study – Page 3 – A Life in Words

Subject Choices, Exams & Equal Pay (9-15 September)

Published on September 9, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 9/9/85

Soooo tired today. Couldn’t stop yawning. 1st, 2nd & 3rd periods were spent with approximately 150 other YR10’s in L1 & 2 making subject choices, counting numbers etc, that was boring & uncomfortable since Justine wanted to share my chair with her big bum. Fiona left at Big Lunch for the Doctors. Beka missed ¾ maths at guidance officer & (Lucy was away) Anna went home with her mum so Julia sat next to me on the bus. Asked Mrs Stevensen about Accounting. She’s pleased I’m continuing. [That’s right! I’d totally forgotten I had considered becoming an Accountant. Oh how glad I am that that idea left me. I’d never have kept up with the most complex tax system in the world…or would have died of boredom first?] My final choice would have been 7 subjects: Maths I & II, English, Bio, Chem, Art & Accounting. Can’t have 7 tho. I’ll haft drop Maths II I think.

Tuesday 10/9/85

Didn’t get English done, so didn’t get it handed in…. not that it mattered cos’ Mr Van didn’t demand it. Got upset (very) this arvy trying to do it. English exam tomorrow, so won’t have to hand it in then either. German was quite easy. Think I’ve done well. Riding tomorrow – going to the beach for an hour in PES (lunch & 6th period.) 7 of us – Just, Beka, Fi, Sharon D. & Kim (& me) We’ll run late I reckon. Late night. Just watched last part of “princess Daisy”. Happy ending. Is 10:30 nite nite!

Wednesday 11/9/85

English test was hard. I am bugared. Mum went to National Trust Meeting. I felt like going, too. Stupid me! There was nowhere to go to sleep. Today at the beach was fun – but hardly long enough. Got a little pink on the face – full stop. Didn’t miss any History (pity) cos got back earlier than expected. Most of us had showers. I have a headache. The ride to school was good & so was it on the way home, however Justine & Kim were so slow. Along Lower Freshy I dropped from first to last. My knees were about to give way. I was quite pooped. Kim & Justine came in for a drink & to see the House. Mum likes Kim. [why wouldn’t she?!] Still haven’t done my English poem. He’ll kill me.

Thursday 12/9/85

Boy, was I dog-tired today. Mr Van didn’t say anything in english (thank God) but we read from poetry books instead. I actually did it this arvy!! [Assuming ‘it’ is the poem I’d hitherto been unable to verse] (I had to use a poem, y’know change the words [er, isn’t that called plagiarism Liss?]… will fix up grammar in the morning ‘n’ write it out at school. Is 9:30. Have just finished revising maths. I will be confident!! I hope! Got 28/30 for Ger. writing & 14/15 reading. Did listening test today. Am gonna dad’s Saturday night cos’ mum’s going to Townsville. Will work with dad stay the night & come home on Sunday.

Friday 13/9/85

Didn’t do too bad in maths test – but made careless errors. Know I don’t have full marks – prob’ly 26 /no! Won’t get my hopes up – say, hopefully around 22/30 more (I hope) but… in german got 11/15 for listening, so my total out of 60 is 53. Quite good! Have now (next week) only BP, Maths (anudda one) & practical art tests left. Must study a lot this weekend. Got a fair amount of HW done. Mr Howard said he thinks I’d cope with doing Chem & Bio (I forgot to bring my selection sheet back today – big trouble!!….) It’s now a toss up between Chem & Economics. – I dunno. Oh shit! Mum won’t be here in the morning – Hope we’re awake in time for dad.

Saturday 14/9/85

Mum left quite late this morning. I was too tired to wave goodbye. [This ‘waving goodbye’ is a family ‘tradition’ of ours. I think it was borne of an old courtesy, something like seeing someone to the door, but also – and especially within the family circle – being about sending love…as if there was the possibility that it could be the last time you’d ever see them again. It’s not a habit I have kept to the same extent as my father, mother & sister, who often stand right outside and wave until you pull away in your car (or sometimes until you are out of sight!). I’ll walk you to the door or the gate but I will turn and head back inside after the final wave or parting word.] I woke again at 7:00. Packed etc (made beds) Dad was late. At work did hardly anything but earned $20. Had to work with Jacki, see she worked when she felt like it & when she stopped I had to otherwise I would’ve done more than her and only been paid the same amount. [My sense of fairness has always been strong.] Ended up that she wasn’t (measuring the stuff out) properly. At flat, watched TV, scratched “BP” petrol cards 251 of them! Had a late tea – late nite – we played Trivial pursuit. Julia shitty – she’s homesick. thinks dad’s ignoring her. I Ate too much. Jaqui went out. Anthony bombed out. Slept restlessly.

Sunday 15/9/85

Woke last night briefly when Jackie came home probably 3-4:00 in the morning. I dunno. Everyone slept in. I read (started to read) a book. Had 2 pieces toast & bacon for brekky at about 10:00 in the morning. Went home at 12:00. Stopped for a Frenzy met Gloria – Peta & Marney’s aunt. Still looks so young! Also saw P’s. They left as we came. Mrs P didn’t give me a 2nd look. Good. Stupid bitch (they all are.) [For those who haven’t been following these diaries for very long, the hostility expressed here derived from a ‘bullying’ incident in the past. See the post entitled “Bullying & a New Heart Throb”.] At home, didn’t study at all. Had a water fight with Jules then sunbaked (unsuccessfully) Nana came over. Watched TV. She was reluctant to leave us on our own. Wen she went – I had a bath – began shaving; power went off. Came back on just as I’d dragged out the lamp (& found it had no batteries anyway) Had tinned dinner. Mum came home 7:15. (Nana rang before that to check on us. Must admit I did get a little worried for awhile – but that’s just my Cancerian nature!) [My grandmother was also Cancerian, so her over-protectiveness stemmed from her ‘natural’ propensity to worry as well.] Late-ish nite 9:30. Last week this WEEK! YO!

Sinus, Class Photos & Lip Gloss (2-8 September)

Published on September 2, 2013 by Elissa Coxen2 Comments

Monday 2/9/85

Can’t wait for camp. Uh…yes I can … I still have lotsa weight to lose & a tan (an even tan) to get. I asked Fran about Adrienne McA – she thinks she’s in group 3. Anyhow, was warm today, went quickly (the day I mean.) Didn’t do much HW ie, did HW but didn’t study etc. Should start soon. Late night. 10:30 now. Watched “Clive James – At home.” the equivalent to Mike Walsh. Is funny!! Cold, now too. Want to sleep well. Mum’s not going to send that letter (good.) she feels better, just for writing it. Hopes it’ll blow over. [This is a good and yet a not-so-good thing. Avoiding unnecessary drama is definitely positive but ‘hoping’ something will ‘blow over’ is almost asking for trouble in the future. This is the perfect example of how my sister and I were (unconsciously) conditioned to become non-confrontational.] Cold is still bugging me → mum thinks it’s sinus. Probably. German dinner on 17th Sept. (Tuesday) AT Alpine Chalet. FUN!!

Tuesday 3/9/85

A Life in Words — I’m just right of centre, in the middle row.

Gosh today went quick!! School photos – stupid!! The wind was blowing everyone’s hair back from their faces (- I took my plate out, of course!) which looked ridiculous & ugly! [Because it’s so attractive to have hair ON your face? I think what might have upset me more when I actually got this photo was the way the wind billowed my blouse, making me look either too buxom or worse; fat.] Laughed alot today (feel good for that.) also got my periods. Is supposed to be 11º C tonight – was cold last night (just as well I took that blanket to bed!) I’m all bundled up tonight! Am tired. Is 10:30. Watched new mini-series “Princess Daisy” is good I think. Last part next week. Fiona’s ringing me tomorrow to tell me if she feels like riding or not. Don’t know even if I’ll feel like it

Wednesday 4/9/85

Went to doctors. Dr D. prescribed some $15 drug in a spray pack for my nose. [‘Beconase’ was the corticosteroidal nasal spray I was prescribed. I have rather unpleasant memories of tasting it as the excess slid down the back of my throat from my nasal cavities.] Anytime I feel allergies etc It clams me up more. Even plain ole’ Drixine works betta, but he said it’d take more than a day so I s’pose I betta try it. My nose is so sore from blowing, & sticking nasal sprays up it. Poor me. Couldn’t start study cos’ I went to the doctor’s. Will 2morrow if possible. is supposed to be cold again tonight. Really want to save lotsa money, cos’ I got a big list. (Eg I wanna get me a swatch, mum one (for her birthday) & also a clothing gift voucher for her.) Ha!

Thursday 5/9/85

Still didn’t start study for maths. I didn’t know I was such a procrastinater!! I must do it & start soon. Ate alot today. Well, not a lot, but more than just 3 meals. See, nana came round & brought a small bun loaf which had icing & sparkles on it & I ….had….3 pieces. UMAH. So instead of studying I went to the park to try’n’work it off. Neck sore today. has been quite lately. In History it ached cos’ an Aboriginal man (58 yrs old & not one wrinkle) talked to us about life in a mission. [I believe what I would have meant is that I had to crane my neck to see the speaker from whatever position I had in the classroom.] He was a reasonable, great bloke. A caring man. Not like nowaday coons. [Obviously, a shocking sentiment. The slang is bad enough, but the whole sentence screams Racism. The explanation for this statement – which by no means excuses it – is very complex. It was a generalisation, referring to the (alcoholic) Park People, which was all I had witnessed firsthand of Aboriginals in Cairns – apart from fellow students with whom I had no qualms whatsoever. This is clearly a statement founded upon Fear. For now, please remember this was nearly 30 years ago and that kind of attitude was long ago exchanged for Compassion.]

Friday 6/9/85

Glad it’s Friday. Went to town tonight & bought (roll-on) lip gloss – finally – & “coconut” deep tanning lotion. [The old coconut oil tanning lotion! Smelled divine, but as for sun protection? Hahaha.] Hardly anyone in town, let alone anyone we knew. Saw Karen M. & Tania P. at work. Didn’t see Steven. Bus was late to today. Came at 3:30, so got home at 3:50. Normally get home at 3:40. Stupid driver. Bludge day today. I must start study this week end. It will be work, work, work all the time. Full day’s work tomorrow, dad said & then on Sunday – study, HW & english (& other) assignment(s) Is cold again. Wind is up & it rained tonight. Looks like wet has set in.

Saturday 7/9/85

Worked literally all day today:- 6¼hrs labelling + 54 drums cleaned gave me $38.50 but dad thought I was so dilligent that he made it a round $40! Was hard work – back, hand and arm muscles were strained. Dad’s renovating his office – will look or-right! He wanted it finished today, but Jenny drove me home at 6:45 & didn’t look near that! Got home & Geoff & his mum were here. Had tea (dinner) (& 2 helpings of dessert) Watched TV. & the 2 movies that were on tonight. Both comedys. Alright. 2nd one was better. Weather was changeable – sunny/rainy but always windy. Mums going to Port tomorrow. Julia & I’ll stay home. I have to study.

Sunday 8/9/85

Got HW done & revised all maths Ch’s. Mind you – it took all day & I didn’t get to study german or even start my english assignment (due Tues.) so it wasn’t that “profitable” a day. Put on make up in between. [Ah! So you didn’t study solidly?!] Love the lip gloss I’ve got! I just keep using it. At this rate I’ll run out!! (very soon) Weather is still windy, overcast & sometimes rains. Am starting to snack again. Must control myself. Filled week this week: 2 maths test, assignment due & german test. Shit. Mum & Geoff & Mrs M. got home 5:50. Played Triv. Pursuit (my wanting to) but I pulled out first Is now 9:30. Must sleep well.

Cold Weather & A ‘Stranger’ for Tea (3-9 June)

Published on June 29, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 3/6/85

Warmer today. Cool spell has gone – is warming up, now. Pooey! Julia went to doctor’s. She has 2 throat infections. Will not be going to skool 4 the rest of the week. [My sister was often sick, compared to me. Tonsillitis was her ‘specialty’!] Mum wants money refunded 4 julias camp. I got hiccups in science. Couldn’t get rid of them – really loud! Annoyed Fiona, too. At home, I felt sick thought I was coming down with Julia’s Flu. It passed after dinner. Praybon dropped Tina & asked Anna today. She hasn’t replied. No wonder Tina was in a BAD mood in Art…. I told Fi I was going to aerobics & I couldn’t go feeling sick. I just missed her when I rang to tell her → she’ll probably crack 2morrow (unless mim went)

Tuesday 4/6/85

Today it got cool & I forgot my jumper … so I froze. Sold about…5 brooches earned only $1.60 cos’ paid back some people (Lucy & Beka) to whom I owed money. Did hardly any HW & NO STUDY. I must really try to cos’ these exams are important (mum’s not going to Cooktown now cos’ of them!) Anna isn’t going with Praybon yet, but in German, next to tina, she only talked about him. I didn’t know wot to say to her. [One of Life’s difficult moments.] Wizzed thru’ maths 2day. Got a whole ch. almost finished. Tim is a distant person, now. I hardly ever see him & least of all, he appears to not even notice me. Oh woe is me!

Wednesday 5/6/85

Cold today. There’s a cold front moving up the coast, (according to Fiona!) Forgot (almost) about speech, but got there early – went to mima’s She was on the phone to Brent (Steven B. was with him) mima ended up setting up Steven with me (describing me to him etc.) Brent said I looked like Madonna!! But, cos I was getting excitedly nervous, she reset him with Lucy who had the guts to talk to him on the ‘phone! I’m sorry, now. [Some evidence of the shyness which those who know me find hard to believe I posses. Having grown up with predominantly female energy around me, merely talking to boys was an unnerving experience.] Started to study tonight, just a bit. But I must do more. Will stay late tonight. Got a book out from book room. TT#3 Mr (Fuckhead) Carter made me go out of archery into “field” for PES cos’ no one would volunteer. I can’t jump or throw for nuts. Fuckin cunt. [Whoa, HEAVY language. I had no idea I knew that word back then, let alone used it.]

Thursday 6/6/85

Glad I didn’t forget a jumper today ! (Not that I would have [well you did on Tuesday, Silly-billy]) I had it on all day. IT WAS COLD!! & tonite, doing study, my fingers & toes, I swear, could have snapped off! [Good to know that my poor circulation isn’t just an old-age thing!] Mad rush to book room after skool to get History & 2 more science texts. Also had art folder & 2 art texts to carry. Thought my bag would break! No lunch-time. Late out of BP & had to go straight into english for viewing test. (which I’ve prob’ly failed) Man came 4 tea [Well, this is random. The only man I could imagine coming for tea, whom would not need naming, would have been mum’s partner Geoff. It’s bizarre to think some other bloke might’ve come over and I didn’t say for what reason, or at the very least, mention his name.] Have still 2 units to go in Science. Probly another late nite. I must do well, now. Is cool …. GOODY!!

Friday 7/6/85

I think I got a high [achievement] (at least) in science and a very high in BP!! Science was quite straight-forward. I think I might have made a few careless mistakes, too. (as well as in BP) My trial balance didn’t work out & I didn’t have time to correct it. Cold!! Freezing!! Is so windy!! Didn’t study at home this arvy – Just sorted out my books. Made Fimo badges.- 3 more – only just took them out – they’re burnt!! Just a bit off-colour. Forgot to put on deodourant today!! Dad was on local news [I wonder what for? I don’t recall, and:] (I didn’t see him – mima rang to tell me – also asked me to come up on Sunday to study) Watching movie about French Revolution. Magnificent costumes!!

Saturday 8/6/85

Today was a big waste of time. I s’pose I got a bit of work done (in art) but NO STUDY. Was cool – I ate one hell of a lot. (mint chocolate custard) Am watching movie. Is good. Listened to tapes today. Discovered I do like Duran Duran – well, their music, at least. But WHAM! rules!! My skin on my face has really dry areas – don’t know how to fix them up. Also, can’t stop squeezing pimp’s & blackheads on my nose & my eyebrows are too thin; I always pluck too much off them too.) Going to mima’s to study.

Sunday 9/6/85

I went to Jemima’s. They weren’t there. I went to Fi’s. They were having brekky. We tried to study, but couldn’t. Went to Jemima’s. I tried to study, but couldn’t. (Ended up only doing Maths – a bit.) Brent rang once. Went home ’bout ½hr after a prank call. Got some songs on Countdown. Went to Diane & Kerry’s for tea. Watched “Trading Places” with Eddie Murphy. FUNNNY!! Studied a bit of maths, too. Today mim told me that Steven doesn’t want to see Lucy, now. He thinks looks are 90% of a girl. [There’s a damn good reason NOT to be interested in a guy like him] Brent must said some terrible things about Lucy!! But I’m not even 2% good looks. [There you have it – another wonderful illustration of my level of self-love.]