Stuck in the '70s logoOctober 1978 diary entries

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The real life of a '70s teen. . .

Sun. Oct. 1, 1978

Today was just about fantastic! Mainly because I called my Buster! I woke up at 9 thinking about him. I ran my station for awhile in the morning. I called him at about 1 thinking that since it's 2 down there, and he said he's on 3-7, we'd have time to talk. But they changed his time on Sunday's to 2-6. It was great to talk to him, and he really was glad I called. He knew it was me right off. He remembered our anniversary! When I asked him what he's been up to, I was expecting him to say that he'd been partying. But he said it may not sound too thrilling, but this morning, he went to the mountain top, and looked down on the river and watched an eagle & a hawk. He's grown back his beard. I said I hoped it didn't cover his dimples. He said it was a very neatly trimmed low cut one and doesn't cover his dimples. . .I told him that I'd been on the air all morning. He said that was very good practice for me; and did an immitation of how he used to sit in his room and act like a d.j. all the time. He wants me to send him a tape of myself on the radio, and he'll tell me what I'm doing wrong. . .We talked about alot more too. It was just wonderful to talk to him. I love him.

I was wanting to borrow Bob's tape recorder so I could use it to tape for Buster, but Mike wouldn't take me, cuz his stupid girlfriend called and invited him to dinner.

I invited Cathy Sondag over. Showed her my station, and we went down to her house, and we talked about what's happened to us in the past couple of years.

Mom & dad got back around 8:30. I was worried that something had happened to them, but they were just late.

I cleaned the whole house up pretty good if I do say so myself.

Mon. Oct. 2, 1978

Today was pretty alright. Our buses were vandalized, so hardly anyone went. Neither did I. Me & ma went to Bergner's & Murphy's with Aunt Dot. All I got was 3 new cards for Buster, and a tape to tape to him on. We ate at Burger King for lunch. We went to Bob's & I borrowed his recorder. When we came home, I taped a show for Buster on it. We had salmon patties for supper. I went down to Cathy's. We came across some old tapes that we did a long time ago. It's raining. I watched WRKP. It was great as usual. I wrote Mark a note & sealed it up with the tape. I'll mail it tomorrow.

Tues. Oct. 3, 1978

Actually today stunk. The buses were running back to normal. I did my speech in English; it stunk. The teacher says our class might use the auditorium, stage & microphone, and the P.A. system. Sounds like fun. It was Hollywood dress-up day. I didn't, but lots of kids looked pretty stupid. Mom wasn't able to pick me up. This morning, she told me if she couldn't, to call Mike at work. So I did; he wasn't there. I called, Bob, Brem's, Aunt Dot, Expo Gardens, none answered. I then tried Sandy. She was there & said she would come get me. While I was waiting, along came Mike. I told him what happened & to get lost before Sandy came. She brung me home.

I called Charlie. We talked for a couple minutes about stuff. He's nice. I requested C&T's song (new one). I'm not sure if he played it or not cuz I didn't listen long. I went down to the Con. to get my pics. This time, they're there, but I can't afford to get them. It came up to $13.34, two times as much as what they were at K-mart!! Ma & dad won't supply the money. I don't know what I'm gonna do. I wrote Buster another letter. I bought 2 homecoming buttons & sent him one. I rode my bike to Mossville and mailed it. Studied my FCC guide. I watched Carol Burnett.

Wed. Oct. 4, 1978

sophomore school pictureToday wasn't the greatest day I've ever had. I forgot to bring the homework in business to school that I got done last nite. I hear that they're looking for someone to do the daily announcements over the P.A. I let it be known to Mrs. Crothers (my English teacher) that I want the job. Tomarrow, I'll talk to my counselor about it. I got my pics back. As I told you, I was a greasy mess that day (Sept. 12). See? Ma picked me up. We had to go to Expo gardens so she could help clean up after her home extension boutique thing. There was a microphone there & I was gonna goof off & talk on it, but it didn't work. At our disco class, Denny & Shari couldn't make it, so it was a mess when some old lady tried to teach us a bunch of crap. On the way home, I started to cry just thinking about Buster. I wrote him a short letter saying that I forgot to give him a big hug on our date & for him to give one to himself.

Oh yeah, when ma & I got home from Expo, Snookums (who had been tied out back all day long) had hung himself on the glider swing by his chain. Good thing it was over the arm and not the back. He had thrown a fit trying to get loose. He s**t all over the place, puked, and cried alot. But it was hilarious the way he was dangling there! Poor thing.

It's getting colder and colder and colder every day! I hate it! Time is going by so quickly these days.

Thur. Oct. 5, 1978

Today was okay. There was a 30 definition test in Business. Mom gave me a home permanant. It looks okay I guess.

I watched a bunch of good shows including Mork & Mindy. I'm sketching a picture of me & Buster, by squares. It coming along. Tonight mom made fudge.

Fri. Oct. 6, 1978

link to newspaper articleThere was no school today because of homecoming parade. I woke up at about 8:10. I washed my hair. It turned out alright. We went up to Bob's to help move some of his trailer stuff. It was freezing outside. Mom brought me back home & went back up to Bob's. I heard from Broadcasting magazine. It's $35 for just one year!!! I didn't get to see Josh Taylor in our parade. Cathy came over and drew with me. My sketch is doing pretty well. Mom gave me enough money to go down to the store and get my C&T reprints. I see in the Penny press that Terry Allen is quitting. I'm worried. What if Charlie leaves? I'm afraid Buster may not come back to see me if he does. . .Sometimes I really get depressed.

Sat. Oct. 7, 1978

John Travolta album coverToday was nice. I washed my hair and let it dry real curly. I think it looks pretty cool. Went to C.J.'s and got my jersy with me & Mark on it. It turned out real nice. Went to Bergner's & got stamps & made 2 copies of the article in the Penny Press for Mark & his mom. Then we went to Venture. There, I got John Travolta's album on sale for $3.49. We came back home. I cleaned up my room & got all of my pen-pal letters caught up (finally). Oh yeah, I left negatives at Venture. We saw a sign there that said they were hiring Christmas help. I made up my mind that I wanted to be part of that help. Mom took me back in, and I applied. I want the job bad, and hope that I get it!! I sure could use some extra money to spend. I watched the muppet show. Gilda Radner was on it. At 7, I watched CHiP's. At 8, Lisa called & wanted to know if I want to go to the mall with her tomarrow. I said okay even though I don't have any money. I wrote him another letter. Watched the season premeire of Saturday Night Live, and an old Midnite special with Daryl & Toni on it.

Sun. Oct. 8, 1978

Rick Dees and Disco DuckI goofed off with Lisa all day. We went down to the Con. & drove around in my car (with Mike behind the wheel). Then her mom took us to the mall. I bought Rick Dees "Disco Duck" album & Rock candy. I saw my dance teachers Denny & Shari there. I also saw Howie. They were having a Trans Am show. The mall closed at 5, but her ma came to pick us up at 5:30. So we watched them drive the Trans Am's out of the building. I made some Taffy Apples. Watched "Battle Star Galactica," the movie "Gumball Rally," and at 10:45 p.m., am now watching "Death of her Innocense."

Mon. Oct. 9, 1978

Today was okay; not very thrilling. Woke up at 10. Made stale tacos with frozen hamburger and no cheese for lunch. Mom had a craft day at the farm bearou. I watched "Days of Our Lives." Lisa came down. I played my Rick Dees album for her, went down to Con., shot B.B.'s with Mike, and went for a hike in the creek and woods. I found a couple flat rocks. On one I painted in a heart "J.F. + M.E." I watched my fave: "WRKP in Cincinnatti." Oh yeah, by the way, there was no school because it's Columbus Day. But, fun, fun - we go back tomarrow. I also have to go to the Doc's and get a blood test.

Tues. Oct. 10, 1978

Today wasn't the greatest & wasn't the worst either. In business I got an A on the test I took Thursday. Only missed 2 out of 30. In art, I forgot to bring my plastic bag, so I didn't get to make anything out of the clay crap. Tomarrow, I'll remember it, and make Buster a mustache mug. In English, we're writing announcements and introductions, and tomarrow we record them then we'll do it over the microphone. I wore my me & Buster shirt. In P.E., I brought Mike's old gym suit and am using it. Alot of the girls are. It's cool. We went to the doctors and sat for an hour before we were even noticed. So we left. Are going back tomarrow. We met Mike at Sears. He's getting a new pair of glasses. We ate spaghetti for supper. Then we went grocery shopping at Eagle. I bought him a Halloween card that says, "Hi! Remember me? I'm the one who wants your body! Happy Halloween." Mom took some pictures of me & we dropped the film off at K-mart. I watched LaVerne & Shirley, Three's Company. Talked to Stacy on the phone. Time for bed.

Wed. Oct. 11, 1978

Another so-so day. In Art, I got my clay, but it won't do what I want it to. It keeps cracking. I got poked at the doctor's finally. Got more pills and good typing paper. Dance lessons were fun. I think that Denny is a cutie! Good dancer too! I watched the movie "Lifeguard." I mailed my letter to Mark. We learned the New York Walk.

Thur. Oct. 12, 1978

link to newspaper clippingToday was no better than any of the previous days this week. I'm finally getting somewhere in Art. I'm making some sort of a box. I gave up on the mug! In English, I recorded my announcement and introduction. We got my pills at the drug store in Chilli. Then went to K-Mart. There I put in my application for a part-time job. Between there & Venture, I should get a job. . .I made hash browns for supper. I was shocked to see this article in the Penney Press. I watched Carol Burnett. Did my homework. Mork and Mindy was exceptionally funny tonight! Washed my hair. Watched Soap. It's getting very cold outside. Hi's in the hi 50's.

Friday the 13th

Today wasn't so unlucky. But one thing did turn out wrong. In business, the guy in head of CO-OP, explained alot about jobs to us. It seems that as long as you are still in school, you need a work permit. Simple, you say, get one. Not so simple. I told Venture & K-Mart I'm 16 (you have to be 16 to work in Illinois). If the school gives me a work permit, they'll tell the employer I'm 15. So, that whole idea is shot to hell!

It poured down rain for a few minutes. At Bergner's, I got 9 stamps & a new pair of boots.

The main event of today, was that I called my man! I did want to talk much longer and say alot more than I did. He talked so much, that it was hard. He's producing commercials, writing up 4 hour programs, reading meters & a bunch of other crap and is always busy. We did cover alot of various topics though. He says the reason everyone is quitting KZ is lousy pay! He says that's actually why he did. We talked about Terry. School, weather (rain there too.) He says Charlie would probably hire me at KZ next year on a part-time job; or like if Maria quits. He said it was cute how I put the headline about us losing homecoming on his envelope. He hadn't listened to my tape yet. . .I told him to call me some Saturday. He said his ma & dad called him the other night asking if he was ever gonna call or write them. He asked how my parents are. . .

Sat. Oct. 14, 1978

Today was really decent. We went to Venture. Picked up the reprints, and left the negatives for more. Got stationery that says "And now a message from Julie," two new cards, a new scarf (green), cassette head cleaner.

Dad & Mike went to the junkyard and got the brake part & air cleaner for my car. He's now talking about getting rid of that car & buying one that won't take as much work on it. I wrote & mailed Buster another letter. Me & ma got back out to do some grocery shopping. . .Dad and I discussed Ohm's law. I'm beginning to understand it now. The Brems came over. I watched part 1 of "Rescue from Gilligan's Isle." Watched Saturday Night Live.

Sun. Oct. 15, 1978

Today was okay. I watched "Kids Are People Too" this morning. I went on the air for only about an hour, becuz I kept being interrupted by lunch and phone calls. I went hiking with Lisa. It was fun. We climbed the canyon! I worked more on my sketch of me & Buster. I'm almost done. Took a bath and watched t.v.

Mon. Oct. 16, 1978

Today was good. I woke up with a real stuffy nose. I complained & stayed home. I do think I have a slight cold. I finished the drawing of Mark & me. It turned out pretty good. . .Picked up the pics ma took of me last Tuesday. They ain't so great. I called Charlie. No big deal. We didn't talk long. I changed my room a whole lot. It looks more business like. Of course, I watched "WKRP." It was super funny tonite! I love that show. Leif Garrett was on "People." I've been working on my face trying to get rid of zits all day because I have that photo session tomarrow. Hey! My guy Jim Stafford got married! Do you believe it?! Also, he's starring in a movie called "The Disc Jockey."

Tues. Oct. 17, 1978

Today was fun, except for the fact that my friend "Prunella Period" arrived this morning. In Art, I finished my "stuff box." It's ugly! English was a blast! We got to do our things over the mike in the auditorium. She stopped me & told me to slow down; that I wasn't on WLS! What a compliment!!!!! I did o.k. in Typing, but horrible in P.E. When I got home, my stomach & bod began crampin' me something fierce! I got myself all ready to get my pictures taken. I looked pretty nice if I do say so myself! The photographer was a real cutie. His name was Bo. He said I was "a very pretty lady." I like him. Sweet guy. I did some neat poses too. We go to see the proofs next tuesday, Oct. 24th. I watched "Happy Days," "LaVerne & Shirley" & "Three's Company." Talked on the phone with Stacey. Boy, do I got the cramps!

Wed. Oct. 18, 1978

Today was okay, I guess. I still had the cramps for awhile, but I feel fine now. I'm taking the test in Art tomarrow. In English, the kids decided to have a talent show with the mike and auditorium while we had it. Guess who was the M.C.? You guessed her, Chester! Yours truly! It was fun! I did horrible in Typing & P.E. Ma & I went on into Chilli. All I got were pads for Prunella and munchies. I wrote Buster a goofy letter using different colors. I'll mail it tomarrow. My dance class was fun. I caught on to the Jefferson Davis real easy! I did pretty well, I think!

Sat. Oct. 21, 1978

The past few days have been horrible. Thursday nite, I saw in the P.Press that KZ is having a H.house. I started to think about Buster & how much fun we'd have. I began to get chills all over and cried uncontrolably. I begged ma to let me call him. When I finally got hold of him, it didn't help much. He hasn't even listened to my tape yet. We didn't talk alot, he was on the air. Yesterday, I skipped school. Only prob is the secretary called & Mike told her he didn't know where me or ma were! When dad & ma got home, I told them I was sick. So, I think I'm clear of that one. Today was pretty much better. We went shopping. I got cord Levi's & a matching vest. It was lovely weather out. Toni Tennille was on "The Love Boat" tonight. She was really great!!

Sun. Oct. 22, 1978

Today was pretty fun. We went to Steve & Judy's farm for a family pic-nic get together. I played alot of foot-ball. I didn't mind tackling Steve at all!!! Bob, Sharolyn & Chad couldn't come because Shar went into false labor pains yesterday and her kid ain't even due till November 20th. Mike didn't come.

Mon. Oct. 23, 1978

Today was average. In Art, I made a pinch pot. It ain't as easy as it looks. It only got to a high of 51. It's supposed to get down to 29. We came right home after school. Mom got me one of those "Snug Sacks." It's like a sleeping bag. Got arms, & you sit in it. I really love it!! I did my business homework, & answered a pal letter. I watched WKRP. It was great as usual. I've made up my mind that I'm not writing or calling Buster until I hear from him first!!! And that's a promise!!!!

Tues. Oct. 24, 1978

Olan Mills portraitToday was no big deal. I made my pinch pot into a mustache mug. I think it turned out pretty good. After school, we got my proofs at Olan Mills. All of them turned out good! The lady told us that Bo liked tall girls like me. She said that he took more pics of me than anyone else, and thought up neater poses too. Ain't that neat?

Wed. Oct. 25, 1978

Today wasn't good. When I woke up, my throat was killing me, and hasn't stopped since. After ma picked me up, me, her & Aunt Dot went to Belscot. I got 3 magazines there. Then, at Kroger, I got a t.v. guide & People with Mork & Mindy on the front. My dance class was a total bummer! They tried to teach us the Disco Hop, but I just couldn't catch on. Thank God, it was the last class! It rained all day. I watched Carol Burnett in "The Grass is Always Greener over the Septic Tank."

Thur. Oct. 26, 1978

What can I say about today? Not a whole awful lot, I guess. We left home about 4 this morning, and got here (Arkansas) around 2 this afternoon. There were a zillion wasps all over the windows and back door trying to get out. We zapped them with the Raid.

I have a horrible cold. My throat hurts like hell, and I can hardly breathe.

We watched "Grinch Night." It ain't half as good as "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." Then L.G. came over for about a half hour. He had a couple of teeth knocked out. He had too much whiskey and got in a fight.

It's in the lower 60's here.

Fri. Oct. 27, 1978

Today wasn't alot better cause of my cold. I didn't sleep more than 2 hours last night cuz I froze and my nose was stuffy. We went into Mt. View. All I got was an Arkansas Razorback football jersy and a magazine and a book of stamps. We ate at the new Kentucky Fried chicken. This cold is killing me! I wish it would have come during school instead of now. Dad bought a small electric heater that didn't work too well. So then, him and mom went back into town and got a Coleman camper heater. It works much better. Oh yeah, we found a little black & white kitten. It's real scrawny. I named her Nanu, Nanu. We can't take her home because we brought the car, not the truck. Oh well. L.G. is keeping his horse, "N*gg*r" on our property. We went up and fed it an apple. It's a real nice horse. Unfortunate name.

Sat. Oct. 28, 1978

Today wasn't so bad. But my cold is. We gave the horse 3 apples. We didn't go nowhere. I studied in my manuals a whole lot. It's getting easier! We had chicken and potatoes for supper. It was a bit warmer outside today. Mom & dad went to a cake walk for the fire department, and came back with a pumpkin pie. I watched "Kiss Meets the Phantom." It was actually pretty good.

Mon. Oct. 30, 1978

Yesterday, we got home around 3:30. Nothing really great happened, so I didn't write. Okay? Today, ma & dad picked me up. They were helping Bob & Sharolyn move to their new farm house in Chilli. It's a beautiful pad! This is the last week in the first 9 weeks! That means, next week, I start DRIVERS ED!! YIP-EEE!!! And in P.E., we start bowling! I was invited to a Halloween party, but decided not to go, because, we have to dress up stupid, and I'd rather stay here and answer the door. I bought me & Stacey each a pair of skeleton specs for Halloween. Ha, ha! I'm a riot. I thought of a radio name for me - Dusty LaRue. Pretty good, huh? WKRP was on at 8:30 tonite cuz of the great pumpkin and Puff the magic dragon.

Halloween

I didn't like today a whole lot. I was pretty depressed thinking about Buster. I wish he'd hurry up with that tape! I haven't and ain't gonna write or call him until he does! I called Charlie. He has the flu. I told him the Halloweenie joke. He asked if I've been to the H. house. I told him no, cuz it depresses me! I carved my pumpkin. I answered the door for the trick of treators. There was a good spooky movie on too called "Stranger in our house." It was good.

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