1983 – Page 2 – A Life in Words

Week Four – Starting High School

Published on April 3, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Saturday 22 January

Went to town for school & other things. Went to see if uniforms were ready, met Lucy. She’s going to Smithy! Went to her place (& Julia), stayed the rest of the day – had chocolates for lunch (um-ah!)

Sunday 23 January

Went to Peta & Marney’s for lunch then came home to find Petra come up 5 mins after. She left & Mulleys came for tea. Everyone goes back to school tomorrow except Smithy kids! [Smithfield State High was a new school, catering to the population of the northern beaches and only started Years 8 & 9 at its inception, so we were ‘pioneer pupils’]

Monday 24 January

Poor Jules – really upset about school, Year 6 & not having me there anymore. Wouldn’t stop crying. But she came home with her mind on homework – project & story. Went to town. Got contact [brand of self-adhesive plastic we covered all our books in]. Leonie had lots of trouble using it & told mum not to get it but I insisted that I could do it, so she bought some & I did it! I’m smarter than Leonie! School tomorrow. Couldn’t get socks – have to wear old ones. Wonder what I’ll take everything in? Ring Justine.

Tuesday 25 January

Started off by going to the toilet, washing my face, weighing myself, getting dressed, cleaning up & finally making my bed. High school – scary at first but ended up being very good. In my form (8B) is (that I know) Karen & Kent. Not bad, eh! Like a boy called Andrew – reminds me of Nick K. (went to Machans Beach) Had English homework. Not sure whether I did it right or not. Forgot my ‘Prima’ drink.

Wednesday 26 January AUSTRALIA DAY

Today we got a temporary timetable. Did German, Maths, History, English, Art & Science. Was broiling hot & still is. I can fell the sweat running slowly down my head & through my hair. Had a late bath & a big, big dinner! Never new hard-boiled eggs were so filling! Still a little, little bit nervous but I’m beginning to get used to it. I wish we had our lockers. Didn’t forget drink today!!

Thursday 27 January

Today mum got socks, new undies & another pair of bummies (which are dicky). [‘Bummies’ were a kind of special ‘over-pants’ – as opposed to underpants – girls used to wear for sports/phys.ed. classes. Made of a super-thick synthetic material, they were worn for ‘modesty’ under your sports skirt, unless you were body-confident enough to go without your skirt altogether!] When I came home mum smelled me & so now I’m using deodourant & Femfresh! [Let’s not go into ‘Femfresh’…! You can research that one yourself if you really care to know] Got heaps of homework – History, English & Music. Have to do English & Music tomorrow morning. Started raining this arvy (pouring) when we saw the bus, we all ran to it but it had to turn! So we got soaked & Natasha slipped in the mud! Mad scramble onto the bus when it parked!

Friday 28 January

Another boring day. Starting to notice Beka is taking Fi off me. Rebecca came over, ended up going back to her place, then back to ours again because she was going to sleep the night. Went (after dinner) to Smith’s & had a swim. Stay a very long time. Talked & talked for ages. HW – posters for Science & English if you want to. Julia slept at Lysarne’s and Jordi did too. Rebecca stayed here!

Week Three, 1983

Week Three, 1983

Published on April 2, 2013 by Elissa Coxen3 Comments

Saturday 15 January

Want Shane. Eric is 1 of those boys who you forget what he looks like, yet when you look at him, it seems as if you’ve seen him all your life; I think I feel something for him. Gone to islands for Dad but the weather stopped us. Clean-up day (Getting rid of the main Lino!)

Sunday 16 January

Going home today. Had wonderful time. Only wish I bought my camera. Will miss Des[? can’t read the original handwriting] & Eric a bit cause they’re nice. Fought with ’em bout bonfire last night & they made their own (taking our boxes)

Monday 17 January

When came home yesterday, found Petra was back from her trip around Australia. She came back on Thurs 13th. We met Pellings and scrubbed out Petra’s pool then started to form the “Odd Job Mob”. Petra slept over & thought about how to deal with the money. Getting measured for school uniforms today, going shopping & looking for my shoes & accessories. Westcourt Plaza opens today (K-mart) but not allowed to go. Petra came. Got home & swam in her “now-filled” pool!

Tuesday 18 January

Rang Mim yesterday. She said when we were at Russell Heads, she was at her block but I think she lied cause the Pellings saw her & Beka at Crystal Cascades. Anyhow, cleaned out drawers today & Petra came up (when mum went out to town) & asked us for a swim, then we went to see E.T. it was absolutely, wonderfully moving story of a cute animal from outer space. After that we went to Pellings & all had a swim at Petra’s.

Wednesday 19 January

Going to go to Westcourt Plaza, but not now. Going to get school things instead. (The uniforms are nice but we didn’t get time on Monday to buy shoes etc) Couldn’t get socks today, maybe tomorrow. Had a soft-serve yogurt for a “treat” lunch. Came home & painted bee & flower on my lampshade while mum & Noela had coffee at Northern Heritage. Then met Pellings & we all swam away the afternoon.

Thursday 20 January

Went shopping and saw “Max” Shirley L.B. baby boy (so cute)!! (At home) came back and took Astro for a walk on his new leash to Pellings. Petra came up 5 mins after and we all went down for a swim at Petra’s. Got out and changed had a snack (honey & peanut butter sandwich) then came home, got everything for spending the night at Rebecca’s. (Lysarne told me Petra was constipated)

Friday 21 January

Were going to go shopping with Mrs Pelling but Mrs Hayles came round and took us roller-skating. After that, we had lunch of sandwiches, played a few games of cards, then spent the rest of the afternoon in the pool. Spunky boy at skating (like Martin D.) Really nice! Today was probably the last day I’d ever see Julie again, for a long time. Came home at 6:00. She taught me how to play Polka & Coon Can.

Week Two, 1983

Published on March 31, 2013 by Elissa Coxen5 Comments

Saturday 8 January

Clare, Jo & the boys came over last night cause Jo was lonely minding them. Astro couldn’t stand properly so took him to the vet. Even though he’s better now, he may not live. Robinsons came over for BBQ dins – Vikky too (the baby)

Sunday 9 January

Leaving for Russell Heads today. Packed & ready to go to Mulleys. RUSSELL HEADS – Not what I expected, terrible boys see 10th

Monday 10 January

Janelle said she told one boy Eric, 13, that I was beautiful & sexy & spunky. I’ve seen & met Eric & to me he’s an idiot, and ugly freak & a dickhead, smart-arse. I’m angry with Janelle because now he’s seen me in person, she & Julia say he loves me – that’s worse. Anyhow, went swimming and surf-skiing all day, on & off. Had a bonfire (very, very small) and played tackle with the boys. (Hated it) and I went to bed earlier

Tuesday 11 January

Last night was so hot that Amanda and I couldn’t sleep, we tried everything plus trying to squeeze cool water on us. Finally, we ended up taking the mattress & everything outside, cause Leonie was mad at us for sneaking around in the dark. She ended up staying out there with us & we all sang & talked & laughed & looked at the stars to try and find the Southern Cross & Saucepan etc. Mum came with Astro today. Lazy day again (Am glad)

Wednesday 12 January

Last night, slept in normal bed & temperature was just right! Slept well. Going to The “Islands” for a picnic today – (Was very hot & we all got burnt. Janelle and I complained of burning faces & it was that the glare of the water & the “Sundown” [brand of sunscreen] made it sting.) Came home and Manda and I slept the afternoon away because we were tired from the heat, sunburn & mozzies. Dad comes tomorrow!! Can’t wait!

Thursday 13 January

Yesterday the boys made a terrific bonfire (at night) and a good one today (at night) Went in & out of the water constantly & even swam in the sea without stockings. (Leonie & Mum weren’t pleased) [Because Box Jellyfish – deadly species – habitate estuaries and coastline of North Queensland from approximately November to May every year, it is highly recommended that you avoid swimming at beaches unless there is a ‘stinger net’ enclosure or you don some kind of stinger suit. So we improvised with pantyhose; one pair protecting our legs, and the second with holes cut in the crotches – to make ‘tops’] Dad came and bought us all a Bubble Stick. When we got back (we were all on the front) I walked on the side to get off and next thing I know I slip off the side and land on my tummy! [refers to manoeuvering around a small boat]

Friday 14 January

Today, went to Harvey Creek for a swim and while we were there, we also collected some rocks for erosion. Got back about 11 o’clock. Before we went, Janelle fell in off the boat like me, though she landed on the jetty, then slipping off. Painful! She said it wasn’t but I think it was! Finally some rain & thunder! Not much, but enough to cool us down & help flora & fauna / Now there’s lots & it’s very cold (Mum fell over on boat, almost sprained ankle)

Week One, 1983

Published on March 31, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Saturday 1 January

Today we got our new dog – Astro! He’s a Shepherd-Labradore cross. Went to Robbo’s for chicken lunch. Astro is just 5 weeks old. Costs $30 including vaxination & 1st worming tablets.

Sunday 2 January

Think Astro is blind or nearsighted or longsighted. Going to have BBQ seak but had a little storm. Lazy day. Ate too much. Aus won toss – batted first – (cricket)

Monday 3 January

Over the past few days, a part of my ear has been aching & sore when pressed in or out. Got to write to Fig [nickname of the man my mother ended up seeing after my parents split] to thank him for the records (unfortuneately) (IS VERY HOT) Dad found Costic (work cat) outside work today. Thought we lost him on 31st ’82. He & Astro or Aspro (now) got on well. [My mother wanted to call the pup Aspro because he was “a little pill”] Went to Kendals for swim & drink, when got back, Julia & I played with Pellings, tried to make cubby, couldn’t so went there, played “Game of Life”.

Tuesday 4 January

Met Pellings at 9:30 and began thinking of club names. Met them at 8.00 but they only just woke and had to have brekky & do chores. They said (as it was fine weather) we might all go to Lake Placid for the day. Matthew C. came back today and can’t find his black cat. One of his dogs (Princess) peed on Aspro while he was sniffing her thingo. [HER thingo? She was definitely a ‘he’!] When Pellings came, mum left to have hair body-waved. Today we actually finished the ladder! But I still won’t get up the tree. [clearly the club and the ladder refer to a treehouse we were attempting to build, in our yard]

Wednesday 5 January

Went shopping. Mum wants to buy us some cool, low heeled sandals for summer – I saw nice pair $16. Couldn’t get them today though. Mum’ll try and get them for me later. Wore the white top I got from Jodie & Michael for Xmas. I like it now! After lunch playing with Pellings, R. said, “Let’s have a day at our house”, yesterday, so we’re going there. Took astro to the vet – has a very bad case of Hookworm. Might not live – Poor thing I love him so much and you know who!

Thursday 6 January

Yesterday ended up not playing with Pellings cause when we got to their place L. had gone out and R. was about to go. So spent the arvy watching TV. Anyhow, went to Brewers 9:30 and watched video before going to Crystal Cascades with Mima, Pol, Beka, Louisa and Julia. Am afraid that we had to disappoint the Pellings again but – it was deadly fun. Took Astro – Mim & everyone love him. Came home Mim & Polly sleeping the night. Stayed up till 12.45!

Friday 7 January

Auntie Hilary’s Birthday & Clare’s.

Played with Mim & Polly all day – good fun. Last night had a midnight feast. Redskins, tictacs, Raspberries, dandy fruit chewy. Very tired. Brewers left around 3.00 now boring! Mrs S. drove past yesterday when we were walking back from the shop with the feast goodies. I didn’t see Shane in the car. Am all upset about high school – books & uniform. “Figles” rang today but this time I didn’t hang up like I did before shopping, on Wednesday

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