Day 14: D-Day

Tuesday was the dreaded D-Day (Derrick Deploys Day) at the Ransom household. Derrick was to leave at 1:30pm for a six month deployment overseas, one of the main reasons that I came to stay with Janine in the first place. I was concerned for Janine and trying to predict what she might need from a friend on the day that her husband leaves for half of a calendar year. We ate a send-off breakfast - which of course included bacon - then Janine drove Derrick to Hickham at Pearl Harbor to say goodbye. Derrick seemed sad to go but resolute. It is strange to think that he won't be around for the next month that I am here. Janine came back relatively dry-eyed, strong, and in need of some distraction.

While Janine dropped Derrick off I'd run into town to pick up a few things for a Ladies Day at home (another excuse to visit Whole Foods!). I picked up all the essentials - delicate cheeses, strawberries, chocolate covered coconut bites, veggies, hummus, and peppermint iced tea - along with a few tools for pampering. We sat on her front porch, soaking our feet and listening to DMB for about an hour, talking about the months to come and working through ways to handle Derrick's absence. This naturally progressed into pedicures and manicures, which we supplemented with delicious snacks and three or four episodes of Downton Abbey, which Janine had never seen. Our relaxing day was only interrupted around dinner time, when we headed over to base for a quick workout and massages (badly needed).

Spa day setup

Endorphins pumping, we returned home for the night for some zzzs. The house was quieter than usual and Tristan seemed confused about why Derrick wasn't home yet, which was sad, but Janine seemed content (as measured by the amount of singing I have observed in the past few days). I am so proud of my brave friend and her new journey as a married woman living in a new place on her own! Looking forward to some quality girl time with her over the next few weeks!