Working on Genetics Problems with Janet - Tuesday, November 7, 1961

I just took long enough out to write to Grandma and Grandpa. It's about time I wrote someone a letter. Golly darn, I flunked my art test. I'm determined not to get a D in any course if it's the last thing I do. Janet spent quite a while tonight showing me how to work genetics problems. She really knows her stuff and she never had biology in high school. I've just got $6.00 again. I don't know where my money goes. The chairman of the National Council on Marriage Relationships spoke in assembly today. I went down to get what was left of my birthday cake in the refrigerator tonight and someone had taken it! They said that happens.

A Roommate's Metamorphosis - Monday, November 6, 1961

Tonight I witnessed a metamorphosis in the form of my roommate. Some of the fourth floor girls have her made up "sexy" looking with a wardrobe planned for her for the week. I slept this afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00. It sure helped me stay awake tonight and I feel better, too. I've really had to spend a long time on French. Now I plan to read the Iliad. I guess I'm not going to have time to write to Grandma and Grandpa or anyone. I got three more birthday cards and a box of cookies from Jane and George. One boy here is from Iowa City (I hadn't known that but knew he was from Iowa). He's familiar with Mid-Prairie, Kalona, Washington. Margie's in the infirmary.

Birthday Cake, Open House, Dorm Party - Sunday, November 5, 1961

I'm now 19 years old. I've had a quite varied and happy birthday. This afternoon Teresa and I went up to the woods again to bring back things for her to make bouquets for the hall windows for open house. I spent the rest of the afternoon getting the room ready for open house. I was about ready to take a shower when the phone rang and they said I had a call on the pay phone. I thought it was the folks calling me for my birthday (on the way down I tried to think of what to say), and on a chair in the phone booth was a birthday cake with lit candles that Vivien had bought and Janet had made. Then a whole bunch of the girls came out of the lounge singing "Happy Birthday." The open house and party afterwards provided me a big birthday party.

Shopping in Kansas City - Saturday, November 4, 1961

This afternoon Janet, Margie and I went shopping in Kansas City. I got an orange belt to replace the one I broke on my orange plaid skirt and a birthday card for Mom. Janet and Margie got some clothes but I decided I should save some money. Vivien and I traded desks and are going to trade closets so I'll have all this side of the room. [An upperclass guy] asked me to the show but I'm sort of glad I was able to say I'd already seen it - "Parrish." It seems as if nobody likes him although some think it's sort of a sad case. I don't know what's wrong with him. A lady in the bus depot was reading today's Des Moines Register. Princess Margaret had a boy yesterday.

On Bio Mid-Term Vivien Gets Highest Grade - Friday, November 3, 1961

I did my laundry tonight rather than Friday afternoon as usual. There was so much racket with them putting up the fire door in the hall right outside our room that I decided my best bet was to go to the library. Vivien and I both washed our bedspreads so they should look nice for open house. Janet and I are sleeping (and early) in here tonight and Vivien (who's baby sitting) can have Janet's bed. I got 78 on my bio mid-term test. Vivien had the highest score - 88. I have a C average so far - B if they don't count the lowest test score the way they might do for the semester. I had Regina take a colored picture of me to finish the roll.

Birthday Box is Opened Three Days Early - Thursday, November 2, 1961

My birthday box arrived today. I got a pretty brown jersey blouse, a pink blouse, a pair of pretty silver earrings, beads and earrings to go with my magenta dress, two little pilgrim candles, a box of FHA saltwater taffy, Mom's copy of Vance Packard's The Status Seekers that mentions Park College, school papers, and a view book and pretty wool scarf from Mrs. Cowan. I got a pretty fall handkerchief and $2.00 plus "a dime to grow on" from Grandma and Grandpa and a dollar from Grandma Kay yesterday. It's getting cold and the paper says it's supposed to snow by morning! I hope I passed the art test. I only got a C on my speech. The president and dean spoke on some of the proposed changes for Park at assembly.

Three Chapters of Art Left to Read - Wednesday, November 1, 1961

I've decided that by spending an hour on each of my remaining three chapters of art I might pass the test tomorrow. I've really got myself in a mess this time. I think I'll have to pray for a miracle. I guess I'd better not get panicky or I won't know a thing. I'll have to concentrate on a few things. Gosh, it's only a two-hour course. I didn't take time to go to chapel or the campus church meeting tonight. I yearn to get back into a little more conversation and having fun rather than gluing myself to books - this is what comes from doing the former - oh, help!