oddly thankful.

When {cv} and I began the long distance years {back in 2006}, we did so with an ocean between us. I was studying in Tours, France and {cv} was starting his job in Charlotte, NC. We couldn't have been in more different place in our lives--and the six-hour time difference didn't make it any easier. While he was beginning his career, I was holding on tight to my last summer as a college student. 

Hipstamatic Print by {av}

Thankfully, we saw the bigger picture. We knew those differences wouldn't last forever. Despite troublesome phonecards {remember those?!} and absolutely opposite schedules, we made it work. I knew after that summer that we could conquer anything--and with it, the miles and years between the day we would finally end up in the same place {June 26, 2009}.

There are many times I look back at those years and wonder how exactly we made it. I've read many stories from bloggers who are in {or have been in} long distance relationships. The commonality between all of them? The underlying sense that it's worth every ounce of heartache, every minute of loneliness, and every single tear to be apart...

so that one day you can be together again. 

{via}

{By the way, I give special kudos to those who are dating or married to 

someone in the military. Your willingness to share your partner so that we can all have 

the freedoms we experience here in the United States is an absolute sacrifice--

and I'm thankful for it everyday.}

I'm now {what I consider to be} oddly thankful for those years we spent long distance. Why? Because it makes leaving for a business trip {like I will be tomorrow} a little bit easier. Because we know how to handle the sometimes awkward phone conversations which because you can never get a second alone at work. Because I know that at the end of the day, we've already conquered years of long distance...

so a few days apart should be a breeze {in theory of course}.

{via}

{cv} and I will be spending the rest of the day watching the Oscars and getting ready for the week. I cannot WAIT for the red carpet! I even managed to twist {cv}'s arm and convince him that we needed champagne for dinner!

I'll continue to be oddly thankful for our long distance years because I know tomorrow morning's goodbye won't be as painful as goodbyes were in years past. Though I never wish long distance on anyone, I think it can only help make a relationship stronger. I know it makes me thankful for each and every moment that we have together...

Enjoy the Oscars, friends! Until tomorrow, xoxo {av}