April 05, 2007~~7:17 p.m.
From Laguna Beach...

This afternoon, Elle had tryouts for next year's cheer squad... and I wasn't there because I'm on my own little selfish vacation. I feel a little bad about that, but the trip had been planned way in advance and it wasn't refundable or exchangable. Still, it was hard not to be there.

We talked on the phone several times today, reviewing the sorts of things that I'd remind her about if I were home. Smile. Have fun. Hit sharp angles. Be loud. Do your best.

I was glad she called so many times; it made me feel important to her and, honestly, I don't get a whole lot of that out of her these days. The husband was there, at the end, to hear the teams announced and had me on the phone as it happened. Unfortunately, the husband isn't very good with names and couldn't hear very well through all the screaming teens, so he passed along who was selected with gems like, "um... I think that one is from last year, but I'm not sure... she has brown hair."

Elle made the varsity team. She was happy. I think it's going to be a very strong team, both in terms of athletics and attitude. Elle will, inevitably, fly under the radar as usual. She'll be quiet, on-time, and take her task seriously. It's her style... so unlike her flighty, moody mother. Go figure.

I've had a very relaxing and enjoyable five days without my family, but I'm ready for them to get here tonight. I think these trips are good for me. They give me space to breathe and remind me that I prefer limited quantities of solitude.

You can say "I love you" a lot of times on the phone, but it just feels better in person.

~Alice