation ceremony. It was a nice ceremony, & Jonty looked very handsome.

Afterward, we had lunch with his parents at The Trout, a lovely pub in Wolvercote, a small town near Oxford. (Jonty also took me there for lunch on my birthday last September.) I had pasta with artichokes, olives, tomatoes, rocket & goats cheese. Jonty, of course, had the fish & chips. We weren't stalked by a peacock like last time; this time it was a duck.

After lunch, Jony & I went on a stroll along the river to The Perch.

At The Perch, I obsessed over the decor for a while, & then we had a cup of tea.

How effing beautiful is this place???

Jonty graduated with a BSc in Business - Marketing & Communications, with First Honours. He worked hard to achieve his degree, & I'm so proud of him. Well done, & congrats!

<3