My Diary – Page 24 – A Life in Words

Week Nine – The Family Split

Published on April 8, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Saturday 26 February

Am making a book about ‘the New Price is Right’ got up to the “(so & so) come on down” with an audience. [‘The New Price is Right’ was a TV game show I was enamoured with] Anyway did that all morning, then went to Freshy Creek with Pellings. Petra & Doug went too. David L. was there. Am sleeping at Petra’s tonight!

Sunday 27 February

Pazz-azed up my cover page in my book but spent most of the day shifting in, is surprisingly nice & comfy! Couldn’t reach Karen to tell her, so I got toni instead.

Monday 28 February

Didn’t sleep well last night. Kept waking up and cause of the full moon, the sky was so light that I kept thinking it was morning. Toni walked me to the bus stop. Met Joanne, Julie, Lyn and Sandra. Talked & I told them about it all as I did to everyone else during the day. [By ‘it’ I think I am referring to my parents’ separation & our resultant weekend move] Did cooking first lesson/time today. Made a salad of cheese, tomato & lettuce with crackers & Punch (orange cordial (rich yuk!) with diced up apple in it)

Tuesday 1 March

Quite boring today. Rebecca broke-up with Natasha. Got (finally) 1 textbook. (the one I wanted mostly) Maths! Fi came this afternoon. Had a drink and a snack, then went walking & talking. Showed her my New Price is Right Book and she (like everyone else thought it was good!) Julia went riding again (on bikes) today. Yesterday she went into Shane’s bedroom. He hasn’t hung up the fancy name I did for him last year. He said he would. [Aspiring entrepreneur in primary school, I did drawings and artsy-farsty name ‘signs’ for a small fee!]

Wednesday 2 March

Today the teacher/student debates started Team 1 (students) was Fran, then Justin then Angela. Team 2 (teachers) was Mr Stephens, Mr Tunley and Mr Wrench. Angela & Mr Wrench didn’t have time so they’re on tomorrow. I was timekeeper and I will be tomorrow ‘Figgles’ came for tea last night. Tried not to notice him. Got new lime green 4-door Centura Corolla! Good but – engine whirry and back doors stiff to open. Got it Mon!

Thursday 3 March

Speech – had heaps of HW! Nothing much in the way of HW for high school. Shane B. sat right next to me, just to see my book. Disappointing! Shane hasn’t paid much attention to me. I ♥ him! Not puppy-love either. I have since Grade 5. And I always will. Am still having trouble in the way of sleep. Am so tired. Before I had growing pains, Hayfever, Suffering from lack of sleep and Twisted Ankle in one go. Had that ankle twisted since Mon.!

Friday 4 March

Last night was pretty good. Hopped up at 2:00 to have some Ak-tavite to help me sleep. It worked! Tiresome day. At PE John was upset about all the mistakes in square-dancing everyone was making & he said “I want my Lissa back!” to me! Shane S. punched my leg and told me to move as I had it on his seat in the bus. I did, obediently! ‘Figgles’ again came to tea, with his new car. Mum & him went for a drive in the lovely rainstorm (finally!) & took ages to return…

Week Eight, 1983

Published on April 7, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Saturday 19 February

Slept well. boring morning though the arvy was packed! Went to the Crystal Cascades (CC) just with Dunphys then made a cake. Mum came to pick me up, but Fiona asked me to stay again and I did of course!

Sunday 20 February

Went to CC again (Cake has almost gone) This time with Liam, Niree & Ryan. Came home around 5:15-5:00 Early night!

Monday 21 February

Got the news last night – mum’s going. My heart is stone for her sake. I vow never to be kind again. She really hurt me. Onto happier matters – Got another book today from Kylie called ‘Little Sister’ (Peta has it too!) I finished reading ‘Ten-boy Summer’ only a couple of days ago! The prickle I got in my foot at Fi’s on the weekend isn’t out yet! Lost 1/2 a pound. Am now seven stone and 1/2 a pound. Still am overweight. will have to do something.

Tuesday 22 February

Got our lockers today! I’m number 24 with a blue key tag. I’m not going to take a port to school anymore now, I’m going to take a shoulder bag – it’s easier. Started my third ‘Sweet Dreams’ Book, called Falling in Love Again. Not really interested because it’s the second book (Part II) of 2 books, the first one being ‘PS: I Love You’ & I can’t latch the story. One thing about lockers, the keys and locks are the same. People can easily break in.

Wednesday 23 February

I now have a yellow keytag! I swapped with Fran! We took the key off and the number paper out and swapped tags! The book I’m (or should I say ‘was’ reading) is too complicating and misunderstandable, so I gave it back to Lucy. instead I got a ‘Footrot Flats’ Comic from Fran. Lost my map for Geography today! Oh what trouble! Also had English instead of Geo, so I bought the wrong books!

Thursday 24 February

23th: Swimming Carnival yesterday arvy/night. Hope we win (interschool!)

Today – Did we win? Nope came a tie fourth with TAS! Jemima’s got a boyfriend she won’t shut-up about and I told Fi the whole story about I.’s crime, N.C. going bust and us splitting up. Nin [what we sometimes called our Nana] came today. Went late night shopping right after Speech Got home 8.00. Dad wasn’t home. Still isn’t: 9:15! Hope he doesn’t die on the road – drunk.

Friday 25 February

Dad got home alright. Mum told me he was at the pub with D. drinking & telling her everything. Got home and dad was home. Wondered why until went inside. Talking about how to arrange transport to our flat! We actually got one finally! Better still, Karen’s close. Yes! In Simon St. oppo. Melinda S.’s house in Freshy. Moving in tomorrow arvy. Will ring Karen in morning and get her to meet me at Melinda’s place after lunch. Will tell her everything.

[My memory is actually quite clouded when it comes to the demise of my parents’ marriage – it seemed to take a few years. There must have been a period of indecision on both of their parts – all of which Julia and I were unaware – because I vividly recall being eleven (late ’81?) when there was the first mention of a permanent split (I wrote an essay about it in Grade 7, which was so emotive my teacher read it aloud to the class). But clearly, according to this diary, we didn’t actually “leave Dad” until I was twelve…]

Week Seven, 1983

Published on April 6, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Saturday 12 February

Went to K-Mart again with Petra & Mima. Mima & Polly ended up staying tonight. Went to the Rocks. Took Petra, me, Julia, Lysarne, Mim, Rebecca, Polly & Atrso (Dad took us)

Sunday 13 February

Stayed up late and I’m very tired. Julia went sailing with Petra so I went to Mim’s & spent the day there. Sent love notes to Philip and mathew.

Monday 14 February

VALENTINE’S DAY

Got hay fever (or something like it) yesterday. Didn’t get anything done over the weekend (HW I mean) today the Anti-Histereen [! histamine] tablet showed its effects. I was asleep on my feet all day except on the bus & the afternoon – I had a splitting head-ache. Sons & Daughters is coming on tonight! Just before “The US Hero”. Went to Rebecca’s. Natasha was there & she tried to help us on our project.

Tuesday 15 February

PS 14th: Didn’t get to give Shane a Valentine’s card!

Nothing much today. Got in sport houses 8ABC & 9A are Trinity [sport houses were named after local northern beaches] & we’re red. I’m not in one race at all. It’s not fair. Got project done, only just. Lost the info, so we had to write down some other garbage. Speech was okay. I was best behaved! Am going to show Mrs McI. my poem about the Hawk! Went to Rebecca’s after. Decided on a new instrument:

A Life in Words — Diagram of ‘The Instrument’
(we had to design a musical instrument)

Wednesday 16 February

PS 15th: Yesterday was quite crowded after all and Mr V.S. didn’t even look at our lovely, tinsel-covered project. After we rushed to finish it. Not one look!

Changed now! I’m first on the list of relay 1! Am happy! 9B, 8DEF (Fiona’s) Eliss [misspelled ‘Ellis’ as in Ellis Beach]. 9C GHJ Clifton – green. Elliss – gold. Kurrwurra [Kewarra] – 9DE 8KL – black & white! Young Frankenstein was fab! No HW due to the carnival tomorrow. Thank God!

Thursday 17 February

We won! Trinity won – 668! I didn’t win my relay though because Melissa and Cathy weren’t fast enough. Connie started beautifully, Melissa went second, fairly well, Cathy went third losing the race for us then I went last (not boasting) pretty good. Ellis were second, Clifton 3rd, Kewarra 4th. Almost forgot my bus money this morning but managed to get it in time. Today wasn’t a Day 1 unfortuneatly. Special Occasions like today are called Day 7’s. [From memory, at Smithfield High our class timetables didn’t follow a typical working-week calendar…we had 6 timetabled ‘Days’ which meant the timetable made a full rotation in 6 weeks…unless of course there was a Day 7 thrown in ‘for special occasions’. No idea why this system was adopted..to keep us on our toes?!]

Julia and I with our only female cousin, Jodie. Peregian Beach, early 1970's — Julia and I with our only female cousin, Jodie.
Peregian Beach, early 1970’s

Friday 18 February

Today Auntie Bev had a baby boy! They might call him Anthony or Timothy! One problem though, I wish it was a girl. I only have 1 female cousin – Jodie. Fi came over. Wanted her to sleep but I ended up staying at her place. Not much HW I need to take. In fact – none at all! Home Ec on Mon. Oh no! Not fussy Cassy! (Caswell) Started Geography today. We’re not doing History this semester now. Pooey!

Week Six, 1983

Published on April 5, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Saturday 5 February

Karen came to Rebecca’s & we all did the project. Had a swim and played and ate all afternoon untill we went home to get ready to go to the movies with Pellings. Raiders of the Lost Ark & Rocky 3 [aaah, those were the days… of ‘double-billings’ at the cinemas!]

Sunday 6 February

Went last night with Petra, Droog, Cameron, Lysarne, Rebecca, Mr & Mrs P. Jules & me. Today stayed all day with Petra. Made cakes looked at Playboys. [uh-huh! That IS what you’re thinking!]

Monday 7 February

Another boring day. On Saturday Dad had a rusty nail in his foot. I was scared but it ended up okay. It went into his vein cause: the mower blade bent it and sent it flying into a vein on the top of his foot. Anyhow, tonight Julia fell on it & Dad let out a yelp but it was alright. Thinking of sending Shane a Valentine Card or sewing a small cushion in the shape of a heart (stuffed) So much HW!

Tuesday 8 February

This afternoon was packed! Got home, rushed out to ‘Sherez’ lady’s place to try on a size 12 because 14’s were far, far too big. Rushed home, had a quick bath and went to Speech. After that, came home and Amanda, Janelle & Leonie came for tea. I didn’t play. Cause I had all my books and was busy transferring all my work into them. finished just when they went home! Justine said Shane still loves Lorelle. Hope not!

Wednesday 9 February

Had to start project again because my books in my port [‘olden day’ term for schoolbag!] squashed it. Better luck though, because we’re allowed to have untill Mon! Pretty much a boring day with heaps of homework. Rebecca came this afternoon to help me start the 3rd piece of cardboard got the border, 1 man & 2 ladies done though I did more when she left. Hope we get it done. Looks good now! Thinking of sewing another heart for mum!

Thursday 10 February

Stayed up and watched “Blazing Saddles” a “Mel Brooks” movie in the February festival of Movies. Last week, saw High Anxiety. Both movies so far have been hilarious. After school, got home only to find we’re going to get our hair cut. I got my fringe done only + a little bit off the back. Also went to Allure Lingerie and was measured for a bra. I am size 8A. Got 1 bra. Doesn’t quite fit me. Need to grow a bit more.

Friday 11 February

This arvy was packed again! I got home, had 1 second shower, got something light on, then we (Petra, Julia, Mum & I) rushed into (& Lysarne) KMart. Pretty good, I reckon. Have afternoon tea there, dounut, thick shake and an ice-cream. Came home, Played on the street with Matthew. Lysarne left. Petra is sleeping. Played with dogs, after. Now have had shower & it’s dusk.

Week Five, 1983

Published on April 5, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Saturday 29 January

Today we played with everyone (the gang our gang) Made toffee when Pellings went at 4 for a party. Watched TV cricket. Petra went – Robbo’s came for tea. Sleeping at Peta’s Now. Goodnight!

Sunday 30 January

Mum & Dad came to Robbo’s had lunch with a game of cricket. Then went to beach for BBQ tea. Girls are staying tonight (Again!)

Monday 31 January – Australia Day Holiday

Peta & I played dress-ups then Peta & Marney went home. We went down to Petra’s to make a cake. 1st time Petra misread the recipe so we had to start again. When we came home Robsons were here. Watched TV had a bath, watched it again while having dinner. Mum got uniforms – far too big. Aussies tying 2nd Eng 8 Aus – 8 NZ – 10. NZ’s in the finals.

Tuesday 1 February

Went to Speech with Mim & Elisia at 4:45. [‘Speech’ refers to ‘Speech & Drama’ lessons. I originally took them for elocution training for my nasality, read: I “talked through my nose” – which I still can fall back into nowadays. It was apparently due to a ‘lazy soft palate’ and I had to enunciate “Go – Ah – Egg – Ah – Get” repeatedly, for homework!] Also got books. Mum hasn’t fixed dresses, oh no! Had to have Promite sandwiches instead of ham because there wasn’t any! Told Mima about Beka taking Fi off us. She doesn’t mind. From what I understood she hates both of them. [hate? such strong words used in our youth!] In her form she’s got Elisia, Jay & Anthony. Lucky! I wonder how Jason feels about being alone?

Wednesday 2 February

Got good pictures for History Project. Lucy was away yesterday but came & got sick again today. Changed forms again, though Karen & I were together. Rebecca is in 8A so we’ll be doing all our lessons with her. Went to her place to get pictures. Have History tomorrow – hope Karen brings everything! Lorelle & Shane fighting. See 3rd

Thursday 3 February

Now Lorrelle is going with “Gordon” and has dropped Shane. They’re fighting, see? I think Shane has a crush on me, at least I hope so. He seems to hang around. Instead of Maths in Period 7 today, we unpacked al the new Home Ec. Utensils & Things. Was fun! John L. thinks Carmen is a spunk. So does Shane B. I think. Scott does too! Doble Period History. Got more pictures for our project. Karen forgot everything again.

Friday 4 February

Am quite friendly with Natasha sat in front yesterday (going home) we talked and laughed (Inger, Rebecca, Me & Natasha) Shane sat in front of me! This day was packed! HW – Essay, Project, Instrument, Rules Poster. Had a swim at Petra’s then Lysarne stayed the night. Might have Lucy & Mim Saturday night, though Karen & I are going to Rebecca’s in the morning to do the Project. Have to do essay soon. Maybe tomorrow.

Week Four – Starting High School

Published on April 3, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Saturday 22 January

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

Sunday 23 January

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

Monday 24 January

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

Tuesday 25 January

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

Wednesday 26 January AUSTRALIA DAY

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

Thursday 27 January

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

Friday 28 January

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

Week Three, 1983

Week Three, 1983

Published on April 2, 2013 by Elissa Coxen3 Comments

Saturday 15 January

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

Sunday 16 January

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

Monday 17 January

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

Tuesday 18 January

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

Wednesday 19 January

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

Thursday 20 January

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

Friday 21 January

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

Week Two, 1983

Published on March 31, 2013 by Elissa Coxen5 Comments

Saturday 8 January

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

Sunday 9 January

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

Monday 10 January

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

Tuesday 11 January

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

Wednesday 12 January

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

Thursday 13 January

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

Friday 14 January

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

Week One, 1983

Published on March 31, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Saturday 1 January

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

Sunday 2 January

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

Monday 3 January

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

Tuesday 4 January

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

Wednesday 5 January

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

Thursday 6 January

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

Friday 7 January

Auntie Hilary’s Birthday & Clare’s.

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

And the Serial begins…in 1982?

Published on March 29, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

So I began with a Week to an Opening Diary and since 1983 began on a Saturday, there was an opportunity to fill in the final days of ’82. I only opted for a couple.

Week-to-an-Opening diaries don’t provide much room to write a great deal, but more space than the old Calendar Planner had. I guess I didn’t realise at that stage how much I’d end up liking this gig.

Before I expose you to the intricate goings-on of my twelve year old brain(!) I’ll just point out that I will most likely need to interject (in order to provide more detail or explanation) so these interruptions will appear in italicised text. Also, for all you Spelling & Grammar Nazis out there (one of which I am myself) please bear in mind, I am transcribing these entries AS THEY ARE…which means there will certainly be spelling errors (hey, I’m just twelve here) and punctuation anomalies etc along the way.

And without further ado…

Thursday 30 December 1982

8am Woke up

9am Packed up

10-11am Had our last swim and said goodbye to everyone

1pm Home from Port Douglas

2pm Finished unpacking and having lunch

3-4pm Watched cricket

5pm Had a bath, dinner and watched TV

(this particular diary had hourly appointments marked, so I dutifully logged what happened, when…)

Friday 31 December 1982

8am Woke up

10am Went shopping

(My, that must have been an exhausting day…)

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