1984 – Page 4 – A Life in Words

28 May-3 June 1984

Published on May 3, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 28/5/84

Woke this morning when I banged my leg on the bar above Julia’s bed. Huh? [My sister and I were sleeping on bunk beds where we lived at that time – I had the top bunk normally, but on this particular morning I have woken up ‘downstairs’ in Julia’s bed…] I was still in my jeans – I hadn’t had dinner or a bath or cleaned my teeth. I slept from 3pm 27th to 6am 28th! 15 hrs – a record for me! When I asked mum how she carried me in here, she said, “I didn’t. Don’t you remember, you walked in here?” I must have sleep-walked! Was tired (everyone was.) Shane & Martin just noticed I have braces. Bit late, huh?! Heapsa HW. A Chinese Fortune thing told me I have all Power, when it comes to Shane – WO!!! Mr Howard’s new haircut – REE-VOLTING! Late night – UMAH!!!!

Tuesday 29/5/84

An Un-Special day. Just got my english assignment done & handed in! Woe is me! I think Shane loves Jenny & she loves him & they’re going together. My luck!! Mrs Caswell asked me to bring my YR8 Home Ec articles for a display. Science Test (last no’) was so HARD!! Julia went to tennis. Rebecca P has a racer – she came down & asked me to teach her how to change gears etc.

Wednesday 30/5/84

Woke early. Resolved to earn as much money as possible ($300 perhaps) At speech, Jemima didn’t even say hello. I still think she doesn’t like me, in fact I know it. On the way home, heard a rattling – my pedal reflector is coming off. “Any Which Way You Can” was the movie. Was good.

Thursday 31/5/84 [my sister’s birthday]

Woke early – Jules got “the Beat ’84”, “Footloose”, “Throbbin’ ’84”, “Colour by Numbers” (Culture Club), Alan Parsons Project, pink & green & white dress, pyjamas, cardigan, sweatshirt & skirt, cute pens, rubbers etc (from me!) & extra $30. Lucky dick!! Gave Julia Rebecca P’s punches. BIG dinner! Feel sick! Chips, cake chicken & pumpkin pie (Yuk) At 9pm mandy & Bill returned from their camping holiday in Tassy.

Friday 1/6/84

In english, didn’t have to hand in our “Dump Site’ project because Leanne wasn’t here 4 us to record it (have till Mon)!!! Mr Roff came to our german class yesterday & told all those in 9.7 art to go to the art room after school – 2 stanley knives disappeared. Roffy said if he didn’t get them back, we would only do theory until he got them. Not fair!! Ate like a hog, this arvy, then rode with Julia. Talked to Rebecca P, Adrienne M, Ross and Nat. Watched Barbra Streisand movie “the main event”. OKAY.

Saturday 2/6/84

Am riding to tennis again (can’t believe I’m allowed!!) Tennis was pretty good – my serving is great! Rode into town. Rang mum from phone booth with an excuse. Out till 3:00. Was great!! Mim acts better now, as if the “would-be” fight never happened. Time of my life – late nite – am buggared!!!

Sunday 3/6/84

Little HW, when Fi rang & all painted her house (pretty good!!!) About 1:30, got our $2 ea, spent it at shop, then went to mima’s where we played game (cos’ parents were out.) Mim owned a restaurant & I (a man) asked Fiona out to dinner. Made us lunch. “Wine?” she asked. “Yes” we answered. We took a sip and stared at each other. “Mima” I said, “have you altered this juice in anyway?” “A little” “Reisling?” “Something like that” she answered. We had 3 more glasses, each time the wine becoming stronger. Then we all tried some rum. Stewart came down (he almost vomited) Then gin & tonic. WHAT NEXT?! The B’s came home later & we all went home. Watched “James Bond” in “the Spy Who Loved Me”.

21-27 May 1984

Published on May 2, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 21/5/84

Late morning. I have a horse cough, now (y’know a deep, hoarse wintry cough) Was cold & windy today. Love it!!! Haven’t got Fi’s present yet – UMAH! Mucked around at lunchtime. Quite boring really. Came home and cried. Don’t know why – just got angry & cried. [brilliant example of inexplicable teen angst, due to raging hormones?] Dad rang and tried to calm me down. He has his own flat now. Jodie S.’s birthday

Tuesday 22/5/84

I GOT MY PINAFORE!! It’s grey but still great! Gave Fi a postcard & I will every day of the week (until Saturday – the surprise party.) Heaps of HW today (Angela’s birthday, too, today) AM worried I won’t get it done. GUESS WHAT?!! Shane is going to the Blue Light with Jenny H. He doesn’t know she smokes. Poor boy – another broken heart!!!! [ah, the naivety of youth…hilarious]

Wednesday 23/5/84

Fiona didn’t get on the bus today. She & Jemima wagged it, together – they told me. That’s quite upsetting. I told Mrs Dunphy about the surprise party & she’s agreed to let Fi go. One problem – Jemima knows. Stuart blurted it out. I’ve got no choice but to lie to her. Hope she doesn’t find out. At the movies this morning were gonna see Footloose as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark, but the shitty teachers made them turn the projectors off. Couldn’t go to tennis – no buses left. Got into Toni’s group for Round Robin. FUN! On the way home from speech someone at the school whistled & whistled & whistled. I think at me! Sounded like it!

A Life in Words — the only photo (to my knowledge) of me with braces

Thursday 24/5/84

Got my BRACES!! They’re not big chunky ones at all (like Lucy’s) They’re good! Stayed home. Watched TV & did History. Went to Toni’s (when she got home form school). Drew up the man for “Pin the dick on the Spunk” game at the party. Went home. Late-ish night.

Friday 25/5/84

Ran late because my teeth were aching & I couldn’t eat quick enough! Wasn’t worried – no one teased me. Parade this morning. Have some new assignments. Talked about party at lunch, while Fi was at Library & Angela at a debating meeting. Ate 3 bowls of ice-cream this arvy, but did a lot of riding after!! Mima came around, asking about the surprise party. I told the truth except that “Karen, Rebecca P. & Natasha” organised it. She was very upset. Riding to tennis tomorrow. (I’m actually allowed to ride!) Fi & mima were planning to go to the Bluelight. I feel I’ve hurt Jemima badly by telling her she couldn’t come. It seems she hates me for it.

Saturday 26/5/84

Rode to tennis. Jemima didn’t talk to me once at all. Fiona filled in mima’s team; I filled in Beka’s. Had a great day, despite Jemima’s sourness. Beek & I talked about it. She rode me home. (the other two went to the Esplanade). I dressed and went to Dad’s. Found out Peta & Marney both smoke! At home, paced nervously until time to go. Got calls from Lucy. Got Fiona but was trapped. Jemima came back down the hill. They explained about how they found out the truth & said sorry. I cried. Took Fi’s gear up then collected Fi.

Sunday 27/5/84

Was great! We ate & played with water bombs, got beds ready, sat & ate dinner, watched “Porky’s” (was UNREEAL!) Played pin the cock on the man, then Boarding Schools. Watched “Clas of 1984”, then talked & talked & talked. Slept on & off – I got around ½hrs sleep! Angela & Natasha didn’t sleep at all. Some had a swim in the morning – COLD!! Had pancakes the size of piklets for brekky. Mucked around. Came home at 2pm. Slept ½hr. Want to sleep again. I’ll have an early nite!

14-20 May 1984

Published on May 1, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 14/5/84

Didn’t want to go to school. Long boring morning. Rebecca P. sprained her ankle in PES. Lunchtime was lively – pushed each other around. Was fun. Long, boring (noisy) german lesson. Got home 3:45. Rebecca used our phone to call her mum to pick her up. She was out so her dad’s apprentice came instead. Mum showed me the plans. A few changes & I love it now! Also the new $1 coin was released today. It’s GRAND!! 92% Cu, 6% Al & 2% Nickel!

Tuesday 15/5/84

I got a new $1 coin (for Thursday’s pocket money) Neat! Lucy was away, getting her braces put on. Yep! Luc!! Boring day. Got another english assignment, this time on our set reader. Lunchtime went to art room. Mucked up!! Mum bought a whole new outfit.

Wednesday 16/5/84

Hectic day. Toni, Rebecca & Lucy were away. Got to bus stop – was empty!! Thought I’d missed the bus until Karen came down 3mins later. Late to tennis. All wingeing about cost 45 mins for $1.50. Rip-off!!!! Bus was strangely empty. Rode to speech. Mim & elisia were all dressed up. Was good! Late night!

Thursday 17/5/84

NO!! Miss Woods extended it until Monday, now!!! Everyone who was away yesterday are here today (Lucy, braces’n’all.) She says they hurt. Went late night. Bought tracksuits and gloves & beanies for Irvinbank. Nice’n’warm’n’cosy!! Froze in the airconditioning at Earlville!! Had tea there. Battered fish & scallops – GREASY!! Must write a list of things to take tomorrow at school.

Friday 18/5/84

Pretty rushed day. Panicked when got home (cause I forgot to write a list). Can’t wait to get there. Am pretty stisfied with what I’ve packed – am still worried about pastimes. Bought lunch today. PES – played another basketball/netball game. Mrs Connors says I’m good (Ha! Ha!) We’re about to go now – bye!!

Saturday 19/5/84

Last night was cold – breathing vapour! Woke 6:30. Had big brekky, did some HW, then went for a walk to the old Vulcan mine. Was so deep! After some fossicking, had lunch, then went to the School of the Arts, where began a tour of the town & new mine. At camp, had shower. Read until went to dance. SLACK!! All country’n’western music. Girls about my age were smoking, hanging around men. Bed at 11:00.

Sunday 20/5/84

Woke 7:30 & read, until went (in 4WD’s) on the outer town tour. Went to the cementry, then Ghost Town (Ghost town alright – no buildings left at all!!) Fossiked & looked around the remains of the old tin smelter. Had lunch at the School of the Arts. After, packed up & left around 3pm. At Herberton, I was ready to chuck up, but after a long stop at the Joss House, gained strength & made it to Yungaburra Hotel where ate chips’n’nuts galore. Slept on the way home. Missed out on the movie “Superman”. Was too tired.

7-13 May 1984

Published on April 30, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 7/5/84

Went to Fi’s at 9:00. Went to mim’s at 10. Still asleep. Came back 9:30. [what the?!] Polly said she woke a minute after we left! Went to beach with Brewers. Rough & strong rip. Visited the beachside shop now & then. At home, hurriedly dressed to see Julia off on her Lizard Island Camp. Shane was going, too. I think he tried to make me notice him. Got an ice block on the way home. Fought over the house plans. Mum wants it her way; always her way. Did essay. Wrote about when I came back from Outward Bound Camp & Julia told me mum was leaving (Gr6). [Well THAT’s a surprise to me. It proves how irrelevant Time is to your consciousness, in the long run. Memories blur into each other. I ‘d could’ve sworn I wrote that essay in Grade 7 (1982), as I have said previously. Also, I know my father & mother’s relationship disintegration spanned some time but I’d never have guessed it was 2 years (1981-1983). How terribly painful for them both] After, cause of fatigue, got shitty when something got in my eye & still won’t come out. Tried everything. I’ll just go to bed & hope it’s gone tomorrow.

Tuesday 8/5/84

Speck is still there, but I’m used to it. Wrote out essay neatly before school. Ants got into my lunch – starved in PES. I was also whacked in the jaw – PAIN! Fi & me stayed in at art at Big Lunch. Got my haircut. Short with a scungy ratstail. It’s too small – looks silly. Watched Last part of “Return to Eden”. Was good.

Wednesday 9/5/84

Woke late, feel tired. Wore Julia’s peach & white striped Tshirt in PES! Got a bad graze & bruise on my leg, when at little lunch a boy pushed his mate into us & as he fell, stood on my leg, [we were sitting on the ground] pinching it to the ground. Stayed in art again, before leaving for tennis – “I’ma gettin’ betta!” Lenny couldn’t start the bus this arvy – fooling around with a spanner when the problem was the handbrake was still on! Got home 3:55 LATE! Wore mainly Julia’s clothes to speech – UMAH! Was fun. After, Lucy, me, fi & mim rode playing “follow the leader”. Geoff staying for tea.

Thursday 10/5/84

Yesterday, I accidentally walked back into Kel M. – he put his arm around me & said “Orr, Sorry Darling!” I ignored him – a bit!! Slow day until Jules came back from camp. Slept 3hrs & was delirious saying things like, “Is dad home?” “I don’t wanna go back”, “everyone hated it”, “no water”, “salty baths”, “dry island” [which it is – there is no fresh water source on Lizard Island. I’m no doctor, but it sounds to me like she was pretty dehydrated]. DISCO was great but I was wierdest dressed. Michelle S. & Sandra E. & Shaun H. laughed at my shoes. Didn’t get BP updated UMAH!!

Friday 11/5/84

BP book was almost complete when handed in. Busy little lunch – ate ½ lunch, changed shoes, changed into blouse & handed in my maths folder! Big lunch, all sat under our tree & talked. Finished “stained glass window” in art. Looks TERRIFIC!! Lotsa stupid jokes in German got Miss Schmieman mad. This arvy rang mim 10 times & Fi 2. neither were home. I knew they were together. Upset that they didn’t get me. However, I cried…..(but what’s new?) Watched the movie “Smoky & the Bandit. TRIFF!!

Saturday 12/5/84

Tennis was okay. 1/3 games. I’m getting better. Went to mim’s after. Had a swim, all played a game. Was great! Now are all going to camp out in Mim’s Nanny’s Yard. Am so nervous – don’t know what to take! Will it be cold? Will we be alright? Hope mim’s nanny doesn’t mind.

Sunday 13/5/84

Was great! Mima & Fi wre uncomfortable so slept in the house – Beka & I didn’t. Packed up, went back to mim’s where had brekky and played games all day. Beka left around lunchtime. After, we had a swim, then made patty cakes for our mums. Was dark & all kept hearing things, like someone calling “mima!” Scared to death! When got home, mum got uptight about me being away all day on MOTHER’S DAY. Feel so guilty. Mum worked all day – on mothers day.

1-6 May 1984

Published on April 29, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Tuesday 1/5/84

GUESS WHAT?!! Mum rang Dad & he said I’d definitely have my bike by Thursday!! UNREEEAL!! Last night, I woke, sitting up chocking on my saliva. I coughed & sucked back mucus till my throat got sore. It has been sore all day, now. Very drowsy day. Bought lunch – A mince roll. YUMMY!! [Interestingly enough, I clearly recall this little moment in my life: how good – soothing – that warm mince felt against my inflamed oesophagus.] MY THROAT IS KILLING ME. Tonight, whilst doing my HW an accident (involving Kim H.) occurred across the road. A dog was run over. I know nothing more.

Wednesday 2/5/84

I GOT MY BIKE!! It’s not a Galaxy II because it has a racing seat (hard on the bum), 12 speed & more expensive. Got it after speech. Lucy, Fi, Mima & I went for a test ride. The throat lozenges for my sore throat changed my taste bud’s senses and made me feel sick. I’m getting better at Tennis! Bought my disco ticket & got a new History assignment. Hard to talk today ’cause of my throat. Think I might get Larangitus.

Thursday 3/5/84

Feeling heaps better. Lotsa HW – Hell! Chucked a tantrum in front of Toni this morning over terrible blocked ears. Feud at the bus stops this morning. We saw Shane & them coming, so we walked to the corner of Sharon M’s house and got on there but the boys kept walking. After all, about 30 got on the 1st stop, 4 on the 2nd and 5 or so at the 3rd. Went late night. Bought gloves & dog chains for disco. Got good seats on bus today.

Friday 4/5/84

Cold must be cured! Feel so good! Didn’t go to tennis at the courts because mima was going out & “didn’t feel up to it” anyway. So Fi & I went for a ride to the shop. Met Lucy. Bought the “supplies” & played the ‘Lolly stop’ Game. Fun! Lucy asked me to Go to to Fitzroy Is. for the weekend with her but I don’t know cause I’ve got tennis Saturday & lotsa HW.

Saturday 5/5/84

Decided not to go. Rained at tennis, Luckily it was mum’s turn on the roster, so she drove us back to mim’s. Played ‘The Ungame’. It helps you discover yourself & others. Had a swim, rode to Beka’s & got the “Thriller” tape. At mim’s watched it twice, went to the shop, then went home. Did very little HW. Big 3 course dinner!

Sunday 6/5/84

The movie last night was called “40 Carats” & it was stupid. Did HW in AM (English Essay has got me stuck. Dunno what to write) Went to Fi’s. She was still in bed reading. Finished her book, mucked about then had salad sammy 4 lunch. Rode to mim’s but Mr B. said she was still asleep, to come back in 1 hr. Went to shop, tennis courts, then mims again. We all went for a swim, then shop, then Pony Club. Talked to Justine & Erica. Went home. Mum is still at Tinnaburra. AHHH! I turned the light on!! Movie – Jazz Singer. I might watch it. Yes, I think I will.

The Rest of April 1984

Published on April 28, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Saturday 28 April

Didn’t get Fi as a partner for tennis but still won 2/3 games with my “assortment” of partners (one in our team was away so I had a different partner every game) Had no lunch, just junk food. Went to Fi’s at 3:30. Talked, then Fi, Stu, Brad & me went against Martin & Liam in a water fight. TREADLY!! Had hamburgers for tea. Finished my graffiti bag. ie the plastic case I covered in brands. I just put a string on & covered it in CONTACT!!

Sunday 29 April

Went to Fi’s, but she was at mima’s. Mima came back late yesterday, you see. Fiona got lots of presents. A shirt (for cleaning the pool & feeding cats) stickers, bubble gum, a rubik’s cube & sunglasses (which she bought out of Fi’s money) All I got was a pack of stickers. We played smurfs all day (pizza for lunch in between) Later, watched their holiday video. Went home. Early night.

Monday 30 April

DON’T WANNA GO TO SCHOOL!!!! I’m sick of it! Melissa was away today. Had to wear my black shoes for double science BLISTERS! Had an emu parade at 1:30 in Big Lunch. Shitty teachers – missed out on the rest of the break. Film in Science made me very sleepy. Everyone ran to the bus this arvy. But were sent back. Shitty Mr Gralton – we went last. Had meat pie for tea again.

27 April, 1984

Published on April 27, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Due to popular demand – and entries such as this one which are hardly worth checking for 2 lines – successive posts will contain a full week’s worth of entries. It also makes sense to marry up the Leap Years. Since 1984 was a leap year, as was 2012, it makes sense to move on to 1985 (correlating with 2013). So, let’s plough on through 1984….

Friday 27/4/84

Thought I’d get my bike today but Dad said, “they’ve come alright, but have to be assembled”. Forgot to make lunch last night so starved through a yukky one today. Had a big fight with Jules. She’s staying at Dad’s tonight. I’m just watching tele. (Telly, sorry!)

26 April, 1984

Published on April 26, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Thursday 26/4/84

OH NO! SCHOOL AGAIN!! Got a postcard from mima today – she’s missing us. Haven’t got my new racer yet. Dad said they’re coming tomorrow, to Cairns. Got into trouble a lot about forgetting to get assessment sheets signed. Fi came around after (a pretty boring) school (day) to see if I’d gotten my bike yet. Talked. Couldn’t be bothered to do my HW. Made a bag out of that plastic case which I covered with “brands” (e.g: jag, Findus, Kleenex) Looks pretty good!!

25 April, 1984 – Anzac Day Unnoticed?

Published on April 25, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Wednesday 25/4/84

Nana didn’t sleep last night. She fussed around, checking on us almost every minute!! [aha! So ‘helicopter parenting’ DID exist in the 80’s…or rather, ‘helicopter GRAND-parenting’] Brekky was bacon & eggs. YUM!! Couldn’t go to tennis (at Sportsworld) this time, because it was closed. [duh! Anzac Day] Instead we all went to Crystal Cascades. Was cold, but FUN!! At Fi’s Rode to shop to buy bread (& lollies!) Stu, Fi & me played ‘follow the leader’ on bikes, when met Karen & Sandra. Talked for a long time before I rode Fi home.

It’s quite amazing to me NOW that I seemed unaware of it being Anzac Day. It didn’t even rate a mention. I’m not sure if it’s a regional thing, or was simply the era, or just MY family, but Dawn Service was unheard of. Where I live now, it’s HUGE. Everyone knows about it, so many hundreds of people attend it (the Service at Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club is televised nationally by Channel 7’s ‘Sunrise’ and has been so for some years) and best of all, younger generations seem interested in participating. This is of course a great thing. Sadly, respect for the past, for our forebears, seems to have been otherwise lost in Australian society.

24 April 1984

Published on April 24, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Tuesday 24/4/84

At Fiona’s, went for a ride, then had a picnic up at our block. Played a game on our bikes, then decided to camp out tonight in our backyard. Gathered Fi’s stuff & got back (after cleaning her room, as well) to “set up camp”. The tent went like this: Looks unreal!

This -> is to celebrate the opening of the international airport.