1985 – Page 3 – A Life in Words

TAFE Excursion & a Fat Lip (12-18 August)

Published on August 12, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 12/8/85

Better with Fiona, now. Not best – just better. (I don’t think Jemima likes me much tho’) Anyway, was surprised how I didn’t get jealous or anything when I asked about fete. Was funny!! Cos she told me wat Natasha & Rebecca P. did to them & how she danced with David S. etc. So was good. Got ½ english essay done & ½ way thru, have decided to do Q1, instead. I’m not starting again, tho’. What I wrote (½) of Q2 will do 4 the whole of Q1. (I hope) [Confused? Good, so am I…] (I’ll see HIM [my english teacher, I assume] at skool – probably won’t like it. Shit!) Didn’t go to aerobics. Did no HW, too. Glad to be back at skool – routine!! Don’t see Tim much; lost interest I think, now I know who he likes….

Tuesday 13/8/85

Almost normal with Fiona, now. But I think how we are now is how we will stay. Very friendly but I’m not as “pushy” as before. Went to Mr Van today at lunchtime. Major/minor changes to essay. He thinks I’ve answered the question but my expression is not quite correct in some places. Tomorrow we’re going on the excursion to TAFE College. (Career Education) Wonder if we’ll have to wear our black leather shoes??! Hope not. American exchange student coming next Friday (23rd) Can’t wait!! Kim D. I think her name is…. Oh! Also, I’m on the Mulgrave Camp! I was selected (my name was first girl’s read out.) Along with Fi & Justine. Initially, Tina wasn’t & Angela R. was – but Tina’s swapping with Angela cos’ she dearly wants to go. Angela can go with Toni on Tinaroo

Wednesday 14/8/85

TAFE excursion was – boring (got a whole lot of pamphlets 4 the fun of it.) [I’d never do that now – paper wastage is an environmental travesty! Don’t even try to give me a plastic bag when I’m shopping…] Went on same bus as Tim!! At school, after big lunch, spent last two periods on parade. Teachers explained to us subject choices open for next year. I dunno quite what to do. Tonight there was a whodunit movie (don’t ask me who the murderer(s) was/were – too hard for me!) Am tired. Aching. Think there’s more growing pains in my legs. Shit- (At TAFE guys whistled at all us girls) SKINT!!

Thursday 15/8/85

Today was not good. I’ve never been to the office more than once to see about sores/sickness. First, at parade my top lip was itchy (under the skin) so I scratched it & it swelled, in fact, in BP it almost touched my nose!! So went to office. Got calamine lotion which didn’t help. [Weird. I never discovered the cause of this freakish reactive condition.] Then, after P.E., (we were made to run relays, 4 x 100m.) I was SICK. Carter (STP!!) wouldn’t let me out. [I’m guessing STP stood for ‘suck-the-pus’ coz that’s the only phrase I can recall using around that time, that would fit that acronym] In history didn’t write notes (dictation) just rested but I was weak, trembly, sick & had a gigantic headache. Spent ½hr in the sick bay. [I might hazard a guess and say that many of those symptoms I describe could simply be the result of a really good, hard workout – an out-of-the-ordinary, intense physical & neurological challenge, catapulting me into the Fight-or-Flight response I so rarely experienced as a relatively sedentary kid…?] Alright after that (Tina isn’t allowed on the Mulgrave Camp, still.) Wunda why?

Friday 16/8/85

Saw Jemima yesterday. She was well. Diff’rent I think, Anyhow: today was better today (huh? that’s sounds abit funny.) Gonna work tomorrow. Might even clean drums. God today was boring. Absolutely NOTHING “notable” occurred. Anna has a new haircut. I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all. It looked better before & even better before that. Periods finished, I think. Thank god. Hope I don’t get them for camp. Got a list of things I’d like to (want to) buy for summer (& camp.) One is a nightshirt to sleep in. This one I nicked off mum is too short now. I’m growing too fast About 5’8″ – 5’9″ (175-180cm) Big huh?

Saturday 17/8/85

I may as well write my diary now, save writing it out tomorrow. [That is, playing ‘catch-ups’…] See, its about 12:15 (we’ve just been to Dianne & Kerry’s. Geoff’s mum’s there.) We stayed playing Trivial Pursuit. It was boring. Am dog tired. Also have to do HW & english essay tomorrow. Earned $21.25 today. Kept $10.25 & gave $11 to mum to bank for me. Can’t wait till I can spend it!! Can think of so many things to buy. Cleaned drums & labelled today. It [10L chemical drum cleaning] isn’t too bad after all (x-ept that you get everything wet (well I do)) [oh and maybe get a little poisoned by the toxic chemicals I was rinsing out of them?] Didn’t eat much. Had a sly cone (yogurt tho’) & desert at Di & Kerry’s – still, must lose.. 6kgs I worked out. Keep going Liss

Sunday 18/8/85

I feel a strange kind of freedom. See, I got all my Homework done before 2:00! [a feeling I haven’t known many times in my life: I am usually a ‘last-minute’ crammer] And (that includes my essay) what’s better, the time went so slow after that! I just didn’t know what to do. I made a barby shirt & fixed up their “living area”. I removed (tried to) unwanted hair (underarms & bikini line) and had a sly cone (umah) that’s another good thing. I didn’t feel hungry at all today! So I didn’t eat much. I’m quite happy overall. Dunno particularly why. (Also, put some things on my door) Gonna have an early night So I feel 100% in the morning. Can’t wait till next weekend. Will write a list of all the things I can do so I don’t get bored!!

Relationship Tests & the Hunger/Thirst Concept (5-11 Aug)

Published on August 5, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 5/8/85

[Insert hand-drawn musical notes] Torn between two Lovers [insert more musical notes]…. Nah!! I dunno (still) who I like better!! My necklace (crystals – fake) from Jenny broke today. I took it to show my friends. Have lost about eight – ten beads. OH well… Dunno which camp to go on – the one to Little Mulgrave or Tinaroo.(Am really wanting to know which one (or if) Tim’s going on.) It’s a camp just 4 us YR 10’s!! Have begun cutting down on food intake from today. Read an article in “New Idea” about when you feel hungry (whether it be from seeing someone else eating, depression/boredom etc.) to massage certain parts of your body & the hunger pangs die. When I was hungry for dinner, I tried it & sure enough I had ¾ of the amount I would normally have had. Also am gonna try to drink lots water before a meal. Is supposed to fill you up!! Hope it all works!!! [Hmmm, and also dilutes your stomach acids so it kind of hinders the digestive process. You should only drink before a meal if you’re trying to determine whether you are actually hungry, since thirst is often confused as hunger. Either way, you need to wait 10 minutes or so to find out: if truly hungry, the stomach acids will re-concentrate, bringing back your ‘hunger pangs’.]

Tuesday 6/8/85

Today was boring. Ate less, but after dinner, demolished almost ¾ tin of peaches. Big brawl with Julia climaxed today – mum tried to make us explain Julia denied everything. She just gets shitty whenever I get a seat nearest to the back [of the bus] than her (or if I get a seat at all) at skool & home she’s fine – but on the bus she talks about me to her friends & gives me dirty looks. Late night tonight. Am going on Little Mulgrave Camp after all, even if Tim doesn’t. (Tina, Fran etc are)

Wednesday 7/8/85

Early night, mum’s at a National Trust meeting. Julia and I are at home on our own!! (Believe it or not!!) We’ll be asleep before she gets home (about 10) Is 8:30 now. Fiona isn’t talking to me. I think it’s because I don’t talk as much to her cos’ I feel that anything I say is stupid, unimportant etc. She, Anna & Megan went to typing room at lunch today. So I went to oval with Justine & Sara. She said to Anna on the bus (when I wasn’t paying attention) “Let’s go to typing again tomorrow.” I think it was a retaliation remark, to hurt me. /// Tim isn’t going on the camp. shucks!!

Thursday 8/8/85

Fiona is still “shitty” with me. She did go to typing today, too. (When I walked Megan to her bus to say goodbye as per usual I asked her how it was – typing – and she went …. i.e. she found it BORING!!) OHH… Also: dunno if I’ll get to go to Mulgrave. Only 40 people can go, and as I only got my form & money in today, I think I’ve pretty well missed out. (See today was a bad day. First I forget my lunch and camp & excursion forms – so ring mum to bring them. then I miss mum so Mr Roff, personally, walks thru’ YR 10 parade to give my lunch etc to me. [ANY connection to the Principal was socially debilitating.] SHAME! then in English I fall (backwards) off my chair!!! BAD LUCK, HUH?!!) Anyhow, as I wrote “Mulgrave Camp only” on my form, it means if I do miss out, I won’t go at all. S’pose that won’t matter cos then I can stay (at skool) & drool over Tim as per usual!!

Friday 9/8/85

[UH-OH…] Distressing news: Tim is crazy over Adrienne P. I knew it. Tina, Erica & Fran talked about it in art. They said if it wasn’t for John, Adrienne would go around with Tim. OH SHIT! Wish I was more outgoing. Fiona still shitty but not as much as before, cos in History, tried to tell her how I’ve changed (she didn’t really like that.) They’re going to CHSS Fete tomorrow. I’m not. Going to work & stay at Dad’s the night. (Jaqui & Anthony won’t be there.) Thinking this arvy how (god I’m ashamed to say this) it would be good to have Shane S. as a “best” friend. Could go to park on Fri’s & talk or something. Stupid, huh?!! But it’d surely be different from a girl friend. (Couldn’t tell as much) Tonite played Trivial Pursuit. Back is sore. Am bugared!! Late nite 12:15

Saturday 10/8/85

Woke early today, shit!! But “slept” in and dad came early. Rushed (& forgot diary & undies & bras!) Anyhow, at work, did a poster for Dad’s “mystery cruise”, next Saturday night (A.O.) [meaning Adults Only] on the “Cougar out to Michalmus Cay (or is it?) HA HA!! Anyhow did more work. Got $24, but dad’ll bank half for me. Went home but mum wasn’t there, so couldn’t get underwear. Went to Penwardens. Was abit boring. Got hay fever from cat. Practically no diet today – hot dog banana fritter, chinese dinner, caramel tart, pavlova, lemon mousse. Talkabout breaking a diet!! Jaqui & Anthony didn’t go camping. She is still out now (it’s 1:30.) We’re going to bed. Gonna watch “The Day After” about the day after a nuclear bomb. or will I?? See how I feel

Sunday 11/8/85

Jacqui didn’t come home (when we woke at 9:30) the outside light was still on. We went home at lunchtime. I wasted the afternoon I should have been doing my poetry assignment. God I’m a shit of a dickhead. Ate again today had fruit loops 4 brekky at dad’s (& ate crumbs from caramel tart) & had a “frenzy” icecream (Like Sly cones) Did a bitta HW, before. Wrote a list of things I’ll want for my camp & 4 summer. $300 approx total. God!! huh?!! Am gonna watch the DAY AFTER. Well I might to go to bed ½ way thru. Am tired!!

Swearing, Hitting & Falling off Bikes (29 July-4 Aug)

Published on July 29, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 29/7/85

The best piece of news I could have gotten today (besides winning the lotto, or something) was that Steven doesn’t like Anna. Not hate (like he does Lucy) I think!?! (I hope – nah!) but just doesn’t like enough. I like him enough! Didn’t got to aerobics. Was supposed to (starting today) jog at the park to lose weight. Didn’t do that either cos’ got my Dolly. [The ultimate procrastination!] Didn’t get haircut either cos’ Annette was booked out (I’m going Thursday, now.) But today when I told everyone how I wanted my haircut – most said they like it the way it is now. Tina got frantic when I told her I wanted my fringe trimmed. She said “if you get your fringe cut, get it cut up to here.” (whereupon she pointed at her scalp.) She also stated that she didn’t like Anna’s haircut (when fiona told Anna, they all said they hated her but I didn’t.) Also today, my neck was sore. Think it’s out of place.

Tuesday 30/7/85

Deodourant wore off quickly today. Is starting to get warmer. Also 2 nails (the longest on my left hand) were broken at lunchtime. We swore (on the oval) to hit each other each time we swore. Everyone hits me all the time. If I hit fiona cos’ she swore, Lucy’d hit me. So if I swore fiona’d hit me, I’d hit her back & she’d hit me again & so on. Riding tomorrow. BP test tomorrow. Maths WESTPAC competition test tomorrow. Sports day on Friday. Think my ears (earring holes) are infected

Wednesday 31/7/85

At “last minute” Fiona rings to say she can’t ride cos’ her Dad’s sick & her mum went into the shop instead so she had to help Stuart get off to school & get Da’s breakfast. So just me & Beka rode. It was a bad luck day. On the way to school, I slipped off (over) my bike on gravel & grazed my hand & knee (left). Westpac Maths Competition – I’ll be lucky to get 50/100, BP I think I will fluke most of the answers & worst of all, on the way home, BEKA had a prang on railway tracks. She hurt her knees, knuckles & head. (much worser than me) Went to the “Dunstan’s” for tea. Yummy! (Ate heaps! Watched walt disney shows on video)

Thursday 1/8/85

Late night last night. Got about 7 hrs sleep, tho’.. Haircut not trim & it looks stupid!!!! No joke. It is shit & couldn’t find any plain, white sandshoes. I mean wat’s the world coming to?? No plain old (good ole) sandshoes. Unbelievable. Sport day tomorrow. Will have to wear my white leather ones. Gonna wear something in my hair to cover it up, too. Wish I could re-run today. Hated it. Ian C. called me ugly again. Dunno if he was joking or not, but it does hurt you to be told to your face how ugly you are. [I have tried a number of times to make a comment here, about this but it really speaks for itself. It demonstrates well the power of words, even if harmless in intent, as I know this would have been. As children we can be oblivious but as adults we need to choose our words wisely, since none of us ever knows what is going on in the minds of those to whom we direct them. Having said that, it is Human to err so we need to exercise tolerance – and forgiveness thereof – for “sins committed against us”!]

Friday 2/8/85

I’m cold at the moment – not. I’m not, I jest feel as if it’s cold (it is) Like not cold, but my teeth chatter a little bit. Carnival was good. Got burnt on face, legs & little Δ shape on chest where shirt was. [Except that that triangle would have been upside down, wearing a V-necked T-shirt] Sunny. Excellent weather despite the wind. Tim S. is Trinity. Jeez, he’s a fast runner!! 1st in his 100 & 200 m races!! Anyhow, we won again!! 3rd year in a row!! Clifton 2nd, then Ellis & Kewarra. Am bugared. now. watched movie. Going to sleep at Lucy’s tomorrow 4 her birthday party: I dunno now who I like better – Tim or Steven!!

Saturday 3/8/85

Woke up & decided to HW. Did not get any done. I don’t know why!! But, as I started to get rid of (using my depilatory cream) about 4 weeks growth of underarm hair, mrs b. pulled in at our place. So with a tissue & plastic scraper, ridded myself of the yellow gunk. (I ended up shaving off the hair at Lucy’s) So, around 1:00 I packed my bags and went to Lucy’s. Not long after I arrived (about 15 mins) Beka came then about 5-3 mins after her; Fiona. We talked most of the arvy away – confessing wot we liked & hated about each other. (Won’t explain that!) Watched a little TV. Mr W. went out about 6:30 & [at this point, I’d filled the available space, so continued over the page and ran the entry straight through into Sunday’s…]

Sunday 4/8/85

we cooked our own tea. Late nite, too. was about 1:30-2:00 before we got to sleep. Played some games in that time. Was cold when we went to sleep (Mr W. came home about 12-1:00) Slept badly – kept waking up to the cold & wierd little dreams.Woke 8:30. Left 9:30. No breakfast there – just up!! clean up!! get dressed!! & go!! (Mr W. was at church.) so, at home today, bludged. S’posed to do HW, but didn’t. Played with makeup. Went out to give dad something & we (Jules & me) got our birthday prezzy’s from Papa $20. (and mine from Jenny – a fake pink crystal necklace orrright.) feel so guilty cos’ I was angry at Papa for not sending a prezzy. but paid no consideration to the 2 heart attacks from which he has only just recovered. [At least I know what ‘remorse’ is] Edna his new wife looks kind & funny (I mean humorous in personality.) Also went to Nell & Amanda’s. All of them think I’m pretty. If it’s true, why is there no proof (boyfriends)?? [Ah, the complexity – or impossibility? – of answering a question such as this…]

Ringing Ears & Pastels, Paint ‘n’ Paper Maché (22-28 July)

Published on July 22, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 22/7/85

My english was a flop! Full stop! BUT!! My maths was a supa-dupa flop – I know I definately have less than 22/30 cos I didn’t (couldn’t) do 2 sums worth 4 marks each & also know I made a silly little error in a sum worth 1 m. Laughed at aerobics. Suddenly everything was so funny. Didn’t get to tell Anna to tell steven sorry about the show (Lucy, that is). Didn’t summon up the courage. [Thank God! How silly…] Am going to the concert tomorrow night! MEN AT WORK and KIDS IN THE KITCHEN!! WOW!! the best we’ll get up here!!

Tuesday 23/7/85

CONCERT WAS GREAT!! We got up the front – front row!! Numbers were disappointing too, though. Could tell the bands thought so. I really enjoyed it!! Am bugared, now. Gotta go to sleep quickly so I wake at 6:30 (Am riding to school tomorrow) But I don’t know for sure if Fi & Beka are. Justine isn’t. She-it! My ears are still ringing – sounds like a continuous note on an electric organ!! or synthesizer. Was hot at concert, while bands were on. Sweaty in the armpits. [Hahaha, I love this phrase. It’s not the first time I used it, nor the last.] Athletics Carnival started today (cos’ all the events won’t fit in one special day

Wednesday 24/7/85

Am stuffed. No joke – today I almost fell asleep in english! He [the teacher] was talking & I couldn’t remember a thing!! National Trust meeting so I’m only gonna get 6-7 hrs sleep tonight, too. Have a science test tomorrow – watch me fail that. Upset about maths. I have realized just how much I’ve dropped. I can’t ‘pick-up’ anything. What we learnt (in period 7) today, I couldn’t remember at 4:30-5:00 this arvy. I might need a tutor (but even the thought makes me feel embarrassed & angry.) I’m not dumb enuff! [Yes, that was the belief back in the day, that tutors were only for ‘dummies’. I am well aware that tutors are now valued by students of all intellectual shapes & sizes.] Anna went on a music camp 2day

Thursday 25/7/85

Another latenight tonight cos’ we minded Ben & Trent & they bought round Trivial Pursuit Is now 10:50!! Got maths back. I really did bad 19/30. And equally as upsetting was my english essay 12/20. (considering I’m normally a HA-VHA.) Am tired. Know I’ll be bugared tomorrow. Bluelight is on Saturday. Don’t think I’ll go – got nothing to wear. I’ll stay home & have a relaxing weekend, might catch up on some study. [Bahaha] Wonder what Fiona will say! Probably forget about me anyway. That’s usual. Cold is going now. Won’t tell anyone that I’m not going otherwise it’ll get back to Fiona & she’ll ACT “upset”

Friday 26/7/85

Today was a bad luck day!! (Although Mrs Anderson [my art teacher] wasn’t here, so I took my figure home to work on, for the weekend.) In art, I dropped a box of pastels & they almost broke in half!! Skint! And with the red paint, it would come out the specially punctured hole – so I pressed hard and the lid popped off – a great big glob of paint the size of my palm landed on my palate (of paint) And I was pointing out Gary B (who Julia now likes) & this toughie YR 9 – Emily – thought I was saying something about her so gave me a real dirty look Skint!! Geoff bought Trivial Pursuit!! stayed up till 1:30!!

Saturday 27/7/85

Today did mostly HW today. Played Trivial Pursuit when we woke up. (Mum went down to the shop, so I gave her money to buy a block of fruit & nut chocolate which I ended up eating this morning) My history HW bored me so I didn’t finish it. Tomorrow I will spend on my art. I must shape it’s forearms, ankles & calves, and head & neck, then put hair on it. [I vaguely remember making this paper maché ‘model’] Then maybe, I can sit down at the sewing machine & make some baby clothes – I’ve just discovered the ease of using it again & have an urge to sew!! [Why baby clothes?!?!?] Playing Trivial Pursuit now. Will not have such a late nite 2nite. Got only 6½ hrs sleep last night! // was cranky & tired today [Any wonder, consuming that mass of sugar & trans fats early in the day?]

Sunday 28/7/85

Another late night last night. Geoff came & played Trivial Pursuit (Julia was at Bluelight) & his game with mum was so short that I thought I’d play the next one. It took 2 hrs, I think. Today I worked on my art figure – glued on more newspaper & hey presto!! It’s head looks normal! Filed away bumps & painted it again. Also stuck on thin brown wool for hair – looks great now! Only have to put a face on it. Petra came round I ate quite little believe it or not!! Thank God skool again! I mean, I like the routine – nothing else!!!!!!!!

Gross Girlie Stuff & the Cairns Show (15-21 July)

Published on July 15, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 15/7/85

A Life in Words — This isn’t me, nor is it my school uniform, but it illustrates the way I feared I might have had to dress each month

Shitty day today. First I hear news that Fiona is going to the show with Jemima no – sorry – GREG. invited her. Upset over that – but, fiona wants me to come with them. (then I’d be left out – so I might just go with Justine instead – more fun 2 than with 7) Secondly. my period PES – gushed out (wearing only tampon) undies soaked. [Oh to be female. If you have a ‘weak stomach’ for these human biological functions, I recommend you quit reading here-now because this drama – its description & detail – comprises the rest of the days’ entry…and some!] pad in BP: 5th period – gushed out. At loos, took out tampon – old pad soaked put in loo paper. End big lunch – on my skirt (Jumper round my hips) More loo paper between 6th & 7th periods – pad after skool from office. At home – skirt covered in blood. Lucky had a jumper. Am stuffed

Tuesday 16/7/85

I can’t believe how heavy my periods are. I wore one of mum‘s tampons today (longer & thicker) & that wore out about only 3hrs later! Went thru 3 tampons & 3 pads & still my pants were stained – today was lucky my skirt didn’t. Riding tomorrow. Won’t take my jumper cos’ weather’s getting warmer, however if I do leak – nothing to hide it. Shit. Cross fingers!! Wot about in Summer – when I can’t take a jumper anyway? OH NO!! [Fortunately this entire experience was the worst I’ve ever suffered, at least as far as I can recall now. Many women endure much worse on a regular basis throughout their lives so I am very grateful.] Going with Justine to show. Try not to meet Lucy. Also don’t wanna stay near Fi etc too long (don’t wanna have to drool over Steven) also cos this arvy (at Lucy’s new flat in Springfield Estate!!) Jemima didn’t seem too friendly. OH well. I can’t help it.

Wednesday 17/7/85

Nana bought round a choice of books by those authors Mr Van Slooten gave us & I took two (one’s whose titles he had mentioned, I think.) I have now actually started on book! Am gonna read for a little while now cos’ I’m up to ch.9 (there’s only 5 to go!) Didn’t get much HW done. Riding – my hands were numb – red raw & frozen. Next time I’ll wear gloves. Not joking. [Well, nothing’s changed – seems I’ve always had poor circulation. My hands and feet are always icy, just ask the clients I train in winter!] Am tired – cranky. Periods easing now – think for show I’ll only need a tampon – mum’s just in case. I’m confused about who I have a crush on – I say not Tim but ? when I see him, I’m not so sure. Now I haven’t seen Steven, I’m not so sure – but one thing: I’m still jealous of Anna (& Fi cos’ I don’t want her to go with Greg again) [So obvious to me now that it had little to do with the boys – it was simply that I didn’t want to be alone.]

Thursday 18/7/85

Today went slow. Didn’t find out whether Tim is going tomorrow or not, but Julia said she saw Melissa C & Tia tonight. I’m sick already (probably with excitement) but I hope I’m not going to be on the rides tomorrow. [Not much of a daredevil, it took me a few years – and my Dad – to get me on my first ‘big-person’s’ show ride, and my innards were sometimes too eager to react to the forces of motion. In your teens, when the event’s social aspect becomes even more significant, the last thing you want is to be green around the gills…] I want to meet lots of people. I bought some new nail polish (bright red to go with my outfit) & some mousse (to do something with my lifeless hair.) Also wanna get some chapstick (lip protector) My “Bonne Bell” is run out & Julia said it was cold here so imagine the wind on the rides!!

Friday 19/7/85

[the original diary had printed “Katherine Show Day” on this date and I wrote next to it:] & Cairns!! [Excited much?]

Today I can’t remember much what happened except that I didn’t do very much HW, I went to Lucy’s (to tell her where we’d meet her – but she kept me there for over an hour.) & in my exceptionally good timetable for preparing for the show I ran out of time & got upset & cranky – but everything worked out OK.. [Another wonderful aspect of OCD – driven by pure excitement of course – that I thankfully grew out of before I left school: writing up ‘toilette schedules’ for big social events… which invariably always went awry.] show was alright. Not the best I’ve been to. Did meet Lucy (were late so she was shitty) Went on heapsa rides – chipmunk!! yep! 3 times!! I love it!! [The Chipmunk was the only roller coaster ride at the Cairns Show. I am guessing, from the way I have reported it, that this was the first year I’d had the courage to give it a go. Evidently a winner!] Saw Tina, Gordan C & many others. Met steven, anna etc. felt terrible – could see Steven practically spewing over Lucy!! Want to apologize to him. [It’s funny how I used to – and perhaps sometimes still do – tend to ‘take blame’ for things that are out of my control. In this instance I’d say it all boiled down to me badly wanting to impress Steven, and ‘failing’ because all ‘I’ brought him was discomfort. What a warped sense of responsibility!] Ate a bit. Tim wasn’t there (I confessed to Justine – she thinks he’s got the ‘hots’ for Melissa C.) OHH! NOO!!

Saturday 20/7/85

Bugared! Got to sleep ’bout 1:00. Woke 8:00 today. Read my book. In fact read it most of the day. Is a twisted book – story good but presentation twisted. [I’d LOVE to know what it was so I could re-read it now.] Did all other HW except main ones – English & Maths. Study 4 maths & do english essay tomorrow (have to write an essay under EXAM CONDITIONS) My nose is blocked – sneezy & my left ear is blocked. Also had a brief dizzy spell after bath. Hope I don’t have the dreaded flu that’s already killed 26 people nationally.. [I’m not certain what kind of flu this was, and have tried Googling it. Bird flu was recorded in Victoria in 1985 but there was no mention of human deaths as a result.]

Sunday 21/7/85

Supposed to write my english essay today & study for maths test. However, when I awoke, I decided to complete reading my book as I only had 5 Ch’s left. Took me until 2:00. So then I attempted my essay. Began writing about the thoughts of a fat girl, [potentially autobiographical in nature no doubt, since my body image was poor] but hated it, so got upset cause couldn’t think what to write about. Mum took me out & we got a sly cone. At home time passed & I got more upset. Decided finally at 4:30 to do about an ocker [meaning “stereotypically Australian” for those who are unacquainted with our national slang] BBQ. Have notes but must write the essay & learn off by ♥. Also have yet to study maths → SO MUCH work!

Show Hype & the ‘Oz for Africa’ Concert (8-14 July)

Published on July 8, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 8/7/85

Lucy’s a little upset about Steven – she’s restless. There’s something bothering her. Ate a Mars Bar this arvy – great way to start a diet, huh? BUT…. played ‘get the frisbee off Julia’ which REALLY wore me out. Then I went to aerobics. Now I’m pretty well ded!!! Haven’t done any HW (great start to the new semester, huh?) or packed my school bag. It’s 9:00. Might stay up or wake early in the morning (← impossible!!!) Am weak!!! Everyone else has grown over the hol’s so I don’t stand out too much anymore!

Tuesday 9/7/85

Nana’s BIRTHDAY. Mum went to a clairvoyant yesterday (a friend of Duffy’s) It’s frightening how accurate she was!! (She taped what she told mum) Anyhow, she said that things are gonna pick up in every aspect – socially, health, fitness, finance!! Yo!!! The house will be finished..!! [Hmm, I don’t recall any huge changes in fortune, health etc…] Dad went & she said about Julia would have a job related to animals & I would be a nurse “or something more”. & would have many letters to my name (degree??!) [Well, as a Fitness Therapist, I do kind of fit that bill: in the health & wellness industry I care for people. And the letters after my name? Well so far I can claim “Elissa Coxen BA Dip. Fit” Does that qualify?] But I don’t wanna be a nurse or doctor or whatever…I want something to do with clothes. [No great surprise there. It’s fascinating that interests & passions can change so greatly in life.] Went to Nin’s for tea. Julia was shitty. No prezzy’s yet. Hilary said there’s a postal delay → walked near Tim today. Felt stiff Just kept walking fast – no smile on face

Wednesday 10/7/85

MY BIRTHDAY!!! Wot’d I get? So far, $90 in cash and 1 present from mima & fi, but it was a beauuuty. A mug with a ballon, a sticker, two biros, two mini butterfly clips, a toy tug boat & a rubber & filled to the top with boiled lollies YUM!! Ate so much today – disgusting. Generally a good day!! (can’t believe it cos’ I was at skool!) Robbo’s came over after tea. We talked & laughed!! Found out, too, that Steven B’s a Cancerian. Was born on the 8th July!!! Julia told Fiona about Tim today. Tried to tell her I don’t like him anymore – somehow, I don’t think she believed me. Did a big runny shit. Now my anus is sore. [Hmm, brings to mind Johnny Cash’s “Burning Ring of Fire”. This WAS a private diary, remember. I highly doubt I ever expected anyone to read this in my lifetime… My how things Change!]

Thursday 11/7/85

I don’t believe it!!! Jemima came to visit me!! On her own!! AND Fiona isn’t going with her, Brent, Steven & Anna after all [to the Cairns Show] (she must have presumed she was.) So I’ll ask her (mima said I should. She wanted to invite us, but thought it’d be boring for us etc) Also, am gonna “make a list” of all the people who’re going on Thursday night so we know who we’ll see!! [I’m not sure why, but I always had a fascination with how many & which people I would see at the Show. When I was younger I remember actually taking a tiny little notebook & pen with me and recording who I saw. To what end? I have no idea. Perhaps something to do with an un-expressed social drive?] Christian band performed at lunchtime. Man! I see God, freek me out!! Nah! Kidding!! Happy day today!! Believe it or not. COLD, too. Steven B. is a hunk!!!

Friday 12/7/85

Fiona’s happy she’s coming to the show with me – she told me how confused she was, not knowing whether she was going with mima or not, but now is excited and determined to stay away from Lucy, if possible. Lucy pesters me all the time saying “when’ll we go?” I feel sorry for her – but I just can’t stand her. Went late-nite tonight. Got a treadly pair of jeans $50 & a grandpa shirt $20 (couldn’t get red – so got white) love ’em! Also got 3 prs earrings for $5. Red & white & 2 prs black & white. [Red & white] are the best. Have $30 left. Wanna buy some shoes & nail polish, yet. can’t afford it! Am not in any events 4 carnival. I got out of it!! * I hope Tim goes to the show on Thursday & we run into him!!!

Saturday 13/7/85

Woke early (shit!). Dad came at 9:00. I worked for 4½ hours (cause there was not enough work for more money.) On the way home, got a Sly Cone & stopped at Megan Close house. Looked around – is filthy dirty & terrible colour schemes. WRECKED!! Came home and …. I dunno! Watch’d a bitta TV, ate. Now watching OZ AID concert. Goes from 9:00pm 13th to 1:00pm 14th July. Want to watch it all!! Going out around 10:00 tomorrow. This is HISTORY, man!! And I’m gonna watch it!! [This was one of a number of musical ‘Aid’ events held worldwide to stimulate fund-raising for famine relief in African nations such as Ethiopia. The marathon concerts were held in a number of cities ‘simultaneously’. For information about the Sydney show, including a brief outline & schedule of performers/performances, take a look at this webpage: liveaid.free.fr/pages/ozforafrika-uk.html or Wiki-search “Oz for Africa”] Got $18 of money today, but Dad gave me $10. So now I want $3 ($2 to make $30 & $1 for entrance fee [this is all about the Show – spending money.]

Sunday 14/7/85

Went to bed at 12:00 last night. We couldn’t keep our eyes open! Decided that most of the good acts like Wham! Go West etc would be on in the daytime when more people would see them. Was wrong. Only just saw Wham! (one song), saw Madonna! but tears 4 fears & Go West weren’t even there. At 11:00 mum & Geoff went to lunch at people’s place. Nana looked after us. Around 1:00 petra came – went to park – talked ’bout show. Dianne & Kerry came around 4:00. Rang mum & Geoff they got here 4:30. Rest of arvy watched TV & scribbled in mags. Chook for tea. Played their Trivial Pursuit, shit it’s hard!

Hair Styling & Washing Machine Angst (1-7 July)

Published on July 3, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

From here on in blogposts will drop back to weekly because we have caught up to a ‘chronological parallel’. In fact perfectly, from the point of view that the days of the week even correspond. Weekly posts will allow readers to keep up better (most of you not having time to log on daily) and give me some breathing space in the transcription process. I will post diary entries every Monday, to coincide with the first day of each blog. In other words, the next diary transcription will be posted on Monday 8 July 2013.

Monday 1/7/85

I’ve just realized that there’s now only 8 days till my birthday!! And, guess what – I’m not very excited!! I can’t believe it. Today mum rang early & said that they drove straight thru’ townsville & got home 12:30 last nite (or this morning) She picked me up (my stuff) & I rode home. then we went to work & picked up Julia. (Dad asked me wot I wanted 4 my birthday; Jenny’s car’s smashed (not her fault) & more trouble with Jackie) Got school blouses & skirt material. Spent rest of day reading Smash Hits’es & reading TV (watching, I mean!) Now am gonna have a late night. Feel like drawing.

Tuesday 2/7/85

Woke early to the sounds of the washing machine. Swore cos’ I couldn’t block out the sound to get to sleep again. Cranky day for Julia & me again. Played cards or watched TV or played monopoly or ate or read magazines. Petra came around early in the arvy & is now sleeping the night. We played tiggy in the park just before dusk, which tired me out. Am now going to watch the final part of the mini-series “lace“. Will be good. I think the first part was great, at least! I still think Steven B’s a hunk & I can’t believe what I missed out on. [There you have it – Regret as a result of disappointment in myself; my lack of courage in the face of Opportunity] Also, mum’s started making my school skirts. [Mum was pretty handy with a sewing machine. Besides other everyday wardrobe pieces, she made most of our school skirts for as long as I can remember, made soft furnishings for the house – including curtains, doona covers & covers for the entire lounge suite – and even into my 20’s she made some amazing outfits for me for special events. I’m beginning to think there was very little my Mum couldn’t do.]

Wednesday 3/7/85

Woken again by the washing machine & tried again, unsuccessfully, to block out the noise. Petra, Julia & I immediately began a game of monopoly (which Petra won) that finished around lunchtime. Ate HEAPS today. Feel so guilty. Rest of the day was spent in front of the TV or drawing. Quite boring & wasteful. BUT the big thing is there’s only 4 days until SCHOOL! OH NO. It’s not fair – not fair – not fair. I hate school. But, then, there’s only 6 days till my Birthday. Still, I’m not excited & keep forgetting about it. Man from Snowy River is on now (on TV) Is good.

Thursday 4/7/85

Another day gone. Another wasted day. I woke around 8:30. Breakfast, played cards, watched TV, ate, watched TV, ate, watched TV, ate, Petra came, played cards, ate, nana came, ate, went to park & played tiggy. Rachel from next door came over & played it, then Melanie, Jodie & Melinda S. Went home at 5:00. (while playing, bumped my shin twice in the same place on the rungs of the slippery slide. Now have a big EGG or LUMP. Hurts!!!!) Watched TV. Julia’s at Petra’s tonight. I’m having an early night. Want to diet back at school. Have put on 5KG [Hmmm, ‘Boredom Eater’ perhaps?]

Friday 5/7/85

ANOTHER wasted day. HOWEVER I didn’t eat as much!! I woke up & instantly began playing cards (patience) to occupy time. Julia came home at 8:00 then we watched TV. So I had brekky at 11:00. Watched TV. Had lunch at 12:00. Watched TV & helped julia style her hair. Watched TV & Petra came – played monopoly but Jules & her left (to do babysitting at our old house) is now staying at Petra’s the night. I watched TV & cleaned out mum’s middle dresser drawer (top) Found two love letters that Geoff wrote mum ages ago. Feel guilty cos I read them. Cleaned shower & basin while in bath. Am gonna watch the movie MAD MAX I & hopefully the Dudley Moore special!!

Saturday 6/7/85

Another waste!!! God, this is getting boring, huh? Julia came home & told us the gory details of how our once-lovely house (Megan Close) has been wrecked by the monsters who bought it (I’m exaggerating) I also fixed my hair (kinda) like Madonna’s. Loaded it with gel. Looked good – felt terrible. [I remember this vividly. I was chuffed at how closely it replicated Madonna’s, but it really did take a crapload of gel to get it to withstand the forces of gravity. And one helluva lot of shampoo to wash it out as well.] Ate today. Watched TV. Experimented with make-up. And also bored myself to death. Wanted to ring Justine & talk to her about this “Steven B.” business (how he hates Lucy, Anna likes him & me too.) Decided my cover could be asking wot day it would be on Monday (though I already know it’s Day 5) BUT I tried all arvy. She mustn’t be back from hol’s (holidays) yet.

Sunday 7/7/85

DAD’S BIRTHDAY. MY last day of Bliss (?!??) was spent drably (in a boring manner) as per usual. I ate, played cards, read old Archie comics & felt, tired, lethargic, fat, ugly, stupid, groggy…. But the thing is; I don’t know whether I like holidays anymore than school (which I HATE) cos’ on holidays I put on weight (this time – 5kgs) or/and get bored out of my mind. Rang Justine – she was home!! She had a great holiday. Told her about Steven. She couldn’t really help. OH WELL… Am not excited that there’s only 2 days till my birthday. But once I get my prezzys… Dad got a camera from the W’s (Jacqui, Jenny & Anthony) & (get this) nothing from anyone else besides us & Nana. If he hasn’t got anything, I won’t either! BOO HOO!! [Oh you little Materialist!]

Corporal Punishment & a Lost Opportunity? (24-30 June)

Published on July 2, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 24/6/85

Mum’s a bitch. She still resorts to ‘the belt’ to punish us. Funny, eh? Fucking hurts, though. I screamed the house down (or yelled, I think) [Wow, I don’t remember getting the belt at this age. That’s impressive!] Anyhow, went to town (Earlville, really) & wasted fucking $30. Bought on impulse a pr. white pants, then nervous about fit – took them back & got red ones. HATE them too. Also got a blue jumper. Mum’s kept it all now. I’ve still got NOTHING. Probly won’t get anything either. Fuckin’ mole, mum. [Liss, it’s not her fault you didn’t like the stuff YOU purchased!] Read dolly all arvy (new one) then watched TV. Played frisbee & watched TV again. Ate little up till tea time when ate whole tin of fruit & bowl of soup & toast. Guts-ache [To clarify: I didn’t have a gut ache, I was berating myself.] (Mum told me to go to bed, so I’m staying up to watch MINDER!!)

Tuesday 25/6/85

MATTHEW McK’s BIRTHDAY 1 day old! Today I rang mima to tell her I have her basket from the speech concert & we ended up going to town. Was fun. Saw “Police Academy II” not too funny after all. Saw David L, Paul P, Ben P, Rebecca P, Sean H & wait for it …. Sean M. He’s gotten taller. Lucy is going to mima’s on Thursday. So is Brent. And Steven. He had his hair cut & bought new shorts for her. Mima’s nervous. She “knows her won’t like her…she’s so different to him”. Wish I was in her place. [Clearly regretting the lost opportunity. I detested my shyness – which, unbelievably to some, has plagued me all my life. It’s interesting how little attention I gave to the previous crush, Sean M. Over him, much?] Naaah Forget I ever said that. Late-ish nite tonight watching mini-series – LACE

Wednesday 26/6/85

Went to town (Earlville & Westcourt.) At ambition, tried on red skirts – too tight, too thick material…. Did a little shopping, but finally got white cardigan from K-Mart. Has red stripes (double) around base, wrist cuff & neckline. Also around left sleeve in the middle. Love it. Watched TV the rest of the day. Ate one hell of a lot. Have decided to go on a diet after the holidays. I worked out the theory of dieting & have decided to do it for my FIGURE, not my weight. However if I lose 1 stone in weight, I should lose some figural fat!!! [Interestingly enough, I actually got that kinda right: ignore the scales, focus on how your clothes fit. But the word ‘diet’ – knowing I meant it in terms of ‘dieting’ – makes me cringe.] At Diane & Kerry’s while mum’s at N. Trust Meeting. Gonna watch a video later!!

Thursday 27/6/85

Did a big fat nothing today. Listened to music, made a cake, ate, played frisbee, watched TV. How boring can you get? Went to see Mandy around 4:00 today. Matthew is beautiful! So small compared to Heath – cute!! Mandy says she’ll go home next week on Tuesday. Today was Lucy & Steven’s BIG Day! Wonder how it worked out. Ready for Fiona’s! Mum’s going to Mackay this weekend on National Trust Meeting. Bluelight, too. So instead of risking it at Dad’s, I’m going to Fiona’s place. Fri night, Sat, Sun & Mon. Morning

Friday 28/6/85

A little homesick aLLREADY !! News has it that the BIG DAY did occur. ‘Good’ news – Steven hates Lucy (apparently she acted like a posh, spoilt rich bitch) & BAD news is that he’s off to the Bluelight with Anna B. Lissa, you can’t see a good thing when it comes, can you?? Today mostly worried about what to take/pack 4 Fiona’s. Watched TV & listened to music in between. At Fi’s talked, watched TV, got a little BORED!! Watched TV then after dinner went to Jemima’s. Polly & mim & us sat in a dark room singing all the songs we could think of. Going to town 2morrow & I have nothing to wear…

Saturday 29/6/85

Woke early. Very early. Went into town with Jemima, Polly, Anna & Fiona. Didn’t have anything to wear! Wore my new cardy. Went to mima’s after. Spent arvy plaiting Fiona’s hair. At Fi’s got ready 4 blu-light. Fi worried about top she bought – how she thought it didn’t match her trousers. It did. Blulight was a boring one. Yes, Steven is very nice & yes Anna & him hit it off well. Shit! My imagination had me thinking he might’ve liked me (at the beginning) but it soon came apparent that he didn’t – well, not that much. Lucy wasn’t there! Others [who?] left at 9:30 to go to a party. Fi & I talked to Andrea and Michelle T (Yes, normally miss snob!)

Sunday 30/6/85

Lazed around today. Woke late. Had late brekky. Played cards for the rest of the morning. After lunch went to mima’s. All (Polly, Anna, me, mima & fiona) decided to ride into town for an ice cream from “Sly Cones”.Was yummy. Had another one at Great Australian Icecreamery. Then we rode to Brent’s. Brent & Steven weren’t there, but Mrs G. (really nice cheery lady) invited us in & we watched a video. They came and about an hour later we left to ride home. Watched movie tonight “On Golden Pond”. Lovely! My 4th time!!

Frisbee, Trivial Pursuit & Toad Dissection (17-23 June)

Published on July 1, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 17/6/85

Got 61½/70 for BP and 46/50 for art (92%) Made to do corrections for exam in maths which got me shitty. Last thing I wanted was my maths mark back. Started javelen in PE, too – Alan W. arms around me – big jock! and I didn’t enjoy “every minute of it.” Got my history assignment completed minus the conclusion will write out neatly tomorrow. Am tired. Want to ride this week – have to ask the others. No one is buying my badges anymore. Didn’t go to aerobics tonight. No more HW this week! Are cutting up toads in science tomorrow YUK!! might not be having a free dress day on Friday cause last time hardly anyone paid their 20c fee – SHIT!

Tuesday 18/6/85

Boring today – besides, we cut up toads. Sickening. I nearly spewed when they cut open the large intestine and all the poo & shit came out. YUK. Moody day. Went to oval at Big Lunch. Tim has left for holidays already, I think. I haven’t seen him in the past two days. Handed in history assignment – now no more homework! YAHOO!! Bluelight is the 29th (Sat. in the middle of the holidays) Don’t have much to say tonight! Are riding thursday, now. Played frisbee with Jules this arvy. Was good! Am tired. Mum’s going to Mackay on the Bluelight weekend in the hol’s. That’s great, huh? Could miss out on this one, too.

Wednesday 19/6/85

Anna dropped Prabon today and Natasha thought she was being a smart bitch, Firstly, Anna is ‘tired’ of Prabon… she doesn’t ‘love’ him anymore – she’s bored. He cried & swore so much when she told him. He even said he could feel he would do something stupid. Natasha has “Trivial Pursuit” and we played it in History. The Q’s are really hard, so on the bus it snidely commented, “Elissa, is my Trivial Pursuit game not good for you?” I said “why?” & she & her fiendish accomplice laughed. Happy day. Played frisbee again. Got 4 new bras. Taking 3 back (cup too small) & other one cup too big, but have to keep it.

Thursday 20/6/85

RIDING TODAY!! Was fun!! Justine was so slow. She must be unfit. Played Trivial Pursuit in History – it was Ainslie T’s. Hard – !!!!!! Most of the day I had my jumper off – it was hot. Prabon had an accident. Blacked out yesterday. Now thinks Anna is still going with him. But Anna thinks that’s all a big story to make her feel bad. [a ‘faked’ amnesia?] Prabon is “childish” and trying not to believe that Anna doesn’t love him. Tired!! Last Day tomorrow, WO!! Also the shortest day of the year, I think. I’m bugared. I have to go to sleep, now. I’m sure I’ve forgotten to say something.

Friday 21/6/85

LAST DAY!!! Yo!! Fiona misst the bus – so I assumed she wagged it with Jemima. Report Card:- am generally happy – but want to do better in Maths, Art & BP wore different shoes, shirt & jumper – wasn’t roused on, but Anna had litter detention just for wrong shoes. Roffy never got to her, so she didn’t do it. Played Trivial Pursuit in most lessons today. Adrienne said “Have a good holiday, Elissa”, as I got off the bus!! I said “Thanks, Adrienne!” Also waved to Fran. [These were all ‘popular girls’ at school. I would’ve been chuffed about the attention.] Played lotsa frisbee this arvy. Am really gonna try hard next semester. Really hard. This one is most important. Will do better. Hope my holiday’s are fun – not boring & lonely.

Saturday 22/6/85

Today has been exceptionally cold. It is freezing, now. (we’re watching the movie) Expected 10ºC tonight – Goody!!! Today lazed around (did a bit of frisbee) until decided to go to Earlville to checkout the “ambition” sale, but Thorsebornes came to look at the house, just as we were ready to go. Didn’t go after all cos’ they left at 11:30 Spent most of arvy filling new photo album. Played some more frisbee & watched TV. Geoff came with Kentucky Fried Chook & Pizza. [Oh my god – BOTH of those poisons? Euch!] Yummy!! Lotto’s finished – movie’s on again. See ya!

Sunday 23/6/85

When I woke up, I started writing a list of all the pop bands & singers I could think of & I spent the whole morning (& a little of the afternoon) doing this, then typing them out. Then I had to dress for Chris & Gary’s party. It was boring until the guests left. (we watched a crap-shit video). We stayed for tea. Was cold. Walked to pizza shop (Yes, we did get to see Countdown) Pizza took ages. Picked out videos. God, Chris’s dad’s funny. He doesn’t have any shame either. Missed out on “Kramer Vs Kramer” because others wanted to watch video “Bachelor Party”. Was funny! The other one wasn’t so good: “Dr. Detroit“.

Black Tights & Exploding Bubblegum (10-16 June)

Published on June 30, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 10/6/85 [Queen’s Birthday Holiday]

Got all my history exams questions done. It took all day, however. Had a little trouble with maths. English & History exams tomorrow, though. My neck is out. Boring study today. ate little, but wot it was, was fattening. Is late; 9:30. Must go to bed, now. Don’t wanna run late tomorrow. Weather is getting warmer again, too. Wind has dropped a little, too. Julia had trouble studying, I tried to help her – but being stubborn, & couldn’t penetrate her skull. the dry patches on my skin are healing up! I think.

Tuesday 11/6/85

English was a stuff-up. Totally mucked up!! History I was surprised how quickly I got it done, but I’m sure I’ve dropped in my ability to express myself correctly. Today was a ‘bad omen’. Anna has lost ½ tooth in her bottom row. Jay plugged a cockshuttle [!] (shuttlecock, I mean.) and it hit her in the jaw. The tooth ‘snapped’ & lodged in the gum of her tongue (underneath) Pain!! She got the nerve covered but has to wait till Monday for a cap!! OUCH. Weather warming up. Is 8:45. Must study. Am bugared too.Last exam day tomorrow. Wore my hair different today looks nicer

Wednesday 12/6/85

German-Ha!, Art Ha! Ha! and maths – Ha! Ha! Ha! Ge-stuffed day to-day! [‘Ge-stuffed’ = me taking the piss out of the German language] Rushed through maths didn’t do 3 sums. Our speech concert is on a Sunday – I think this weekend I need a pair of black tights cos our costume is a tuxedo jacket, white shirt & bow tie (with the tights.) Barely see Tim anymore. Anyhow, thinking about meeting Steven B!! Could be good! [After hearing the ‘Looks are everything’ attitude? How soon we forget.] Movie is on now. Might watch it cos’ my EXAMS ARE OVER! Will do my history assignment all day tomorrow. Want to ride to skool again, soon. I’m tired! Anna’s got a dog bite on her bum now, too (bad luck, eh?) It was that really pesky dog next to McI’s. Walking down the road it charged out & Polly ran – Anna stood still like you’re s’posed to but it bit straight through her skirt & knickers (leaving no holes in material, just skin)

Thursday 13/6/85

Got ½ a page of my history assignment done & I had 3 spare periods (ie the whole day!) I just couldn’t concentrate! This arvy I got off at Fi’s stop cos’ I thought mima wanted me to, but she just wanted to ask if Lucy was at school again!! Anyway, we went to the school (Freshy) and met Sandra, Lynette & Julie for a game of volleyball (Jemima’s found herself a volleyball.) Was fun!! Laughed so much!! Left around 5:30. Watched TV all night. Haven’t done anymore History assignment either. Wanna watch Mike Walsh show…….

Friday 14/6/85

Maths is bad… I mean, not too bad, but I can let accounting go down the drain. [That’s right! I totally forgot I’d considered Accounting as another potential career path. I think because I loved money, balance and simple mathematics. Knowing accountants now I realise – at least in the Australian tax system – it’s NOT that simple.] 45½/70 ISN’T THAT DISGUSTING?? However, English made up 4 it 8¼/10. Overall % = 82.5. History 35½/50 (Fi failed History 19/50) Geez, I feel sorry for her. German I got 42/55 – not too bad!! & so far, in BP, I have 8½ marks off (she hasn’t finished marking.) Got off at mima’s today. Went to the shop, then to Mrs McI’s to discuss speech. Lucy was at school for a little while, today. I told her everything. [What is this ‘everything’? I really hope it wasn’t about Steven’s ‘rejection’ based on ‘looks’] From shop, we bought this ‘magic bubble gum’ which EXPLODES in your mouth!! SNAP POP CRACKLE. Went to dinner at a restaurant. Was sooo tired & bored. Stared out the window

Saturday 15/6/85

Ate sooo much!! Was cool. Went to K-Mart in the morning to get black aerobic tights for the speech concert. Also got a sketch book & some tampons. Wasted day. Drew. Did a bit of History assignment. WILL finish it tomorrow. Am watching the movie “10” with Bo Derek. Is so funny!! My hair has gone straight again, now. Few little waves But I used that Henna conditioner, & dried it; scrunched up. IS curly again!! But will probably straighten out when I wake up & brush it tomorrow. [So don’t ‘brush’ it.] Last night & the night before, both my dreams had something to do with skool. Last night’s was about me going with Steven B!! I don’t even know what he looks like!

Sunday 16/6/85

Today was another waste of time. I woke early and simply wasted all morning reading the Sunday papers. (Had 1 really big breakky, too) After small lunch, I did a bit more history assignment, but started to get ready 4 speech concert when mima rang. She rode here, then we left & met Fi at the school. IT was FUN!! Shameful [sure I meant embarrassing, not actually shameful] at times, I s’pose, but fun!! Went home after, (then Mima, Fi & Lucy went) & watched countdown. After looonnngg bath, watched TV. Haven’t done anymore History assignment! (So much for getting it done on Friday arvy. Mr V.S. always gives extensions anyway.