Martian

abaya - she has at least another year of school left, so it's hard for us to know exactly when we'll be together for good. It's just not possible for me to move down there right now, either (although I'd sorely like to and not only for her - I'm a gigantic gearhead and Detroit is the automotive mecca).

We chat on AIM and we both send each other text messages (both of our providers have a free online service to send the other a message, which is good becuse they charge me $0.10 per txt, which doesn't sound like a lot but can add up pretty quickly). I just don't think either of us could do cyber sex, even with a web cam, we're not particularly interested. I know it works for a lot of people and maybe a few months down the road when we're a bit more desperate... but right now it just doesn't seem like it would work.

Africa?! I don't know how you could manage that, although it's sort of funny, because today we were talking about just how much we missed each other and she asked me what I'd do if she ended up somewhere like that. I told her I'd follow her.

I guess we all do what we have to do.

acetylene - I've yet to find a method of transport cheaper than simply driving. I burn $40 in gas, compared to $150 for a round trip ticket on a Greyhound. The increased maintenance on my car probably balances that out a bit, but it helps that I do the work myself. Even so, I simply can't afford to make the trip every weekend and neither can she.

Both of you, your support is greatly appreciated and I if I can return the favour in any way, just say the word.

Edit arch13 - Thanks to you, as well. That's really helpful and I never really thought of it that way. Somehow it just isn't the same on the phone, although I suppose that's as much attitude as anything else. I admire you and your SO for managing that - if I were faced with the prospect of going five years without her I'd be packing my car right now and to hell with the rest.