holidays – Page 4 – A Life in Words

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

Published on July 3, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

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

Monday 1/7/85

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

Tuesday 2/7/85

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

Wednesday 3/7/85

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

Thursday 4/7/85

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

Friday 5/7/85

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

Saturday 6/7/85

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

Sunday 7/7/85

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

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

Published on July 2, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 24/6/85

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

Tuesday 25/6/85

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

Wednesday 26/6/85

A Life in Words — The Beloved Cardigan.
(This pic was actually taken in April ’86. My hair wasn’t short in 1985 & that’s not a Smithfield High uniform)

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!!

Holiday Homework Procrastination (8-14 April)

Published on June 21, 2013 by Elissa Coxen2 Comments

Monday 8/4/85 (Easter Monday)

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

Tuesday 9/4/85

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

Wednesday 10/4/85

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

Thursday 11/4/85

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

Friday 12/4/85

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

Saturday 13/4/85

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

Sunday 14/4/85

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

Hormones & Accused of Theft (21-27 January)

Published on June 10, 2013 by Elissa Coxen3 Comments

Monday 21/1/85

Today woke 7:30. Rang Dad. He said he’d pick me up, but be late. When he came, stayed for coffee, while I dressed & gathered my gear. Started cleaning drums 9:30. Finished After lunch – 1:30. Did 75; 25c per drum = $18.75. Then at 2:00, did 2hrs labelling work = $8. Total – $26.75. Had BIG lunch! Mum came & took us home at 5:00. At home, relaxed. Mandy & Bill came & looked at the house. Heath is bigger & more beautiful, now! After they, left, had a bath (scrubbed chemical-free!) [shudder to think about all those chemicals I was exposed to now…] dins & watched TV all night. Am gonna watch “Dick Emery Show” soon. Geoff had a haircut. Skint! [Skint: the replacement word for ‘shame or embarrassment’. I have no idea how this word, which actually means “lacking funds” came to be used in this context. Unless someone decided lack of ‘face’ (as in ‘losing face’) was an acceptable ulterior meaning?] Rang mima. She forgot to ring

Tuesday 22/1/85

Today was hot because spent most of it out of the house. Woke 7:00 to the sound of a bobcat. Our yard is now quite very level!! Today went to town with mim & Jules. Took my $20. Looked around town for shorts. A few good options, but I didn’t buy. Was upset, [in other words, threw a tantrum] so mum (after getting petrol) drove us out to Earlville, where I finally bought a pair of yellow shorts $9.95 from ambition & a$5 lime green T-shirt from Rockman’s. On the way home, treated me & Julia to a choccy eclair & cream bun (for jules). At home, drew & mucked around. Nana then Petra came. We played cards. She went home. Watching “Prophecies of Nostradamus” [Aha! There it is. This was not the first time I had watched a documentary about the ‘great prophet’…I was fascinated by him or rather, his predictions.] Is eerie. Scares me.

Wednesday 23/1/85

In the bath last night, I cut myself twice with a stupid razor & gave up shaving. In bath just cried & cried for no reason. Kept saying “why me? why me?” Haven’t cried for ages…….[This kind of stuff happened on occasion. With hindsight, I would put it down to those wild teenage hormone fluctuations.] Today, thought I slept in, but woke at 7:30. Went to do grocery shopping & I spent $5 dollars “click” just like that! Bought iced doughnuts. Sickly’n’fattening. After, Petra & Anette M. came around. Later Margie. We just played cards all arvy. Had to get ready to go to Nana’s. I stalled. Rang mima. She wasn’t there. Pol answered. 5mins later she rang me. Not allowed to go to Green [Island]. Her mum said “why pay to get burnt?” Nana minded us while mum was at a National Trust Meeting.

Thursday 24/1/85

Today, Julia woke me at 6:30, to tell me that Oikaze (our biggest goldfish) was dead. [Interesting name…I wonder where we got that from? I don’t remember it at all] Got ready early for Brewers to take me to the beach (Trinity Stinger Net) Was fun there. Did not stay long at all. Went for a 20min walk, 20min swim then walked to the shop for an iceblock, where Mr & Mrs B. picked us up. Went back to mim’s. Spent all afternoon in the pool! Estimated 6hrs swimming today! Came home & ate. Had a long bath, to soothe the ole’ sunburn. Just watched TV. Rang mim 8:30 Are going to movies tomorrow. I must also get a haircut & Kevin Shorey will teach me to change my earrings correctly.

Friday 25/1/85

Mum woke us early. Dunno why but was too early cause was ready to pick up everyone at 8:00, when we were supposed to go at 9:00. Beka came, too. (Bitch) “The Last Starfighter” was a great movie!! Saw Liam & his friend, Adam. Also Toni & Angela Bitches, too. After, walked around all day. Boring! Got skinted 2 times. Williams the Shoeman I knocked over a shelf of shoes & in Sportsgirl I was accused of stealing. [I vividly recall this incident. I had found a dress I loved in a crowded rack of clothing on sale, and ‘hid’ it under another item of clothing on the same rack so that no one would potentially find my treasure & buy it from underneath me. As we all left the store, the manager came running after us & directed me back to the shop where she began her interrogation. I’m non-confrontational so was probably in shock at first but I recall professing my innocence and revealing the buried dress. I can’t remember if the others had come back in the shop as well or waited outside, but I was truly mortified and embarrassed – despite not being technically in the wrong.] BAD DAY. Got home around 5:00 Mum was at Freshy hairdressers. I couldn’t get in the house. Had a bath, watched TV & the movie. Was O.K. Julia went to the doctors yesterday ‘cos lately she’s been getting black marks on her pants. Dr D. said she has her PERIODS. [I truly thought my sister would not want this private information shared, so called her before transcribing, to check. She laughed her head off and said “I don’t care…it’s FUNNY!”]

Saturday 26/1/85

AUSTRALIA DAY. Had a dream about Andrew Ridgeley Last night – yes, the spunky partner to George Michael in Wham! It’s funny – I could actually see his features clearly. Normally you don’t see people’s faces, you just know they’re them in the dream. And now, when I look at the poster, I feel I know him thoroughly, like an old friend (I think I love him.) I’m nuts. [You said it!] Today, mum went to the Cairns City Place for the Aussie Day Celebrations. I went to Fi’s, then mim’s at 10:30. Watched “Sahara”. Lazed around until Glenn came. Went to the spare block on the top of Blue Hills Cres. Liam & Adam came up. After, went to Fi’s, then Freshy Creek, then the spare block again. After, went home. Clarke’s came for drink. early nite

Sunday 27/1/85

Woke late, lazed around. Got 10-11 hours sleep last night. Good, huh?! Went to Tinaroo Dam today. Invited mim & fi. Laughed & talked on the way up. When got there, saw Rachel & Kate C. Felt the water. Went & sat in car, mim read while fi & I changed radio stations looking for good songs. Had lunch then continued in the car. Was windy & overcast, but eventually decided to swim. Strong rip in the dam, but had great fun. Was freezing out of water. Packed up when got out & went to a ‘maze’. [I only vaguely remember this maze, and have no idea where exactly it is/was. If anyone else can recall it, please let me know.] Was treadly. Got lost, but eventually got out. Really dudish! [Another new word! I don’t even remember this one. I can only guess that it’s another word for …cool?!] After, went to a pub, but we still sat in the car. Laughed had fun on way home. Early night again.

Rain, Puzzles & Crusher Dust (14-20 January)

Published on June 9, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 14/1/85

Woke quite late cause I had another late nite. After reading for awhile, left for mima’s where fi & I ducked to fi’s then back. Finally, we were ready to go to town. In town, saw hardly anyone except David D. (blech) wonder if he still likes me? Was hot & exhausting in town today. Got home at 5:30. Just read the Smash Hits magazine (which I bought for Jules). Had a small dinner and an early-ish nite. Is overcast now – now raining: hope we get a good flood. Rang 4AM this morning. Bluelight:- 2nd Feb

Tuesday 15/1/85

Has been raining all day. I think we are in for a flood (I hope) It is much cooler now. Today woke at 7:00, then decided to go into work and earn some money. When Jenny dropped Julia back here – she had been at Dad’s Last nite & the night before – we set off. Once at Dad’s I felt no more like working. [So fickle!] So As Mum had an appointment with the bank manager, Julia & I went to Earlville & browsed. Got home at Lunchtime. Yard & carport are flooded But later Mr F. lent a hand in digging drains. Just lazed about all arvy. Am having an early nite.

Wednesday 16/1/85

I’ve been thinking about people who don’t like me. You know who they are, but I now know for sure that Beka hates me. Before we went to see ‘Ghostbusters’ Fi asked Beka what was wrong, I moved away & Beka said, “I can’t stand Elissa.” I hate you , too, Rebekah!! [Clearly this had been weighing heavily on my mind, since it’s the second time I’ve recounted the story] Today it did not cease raining for one second!! Pouring or sprinkling all day! I just wrote out (began to) my 1984 diary. It’s too messy to read, all squashed up in that planner. Petra, Auntie Leonie & Nana visited today. Jules is at Petra’s tonight. TV is bung. Mrs B.’s Birthday!

Thursday 17/1/85

Sun; I don’t believe it! It has finally stopped raining but now it will become hot again. Today I continued on with writing out my 1984 diary before & after we got back from Town. Mum just paid bills & got our address changed at various places. I went back to Kevin Shorey, finally. He put my proper earring back in. Seemed not worried about the earring & didn’t accept money for the disadvantage. Nice guy, eh? Petra came with us to town. I Bought a pair of white earrings ‘Button’ studs. Sorted out some junk before having a bath. Went to Di & Kerry’s for tea. Barbra & Darren are leaving tomorrow. Watched “We of the Never Never” (Again!)

Friday 18/1/85

Today was hot. Geoff was still here when I woke up. [Meaning: he stayed over and I disapproved.] Rang mima before going to town. She hasn’t found my copper bracelet yet. I also mentioned a trip to Green Is for, perhaps, Wednesday next week. After doing various things (getting Julia’s school shoes, port & blouses) went to Nana’s. Passed the take-away in the Plaza & two boys were there. One waved. I smiled & waved back! I have Confidence!! Got TV back, when got home. It was fixed for the 4th time, now. Lazed around at home. Did some puzzles in a puzzle book, made a pencil tin etc. Late-ish nite. Julia’s staying at Dad’s tonite & tomorrow night

Saturday 19/1/85

Today was boring. Woke around 7:30. Did some puzzles in the puzzle book, then had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After more puzzles, I continued writing out my 1984 Diary. Played records all day. Mum cleaned paint spots off the louvres. Had a pie & sausage roll for lunch today. Mr F. gave us some (a lot) fine gravel to even up the ground. Mum & I levelled it out, while a big thunderstorm passed quickly. Mum kept up until the whole 1st pile was gone. We just had baked beans for tea. Late night. Am about to watch the movie. Night, night!

Sunday 20/1/85

Movie went on for years!! Got to sleep about 12 last night. Woke at 9:45!! Yes!! I slept in!! Was tired today. Ate like a horse. Continued on with rewriting diary. Made lotsa mistakes. Wore an old, ripped petticoat today & that red & white polka dot blouse which I cut the sleeves off. I cut off the collar, & wore it as a hair ribbon/tie. [Ever the fashionista. And oh, those scissors again, that mum hated me touching…] Watched cricket, too. Australia was put to shame again by the Windies. We lost by 65!! Rang mim tonight. Going to think about Thurs. for our Green Is. trip. She’s gonna ring me back tomorrow night. Going to work tomorrow. Feel guilty about how much I ate today!!

Memories of Poo & Dead Pets (7-13 January)

Published on June 8, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 7/1/85

Was our last nite. Tonight are staying in the house in the dark – bar 4 or so candles. Fiona did not call back last night. (I stayed up late to watch the movie) Neither did she call today. I think it was Mr D.’s fault. He has a poor memory (so Fi says.) Today was busy. What with carrying the last few loads to the house, then scouring out the flat, to make it shiny & clean (as possible). [One of my favourite stories relating to this exercise was mum’s experience of cleaning out the toilet; she discovered something that had hitherto been imperceptible to us all – that the result of my grandmother’s daily explosive bowel movements (with thanks to regular consumption of Epsom salts) – had somehow lightly spattered the walls. Mum, Julia and I were in absolute stitches!] There are some boys who have moved in where Diane W. used to live. They whistled (well, one did, I think he’s 15 or so, not bad looking. I’m writing by candlelight.

Tuesday 8/1/85

Last night while having our Kentucky Fried Chicken the Skinners came to the Fishers. Skint!! Me in my frilly nightie!! I don’t think we are gonna get our bond money ($200) back – Today was hot, but quite a lot cooler in the house. In the morning FNQEB & Telecom came so we now have electricity & a ‘phone! Rang Fiona around 6:15. Had to ring back 15 mins later. When she answered, she was bright & chirpy and didn’t at all sound guilty about not ringing back Last Thurs. Are both coming tomorrow. Petra came up after lunch & is sleeping. She has given us 3 goldfish, from their pond. Hope they don’t die. [Our track record with smaller pets wasn’t too good. Mutliple fish had died in our care, most often jumping out of tanks when we weren’t around to put them back. One summer we accidentally killed a pet budgie by leaving its cage in the garage on a day that temperature soared. We came home to find it on the bottom of the cage with its eyes hanging out of its head. Terribly upsetting. We have had much more success with dogs as pets.]

Wednesday 9/1/85

Had a late night last night. Ate ice-cream as a midnight feast. Were sprung! This morning, playing cards with Jules & Petra when Fiona & Jemima came. Got a photo frame from Fiona (brass) & notebook, room card (vacant or home) & sticker from mima. Then went to mim’s for a swim. WAS STINKIN’ HOT TODAY! After a quick swim, danced to Madonna (great exercise) then we had to go home cause mim had to go to art classes at 1:30. Fi rang when I got home. We went to shop & looked at new railway [‘Freshwater Connection’] I came home & went to the dentist. Very quick tightening. Came home & relaxed.

Thursday 10/1/85

Jemima & Fiona asked me if I’d like to see ‘Ghostbusters’ with them tomorrow. I think they do like me; they are trying to start afresh. Being as best, best friend to me as possible. Today, mainly waited for mima/fiona. Woke quite early after a late night, then went out to do some things before lunch (getting things for the house) then just read, played cards, ate & lazed around all afternoon. I rang mim & fi about 20 times, finally mim answered. She couldn’t stay tonight but I was to go to her house at 8:30, along with Fi & Beka to catch the 9:00 bus.

Friday 11/1/85

After a late night last night (10:30) woke at 7:00 & began the rigmarole of deciding what to wear to the movies. Actually it was easy. Got to mime’s a little early, but got going (Polly, Beka, Fi, Mim & Me) at 8:45 When got in to town, got off near Coles & bought our “supplies”. Got a seat in the theatre (by the look of the que, didn’t think there’d be any room). Glenn came.. Ghostbusters was terrific! No other word to describe it. After, walked around town then took bus to mim’s at 2:00 Swam all arvy. Wanted to sleep somewhere but weren’t allowed. Had to go to Yacht Club for tea.

Saturday 12/1/85

Quite a late night last night as well (10:30). Have decided to sleep at Fi’s tonight, in the garden, under a tarp… Hope we’re allowed tonight..!! Got to Fi’s at 9:00, she only just got out of bed! When mima came, we played cards till Lucy came at 10:00. Then walked (after lunch) to mima’s got her stuff, walked to my place (stayed for lunch) walked back to fi’s. Set up the tent. Looked like it would rain but did not. Rebekah came late. Fiona told me what Beka was upset about before ‘ghostbusters’ – she didn’t know I was coming – she “can’t stand Elissa.” Stupid bitch. Lucy was bitchy too.

Sunday 13/1/85

Last night got to sleep around 2:00. Had 3 smokes only for fun, ate & played cards. Have a sore throat. Have had it since I woke at 8:00 this morning. [Not the ‘fun’ smoking the night before, poten After clearing up, we all decided to go Freshy for a swim. Was cool & overcast. Lotsa guys None spunky (x-ept one) who, from a distance, looked like Sean (my spunk) on our way back (Lucy was picked up) these “toughies” wanted us to come back & swim. We didn’t – who would. Then, came to my place. Lazed about, Beka left, lazed about, went to shop, picked up mim & fi’s gear. Late nite AGAIN!

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.

Farewell 1984 (24-31 December)

Published on June 6, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Here’s your “Bumper Christmas Issue”! Just over a week’s worth of entries to round off the year cleanly (I do have some OCD tendencies) including a christmas present list and the emotional musings I randomly scribbled in the final pages of the diary. Enjoy…

Monday 24/12/84

Woke late again. Did nothing till 11:00 when (after shaving cream, towel & water fights) went & delivered some chemicals. Stayed at Keane’s for a drink then after lunch at Jenny’s came home, watch TV & had quite a late night.

Tuesday 25/12/84

CHRISTMAS DAY. Woke early & tried unsuccessfully to sleep in. Dad came & we opened our presents. Wasn’t too happy with all of them. (the list of things is on the 3rd last page of this book.) [I have photographed said page but also transcribed it for ease of viewing, below. In defence of my ‘ingratitude’ with regard to gifts received, it actually stems from an inherent abhorrence of Waste. It upset me that people wasted their money on something I didn’t want, would never use/wear. This kind of sentiment underlies the anti-materialism attitude I developed in later years. Suffice to say, my ingratitude became an indelible mark on me, because my father & stepmother still bring it up on the odd occasion…] After Dad, Jacki, Jenny & Anthony left, went to a Xmas (dinner) lunch at Dianne & Kerry’s. Came home early & watched TV. Went to bed at 10:20 but just couldn’t get to sleep.

MUM – nothing, but I understand our/her financial problems

DAD – other ½ of bike!! silver chain bracelet

JULIA – lemon yellow jewellery stand [which was actually a kitchen cup/mug holder!]

NANA – lead pencils, rubbers, ruler, sharpener, soaps, diary-type book, school sox & a writing set/paper [a very typical style of gift from my grandma. I’m surprised there weren’t any handkerchiefs as well]

PAPA – big yellow beach towel

GEOFF – $25 voucher for Sportsgirl

JENNY & CO – eyeshadow

JODI & CO – baby pink shirt, $10 & 1 (crappy) ←(naaaah!) make up set

PAM & CO – bright necklace

BEV & CO – bright bracelet/bangle & nailpolish

DIANE B. & CO – blue & yellow polyester/cotton mini-dress

MRS M. – pen & watch set

MANDY & CO – one strap T shirt

Wednesday 26/12/84

BOXING DAY. Went to Robinson’s for a Christmas drink & ended up staying all day. Watched a video, played pool (Billiards or whatever) when they dropped us home, we gave them a tour of the house. The Skinners were at the Fishers. Had an early-ish night.

Thursday 27/12/84

With Geoff’s Sportsgirl voucher, Jules mum & I went into town & got some gear. I bought a hot pink singlet with Sportsgirl written on it & a red & white striped Tshirt with a collar & front buttons. Julia bought a pair of white shorts, a white Tshirt & a red cap. At home, mum ironed while Jules & I played records. Went to Clarke’s for a Christmas drink, ended up staying for tea. Got home about 11:30.

Friday 28/12/84

Woke early & went to work. Finished all the remaining drums (67 = $14.50) then dad said he’d pay me $4 per hr for labelling drums. I did 3hrs so my day’s total was $26.50. After, went to shipyard – wharf saw Glenn & Lynn C. for drinks

Saturday 29/12/84

Woke early-ish & went to Earlville. Looked around for a while but finally bought a neat pair of white with pink pinstripes shorts, a 1985 diary, record “Make It Big” by WHAM! and the January “Dolly”. Went to dad’s after lunch. That night Jenny, Julia, Dad & I went to drive-In. Gonna see “Muppets Take Manhattan” at the cinema but at Drive In, saw Footloose & “Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom” Were both terriffic.

Sunday 30/12/84

Went to Gordonvale to deliver some products today then spent the rest of the day at Peta & Marney’s. WAS VERY HOT.

Monday 3/12/84

Well it’s about 12:10, so I shouldn’t be writing in this diary. I dunno why but I’m extra sad this year. When I mentioned I forgot my 1985 Diary to Dad my eyes began to water. Luckily no one saw. Today, I mean ‘yesterday’ Dec. 31 I just read books all day. We had a New year’s Eve Party at Dad’s. I don’t know why I’m so emotional. Last year wasn’t my favourite year.

It wasn’t a very good year at all.

On the inside back cover of the diary I had written the following:

at the top, and at the bottom:

Christmas Shopping (17-23 December)

Published on June 5, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 17/12/84

Went to town with Justine at 12:00. S’posed to try to buy some shirts – couldn’t find any. Got Julia’s chrissy present also got some pale pink nail polish, grey eyeliner, 3 butterfly hair clips (1 4 me, other 2 for mim & Fi’s chrissy prezzys.) Julia found her present tonite. Stupid bitch. I’ll have to refund/change them now.

Tuesday 18/12/84

Julia has some sort of wog, Poor girl. I went to work for dad. Cleaned drums and earned $20!! [Some of the work I did for my father would be illegal in this day & age. My primary job was to wash out 10 litre cube drums that had had chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, ammonia, sodium hypochlorite with a hose, for recycling. No protective clothing, footwear, gloves, eyewear or respiratory masks. OH &S and Risk Management were non-existent in the ’80’s] Oh! I forgot tot tell you yesterday I finally put up the christmas decorations! After I’d come home from town that is.

Wednesday 19/12/84

Went to see “Gremlins” with mim, fi, polly & anna. stayed in town after. Got Geoff’s Julia’s & Dad’s presents (couldn’t refund Julia’s records.) Nana left for Sydney today so I didn’t have to get her a present after all. Thank God! I can’t afford any more!

Thursday 20/12/84

Worked at Dad’s again today. Was quite hot. Am tired. (I earned exactly $20 & a pair of sunburnt thighs!)

Friday 21/12/84

Spent the whole day at Earlville with Julia. Got mum’s, Jodie’s, Michael’s, mim’s & Fi’s prezzys. Have no money left but no more presents to buy!! At home, I wrapped them all.

Saturday 22/12/84

IS SO HOT!! Lazed around today. Finished wrapping all prezzys then watched TV all day. Ate too much. Going to dad’s tomorrow.

Sunday 23/12/84

Woke late, actually. Can’t believe I have not woken up before 7:00 one day of the holidays so far! Packed bag & watched TV till dad came. Julia went with Jenny. 10 min delay at Oak Beach. A van had rolled no one was hurt, tho. Just watched TV at Jenny’s.

Monopoly & a Stomach Bug (24-30 September)

Published on May 24, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 24/9/84

Woke about 7:30. Prepared to paint my white T-shirt but worried it wouldn’t turn out & wouldn’t come off . Decided to see “Streets of Fire”. Rode to mim’s (phone’s not working) She wasn’t home so rode to Fi’s. At home, tried to get dressed but got shitty cos’ I don’t have any good clothes. [Outfit-based tantrums were quite a common occurrence…] All shitty with each other. [Mum, Nana & I] Rode to Fi’s to tell her I couldn’t go. Nana was against it [my riding to Fiona’s] so doors were locked when I got back. [Yes, my grandmother locked me out!] Climbed in thru open laundry window – watched TV rest of arvy and forgot about it all.

Tuesday 25/9/84

Went to town with Fi & Mim at 11:30. After a packed day picked up Debbie & went to mim’s. Watched movies all nite. Felt sick (went to loo 5 times: 3 bogs.) Got to sleep around 4:00.

Wednesday 26/9/84

Woke around 7:00 But dozed until 8:00. Got up at 11:30, watched Mike Walsh, packed up & went home. Still feel terrible. The whole night was horrible. I must be getting a wog or something.

Thursday 27/9/84

Felt good today – no more ugly thoughts about the video party. Lazy day – read a good book, played monopoly with Jules. Went to town around 3:30 → 4:00 & got pattern for orange material. Got home & got ready for Trent’s party.

Friday 28/9/84

Early wakening again. Am ded tired!! Wish I could sleep in. OH! Only 2 days of leisure left. I hate school. Played monopoly all morning. After lunch, packed away ornaments off the chest of drawers [WHY I would’ve done this, I don’t know – I don’t think we were moving anywhere – yet] & watched TV. Geoff came started monopoly but no one wanted to play so I forced them to Scrabble!

Saturday 29/9/84

Tired last night – slept like a babe! Saw the start of the Mall to Mall race (some really weird entries!!) [I actually don’t recall what exactly that event was all about] After got a “great Australian Ice Creamery” cone YUM! & went home (I rode to shop to buy bread.) Went to house. Had lunch. Geoff went. Had a rest. Began making my orange shirt Looks Fab!!!!! Went to Blue Light in Thomae’s combie van with no roof (I mean a BIG sunroof – open!) Fi found someone she liked. He asked her ot dance but then pissed off saying “gotta get my friend”. Never came back. TEASER.

Sunday 30/9/84

Boring day. Watched TV, (Hardie 1000 Car Race) & did HW (caught up on books) Early-ish night. My cough is worse. Since mim’s video party I have’t felt 100%. Thurs. I felt better but was ‘dizzy’ & congested (mucus) Now I have a “Laragitus” (Yelling to everyone last night didn’t help.) & a hoarse cough. Am taking cough & decongestant medicines 2ce a day. Hope it helps. I always feel worst in the mornings.