New Diary for 1961 Looks Like College - Saturday, January 7, 1961

I bought this diary in town this afternoon. I think I kind of splurged--$2.50. I feel kind of funny writing in it, kind of afraid of it or something! But I think it looks like college. Virginia took Julia Hobbs to the matinee, "Pollyanna." I got Karen Yoder some hand lotion for her birthday since she's my FHA secret sister. Phyllis is trying to type at least the bibliography of her research pape. She doesn't know much about the typewriter, that's for sure. I didn't seem to get much done today. I got dinner--Mom was at her Saturday class--did my English and that's about it.

Furnace Fire - Friday, January 6, 1961

I should have gone to bed as soon as I got home from school. I guess that furnace fire they had Monday wouuld have had the school on fire if Lola hadn't stopped to get a book and smelled smoke. I always knew that school was a fire trap. It's not even approved. The boys are playing in Riverdale, Illinois tonight. I should have gone since I've just been to one in Ohio.

A Special Gift - Thursday, January 5, 1961

I've just taken time out to write Carol a birthday card. I believe our day off yesterday was truly a special gift for me. Without it, I never would have gotten my research paper on Extension of Suffrage done. I had a slight nose bleed in English class but managed to stay in class. Oh--everyone is so tired. Maybe we're under the effects of radiation "drug" or something! We learned how to use slide rules in chemistry.

No High School Today - Wednesday, January 4, 1961

Well, Phyllis and I were in for a pleasant surprise when we started getting on the bus this morning. Larry told us there was no high school today because of furnace trouble (and we hadn't had the radio on). If I hadn't had the day off I never would have gotten my research paper done, as it took from 11:30 on, and I'm still not done. I babysat for Fudges for about an hour while some of the teachers went to see Pearl Palmer's husband at the funeral home. He died last night. I thought I'd get to my chemistry today that I didn't get to last night but no such luck.

Substitute Teaching - Tuesday, January 3, 1961

I'm suffering that egg taste again. All I did today at school was look at them. I made sure not to eat any! I substituted for Mrs. Leary's daughter Nancy this afternoon. She teaches first grade at Wellman.One little boy I could have choked. Mrs. Kephart doesn't seem in a real big hurry about when I finish my speech. As if I thought I would be, I am not one of the semifinalists in the United Presbyterian college scholarship contest. There are 300 semifinalists out of 2000 applicants.

Rose Bowl - Monday, January 2, 1961

I worked doggedly all my waking hours today. This morning I unhemmed, cut off and rehemmed four skirts. I don't know why I didn't do that in the first place. I'm still typing my research paper. I don't think I'll use my "original" original oratory. I could use about ten more vacation days. Washington beat Minnesota in the Rose Bowl.

1961 Reads the Same Both Ways - Sunday, January 1, 1961

Here it is 1961, one of the few years that can be read upside down. I'll finish "school" and start to college and goodness knows what all else. It seems as if at least half of our New Years we are at Cuddebacks. We were down there with Stouts tonight for ice cream. We had the annual meeting in church today. Phyllis was elected Sunday School secretary to take my place since I'll be leaving. I did some more typing on my research paper.