(((hugs))) Yes I think it's good he told you already about the upcoming vacation... that always helps me to know as far in advance as possible, and also to be reminded of it so we can discuss my feelings about it all.

Phone sessions are different for me, but useful... SO useful imo. I hope you won't refuse them.

You could make having a journal a special thing... buying or making, and then IDK getting a setting in your mind... you know? Like the great adventurers of the past when they went into the depths of the unknown always kept a journal of their experiences and thoughts. Facinating reading.