I got a BIKE from dad! Before we left, dad & I cried. me because I felt guilty about never staying the night now’n’then & him cause he was hurt & didn’t know what was wrong. One problem with this Easter pressy – I won’t get a present for Birthday or Xmas this year. (who cares?) Jules & I forgot to get mum a present. We could tell she was upset. I feel so guilty. At ‘Port’, went to Gorge (icy cold!) & made the ’rounds’. Lunch at LeBerhz’s tent. PM: spent at beach. Are sleeping in a big blue camper bus. Is infested with Cockroaches! YUK!! EASTER SUNDAY
Went to Coppelode Dam with Dad, Jules and Dad’s new girlfriend Leslie (She’s nice!!) Was great fun!! After lunch, walked around the water tower, then the dam wall (stood on it – scary!) Found a track down, then paddled (& swam) in the cool rock pools. On the way back, the muffler came off. Rattled & banged all the way back (which wasn’t far)Wasn’t hungry for tea, tonight. Played 2 games of Scrabble. Am now very exhausted!!
Dad rang & told me Fi can’t come to Port Douglas on Sunday. Rats! GOOD FRIDAY today. Geoff stayed again last night – I’m getting used to it now. New tyres on my bomby bike. Feels funny! Boring today. Decided to not see Fi til Mon or Tues. Painted the dartboard & finished sticking pictures on the plastic case. Geoff bought our Easter Eggs today, today & Mum won a food hamper!!! UNREEEAL!!!!
Went to Earlville – UNREAL! Fi, me, Da (Fi’s Grandpa), Mrs D. Jules & Stu. Whilst Da was at the Doctor’s we browsed in a newsagency next door. This lady watched us, then said (cause we’d been looking at the books for ages) “This isn’t a library, you know.” We all stormed out! Had hot chips for lunch & looked around at Earlville. We even worked out a way to nick the bubble gum out of those machines! At Fi’s helped clean mima’s pool (I mean – Oh, you know) [ah, I’m sure YOU don’t, so I’ll explain: Fiona was caretaking the pool at mima’s whilst the family were away on holiday] At home, wrote a letter to mim (yesterday sorry!) She’s at her aunt’s. Fi & I have agreed tomorrow is a day at home. Early night tonight. Am dog tired!
Fi’s mum went to Sportsworld to play tennis with some friends so we went. Learnt to play receives! Went to town after, met mum for lunch. Had piled-up sandwiches. Kevin Shorey said “Not so Good!!” UM-AH!! Grocery shopping at Coles, then back to Fi’s. Fi got her hair cut at Freshy Hairdressers. She’s staying tonight! Late night.
The final ‘bulk’ post. Following this, posts will drop back to one entry per day, as is customary for me, and to correlate with current dates.
Sunday 1 April
Slept in, but got up to do Maths HW & joke Julia – sponge cake & lemon sauce was her breakfast of “bread & lemon spread”. She tasted a little bit & said, “that’s not lemon spread!” I said, “APRIL FOOL!” Went to mim’s to do HW, Fi’s for lunch (Martin’s girlfriend, Karen, was there & we teased them, UMAH!) Went & played some tennis, with Jay. (I did some really great serves!) Then we all cleaned mim’s pool; At 5:00 had a maths competition (in preparation for our maths exams, coming up in about a week). Went home at 6:00
Monday 2 April
Bad day at my schoolwork, but at lunch, they showed Michael Jackson’s ‘THRILLER’ (10c entry fee). Melissa C. paid for me. Mr Stevens said it was “experimental” ie “if it works, it will continue every week”. I’ll watch it again on Friday. Played tennis at the courts today. Pretty good playing from me! (Unbelievable!!!)
Tuesday 3 April
1st USA Jumbo came in at 7:15am, but we were still asleep. Today had a (hard) English Exam. Highest possible mark I’m able to get: 10/10; lowest ½/10 I hate those bus drivers who don’t even check now & then on the smokers. Cameron came to Mandy’s & Julia went beserk!!! I don’t think I love Shane anymore, but there’s one thing that drives me crazy – his brown eyes do it to me! They’re sexy! Really dark ‘LIQUID BROWN’.
Wednesday 4 April
SHANE’S BIRTHDAY. I still feel a little “OOMPH!” when I look at Shane. Physically 99% (the 1% being white as Snow White!) Mentally a dickhead! Dentist told me I’ll have to wear my brace about 3 more months! OH NO!! Tennis was fun – but I couldn’t return any serves or receives (cursed myself). Mima was going to a disco, so didn’t go to speech. She rang to ask if she could borrow my white double belt. I let her!! (Of course!
Thursday 5 April
Toni & me got driven to school today cause mum had to deliver some goods to the school. Wayne C, Michelle H & I missed out on an English test yesterday, so had to go to Library while the class marked theirs. Ate all my lunch at little lunch cause watched “GANDHI” (with Mr Addison’s class, too) in big lunch & periods 6 & 7. (Missed out on Science!!) Great movie. Didn’t get to see it all, though. There was a powder fight on the bus & Martin (& others) were sliding down the aisles knocking over people who were getting off. After, went to Simon St Park & played french cricket. Had tea & went to K-Mart. Julia got some jeans. Saw Trudi, Shane (with Todd T’s brother) Clare McK & Melinda S.
Friday 6 April
Maths Exam was quite easy, though I know I won’t get 100%. Didn’t have to do English listening test, cause we all had to do our Comprehension Test! Had to take model home today. Almost wrecked!! Free BP lesson today. Got a new WATCH!! It’s white digital with – time, alarm, seconds, date & hourly chime. Is water resistant to 100 feet. Went to mim’s. Ate lollies & lazed around. Watched the Logie Awards. GOOD!
Saturday 7 April
Tennis was good. Fi & me won 2/3 games! Had hot dogs for lunch, sunbaked for 15mins, did science HW, then went to mim’s. Helped clean her room then spent the rest of the day in the pool. Staying at Fi’s. Polly is staying here & she, Jules, Mum & Geoff are going to the drive-in.
Sunday 8 April
Did some good shots on the paper run! Mum, me, Jules, Fi, the Brewers & the Bankses (minus Pat) went on the Brewer’s yacht today. At first was hot, boring & no breeze, but things soon picked up. Anchored in a little bay for lunch. At home, did my HW, then went to see mima play in the Cairns Youth Orchestra, with Brewers & Fi. Was BORING!! (Not mima’s piece)
Monday 9 April
Kim, Tina, Melissa B & me got into trouble for being late to form class – no detention, luckily. Forgot to wear my PES uniform!! Mr Van Slooten didn’t blow me up about not doing my History HW. Had Ms Schmiemen today in BP Ms Chant was away. Did 2 experiments in Science (I nicked two paperclips & hung them on my earrings all day!) Didn’t get a seat on the bus. Early night. Am tired. Oh! Mim & Fi came around & we rode on the empty allotment, (where the flats are going) having races & lotsa TREADLYFUN!
Tuesday 10 April
Got maths mark 27/30!! Not bad!! English- 5/10!! Bad!! >Sigh<!! Did role play in double German. Shane clapped really loud after (probably not for me, but just to be stupid) Mulleys came for tea. Late night.
Wednesday 11 April
Julia went to a party last night and got in a tantrum when we picked her up saying we came “too early”. Got a seat on the bus, today. Begun perimeters in double Maths “OH NO!!” In Art, Mrs Anderson said she’ll collect our folders when we’ve completely finished this unit, ie next term sometime. I knew, when she showed me Natasha’s drawing of a cat, that she’d say “See how good it looks? Your dog would look better if you drew in the hair.” Did lots of improvisations in speech. No HW!! (Except speech!)
So, I took my art teacher’s advice and filled in the dog’s coat
Thursday 12 April
Toni, Rebecca, Karen & I have formed a new Bus Stop!! (cause we got on at the bottom of New Cassowary St) Got my Science test back 15/25. 10 wrong. BAD. Patrick, on the bus, said to me out of the blue, “why don’t you get braces?” I said “I am”. He said “You shoulda gottem’ when you were two years old.” But he turned to talk to Martin before I could answer. Julia went to a Disco 7:30 to 10. I did some hairplaits for her. She said it was fun. (The disco)
Friday 13 April
Holidays tomorrow! FREE DRESS day! I wore my blue skirt, holey top, bangles, holey shoes, vinyl belt & white scarf. Took mum’s BIG white jumper. Spent $1.00 (Pimples!) Shane wore spunky Billabong shorts & black (sweat)shirt. Fi came to my place after. Had a thick shake, walked to Fi’s, then rode to shop. Bought meat then played “Follow the Leader” on bikes. Bought ice-blocks then went home.
Saturday 14 April
Bad day at tennis. Lost all 3 games and hurt my bum. Standing with my legs crossed, began falling back. My legs wouldn’t “un-cross” & I landed HARD on my tailbone. Fi & Beka came to Westcourt after (cause mum had to sell raffle tickets). Fi came for lunch, went to her house; lay under a sprinkler. Went to the shop, got my gear & got to bed 11:00 at Fi’s
Sunday 15 April
Did paper run again. Was UNREAL! Got $4, but spent 55c when Fi, me, Stu, Brad, his mum & Mrs D. went to the Kuranda Markets. Was great! Saw a studded (black) leather belt $15. Good?! Fi got a dress which she’s gonna wear to town tomorrow. Scones for lunch. Went under the sprinkler again, then played chasey games with Stu & Brad. Home at 5pm. Jodie C-S. is staying tonight. (Julia’s friend.)
Monday 16 April
WENT TO TOWN!! Was fun!! I wore my greeny-blue dress: Toni came with us. Overcast, then rainy. Bought my sleepers NEAT!! Asked about my pinafore at Rockman’s. They’ve ordered more!! The lady wrote up a “hold” for me. SIZE 8 WHITE! Home at 3:00. Lazed & fooled around. Latish night – 9:30 (about)
Tuesday 17 April
Stuart did go on the bus tour, so I couldn’t get his seat. Instead, saw “BMX Bandits” with Toni, Angela & Helen R. (sister) Was TREADLY! Wore white jumper, blue skirt, mauve stockings, white shoes hair rag & earrings. AM: vacuumed, washed & dried dishes, wiped benches made beds & put away. At movie saw Beka (who was very snobby), Justine, Deyanne H. & Kim G. At home mucked around. Ears are still good!
The amount of work I’ve had carried out in my mouth is impressive. But when you’re almost a teenager desperate for some kind of sign that you aren’t completely repellant to the opposite sex, your desire to smile with confidence is strong. Strong enough that you’d be willing to wear a mouthful of metal for ‘many months’ of your life.
From this smile (1983)….
Part of my pearly-white problem was thumb-sucking. It was something I didn’t grow out of in my early youth, like other kids. In fact, I was still doing it (at night, in the privacy of my own home) up to the age of twelve, when the damage had already been done… I’d inflicted bucked teeth upon myself. Well done! Couple that abnormality with the hereditary gap between my front upper incisors (which my father used to lovingly joke about being sizey enough to spit peas through) and I developed an aversion to open-mouthed smiling.
What child WANTS braces? This one did, desperately. And surprisingly it took awhile for me to convince first my mother and then our family dentist to commence corrective treatment. And it wasn’t to be a simple case of wiring up for 6 months or so…no! I never do things by halves.
The dentist was ‘waiting’ for what seemed to be a stubborn baby eye tooth to do the normal thing – fall out, making way for the adult tooth. Since time was getting on and the ‘norm’ wasn’t happening, the dentist’s suspicion grew so I was sent for an X-ray. It was revealed that my ‘adult’ eye tooth was growing horizontally through the roots of – perpendicular to – the two neighbouring front incisors’. Left unattended – or undiscovered – all three adult teeth would apparently have rotted over time, all needed extraction, then I’d’ve ended up with a gap much more worthy of complaint (and aesthetic repugnancy).
So I had to undergo surgery to ‘expose’ the wayward tooth. Since neither of my parents could afford private dental work, we attended the Dental Clinic at the Cairns Base Hospital where mum’s ‘single parent’ status earned us free treatment. It was local anaesthetic so after copping three needles (two little and one Mother-of-God!) I was aware of digging, drilling and tugging sensations but opted to keep my eyes squeezed tightly shut. The culprit eye tooth was successfully exposed and ‘re-planted’ and the front and second incisors were ‘saved’ (cue pre-recorded audience applause) but I had a hole in the roof of my mouth that was ‘packed’ (with..? something) and bled like a bitch all over my pillow on the first night when my sneaky little thumb tried to creep back into my mouth. I am fairly certain that episode killed the habit once and for all.
There followed at ‘waiting period’ – for everything to settle and heal post-surgery before they could move to the next phase: the external-brace-with-elastic-strap-around-the-back-of-the-head. (This is the stage I’m at during the first part of my 1984 diary).
Instructed to wear it for fourteen hours a day, I quickly worked out that if I put the contraption on as soon as I got home from school and removed before I went to school the next day, I’d accrue “Free Time”. So that was a game I played for the however many months I was required to endure it, and surprisingly it impressed my (future) stepmother: for the self-discipline & organisational skills I displayed.
Finally I got the braces. By this time the glue, the grips, the wire, the tightenings were certainly no big deal to me. They were only applied to my upper teeth, so the poor neglected residents of my lower jaw have jostled for space from day dot. I’m assuming the dental clinic didn’t want to have to use any more resources or do anymore work than was absolutely necessary and since my lower lip fortunately disguises the lower pearlies when I smile, I guess it wasn’t considered as important.
From memory they lasted about 6 months then in quick succession I was given the plate. To the observer, it appeared to be a dainty single wire neatly ‘fencing’ my bite, but the bulk of it ‘nestled’ into the roof of my mouth considerably testing my speech abilities. The hard mould created a ‘false roof’ which also proved entertaining (and sometimes disgusting) when I consumed particular foods.
…to this (2009)
That could have been the end of it. All those years of sacrifice resulted in a greater desire to part my lips and a relatively proportional increase in self confidence. But… some time after the plate was ditched and my relationship with Cairns Base Hospital’s Dental Clinic was truly over, a small gap crept back in between those two front teeth. Stubborn little bugger!
It wasn’t until the early-mid ’90’s when Mum, Julia and I were all living in Brisbane, that our brilliant new dentist in Toowong pointed out that the hereditary (and tenacious) gaps both Julia and I had (despite all my dental torture) was the result of a little piece of connective tissue called the frenum, being particularly ‘hardy’ in our cases. The frenum is the stringy connection (dead centre) attaching your lips to the gums of both the upper and lower jaws.
So, I went under the knife again. Both Julia and I had labial frenectomies, but only at the gums, from between our teeth – we still have the ‘stringy attachment’ bits keeping our top lips connected to the insides of our mouths.
My gap has finally packed its bags. The over-bite has long gone. And I have no qualms about smiling now.
Late night last night. Slow day today. Maybe going late night shopping. On the bus, it was boring as ever. This week has gone so slow!! Went late nite for ½ hour. The black belt I saw is gone, but there are two others I like (both black) $10 or $20 or in City Girl a double wrap belt $20.
Friday 2 March
Good day. Got 17/20 for English essay (Insurance claim) Handed in my letter one. At tennis, mim, fi & me couldn’t beat Toni & them to the courts so we all played together. Was fun. When the others went, they left a bottle so we went & refunded it. [Better recycling initiatives in the ‘politically incorrect’ 80’s? Take me back there please] The shop was closed but the snack bar was open. The lady said we could refund if we bought something. Bought 2 10c bubblegums. We got free fats frogs (but fi got a ‘Wiz’) They were damaged so she gave them to us. When I came home dad was here and I told them about riding to tennis lessons in the morning. They both wouldn’t let me. We brawled about it & still aren’t on good terms. I’m minding my business and mum’s minding her.
Saturday 3 March
Made up with mum after she rang Mrs B. and arranged to pick up everyone. Had fun! Was in their group (lied that I had taken lessons years ago) Anyhow, did okay. After had a swim at mim’s. Beka was snotty about something. Had a picnic lunch at my place when Beka left. Then made 2 cakes. After, dressed up and walked around the streets with ‘Thriller’ blaring from the tape recorder which fi carried; mim skated & I carried a basket. Teased hair’n’everything!! Looked TERRIFIC!! They’re sleeping here.
Sunday 4 March
Recorded a make-believe radio station & did HW. The we dressed the same as yesterday and walked to the shop in the rain by the longest route. Ran into Martin & Shane. They teased but we know they’d be too gutless to do anything similar. After lunch did HW, had a water fight & played games. Early night.
Monday 5 March
Boring school day. Have decided what to wear to our disco but I can’t work out colour coordination. Early night.
Tuesday 6 March
On the news & in the papers, Brian D. (Fi’s Dad) fell off his boat at 10:00pm, while the crew slept. He was fixing nets on the ‘prowler’ when a giant wave knocked him over. In the water for 6½hrs, he was lucky no sharks were nearby.
Wednesday 7 March
Mossman Sports Day. At school am doing tennis but today, we had to go temporarily into other groups. I played Fi in ‘Touch Footy’. The last two periods were ‘fun’ versions of maths’n’history. //Fi’s dad is alright & on his way back to Cairns. Toni was away today. Think she wagged it.
Thursday 8 March
Toni is away today too. BOG!! Went late nite. Found a great pair of grey jeans but they were stretch jeans – I don’t want to show off my fat legs. On our way home, went to the Food Barn. I bought their special – 4 chocolate bars for $1!! [Hilarious. Complaining about fat legs in one sentence followed by 4 chocolate bars in the next..insanity!]
Friday 9 March
Toni came today. My english model is unreal!! Used crushed velvet for the floor and walls. Floor, chocolate brown; Walls, beige. Ate my last chocolate bar for big lunch. Went to Julia’s disco. Shane said he wasn’t ‘gonna go’, but he did (because I was, I think) At disco (mim came) Brendan said Shane loves me & that I should “try him tonight”. I don’t know whether to believe him or not!!
Saturday 10 March
Got into group 3 (out of 4) with mim, fi & beka but was put down when they went up again. [tennis fixtures] I’m not going back again, EVER. PM: made more things for my english model and started my “Cairns Colours My World” Banner. 4CA are holding this competition to celebrate the Opening of the International Airport. Celebration week is from 17.3.4 to the 26.3.84 Pay $5 & you get paint & canvas supplied. 17 & over win $250. 16 & under win $250. 250 paintings will be chosen & hung in the streets of Cairns. Anyway after, went to mim’s, made up another radio station & slept at Fi’s.
Sunday 11 March
Got to sleep at 2:00 last night. Mim & I had a laughing fit & made up some, mistake, millions of silly riddles (some good) Eg: [Q] What do you call a mashed up Chinaman? [A] Custard! Ha, ha!! Slept until 10am then played hospitals, made patty cakes (with sickly sweet mock cream) PM: Helped fi make her disco outfit then swam at mim’s. At home, started painting banner. I was meant to take my brace off at 4AM but slept in & therefore gained 6½HRS. [Because I knew there’d be times I’d want to go out in public when I should technically be wearing the brace, I became extremely disciplined in recording (& ‘accruing’) time so that I could afford to have those special occasions ‘off’.]
Monday 12 March
I have a feeling this is gonna be one P*A*C*K*E*D week!! I haven’t done my english model or the essay yet! UM-AAAH! Boring School Day. Went clothes shopping today (for disco) Bought an ESPRIT shirt (white & aqua green) earrings (Sportsgirl; red’n’white) black dog collar, white mesh’n’buttons, lilac stockings & blue socks. I couldn’t get any shoe colour – OH NO!!
Tuesday 13 March
Am excited about the disco. About the shoe colour, both mum & Nana tried to get it today but ….alas, NO. What shall I do???
Wednesday 14 March
Up early. I haven’t finished my english yet – HEAVENS!! Kept my bag (of disco clothes) in my locker all day. Coloured my shoes with black & white shoe polish. Worked quite well. Disco was unreal!! After rushing out of speech to Fi’s, hurredly dressed & left. Shane didn’t go. I almost won best dressed but Rebecca P. beat me. (Bitch) Naah!
Thursday 15 March
Pretty hectic day! Got to bed 11:30 last night. Woke at 5 this morning, but did get my english done. Mum wrote a (lie) note, so that I can hand the model in on Monday. At lunch did German research. Is due tomorrow. Also, banner is due Sunday now because not enough entrants, lucky, huh? On bus Martin & Patrick kept saying Shane had a crush on me. I don’t believe them.
Friday 16 March
In history, Mr Van Slooten & Mr Addison have decided to join their classes together & have an Asian day. Good, eh? That means I’ll be with Shane most of the day! I think Shane likes me. He keeps pulling my hair gently on the bus!! Melinda is sleeping tonight
Saturday 17 March
Today went with mum to see some of her clients, then browsed in town. Found this beautiful dress – a skirt with straps (like braces) attached (a pinafore) It’s really neat & suits me well. Gotta save $25. Spent the rest of the day on my banner. Am now finished. Looks unreal!! Julia is staying at Dad’s tonight
Sunday 18 March
Went to Mulleys this arvy! Came home at 9:30. Also, finished my english model at 6:00. Looks fantastic with little telephones’n’everything. UNREEAL! Julia came home & told us that Roger & Leonie are splitting up. Today ate so much cake! UMAH!!
Monday 19 March
Got driven to school because of my model. Toni came with me. Lotsa people saw it & liked it. I’m proud of myself!! Tried to finish German tonight. Mum’ll just have to wake me up early to get it done. Lucy went home today; felt sick. Everyone was in a weird mood today!!!!
Tuesday 20 March
Funny (weird) day today. I don’t think I love Shane anymore, i.e. I’m not sure; I do but I don’t. Early to bus stop. Had science test – quite easy! Also watched Thorn Birds Ch3 in the mini-series was unreal. BP test on Thurs. Began netball in P.E.S.
‘The Thorn Birds’ was the first (Australian) mini-series I can recall being allowed to watch
Wednesday 21 March
Bad girl today, wore wrong shoes, ring & necklace; forgot hat. Want to get my haircut (short bob with flicked fringe – to suit my round face) tomorrow night Good time on bus. Asked Ms Chant about test prepare sheet; still don’t get it. “Flashback” costs $13.50, OH NO!! Had 50c to spend today.
Thursday 22 March
Mr Mahony’s (dd Yr 7 teacher) birthday today!! BP test was EASY!! When I went late-night shopping, beautiful pinafore was gone; only red or blue left. PITY. At lunchtime we made a long grass rope (from grass roots) about 15m long! Angela came on bus this arvy. Tony WHOOPS!! Toni said we’ll go to the First bus stop on the corner of Down St & Kamerunga Rd in the morning
Friday 23 March
Today got really tired at lunch. Got my english assignment back – 19/20 VHA or A. My model will be displayed in the library!! Took a book out for Nin called “In the Wet” by Neville Shute. Began 1st chapter. Sounds good! (I’ve found some really good books in our school library!) After school Jules & me had a water fight. She is staying at Dad’s. No one noticed my haircut (because it wasn’t that short after all). Toni, Angela, Rebecca & me went to the first bus stop. No big deal! Mum & I watched the (funny) movie.
Saturday 24 March
Very boring day today. Went to town in the morning. Got “Flashback” & new felt pens. Drew all day. Rang Fi but she wasn’t there. She & mima rode to tennis & were at Elisia’s, doing some project. Mum & I are going to see “Never Say Never Again” & “Yellowbeard” at the Drive-In.
Sunday 25 March
Remember when my last band broke? (Well, it was Wed, 22/2) Well today the other one broke off. Stupid, stuffed things! Only 10 days till it comes off! Mima slept at Fi’s Today I was upset about them being together all the time; leaving me out. But we went to the International Airport & looked about. A man told us we weren’t supposed to be there so we left, as the police were “on their way”.
Monday 26 March
English Demonstration today. Did it on how to & how not to eat SPAGHETTI & SOUP!! Went off well – I forgot a few things but got 16/20!! Also today, took out yesterday’s hurt on Fiona, saying she “didn’t go to the Bluelight [disco] because Jemima wasn’t allowed.” She said, “that’s not a nice thing to say.” I said “but it’s true.” We didn’t speak again for the rest of the day.
Tuesday 27 March
Watched the last of ‘Thorn Birds’, tonight. Was sad – only watched ½. Fi & I sorted everything out today. The last two weekends were “groggy weekends”. They “didn’t want me being bored” with them. Toni & I almost missed the bus. Were at the drain/Gina’s house when Toni saw the bus coming. We ran like Hell! I have also officially declared I no more love Shane.
Wednesday 28 March
I think I do still love Shane a very little bit, but I also see Kristian L. (just a VERY weeny bit) Shane is still ranked no.1 on a friendship (male) list. Got up late (7:10) Toni told me about ‘Thorn Birds’. Ralph & Dane died, Meg, her mum & Jussy made up & lived together. Sport day today. Played tennis. Had Rebekah as my partner. Was in a BAD mood. (Speech was good) During dinner, there were 5 blowies (blow flies) zooming around, which got me mad, and then, when we got back from the shop, Julia shut my foot in the door!!
Thursday 29 March
Raining & overcast. Lucy, Karen & I want to go in the Conga line – we don’t know what to do! (Will it still be on? ie will the rain halt it?) BORING SCHOOL DAY. Went into town this arvy – saw some banners – approximately 20 have been put up, minus ours. My pinafore is being ordered in again by Rockmans. Hopefully there is a white size 8. Julia bought a new outfit tonight – apricot & white striped T-shirt, peach skirt & matching mesh overskirt. Altogether $13. Not bad, eh?! I might borrow something….now & again!!
Friday 30 March
Had 60c, bought 2 nutellas. 30c change. Karen “wasn’t allowed” to go in the Conga line; Lucy & I did. Went to the Food Festival, after, for tea. Met mima. Was so crowded! Ate & drank all night! (Well, not all night!) Watched TV. The USA Rock Awards were on – Michael Jackson won heaps! 8/13 I think!! He looked ready to cry!
Saturday 31 March
Mima, Fi & Mrs B. stopped in on me & asked me if I’d still like to go to fixtures cause I’m in Fi’s team. I said yes – my excuse was that I’d been sick over the last 2 weeks. After, (mim & fi went to Elisia’s for project work) at home, went straight into town to see our posters/banners, then Geoff took us to the new airport (it was now officially open) looked around, had tea (at home), then, back at the airport, watched the first Jumbo Jet land & take-off. It was GIGANTIC!
Normal school day (boring!) – fun on the bus. I think Martin P. & Patrick L. still like Fiona (from gr 7 – remember Lucy’s party, Martin?) Day 2 today!! Is Hot!!
Thursday 2 February
Cooler today because of a breeze. Toni thinks Shane likes Justine – Hope not ! ! ! Fiona’s & my plan is kinda working. Late night 9:30.
Friday 3 February
Good day. Went to Lucy’s after school. Mim, fi,Beka & her were all there. Played a ‘matron’ game. Are all sleeping at mim’s
Saturday 4 February
Supposed to go to town today with Fi, Beka, Lucy, Toni & Karen at 9:00. Toni didn’t want to come, Karen and Fi weren’t allowed and Beka didn’t show up at the bus stop so Luc & I went by ourselves at 10:00. Lazy arvy!
Sunday 5 February
Lucy, mim and fi couldn’t come to Green Island with me, Jules, Nin & Ruth. It was Rainy & overcast. Hoped it wasn’t raining over there – it wasn’t, but was horribly black in clouds. Bird pooped on me twice!! On the way there, I threw up my cherry jam, which I had on toast for breakfast!! [I vividly recall this trip, in rough conditions on one of Hayles’ older Green Island ferries. My sister threw up into her beach towel and after vomitting myself, was amused to find a whole piece of said fruit in the tissue after clearing my nasal passages.] Walked around & had a swim was COLD!! Lost my earring back. Not allowed to watch ‘Grease’ on TV – poop!! (Melinda S. came with us to Green, today)
Monday 6 February
Mum let us watch ‘Grease’ after all. We begged and were a bit naughty, but we watched it!! My left ear is … INFECTED. I wore no earrings to school & fi blew me up – she told me they would close up. Saw Kevin Shorey this afternoon. We had to buy a whole new earring to replace the lost back, but when I cleaned my ear tonight, with the hydrogen peroxide, I dropped the new back down the sink plug. God, I’m an Idiot, a Fool!!
Tuesday 7 February
Today mum saw Kevin Shorey. He gave her a stainless steel back!! THANK GOD!! Pretty good day!! Swimming carnival next Tuesday!! Went to our houses to sort out entrants in the races. Mandy came over for a talk today & brought Heath. He’s big & beautiful!
Wednesday 8 February
Orthodontist appointment 8:30!! Came back to school during period 1 only have to wear my brace till April; UNREEALL!! 1st Speech day today, for the year. Lucy, mim & elisia are in my group. Watched Hoges tonight. Was hilarious!!!
Thursday 9 February
Although Sixteen Candles hadn’t yet been released, I’d already had the pleasure of wearing this kind of orthodontic brace.
In the paper this morning, a year 8 boy from our school had 60 birthday punches from mates – his arm was severely bruised “Shane E.” I don’t know him! They say it happened on the Stratford bus & Paul P. threw one of the punches. Um-aaaah!! With my brace, the reason I only have to wear it until April is that he only wanted to pull my jaw back so my teeth were in their proper grooves, not pull all my teeth back into place!
[I had an amazing amount of dental work carried out on my little head over a number of years, and at this stage I am wearing one of those external braces …yes, you can imagine exactly what I’m talking about; the ones that have the external ‘handle’bar & elastic around the back of the skull – the largest, most conspicuous orthodontic contraption in existence! Thankfully I only had to wear it for 14hrs per day, so I was rarely seen with it in public.]
Friday 10 February
Ruth left today. Pity!! She is very nice. Gave us $5 each last night – gave us lots of things!! GOODBYE!! Had fun on bus coming home. Mim, Fi, Beka, me & Jules played tennis at the Freshy courts. Martin, Patrick & Shane were playing cricket & whistling all the time. I wonder who Shane was whistling at. I think it may have been me!! HOPE!! I tried hard to ignore but I couldn’t help noticing Shane whistled the most!! When he left he did one last loud one. Was it for me? Only hope.
Saturday 11 February
Stayed at Fi’s last night. Went to Sportsworld & watched Fi, Beka, mima & Polly in tennis lessons. Came back to mim’s for a swim. Beka & Fi left – I stayed for lunch. Fi came back after. We had another swim then watched the ‘Thriller’ Jackson special which had been taped from an old ‘Airwaves’ show. Melinda is sleeping tonight.
Sunday 12 February
I am still wondering about those whistles on Friday afternoon. I mean, were they for real? Who were they for? Who blew most of them? It is making me too excited. Today just read, lazed & did Homework until went to Fi’s & did some cooking with Fi, mim & pol.
Monday 13 February
That whistling job had me going all weekend – everyone knew there was something on my mind!! I’m just DYING to know! Shane didn’t act unusual today. Perhaps it was my imagination. My new togs:
diary sketch of the new togs (read: swimming costume)
Tuesday 14 February
ST VALENTINE’S DAY!!
Was no rain, just overcast. TRINITY WON!! Elliss 2nd, Clifton 3rd, Kewarra LAST!! Shane came 2nd & 4th in his races!! Looked at each other on the bus!! Geoff gave mum flowers & choccy
Wednesday 15 February
DAY 5 TODAY. I hate this day!! Today on the bus, Shane gave me an accusing look, when he opened the sliding window, as if I shut it, but I didn’t. I said,” I didn’t shut it”. He just went “Hmph” and I said “Poofter” aloud – I think he may have heard me. Hope not. Feel Energetic!!
Thursday 16 February
Some samples of the ‘fashionistas’ that earnt me some pocket money. How’s the Boy George look-alike?!
I am very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very upset over Shane. I think he did hear me yesterday. He has been giving me the cold shoulder & I’m not used to it from him. I’ve also lost a good piece of essay for English. Really good & I can’t remember it so I’ll have to start from scratch, but the 2nd copy won’t be as good as the first. Have started a drawing business. [Ah! Here’s the li’l entrepreneur again] Draw girls wearing different fashions – sold for 5c. I also take orders for 10c. This arvy I told Karen how I felt about Shane when we got off the bus and started crying. She didn’t like seeing me cry but promised to talk to him & tell him I do love him & am upset over him. She’s a very good friend.
Friday 17 February
Boring school day. Did homework at mima’s with fi & her. Had heaps of fun!! Don’t think I got much done. Had an early-ish night.
Saturday 18 February
Fiona slept at Jemima’s last night. They went to tennis but it was raining so Jemima got her new racer and rode back to Freshwater with Fi. I took Mr. B.’s racer & we rode out to Beka’s. Decided to ride to ake Placid for a swim, but was too rough. Ended up at Freshy Creek.
Sunday 19 February
In the morning, mima & Fi came round & asked me if I’d like to ride to town. Packed lunch (took $5) and went. They had their racers, while I struggled on my stupid old pushbike. Dropped in to see if Elisia wanted to come, but wasn’t allowed. Had fun. On the way home, it poured. Were all sopping wet!!
My ‘Bomby’ Bike
Monday 20 February
Julia’s ears have closed up!! Ha, ha!! Na, she’s a sport! Mim & fi came around after school & we went for a ride up Simon and into ‘new’ Cassowary St. We found a dead snake on the road. We all dared each other to ride over it. We were about to move it with sticks when a bloke threw it away into the bush.
Tuesday 21 February
Today was good. At lunch, we were lifting each other’s skirts up and I got Karen twice, she got me 3 times. On the bus she tried to pull mine up in front of Shane but she couldn’t because I got off at a different stop & ran home (I got off at the corner of Griffith & Old Smithfield Rd. Toni was in on it too).
Wednesday 22 February
Had my photo taken for my I.D. card; a card which entitles me to discounts at various shops & places. Lotsa HW. 1st English essay due tomorrow, 1st two numbers on German assignment to be done by tomorrow and History assignment due next Wed. Forgot to bring some bubblegum, today!! Speech was okay. Today, also, my band broke. I was chewing gum and the slot came off * It was on the brace when I took it off.* [*there were hand-drawn illustrations at these points in the original diary but unless you’d actually been a ‘victim’ of this kind of brace, the sketches wouldn’t mean much] Mum said we’ll go in tomorrow. Hope it’s not booked out!
Thursday 23 February
Nana & I went late-night shopping tonight in town. Mum & Jules went to K-Mart. I bought a clear plastic rain-jacket from Sportsgirl & Nana bought me a blue-y-green dress form Katies. Last year (when I didn’t know Mandy P. was Adrian’s sister) I called Mandy a tart. In Mathers tonight she walked past and said “let her call me a tart, I don’t care”. Adrian (embarrassed) said “shut up”. It looks like Mole-inda (Melinda S.) blabbed it out to Mandy, cause no one else would.
Friday 24 February
Good day at school, but forgot bubble gum again!! Went to play tennis with Toni, Justine, Natasha, Karen & Lucy. Had fun. I think I can play tennis – my arm is quite strong! Justine’s tyre punctured so mum took her home and we’re minding her bike tonight.
Saturday 25 February
Have all my savings worked out. I have a list of about 20 that I’d like, a total of $487!! OH GOSH!! But I’ma gonna do it! Enter every competition etc! AM: wrote out english essay. PM: went with Fi & mim to mim’s for a swim. Helped get them ready for Jason P’s Party. Julia slept at Dad’s tonight.
Sunday 26 February
Did some homework. Wasn’t allowed to ride into town this Sunday (it ended up mim, beka & fi didn’t go either – it was raining!) Mum tried to mow block [of land that was to be the location of our next home] in the rain. Got ½ done. I did 10 new girls to sell. Had big rumball & salad roll for lunch. Went to mulleys with Dad & Jules. Had tea there too. Watched TV & rollerskated!
Monday 27 February
On Saturday, wore mima’s ugly purple earrings home – Nana had a fit. When I tried to put my stud in my left ear it stung so I pushed hard and a bit of skin poked out. I was supposed to go to Kevin Shorey’s to have it checked but ‘didn’t have time’. Saw Mr F. [our family dentist] today when we dropped Petra home from school. He noticed the difference in my teeth!
Tuesday 28 February
Julia came home from school because she felt sick. Had a laughing fit on the bus when Patrick hit his head really hard on the portrack & when the dog barked & started chasing Toni & Rebecca P. bolted and I hung onto them. Very tired today HOT!! Early night -mum had coffee with Geoff.
Wednesday 29 February
Good day; did some pictures to sell and Mr Van Slooten helped me sort out my History assignment. Still can’t find ‘Flashback’ History Textbook. Late for Speech. Mim, angela, Fi, elisia & me were about the only ones who wore our uniforms to the inter-school swimming carnival (shame!!!!!!)
This isn’t to say I don’t care about People. If anyone I know is concerned about what might be revealed in my diaries, I urge you to contact me to discuss it. While I am choosing to hold no secrets, to face the ‘fear’ of retribution or ridicule (by others)I respect others rights to privacy.
A Life in Words 