Monday, January 25, 2016


Last week, I celebrated Justin's 33rd birthday 
(yeah I had to spell it out loud)... from 10,000 miles away!

I have to admit that long-distance relationship takes a lot of hard work. 
The distance makes a lot of things harder - especially when it comes
to celebrating special occasions together.

Instead of sulking the whole day for not having each other's physical company 
on special days, there are still ways to enjoy special occasions and show our love & care.

One of the way is...

--- A Video Chat Date! ---

Being there at real time is important, despite the time difference; Justin's 8a.m, Joyce's 9.p.m. 

It helps to get into the mood with fun party pack! For Justin's birthday, I got a few birthday items 
like cakes, helium balloon, colorful hats, noisemakers, and I wrote him a card too!

I make sure that I get to sing him birthday song, and that he get to make a wish... although it 
means I have to be the one eating the cake at the end of the day.

ldr birthday, ldr gift, long distance relationship, ldr special occasion
His birthday party in Malaysia!

ldr birthday, ldr gift, long distance relationship, ldr special occasion
Screen shots he took from our video chat
Lexie attending the party in style~

Another way to show that you care...

--- Send Him Care Packages ---

Like... A gift!

Sending each other handwritten letters and gifts is important to keep the relationship alive.
And it is even more important to be extra-sweet on special occasions.

I gave him a few presents when he was here 2 months ago 
for him to bring back to Orlando and to open only on the specific occasions.

For his birthday, I got him a matching t-shirt with me - soooo looking forward to wearing it together! 

Because I like camouflage...

Or... A Cake!

Birthdays will not be complete without your significant someone! ....or a cake!

To compensate my absence, I searched high and low (Google & Instagram in this case)
for a bakery in Orlando that makes good cakes, and provides delivery!

The first problem with this surprise is that I'm unfamiliar with bakeries in Orlando 
and I had to send emails to a few bakeries to ask about the delivery services 
and choices of cakes they have.

Tips : Make sure to read reviews for the bakeries. Take serious consideration 
if the bakery is capable to deliver a whole cake without smashin em' up 
- yes apparently it happened, as stated in numerous reviews.

Making sure that this will not happen to Justin's birthday cake

The second problem is... he's working and I DON'T HAVE HIS OFFICE ADDRESS!

I looked up the address for the company he's working with, but it turn out that 
they have several offices. I remembered him telling me that it takes approximately
15 minutes to drive to work. Google map is very handy in this situation as I'm trying to 
locate the office that's 15 minutes away from his home address - VOILA~

To be safe, I gave the bakery his mobile number if they fail to 
locate his office - no surprise if the bakery calls, but at least he'll get the cake.

So he did. A total surprise with his name called out loud on the intercom.

Delicious made-from-scratch coconut-lemon cake
from Sugar Loft Bake Shop

Well, he wasn't pleased with the surprise and told me that I can send it to 
his house instead, and for the next time I'm planning for a surprise. 
At first, his comment crushed my heart as I feel that my efforts were all in vain, 
but then later I understood his concern about security issues in the office.

--- Effort ---

All in all, he had a good day and I'm glad that distance 
did not keep me from making the birthday boy happy.

It takes extra effort and planning to make this happen. 
Again, long-distance relationship is not easy! 
But with love, trust, effort, and the same goal in mind, I believe we can make things work.


** HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN OLD MAN! **

I just had to post this... you make a very good impersonation of an old man!