Mitten at Laundromat - Sunday, January 29, 1961

We went in to see Van Winkles tonight. Marilyn came to the door in her bathrobe, and as she was the only one home, we didn't stay. The rest of them were visiting Ralstons. We did stop at the laundromat to see if Ann's new white mitten was there, and it was, so our efforts weren't clear futile. I didn't get much studying done this weekend. I'll be glad when these awful chemistry tests are over.

I Rating on Original Oratory - Saturday, January 28, 1961

I got a I (two I's and a II) this afternoon on my original oratory. However, talk about people's minds going blank--mine sure did. I sure felt dumb. But I guess they liked the way I kept my poise. Jerolyn, Shirley and Lillian also got I's. Just after I got home Phyllis Crone called up and wanted me to go to the show with her. We stopped to see Marilyn, thinking she might like to go, but she and Ruth Norton ended up driving around. Anyway, Phyllis and I had fun, too.

Mimeograph Paper Evaluation - Friday, January 27, 1961

For some reason (and I wonder why!) Fridays are my most relaxing school day. Except for when I gave my declam speech. I gave it for the English class, but if I do like that tomorrow, I'll be lucky to get a III. Then the kids in French class wanted to hear it, too, so I said it again. We finally received word from Iowa City about our newspaper evaluation. They gave a few suggestions (all of which I could have "helped") and said with these improvements this could be the top mimeograph paper in the state! Phyllis, Linda Timmins and I went to the North English game at Kalona. We won.

Pinocchio in French - Thursday, January 26, 1961

I've had a slight headache all day. I wonder if it's from stove fumes in my room or something. I didn't get quite done with our first chemistry test. I wish I had an optimistic attitude about that subject. Mom is at a Sunday School teachers meeting at Mrs. Woodford's. Daddy didn't go. I must start reading Pinocchio in French. We also have to read Alice in Wonderland and Babar.

Slide Rules - Wednesday, January 25, 1961

We had a class meeting today. We decided our class colors would be red and white and the flower the red rose. We haven't picked the motto yet. Marilyn sent me one of her senior pictures. It's real nice. I sure wish we wouldn't have to use the slide rule on our chemistry tests. I fear the consequences! The school paper is coming fine for as little time I've spent on it. I had 99% in English on the National Merit Scholarship Test we took last March.

Monotone Voice - Tuesday, January 24, 1961

Here I am, still alive and well, but cold. The school over there was sure cold today. We got the honor society order taken care of, but it looks more like special education than honor society--the order blank! Then they can't find our charter number either. I was surprised that I gave my declam speech "satisfactorily", but I have too monotonous a voice. I wish I could concentrate more on chemistry when I get the chance to read it. 

Shook Up - Monday, January 23, 1961

We had an Honor Society meeting tonight. I resigned my post as treasurer "worrying" about Mr. Brown's command to get the order for jewelry and other things sent off tomorrow. I'll have to see him home room period but have declam, etc., and so forth. But why do I get so shook up--speaking to me roughly in front of the group, maybe? Bravo, I was nominated for president. Our water pipes and faucets were frozen this morning and they burst in three places during the day. We might have been swimming if Daddy hadn't been here.