pretty special.

Back when I started this blog last November, I wanted to maintain a perspective from the years 
of long distance that {cv} and I endured--and hopefully inspire other people to stay strong.
I seriously look forward to every Wednesday when I get to share another story of 
long distance survival...and I am so glad that you all are enjoying them too!

When I heard how John and Lisa {from Something Pretty} began their long distance days,
it immediately brought me back to the head-first jump {cv} and I made into our years apart 
when I shipped off to France for my study-abroad program. John and Lisa are another sweet 
reminder that the miles between them are no match for the phenomenal foundation
they've built in their nearly two years in different area codes...

Name: Lisa

Significant other's name: John

When did you start dating? January 12, 2009

At what point did you begin dating long distance? January 12, 2010...yes, you read that right: our one year anniversary! I started my study abroad semester in Austria just as he started his last semester of college. After that semester, he got a job in Cincinnati, and unfortunately, I transferred schools, even farther away. I'm now a senior at the University of Texas at Austin.

How do you fill your days while you're apart? We both stay pretty busy--John works full time as a financial analyst and is now attending grad school to get his MBA. I am a full time student, and when I'm not studying or in class, I love participating in organizations on campus and writing my blog about weddings, Something Pretty.

What do you find most difficult about being long distance? I love to cuddle, so not being able to hug my boyfriend after a bad day (or a good day, or any day really!) tends to get me down. Overall though, I would say that the most difficult thing is the amount of times we have to say goodbye to each other. I always expected it would eventually get easier, but it really hasn't. On the bright side, we do have lots of happy reunions!

How has long distance changed your relationship? We definitely cherish every moment we get together more than we did when we were "short distance," and thankfully, I don't see that ever changing. We have grown so much in our communication, something to which most people in long distance relationships can attest. When you do the vast majority of your talking over the phone without the benefit of facial expressions, you get pretty darn good at really listening and articulating.

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? Everything! We see each other about once every two months, and the smallest, most insignificant things seem so amazing and special when we do them together rather than when we're apart. I never thought I would get so overjoyed to go grocery shopping!

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? We really hope so. John is working hard to try to transfer jobs and move down to Austin by the end of the year, if possible. We're praying something comes through soon!

Do you have a story of long distance that you'd like to share? Email me!

Want to read other stories in this series on long distance? Click here!

Many thanks to Lisa for sharing her story with us--I am saying a prayer they end up 
in the same place soon :) Though long distance is never easy, it seems like John and 
Lisa have the perfect perspective for the time still in front of them! 
Much love to each of you today! xoxo {av}