Chattanoogie Humor - Tuesday, March 28, 1961

The band concert was tonight. I about split a gut all through Chattanoogie when Donna Graf, one of the ninth graders, who plays baritone with me, dropped the music under the platform. I felt like a fool, but just the same I had a hard time controlling the laughter. I have just finished typing my conversational essay on The World Turns. Phyllis and I did chores till time to leave and Virginia and Ann finished up. We dressed out at Grandma's. The school paper is done. Hurrah!

The World Turns - Monday, March 27, 1961

The week has started. The world turns. And I go with it. My essay for English class is going to be on that subject. After school I helped Mrs. Fordyce with the school paper. I went downtown with Helen Birkey for supper, and we had band practice from 5:30 to 7:30. Mrs. Fordyce seems to give Shirley more credit for the school paper. I am getting more tired by the minute.

A Hectic Week - Sunday, March 26, 1961

I'm afraid this might prove to be a hectic week. The chores take so long without Grandpa. Daddy spent almost all day doing them today, with time out for church and to eat. We plan to go out in the morning from 6:00 to 7:30, some of us. Then I have things on in Wellman every night this week. I'm going to be pretty glad when the school year's over, but I have got to start enjoying life. We had communion in church today.

Research Paper and Science Project - Saturday, March 25, 1961

I worked in the yard a while this moning. Phyllis did, too, and Mom did all afternoon. This afternoon I typed on my research paper, but it seems to be a long, boring process. Maybe I'm about to get my science project finished up. Everyone but me went out to help with chores. I stayed here and got supper but the beans burned and there wasn't enough hash, so Mom fixed sausage and pancakes. I'd like to try out for Beanie, an eleven-year-old-tomboy, in the play.

Books from Iowa State Traveling Library - Friday, March 24, 1961

I'm going to go to bed with intent to read our class play, The Birds and the Boys, and pick a part to try out for. I would have gone to bed sooner but I decided to wash my hair tonight rather than tomorrow. Browns built a fire right across the road from Grandma's house. That sure wasn't good, with them gone. I already got two criminology books from the State Traveling Library. I just sent the letter Wednesday. Boy, I've got to get busy, busy, busy, busy, busy.

Central and South America Slides - Thursday, March 23, 1961

Janet had her appendix out today. She is just about the age Virginia was. Tonight was family night at church. Dr. Paul Smith of Des Moines showed slides of Central and South America. Esteps had seen him last summer and he had a picture with Bill and Merl in it. Grandma and Grandpa are leaving for Kansas and Texas in the morning. I have to be in charge of Quill and Scroll initiation a week from tonight. As a matter of fact, we were never initiated ourselves. Mrs. Kephart didn't give any A's this nine weeks. I don't know if it makes me feel better or worse.

A List of "Shoulds" - Wednesday, March 22, 1961

We stayed after school tonight for band practice. I was about to starve. Phyllis and I were able to come home with Peters at 4:30 rather than wait till 5:30. We had choir practice for a half hour tonight. On my third nine weeks report card I got: English, B+, French, A, chemistry, B-, and economics, B. I shall improve. Gee, I should be doing better. It just now dawned on me, I'm studying two "languages."  I'm determined that I could get straight A's if I would regulate my time better--study good the first time, sleep when I am in bed, think when I do chores, and really have fun, too, when I should.