When MamaKat suggested sharing a journal entry from when I was 13, I knew that would be the writer’s prompt that I’d pick. I was an obsessive journal writer when I was a teenager, which is a fabulous thing. I am so glad I kept a journal. The only problem? I wrote about the same boring things day after day. Luckily, there are a few gems scattered here and there.
Me on my 13th birthday, October 15, 1987My 13th year was apparently a pretty good one for me. And apparently, I was slightly boy crazy but I had quite a mature head on my shoulder…
Couldn’t resist adding this picture with my little sister. Can you see my Sweet Valley High book collection on the shelf behind me?Here are a few random entries from the Fall of 1987, unedited (if only you could see my awesome curly handwriting, though!):
October 20, 1987 (1st entry in new journal):
I’m in my 8th grade year at Harvest Park Middle School and I just turned 13 6 days ago on the 15th. (!!) It’s been a fun year so far. (We get half-trimester progress reports on Friday).
My friends, surprisingly, are mostly 7th graders. I say surprisingly ‘cuz last year my friends were all in 8th grade. I would’ve considered Jessica as my best friend but today after school she completely ignored me–it’s not too sudden either–she’s been acting “weird” sometimes. Maybe it’s me….
(2009 note: Strangely, I have no memory of Jessica. None at all. And yet I called her my best friend here? Weird. My real best friend shows up soon….)
On Friday I tried out for the class dance production at school–I didn’t make it. Somehow I wasn’t very disappointed, though. The dance was to “Back to School” from Grease II. It was fun.
Oh–something I forgot to mention….HIM. His name is Dave. Dave has blond hair (long bangs in his face, not covering his eyes–the skater look) he’s sorta got a turned-up nose but I think it looks cute. I’d consider us pretty good friends–he rides my bus–but I’m not going to say stuff like “I love him” or that he’s the “finest boy ever.” I suppose that in a few months I’ll have completely forgotten him but I can’t help my feelings now!
(2009 note: See what I mean about having a head on my shoulders? I had it all figured out…LOL!)
October 28, 1987:
The Halloween carnival was fun! My costume was pretty good. People were “freaking out” when my hair piece would fall out. Some people thought I was a gypsy. Oh well. (I was a harem dancer)
Aaron (the new boy) gave me a sucker. I feel so bad for him because (almost) all of the girls follow him around. I know what it feels like–I was new last year. At school he came up and complained that some of the girls always followed him at lunch and just plain bugged him. I wish there was something that I could do about it. I guess it would help to not act like the other people and just be regular–but nice.
Oh! It’s so confusing. I’m not sure if I like him or not. Mainly, I think I just want to be nice and to be a friend to him. Bu he IS really cute….
November 9, 1987:
My friend Jane taught me how to make good-luck friendship bracelets. We bought some embroidery floss and now I’ve made about 5 or 6. They’re fun (and popular!)
November 10, 1987:
Somehow all of my pens disappeared during the weekend. I had ONE at school today. Amy and I are becoming better friends every day. Tonight I wrote her another note and ate lunch with her at school. She’s really nice.
We got our pictures today at school. Everyone says mine is really good…I guess they pretty much are but you never look good to yourself.
I got 4 orders for bracelets today from various friends. Noel wanted a blue, green, and yellow thick necklace. I got the blue, green, and yellow part right but, actually, it fits my ankle. Maybe she’ll have a thin neck!
November 26 (Thanksgiving), 1987:
Today was a great day. We were all surprised to see Debbie (cousin) back from college. She says she’s got a boyfriend up there named Keith.
(2009 note: Debbie and Keith got married later that year, right after my 8th grade graduation)
I had to eat alone in the kitchen with regular utensils, plate, and cup on a stool-not even at a table. Everyone else (the adults, that is) have silver utensils, fancy plates, and glasses, plus the table was very neatly decorate, etc etc etc. That was one bad part. Afton (another cousin) and Debbie and I talked in my room while everyone else went on a walk–that was fun, too.
If you’re wondering why I haven’t mentioned Dave or Aaron it’s because, well….I guess I’ve sorta grown out of them. I’ve been learning more about Dave. He’s not as perfect as I thought. He may be cute but he’s into drugs, etc….Then Aaron…he’s too girlish, plus all the girls like him. I’m getting sick of hearing about him. Nope, nobody has taken their place but someone’s bound to pretty soon–I hope he likes me for once!
And that’s what was important to me when I was 13. Boys, school, and friendship bracelets. Boy, were things simple back then!
What would you have written about in your 13 year old journal?
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