Late morning. I have a horse cough, now (y’know a deep, hoarse wintry cough) Was cold & windy today. Love it!!! Haven’t got Fi’s present yet – UMAH! Mucked around at lunchtime. Quite boring really. Came home and cried. Don’t know why – just got angry & cried. [brilliant example of inexplicable teen angst, due to raging hormones?] Dad rang and tried to calm me down. He has his own flat now. Jodie S.’s birthday
Tuesday 22/5/84
I GOT MY PINAFORE!! It’s grey but still great! Gave Fi a postcard & I will every day of the week (until Saturday – the surprise party.) Heaps of HW today (Angela’s birthday, too, today) AM worried I won’t get it done. GUESS WHAT?!! Shane is going to the Blue Light with Jenny H. He doesn’t know she smokes. Poor boy – another broken heart!!!! [ah, the naivety of youth…hilarious]
Wednesday 23/5/84
Fiona didn’t get on the bus today. She & Jemima wagged it, together – they told me. That’s quite upsetting. I told Mrs Dunphy about the surprise party & she’s agreed to let Fi go. One problem – Jemima knows. Stuart blurted it out. I’ve got no choice but to lie to her. Hope she doesn’t find out. At the movies this morning were gonna see Footloose as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark, but the shitty teachers made them turn the projectors off. Couldn’t go to tennis – no buses left. Got into Toni’s group for Round Robin. FUN! On the way home from speech someone at the school whistled & whistled & whistled. I think at me! Sounded like it!
the only photo (to my knowledge) of me with braces
Thursday 24/5/84
Got my BRACES!! They’re not big chunky ones at all (like Lucy’s) They’re good! Stayed home. Watched TV & did History. Went to Toni’s (when she got home form school). Drew up the man for “Pin the dick on the Spunk” game at the party. Went home. Late-ish night.
Friday 25/5/84
Ran late because my teeth were aching & I couldn’t eat quick enough! Wasn’t worried – no one teased me. Parade this morning. Have some new assignments. Talked about party at lunch, while Fi was at Library & Angela at a debating meeting. Ate 3 bowls of ice-cream this arvy, but did a lot of riding after!! Mima came around, asking about the surprise party. I told the truth except that “Karen, Rebecca P. & Natasha” organised it. She was very upset. Riding to tennis tomorrow. (I’m actually allowed to ride!) Fi & mima were planning to go to the Bluelight. I feel I’ve hurt Jemima badly by telling her she couldn’t come. It seems she hates me for it.
Saturday 26/5/84
Rode to tennis. Jemima didn’t talk to me once at all. Fiona filled in mima’s team; I filled in Beka’s. Had a great day, despite Jemima’s sourness. Beek & I talked about it. She rode me home. (the other two went to the Esplanade). I dressed and went to Dad’s. Found out Peta & Marney both smoke! At home, paced nervously until time to go. Got calls from Lucy. Got Fiona but was trapped. Jemima came back down the hill. They explained about how they found out the truth & said sorry. I cried. Took Fi’s gear up then collected Fi.
Sunday 27/5/84
Was great! We ate & played with water bombs, got beds ready, sat & ate dinner, watched “Porky’s” (was UNREEAL!) Played pin the cock on the man, then Boarding Schools. Watched “Clas of 1984”, then talked & talked & talked. Slept on & off – I got around ½hrs sleep! Angela & Natasha didn’t sleep at all. Some had a swim in the morning – COLD!! Had pancakes the size of piklets for brekky. Mucked around. Came home at 2pm. Slept ½hr. Want to sleep again. I’ll have an early nite!
Went to Fi’s at 9:00. Went to mim’s at 10. Still asleep. Came back 9:30. [what the?!] Polly said she woke a minute after we left! Went to beach with Brewers. Rough & strong rip. Visited the beachside shop now & then. At home, hurriedly dressed to see Julia off on her Lizard Island Camp. Shane was going, too. I think he tried to make me notice him. Got an ice block on the way home. Fought over the house plans. Mum wants it her way; always her way. Did essay. Wrote about when I came back from Outward Bound Camp & Julia told me mum was leaving (Gr6). [Well THAT’s a surprise to me. It proves how irrelevant Time is to your consciousness, in the long run. Memories blur into each other. I ‘d could’ve sworn I wrote that essay in Grade 7 (1982), as I have said previously. Also, I know my father & mother’s relationship disintegration spanned some time but I’d never have guessed it was 2 years (1981-1983). How terribly painful for them both] After, cause of fatigue, got shitty when something got in my eye & still won’t come out. Tried everything. I’ll just go to bed & hope it’s gone tomorrow.
Tuesday 8/5/84
That little black thing sticking out the right side of ‘my head’ is my sad little rat’s tail
Speck is still there, but I’m used to it. Wrote out essay neatly before school.Ants got into my lunch – starved in PES. I was also whacked in the jaw – PAIN! Fi & me stayed in at art at Big Lunch. Got my haircut. Short with a scungy ratstail. It’s too small – looks silly. Watched Last part of “Return to Eden”. Was good.
Wednesday 9/5/84
Woke late, feel tired. Wore Julia’s peach & white striped Tshirt in PES! Got a bad graze & bruise on my leg, when at little lunch a boy pushed his mate into us & as he fell, stood on my leg, [we were sitting on the ground] pinching it to the ground. Stayed in art again, before leaving for tennis – “I’ma gettin’ betta!” Lenny couldn’t start the bus this arvy – fooling around with a spanner when the problem was the handbrake was still on! Got home 3:55 LATE! Wore mainly Julia’s clothes to speech – UMAH! Was fun. After, Lucy, me, fi & mim rode playing “follow the leader”. Geoff staying for tea.
Thursday 10/5/84
Yesterday, I accidentally walked back into Kel M. – he put his arm around me & said “Orr, Sorry Darling!” I ignored him – a bit!! Slow day until Jules came back from camp. Slept 3hrs & was delirious saying things like, “Is dad home?” “I don’t wanna go back”, “everyone hated it”, “no water”, “salty baths”, “dry island” [which it is – there is no fresh water source on Lizard Island. I’m no doctor, but it sounds to me like she was pretty dehydrated]. DISCO was great but I was wierdest dressed. Michelle S. & Sandra E. & Shaun H. laughed at my shoes. Didn’t get BP updated UMAH!!
Friday 11/5/84
Stained Glass Art
BP book was almost complete when handed in. Busy little lunch – ate ½ lunch, changed shoes, changed into blouse & handed in my maths folder! Big lunch, all sat under our tree & talked. Finished “stained glass window” in art. Looks TERRIFIC!! Lotsa stupid jokes in German got Miss Schmieman mad. This arvy rang mim 10 times & Fi 2. neither were home. I knew they were together. Upset that they didn’t get me. However, I cried…..(but what’s new?) Watched the movie “Smoky & the Bandit. TRIFF!!
Saturday 12/5/84
Tennis was okay. 1/3 games. I’m getting better. Went to mim’s after. Had a swim, all played a game. Was great! Now are all going to camp out in Mim’s Nanny’s Yard. Am so nervous – don’t know what to take! Will it be cold? Will we be alright? Hope mim’s nanny doesn’t mind.
Sunday 13/5/84
Was great! Mima & Fi wre uncomfortable so slept in the house – Beka & I didn’t. Packed up, went back to mim’s where had brekky and played games all day. Beka left around lunchtime. After, we had a swim, then made patty cakes for our mums. Was dark & all kept hearing things, like someone calling “mima!” Scared to death! When got home, mum got uptight about me being away all day on MOTHER’S DAY. Feel so guilty. Mum worked all day – on mothers day.
GUESS WHAT?!! Mum rang Dad & he said I’d definitely have my bike by Thursday!! UNREEEAL!! Last night, I woke, sitting up chockingon my saliva. I coughed & sucked back mucus till my throat got sore. It has been sore all day, now. Very drowsy day. Bought lunch – A mince roll. YUMMY!! [Interestingly enough, I clearly recall this little moment in my life: how good – soothing – that warm mince felt against my inflamed oesophagus.] MY THROAT IS KILLING ME. Tonight, whilst doing my HW an accident (involving Kim H.) occurred across the road. A dog was run over. I know nothing more.
Wednesday 2/5/84
I GOT MY BIKE!! It’s not a Galaxy II because it has a racing seat (hard on the bum), 12 speed & more expensive. Got it after speech. Lucy, Fi, Mima & I went for a test ride. The throat lozenges for my sore throat changed my taste bud’s senses and made me feel sick. I’m getting better at Tennis! Bought my disco ticket & got a new History assignment. Hard to talk today ’cause of my throat. Think I might get Larangitus.
Thursday 3/5/84
Feeling heaps better. Lotsa HW – Hell! Chucked a tantrum in front of Toni this morning over terrible blocked ears. Feud at the bus stops this morning. We saw Shane & them coming, so we walked to the corner of Sharon M’s house and got on there but the boys kept walking. After all, about 30 got on the 1st stop, 4 on the 2nd and 5 or so at the 3rd. Went late night. Bought gloves & dog chains for disco. Got good seats on bus today.
Friday 4/5/84
Cold must be cured! Feel so good! Didn’t go to tennis at the courts because mima was going out & “didn’t feel up to it” anyway. So Fi & I went for a ride to the shop. Met Lucy. Bought the “supplies” & played the ‘Lolly stop’ Game. Fun! Lucy asked me to Go to to Fitzroy Is. for the weekend with her but I don’t know cause I’ve got tennis Saturday & lotsa HW.
Saturday 5/5/84
Decided not to go. Rained at tennis, Luckily it was mum’s turn on the roster, so she drove us back to mim’s. Played ‘The Ungame’. It helps you discover yourself & others. Had a swim, rode to Beka’s & got the “Thriller” tape. At mim’s watched it twice, went to the shop, then went home. Did verylittle HW. Big 3 course dinner!
Sunday 6/5/84
The movie last night was called “40 Carats” & it was stupid. Did HW in AM (English Essay has got me stuck. Dunno what to write) Went to Fi’s. She was still in bed reading. Finished her book, mucked about then had salad sammy 4 lunch. Rode to mim’s but Mr B. said she was still asleep, to come back in 1 hr. Went to shop, tennis courts, then mims again. We all went for a swim, then shop, then Pony Club. Talked to Justine & Erica. Went home. Mum is still at Tinnaburra. AHHH! I turned the light on!! Movie – Jazz Singer. I might watch it. Yes, I think I will.
Didn’t get Fi as a partner for tennis but still won 2/3 games with my “assortment” of partners (one in our team was away so I had a different partner every game) Had no lunch, just junk food. Went to Fi’s at 3:30. Talked, then Fi, Stu, Brad & me went against Martin & Liam in a water fight. TREADLY!! Had hamburgers for tea. Finished my graffiti bag. ie the plastic case I covered in brands. I just put a string on & covered it in CONTACT!!
Sunday 29 April
Went to Fi’s, but she was at mima’s. Mima came back late yesterday, you see. Fiona got lots of presents. A shirt (for cleaning the pool & feeding cats) stickers, bubble gum, a rubik’s cube & sunglasses (which she bought out of Fi’s money) All I got was a pack of stickers. We played smurfs all day (pizza for lunch in between) Later, watched their holiday video. Went home. Early night.
Monday 30 April
DON’T WANNA GO TO SCHOOL!!!! I’m sick of it! Melissa was away today. Had to wear my black shoes for double science BLISTERS! Had an emu parade at 1:30 in Big Lunch. Shitty teachers – missed out on the rest of the break. Film in Science made me very sleepy. Everyone ran to the bus this arvy. But were sent back. Shitty Mr Gralton – we went last. Had meat pie for tea again.
Fi’s mum went to Sportsworld to play tennis with some friends so we went. Learnt to play receives! Went to town after, met mum for lunch. Had piled-up sandwiches. Kevin Shorey said “Not so Good!!” UM-AH!! Grocery shopping at Coles, then back to Fi’s. Fi got her hair cut at Freshy Hairdressers. She’s staying tonight! Late night.
The final ‘bulk’ post. Following this, posts will drop back to one entry per day, as is customary for me, and to correlate with current dates.
Sunday 1 April
Slept in, but got up to do Maths HW & joke Julia – sponge cake & lemon sauce was her breakfast of “bread & lemon spread”. She tasted a little bit & said, “that’s not lemon spread!” I said, “APRIL FOOL!” Went to mim’s to do HW, Fi’s for lunch (Martin’s girlfriend, Karen, was there & we teased them, UMAH!) Went & played some tennis, with Jay. (I did some really great serves!) Then we all cleaned mim’s pool; At 5:00 had a maths competition (in preparation for our maths exams, coming up in about a week). Went home at 6:00
Monday 2 April
Bad day at my schoolwork, but at lunch, they showed Michael Jackson’s ‘THRILLER’ (10c entry fee). Melissa C. paid for me. Mr Stevens said it was “experimental” ie “if it works, it will continue every week”. I’ll watch it again on Friday. Played tennis at the courts today. Pretty good playing from me! (Unbelievable!!!)
Tuesday 3 April
1st USA Jumbo came in at 7:15am, but we were still asleep. Today had a (hard) English Exam. Highest possible mark I’m able to get: 10/10; lowest ½/10 I hate those bus drivers who don’t even check now & then on the smokers. Cameron came to Mandy’s & Julia went beserk!!! I don’t think I love Shane anymore, but there’s one thing that drives me crazy – his brown eyes do it to me! They’re sexy! Really dark ‘LIQUID BROWN’.
Wednesday 4 April
SHANE’S BIRTHDAY. I still feel a little “OOMPH!” when I look at Shane. Physically 99% (the 1% being white as Snow White!) Mentally a dickhead! Dentist told me I’ll have to wear my brace about 3 more months! OH NO!! Tennis was fun – but I couldn’t return any serves or receives (cursed myself). Mima was going to a disco, so didn’t go to speech. She rang to ask if she could borrow my white double belt. I let her!! (Of course!
Thursday 5 April
Toni & me got driven to school today cause mum had to deliver some goods to the school. Wayne C, Michelle H & I missed out on an English test yesterday, so had to go to Library while the class marked theirs. Ate all my lunch at little lunch cause watched “GANDHI” (with Mr Addison’s class, too) in big lunch & periods 6 & 7. (Missed out on Science!!) Great movie. Didn’t get to see it all, though. There was a powder fight on the bus & Martin (& others) were sliding down the aisles knocking over people who were getting off. After, went to Simon St Park & played french cricket. Had tea & went to K-Mart. Julia got some jeans. Saw Trudi, Shane (with Todd T’s brother) Clare McK & Melinda S.
Friday 6 April
Maths Exam was quite easy, though I know I won’t get 100%. Didn’t have to do English listening test, cause we all had to do our Comprehension Test! Had to take model home today. Almost wrecked!! Free BP lesson today. Got a new WATCH!! It’s white digital with – time, alarm, seconds, date & hourly chime. Is water resistant to 100 feet. Went to mim’s. Ate lollies & lazed around. Watched the Logie Awards. GOOD!
Saturday 7 April
Tennis was good. Fi & me won 2/3 games! Had hot dogs for lunch, sunbaked for 15mins, did science HW, then went to mim’s. Helped clean her room then spent the rest of the day in the pool. Staying at Fi’s. Polly is staying here & she, Jules, Mum & Geoff are going to the drive-in.
Sunday 8 April
Did some good shots on the paper run! Mum, me, Jules, Fi, the Brewers & the Bankses (minus Pat) went on the Brewer’s yacht today. At first was hot, boring & no breeze, but things soon picked up. Anchored in a little bay for lunch. At home, did my HW, then went to see mima play in the Cairns Youth Orchestra, with Brewers & Fi. Was BORING!! (Not mima’s piece)
Monday 9 April
Kim, Tina, Melissa B & me got into trouble for being late to form class – no detention, luckily. Forgot to wear my PES uniform!! Mr Van Slooten didn’t blow me up about not doing my History HW. Had Ms Schmiemen today in BP Ms Chant was away. Did 2 experiments in Science (I nicked two paperclips & hung them on my earrings all day!) Didn’t get a seat on the bus. Early night. Am tired. Oh! Mim & Fi came around & we rode on the empty allotment, (where the flats are going) having races & lotsa TREADLYFUN!
Tuesday 10 April
Got maths mark 27/30!! Not bad!! English- 5/10!! Bad!! >Sigh<!! Did role play in double German. Shane clapped really loud after (probably not for me, but just to be stupid) Mulleys came for tea. Late night.
Wednesday 11 April
Julia went to a party last night and got in a tantrum when we picked her up saying we came “too early”. Got a seat on the bus, today. Begun perimeters in double Maths “OH NO!!” In Art, Mrs Anderson said she’ll collect our folders when we’ve completely finished this unit, ie next term sometime. I knew, when she showed me Natasha’s drawing of a cat, that she’d say “See how good it looks? Your dog would look better if you drew in the hair.” Did lots of improvisations in speech. No HW!! (Except speech!)
So, I took my art teacher’s advice and filled in the dog’s coat
Thursday 12 April
Toni, Rebecca, Karen & I have formed a new Bus Stop!! (cause we got on at the bottom of New Cassowary St) Got my Science test back 15/25. 10 wrong. BAD. Patrick, on the bus, said to me out of the blue, “why don’t you get braces?” I said “I am”. He said “You shoulda gottem’ when you were two years old.” But he turned to talk to Martin before I could answer. Julia went to a Disco 7:30 to 10. I did some hairplaits for her. She said it was fun. (The disco)
Friday 13 April
Holidays tomorrow! FREE DRESS day! I wore my blue skirt, holey top, bangles, holey shoes, vinyl belt & white scarf. Took mum’s BIG white jumper. Spent $1.00 (Pimples!) Shane wore spunky Billabong shorts & black (sweat)shirt. Fi came to my place after. Had a thick shake, walked to Fi’s, then rode to shop. Bought meat then played “Follow the Leader” on bikes. Bought ice-blocks then went home.
Saturday 14 April
Bad day at tennis. Lost all 3 games and hurt my bum. Standing with my legs crossed, began falling back. My legs wouldn’t “un-cross” & I landed HARD on my tailbone. Fi & Beka came to Westcourt after (cause mum had to sell raffle tickets). Fi came for lunch, went to her house; lay under a sprinkler. Went to the shop, got my gear & got to bed 11:00 at Fi’s
Sunday 15 April
Did paper run again. Was UNREAL! Got $4, but spent 55c when Fi, me, Stu, Brad, his mum & Mrs D. went to the Kuranda Markets. Was great! Saw a studded (black) leather belt $15. Good?! Fi got a dress which she’s gonna wear to town tomorrow. Scones for lunch. Went under the sprinkler again, then played chasey games with Stu & Brad. Home at 5pm. Jodie C-S. is staying tonight. (Julia’s friend.)
Monday 16 April
WENT TO TOWN!! Was fun!! I wore my greeny-blue dress: Toni came with us. Overcast, then rainy. Bought my sleepers NEAT!! Asked about my pinafore at Rockman’s. They’ve ordered more!! The lady wrote up a “hold” for me. SIZE 8 WHITE! Home at 3:00. Lazed & fooled around. Latish night – 9:30 (about)
Tuesday 17 April
Stuart did go on the bus tour, so I couldn’t get his seat. Instead, saw “BMX Bandits” with Toni, Angela & Helen R. (sister) Was TREADLY! Wore white jumper, blue skirt, mauve stockings, white shoes hair rag & earrings. AM: vacuumed, washed & dried dishes, wiped benches made beds & put away. At movie saw Beka (who was very snobby), Justine, Deyanne H. & Kim G. At home mucked around. Ears are still good!
Late night last night. Slow day today. Maybe going late night shopping. On the bus, it was boring as ever. This week has gone so slow!! Went late nite for ½ hour. The black belt I saw is gone, but there are two others I like (both black) $10 or $20 or in City Girl a double wrap belt $20.
Friday 2 March
Good day. Got 17/20 for English essay (Insurance claim) Handed in my letter one. At tennis, mim, fi & me couldn’t beat Toni & them to the courts so we all played together. Was fun. When the others went, they left a bottle so we went & refunded it. [Better recycling initiatives in the ‘politically incorrect’ 80’s? Take me back there please] The shop was closed but the snack bar was open. The lady said we could refund if we bought something. Bought 2 10c bubblegums. We got free fats frogs (but fi got a ‘Wiz’) They were damaged so she gave them to us. When I came home dad was here and I told them about riding to tennis lessons in the morning. They both wouldn’t let me. We brawled about it & still aren’t on good terms. I’m minding my business and mum’s minding her.
Saturday 3 March
Made up with mum after she rang Mrs B. and arranged to pick up everyone. Had fun! Was in their group (lied that I had taken lessons years ago) Anyhow, did okay. After had a swim at mim’s. Beka was snotty about something. Had a picnic lunch at my place when Beka left. Then made 2 cakes. After, dressed up and walked around the streets with ‘Thriller’ blaring from the tape recorder which fi carried; mim skated & I carried a basket. Teased hair’n’everything!! Looked TERRIFIC!! They’re sleeping here.
Sunday 4 March
Recorded a make-believe radio station & did HW. The we dressed the same as yesterday and walked to the shop in the rain by the longest route. Ran into Martin & Shane. They teased but we know they’d be too gutless to do anything similar. After lunch did HW, had a water fight & played games. Early night.
Monday 5 March
Boring school day. Have decided what to wear to our disco but I can’t work out colour coordination. Early night.
Tuesday 6 March
On the news & in the papers, Brian D. (Fi’s Dad) fell off his boat at 10:00pm, while the crew slept. He was fixing nets on the ‘prowler’ when a giant wave knocked him over. In the water for 6½hrs, he was lucky no sharks were nearby.
Wednesday 7 March
Mossman Sports Day. At school am doing tennis but today, we had to go temporarily into other groups. I played Fi in ‘Touch Footy’. The last two periods were ‘fun’ versions of maths’n’history. //Fi’s dad is alright & on his way back to Cairns. Toni was away today. Think she wagged it.
Thursday 8 March
Toni is away today too. BOG!! Went late nite. Found a great pair of grey jeans but they were stretch jeans – I don’t want to show off my fat legs. On our way home, went to the Food Barn. I bought their special – 4 chocolate bars for $1!! [Hilarious. Complaining about fat legs in one sentence followed by 4 chocolate bars in the next..insanity!]
Friday 9 March
Toni came today. My english model is unreal!! Used crushed velvet for the floor and walls. Floor, chocolate brown; Walls, beige. Ate my last chocolate bar for big lunch. Went to Julia’s disco. Shane said he wasn’t ‘gonna go’, but he did (because I was, I think) At disco (mim came) Brendan said Shane loves me & that I should “try him tonight”. I don’t know whether to believe him or not!!
Saturday 10 March
Got into group 3 (out of 4) with mim, fi & beka but was put down when they went up again. [tennis fixtures] I’m not going back again, EVER. PM: made more things for my english model and started my “Cairns Colours My World” Banner. 4CA are holding this competition to celebrate the Opening of the International Airport. Celebration week is from 17.3.4 to the 26.3.84 Pay $5 & you get paint & canvas supplied. 17 & over win $250. 16 & under win $250. 250 paintings will be chosen & hung in the streets of Cairns. Anyway after, went to mim’s, made up another radio station & slept at Fi’s.
Sunday 11 March
Got to sleep at 2:00 last night. Mim & I had a laughing fit & made up some, mistake, millions of silly riddles (some good) Eg: [Q] What do you call a mashed up Chinaman? [A] Custard! Ha, ha!! Slept until 10am then played hospitals, made patty cakes (with sickly sweet mock cream) PM: Helped fi make her disco outfit then swam at mim’s. At home, started painting banner. I was meant to take my brace off at 4AM but slept in & therefore gained 6½HRS. [Because I knew there’d be times I’d want to go out in public when I should technically be wearing the brace, I became extremely disciplined in recording (& ‘accruing’) time so that I could afford to have those special occasions ‘off’.]
Monday 12 March
I have a feeling this is gonna be one P*A*C*K*E*D week!! I haven’t done my english model or the essay yet! UM-AAAH! Boring School Day. Went clothes shopping today (for disco) Bought an ESPRIT shirt (white & aqua green) earrings (Sportsgirl; red’n’white) black dog collar, white mesh’n’buttons, lilac stockings & blue socks. I couldn’t get any shoe colour – OH NO!!
Tuesday 13 March
Am excited about the disco. About the shoe colour, both mum & Nana tried to get it today but ….alas, NO. What shall I do???
Wednesday 14 March
Up early. I haven’t finished my english yet – HEAVENS!! Kept my bag (of disco clothes) in my locker all day. Coloured my shoes with black & white shoe polish. Worked quite well. Disco was unreal!! After rushing out of speech to Fi’s, hurredly dressed & left. Shane didn’t go. I almost won best dressed but Rebecca P. beat me. (Bitch) Naah!
Thursday 15 March
Pretty hectic day! Got to bed 11:30 last night. Woke at 5 this morning, but did get my english done. Mum wrote a (lie) note, so that I can hand the model in on Monday. At lunch did German research. Is due tomorrow. Also, banner is due Sunday now because not enough entrants, lucky, huh? On bus Martin & Patrick kept saying Shane had a crush on me. I don’t believe them.
Friday 16 March
In history, Mr Van Slooten & Mr Addison have decided to join their classes together & have an Asian day. Good, eh? That means I’ll be with Shane most of the day! I think Shane likes me. He keeps pulling my hair gently on the bus!! Melinda is sleeping tonight
Saturday 17 March
Today went with mum to see some of her clients, then browsed in town. Found this beautiful dress – a skirt with straps (like braces) attached (a pinafore) It’s really neat & suits me well. Gotta save $25. Spent the rest of the day on my banner. Am now finished. Looks unreal!! Julia is staying at Dad’s tonight
Sunday 18 March
Went to Mulleys this arvy! Came home at 9:30. Also, finished my english model at 6:00. Looks fantastic with little telephones’n’everything. UNREEAL! Julia came home & told us that Roger & Leonie are splitting up. Today ate so much cake! UMAH!!
Monday 19 March
Got driven to school because of my model. Toni came with me. Lotsa people saw it & liked it. I’m proud of myself!! Tried to finish German tonight. Mum’ll just have to wake me up early to get it done. Lucy went home today; felt sick. Everyone was in a weird mood today!!!!
Tuesday 20 March
Funny (weird) day today. I don’t think I love Shane anymore, i.e. I’m not sure; I do but I don’t. Early to bus stop. Had science test – quite easy! Also watched Thorn Birds Ch3 in the mini-series was unreal. BP test on Thurs. Began netball in P.E.S.
‘The Thorn Birds’ was the first (Australian) mini-series I can recall being allowed to watch
Wednesday 21 March
Bad girl today, wore wrong shoes, ring & necklace; forgot hat. Want to get my haircut (short bob with flicked fringe – to suit my round face) tomorrow night Good time on bus. Asked Ms Chant about test prepare sheet; still don’t get it. “Flashback” costs $13.50, OH NO!! Had 50c to spend today.
Thursday 22 March
Mr Mahony’s (dd Yr 7 teacher) birthday today!! BP test was EASY!! When I went late-night shopping, beautiful pinafore was gone; only red or blue left. PITY. At lunchtime we made a long grass rope (from grass roots) about 15m long! Angela came on bus this arvy. Tony WHOOPS!! Toni said we’ll go to the First bus stop on the corner of Down St & Kamerunga Rd in the morning
Friday 23 March
Today got really tired at lunch. Got my english assignment back – 19/20 VHA or A. My model will be displayed in the library!! Took a book out for Nin called “In the Wet” by Neville Shute. Began 1st chapter. Sounds good! (I’ve found some really good books in our school library!) After school Jules & me had a water fight. She is staying at Dad’s. No one noticed my haircut (because it wasn’t that short after all). Toni, Angela, Rebecca & me went to the first bus stop. No big deal! Mum & I watched the (funny) movie.
Saturday 24 March
Very boring day today. Went to town in the morning. Got “Flashback” & new felt pens. Drew all day. Rang Fi but she wasn’t there. She & mima rode to tennis & were at Elisia’s, doing some project. Mum & I are going to see “Never Say Never Again” & “Yellowbeard” at the Drive-In.
Sunday 25 March
Remember when my last band broke? (Well, it was Wed, 22/2) Well today the other one broke off. Stupid, stuffed things! Only 10 days till it comes off! Mima slept at Fi’s Today I was upset about them being together all the time; leaving me out. But we went to the International Airport & looked about. A man told us we weren’t supposed to be there so we left, as the police were “on their way”.
Monday 26 March
English Demonstration today. Did it on how to & how not to eat SPAGHETTI & SOUP!! Went off well – I forgot a few things but got 16/20!! Also today, took out yesterday’s hurt on Fiona, saying she “didn’t go to the Bluelight [disco] because Jemima wasn’t allowed.” She said, “that’s not a nice thing to say.” I said “but it’s true.” We didn’t speak again for the rest of the day.
Tuesday 27 March
Watched the last of ‘Thorn Birds’, tonight. Was sad – only watched ½. Fi & I sorted everything out today. The last two weekends were “groggy weekends”. They “didn’t want me being bored” with them. Toni & I almost missed the bus. Were at the drain/Gina’s house when Toni saw the bus coming. We ran like Hell! I have also officially declared I no more love Shane.
Wednesday 28 March
I think I do still love Shane a very little bit, but I also see Kristian L. (just a VERY weeny bit) Shane is still ranked no.1 on a friendship (male) list. Got up late (7:10) Toni told me about ‘Thorn Birds’. Ralph & Dane died, Meg, her mum & Jussy made up & lived together. Sport day today. Played tennis. Had Rebekah as my partner. Was in a BAD mood. (Speech was good) During dinner, there were 5 blowies (blow flies) zooming around, which got me mad, and then, when we got back from the shop, Julia shut my foot in the door!!
Thursday 29 March
Raining & overcast. Lucy, Karen & I want to go in the Conga line – we don’t know what to do! (Will it still be on? ie will the rain halt it?) BORING SCHOOL DAY. Went into town this arvy – saw some banners – approximately 20 have been put up, minus ours. My pinafore is being ordered in again by Rockmans. Hopefully there is a white size 8. Julia bought a new outfit tonight – apricot & white striped T-shirt, peach skirt & matching mesh overskirt. Altogether $13. Not bad, eh?! I might borrow something….now & again!!
Friday 30 March
Had 60c, bought 2 nutellas. 30c change. Karen “wasn’t allowed” to go in the Conga line; Lucy & I did. Went to the Food Festival, after, for tea. Met mima. Was so crowded! Ate & drank all night! (Well, not all night!) Watched TV. The USA Rock Awards were on – Michael Jackson won heaps! 8/13 I think!! He looked ready to cry!
Saturday 31 March
Mima, Fi & Mrs B. stopped in on me & asked me if I’d still like to go to fixtures cause I’m in Fi’s team. I said yes – my excuse was that I’d been sick over the last 2 weeks. After, (mim & fi went to Elisia’s for project work) at home, went straight into town to see our posters/banners, then Geoff took us to the new airport (it was now officially open) looked around, had tea (at home), then, back at the airport, watched the first Jumbo Jet land & take-off. It was GIGANTIC!
Normal school day (boring!) – fun on the bus. I think Martin P. & Patrick L. still like Fiona (from gr 7 – remember Lucy’s party, Martin?) Day 2 today!! Is Hot!!
Thursday 2 February
Cooler today because of a breeze. Toni thinks Shane likes Justine – Hope not ! ! ! Fiona’s & my plan is kinda working. Late night 9:30.
Friday 3 February
Good day. Went to Lucy’s after school. Mim, fi,Beka & her were all there. Played a ‘matron’ game. Are all sleeping at mim’s
Saturday 4 February
Supposed to go to town today with Fi, Beka, Lucy, Toni & Karen at 9:00. Toni didn’t want to come, Karen and Fi weren’t allowed and Beka didn’t show up at the bus stop so Luc & I went by ourselves at 10:00. Lazy arvy!
Sunday 5 February
Lucy, mim and fi couldn’t come to Green Island with me, Jules, Nin & Ruth. It was Rainy & overcast. Hoped it wasn’t raining over there – it wasn’t, but was horribly black in clouds. Bird pooped on me twice!! On the way there, I threw up my cherry jam, which I had on toast for breakfast!! [I vividly recall this trip, in rough conditions on one of Hayles’ older Green Island ferries. My sister threw up into her beach towel and after vomitting myself, was amused to find a whole piece of said fruit in the tissue after clearing my nasal passages.] Walked around & had a swim was COLD!! Lost my earring back. Not allowed to watch ‘Grease’ on TV – poop!! (Melinda S. came with us to Green, today)
Monday 6 February
Mum let us watch ‘Grease’ after all. We begged and were a bit naughty, but we watched it!! My left ear is … INFECTED. I wore no earrings to school & fi blew me up – she told me they would close up. Saw Kevin Shorey this afternoon. We had to buy a whole new earring to replace the lost back, but when I cleaned my ear tonight, with the hydrogen peroxide, I dropped the new back down the sink plug. God, I’m an Idiot, a Fool!!
Tuesday 7 February
Today mum saw Kevin Shorey. He gave her a stainless steel back!! THANK GOD!! Pretty good day!! Swimming carnival next Tuesday!! Went to our houses to sort out entrants in the races. Mandy came over for a talk today & brought Heath. He’s big & beautiful!
Wednesday 8 February
Orthodontist appointment 8:30!! Came back to school during period 1 only have to wear my brace till April; UNREEALL!! 1st Speech day today, for the year. Lucy, mim & elisia are in my group. Watched Hoges tonight. Was hilarious!!!
Thursday 9 February
Although Sixteen Candles hadn’t yet been released, I’d already had the pleasure of wearing this kind of orthodontic brace.
In the paper this morning, a year 8 boy from our school had 60 birthday punches from mates – his arm was severely bruised “Shane E.” I don’t know him! They say it happened on the Stratford bus & Paul P. threw one of the punches. Um-aaaah!! With my brace, the reason I only have to wear it until April is that he only wanted to pull my jaw back so my teeth were in their proper grooves, not pull all my teeth back into place!
[I had an amazing amount of dental work carried out on my little head over a number of years, and at this stage I am wearing one of those external braces …yes, you can imagine exactly what I’m talking about; the ones that have the external ‘handle’bar & elastic around the back of the skull – the largest, most conspicuous orthodontic contraption in existence! Thankfully I only had to wear it for 14hrs per day, so I was rarely seen with it in public.]
Friday 10 February
Ruth left today. Pity!! She is very nice. Gave us $5 each last night – gave us lots of things!! GOODBYE!! Had fun on bus coming home. Mim, Fi, Beka, me & Jules played tennis at the Freshy courts. Martin, Patrick & Shane were playing cricket & whistling all the time. I wonder who Shane was whistling at. I think it may have been me!! HOPE!! I tried hard to ignore but I couldn’t help noticing Shane whistled the most!! When he left he did one last loud one. Was it for me? Only hope.
Saturday 11 February
Stayed at Fi’s last night. Went to Sportsworld & watched Fi, Beka, mima & Polly in tennis lessons. Came back to mim’s for a swim. Beka & Fi left – I stayed for lunch. Fi came back after. We had another swim then watched the ‘Thriller’ Jackson special which had been taped from an old ‘Airwaves’ show. Melinda is sleeping tonight.
Sunday 12 February
I am still wondering about those whistles on Friday afternoon. I mean, were they for real? Who were they for? Who blew most of them? It is making me too excited. Today just read, lazed & did Homework until went to Fi’s & did some cooking with Fi, mim & pol.
Monday 13 February
That whistling job had me going all weekend – everyone knew there was something on my mind!! I’m just DYING to know! Shane didn’t act unusual today. Perhaps it was my imagination. My new togs:
diary sketch of the new togs (read: swimming costume)
Tuesday 14 February
ST VALENTINE’S DAY!!
Was no rain, just overcast. TRINITY WON!! Elliss 2nd, Clifton 3rd, Kewarra LAST!! Shane came 2nd & 4th in his races!! Looked at each other on the bus!! Geoff gave mum flowers & choccy
Wednesday 15 February
DAY 5 TODAY. I hate this day!! Today on the bus, Shane gave me an accusing look, when he opened the sliding window, as if I shut it, but I didn’t. I said,” I didn’t shut it”. He just went “Hmph” and I said “Poofter” aloud – I think he may have heard me. Hope not. Feel Energetic!!
Thursday 16 February
Some samples of the ‘fashionistas’ that earnt me some pocket money. How’s the Boy George look-alike?!
I am very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very upset over Shane. I think he did hear me yesterday. He has been giving me the cold shoulder & I’m not used to it from him. I’ve also lost a good piece of essay for English. Really good & I can’t remember it so I’ll have to start from scratch, but the 2nd copy won’t be as good as the first. Have started a drawing business. [Ah! Here’s the li’l entrepreneur again] Draw girls wearing different fashions – sold for 5c. I also take orders for 10c. This arvy I told Karen how I felt about Shane when we got off the bus and started crying. She didn’t like seeing me cry but promised to talk to him & tell him I do love him & am upset over him. She’s a very good friend.
Friday 17 February
Boring school day. Did homework at mima’s with fi & her. Had heaps of fun!! Don’t think I got much done. Had an early-ish night.
Saturday 18 February
Fiona slept at Jemima’s last night. They went to tennis but it was raining so Jemima got her new racer and rode back to Freshwater with Fi. I took Mr. B.’s racer & we rode out to Beka’s. Decided to ride to ake Placid for a swim, but was too rough. Ended up at Freshy Creek.
Sunday 19 February
In the morning, mima & Fi came round & asked me if I’d like to ride to town. Packed lunch (took $5) and went. They had their racers, while I struggled on my stupid old pushbike. Dropped in to see if Elisia wanted to come, but wasn’t allowed. Had fun. On the way home, it poured. Were all sopping wet!!
My ‘Bomby’ Bike
Monday 20 February
Julia’s ears have closed up!! Ha, ha!! Na, she’s a sport! Mim & fi came around after school & we went for a ride up Simon and into ‘new’ Cassowary St. We found a dead snake on the road. We all dared each other to ride over it. We were about to move it with sticks when a bloke threw it away into the bush.
Tuesday 21 February
Today was good. At lunch, we were lifting each other’s skirts up and I got Karen twice, she got me 3 times. On the bus she tried to pull mine up in front of Shane but she couldn’t because I got off at a different stop & ran home (I got off at the corner of Griffith & Old Smithfield Rd. Toni was in on it too).
Wednesday 22 February
Had my photo taken for my I.D. card; a card which entitles me to discounts at various shops & places. Lotsa HW. 1st English essay due tomorrow, 1st two numbers on German assignment to be done by tomorrow and History assignment due next Wed. Forgot to bring some bubblegum, today!! Speech was okay. Today, also, my band broke. I was chewing gum and the slot came off * It was on the brace when I took it off.* [*there were hand-drawn illustrations at these points in the original diary but unless you’d actually been a ‘victim’ of this kind of brace, the sketches wouldn’t mean much] Mum said we’ll go in tomorrow. Hope it’s not booked out!
Thursday 23 February
Nana & I went late-night shopping tonight in town. Mum & Jules went to K-Mart. I bought a clear plastic rain-jacket from Sportsgirl & Nana bought me a blue-y-green dress form Katies. Last year (when I didn’t know Mandy P. was Adrian’s sister) I called Mandy a tart. In Mathers tonight she walked past and said “let her call me a tart, I don’t care”. Adrian (embarrassed) said “shut up”. It looks like Mole-inda (Melinda S.) blabbed it out to Mandy, cause no one else would.
Friday 24 February
Good day at school, but forgot bubble gum again!! Went to play tennis with Toni, Justine, Natasha, Karen & Lucy. Had fun. I think I can play tennis – my arm is quite strong! Justine’s tyre punctured so mum took her home and we’re minding her bike tonight.
Saturday 25 February
Have all my savings worked out. I have a list of about 20 that I’d like, a total of $487!! OH GOSH!! But I’ma gonna do it! Enter every competition etc! AM: wrote out english essay. PM: went with Fi & mim to mim’s for a swim. Helped get them ready for Jason P’s Party. Julia slept at Dad’s tonight.
Sunday 26 February
Did some homework. Wasn’t allowed to ride into town this Sunday (it ended up mim, beka & fi didn’t go either – it was raining!) Mum tried to mow block [of land that was to be the location of our next home] in the rain. Got ½ done. I did 10 new girls to sell. Had big rumball & salad roll for lunch. Went to mulleys with Dad & Jules. Had tea there too. Watched TV & rollerskated!
Monday 27 February
On Saturday, wore mima’s ugly purple earrings home – Nana had a fit. When I tried to put my stud in my left ear it stung so I pushed hard and a bit of skin poked out. I was supposed to go to Kevin Shorey’s to have it checked but ‘didn’t have time’. Saw Mr F. [our family dentist] today when we dropped Petra home from school. He noticed the difference in my teeth!
Tuesday 28 February
Julia came home from school because she felt sick. Had a laughing fit on the bus when Patrick hit his head really hard on the portrack & when the dog barked & started chasing Toni & Rebecca P. bolted and I hung onto them. Very tired today HOT!! Early night -mum had coffee with Geoff.
Wednesday 29 February
Good day; did some pictures to sell and Mr Van Slooten helped me sort out my History assignment. Still can’t find ‘Flashback’ History Textbook. Late for Speech. Mim, angela, Fi, elisia & me were about the only ones who wore our uniforms to the inter-school swimming carnival (shame!!!!!!)
Sunday 27/5/84
A Life in Words 