May Miscellany of 1995

Revisiting these old journals really has been a window, not only into my past self, but into the minds of the students I work with now, in terms of what's important to them and how they probably interpret events. 

Miscellaneous reflections after reading through these entries:  

1) My spelling is largely improving, which makes the errors all the more strange looking. Although Beethoven remains a very difficult word. 

2) My use of the word "cool" as an all-encompassing adjective was...probably very annoying to the adults in my life. 

3) My reasoning on church membership was absurd. Except I was 11, so...right on track?

4) The narrative about the ballet recital is a hoot.  I now understand the focus on developing students' chronological writing skills in my grad classes.  Apparently, it's rather difficult to communicate a chain of events clearly.     

May 4, 1995

Hi! April is finally over! 22 more days and we're otta here! 17 more days till Piano recital.  I'm playing a Scott Joplin song and Fur Elise by Beetonvan.  Strange combo - huh?  We finished our dance in ballet and got our costumes!  There so pretty!  They look like Juliets!  Empire wast, puffed sleeves, pink ribbons, and white gauze! 

The "Juliet" I'm referring to was the glorious Janie Parker in Houston Ballet's production,
which I probably saw with my mom and grandmother earlier that year.   

PS. It's awful the way they beheaded people left and right in the middle ages, huh. 

May 20, 1995

Hi!  Schools almost out (yeah yeah yeah) Schools almost out, (yeah yeah yeah) Arn't I tallented?  (HAHA) 

Tomorrow is my piano recital and I'm playing Fur Elise by Beetoven and The Entertainer by Scott Joplin.  I hope Amy can come but she has a bad sunburn on her legs and feet.  

On Monday is DARE graduation and we get to wear our DARE shirts and jeans all day!  

It's difficult to communicate to anyone who did not wear school uniforms
how notable and exciting a "casual dress day" or even a "DARE t-shirt day" was on the Bracken campus.

I went swimming today, it was so much fun!  

Summer, were are you?  Just around the corner.  But schools in my way! 

I hate school.  (Well, the work part.) 

May 25, 1995

Hey!  on Wednesday at ballet, Dorthy came to dance with us.  It was pretty cool!  

Today we went to the Riverwalk for our 5th grade graduation!  It was fun!  Tomorrow is the last day of school!  I'm so excited!  Well I'de better go and clean my room!  

Yaaaay 5th grade.

May 28, 1995

Hi!  You know I really want to go to church at Shepherd of the Hills.  I mean, I like ACBC but, I just feel more at home at Shepherd of the Hills.  The preachers good and plus almost everybody from school goes there.  (TJ & Amy)  Like, a lot of middle schoolers and high schoolers.  

Well, yeasterday we had the first major rehersal in ballet.  It was pretty cool.  

Friday was the last day of school - YES! 

Mommy leaves on Tuesday, BOO-HOO.  

This is where "Mommy" was headed for a week or two, along with dear Auntie Mary,
leaving the kids with the dads.  My nearly-30-year-old present self says,
"GOOD DECISION, LIBBY AND MARY!"

June 3, 1995

Yo!  The ballet recital was cool!  Jennifer and Betsy picked me up and took me to a hair place and they did my hair in a bun and plastered (I mean plastered) my bangs back (Since mom is in London and Aunt Jeniffer isn't to sure of herself).  Then when we got home Betsy caked on base, blush, and maskara and some other junk.  Then we grabbed the costume and left for Lila Cockeral (The place where we had our recital - it's huge!)  Then we got to the dressing room and I got into my costume and Betsy caked on more base, blush, maskara, and lipstick!  

Then I got everything done and Jennifer and Betsy left to go sit with daddy in the seats.  Some of the girls were acting up but I streached out.  Finally we were called.  We're Dresden Dolls who are up in the attic.  A girl Dorthy finds us and we come to life.  After our act is a maypole scene with 3-8 yr old dancing.  Since it takes so long to organize the "babies" they put a screen behind us and behind the screen is the babies.  After our act, the screen rises and there they are.  Set to jet! We are behind a curtain, while the overture is playing, it's closed.  We where all talking and laughing while it was playing.  Of corse - there were several false alarms.  But finally it was ready.  
I don't think I messed up.  

Today we called mommy!  She was good.  But, I miss her.  But, tommorrow I get to go to Corpus!  YEA! And see Hol-Hol and Bonster!  (Otherwise known as Holly and Bonnie)

Tonight we watched a movie called "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweilder."  It was good!  I had already read the book (wouldn't you know it?!)  

So good.

Although the experience didn't make it into my diary, I believe this Mommy-goes-to-London trip was also the first time I operated a washing machine, thus learning the life lesson that teal underwear will cause white socks to become a pale shade of blue.  

PS. Beheading people WAS awful.  

No Noticable Cuts

Note: The heading of this entry is a revealing window into my decades-long battle with how to spell the word "Saturday."  Even post-college graduation, I would pause while writing and briefly wonder "E or U?"  I'm delighted to share that now, in my 29th year, I believe I have finally mastered the word. 

Saterday 

April 15, 1995

Hi!  Yeasterday (another tricky word) we had lunch with the Nelsons!  It was really fun!  Today me and mommy went to Beth's house and me, Beth, Sarah, Josh, Jared, and Elisha had an Easter party!  It was a lot of fun!  Tomarrow is Easter!  Cool, huh?  Well, now I'm going to play King's Quest V!  

Kings Quest V was a CD-ROM computer game to which Adam and I devoted many hours.  A king loses his castle and family somehow and has to travel around his magical world with his friend the owl searching for them and encountering adventures.  Like drinking tea?

I mean, you had to fight a Yeti by throwing a pie in his face! How awesome is that? Sadly, there was a glitch in our copy that caused the computer to basically shut down every time we reached the final, climactic showdown with the evil magician, so we never knew how it ended.  Bummer.

Sunday 

April 23, 1995

Hi!  Yeasterday (there it is again) I shaved my legs for the first time.  I didn't get any noticable cuts!  I saw a movie at Amy's called The Princess Bride. It was really good!  Well I can't think of anything else to say so - bye! 

Woa - the first time shaving my legs AND seeing The Princess Bride all in the same day?!
That's one exciting day.

And I'm still quite relieved when I have no "noticable" cuts after shaving.

In Your Face, Becky!

Note: Wow. This entry reads like I downed a double shot espresso into my little 5th grade body.  I don't mention the romantic escapade again in the diary, but I'm pretty sure "the relationship" lasted about a day.  It's just too funny not to share.  I think the experience is made better if the entire entry is read aloud super fast in a high-pitched voice. 

March 9, 1995

Dallas likes me!  Can you believe that?  And I like him too!  It's wierd isn't it?  (Note: Ha! Yes.  Liking people is SO wierd.)  I knew because TJ and Dallas are best friends, and tomorrow the speech meet - oh and I'm going, I'm saying "I have a dream" - so we put our chairs in a cemi-circle and played "gossip" and at the end when we were all leaving Dallas said "I know what I would have said, It's about Lee!"  I kept on bugging him and finally I said "Sarah, make TJ tell you!"  So she did and she started cracking up!  and I'm all "What? What? Tell me!" And she did!  And I felt kind of wierd.  Then I asked TJ if it was true and he said "Yes" and told him I like Dallas too!  Beth told me later that after I left Dallas asked Beth if I liked him and Beth said, "Lee would kill me if I told."  And TJ said "Yes, she likes you!"  And Beth said Dallas started jumping around majorly! Anyway, I'm happy and now when this brat Becky at ballet asks me if I have a boyfriend I can say "yes!" 

After all, what's the point of liking someone if you can't brag about it to your arch-nemesis at ballet? This entry is quintessential example of why I'm glad I've kept a journal throughout the majority of my life.  Without documentation, I would've forgotten all about this, but thanks to the trusty college-ruled single subject blue notebook I kept from 1994-1995, the moment is recorded in all its pristine, 5th grade ridiculousness.  Too bad I didn't write about the "break up"....if it could even be called that? Maybe we just went to school the next day and acted like nothing had happened?  What happens in the "gossip cemi-circle" stays in the gossip cemi-circle?  

Valentine's Day & '90's Jeans

Feb. 13, 1995

Tommarrow is Valentines!  I'm giving out Beauty & Beast cards.  Evan tho I'm 11, my favorite cartoon is B.B. and then Lion King, then Aladen.  Disney's coming out with a new movie "Pocahontist."  I don't think it will be that good.  

Tomarrow we have to wear red, white, and pink.  Hey!  At least it's not uniforms!  I'm going to wear my rock-washed jeans, and a T-shirt.  I wanted a white one - but I don't have one so I turned one arounnd.  And a BEAUTIFUL vest daddy bought me!  And my prarie boots and my silver hoops clip-on earrings.  

On Friday me and daddy went on a date.  To the mall and to a camo and lace dinner (Father and daughter) at church.  It was fun! 

I feel like Lisa is sporting a pretty solid example of what I remember as "rock-washed" denim.
This is a super intense looking scene from Saved by the Bell.  Maybe they are discussing their own chosen outfits for Valentine's Day.  

March 11, 1995

Hi! At the speech meet I got "supirior" on "I Have a Dream!"  Now I will tell you about ballet. 

This girl in my class, Becky is a real nerd - I do not like her.  Margo, the teacher's daughter is my best friend in ballet.  Sarah is a showoff but I geuss I juged her because shes been nice lately.  But she comes only once a week.  And Becky comes 2.  So does Margo.  So she saves me.  

Another dramatic day in ballet.  

Note: You GUESS you judged her, 11 year old self?  I'm amazed you had time to learn how to pointe and pirouette at all what with all the judging going on. 

The March Onward to Adalessonts

...In which my mean streak is further unveiled.  Or is it just childish carelessness/ignorance?  No concept of judgement and the harm it can cause?  Also, my 5th grade crush is revealed, and I wax philosophical.   

Jan. 19, 1995

Tommarow Adam has a game so I'm staying. Whopeedodahdeday! Games are so much fun! 

Jan. 27, 1995

Hi! Tonite Holly, Bonnie, Rick, and Mary are coming for the weekend. I can't wait! Today is Friday. Ashley is gone. I didn't really like her that much.  She's a snob, and she flirts with all the boys!  I'm a little glad she's gone!

Well see ya.  I can't really concentrate.  Because I'm listening to A.L Radio station!  (Amy and Lee's)  We tape each other, you know.  

Feb. 2, 1995

Hi! Holly and Bonnie were great! I had so much fun! Geuss what? I'm going to the Math Olypics! With Craig, Gyran, and Ryan.  (Edit - The second kid's name was actually Garyn, but apparently I didn't know how to spell my classmates' names, despite the fact there were less than twenty of us.)  Dallas was going to go, but he didn't want to, so Craig's going.  I wish Dallas was going.  I think he likes me!  Maybe he's just my friend.  Well, I'm his friend.  TJ is my friend.  I mean, I don't come to school passionately in love with him anymore.  

Oh wow. Adalessonts.  The Worst and Best years of my life.  Today in PE I was really mad.  At everyone.  Then I went outside and asked God to help me.  He did!  (of corse.)  I was filled with love for everyone!  

For the speech meet I'm memorizing "I Have a Dream." It's so good.  And I'm writing a book called, 'The Land Below the Sea.' I think it's the best I've ever written.  

Ya know. In my last diary, I didn't really tell you my deep down feelings.  In this one I do.  

Note: Sadly, I have no memory of "The Land Below the Sea," and no evidence of it remains. A great work of literature, lost to time.  And those really are my deep down feelings.  

DARE & Chocklate

By 5th grade, my spelling and grammar had vastly improved from my first entries back in 1993, but there are still plenty of fabulous mistakes.  I find that I become meaner in my writing as adolescence approaches.  My comments regarding the "new kid" are kind of terrible.  Looking back (and reflecting on my current experience with students), I truly believe compassion and tact are skills that, like anything else, require work.  

Otherwise...memories of DARE, selling candy to raise money, and ballet.  

Oct. 24, 1994

You know what?  Since we live in New Braunfels, TX, we're right by San Antonio.  So we're so used to it we pronounce it San'Ntonio.  Outsiders pronounce it the right way.

Ya' know I bet, when people think of Texas, cowboys come to mind, Oh well I'm a true Texan who remembers the Alamo.

Jan. 17, 1995

Happy New Year!  Actully, it's a little late for that, so, Happy Birthday, daddy!  No, It was on the 2nd.  Hummm?  Back to School?!  Yipee.  We went back on the 2nd, daddy said he always went back to school on his birthday.  Poor him!  

Well, we had a holiday yeasterday.  The new kid, did I tell you about him?  Anyway, he's boring, rude, and not very nice looking.  

Jan. 18, 1995
Hiya buddy ol' pal!  Geuss what?  5th grade in BCS gets to do a DARE program!  The guys who does it is named Depady Reynolds.  Well, I think its Depady.  Anyway it's cool.  DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistant Education.  Dare to keep kids off drugs.  We get a namecard, a workbook, and a pencil.  He said we'd get a T shirt too. 

Today we got world's Finest Chocklate to sell.  Last year we sold it for heaters.  This year its for the new beuldings septic tank.  (Ewwww! But hey!  We need to go to the bathroom!)  And new tables for lunch.  (We need them!)  In the car I was opening the cardboard box w. little sisors and ruiend 4 candy bars in the prosses!  And now I am 4 dollars short, but have slitly ruined great chocolate!  

Well did I tell you?  I found a ballet school!  It's Connally's School of Dance.  In San Antonio. Since we live in New Braunfels its a long drive.  I go on Mondays and Wendays at 6:00-7:00.  I'm in class 3A.  Well, I'd better get on with homework.  Whew!  Up untill 4th grade I didn't have homework exept in kindergarten and I had to decorate a cardboard gingerbread man.  Now I know it all too well.  Hoh Hum.  

Highs and Lows

This post represents some of the thrills and disappointments in my life during the fall of 1994.  The blow-by-blow account of our Thanksgiving trip to Disney World is quality stuff.  After rediscovering that entry in my old diary, I actually called my parents and (laughingly) thanked them again for that trip, which, from an adult perspective, sounds like it must've been a bit stressful...Your teenager lost in the park for several hours in pre-cell phone days while your elementary aged kid gets sick in multiple ways? Yeah.  In my memory, however, it was a wonderful time, despite the unfortunate incident at the MGM Backstage tour.   

Oct. 18, 1994

Hi!  My birthday was great!  Me, Sarah, Amy, and Beth all went ice-scating.  It was great!  I got a calendar and a stamp, a book, and a friendship necklace with Simba and Nala on it from "The Lion King."  Which I think is better than Alladan, and is tie with Beauty and the Beast, wich is GOOD!  

Tommorrow I'm going on a field trip!  We're going the IMAX to see Antartica and to the Buckhorn Hall of Fame. (Only in Texas)  I'm going to wear my long-sleeved shirt that's dark-green and marroon flowers all over it that I got for my b-day and my rock-washed jeans and prarie boots, my hair down and pulled back in a bow.  

Oct. 25, 1994

Today I get to hold the flag or Bible in chaple.  Oh, the privledges of a 5th grader!  Sometimes, not all, but some we get to do car patrol.  

Oh Well.  Goodbye!

Oct. 26, 1994

Yipeeee!  I am so exited!  I don't care if thats not spelled right!  Julie, Miss Toby's (my ballet teacher) helper, said I could make the company!  Company!  (thrills)  Company is a group in ballet you have to be chosen to be in it, you can't say "I want to do it."  And you have to have 2 years to be in it.  I only was in the summer 'till now!  She said me and a girl named Avery have ability! 

Oct. 30, 1994

Adam is so mean to me!  Tonite I was cleaning my room and listening to a tape.  Adam kept on flipping off the light switch.  I was so mad. 

Nov. 15, 1994

I have bad news.  Ya'now the Company?  Well its quit.  One more lesson and no more.  Julie, the teacher, has to go.  Horrible. 

Nov. 25, 1994

Hi!  Sorry, I forgot to take you to Disney World!  Well, I came down with a sore throght.  The first day was ok.  We went to Epoct, World showcase.  I had to go to the clinic and altered plans.  Then the place we planned out at lunching didn't evan igsist, so we ate at France and I got Belle's autograph. 

Then Adam got lost and it got drizzly and I felt misreble so we went home.  Later Adam called and we found him.  The next day we went to MGM, my favorite.  We went to the Great Movie "Ride."  Which I enjoyed exept that a little girl cried at every scary scene.  And Muppet 3D was good.  I loved Idiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and Star Tours.  

The next day we went to Magic Kingdom and rode all 3 main rides which were fun, I was disapointed in Space M, it was supposed to be really scary.  But I guess after riding the Rattler at Fiesta Texas 2 times, "ha."  Next day Future World at Epcot.  Was good.  I liked "Jorney into Imagination."  At the end it shows a 3D film and a dog sneexed and you get wet!  Ewww!  

At the last day we went to M.K. to make daddy ride Splash Mountain.  Then we went to MGM and went on the Backstage movie tour.  It was good but near the end I kinda had diarria in my pants.  Pretty uncomfrtroble.  So momy put 2 of those pads on my undies and we went on Star Tours and the Magic of Disney Anamation. I'm tired.  By by.