Farewell 1984 (24-31 December)

Here’s your “Bumper Christmas Issue”! Just over a week’s worth of entries to round off the year cleanly (I do have some OCD tendencies) including a christmas present list and the emotional musings I randomly scribbled in the final pages of the diary. Enjoy…

Monday 24/12/84

Woke late again. Did nothing till 11:00 when (after shaving cream, towel & water fights) went & delivered some chemicals. Stayed at Keane’s for a drink then after lunch at Jenny’s came home, watch TV & had quite a late night.

Tuesday 25/12/84

CHRISTMAS DAY. Woke early & tried unsuccessfully to sleep in. Dad came & we opened our presents. Wasn’t too happy with all of them. (the list of things is on the 3rd last page of this book.) [I have photographed said page but also transcribed it for ease of viewing, below. In defence of my ‘ingratitude’ with regard to gifts received, it actually stems from an inherent abhorrence of Waste. It upset me that people wasted their money on something I didn’t want, would never use/wear. This kind of sentiment underlies the anti-materialism attitude I developed in later years. Suffice to say, my ingratitude became an indelible mark on me, because my father & stepmother still bring it up on the odd occasion…] After Dad, Jacki, Jenny & Anthony left, went to a Xmas (dinner) lunch at Dianne & Kerry’s. Came home early & watched TV. Went to bed at 10:20 but just couldn’t get to sleep.

MUM – nothing, but I understand our/her financial problems

DAD – other ½ of bike!! silver chain bracelet

JULIA – lemon yellow jewellery stand [which was actually a kitchen cup/mug holder!]

NANA – lead pencils, rubbers, ruler, sharpener, soaps, diary-type book, school sox & a writing set/paper [a very typical style of gift from my grandma. I’m surprised there weren’t any handkerchiefs as well]

PAPA – big yellow beach towel

GEOFF – $25 voucher for Sportsgirl

JENNY & CO – eyeshadow

JODI & CO – baby pink shirt, $10 & 1 (crappy) ←(naaaah!) make up set

PAM & CO – bright necklace

BEV & CO – bright bracelet/bangle & nailpolish

DIANE B. & CO – blue & yellow polyester/cotton mini-dress

MRS M. – pen & watch set

MANDY & CO – one strap T shirt

Wednesday 26/12/84

BOXING DAY. Went to Robinson’s for a Christmas drink & ended up staying all day. Watched a video, played pool (Billiards or whatever) when they dropped us home, we gave them a tour of the house. The Skinners were at the Fishers. Had an early-ish night.

Thursday 27/12/84

With Geoff’s Sportsgirl voucher, Jules mum & I went into town & got some gear. I bought a hot pink singlet with Sportsgirl written on it & a red & white striped Tshirt with a collar & front buttons. Julia bought a pair of white shorts, a white Tshirt & a red cap. At home, mum ironed while Jules & I played records. Went to Clarke’s for a Christmas drink, ended up staying for tea. Got home about 11:30.

Friday 28/12/84

Woke early & went to work. Finished all the remaining drums (67 = $14.50) then dad said he’d pay me $4 per hr for labelling drums. I did 3hrs so my day’s total was $26.50. After, went to shipyard – wharf saw Glenn & Lynn C. for drinks

Saturday 29/12/84

Woke early-ish & went to Earlville. Looked around for a while but finally bought a neat pair of white with pink pinstripes shorts, a 1985 diary, record “Make It Big” by WHAM! and the January “Dolly”. Went to dad’s after lunch. That night Jenny, Julia, Dad & I went to drive-In. Gonna see “Muppets Take Manhattan” at the cinema but at Drive In, saw Footloose & “Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom” Were both terriffic.

Sunday 30/12/84

Went to Gordonvale to deliver some products today then spent the rest of the day at Peta & Marney’s. WAS VERY HOT.

Monday 3/12/84

Well it’s about 12:10, so I shouldn’t be writing in this diary. I dunno why but I’m extra sad this year. When I mentioned I forgot my 1985 Diary to Dad my eyes began to water. Luckily no one saw. Today, I mean ‘yesterday’ Dec. 31 I just read books all day. We had a New year’s Eve Party at Dad’s. I don’t know why I’m so emotional. Last year wasn’t my favourite year.