My Diary – Page 17 – A Life in Words

Holiday Homework Procrastination (8-14 April)

Published on June 21, 2013 by Elissa Coxen2 Comments

Monday 8/4/85 (Easter Monday)

Today. Woke quite late. Ate last of my egg. After brekky had a ‘dip’, and proceeded to pack up. Finished at 12. Had our last swim and left, on the right track! Took us 4hrs to get back to the Walsh River. At 7:00, we were around Mareeba. Got home about 8:00. Mum told us what she did – I think she had a lonely weekend. Our whole trip saw about 20 kangas & wallabies, 2 dingoes, 2 ibis(es), a brolga, “major mitchell” cockatoos, 3 freshy crocs, a ded goanna. It was hot inland. I ended up only seeing Karen & Co on fri. Didn’t see Wade S. & Co or any one else. Was truly fabulous. I’m tired Goo’ nite.

Tuesday 9/4/85

Today was a big waste of time. Woke up tired. Ate, drank, watched TV, lay down, read “Dolly”s, mucked around with make-up and generally bored myself. Am sooo tired it’s not funny. Felt sick; headache. Am sure I’ll get the usual ‘wog’ after Easter like I do every year. Chocolate is my big obsession, but too much always makes me ill. Rained on & off. Felt like ringing fiona – but didn’t. Rang 4AM. [It would seem I was not mistaken the last time I mentioned commented on this (thinking I must have noted the wrong radio station in my diary). I cannot fathom why the Atherton Tableland radio station would be the one you would call for a Bluelight Disco in Cairns City. Why not 4CA?] Next Bluelight 19th April – but – that’s a Friday! (Wonder why?) Anyway I’m tired so nite, nite.

Wednesday 10/4/85

Boring day. Woke around 7:00 with a headache. Went to work while mum went to some appointments etc, then she picked us up & after lunch, Jules & I finally got our BACKPACKS. Except that Julia didn’t have to pay for hers. After some ooey, gooey food & look in the op-shops (unsuccessfully) went home and lazed about all arvy. Mainly read ’84 Summer Special Dolly. Early night. Julia’s at Melinda S’s surprise party. Is sleeping there. Wot am I going to wear to the Bluelight not this Friday but the next? I have to have something….

Thursday 11/4/85

Today was cool again. Mum went to work & I set out to do my English Essays but didn’t do a thing. Drew & watched TV most of the day, Julia came home about 11:30. Mucked around. Ate a lot. Mum came home for lunch. Felt sick after chocolate milk. Late arvy, mum & Julia went to Hayles, Fairweathers & McKenzies (Bill & Mandy) about tickets to the original production of “For the Term of His Natural Life”. Julie H came round. We talked. She knows (it’s obvious) (to her) that Jemima & Fiona are ‘neglecting’ me. She saw them, Polly, Liam & Cameron (Pol’s boyfriend) in town today. Invited me to town – might just go!

Friday 12/4/85

Woke up determined to get my essays done. Got out my gear, but didn’t even make a start. Watched TV while mum was at work. Julie H. came around. Talked and agreed to go to town in the arvy. After lunch, mum dropped me at Julies. After her completing getting ready, got to bus stop at 1:30. Talked 2:00 talked 2:30 The bus came at 2:40. We had just over an hour in town. Got some beads. Am going to make a bracelet like Jemima made fiona. (They were in town again today. Saw another movie. We didn’t see them. Late-ish nite. Went to nana’s 4 tea

Saturday 13/4/85

Julia stayed at Petra’s last night. I had 2 go to Geoff’s with mum. Watched movie there. Began animal farm essay. Began it again & again. Watched TV – Dad came at 1:30. At Dad’s drew, mucked about. Jenny & Anthony were there. Got ready for Leanne’s & Tony’s engagement after Countdown. Designed dad’s invitation for customers to new roof-wetting. Wrapped the engagement present. The party was boring. We stayed away from the crowd at beginning. Had a swim (Jules & me) then showered. Played cards. Mucked about. Anthony fell off the bonnett of a car. Big egg on his 4head.

Sunday 14/4/85

Got 6hrs sleep last night. Made everyone tea. Once awake, all went to work to photocopy those invitations then went to Far Nor AG where dad painted out his old sign. After that, went to Leanne’s to pick up Julia’s togs. Stayed a while. Anthony cracked a darkie, and on the way home (when we stopped to satisfy our sweet teeth) Jenny & Dad blew him up. At flat things were tense. Walked on the beach Anthony stayed behind. Watched Countdown. Had sausages for tea. Late-ish nite. Haf to write out essay yet. Couldn’t get other 1 done cos’ didn’t have my correct reading book to use for reference.

Easter at Elisabeth Gorge (1-7 April)

Published on June 20, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 1/4/85

Maths was hard. Didn’t have hardly any time to learnt before skool – no one (I don’t think) got it finished in time. It was hard. In PES, took notes cos’ of the weather. Science – marking stray HW. History – understand the last part now. Almost finished it 2nite. BP – new topic. Practical, too. English – started Animal Farm essay. Continuing Yentl essay. (Hurry, Liss!) Art – made a vanilla/custard slice looks nuthin’ like it. Rainy today again. Tim – I get nervous and self conscious when he’s near. Never know just how to stand or sit or what to do with my hands. I’ve tried to control it but I can’t. Late nite.

Tuesday 2/4/85

Really worried today that I wouldn’t get my work done. I have my PES to complete tomorrow, 3 assignments due Thurs & my art clay work. Got my History & 1 English assignment done & worked out my art. PES I dunno – & Animal Farm (the otha’ english assign.) tomorrow at school & prehaps after. Today was cool. Didn’t take me jumper. DAY 5 – Science ›blech‹ BP ›blech‹ -er! German ›blech‹ -est! Maths Mr Way was absent. Maths puzzles & english worked to my capacity. ‘S’arvy finished Hist. Dunno if I’ll wear shorts on our Free Dress Day on Thurs, now.

Wednesday 3/4/85

Today was terrible. Couldn’t sleep last night – mozzies buzzing in my ears. When I did sleep my whole body was under the sheet. History is done! Double art – did theory instead of clay work will tomorrow, too. Have to work in lunch time. Maths – got test mark back Below class average. 17½/30. Class AV 18.5/30. [This would no doubt have caused Perfectionist Me undue stress for a few hours.] English – Mr V.S said we only have to hand in one english assignment whichever one we want. Great! Lunchtime – did PES testing – skint! In PES played hockey. fun but hot. BP got all work done in class, so no HW 4 Hol’s. Watching movie – “Xanadu”! Dunno wot ta wear 2morrow.

Thursday 4/4/85

I thought Tim’s family would be comfortable financially cos’ he wears Tab shorts to school but today he wore daggy black jeans like Shane S. used to wear…. Still I don’t look at his clothes – just his spunky face. Wore my red’n’white Sportsgirl shirt, sweatshirt & sanshoes. Took my Sportsgirl bag. All of us were allowed in the science lab, today (only 2 boys had correct leathers on.) German had competitions. Natalie P. won. Art, watched boring video. Didn’t get clay done. Eng. & Hist finished up essays’n’mucked around. Maths – won an egg! packed this arvy. Haircut just a trim. Saving up for perm! [OMG, yes. It happened a number of times in my youth…] Lateish nite

Friday 5/4/85 (Good Friday)

Woke 5:30 today. Didn’t do exercises. Finished packing and went to work. When eski was packed at work, we came home cos’ we forgot somethings then left on our 3hr journey. Tried to sleep while travelling. Sick tablet helped me stay awake. [We often took travel sickness tablets as a precaution. My sister had – and still has – a weak stomach for travelling. She was invariably always the one we stopped for.] Got to Chillagoe 11-11:30. Drove to the Walsh River, saw Karen M & the Holletts ‘n’ everyone. Didn’t see the Strikes. Was too crowded there. Drove on, looking for Elisabeth Gorge. All those who gave us instructs were wrong. Finally went to the “Bellvue” Station Homestead. A real ‘bloody’ Aussie gave us directions. And we cross-countried all over the property, 4wd country alright!! Had to look for certain things e.g.: windmills, dams etc. Like a treasure hunt. When we finally made it (6:30) was already people here! Still, camped a bit away. River’s alriiiight. No trees where we camped. Don’t really like it. Feel homesick already. Jules bedded early. The rest of us went down for a bath/swim. Bed at 9:30

Saturday 6/5/85

Woke quite early 6:30. After brekky cleaned up & set things up totally. Then went for a dip. All of us got Aussie [my stepmother-to-be’s German Shepherd] in & she began enjoying the water. Then went firewood hunting. Got heaps, but dad wanted this giant log – trying to get it, we staked it. The back right wheel punctured BADLY. After changing it & getting back, we all drifted down to the creek & spent most of the arvy in it. Everyone else but me got burnt badly – or visibly bad. Withered the arvy away. After tea I had a half’n’half enamel mug of range & reisling. Anthony the dickhead [stepbro-to-be] was trying to convince me I was drunk. Dad was the only 1 (I think) who knew I wasn’t. Late nite.

Sunday 7/5/85 (Easter Day)

Dad came in at 7:00 singing “Peter Cottontail”. [He pretty much rolled this one out every Easter, since his first performance on a camping trip a few years earlier had delighted all of us kids. You know the way Dad’s do, once they think they’ve hit a ‘winning formula’.] Julia ended up eating all her eggs today. [That was usually MY trick] Hot X Buns for brekky. Lazy, swim about morning. Went walking up the gorge & found a beeauutiful hole. All swam & fossicked until around 1:30 – 2:00. After lunch, lazed ’round – swimming, photographing, playing games. After the last swim/bath, had tea and sat by fire. Am tired. Talked & quizzed each other. I had more wine 2 nite & didn’t get ‘pithed’. Am going to sleep out 2 nite – hope it’s cold.

Tests, Exams, Assignments & Essays (25-31 March)

Published on June 19, 2013 by Elissa Coxen2 Comments

Monday 25/3/85

Dad told mum yesterday how good we were, ironing our own clothes, washing & drying up & making our school lunches. Guess what we have to do now?!!….. Ran late this morning. Woke at 7:00! Rushed around (at a leisurely pace) [kinda oxymoronic] and made it in time! (to the bus stop.) Science was boring, BP test was synch, German was easy too (but I muffed it up) Maths stupid & boring & english fun! (Bag was heavy 2day! Also still rainy’n’overcast!) First day home. Feels different, somehow not as nice as Dad’s… NO HW, really. Laughed at this set of excuses (a joke sheet which I got from Megan W.) that some people have given their Insurance Officers in their ‘crash’ reports. Talkabout funny…!

Tuesday 26/3/85

Today was a little less wet & a little more hot. Got ready at a leisurely pace this morning. Got my History assignment. Bludged in double art cos’ I didn’t have a plastic bag (or an idea of what to make) for my clay. Maths boring, English 2 to 4 assignments, now. Didn’t get my PES routine etc done so I might ‘hafta’ do it in a lunch hour! BP was fast! After school, read my Dolly – is packed with Fashion, this one! Watching academy awards (57th) Stupid! Never show any clips from the movies

Wednesday 27/3/85

Had a dream about Tim last night. Fiona was going with him & I was jealous, but he seemed to like me better, but wouldn’t drop fiona. It was good. I could see his face clearly too… Today; science test – I mucked it up. German listening test I mucked up, too. Got 28/35 for my reading/writing test. History assignment – I got started – will be easier than my english assignments. Art – I can’t shape a pavlova out of clay! English – 3 assignments. all hard. Maths so confusing! Speech was boring. Jemima seemed un-interested with me today. Brent (a new one) asked her today. Went straight home after speech – then to Geoff’s for National Trust Meeting. Did HW. Got some History assignment done. Very Late night. (‘Horse’ geoff’s cat, loves me! sat in my lap for ½hr) [Impressive…that I let the cat sit in my lap at all. Felines have given me hay fever many a time in the past.]

Thursday 28/3/85

Today was rainy – overcast & cool enough to wear a jumper all day. Science: had Mr McIntyre (Irish teecher) “Had to do wee questions!” [I think you mean Scottish, Liss?] English – comp. test – I’ve failed it! (Was hard) Other period did our reading aloud. Was shaky but got 5/5! Double maths – understand a little, now. History; struggling with assignment. German – went over our test paper. Lazy, gutsy afternoon. Started HW late (around 8:00) Another late nite I s’pose. Probly won’t get all me HW done either….

Friday 29/3/85

Today was cool enough to wear a jumper, too. Bought my new PES shirt today. Is big, but not big enough, I think. Science, marked HW sheet. PES – picked hockey as our new subject unit. German – got 12½/15 for Listening test. Extended little lunch. In form, picked our recreation topics for Wednesdays. I picked swimming at the beach, aerobics secondly, then craft. Sooooo many people picked skating – there’ll definitely be cut down. Art – started different thing. Pav. was too hard. BP – got 34½/40. History – Mr VS made me start again, but I’m on the right foot this time. After school watched TV. ABout 5:45 went to park. Mucked ’round with Julia on swings etc. Good place to think…..Early nite.

Saturday 30/3/85

Today made myself sleep in till 8:00. I must have gotten around 11 hrs sleep cos’ I fell asleep about 9:00 Last night! Anyhow, changed my room around and had a MASS clean up. Then did vacuuming for mum. Finally began my History essay around 3:30 I think. Worked until 6:00 went to tape songs for Countdown but when turned on the TV it was just finished. Watched TV all nite. Movie just finished. Going to bed now

Sunday 31/3/85

I am having a blue bedroom now. My room looks’n’feels just too hot in the arvy sun – so I need a cool colour. I’ve been thinking, too, that I don’t know if I like Sean that much. Tim is such a spunk, I think I’ve taken a liking to him. Anyway what’s new, I’m always dreaming.. Today I attempted (as soon as I woke – 6:30) to do my english essays. Can’t start the animal farm one, tho’ its a little easier & the Yentl one is too hard to continue. Lazed around. Painted my first 3 toenails on each foot & gave myself a quick manicure. Plucked my eyebrows & put some “hair stop” on them. [Again, wonderful examples of my power to procrastinate.] Lateish nite – haven’t learnt for my maths exam. I’ll fail it.

Surds, Ice Cream & Hey Hey It’s Saturday! (18-24 March)

Published on June 18, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 18/3/85

Today I got in a shit. I don’t know exactly why. I s’pose it had a little to do with the fact that everyone was talking about the Bluelight, & that I was bored at Port, but mainly that they had all had perfect weekends and mine was a stuffed, shitty waste of time. Any way, dad got us to school around 8:00. Was empty!! (almost). Sarah came 15 mins later, then the buses. Boring school day. Not hot. Didn’t do anything but fool ’round with Jules & watch TV at home ‘sarvy. At dad’s – another late night. Shitty maths HW. So hard & confusing. Watching Mike Walsh now.

Tuesday 19/3/85

Today I feel like running writing…[and I hear that cursive script is no longer to be taught in schools? What a shame. End of another ‘era’] Late for bus – had to get on at Fi’s stop! Double Science was boring. German was stupid. History; dull, art was fun. English made me fall asleep! (not really, but very close) and maths; complicated. Have to wear leather shoes into maths now, too. Shit! Mandy P. smiled at me today! Perhaps she does like me after all! at Penny’s did HW Dad finished run & all the HASH had tea (dinner) & drinks. Stayed till 9:00 Late nite 10:30

Wednesday 20/3/85

Today was okay. Science; boring no HW. English; boring no HW besides an essay. Maths; complicating, no HW, ach.[achievement] test on Mon. I’m gonna get Penny to teach me how to do these surds (cos’ she’s a maths teacher at Trinity Bay High). Mr Way doesn’t explain anything. [I had always thought my issues with advanced Maths began in my senior high school years – clearly not.] Went to art room at lunch time. History; more notes, No HW German she picked on me again, no HW. Exam on Mon I think. Got off at Fi’s. Forgot all speech books. After (fun) speech lesson, dad came. Late nite 10:30

Thursday 21/3/85

Hi! I’m finishing off the choc-choc chip ice cream. I have a feeling tonight might be a little earlier than my previous nights! YIPEE! Sleep! Today: Science, boring, had to take out a Text book after school (TT#3) for HW. PE: shame! Did 2 items for assessment; Have 3 left + 1 routine. Forgot my mark sheet! Ger: stupid. Ms Westerweld picks on me again. Meanwhile, back at the ranch……! Little lunch I had some yogurt, double Hist finished notes on German Unification. Art fun! & BP lots HW & Exam mon. Right now, my BP has not worked out ‘n’ my ice cream’s melting. Fi told (lied to) Beka that we “weren’t allowed to go to the Disco”. A few dirty remarks about me, I think, but I’m used to it, now. Nite, nite!

Friday 22/3/85

Did not stop raining one second of the day. Fiona & Jemima ended up not coming to the movies. Jemima had a bad cold and Fiona’s mum said she needed an early nite. Rebekah was being mean again, today in maths. I wore a t-shirt, blouse & jumper today; warm! Saw Tim a lot too: in the library it appeared he was try’na find me or spot me (un-obviously of course). Have hardly any HW, just a lot of exams to learn for & an essay. Sleep in tomorrow. Stinging, sore tired eyes at movie 2-nite. Petra did come!

Saturday 23/3/85

Woke around 8:45. Lazed about until 10:15, when we had to rush and go shopping at Raintrees. Just got to the end (fresh fruit & veges) and a lady (old & baggy-looking) came up and said something like – “make haste, as we get in trouble if we use the cash registers after 12” (it was 12:05) [aah, the days of limited retail shopping hours] What bullshit!! Anyway, dad’s $70 for the groceries was in a $50 & a $20 note. It came to $46 or something, so I handed over the 50 & put away the $20. When we got to work – I found it was lost – not anywhere. So I had to work it off dis arvy. [Wow. Even as an adult I think that’s a bit unfair – give a kid a break. I’m shocked that I had to work to atone for an accident. It’s not as if I spent the money or stole it. Even though I respect my father for teaching us the value of money, this feels like it’s verging on child labour!] At the flat, late nite 1:30, I think it is. Am bugared.

Sunday 24/3/85

Woke around same time as yesterday. Did some colouring to my sketch folder, then, when the flat was awake, we all began cleaning. Actually, I waz lazy – didn’t do much. Julia tried to ring mum again around 11:00, she got her! Mum came home around 10:15!! About 12:30, finished cleaning & roughly packing then (cos’ Mike – flat 5 – was having a party – BBQ lunch – his birthday) so Jules & I played handball while dad & jenny went out then Cheryl (also flat 5) put on a video recording of “Hey Hey it’s Saturday”. Got home at 6:00 watched Countdown. Latish nite. 9:30, now

A Mandatory Stay with Dad (11-17 March)

Published on June 17, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 11/3/85

Today was a boring Monday except that Sons & Daughters is on (or started) again – tonight. & also – in place of New Price is Right – the “Perfect Match”. Is weird show. Want to ring mima soon – it’s about 8, 8:15. Going to say sorry bout how I acted at speech last Wed. (was moody about carnival) Beka also got her hair cut to level bottom of her ears. Looks REVOLTING. Doesn’t suit her at all. About mum going to Brisbane:- co’s’ we’ll have to stay with Dad, we’ll hafta catch the Holloway Bch Bus. That is something I DEFINITELY will NOT DO

Tuesday 12/3/85

Today was my last day at home. Mum is leaving early tomorrow morning. We are at dad’s tonight. He’s going to drop us at our bus stop tomorrow. I’ll get on the bus again in the arvy, for speech & he’ll pick me up after. BAD day. Watched a movie in English “The Voyage of the Damned”. Is good, but boring so far & uncomfy. Double maths was boring: so was science – Fi was going (faking) on about how she had inconstinence or something. “leakage of the bowel”. I almost believed her. [I have on occasion been considered gullible. Admittedly, it is still possible to pull the wool over my eyes…] LATE NITE 10:30

Wednesday 13/3/85

Today was better than yesterday. Felt better. When rang mim yesterday, after school said sorry & asked about speech HW, then told her about Bluelight. She offered for me to stay the weekend. But dad said no. [All attempts to get out of going to Port Douglas for the weekend were failing.] We are leaving Fri night & coming home monday morning. Science was boring. PES was embarrassing, Ger was stupid, History was dull, Art was fun & BP complicated. Watched finish of movie today, lunch-time. Happy ending! Today I got on the bus before the 1st stop. Got off at Fi’s dis arvy Jules & me. After speech, went home to get more gear then at dad’s flat; I had another late night 11:00

Thursday 14/3/85

Missed catching the bus at Stratty shops, but caught it at Petra’s corner. Harry said we couldn’t catch this bus after all, without paying, saying that as long as we were out at Holloways, we had to catch that bus. But I told him it was only temporary & the whole thing was ‘forgot’! Maths, stupid. PES shame & I put my (left side) back out, Science, boring, Bought juice at L.Lunch, History was dull, BP (the light is dawning ie, I know how to do Bank Reconciliation, now) Big Lunch boring English slow & Art treadly fun. Got off bus & went home. Looks dull & lonely. Hate even being there. Dad picked us up at 5:00 (after we’d had showers ‘n’ gotten things we needed. Late nite – couldn’t find a backpack, nor diamontés. Big shopping load. At flat another late nite 11:00. Am bugared!

Friday 15/3/85

Today woke late-ish. Had to pack things that we’re taking to Port D. & everything else. Have decided now to get on the bus at Fairweather’s (like we did today) cos’ we never know whether the bus has gone past at Stratty shops, or not (like we did today!) School was boring-er!! than ever. After, at home, ate what we could (not much) & did HW, while watching TV. After dad’s run, we went to the Freshy Hotel for drinks, then drove to Port Douglas. Pizza for tea. Late nite 11:30.

Saturday 16/3/85

Today was boring. Got around 8hrs sleep last night. When woke, had to help in cleaning the house & pool. Before 12 sometime went with Jenny (Jules & me) to the Port Nursery and picked out about 20 plants! After a quick lunch the Mulleys arrived during the matinee movie then the others came. Wasn’t a bad party but I was bored. WISH I could have gone to the BLUELIGHT. Just read my book tonight, not hanging round Jackie & her hoony friends nor Amanda & Co cos they were too childish. Am scared. I hate Port D.

Sunday 17/3/85

Last night something was going to happen. In Jackie’s room, the hoony friends, Jackie & Anthony were going to do something to me. Whether it was force me to smoke or get drunk; I don’t know but that’s what I’m scared about. [I’m not sure if I actually knew ‘something was going to happen’ for a fact or whether I was uncomfortable & paranoid, and therefore ‘expecting’ something. My feeling is the latter. I can have paranoid tendencies – most probably borne of an inherent lack of self-belief – but thankfully they have lessened over the years.] I’ll never come here again. Hurry & come home, mum….. Today was just as boring. I want this weekend to hurry & finish. Got about 6hrs sleep last night. Woke around 8:00. Swam all day & mucked around. Read book when everyone had left & watched TV tonite. Want an early night. Want to ring Fiona & talk about Bluelite.

Lots of Boredom & A Misunderstanding (4-10 March)

Published on June 16, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 4/3/85

Was hot – is still! Boring day. Didn’t hand in english essay cos’ watched “Yentl” in double period. Did more work in Science, Maths & started German Unification in History. German was boring. (as usual) I think Tim knows I like him. Julia embarrassed me in front of him today. He walked past and Julia wiggled her eyebrows at me & pointed (with her head) in his direction. SHAME!! Fiona didn’t (after all the begging I’d done) take me to the [interschool swimming] carnival, so I went with Justine & Beka. Saw Sean. Think he knows I like him. Lots of others do. On a worser note; Neville was there & pestering but I Love S.M.

Tuesday 5/3/85

Fiona looked guilty at the carnival last night. I’d catch her looking at me – & she’d quickly look away. Also talked alot to Angela, Karen M & Sharon M. Today, didn’t talk to Fiona much as possible. I know she’ll tell Jemima, then they’ll both be in a shit with me for at least a month. Otherwise, was a boring day. Karen has changed since our group split up. She’s more ‘shy’ (or quiet) than before & also, less immature – in fact, she’s quite grown-up! I want the Bluelight to come fast. I want to see Sean again. I’m tired. Don’t feel like doing any HW. Wanna watch TV but the stupid cricket’s still on….

Wednesday 6/3/85

Fiona & I started off badly, then it went good until big lunch, but it was her who was doing the isolating act. Then at speech, Jemima was trying to be friendly, but something was different; was wrong. Will ‘write’ notes to Fiona tomorrow. Tired & slow day, ran late. In PES, wet my hair, odourised myself, washed my feet’n’face! Might have a shower off, next time. Walked Lucy to music again always giving (or she’s so hungry) her food. Don’t think Jemima & Fiona like me anymore but I always say that, then change my mind, huh? Also Jemima knows who Sean is now. I think (I’m scared) she’ll say something.

Thursday 7/3/85

Today Fiona was the one in (no, not in a shit, just distant or vacant.) Not really quite there. I think; I know something is wrong. I will ask tomorrow. Didn’t like today – (then again) I don’t like any day of school. Really must stop feeling sorry for myself . I must look so selfish. Had a test in German which I didn’t learn for – just a little one. At Big Lunch, hung mainly around Anna, Megan & Melissa. Teased this girl (Monica) & her friends. Monica burnt her stomach so has to wear dresses & wears the gawkiest ones out (ever since Tues. I think) No HW – not in the mood.

Friday 8/3/85

Today we made up. It was all a misunderstanding. Fiona thought that I didn’t want to talk to her, so she didn’t talk to me…. etc, etc, etc. History was the period in which we made up & art was fun. Hungry at little lunch. Maths boring & English worse. Big lunch was okay – walked around. PES was okay, too. After, wet my hair again, like I did on Wed. & BP (Fiona U. & I were late) was loaded with work. Went to yacht club tonite. Then had very late & filling dinner at that pizza place again. Am tired! Night-night!

Saturday 9/3/85

Today was……boring, really. Woke early-ish (compared to the time I went to bed last night). Had brekky & moped around wondering what to do. Did a little housework, then mucked around with make up, ‘barbies’, watched TV. Went to Petra’s with Jules after lunch. Bored there, too. At home again got songs off Countdown & watched TV. Movie has finished. Am bursting to go to the loo. Am also hot & tired. Malissa & Jodie (Julia’s friends) also came over this morning, asking Jules to nick some smokes off mum for them!! Jules said no, of course!!

Sunday 10/3/85

Today was even boring-er!!! Woke and felt grumpy. Decided to cut out yellow pictures from magazines. Did well up untill lunch time. Then made some patty cakes. After feeling bored, I began my HW. Got quite a lot done! Diane & Kerry came for tea. Got some more songs off Countdown. Had a shower (shaved, washed & conditioned my hair) then tea. Is now 8:30 (I think) and am bored & tired. Did I tell you I have “Batch #2”? I mean, my periods again. I also might have to miss out on the Blue light next weekend, cos’ mum might go to Brissy, leaving us at dad’s & dad wants to go to Port D. cos’ Jenny’s holding a party (& everyone’ll be there – Mulleys – all the hash guys.) I’ll PROTEST tho’! [A fat lot of good that would do me. I might ‘get around’ my mum, but hardly ever my dad.]

The Persistent Suitor & a Hangover Memory (25 February-3 March)

Published on June 15, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 25/2/85

BACK TO SCHOOL for another week. Yuk. Fiona has a cold. She’s bin sniffin’ all day. Lucy has left too. For good – I think. & Justine’s in her own world with Sarah H. Am tired. Nothing really happened today. End-of-unit science test on Wednesday; new PES teacher is Mrs Connors (she’s ooookaaaaay); German another bludge. double History (bigger bludge in the library); art was alright; BP yuk as always. Got the March Dolly & Wham! Magazine today. GREAT x-ept I’m a little disillusioned with the WHAM! thing. Not that excellent. Late-ish nite.

Tuesday 26/2/85

Today was supa-hot, too. More rain this arvy & thunder. Fiona’s cold is bad. I don’t (& she doesn’t) think she should’ve come to school. She had a temperature in the afternoon. Tim wasn’t here today. I didn’t see him, anyway. Mima yelled to me this arvy “Neville wants to know if you like him.” I smiled a sorrowful smile & shook my head; No. I wish he’d give up. I’ve already told (lied to) him that I’ve got a boyfriend in Brisbane. Hardly any HW tonite. Learnt a little for my science test. Nothing on except cricket (BORING!) Am so hot & bothered. Dunno if I’ll get to sleep. Bluelight is on 16th March (or so they say…)

Wednesday 27/2/85

I didn’t like today. (except that science test was easy & got a hell of a lot of work done in BP.) Fiona went home at little lunch, leaving me with Rebekah. Also lost my ruler and after speech, Fi brought up Neville again. She said he wrote, “I love Elissa” all through mima’s HW Diary. I wish he’d lay off. I don’t think I’ll go to the next Bluelight, cos’ (no doubt) he’ll be there hoping to dance & dance & dance….. And I know I’ll blow my stack. Mum went to a National trust meeting, Julia to a disco & me to Mandy & Bills. HOT again today. Got braces tightened. Dr Kadell said this was the last stage in my teeth fixing!! They come off on May 2nd!!

Thursday 28/2/85

Fi was away today. Boring. Hot. Told Beka about Neville (about the “Neville wants to know if you like him” & the “I love Elissa”.) She tried to hid her dissapointment. I told her I wasn’t going to go to the Bluelight, but later in PES (when she’d recovered) she told me I must come & be mean to him. I don’t know why she wants to do that. Rang Fi tonite. Told her about it she says she doesn’t want to go either – she’ll tell me ’bout it tomorrow. [Unfortunately if she did tell me about it, I didn’t enter it into my diary. So we’ll never know why.] Jodie (Julia’s friend) embarrassed me today… Tim (spunky) has bandages on his nose. He walked past & she said aloud “look at his nose”. (he’s broken it, doris!) He turned around How embarrassing!! [SO easily embarrassed?] Mandy came and looked at the tiles. Practised handstands I’m gettin’ betta! Can’t wait till Fi gets back!

Friday 1/3/85

Today was Hot. Again. Yes, again. Fi was here today. School was boring. God Tim’s a spunk. He’s got bandages on his nose. Wonder why?…. (BROKEN, dick!!) Got off at Fi’s stop, cos’ mim told (signalled) me to. We had arvy tea then read books. Then we all went home. Then we got ready to go to the movies. Then the Brewers picked us up & Mim, Fi & I went. Julia was there too, with Petra. Beka SHIT was there too, with Justine. “16 Candles” was a top movie. “Hard to Hold” (before it) was THE pits.

Saturday 2/3/85

Today was plain. (I thought) Woke around 7:30 & lazed & dozed until 8:30. Didn’t start getting ready to go to work till around 10. Dad came an hour late. up till then. I just tried to do my english essay but couldn’t & walked around tidying up stray things. [Textbook Procrastination – a defining trait.] At work, I didn’t feel at all like doing washing drums cause at his new place, there’s no drains (You can’t do it outside in case the grass dies from chemicals) [It amazes me now that no one put two & two together back then: so it’s ok to drain the residual chemicals into our waterways, but not kill the grass outside the premises? How did it take – and unfortunately still is taking – so long for Humans to realise that we’re in a ‘closed circuit environment’?] So I cleaned 4 drums & did 2½hrs labelling – ($11) altogether. Lunch was filling. At home, mucked around watched TV. Had bath. Watched TV. No tea Just snacks. Late-ish nite. Not so hot, now. Fi rang today. She Didn’t ring back.

Sunday 3/3/85

Gutsy today. Ate so much. Woke around 7:30, wanted not to go to Pt Douglas with mum & Geoff, or to Dad’s, but to Fi’s. Rang her, but she rang back 5 mins later, crying, saying I wasn’t allowed. So went to Dad’s. Jenny had a bad hangover. She spent most of the day in bed! Jules & I got words for songs then I spent most of day doing nothing or watching TV, while trying to write my english essay, But I did get it started (finally) and am now almost finished. Is late & movie is stupid. Am full. Jenny left after walk on the beach, then Penwardens came for drinkies! Australia lost to India. Are definitely out of the finals now. [This day was forever etched in my stepmother’s memory. Or should I say branded, with a scorching hot poker? Julia & I played, stopped, rewound & played the song “One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head on one of our mixed tapes on Dad’s stereo, over & over until we’d transcribed the lyrics, unbeknownst to us permanently instilling in Jenny a hatred for the song. She was sick as a dog and just wanted it to stop – but didn’t say anything at the time. It’s a running joke now.]

In case you can’t recall the tune, here’s a link to a YouTube music video: One Night in Bangkok

Sunburn, Countdown & the First Shower (18-24 February)

Published on June 14, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 18/2/85

Today was BAD [in the original diary this word was written LARGE; taking up two lines] It was hot & I was burnt (very sore). Fi is quite burnt too, but my face is like a beetroot. Rained later in the arvy. Blackouts just the same 1hr off, ½hr on. Everyone asked us what we did on the weekend (Fi & me) Sunday was fun!! Don’t like Lucy. She thumped me on my (very sore) shoulder. Boring day. Julia found out about the bird. [Gone. Escaped from its damaged cage the day before – see previous entry] Took it well.

Tuesday 19/2/85

Today was hot. Had my bath this morning, covered in olive oil. (Remembered last time I was burnt mum told me to oil myself over before having a shower/bath.) Makes me feel like I won’t peel, but doesn’t help the sting! OUCH! [I had forgotten about this Old Wives Remedy mum had passed on to us. I don’t think it actually worked.] More fun in german. In English, had to start drawing up charts for our class (we have to read 6 novels per semester & we must record them on this chart) Anyhow, I started drawing it up today but found I’ll probably need another sheet (I’ve already got 2) to do 25 people! Saw a WHAM! magazine at Stratty the other day. Want to get it $3.50. Hand in text book scheme money tomorrow. [I can’t really remember well, but I think the ‘scheme’ was basically a hire-purchase arrangement. You paid an amount for your set texts at the start of the year & received most of it back if you chose to return them at the end of the year. Anyone from Smithfield recall exactly?]

Wednesday 20/2/85

Got in another shit this morning when I couldn’t find the hair combs again, ..So mum bought me some from Woolies today. Just cheapies – but that’s all I want. Periods are still going: 7 days now. Double art was good. I think Tina really does like me. She’s so nice to me. I think Adrienne hates me – I just have a feeling, like Erica & the feeling I had that Fran hated me (which (I don’t think) she does anymore) Ms Bowles’s (PES Teacher’s) last day today. We all signed a card for her. 7th period was spent getting a new timetable (cos’ 5 teachers including Ms Bowles have been transferred) Jules is now in 8E – she also knows who Tim is now (the guy who looks like Sean.) Speech was or’right. Mima was in a good mood. After, went to Bankses to watch videod “Countdown” (old one). [For those who aren’t old enough or Australian enough to know, Countdown was THE music show of the 70’s & 80’s, the star of which was our iconic music journo, Molly Meldrum.] Late-ish nite → !!

A Life in Words — the (eventually) successful lino block print

Thursday 21/1/85

Bad day for me today, but good for everyone (as a whole) in QLD. The blackouts are over! Well, not quite. A few restrictions & some 1hr long blackouts may still occur, but nothing as bad as it was!! For me, I felt cranky & ugly & unhappy. In art, my lino prints all bugared up – too much paint; to little etc. Didn’t do any HW tonight – just not in the mood. Huffy during dinner & after. Bugs in my bath. Runny, itchy nose. Fi also told me what Beka said about me. She was on her way to German & Beka said, “I’ll bet you had fun on the weekend” “yup” said Fi. “But elissa would’ve wrecked it.” “What do you mean?” “Ohh.. you know how she is” Nice huh? Late-ish nite again. Am soooo tired.

Friday 22/2/85

HOT today. Boring, too. Got the rest of our proper timetable. Is exactly the same, but a few room changes. Walking down to bus line, this arvy, Tim walked behind me on the left side. I think he’s sooo cute – no, spunky. He’s just nice!! Mima dropped in this arvy, We went to her place for a swim (Pol, Fi, Me, Mim & Nyree) after, just hung around Grossetti’s riding bikes, talking & shooting ballls! Mim told me Neville still likes me – YUK Lateish nite…

Saturday 23/2/85

Jim Clarke started tiling our bathroom, loo & laundry on Thursday & mum bought a new shower curtain yesterday TERRIFFIC!! Looks neat!! Dude-ish [there’s that word again…] So, tonite I was the first to have a shower in our bathroom (using the new curtain) Boring day today. Lazed around. Ate almost ½ a bun loaf. That’s disgusting. Listened to records & looked through “Better Homes” mags. Began peeling yesterday. Yes, I’m gonna go white, again. Mum & I had take-away pizza for tea & ice cream. Geoff has changed. Both mum & I agree – she thinks he has another girl….watching movie tonite. [I don’t ever recall talking to mum about her relationship. This was a surprise to me.]

Sunday 24//2/85

Today was HOT again. Woke around 8:00. “Picnic at Hanging Rock” was good, but spooky. Did HW all day today, except in the morning, while looking through “Better Homes” magazines. Got lotsa HW done. Still; have done my english essay. [Methinks I meant to say I “have NOT done my english essay”] Didn’t eat much at all. Got more songs from Countdown [This was one of our rituals. Somehow we were lucky enough where we lived to be able to tune into ABC TV on the FM bandwidth, so we could record the songs as they aired on Countdown. The sound was superior to everyone else’s AM radio recorded compilation tapes. My sister & I had three or four cassettes that we circulated over time, re-recording over the top of older songs as newer music was released.] Wham!’s “Everything She Wants” is No°7 & “Last Xmas” is No°3! Great, huh?! ‘Tucky Fried for tea. Thought mima & fi would call me today; didn’t. Quite boring. Saw Shane S. HOORAY! (who gives a shit?)

Womanhood & Power Cuts (11-17 February)

Published on June 13, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 11/2/85

Today was boring, I s’pose. Just normal, Day 5 lessons (YUK!). Quite hot, too. Sarah H hung around us at big lunch. God it’s hot right now! I’m sweating – boiled!!!!! Mrs Westerwald picked on me in German, again. I couldn’t help being cheeky!! Raiders of the Lost Ark is on TV, now. Yes, the movie. What a surprise!! I’m sooo hot – Can’t think. If I remember anything else that happened today, I’ll write it in later!!

Tuesday 12/2/85

Mima dropped Glenn. Power strikes (I mean power cuts) all day today. Stupid electricity board. It’s not FNQEB this time, but SEQEB. Yes, they’re rationing our electricity! BUGARS! [All Queenslanders will remember the stoush between the Unions and The Bjelke-Petersen government at this time. There were state-wide electricity disruptions for many weeks. I didn’t – and honestly still don’t – know the gory details behind it all. I simply mimicked my parents’ attitudes. Oh, and hated being without power….as you do.] Didn’t do much work today. Was tired. Got Thursday’s history notes from Kel. Still don’t know how to get started in my english. Wrote a poem this arvy – don’t really like it, but can’t get an essay started. Will just show him (Mr VS) the poem tomorrow…….. Not too exciting – yes!! In art, have tables now & Tina & Erica sit opposite Fi & me – talkabout LAUGH!! So funny is Tina!!!!! [Bit of a girl-crush on the popular girl!] Early-ish nite to-nite!

Wednesday 13/2/85

This was no ordinary day. I got my periods. Yes, finally. I never thought I’d see the day!! As “mother” said to me, “Welcome to womanhood, Liss”. S’pose!! Mrs Westerwald picked on me AGAIN! I think I’m her guinea pig, now (me & Lucy & Lisa F) Mr Van Slooten was away in history – in art Tina, Erica, me & fi had more fits of laughter over smiles, sinus & Kyrene’s (Erica’s sister’s) habits! Got seats on the bus, thank God! Lucy got off with me & after arvy tea, I walked her to music (she goes to a lady in Cassowary St.) She came back later & we both walked to speech. Mima’s got butterfly handles on her bike now! [I’m not talking your modern racing handlebars, I’m talking the high bars that roadster bikes used to have. See pic→]

Thursday 14/2/85

VALENTINE’S DAY. Power cuts continue – last nite, tonite (& days) – probably go on for weeks!! Getting worse – could end up with a complete black out. Today was cool & wet (overcast). Was boring in school, again. Nothing exciting ever really happens. Took home Fiona U.’s “Smash Hits Yearbook”. By the time I’d finished ready thru’ it, it was on dusk. Did little HW, didn’t really have much. Late night again, due to HW & blackouts. 1hr on, 1hr off now…… Geoff took mum to lunch; no choccy’s (DAMN!) Hate stupid electricians. Think they’re so cool. Well, Joh’s gonna show ’em!

Friday 15/2/85

Today was boring again. Power strikes are getting worse. Boring science; pes actually did a handstand (with Justine’s & Sarah H’s) help! Ms Westerwald didn’t actually pick on me today! HIP HIP HOORAY!! Behind in Hist. notes…. At lunchtime, walked ’round & then mucked about with Julia & Jodie. Jodie T. (not Jules’ friend) hates Fi or so Fi thinks. This arvy looked thru’ magazines. Petra is staying. Late nite….. with my radio, I went through AM trying to pick up all the stations – some Japanese!!

Saturday 16/2/85

Today, made “Barbie doll” clothes. My 2 ‘barbies’, I want to keep for my kids when I grow up, and until then, I’ve decided to make clothes for them & keep them fashionable & on display!! [Hmm well, two spanners in the works there: those dollies are long gone and I have had no kids to which I could give them, should they still be in my possession] Made 2 tube dress/skirts today, 1 boob tube & a pair of ski pants / Otherwise, I read magazines, till Mim & Fi came round about 4:30. Rode to Stratty (on flat tyres) & all pumped them up while the electricity was still on… rode around till 6:00, was fun! Late night tonight (hoping to be so tired that I sleep in) Boring.. Jules is at Dad’s. Wet & rainy today. Periods still!

Sunday 17/2/85

Woke early-ish DAMN! & sat making more barby clothes (a shirt from a sock, a glove & tog bottoms) Then mima rang. Went to Tinaburra! Not the actual block, but where there was a pontoon like on the old Coke ads $2.50 for ¼hr – Rip off! But Nyree, Liam, Ryan & Rebecca I. were on it & had been for 2hrs! (Just from the $2.50!) So we went on it (Yes, I swam – didn’t bleed much at all!) TREADLY FUN!! (except that we only got 40 mins) Stupid old man – Jock! [I’m not sure if this was his name or an insult. Most likely the latter.] Anyway sunbaked & read. (Got quite burnt) At lunch, the man went away so we swam out to it – & swam under the floats. We were under the tramp. part. Man came back & we were severely skinted!! After had a go on the water toboggan – TREADLIER!! At home, mum had an accident – forgot the car was in 1st – drove straight thru’ to back yard – broke the table & the bird got away (cage severely bent) Lateish nite – strikes are worse.

Love Lost & Duncton Wood (4-10 February)

Published on June 12, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 4/2/85

I’m SO upset!! Sean has left! Yes, he’s gone to Cairns High. Miss him!! Looking forward to seeing him today, but when I asked Jay, who asked Wade, he told me he’s left – oh, woe is me!!! Were all so talkative today. Got our day 1 timetable. In German, Tina was really nice! She asked us to sit next to her & after the lesson, we walked out together, talking. I really think she’s nice!! Shelley is quite, too! She says hello a lot too! [These were some of the ‘popular girls’ so any kind of attention from them was encouraging for my little Ego] Boring in lessons. Was sleepy. Hot at lunch time. Boring on the way home. At home, covered some of Julia’s books. Did HW, while watching “It’ll be alright on the Night – 4” Funnee!! Late-ish nite ……!!!!

Tuesday 5/2/85

Wet, today. Must be missing Sean a great deal more than I thought, as I’ve almost decided to change schools (to Cairns High, where he is) in Year 11. Got today’s & tomorrow’s timetables today! Science first period days 1, 2, 3!! OH NO!! Excited today, in the pouring rain. I love it!! Excites me. Cyclone has passed by Cairns. Poop! I would’ve loved one! [Would have loved a cyclone for two reasons: the first and most significant would have been time off school. The second; they were kind of exciting affairs – Mother Nature in all her furious glory. Mind you, we had never, and I still haven’t, experienced anything nastier than a category 3 storm. My father has and swears he wouldn’t wish it (Cat 1) upon his worst enemy.] Double English was – boring! Nothing-special-day, today. Neville (that guy at the Bluelight) has Beka’s phone no, now. He likes her, THANK GOD!!! Not much else, today!! Early – no! Late-ish nite. Will take some money to school tomorrow I think!! Raining heavy, now!! GOODY!!

Wednesday 6/2/85

Today was boring, again. I really hate school, now. Or, at least, Smithfield. Wasn’t hot – rainy, a little windy & cool. Got a hay fever attack at the bus stop, which changed my mood completely. Love this book I’m reading!! “Duncton Wood” about the history of “the Duncton moles”. Is excellent – have to read 6 books per semester in English. This is my first. Assigned seats in German. Double History was boring as ever. Bought a choccy milk for little lunch. The guy in front of me in the que [this is the second time I’ve spelt ‘queue’ in this way; strange (& disappointing) considering English was one of my best subjects] was the one who I always (used to) mistake for Sean ←(Miss him.) Geoff bought a friend round for tea.

Thursday 7/2/85

Went back to speech yesterday. Are not gonna do our theory exam, just drama. Told mim about Sean yesterday. she said she hasn’t seen him, yet…. Today wasn’t ordinary – started off – the heavy night rain had caused Freshy Creek to go over, so we had to turn back (on the bus) and go over Thomatis Creek. And at school today, didn’t do any work! Volunteered to cover textbooks. There were many girls at first, but the number dropped greatly after lunch, as the work ran thin. Was fun – talking!! One guy (have I told you?) [yes, yes you have] looks like Sean at a glance. I’m keeping my eye on him!

Friday 8/2/85

SWIMMING carnival Trinity won!! AGAIN! 3rd year in a row!! Ran a little lat today. Wore my red fullpiece. Took red’n’white striped Sportsgirl shirt & the book (“Duncton Wood”) I’m reading. Couldn’t afford to take any money to spend, but ended up borrowing off Lucy – 50c & Fi – 40c. Found 10c!! Was quite good today. At least, hardly any rain & even a few glimpses of sun!! Wore jumper almost all day. Was actually quite boring. At the end the teachers had a relay against the kids – they wore flippers and won [cheats!]. Ate my apple on bus. Read book at home. Late nite. watching “Pot Black”. After will be Dave Allen!!

Saturday 9/2/85

(Gordon dropped Danielle yesterday at the carnival. God, was she upset) Horrible day, today. A complete waste of time (I think) and a little energy. I JUST READ ALL DAY!! I finished my (thick) book “Duncton Wood” [THIRD mention of the title, in case you missed it in the previous entries…] It was EXCELLENT. But I hated it – I couldn’t stop crying. [Similar to Watership Down if I recall correctly – a bit of death.] Actually, I could, but it was very depressing. A lovely story – you should read it one (or two!) day(s). [My God, anyone would think I was bi-polar. Loved it, hated it, loved it, hated it, highly recommend you read it – so that you too can be as messed up by it as I?] Ate surprisingly quite little. Julia went to dad’s. At 5:10, got ready to go to Pictures. Saw “Police Academy” & “Caddy Shack”. Both good, but Police Academy funniest. Saw (mim’s) Glen, Kim N & the dreaded, hated Neville. [I still can’t believe my choice of words. So…intense. Matching my FEELINGS?]

Sunday 10/2/85

Also saw Amanda & Janelle last night & Nana came over yesterday) Today did, generally, ‘spring’ cleaning & Homework. I rearranged many things in my bedroom, and have found lots of room now! Went through my old books etc, my scarves & air laces & belts! All sorted out now! Ate little, but what I did was fattening. Quite cool today. Mucked about with make-up. Rang Fi 3 times. Got her the last; about essay. She rang back minutes later with more questions, too! Saw Martin & Patrick ride past – WHOOPEE!!!! Late-ish night. Watching a little of the movie. Eyelids are tired but I’m not…oh, well, back to school tomorrow…….