Long distance relationships/ New hire training

[Amanda]

Hi-
I guess my bf Nick has it easy since I'm not really into getting flowers. Don't get me wrong- I think they're pretty and I love gardening, but I would rather he saved his money since he's on such a tight budget. I would feel guilty if he sent me flowers all the time. He did send me a dozen roses last year for my b-day, and they were beautiful, but I knew how expensive they were and they didn't live too long. Maybe if he picked some flowers for me I would have felt better! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I'm also in a long distance relationship: he's in the Philly area and I'm in Scottsdale (2500 miles away). We send each other cards and sometimes he'll send me a postcard w/ a pic of an airport on it. We have gone as much as 5 weeks without seeing each other, which can be tough. We also talk on the phone a lot (maybe too much!). Yesterday he called me at work just to tell me he saw "the biggest most disgusting donut he has ever seen that was glazed and had an inch of frosting and chocolate chips and sprinkles on it". That's all he wanted to say. I was like "huh???". It is nice to hear his voice so much though!

I sent him a HUGE care package when he was in training; I included all of his favorite things, mostly food. He loves crossword puzzles but I knew he wouldn't have much time for them. All of the pilots were hungry and poor and wanted food! I think I also sent him study supplies: pens, post-its, index cards, highlighters, etc. One other thing- a pre-paid phone card! He was using his cell phone so much and it was costing $$$. He was able to call me from his hotel room using the card and loved it.
Amanda

[Bigsweetie]

I agree with all of the ideas so far. My DH really loved the care package that I sent to him in training... but I think the best thing that I did for him was to let him know that I had complete confidence in him!!

Also, I told him that he could call me anytime we wanted, but if he was too busy that I understood if he couldn't call every day. I told him that I missed him, but that I was fine and he should just concentrate on studying!! I think by him not having to worry about me here at home, missing him and crying etc. it took a huge weight off his shoulders. He was able to focus on studying and getting 100's on his exams. He did end up calling me everyday, but he couldn't always talk very long. I missed him alot, but I was always very upbeat and happy when he called, told him how proud i am of him, and that things were fine here at home.

I did leave little love messages for him in his suitcase, which he liked, but I tried not to bombard him with these things. He told me that while other guys were going out to dinner every night after class he would stay in the hotel and study (and call me if he had time). He ended up being one of the top students in his class and one of the IOE captains told him he should consider becoming a training captain himself.

Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for our pilots is to support them and let them know how much we believe in them.

Hope that helps!

Tanya

[Angelo_di_amore]

Well, he's done with one week of training but still has seven more to go. And I have to say that I miss him a ton! I never realized how much he meant to me until I couldn't drive two hours to see him. Any more ideas on care package stuff would be great. I liked the study supply idea. So far on his first test he was the top person in his class with a 98%. I couldn't be prouder of him ... but to be honest I wasn't surprised ... he's so amazing. Anway ... anymore ideas I'd love it.

[roz]

Ah, you never gave us the update that he took the job! I have to run to work now--will post later.