Paul's Tech Talk

Surviving the long flights!

PaulApril 3, 20192 Replies

qantas airlines plane on air — Photo by Raf Jabri on Pexels.com

You first international flight!

1062163_us_audible_sanamd_homestead_medium_rectangle_3_300x250 Where ever you might be going, if you are like me, you were so scared and worried that you would miss a flight or something like that. You also probably was scared to death to meet that one person for the first time. You’ve been wanting to meet for several hours to years of talking to them. When I first started talking to my Girlfriend and we haven’t met in person. I really had this desire to meet her and see what could happen, so I bought my ticket! You can bet I had all these thoughts going through my mind, will she like who she sees in person and what if I didn’t like her. Will it be everything I imagined? I’ll say this much, the meeting went very well. It was like we knew each other way before we even met online.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.

Getting Ready for the long Flight!

If you are like me, you had to get a few things before you could even think about buying that ticket. You needed to buy a Passport, vaccinations, and even finding a place to stay. You may even need to buy travel supplies from toothpaste to feminine hygiene. I can’t express this enough. The first meeting you should always have a place to stay for yourself because not all first meetings ever go good and it’s a small chance that you might be one of them. I have always adhered to being prepared the boy scout motto. When I went to meet her for the first time, I had a place of my own to sleep and live from for my duration of the visit. Don’t depend on your GF/BF for a place to stay even if you trust them explicitly. There is always that chance that you will find something out that will make it impossible to stay with them.

Depending on your country’s origin, there may be more requirements than I had to go through to see my girlfriend. Some countries require you to have a visa even just to visit that country. So do you research and don’t be afraid to call your airlines and ask them what you might need. I was the lucky one because I knew how long I can stay in her country before I would be required to get a visa. Some countries are more tolerant than others.

Supplies you may need!

So here is my list of things you probably will need to survive that long flight but before I say that I should explain what I consider what a long flight is. In my opinion a long flight is anything from 8 to 32 or more hours with layovers included. A layover is when you have to wait for the next flight to take off and you can have anywhere from 2 hours to the next day but most of the time it’s only a few hours.

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These are my basics for when I go on my long flights because of time zones and such the Melatonin is good for sleeping on the noisy plane and the bluetooth headphones will help you drown out the noise of the plane. I usually have a two hour flight layover and I try to get a little sleep on the trip there and back. When you can’t sleep I do this and it knocks me out everytime without much side effects.

Get Aisle seats

this is a quick tip for anyone who has to fly a long distance and only because if you have the aisle sets you can usually get up to go the bathroom without getting in the way of others but most people understand you need to go to the bathroom but it’s definite a plus for me because I don’t have to bother anyone. Also if the person in the aisle seat goes to the bathroom, it isn’t a bad idea to go to the bathroom anyway. This is a quick tip and I hope these recommendations help you to survive that long trip to see that one special person that you’ve been talking to for so long. If you like these recommendations please consider supporting this site by using my affiliate links to help pay for storage and domain. Thank you for reading this!

Got even more tips for travelers than please feel free to comment below and help those who might want even more tips.

What not to say to couples in an LDR!

PaulMarch 20, 20191 Reply

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Assumptions are everywhere!

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When you get into an ldr, it is really tough. It comes with highs and lows and even sometimes people like to assume too much! What I mean by that is really simple. Most of the time when someone finds out that I or my Girlfriend are in an long distance relationship, we get asked certain questions all the time. Most of the time they revolve around certain expectation or notions. I’m here to set some of the records straight about these speculations.

It’s not about the Money!

I or my Girlfriend always get asked in one way or another about money. Am I sending her money or is she getting money from me? It’s sometimes a slap in the face because I’m not an ATM or is she wanting me to be that. People who are in an LDR, are not in it for the money but for much more than money. They are looking for that one person who completes them or compliments their personality. That isn’t saying that there are few, select groups of people, who are in it for the money and trying to get it from unsuspecting individuals. You have to be watchful of those and know when to walk away and when it’s not really a viable long distance relationship.

The VISA angle!

There are a number of people who always ask is my Girlfriend moving here or come here to get her VISA. While it might be a reason to have an LDR it isn’t the case that she’s doing this for the VISA to get into a better country that she can make more money from. Most of the time when you meet someone who just makes you a better person, You don’t care about that. If the relationship they or you will most likely move to to be closer but it doesn’t always mean it’s going to be the female to move. I’ve seen males move to be closer or to close the gap so to speak. If they really want to be with you then that will be the deciding factor and let’s not forget about in any relationship there will be compromises. That’s the nature of a healthy relationship.

It won’t Last!

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This one really gets me going when it comes to people speculations, and assumptions. Most of the time people will say this not trying to be mean but it tends to come across that way with me and others. I’m sure they mean well and aren’t trying to be that way but it usually does annoy me or other people in the LDR. It even goes so far as close family members saying that. Although I haven’t had this happen to my family members it seems to be make me think they are hopeful it won’t continue. It usually starts showing in peoples faces in the beginning of the relationship and then you hear them say stuff like “don’t get to emotionally involved” or “Don’t love them to much” because they are worried about you getting hurt. I get where they are saying this and trying to be helpful but it can still make the person feel like you are saying it won’t last. Please don’t do that, it does nothing to help the situation.

How can you be in a real relationship?

Most of the time the question pops up from people who have never been in an LDR and only think it is all about being physical with their partner. Although this is an factor in any relationship but with a LDR it is even more harder to be physical with your partner when you only see them a few times a year and even then it’s for short period time. It’s not all about it but more about commitment, communications, and knowing what you want. It’s not the individual fault that they deduce that it is impossible because they may need to be more physical. Don’t take what they say to heart because of it. Just know that you have to be the one to decide if you can or can’t do an LDR. It’s just best to say “Bless your heart!” whenever someone says something like these and just smile!

As always, if you like what you read and want to share this on facebook, or some other social media network, I encourage you to do just that. Got any stories you want to share with other people about what people say when they find out you are in a Long Distance relationship please feel free to comment and help others know they aren’t alone when it comes to these types of comments, questions, or assumptions.

Staying Positive in a long distance relationship!

PaulMarch 5, 20191 Reply

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It’s really hard!

So you got into a long distance relationship and you are struggling? So now you are wondering how you will not be so negative all the time. It truly can be very hard for anyone to be apart from that one person who makes you smile and makes the world of difference in even the simplest activities. I know in my current situation this is the case.

My girlfriend and I met in December and I came back and felt lost and down because I already missing her terribly.

We had a great first meeting of 9 days and I wouldn’t change a thing. The problem is quite clear to me and others that you now have to get back into your routines. All the while you are wishing you could go back and hold their hand or kiss them, or even just their smell next to you.

I know the longing that accompanies being in a long distance relationship.

Write down your thoughts!

I started this blog for that one reason. I had to down my thoughts and be an example to those who might be having Trials and Tribulations! If you want to stay positive tell that person how much they mean to you and keep a journal or send them cards from time to time. They maybe going through some rough patches just like you and need that reassurance for the same thing as you. They have to constantly fight the negative thoughts and people who are a constant problem in any LDR.

Video Chat as much as possible!

This one can be hard for some because of their schedules but you need that face time with that special someone. I try to do that with my girlfriend as much as possible. Some recommend not doing that everyday but each relationship is different and you will need to decide just how much you can do it or if you want to limit your time talking to him/her. If you can’t Video chat all the time then set a schedule on when you will do it and make sure you keep that schedule but remember you must be flexible enough from time to time because of emergencies or stuff that happens from time to time.

Set the next meeting!

This one is most important to me because each time you visit you have to decide just how soon you want to return to see them. If they can come to see you then that is also good but understand that some people can’t afford to travel because of Visa’s or even having children. Don’t expect them to contribute just as much as you are doing. Make a plan and stick with it, even if it’s not the most desirable idea or plan. You may get there and see the world through a different perspective. Go ahead and buy that ticket that way can start saving for other things for your next trip. I’ve heard buying your ticket on Tuesday mornings will cheapest and the price will change. If you must watch how much you spend then buy it.

Listen to positive Music!

This is my go to when I am feeling down and about. I turn on Pandora or Spotify and I listen to music that brings me closer to her or uplifts me when I need it. If you aren’t into music, I would recommend getting some exercise and doing stuff with friends and family. Either way this helps keeps me from getting to depressed and lonely.

That’s it for me!

Even though this is a small list of things that you can do to stay positive in a long distance relationship this at least helps to move you in the right direction and hopefully to closing the gap and being with them forever. If you have ways to keep positive why not share them in the comments section and help others who might be struggling!

5 Ways to Save money on plane tickets!

PaulMarch 1, 20193 Replies

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Distance isn’t always easy!

Those in an LDR can find that it is extremely hard to see that bf/gf because of money situations. Buying tickets are stressful enough for most because you have to save every dime and work extra hard to save that money to buy that one ticket that needs to travel to see him/her. So I thought it was time to talk about ways that you could can find the cheap tickets or save money one way or another. Nothing in this post is going to be a golden nugget but it might just help those who are wondering how to find the cheapest tickets for you and save money for your time with them.

Google Flights

If you are like me and you use Google to the fullest then you should be using this website to at least get an idea when the best time to travel to see your other half. If you know how to do it then you can go through the times when the tickets will be inexpensive to buy. You can track flights and even see when to plan your trip because of the lowest prices of a plane ticket. This is where I start off to find the best time to go see my girlfriend. You can always find the cheapest tickets and save money but this isn’t always the best way.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is really good at looking at websites that you might not know about and finding the cheapest tickets. This site is one of those that I go to a lot to try to find that more affordable ticket in case Google or some of the others don’t work. It can also track prices and email you when the prices increase or decrease but each website has been know to be competitive and thus can be tricky to find that bargain ticket.

Justfly

Justfly is another website that I use to try to find the reasonable tickets. Each of these only search certain websites and providers so each one might be able to find an airline that is cheaper than the rest. I’m probably not telling you anything you don’t know but it is also one of those sites I also check to try to save every penny I can to go see my Girlfriend.

CheapFlights

Finally this is the last of many websites that I tend to go to try to find the competitive tickets to go see my girlfriend. Each website has there own benefits and you might be able to find that one ticket that is in your budget or you can afford. It however is an ever expanding list for me to try to get the dirt cheap ticket.

Layovers

This one is the biggest tip of all on how to save money on plane tickets. What most of you don’t know is that each airline has partners in other airlines and if you buy a ticket from one airport to another you might miss an airline that can get you cheaper tickets for that plane trip. So I have found to get cheaper tickets in the long run. So if you have a direct flight and that’s all you need than this tip won’t help you but for me. I had to search airports that I would normally never of thought to go to as a layover point to get that cheap ticket plane ticket to see my girlfriend. This tip is to think about what direction you have to go to see you special someone and check to see if you can’t find airports that might make it cheaper for you to travel to and make your own layover instead of letting the websites or apps do it for you. I found this to be best tip ever, just explore which airline might make it bargain for you to see your special someone. One tip though you will definitely want to have at least a 3 hour layover for this way so you can claim your bags and check them back into the next airline but you will save more money this way in the long run even though you will have to deal with security more times. Leave a comment on other websites or apps that help you find that economy ticket.

Trials and Tribulations

PaulFebruary 28, 20192 Replies

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Trials of it all!

You are probably here because someone said something negative probably from parents, friends, and even siblings. They’ve probably said stuff like “This won’t work!“, “Couldn’t you find someone closer?” or they would give jealous comments about how you are going on vacations to far off countries or lands. Each time you probably wonder why people say these things or have their doubts.

My own family even stated that once or twice already in one way or fashion. They wouldn’t support our relationship or even make any reference as to her being my girlfriend. So I know how hard it is to see my Girlfriend once a year, so I can only imagine others who are doing it twice or three times a year to see your girlfriend/boyfriend a year. I’ve heard some even do it once a month but they are closer than the average Long Distance Relationship!

What Doesn’t Kill you makes you stronger!

You’ve all heard this saying and it probably makes you cringe now. LDR’s are extremely difficult for anyone because you have to trust, and communicate even more than with a relationship that might be local. Each time there is a fight, or some missed communication, You have to try even harder to do fix the problems. There are a few things that I keep in the back of my mind:

Never be afraid to say sorry, it’s not a weakness but a strength.
Never be afraid to say you are right, sometimes our ego gets in the way!
Just because you love them doesn’t mean you will fight, so fight fair!
Always say you love them because you never know if you will have that chance later on!
Be ready to compromise because not everything is life or death.
Talk through your problems, in the end you will become better in the end.

In the end, it’s about your happiness and what you are wanting to do to get that happiness. No one not even family can fully give you the happiness that you so desire and want.

Trust is Everything!

At the end of the day, trust with that GF/BF who might be hours away to days away is essential to have a LDR. So I figured it was high time to let you explore some links that I found that might help you even more on building and maintaining trust:

These are just a few but it’s a start. Now let’s just tell you what I think and go from there. In my life its three basic things that make a successful LDR and they are:

Trust
Commitment
Communication

Everything else will fall into at the given time. Each Long Distance relationship is different and each individual is also different so you have to come up with ways to make you relationship work for you. I hope this post has helped some.