Congrats Metalchick
Glad things are going well for you.
Not sure what advice I can give on what to do while your BF's away. I'm sort of in the opposite position. My fiance lives in London and we won't be together for another week. [and then it'll just be 7 days together]. I'd try and find some sober friends, I think. People who you can hang out with, go for coffee with.