
Snippets from my five-year diary.
April 6.
*1970 (age 12): No School (Teacher’s In Service Meeting). Went to Pennies and got 2 bras, 1 shirt, 3 pairs of unders, a pink nightgown, and a yellow polka dot robe.
First of all, it was Penney’s. Second, I give myself a big high-five for all the details, especially the bras and ‘unders.’ I don’t remember wearing robes, but I guess I must have liked them since I bought one for myself.
*1971 (age 13): Tues. Chores., Uncle Bill and those guys are going somewhere & I’m feeding Danroy. This night Bob got the Mumps.
Uncle Bill and ‘those guys’ – wow! Not sure why I didn’t actually name his wife and son, but maybe I was saving space?? I have no idea who Danroy was. I kept checking to see if it was a misspelling. All I remember was their dog, Pepe.
And Bob got the mumps. This started a chain reaction that would have me down for the count within a few weeks.
*1972 (age 14): Thur. – Hamburger Day. P.E. Day. Mom went to Pasadena – Avon place in Los Angeles for a tour.
I like the way I explained where Pasadena was located. I remember my mom loved selling Avon, though I don’t remember her going on a tour. I’m sure she enjoyed her day away with other Avon ladies.
*1973 (age 15): Fri. – Sewed up the front of my jumpsuit – Got report cards today – I got 1 – A. 2 – B’s. 3 – C’s. Brought my game home.
Continuing sewing my pantsuit, although I called it a jumpsuit – which doesn’t sound as fancy. Maybe the pattern called it a ‘jumpsuit.’
*1974 (age 16): Sat. Painted the porch today – got our report cards yesterday. Got 2 “A’s”. 3 “B’s” and one “C” – ick. Babysitting for farmer’s tonight.
My dad painted the porch yearly. It was cement, and he painted it an off-white color. It was a big deal because one of my chores was to scrape it to prepare for the painting. At least I was in the shade to scrape, instead of in the sun when I weeded.
Obviously, “C’s” were not given much credit in our household, noting the “ick” comment. It just means average, but my dad’s attitude toward a “C” said differently.
~~~
Note to self: Being average is not a bad thing. While acknowledgements were only given for “A” and “B” grades, there is nothing wrong about bringing home a “C.” One day you’ll realize grades are not a reflection of how much work you put into something. Even though the grades weren’t the highest, I know you always tried to do your best. That’s what should be celebrated. Kudos from your older self for all your hard work and always doing your best.
Love this, Joan. (Except the part about getting mumps.) Your note to self is one we all need to heed. Thanks. xoA
Thanks, Annis. Yeah, the mumps were brutal.