tantrum – Page 3 – A Life in Words

My Very First Perm (13-19 May)

Published on June 26, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 13/5/85

Good to see Tim again – I mean, he’s a hunk. Sometimes wonder ’bout Steven. Bluelight’s on 25th. Rang yesterday. Wouldn’t stop talking ’bout camp. “Putted” around all day & often began talking about it during conversations. It was a good camp. Am bugared. Just rushed my art cos’ this arvy, met mima & fiona when we were at the hairdressers for jules. Went to mima’s. Were going to go to aerobics. They did. I couldn’t cos of periods. Dad bought [bike] tyre back. Can ride Wednesday, now! (Tim rides 2 school) wore jumper all day. Was cold & rainy. Haven’t missed out on 2 much work….

Tuesday 14/5/85

Getting heavy in my periods. Was lucky today that I didn’t bleed on my skirt. Must take 1 pad to skool & change daily at BIG LUNCH. Giggly, stupid mood in double science. Was cool enough to wear jumper all day without sweating. Watched bit of the german camp concert on video at Big Lunch – can’t really hear anything. Are going to ride to skool tomorrow. My bike is better, now. I cleaned it this arvy, oiled and pumped it up. Am gonna try another tampon tomorrow – see if I can go swimming. Mum went to opening of ‘Korvette’ in the Boland Centre. Got me a black, white’n’red checked flannellette shirt. Is great!!

Wednesday 15/5/85

I’ve made an important discovery about myself. I think I like fiona more than Jemima. It explains why I always try to make Fi guilty when she talks about the things she & mime do 2gether. I wish it was me instead of Jemima. Actually did it! First go! Slipped the tampon ‘straight up’! Easy! [EASY!] Yes, we rode. Justine & Beka had their reasons why not. Lucky it didn’t rain 4 us! we beat our bus by 5 mins. Short periods thank god! At swimming, went to loos – I changed tampon (easily!!) & went swimming!! Cold windy, big waves. Fun!! a little boring out of water. Riding home, wasted a lot of time cos’ left skool late – (we were shamed) Don’t know why! [And so I don’t know why now, either.] (At speech, I was only one – went in 5:15 Late!) Lotsa HW 2nite

Thursday 16/5/85

Got away with it this arvy. Had a feeling I should’ve changed tampons at lunchtime but didn’t. On bus went a drip or 2 thru’ skirt – only Fi knew. Got off bus with jumper round my hips! Had bath when got home. Wasn’t sore today [am guessing I meant after riding to school] – tired cos watched movie last nite. Cool today, too, but rain has pretty well stopped. At Geoff’s National Trust dinner. Am tired. Just finished BP HW. 7 Journals, Ledger & trial balance – & after that, my trial balance didn’t work out!! Worked catch up during lunch hour today. I hate science & it (& Mr ‘It’ Howy) hate(s) me. GOOD!!! Poofter!! Am buggared. Can’t remember anything else.

Friday 17/5/85

I took today off and GOT MY HAIR PERMED!! Woke too tired to do exercises. Was going to go to skool, but trouble with BP HW got me in a bad mood, so stayed home. [I wouldn’t’ve thought mum would have allowed me to stay home because of a homework tantrum.] Mainly watched TV. Attempted HW (BP) but still couldn’t find how I lost $2 in the trial Balance. 1:00 – showered & by 1:30 was getting hair washed at the hairdressers. came as a shock, but I think I’m used to it now. Julia & mum think it’s nice – a ‘classic’ bobcut. At home, hurriedly cleaned my room when dad came – hastily dressed & packed. At Freshy Creek anthony laughed at my hair. Too bad! Freshie Hotel 4 drinks – then Roger’s for movies. Nellie & Amanda think my hair looks nice (esp. Roger) & all the other hash people. Movies were funny. Slept a bit thru’ one. Am tired now – is 2:00!! Nite!

Saturday 18/5/85

Woke quite early – lazed ’round ‘n’ watched TV, till went to town with Jackie, Jenny, Anthony & Julia. Went to Boland Centre – ‘Korvette’ GOOD VALUE!! I reckon – cheap!!! UNBELIEVEABLE!! Walked back to work at 12:00 (after got an ice cream & running into Toni & Angela who thought it looked ‘great’ & ‘made me appear about 20yrs old!’) [Evidence that looking older when you’re in your teens is more desirable than looking younger.] Worked $6 for dad only $4 to pay back.[My guess is this is the remainder of the debt for the lost $20 from the grocery shopping incident a couple of weeks earlier] Back at (flat/House) had lunch, lazed & did nuthing. Potted a plant. eaten alive by midges. Anna B. was at Korvette today too, but didn’t see (or perhaps recognise) me! Jacki away 4 nite. Bonds over for drinks. Jules & me in water bed till they leave. Then going to crash in lounge.

Sunday 19/5/85

Woke late today – good long sleep last nite. Had brekky of egg, sausages & muffins at 10, then packed and went to Cairns vs Trinity Hashes cricket match. Boring till after lunch when Trinity ‘Flash’ Hash Fielded. I did a bit, but sat out later with Jenny on field border. We lost, but everyone in our Hash knew the others cheated. At home, showed Jenny, dad & anthony Easter piccy’s ‘n’ they took them. Watched Countdown awards (Fuck-the-pus Duran won International Act) [there was a great Duran Duran-Wham! fan rivalry and I was, as earlier evinced, definitely a ‘Whammie!’] wonder wot people will say ’bout my hair 2morrow. Hope I don’t get teased!!

Girlie Things & Noisy Birds (22-28 April)

Published on June 23, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 22/4/85

Couldn’t wake up. Ran a little late. At school, didn’t see Anthony or Jaqui. Must have conned a day off, from Jenny. Today was cool & fine. Science was boring – german was boring. History was boring. Art was orright. (Worked on clay at big lunch. Dunno wotta do.) Maths boring & English, too. Boring, plain day today. I hate Mondays, Jeez!! Late nite – 10:00 now. Didn’t have much HW at all. Bluelight 27th. Wot the shit’ll I wear? Hafta make something. Chris (from National Trust) did [fashion] Designing Course ‘n’ said the first year (½) u hafta make 2 articles per week. I CAN’T SEW!!!

Tuesday 23/4/85

Today got in a shit cos’ (I wanted to go swimming &) mum’s tampon wouldn’t fit me – it hurt. Went to school in a bad mood. Boring day. Science more work. English – sick of hearing Rebecca P’s posh voice and stupid reading in the play. Double maths more work. History dictation and German BORING. Jaqui & Anthony were here today. Anthony talked to me, but Jaqui didn’t. Anna sprung her smoking in loo’s. Another shit this arvy, when after mum bought smaller type of tampons, wouldn’t go in again. Later, however got in quite far. Still can’t get it, though. Early nite – eyes stinging when they are open. Lost a lot of moisture ‘cos of all the crying this arvy. [Womanhood – it’s not all it’s cracked up to be? I’m sure I can’t have been the only girl to have this kind of brilliant menstruation experience.]

Wednesday 24/4/85

Today was – oh I can’t describe it as usual. Ran very late cos’ tried again to fit a tampon in. VERY UNSUCCESSFUL. Forgot money but Justine saved the day 4 me! Science – quickly, no HW:- pes hot, fun – no HW:- German – late (10mins) picked on me, boring – no HW:- History – boring, long – no HW. Checked pad before getting on bus. Appear to have finished today’s period. Went swimming. Had triffic fun. Beka didn’t – had her periods, too. RAGE! Speech was simply – boring EVERYONE ‘sides Mrs McI. was tired (me too) Found out she’s been pregnant since ‘afore Xmas. Takeaway dins going to Geoff’s for National Trust meeting. Am tired. Is hot now.

Thursday 25/4/85 (Anzac Day)

Today I ‘guts’ed out. Ate ‘n’ ate. Umah! Woke early to next door’s galahs skwaking. Lazy – read through Dolly ‘workshops’ looking for sewing patterns. After cleaning my room & fussing around with materials & patterns (I gave up &) wrote out my ’84 diary again. Did that til Nana & Nancy (1 of her sisters) Had to show ’em my art & skool work. After they left ‘n’ Jules ‘n’ I mucked around, had a bath & am wotchin’ TV! Early nite I hope. ‘S’morning thort it was Sat & in the arvy & nite, kept thinkin’ it was Sun – BIG mistake!!!! [Another Anzac Day goes unacknowledged. While transcribing, I had no idea at first that this day was even a public holiday, let alone for what reason.]

Friday 26/4/85

Today was (oh! I’m sick of starting off like this.) I didn’t like today. Cool wind so didn’t get too hot during hockey. I failed my maths test on surds, I’m sure. Bought my leather shoes today & didn’t even have science in the lab! Fiona bought my tin of Kool Fruits. Ended up eating them all today. Also got another english assignment. Just a letter. Want to get it done this weekend. BLUELIGHT tomorrow night! Petra F is going! Thought she wasn’t allowed ’till she was 16! Late nite wotched ½ of 1984 Logies & Dave Allen

Saturday 27/4/85

Fucking birds next door screeched & squawked all fucking morning, waking me up at 6:30 after going to sleep only 7 hours earlier. I wanted to sleep in. Went out this morning. Bought lace & tartan ribbon. Looked at materials, too. Came home & watched TV & lazed about all arvy. Rang mima (didn’t want to ring Mr D – (grumpy-bum)) Got ready 4 Bluelight. Couldn’t use blowdryer – exploded. The cord just ‘teared’ or ‘broke’ or ‘split’ Am now soooo nervous. [I often felt nervous prior to certain social events and indeed, still can.] Oh!! They’re here!!

Was terrfiic!! (Saw Sean 2 times briefly) Neville only stuck ’round ’bout an hour. I Didn’t sit down once – sore back. I think now that mima set Neville & me up in the beginning. Mainly danced with Fi, Beka, Justine & Greg K. John C was there, too.

Sunday 28/4/85

Slept in to 8:30, cos got to bed 12:30. Today was very lazy day. Woke up to birds squawking at 6.00 or so, but managed to sleep in longer. Read old Dollys, did depilatories (creamed off the hair under my arms, & bikini line) Did most of my HW. When that was complete, showered’n’shaved etc, and went to Clarke’s for drinks. Took science books & english Didn’t do anything, tho. Watched TV – countdown’n’muppets left around 7:20. Early-ish night 2nite. I hope It’s about 8:45 now. I must learn for my science test tomorrow

Surds, Ice Cream & Hey Hey It’s Saturday! (18-24 March)

Published on June 18, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 18/3/85

Today I got in a shit. I don’t know exactly why. I s’pose it had a little to do with the fact that everyone was talking about the Bluelight, & that I was bored at Port, but mainly that they had all had perfect weekends and mine was a stuffed, shitty waste of time. Any way, dad got us to school around 8:00. Was empty!! (almost). Sarah came 15 mins later, then the buses. Boring school day. Not hot. Didn’t do anything but fool ’round with Jules & watch TV at home ‘sarvy. At dad’s – another late night. Shitty maths HW. So hard & confusing. Watching Mike Walsh now.

Tuesday 19/3/85

Today I feel like running writing…[and I hear that cursive script is no longer to be taught in schools? What a shame. End of another ‘era’] Late for bus – had to get on at Fi’s stop! Double Science was boring. German was stupid. History; dull, art was fun. English made me fall asleep! (not really, but very close) and maths; complicated. Have to wear leather shoes into maths now, too. Shit! Mandy P. smiled at me today! Perhaps she does like me after all! at Penny’s did HW Dad finished run & all the HASH had tea (dinner) & drinks. Stayed till 9:00 Late nite 10:30

Wednesday 20/3/85

Today was okay. Science; boring no HW. English; boring no HW besides an essay. Maths; complicating, no HW, ach.[achievement] test on Mon. I’m gonna get Penny to teach me how to do these surds (cos’ she’s a maths teacher at Trinity Bay High). Mr Way doesn’t explain anything. [I had always thought my issues with advanced Maths began in my senior high school years – clearly not.] Went to art room at lunch time. History; more notes, No HW German she picked on me again, no HW. Exam on Mon I think. Got off at Fi’s. Forgot all speech books. After (fun) speech lesson, dad came. Late nite 10:30

Thursday 21/3/85

Hi! I’m finishing off the choc-choc chip ice cream. I have a feeling tonight might be a little earlier than my previous nights! YIPEE! Sleep! Today: Science, boring, had to take out a Text book after school (TT#3) for HW. PE: shame! Did 2 items for assessment; Have 3 left + 1 routine. Forgot my mark sheet! Ger: stupid. Ms Westerweld picks on me again. Meanwhile, back at the ranch……! Little lunch I had some yogurt, double Hist finished notes on German Unification. Art fun! & BP lots HW & Exam mon. Right now, my BP has not worked out ‘n’ my ice cream’s melting. Fi told (lied to) Beka that we “weren’t allowed to go to the Disco”. A few dirty remarks about me, I think, but I’m used to it, now. Nite, nite!

Friday 22/3/85

Did not stop raining one second of the day. Fiona & Jemima ended up not coming to the movies. Jemima had a bad cold and Fiona’s mum said she needed an early nite. Rebekah was being mean again, today in maths. I wore a t-shirt, blouse & jumper today; warm! Saw Tim a lot too: in the library it appeared he was try’na find me or spot me (un-obviously of course). Have hardly any HW, just a lot of exams to learn for & an essay. Sleep in tomorrow. Stinging, sore tired eyes at movie 2-nite. Petra did come!

Saturday 23/3/85

Woke around 8:45. Lazed about until 10:15, when we had to rush and go shopping at Raintrees. Just got to the end (fresh fruit & veges) and a lady (old & baggy-looking) came up and said something like – “make haste, as we get in trouble if we use the cash registers after 12” (it was 12:05) [aah, the days of limited retail shopping hours] What bullshit!! Anyway, dad’s $70 for the groceries was in a $50 & a $20 note. It came to $46 or something, so I handed over the 50 & put away the $20. When we got to work – I found it was lost – not anywhere. So I had to work it off dis arvy. [Wow. Even as an adult I think that’s a bit unfair – give a kid a break. I’m shocked that I had to work to atone for an accident. It’s not as if I spent the money or stole it. Even though I respect my father for teaching us the value of money, this feels like it’s verging on child labour!] At the flat, late nite 1:30, I think it is. Am bugared.

Sunday 24/3/85

Woke around same time as yesterday. Did some colouring to my sketch folder, then, when the flat was awake, we all began cleaning. Actually, I waz lazy – didn’t do much. Julia tried to ring mum again around 11:00, she got her! Mum came home around 10:15!! About 12:30, finished cleaning & roughly packing then (cos’ Mike – flat 5 – was having a party – BBQ lunch – his birthday) so Jules & I played handball while dad & jenny went out then Cheryl (also flat 5) put on a video recording of “Hey Hey it’s Saturday”. Got home at 6:00 watched Countdown. Latish nite. 9:30, now

Sunburn, Countdown & the First Shower (18-24 February)

Published on June 14, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 18/2/85

Today was BAD [in the original diary this word was written LARGE; taking up two lines] It was hot & I was burnt (very sore). Fi is quite burnt too, but my face is like a beetroot. Rained later in the arvy. Blackouts just the same 1hr off, ½hr on. Everyone asked us what we did on the weekend (Fi & me) Sunday was fun!! Don’t like Lucy. She thumped me on my (very sore) shoulder. Boring day. Julia found out about the bird. [Gone. Escaped from its damaged cage the day before – see previous entry] Took it well.

Tuesday 19/2/85

Today was hot. Had my bath this morning, covered in olive oil. (Remembered last time I was burnt mum told me to oil myself over before having a shower/bath.) Makes me feel like I won’t peel, but doesn’t help the sting! OUCH! [I had forgotten about this Old Wives Remedy mum had passed on to us. I don’t think it actually worked.] More fun in german. In English, had to start drawing up charts for our class (we have to read 6 novels per semester & we must record them on this chart) Anyhow, I started drawing it up today but found I’ll probably need another sheet (I’ve already got 2) to do 25 people! Saw a WHAM! magazine at Stratty the other day. Want to get it $3.50. Hand in text book scheme money tomorrow. [I can’t really remember well, but I think the ‘scheme’ was basically a hire-purchase arrangement. You paid an amount for your set texts at the start of the year & received most of it back if you chose to return them at the end of the year. Anyone from Smithfield recall exactly?]

Wednesday 20/2/85

Got in another shit this morning when I couldn’t find the hair combs again, ..So mum bought me some from Woolies today. Just cheapies – but that’s all I want. Periods are still going: 7 days now. Double art was good. I think Tina really does like me. She’s so nice to me. I think Adrienne hates me – I just have a feeling, like Erica & the feeling I had that Fran hated me (which (I don’t think) she does anymore) Ms Bowles’s (PES Teacher’s) last day today. We all signed a card for her. 7th period was spent getting a new timetable (cos’ 5 teachers including Ms Bowles have been transferred) Jules is now in 8E – she also knows who Tim is now (the guy who looks like Sean.) Speech was or’right. Mima was in a good mood. After, went to Bankses to watch videod “Countdown” (old one). [For those who aren’t old enough or Australian enough to know, Countdown was THE music show of the 70’s & 80’s, the star of which was our iconic music journo, Molly Meldrum.] Late-ish nite → !!

A Life in Words — the (eventually) successful lino block print

Thursday 21/1/85

Bad day for me today, but good for everyone (as a whole) in QLD. The blackouts are over! Well, not quite. A few restrictions & some 1hr long blackouts may still occur, but nothing as bad as it was!! For me, I felt cranky & ugly & unhappy. In art, my lino prints all bugared up – too much paint; to little etc. Didn’t do any HW tonight – just not in the mood. Huffy during dinner & after. Bugs in my bath. Runny, itchy nose. Fi also told me what Beka said about me. She was on her way to German & Beka said, “I’ll bet you had fun on the weekend” “yup” said Fi. “But elissa would’ve wrecked it.” “What do you mean?” “Ohh.. you know how she is” Nice huh? Late-ish nite again. Am soooo tired.

Friday 22/2/85

HOT today. Boring, too. Got the rest of our proper timetable. Is exactly the same, but a few room changes. Walking down to bus line, this arvy, Tim walked behind me on the left side. I think he’s sooo cute – no, spunky. He’s just nice!! Mima dropped in this arvy, We went to her place for a swim (Pol, Fi, Me, Mim & Nyree) after, just hung around Grossetti’s riding bikes, talking & shooting ballls! Mim told me Neville still likes me – YUK Lateish nite…

Saturday 23/2/85

Jim Clarke started tiling our bathroom, loo & laundry on Thursday & mum bought a new shower curtain yesterday TERRIFFIC!! Looks neat!! Dude-ish [there’s that word again…] So, tonite I was the first to have a shower in our bathroom (using the new curtain) Boring day today. Lazed around. Ate almost ½ a bun loaf. That’s disgusting. Listened to records & looked through “Better Homes” mags. Began peeling yesterday. Yes, I’m gonna go white, again. Mum & I had take-away pizza for tea & ice cream. Geoff has changed. Both mum & I agree – she thinks he has another girl….watching movie tonite. [I don’t ever recall talking to mum about her relationship. This was a surprise to me.]

Sunday 24//2/85

Today was HOT again. Woke around 8:00. “Picnic at Hanging Rock” was good, but spooky. Did HW all day today, except in the morning, while looking through “Better Homes” magazines. Got lotsa HW done. Still; have done my english essay. [Methinks I meant to say I “have NOT done my english essay”] Didn’t eat much at all. Got more songs from Countdown [This was one of our rituals. Somehow we were lucky enough where we lived to be able to tune into ABC TV on the FM bandwidth, so we could record the songs as they aired on Countdown. The sound was superior to everyone else’s AM radio recorded compilation tapes. My sister & I had three or four cassettes that we circulated over time, re-recording over the top of older songs as newer music was released.] Wham!’s “Everything She Wants” is No°7 & “Last Xmas” is No°3! Great, huh?! ‘Tucky Fried for tea. Thought mima & fi would call me today; didn’t. Quite boring. Saw Shane S. HOORAY! (who gives a shit?)

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.

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!

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.

Clique Bitchiness & a Haircut Tanty (20-26 August)

Published on May 19, 2013 by Elissa CoxenLeave a comment

Monday 20/8/84

Boring day. Didn’t do any HW previously. Am in trouble with Ger. Fi & me have left the group (but Beka, Justine & Natasha have come.) We don’t want Natasha (we’d rather have Angela) Stayed up till 9:30. Late-ish. Went to Kevin Shorey. He didn’t repierce my ear, just pushed the earring through, so he’s broken the skin at the back. Also, Nana got bronchial asthma. She could die any moment. Please, god NO. [My grandmother was quite a heavy smoker. Stands to reason?]

Tuesday 21/8/84

Today she is feeling better (that’s good) I haven’t told you much about the house lately, have I? Well the frame is up, the roof beams, a few interior walls & electrical sockets & wires. Now that we’ve moved away from the group, (Angela is with us now instead of Tashy) there is an ALL-OUT WAR! We didn’t want one – but – ! On the way home, they talked about us out loud deliberately. Also when I got on the bus, Karen took 1 seat & put her bag on the one in front of that, because there were no other seats left & no one was minding it. Natasha said to Lucy “Sorry but elissa took our seat.” “I did not take anything of yours at all,” I said. “Orrr, not half,” she slurred. BITCH.

Wednesday 22/8/84

The fight is now over. Toni & them made up. Natasha & Rebecca are leaving & so are Fi & I. Today was quite boring. My english assignment, due tomorrow & I haven’t started yet. OH WOE IS ME. Watched the end of ON GOLDEN POND (Watched most of it on Monday in double period.) – Saw last bit today. Am miserable → have itchy eyes & nose & sneezing.

Thursday 23/8/84

THIS IS A FUCKIN’ STUPID HAIRCUT & I HATE THE BAG WHO CUT IT she is a shit. She couldn’t follow some simple instructions & now I look like a freak. Boring school day. Went to town to get a new haircut & the stupid bitch (a new girl) couldn’t cut my hair the way I asked, let alone cut it in a straight line. [Needless to say, the caps and bold type represent extreme anger, which appeared in the diary as rather messy, very heavy-handed scrawl!]

Friday 24/8/84 [Sports Day]

Fixed my hair with mousse this morning – cut it myself just a bit so that it’s spiky. Was GUT! Knew Trinity would win & we did But it was close between us & Clifton. Kewarra got 3rd & Ellis last!! Badly sunburnt. Had a water fight with Melinda S. & Julia at the park. Had the roof-wetting party at the house & I have some type of allergy – I’m sneezing & have itchy eyes & nose. Mum’s gonna take me to the doctor’s for an allergy test sometime. [Sinus issues plagued me as a child. I grew up on skim milk because of the continual flow of phlegm down the back of my throat (a condition known as ‘catarrh’) which was noticeably worse when I consumed whole milk. I ended up seeing an Ear Nose & Throat Specialist at some point in the future, amongst others.]

Saturday 25/8/84

Our ‘blue’ team lost tennis semi-finals Drove home – mim & Fi stayed for Pizza lunch. They went & I started ironing before speech. Diane & Kerry were home; had a look at the house. We met Melinda & Brendan S. He & SHANE have their EARS PIERCED (their mother took them to Kevin Shorey’s, paid for that & even wants to pay for their earrings.) COULDJAWANNA??!!?! [Yeah, the 80’s…Gender-bending! At some stage, the unwritten rule about males with pierced ears was; if it was in the right ear you were gay, if the left you were cool.] After Di & Kerry left, I got ready for the Bluelight. Was good TAS boys (& the girls) were there but nothing happened unfortunately. Mima had a good time with Glenn. I got sore legs again.

Sunday 26/8/84

Ate & ate & ate today – lazed around. Tried to do my english opinionative essay. Got started. ½ done. I’ll hafta wake up early & finish it. Am sooo tired. Late night