I'd just like to chime in with a few words of advice (or encouragement at least):

First off, as was said before, communication is definitely the most important aspect of any relationship.

I personally am in a long distance relationship myself right now. Becky, my girlfriend, and I met roughly three years ago at a camp, I was 16 years old. Last year in early July of 2008 we began talking lots, like every day via text messaging. In August we started making phone calls, we called each other every night for at least two hours. I grew a strong interest in her and in October of 2008 I flew to Canada to visit her. Mind you, I live in New Jersey. In October we 'officially' started dating. Since last August we have missed a grand total of -zero- days from talking on the phone.

Some people think this is a little crazy, but I love her to death - In a few years we hope to get married

So, whats the point of this mushy gushy love story? Well so far it's been successful, so I figure we must be doing something right.

We talk every day, at 9:30pm I get a phone call which usually lasts 2 hours, some days I work late, so calls get delayed, but even a brief phone call is better than nothing.

I don't know if you're allowed, or if she's allowed, or if you guys have the money (I'm always very suspicious of meeting people online), but I see Becky roughly once a month. Either she flies here, or I fly (or drive) there. - 6 hours in a car isn't really that bad!

It sounds like either you have a job, or you have a way of getting your hands on money - from that $500 tattoo. I'd invest in a texting plan or something.

Anyway, you guys need to talk, thats it. If you talk to your teachers more than you talk to your girlfriend, there may be a slight problem

Good luck

Ken