diet – Page 2 – A Life in Words

Interior Decorating & Molly’s Death (19-25 August)

Published on August 19, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 19/8/85

Tonight is supposed to be 14º Last night was cold too. [This is Cairns, remember. 14 degrees can be considered ‘cold’ in the tropics.] Hope we get a nice long cold spell with wind & rain!! (But not for the camp.) Did all HW this arvy & did a little research for history. Am proud that I got it all done before 5:00 (5:15, really!) I hate these little bugs flying around my lamp. They get in my way. Today was “good”. Watched Animal Farm on video. Bit sad. [George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm is one of the most memorable reads of my life and one of my favourite quotes comes from it: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”] Early night tonight. Going “well” on my “diet”. Looked at my building society passbook. Now I have $29.61. In one year from now, I should have approximately $520 more (if I keep earning ~$10 per week!)!!

Tuesday 20/8/85

Fiona “misses” me. She “mentioned” it in science. I think she’s “upset” that I can talk “easier” to justine. Anyway. On the way home Lucy & Anna got fi & I the last seat (where Clayton normally sits) Fiona didn’t sit there (dunno why) but I did (kinda on the very inside edge.) and Jay sat next to me. Felt wierd. [? Perhaps it was that I was sitting next to a boy? I hadn’t experienced a great deal of exposure to the Male Species in my young life. Mum and Dad’s separation removed even more male energy from my environment.] At lunch went to oval with Sarah – talked about a lot of things. Am so tired. Sun & Mon nites I had early, but slept terribly (waking up both times with bloody nose) I have a “sneeze” cold & my allergies are running hot I HATE IT. My right eye is ITCHY & I hate it. My nose in running & I HATE IT

Wednesday 21/8/85

Today was really topsy turvy. Went to a play at Croswell Hall after assembly (made our Yr 11 subject choices (just indefinite ones)) [Ha, indefinite? I clearly had no idea what that word meant. “Not definite” was what I’d’ve been thinking.] Got the back seat on the bus on the way in (Tim got on, too & sat in the 2nd last seat.) But on the way home Jacki & her ‘friends’ got it. Play was alright – boring. Could see Tim from where I sat. He sat 2 rows in front to my right. Then we got back at the end of little lunch so we had P4 for little lunch. WHoever didn’t go, had to go to class. After that it was a normal Day 4. Boring!! Fiona has a sore neck – under her ears – I think it might be Mumps. Did my english talk. Got 7/10 was stupid.

Thursday 22/8/85

A Life in Words — Who better to illustrate an 80’s style ‘Maillot’ than ‘The Body’? I certainly didn’t look that good in one!

Got the old desk tonight. Cleaned it ‘afore I went to bed. Fiona was away. Beka & I diagnosed “mumps”, yesterday. Could tell Anna was bored with us (me.) Almost conned into going to the Bluelight. I really don’t want to, yet I do. This arvy, bathed, & went to Earlville. Mum had to ‘man’ a National Trust stand & Jules & I walked around. Found heaps of clothes and A PR OF BLACK TOGS maillot style!!! Yipee!! ($36) Then rushed home with a pizza and watched “A Country Practise”. Molly’s death was terribly sad. Had to hold back the tears. I feel quite exhausted now [For those who are too young or not Australian enough to know, “A Country Practise” was a popular 80’s TV serial and this particular episode has gone down in Australian television history as one of the most moving character deaths. I’m fairly sure she was the first character I ever recall passing away as a result of the Big C (cancer) – leukaemia.]

Friday 23/8/85

DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN is a really enjoyable movie!! I got ready (Justine rang twice) and she came ½hr late so (it started at 8:00) it was 7:00 when we got to “Babooshka”. Mrs McP tried on clothes. I persuaded Justine we leave and get tickets at 7:20 but theatre still wasn’t open so at 7:30 decided to whip around town. Didn’t get to see much at all. at 7:50 whizzed back to theatre Got in line after Shane L. Saw movie. WAS TERRRIFIC! Then (I told mum 11 o’clock) we waited 20 mins (in the dark – but not on our own, thank god) till mum came. I was a bit worried!! Today, fiona came to school. Isn’t mumps!!

Saturday 24/8/85

Worked and earned only $16.25. Got home around 3:00. Took $3 to the fete at 3:00, came back with $3 at 3:15. Was boring. Nothing there. Justine was talking to some TAS girls (can’t remember their names) & (almost) totally ignored me, so I left. At home wanted to change my room around, got cranky towards 4:30 & really hysterical after 5:00. Room just doesn’t feel comfortable when I change it. Maybe I’m not ready for one. So when Dianne & Kerry came at 6:00, my eyes were puffy. Quickly got normal & watched TV untill tea. Had a game of Trivial Pursuit after. We (mum & I) came 2nd!! Is now 12:15

Sunday 25/8/85

Today, woke feeling good. I saw the desk & had an excellent idea how to put it ….. (Guess) ….. it didn’t work, so I was shitty till I worked out how to have it. Spent 12:30 onwards filling the drawers & sorting out school papers/books, so got not HW (let alone study) done. Read little of my book, too. At 3:00-3:30, went to D’s at whiterock. Watched TV & I read. Was fun. Bethlan the little 3 year old girl is a scream! Her brothers Adam (11) & Ben (7) give her a hard time! Stayed for tea. Got home late is now 9:05. Got no HW done, still will wake early tomorrow (6:30) not much to do. American Exchange student comes 2morrow.

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

Published on August 5, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 5/8/85

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

Tuesday 6/8/85

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

Wednesday 7/8/85

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

Thursday 8/8/85

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

Friday 9/8/85

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

Saturday 10/8/85

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

Sunday 11/8/85

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

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

Published on July 2, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 24/6/85

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

Tuesday 25/6/85

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

Wednesday 26/6/85

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

Thursday 27/6/85

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

Friday 28/6/85

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

Saturday 29/6/85

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

Sunday 30/6/85

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

Resolutions & A Brand New Home (1-6 January)

Published on June 7, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

This piece of handiwork actually appears in the final pages of my 1984 diary but I decided it would be a fitting introduction to this post.

Tuesday 1/1/85

Well, hello ’85! I’m afraid to admit I made a bad start to the year, but I intend to correct myself. Today, after writing yesterday’s diary, got ready to go to bed (it was about 12.30) when Peta & Marney came. They had been at someone’s house & were late cause their car was pranged. We walked down the road (all of us, parents too) & swam at these people’s pool. Got to sleep 4:30. At about 10.30 got to Barbra’s for brunch. Boring day. Made tea tonight. Am tired.

Wednesday 2/1/85

I had no room yesterday to mention my Resolutions. So here they are –

Fit and healthy (exercise & healthy diet)
Gain Confidence (rid of my shyness) and in smaller print: (mainly towards boys)
Be Nice to Everyone (helpful & kind to mum & everyone)

Today woke up worrying about mum’s red, black & white bikinis. I lent them to Peta when we went to those people’s place. I rang dad (cause Robbo’s have left for New Z.) He said he’d drop in to those people’s place & get them for me. Today packed my clothes into my chest of drawers. We are moving about Saturday! Early nite; so tired.

Thursday 3/1/85

Yesterday in cricket, Aussies won the 5^th Test against Windies! They broke the West Indies record of wins in 27 tests! Aussies strike again! We mustn’t be that bad a team after all! But today, got positive news about the house. Water is running & we will start moving out tomorrow. Tomorrow night will (unless there are sudden problems) be our last nite in the flat. This morning rang fi to ask her to come down & open her xmas prezzy. Said she’d ring back – she didn’t. Petra came over at lunch. House was a big mess while we tried to sort out bits’n’pieces.

Friday 4/1/85

I think I’ll tell you now – I love this day-to-a-page diary. It beats squeezing in the day’s happenings into a calendar planner!! Today was the hottest day ever!! I woke up & got brekky then felt wet under my arms. But, I didn’t feel it much later. I spent most of the day cleaning out & packing up things in Nana’s room (the coolest room), then when Petra came up after lunch, we went to tidy up the house. We swept it all up (the dust & dirt) & took out all the sawhorses, wood , & tools etc. Came home & had shower. Am now ready to go to Diane & Kerry’s for tea.

Saturday 5/1/85

Late night last night. I think I might have only gotten 8hrs at the most!! Was alright (the BBQ tea). Diane’s (& Geoff’s) sister, her husband & her son were there. I used her son (13) as practice on my confidence. I did well, I thought, but I was still not talking. We had to play doubles in a tennis game. I should have talked then. Today was hot. Last nite was not our last night in this flat. The electricity hasn’t been turned on so we can’t of course, move in. We think tomorrow night will be the last night. Today we just shifted 9/10 of our belongings & furniture up – was tired out. Diane & Kerry came for a drink (& everyone else) HOT!

Sunday 6/1/85

Gosh, this flat looks empty now. You can even hear an echo in the rooms when you speak. I’ve been thinking about Fiona & Jemima a lot lately, wondering if they like me at all. They must have enough patience to put up with me all this time. I wonder if they’re always deliberately trying to hurt me. I don’t think they like me at all. Why me?? What’s wrong with me that I can’t get them as best friends? It’s not fair. Nobody likes me. It’s around 7.45 now. I rang Fi to ask her again if she was going to collect her Xmas presents She hasn’t rung back yet. Today was boring. Just unpacked. The water pipe has a leak. Think tonite is our last night here.

Bitchiness & a Solar Eclipse (19-25 November)

Published on June 1, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 19/11/84

Got around 8hrs sleep last night!! Fun day. On the way home I spillt pineapple juice all over me, my port my pillow & the seat! End’o’unit science test + a german exam tomorrow.

Tuesday 20/11/84

Glad I learnt for the science test?? YEAH!! It was quite hard. Wish I could’ve learnt a little more for it cos’ I don’t think I’ll get a VHA in that nor in my german exam. [VHA = Very High Achievement. We only had the 5 ‘grades’ back then: VHA, HA (High Achievement) S (Sound = Pass) LA (Low Achievement) and VLA (Very Low) There were no grey area ‘plusses’ or ‘minuses’ like the ABC grading system had] I shoulda studied. But I don’t think I’ve done that bad, considering I didn’t learn much. Hot today not too bad tho’. Watched 3rd part to mini-seres “Bodyline”. Was excellent.

Wednesday 21/11/84

UNCLE PETER’S BIRTHDAY!!! OK. day. Overpowered with fatigue after school also very hungry. Started a new (self-planned) balanced diet today. House is going good! S’posed to be able to move in, in about 2 weeks, time!! [Haha, pfffft!]

Thursday 22/11/84

Very boring day. Beka, Fi & I talked about J. & how she gets on our nerves. (finally I can talk to someone about it!) She got a yellow bandless hat exactly like Fi’s, brought it to school and didn’t even wear (carried it round) She copies off people. Beka told us she even bought a black’n’white striped top/jacket like Fi’s! Went to Carol B.’s to get some plants [for the new house I imagine]. Stayed (what seemed like) hours!! I got bored & sat in the car. Had an early nite.

Friday 23/11/84

Wierd day! From 6:00 till 9:00 there was an eclipse [solar] & then, cos’ of the Yr 10’s exams, we only had 6 periods but some were 10mins longer while other were 5 mins longer. Late-ish nite. Julia’s going to Catherine W.’s Video Party (sleep over.)

Saturday 24/11/84

Feel so lethargic. Jules came home early. Did you know the TV’s on the blink yet AGAIN?? Now it’s the volume. Sometimes it goes off & stays off for ages. It only mucked up on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Wonder Why!! [Said TV was a ‘Rank Arena’ mum said we had bought not long after colour televisions hit the market (1974-75). It weighed a tonne (!!) despite having only maybe a 10″ screen, had an on/off switch by which you also changed the channels & the volume control was a slider knob. Not many modern televisions could lay claim to such a long working life.] Mucked around this morning Jules & I went with Nin to her new flat at Edge Hill. Is great! Went to mim’s around 3:00, watched ½ of “Flying High II” & “Moving Out”. Ran around Freshwater in the rain, went back had a swim, hot bubble bath & chips. Mum, Geoff & Julia came at 6:30 (with a change of clothes 4 me) and went to babysit Ben & Trent. Late nite. Watched “History of the World, Part I” & the TV movie, then fell asleep. Got home about 12, asleep about 1:00

Sunday 25/11/84

Woke around 8:15 & Had potato & apple pancakes for brekky. [Oh now I don’t remember those but they sound good. I wouldn’t mind trying them out but… I can’t ask mum for the recipe anymore.] Watched cricket & played board games all day with Jules. Went to dad’s around 4:00. Pretty early night.

A Dinner, a Fete & a Crook Neck (22-28 October)

Published on May 28, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 22/10/84

After yesterday, have to go strict on diet. Boring day. Mr Van Slooten picked on me (ALOT) today in History.

Tuesday 23/10/84

We’re all sooo tired: Hafta get used to summer again. Told Luc my idea of bringing alcohol to Justine’s party. She wants something exciting to happen too. Boring, plain ‘nothing’ kinda day. Fi went to sick room at little lunch & was sick all day. Hope she feels better in the morning.

Wednesday 24/10/84

Very boring day. still didn’t know what to wear until I had my bath. After speech, Fi, Lucy & I walked to the Freshy shops. Had fun at the German Dinner. Ate yummy tea & dessert UMAH! Walked up & down the street. On the bus on the way home the kids lit up a smoke & SHANE, WADE, IAN & EVERYONE ← (almost) smoked it. I couldn’t believe it. & still can’t. Anyway am tired so nite nite!

Thursday 25/10/84

Woke with a sore neck. Went to bus stop (in a shit). Decided to go back & kiss mum. Went back to bus stop, grabbed port & went to chiropractor. Made an appointment for this arvy. At school – BORING. Mum was late to pick me up from school so I got on the bus with Fi told bus driver & saw mum. Flashed headlights & I waved crazily. Dropped me off at Smithfield shops. Soon mum came. Lucky Julia saw me or she would have driven right past me & left me there. Got a little relief from chiropractor. Hafta go back tomorrow morning. At K-Mart, bought Justine’s prezzy – fluoro beads & Bangle (yellow.) Had a big row – no dinner. Am not hungry now.

Friday 26/10/84

At chiropractors, a few twists & cracks made me feel 99% relieved. Feel HEAPS better. Got back to school at 9:40. Am going to fete with mim & Fi. We’re taking them & Mrs D.’ll take us home. Matthew C. loves Fi. It started last Tues when him & Clayton peashot us. Then on ‘Matt’ has written MC 4 FD on blackboards, desks & winked & blown kisses at her. Poor girl. Tonite Clayton rang to ask Fi if she’d go with Chappo. [To ‘go with’ someone was the 80’s teen terminology for ‘date’ or ‘go out with’] Don’t blame her for saying NO!!! Melinda’s staying tonight.

Saturday 27/10/84

Good day. Woke 7:15 lazed around. Began vacuuming but mum finished it. After a small lunch, had a bath, dressed & went to Smithfield Fete. Boring this year but Justine, Angela & us made laughter & shared food & drink. Before mim had been at her school carwash. Met 2 boys who’d suit Fi & me. Stuart (for Fi) from Trinity Bay (rest unknown) & Peter (for me) from CHS, Gr 11, blonde spiky hair & funny laugh. Great to meet him, huh?! [Of course that didn’t happen, so to this day I have no idea who Peter is/was] Will 10hrs sleep 2night hopefully.

Sunday 28/10/84

Did sleep 10hrs! Great! Woke, had brekky, did ex’s, had shower & packed for dad’s. Went to Mulleys today instead. Roger is shifting. Moo & Nellie didn’t want to come, so Julia stayed there. Went to Roger’s & sunbaked (had no suncream – got a little burnt) Picked up Jules after went back to Roger’s (old) place. Stayed for tea. Broke diet (UMAH) Penwardens & many more came too. VERY LATE NITE!

An Infected Ear & Dracula Spectacular (15-21 October)

Published on May 27, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 15/10/84

Slow day. Did simple BP test. Also started on diet & extra exercises for Justine’s party (for Mark!) [haha, nothin’ like a ‘crash diet’] Got my school photo – will buy it. Didn’t get to talk to Justine about Mark. Am too embarrassed. Late nite.

Tuesday 16/10/84

Another late nite. Left ear is infected again – really bad this time. There’s a GIGANTIC lump, the earring is tarnished and it hurts so much that I can’t even sleep on it. Really bad, huh? Did well on diet today – nana bought me a nice, fresh cream bun – I resisted!! [Probably because cream buns didn’t really do it for me. It’d’ve been more interesting to see how well-resolved I’d’ve been if she’d bought me a vanilla slice or a caramel tart.] Not much HW. House is coming along VERY slowly.

Wednesday 17/10/84

GEOFF’S BIRTHDAY TODAY. Reasonably good day today. Wore no earring to school today. Is BAD. Skipped speech – went to town & got 2 new bras & Kevin gave me a substitute earring (until I bring mine in to be swapped.) Had a small piece’o’cake. Told Justine about my ‘problem’. She doesn’t think I’m frigid …. I dunno. [Frigid was a ‘key term’ at that time – I think thanks to the movie Valley Girl – but what I was concerned about was merely my shyness – the inability to talk to boys, especially ones I liked. It certainly had nothing to do with sex because that was almost an unknown for me then. Only my mum and her boyfriend MIGHT’ve done that…]

Thursday 18/10/84

Very boring day. Went to school, came home, went to town – the Post Office, came home & played French cricket with Julia. Had a ½hr blackout. Diet is going well.

Friday 19/10/84

am: Almost missed the bus. BORINGGGG school day. At home, had a bath & rang Dunphy’s. Martin said Fi was at mima’s. Mima said Fi was at the shop. Mr D. said she’d just left for shopping. Decided not to go cos’ spent the whole arvy worrying about it; Martin had forgotten to buy me a ticket, therefore a seat! Waited for Dad to come but during tea, Fi rang so at the last moment I went to see “Dracula Spectacula” was FANTASTIC!! [Cairns State High School was renowned for their theatrical productions – this was yet another success.]

Saturday 20/10/84

Got home from Dad’s about 8:45. In town, got Amanda’s birthday prezzy. At home (after lunch) mum painted the house while Jules & I watched the movie & played cricket all arvy. Wrapped Manda’s present. Looks great! Now for the card & envelope!! Early nite 9:30

Sunday 21/10/84

Did a little HW & watched TV. Had to do vacuuming so it was 1:30 by the time I could start to get ready. [oh so I DID do some chores? I have held the impression of myself as a lazy – unhelpful – child.] Had a bath earlier in the day so just dressed & packed for dad’s. Party was OK – just like an all-girls party would be. Ate 2 choccy billabongs, 1 choccy biscuit, 1 very small piece of cake, 1 chocolate crackle & a bout a handful of lollies. [Diet’s going well!] At dad’s watched movie “Getting of Wisdom”. Been on before cos’ I recognised lots of it. Good Aussie film!