It seems like I'm a lone soldier this Christmas

This, I think, is the very question that is the core of the story of us girls in long distance relationships: Does he miss me???!!!???  How many times do you find yourself asking this very question?

Despite of and in spite of all the happenings (or non-happenings) in my life, I still manage to think about this question at least once a day…

Hmmm…maybe not just once a day, but even twice or thrice. I just can't help but wonder: Does he miss me at all?

We've been in a long distance relationship for almost 3-years now and I find myself missing him every single day. Dodong says he misses me too. But…

Sometimes I feel that he does. Sometimes I feel that he doesn't. Maybe he does, but he just A) tries to steer clear of such girly emotions and moves along in his challenging OFW life or B) fails to express it the way I need him to.

Guys (like Dodong) can be seemingly oblivious to all these mushy feelings of missing each other and it is such a MAJOR PAIN in the ass. This happens often and is one of the the causes of long distance relationship squabbles. Sad right? You end up fighting because you just miss each other so much. Oh the irony of it all.

Sucks to be us, most especially in this holiday season of getting together. This is perhaps the loneliest and most miserable season for me (because we – Dodong and I – don't celebrate Valentine's at all). So can I still say that I love the distance this time around? Maybe not this time. I am still thinking (bordering on going cuckoo) if he does miss me at all…

Raj (the kitty) and Kimmy (the dog) sleeping side-by-side in peace.

The pnuemonia kept me stuck in the house resting (mostly watching TV and movies plus reading books) for the past weeks. So it also gave me time to think, think and think some more.

Our pets (a few dogs and cats) were the ones who kept me company aside from the telly and my laptop and some books. They kept following me around the house, snuggling for warmth on the bed while I had my afternoon siestas, and fooling around with each other. Yes, the dogs and cats live in harmony.

It kind of reminded me of our relationship because Dodong and I are almost complete opposites. Let me count the ways…

Dodong wakes up late (very late), while I like waking up bright and early. I'm up as soon as the sunlight hits my face.

Dodong, aside from the fact that he wakes up late, is obviously always late for his appointments, while I am the early bird. I come in at least 5-10 minutes earlier than the set appointment times.

Dodong doesn't eat breakfast (he'd rather have lunch or dinner), while I LLLLLLOOOOOOOOVEEEEE breakfast to death. I even had a breakfast buffet on one of my birthdays years back. It was torture for Dodong.

Dodong is just not into Tagalog movies, while I just adore watching them especially romantic comedies. He claims not to watch them, but did because I dragged him into them. Hehehe! Tagalog movies are fun!

Dodong is so not thoughtful and sweet, while I am just saccharine! Well, or so I thought he wasn't sweet until he sent me 7 bouquets of my favorite flower. Hehehe!

Dodong is more for the quantity of food, while I don't mind small servings yet quality food with an expensive price tag. He's food mantra is 3M: mura (inexpensive), masarap (yummy) and madami (voluminous). Cute noh?

Dodong absolutely hates schedules as he is more spontaneous, while I do live by the schedule. I'm a planner, you see, by nature AND by profession.

Dodong loves to shop (as in retail therapy mode), while I don't enjoy it as much because I'd rather eat or save. Would you believe? Hehehe! I sometimes think he's the girly girl in the relationship.

Despite the differences, Dodong and I managed to survive in peace. At least most of the time. Hehehe! It's been 8 years and counting!

Are you guys opposites or more the same?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

I'm a wreck on rainy days

My incessant cough (which only appears during the rainy season) is killing me. Plus, the cool weather, perfect for cuddles and snuggles is DOUBLE KILLING ME! This is THE weather for sharing the body warmth with Dodong: Bear hugs and kissies! Hay. And I don't get any of that. Darn.

What do I miss about us during days like this?

…Eating a bowl (or two or three!) of steaming hot Mongolian BBQ at Sweet I.

…Sharing a nice tight hug while watching the Summer (US season) movies — Could have watched Inception (which I haven't watched just yet), Karate Kid, Toy Story 3 with him.

…Standing under a big golf umbrella in the rain An excuse to stay super close to each other in public! Hahaha!

…Going to Starbucks / McDo Cafe / Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a cuppa hot drink: sometimes hot choco, sometimes coffee, sometimes tea

…Taking care of each other when one gets the sniffles or fever or cough like now

…Picking me up after a long day at work! My knight in shining armor to save the helpless commuter on a rainy day!

Haaaay. I miss Dodong so during rainy days What do you miss about him the most on days like this?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

I think I forgot what No. my university grad was...

Last night, I attended my brother's college graduation. We actually attended the same university so it was a treat for me (aside from the fact that he finally graduates) as I suddenly took myself through a walk down memory lane.

Because almost exactly six years ago, Dodong attended my college graduation…

It was one of the most memorable moments for me then. Dodong was working in a call center during graveyard shift and he could not promise he would be attending my graduation. I was a bit sad but I kept myself sane by agreeing that it was a reasonable excuse: If Dodong attended my graduation, he would not be able to get himself to work.

And so my family and I all trooped to PICC for the graduation. I fell in line together with the hundreds of other graduates, while my parents and siblings (including the brother who graduated) took their seats in the audience. I was happy but not completely happy since Dodong was not there to witness a milestone in my life. Or so I thought…

An hour into the graduation rites, I received a text message from Dodong saying that our university graduation made him feel as if he were at Hogwarts and he was seated at the back of the auditorium.

So does it really feel like Hogwarts?!?

My head went spinning in a frenzy, trying to scan the audience for Dodong. I was not able to spot him but the fact that he was physically there made my heart skip a beat. He decided to go to my graduation and join us for the dinner celebration even if he still had work after Thanks to another good friend (whose ex-girlfriend was also graduating), Dodong was able to hitch a ride from the home all the way to PICC.

That text message really made my graduation extra special. Physical presence does mean a LOT right?

Just imagining that he was going down these steps to meet me in my graduation garb made me miss Dodong more…

Dodong went down these stairs too...

Okay wait, I need to shift my mood. I am truly happy that bro graduated on time Hehehe! Three down and three more siblings to go!

Congratulations to all graduates of 2010! School ends and the working life begins

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. I'd like to get to know you better so hope you could answer a quick survey here.

P.P.S. Congrats again bro!

...especially during weekends like this

This weekend has been the one of the slowest I’ve ever had in months. Since Dodong is away (most of the time), I do make it a point to keep myself busy. But this weekend, it seems like everybody else has their own plans.

So here I am fantasizing of what we could have done over the weekend if he were only here…

If Dodong were here, we would have eaten in one of our usual food haunts.

If Dodong were here, we would have had a Chuck / Big Bang Theory DVD marathon.

If Dodong were here, we would have watched the mesmerizing Manila sunset.

If Dodong were here, we would have shared a couple of bottles of beer.

If Dodong were here, we would have gone to beach for the last weekend of summer.

If Dodong were here, we would have been big kids enjoying Shrek Ever After.

If Dodong were here, we would have been sharing a lazy afternoon window shopping.

If Dodong were here, we would have been browsing through the shelves of Fully Booked.

If Dodong were here, we would have been just together…that would be enough for us.

So many would haves…Hay.

What would your weekend look like if he was here?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. I'd like to get to know you better so hope you could answer a quick survey here.

My gown looks extra lonely without you.

I'm attending another wedding later…alone as usual. No stand-in guy nor girl nor gay friend as my plus one. Just me.

When my friend was still in the planning stage of building her guestlist, I asked her if I could have a stand-in plus one. But, of course, due to tight budgets, it wasn't possible. And I completely understand.

Yesterday, I was feeling another bout of loneliness because I would be going on my own, while my friends would be with their significant others. Why do I think weddings are meant for two-somes?

I want somebody to help me zip up my gown.

It's hard to zip up my down. Really. It's the kind of zipper that goes up to the side of the torso so you do need an assistant to get it up. Oh and yeah, the gown has a hook, so I do need help with that too

My little sister is helping zip me up later. But it's not the same because it's not YOU.

I want somebody to bring me there AND bring me home too.

The travails of not choosing to drive a car (out of laziness and love for Mother Earth – one less carbon imprint ok?) include commuting to a wedding in a long gown without looking stupid. Imagine me hailing a tricycle / FX / Jeep in full formal regalia. Ayayay!

If Dodong were here and was my wedding date, we'd be cruising along EDSA or C5 in trusty and handsome Sharkface. But thank God, I have my mom who will bring me there. Gas c/o yours truly. But still better that commuting right?

And yeah, I do miss the goodnight kiss post wedding date. Tonight there will be no goodnight kisses only goodnight waves and besos from friends.

I want somebody to snicker with me in the absurdly cheesy moments.

Dodong and I have attended weddings in the past. For me, one of the highlights would be snickering and chuckling in the cheesiest of moments during the wedding. Yes, we like to poke fun at weddings sometimes. Hehehe! It's just such a relief to know that somebody else can't take too much cheese either.

Later I do not have Dodong with me to do that. Perhaps I would end up texting him cheesy lowlights if any. But knowing my friend, I think there hardly be any. I hope.

But anyways, I am still happy to be attending this evening's wedding even if I am all alone with my lonesome self. I am glad to know that my friend has found her prince charming Best wishes my dear Anna!

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. I'd like to get to know you better so hope you could answer a quick survey here.

P.P.S. A bit of trivia: I've known Anna since our kindergarten days. She was actually my mother in a play we did then.

I'm sure you guys are baffled by the fact that I posted "A Love Song for No One" by John Mayer when in fact I have someone. I am again in a state of "I miss him so much" and I remembered the lyrics of this song. It goes something like…

I'm tired of being alone

So hurry up and get here

So tired of being alone

So hurry up and get here

Get here

There are really times that I do get tired of being alone here…like now. Don't you get that same feeling too? And I just wish that time could move faster to the day Dodong would come home again and we'd be together (physically). So hurry up and get here na!

Sigh. I miss him so much…

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

Is being too busy in the Future?

Hay. The iBlog6 is done and it has been crazy: with the iBlog preps plus the regular workload (but still fun I must say). And with busyness comes the budget time spent with Dodong (at least online). He has been very much busy with work as well so basically we have been busy with our own lives.

And today, I have experienced some withdrawal symptoms of him missing me. I miss Dodong's missing me. Gets? We've been so super duper busy that we've kind of "forgotten" about each other…sad!

Here are the 3 signs I miss him missing me…

I was texting him incessantly today

I started texting me since this morning and I told Dodong: "This is me craving your attention. This is me missing you." I may sound a bit desperate, which I am. But I also knew he'd be busy at work and would probably have a hard time logging onto Chikka (which sends text messages at no cost).

And I guessed right because that's what he told me when I got his text message later this evening. His name flashing on my mobile phone's screen just made me smile a giddy one for the books

I call him on his Dubai number in the middle of my sleep

Last night, we weren't able to chat since he was on call at work. And on the other side of the globe (I think), I was just too tired to stay up late from all the work I did for the iBlog6 and other work stuff and errands and events. So I ended up sleeping early.

Then I woke up in the middle of the night (well, morning as it was 3AM Manila time and 11PM Dubai time) to make a phone call to Dodong. I just wanted to hear his voice and tell him how much I missed him And I still do…

I reread his mushy messages on my mobile phone

We were stuck in traffic earlier and I just went through some of his messages to me. Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes and I just breathed in to stop them from falling down. Buti na lang kamo madilim sa sasakyan ano!

I'm kinda shy to let everybody else know that I am teary eyed because I miss Dodong so much. And that I want him to badly miss me too (which I know he does but work just keeps him busy and tired).

Oh brother. My wish now is that Dodong would let me know how much he misses me also. Like the mushy kind. Hehehe. Is that too much to ask?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

Is there a cure for homecoming hangover?

I therefore conclude that I am still on homecoming hangover. If you notice, its been quite a while since my last post. A week to be exact.

What the hell is homecoming hangover?!? Over the course of almost 2-years of Dodong's back-and-forth from Dubai and home, we've both noticed a particular behavior pattern we have during the 1st week post-homecoming. And I now officially coin it as the homecoming hangover

So what are the signs of homecoming hangover?

#1: Persistent sigh-ing

There are two word that pop up almost every after 10-lines of our daily (more than once a day) IM conversations: sigh and hay (the Filipino word for sigh). They even come in the all caps version: SIGH and HAAAAAAAAAY. Oh, did I also say they creep up in the daily journals too? Sigh.

#2: Consistent reporting for duty

Well, Dodong and I do our fair share of reporting for duty. Meaning, we both inform each other of our itinerary for the day. On a regular day, because we're both busy going through the day-to-day things and sometimes get caught up in it, we kind of forget to report to each other. But post-homecoming, we do update each other every single day on the smallest, most frivolous details of the day. Sigh.

#3: Taking the time off to stare at each others photos

Sometimes I just find myself staring at the photos taken during the homecoming. Or, if none were taken, I just stare at our photos on Facebook, multiply and others. I even changed my Facebook profile photo to our picture. Sigh. The photos just trigger the giddy warm feeling of him being next to me. Sigh.

I am also pleasantly surprised that Dodong also does this. He texts or emails me that he finds himself going though my historical reel of pictures on Facebook. Now ain't that sweet and swoon worthy? Hay.

I miss him. I really, really, really do…Sigh.

Okay did I say we sigh a lot? Oh yeah, I did. Hehehe.

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

Like a lonely little dog

It's been a week since he left. Wow a week, 7 days, 168 hours…It as been a whirlwind on trying to get back to both our regular programming: Dodong working in the desert while Inday works in the Philippines. We miss each other so much and I've learned more about us these past days.

I know that I've shared a few of those signs how he shows he misses me. But I really just want to share more signs (which I've observed in the past 7 days) how I know that he does miss me so much…

He replies lengthily to our daily journals

We're on our 7th daily journal entry today and he has replied to 6 of them already! Each of his reply entries is not just the usual 2-3 sentences but a good long 5-7 paragraphs. He really takes the time out to write (or rather type up!) about his itinerary for the day and his thoughts and his feelings. Don't you just love reading long "love letters"?

He made a Pagudpud pic as his phone's wallpaper

He couldn't get enough of staring at our Pagudpud getaway photos on Facebook, so he uploaded his favorite Pagudpud photo on his mobile phone. I must admit it isn't our photo together but just a landscape photo. Dodong told me he couldn't bear looking at our photo every single time as it would really make him sadder than he already is. Awwwww ain't that just heartwarming at the same time heartbreaking. Sigh.

He always wants to see me on the webcam

Aside from our daily journals, part of our everyday routine is to chat with each other. Now he always (I do too!) wants us to chat with the webcam mode on. It really is different seeing each other in a pseudo face to face setting. It is a relief at the same time painful. Lots of ironies here right?

He wants me to spend my last pay on a roundtrip ticket to Dubai

I recently got my last pay from my previous company. The money is actually enough to get myself a roundtrip ticket to Dubai, but since I have other things to pay like day-to-day expenses, bills and more. So this idea is like HELLO!  But Dodong is really sweet for saying "Hey you can buy a ticket and stay with me…" Maybe he would be buying me my ticket soon? Hehehe!

Last but not the least…

He already is seriously talking about OUR FUTURE PLANS

I won't expound on this much. I must say I am really excited and so looking forward to it

You think Dodong really misses me?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay