How to Drive on the Turnpike - Saturday, January 14, 1961

I spent part of the day finishing Green Eyes. I finally wrote my expository witing for English on How to Drive on the Turnpike. I can't make up my mind on how I like it. Daddy got me a calendar at Freshwaters for my science project. I've changed from color to something about the age of the universe and man in comparison. The calendar is for a timeline. So far I've kept my room cleaned up, but my desk, hassack and bookcase look a little "ragged". Ann and Virginia have threatened to change rooms if I don't keep it in order till Ann's birthday. Also--the closet's my secret catch-all!

Kids Took My Blood Type - Friday, January 13, 1961

Anymore, I always seem to forget Friday the 13ths till I see the date in my diary. We did have 13 kids in chemistry class saying they would eat hot lunch on Friday the 13th. It's been almost a month since we went to school all week. The kids took my blood type tonight. I about thought I was murdered before it was all over! Phyl's biology class has been doing it. Ann is exactly half way through "school". I've got 25 semesters down and one to go. I'm reading Green Eyes.

Government and Chemistry - Thursday, January 12, 1961

On the first part of our government final examination I answered two questions, started the third, and went to the last, intending to come back. The bell caused me to have two uncompleted. We did an experiment in chemistry. Our table had 200% error and the next table didn't have any! Ann timed my original oratory. It took approximatey nine and a half minutes and it's supposed to be eight! Something must give!

Semester Tests - Wednesday, January 11, 1961

I should have said last night that Ann cleaned my room up, but I'll give her credit first thing tonight. I had the best French test paper in the class--thank heavens. I hope I've maintained an A for the semester. Our government test sounds wowee! After much discussion and debate, he finally decided to give us two of Friday's questions for advance preparation. I must get my declam piece learned!! Gee, I've only got two more scheduled practices before contest! Mom is at Lodge "for the last time". She's been wanting out for ages.

Satisfactory Work at College - Tuesday, January 10, 1961

I babysat for Fudges for a little over two hours while they were at the girls' games here. Today I got the results back of the PSAT test some of us took in October. It seems unusual, but my math (44) was higher than my verbal score (41). Possible scores range from 20 to 80, so-----. I think I just squeezed past the "able to do satisfactory work at any college" mark. I'm supposed to see Mr. Sawyer tomorrow for further interpretation and discussion. We have a big government test. I'm sure he'll think I never saw a government book in my life.

Iowa Tests Results - Monday, January 9, 1961

We started our French test today. It always takes more than one day. We have to "write a letter in French to Mr. Kennedy about Cuba or old men." We got the results of the Iowa Tests of Educational Development back today. My composite was 88, two lower than last year. I wish I could have stayed in the 90s. Several of the Kalona kids got 99, I guess, and I don't know who else might have. We got the book club books back. I'm trying to decide whether to resist temptation and read a chapter. With my declam and tests and babysitting tomorrow night, I know I shouldn't.

Quill and Scroll - Sunday, January 8, 1961

I guess I have my homework pretty well treated for another weekend. I just finished retyping my declam speech. It will need to be shortened some yet, I think, and needs a different title. I haven't studied for my French test yet, and then I need to measure inches of news to use as a basis for Quill and Scroll membership and awards. Mom and Daddy are working on the income tax. I wish I was Rip Van Winkle and could sleep for twenty years.