Thanks for all the comments guys - its gratefully appreciated!

Steve.r - Spot on buddy. Whats really caught me is just how badly its hit me this time round. Everything from jet lag, missing my girlfriend, and even food is exponentially far stronger an impact this time round than it was in April. I am just not psychologically prepared at all for the impact this time around! You are right - roll on our next visits - all i know is mine has to be far sooner than i'd originally expected or planned for.

Subseastu - Thanks and yes we do use skype each and every night with a couple of exceptions due to our respective work committments from time to time. Im planning to get out in April.

Sim11UK - Thanks and 100% true!

Alanmf1 - The weather here just serves as a marker for my emotional reaction. The weather in this country is generally cruddy though admittedly! :P You are right though - already been looking at flights!!!

Tawi2 - Maybe a bit extreme! You are right of course - i do love my country, its safe and work is good and well paying... but its not where my heart is.

Englishman2010 - Booking 2-3 flights in advance, thats a clever idea, never thought of that. You are right about the passing of time and it does go quickly - prior to this visit last week it had been 7 months since i last saw her in person and that was night on tortorous to say the least. The webcam became the ultimate symbol of that torture so to be able to finally touch her again was like a release from prison. Coming back to that reality has been a cold slap in the face. I can do it of course but its not pleasant!!!

bher - You are right and i am glad im not the only one who feels like this! Its comforting to know this.

fred - yeah it wasnt that it was amazing weather out there in Cebu/Bohol - the weather just serves as a physical representation of the fact im not with her but here instead. Thanks for the youtube video - its true (and a classic film too)!

Stevewool - saving to go back already and will be as soon as possible! Jealous of you my friend - marriage and living with your love - you lucky devil!!!

Laurel - Thanks for the positive comments.

Aposhark - heh this is an old forum name i used to use before things became positive for me. Its historical but in no way representative of who i am nowadays - actually i've been meaning to change it. Is there an easy way to do that? You are right about LDR's... we are fast coming up to our one year anniversary - its perfectly do-able and we've proved it to ourselves and everyone - its just naturally difficult being so far apart!