enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

today’s the day.

Ep

Paul gets home from a month long training session in Mississippi late tonight.

I am going to soak him up and squeeze him tight and celebrate all weekend long.

This will be our last weekend together in San Diego. Immediately after his deployment, we will be moving north (to the Ventura area) because he'll be stationed at Port Hueheme. It's likely I'll actually make the move solo (well, with the military movers help) so this is really it. Tomorrow there will be two barstools with our names on them at Waterfront and I'll be the girl crying into my beer.

Just kidding. There is to be no crying. Only confetti and joy this weekend.

Next week, we'll staying up by Port Hueneme for Paul to get all the i's dotted, t's crossed and corners tucked in. We expect that will take until Friday just kidding, they are now saying Saturday oh wait, maybe Sunday or back to Friday? some day in the near future and then it will be just me, him, some luggage and an airport.

And then, yes then, the tears will be allowed to flow.

Thank you so much for your words and thoughts and prayers this summer as we have prepped for this adventure. We've had a lot of false starts and I know it's been a little confusing as I've tried to share bits and pieces. I'm living it and most days I'm totally confused.

This is really it though. The end of the beginning or the beginning of the end. Or just the start of the middle.

Deep breath.

*photo circa spring 2007. it's us, before we were living together, before we were engaged, before we were married. and it feels like YESTERDAY. fingers crossed this deployment goes just as quickly.

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26 responses to “today’s the day.”

  1. Elaine Avatar
    Elaine

    All I can say is that you’re a stronger woman than I am. You WILL get through it one day at a time, and before you know it, the days will add up and he’ll be getting off the plane! Praying for you all the time. ❤

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  2. Johanna Avatar
    Johanna

    Just the start of the middle. That’s a great way to put it – and something I’ll try to keep close to my heart, too, as all these new experiences will be crushing down on us with a new babe in the mix oh so very soon. And two (well, for one just one) of us working together as self-employed designers from home. Which scares the heck out of me and makes me proud and totally excited all the same. Crazy stuff. I wish you two the very best, Elise! Have an awesome weekend!

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  3. Linda Niehoff Avatar
    Linda Niehoff

    Prayers to you both and enjoy your weekend!

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  4. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Sometimes being in the military and not having control over your own life can be downright annoying. It is so hard to be graceful in it. Living this right there with you.

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  5. Ammchand Avatar
    Ammchand

    My fiance is in the Navy and a lot of the time he’s been in I’ve been able to visit for only a weekend or a few days (Ah grad school…). I understand precious weekends. So from one girl crying in her beer (well, long island) to another, I hope that time this weekend slows to a crawl for you and Paul. And then I hope the deployment is a “blink and you miss it” type thing.

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  6. Jill Avatar
    Jill

    Embrace! Even when you are physically alone, you are never alone. You are part of a fabulous duo/relationship that I am privileged to share in via your “crafty” blog. Hugs to you both!

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  7. creole wisdom Avatar
    creole wisdom

    I just feel for you. I hope you have the most splendid weekend. You two deserve it. Stay strong!

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  8. LMT Avatar
    LMT

    I hope you have one of the best, LONGEST weekends of your life!

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  9. Skye Avatar
    Skye

    Adorable picture! I hope you have an AMAZING weekend together, and I hope you two are able to talk/write often while Paul is away. You are so productive, I’m sure you’ll keep your days busy and accomplish a lot during deployment, and then before you know it he will be back and you will be looking through all the adorable cards you sent him!

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  10. lauren Avatar
    lauren

    pardon my poor grammar right here and now, but “you got this”!!!! 🙂
    *

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  11. Beth Avatar
    Beth

    You can do it Elise! Tomorrow marks the six week mark of a six month deployment. It’s gone better than I thought it would, especially with our two kids to take care of, and I KNOW you can do it. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. jessica o'brien | jessohbee Avatar
    jessica o’brien | jessohbee

    yeah for a new adventure & new beginnings! you’re very strong as i don’t know i would take things so smoothly as you do. good luck with the move and if you need a getaway to l.a. or a girls day somewhere in ventura, let me know – i’d love to keep ya company! 😉

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  13. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    the time right before a deployment is hardest … hang in there!

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  14. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Best of luck to you both! Enjoy every minute of this weekend.

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  15. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    What a sweet post. It gave me goosebumps. Here’s to a great weekend! Cheers!

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  16. desiree Avatar
    desiree

    have fun this weekend 🙂

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  17. Gioconda Avatar
    Gioconda

    wishing you a sweet and unforgettable weekend together. i think you’ll love ventura. we do. lots of great little spots to eat, shop and just spend your time. you will love it.

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  18. tara pollard pakosta Avatar
    tara pollard pakosta

    good luck to you both!
    I adore your blog!
    praying the time goes quickly for yOU!
    I would LOVE for you to share your recipes from below, they look simple, yet YUMMY and so healthY!
    tara

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  19. Lydia @ The Loop Avatar
    Lydia @ The Loop

    What a great picture. I’m in awe of your attitude. I would not be handling it very well – mostly the lack of control and firm plans. I think we could both handle the distance and separation okay, knowing it would be temporary. All the military hemming and hawing would be my undoing, though.
    Have a GREAT GREAT weekend. Live it up and soak it in.

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  20. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    Welcome to a new adventure, a new chapter in your life story… ENJOY every single solitary moment you have with Paul before he leaves. Ignore us to do so. We’ll be here after he’s left.

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  21. sophie Avatar
    sophie

    wishing your the most wonderful weekend next to your wedding weekend! i hope you get to hear Paul’s voice and get to see that handsome face every day that he’s gone. lots of prayers for both of you. make this weekend magical!

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  22. Jenn Avatar
    Jenn

    living in the moment is good, focus on the sucky part after he’s deployed 😉 “hurry up and wait” is a common theme of military life… you seem to be rolling with it though, and that’s really the only way to handle the inevitable changes, re changes, and changes back to 4th and 6th changes! Hope your weekend was awesome!

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  23. Joanna N. Avatar
    Joanna N.

    Is this photo from Berkeley? I have a similar one with work peoples and I think I remember you being there too…the rooftop bar above Triple Rock? 🙂 This was DAYS ago!!

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  24. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    yep! from Triple Rock in 2007. 🙂

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  25. Funnelcloud Rachel Avatar
    Funnelcloud Rachel

    Love the pic – you look so different with straight hair! Best of luck to you and Paul during his deployment. I’m sure you will find a way to enjoy your temporary single-ness!

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  26. gypsychaos Avatar
    gypsychaos

    It’s been months since you posted this…. but I am just now reading it. I must say that Port Hueneme was one of my favorite places to travel! San Diego is great; but Port Hueneme is calm, spread out, slower. The strawberry fields are everywhere. And the ocean is right there! {Ok there’s always an ocean nearby Naval Stations….}
    I hope you enjoy your time living in Ventura County. Whisper a hello to the ocean for me.

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