Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984. This is the final installment.
Saturday, December 22, 1984
Song of the day: U Got It - Ratt
Didn't do much of anything today. Later.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, December 23, 1984
Song of the day: 2000 Miles - The Pretenders
Well, I did it: I got confirmed. I was wicked nervous but it went off without a hitch. The rest of the day I didn't do much of anything. I won in Trivial Pursuit tonight, too.
- The Barbarian
Monday, December 24, 1984
Song of the day: Vices - Kick Axe
Top 5 at Five
1. Santa Claus and His Old Lady - Cheech and Chong
2. The 12 Days of Christmas - Bob and Doug McKenzie
3. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
4. Happy Christmas - John Lennon
5. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
We spent all day getting ready for the big party. So what happens? One person shows up, at 9 o'clock no less! Actually it was Dad's friend and his girlfriend. She was pretty good looking. They left at 12.
Ho ho ho.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, December 25, 1984
Song of the day: The End of the World - Gary Moore
Top 5 at Five
1. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
2. Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You - Billy Squier
3. Happy Christmas - John Lennon
4. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
5. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer - Elmo and Patsy
Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas.
Stocking: lotsa candy, a blank Maxell 90-min, 4 AA Duracells
Presents: "Corridors of Power" - Gary Moore, shirts, PJs, aftershave, keychain, camera, $40. Not a bad haul considering we already got a computer.
I just sat around all day. I stuffed my face like a pig at lunch and dinner, too.
We had a mungo game of Monopoly. Dad won. I was the last one left with him.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, December 26, 1984
Song of the day: Just Got Lucky - Dokken
Top 5 at Five
1. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
2. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
3. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
4. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
5. If I Had a Rocket Launcher - Bruce Cockburn
Cold. Very cold. We're talking 20-degree stuff here.
Mom left the car at home so we all went to Methuen Mall. Uncle Peter gave me $10 and I bought the new Hit Parader, Comics Feature, FF 271, ROM 62, Jack of Hearts 4, Kazar 29 and 4 Marvel Ages. I dug all these up at Waldenbooks. Pretty good, eh?
The car didn't give us any trouble. I drove. We got back at 5.
Uncle Peter and Auntie Jini are leaving at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Time flies when you're havin' fun.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, December 27, 1984
Song of the day: California Girls - David Lee Roth
Top 5 at Five
1. California Girls - David Lee Roth
2. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
3 Naughty Naughty - John Parr
4. If I Had a Rocket Launcher - Bruce Cockburn
5. It's Only Love - Bryan Adams
I got up at 8:30 to say goodbye to Peter and Jini. They left at 9. I went back to bed and didn't get up till 12:30.
Later on I moved my bed back into my room and then I just read comics. I also taped Thunder Seven and Tooth and Nail on that Maxell I got in my stocking.
- The Barbarian
Friday, December 28, 1984
Song of the day: Wire - U2
I was awakened at 8 by the doorbell. It was that cleaning chick. I told her I didn't know about it (the job) so she said she'd check. And she never came back. Oh well.
I finally finished that UNH application.
Jeremy said he wasn't going to the movies tonight because he was broke. Maybe next week. He did say we could stay over at his uncle's place on Sunday. I got it OK'd by Mom, but I hadda tell her it was at his place. I hate lying to her. But once I move out, I won't ever have to again.
[Buddy from Washington state] sent me a Christmas card. That guy's awesome!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, December 29, 1984
Song of the day: It's Only Love - Bryan Adams
Today sucked. Massive bore. Mom and me went to Peabody to the Northshore Mall. I thought it was beat, but she liked it. It was pretty big.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, December 30, 1984
Song of the day: Naughty Naughty - John Parr
I slept in. At 3, we went to [mom's friend]'s house. We got back at 6. Jeremy picked me up at 7. First we went to his uncle's house. We stayed there till 10 or so. I checked out a couple of Playboys, the Suzanne Somers one was good. We stopped by Westville where I picked up Daredevil 217. Good.
So I wouldn't get in trouble, we decided to sleep over at Jeremy's house like my mom thought. It was a little more boring but at least I saved my hide.
- The Barbarian
Monday, December 31, 1984
Song of the day: 1984 - David Bowie
Top 5 at Five
1. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
2. California Girls - David Lee Roth
3. Rock Out, Roll On - Triumph
4. It's Only Love - Bryan Adams
5. Dream On - Aerosmith
We got up at 10. We had some waffles and watched a little tube and then Jeremy dropped me off at home around 12 or so.
At 3, I went to put my money in the bank and pick up some stuff from the PGA. I got the new Guitar Player with Rik Emmett on the cover. I met [classmate] there, too. Man, she looked great! What a babe! She's hot! Who knows?
[Another female classmate] was working, too. She was luscious as ever.
[Dad's friend] came at 7. He left at 1:30.
Hello 1985, goodbye 1984!
- The Barbarian
P.S. I toldja I could keep up a diary for a whole year!
Postscript: And thusly, a year in the life of a high school dork ends as boringly as it began. What can I say? I was a good kid who didn't take a lot of chances. I got worried about telling a lie to my mom about where I was staying and ended up not even doing it. Oh, well. By the following fall, I was boozing it up at college on the regular. All that good son stuff pretty much went out the window the minute I got to UNH.
Speaking of which, interesting that I got my application to UNH done this week. I had no expectations of going there. It was literally a last-minute application; I was hoping to go to Yale or Dartmouth, but my grades didn't stand out enough to make a difference. Too much screwing around senior year, I guess. It's just as well. My UNH education has served me well. I certainly don't have any regrets.
There's no 1985 diary. It was a one-year exercise. As for the girl situation, I asked a few girls to the senior prom who were already going with other guys before a cute sophomore in my typing class (which given my eventual career was a great choice for more than one reason) asked me. We dated for a little bit but I had grand designs for my college dating life and basically let the relationship fizzle out over the summer. Little did I know that my romantic adventures in college would be even more futile than in high school for the most part. But that's a story for another day. Rock on, rockers. Happy New Year!
Showing posts with label girls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label girls. Show all posts
Monday, December 30, 2013
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Santa Claus and His Old Lady
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Friday, December 7, 1984
Song of the day: MLK - U2
Top 5 at Five
1. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
2. Do It Again - The Kinks
3. The Old Man Down the Road - John Fogerty
4. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
5. Don't Worry Baby - Los Lobos
Today was alright. I got a camera today in Field Biology. In Adv Math I did alright on that quiz. I think I got an 80. I hope I got an A on the Psych test.
Me, [buddy] and Jeremy are probably going to that comic shop in Salem tomorrow. Jeremy's gonna call me tomorrow morning to let me know.
I finished reading those comics Jeremy lent me.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, December 8, 1984
Song of the day: I Don't Care - Airrace
I was awakened at 9:30 by the phone ringing. But by the time I got to it, the caller hung up. I called Jeremy and it was him. He asked me if I could be ready to go to the store by 10:30. I got ready and Mom pulled in at the same time he did. I got $10 for allowance plus about $6 in change. The place is called Chris' Baseball Cards and Comics. It's cool. I bought 10 comics - $8.75 worth. They've got comic boxes there--I'm gonna get some.
I got home at 12:30. Mom and JP went shopping and didn't get home till 4:30.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, December 9, 1984
Song of the day: Billy's Got a Gun - Def Leppard
Went to church. I bought THING #19 and 20 at Westville after I dumped the garbage. The rest of the day was wasted getting a Christmas tree and decorating the yard.
- The Barbarian
Monday, December 10, 1984
Song of the day: Fly By Night - Rush
This cold I have sucks. I was sniffling all day. Other than that, though, it was a pretty good day. I got an 80 on that Adv Math quiz and a 95 on the Psych test.
[Cute chick who works at Market Basket] gave me a note from [girl I made out with]. At first I was scared that she wanted to get serious or something. I was relieved to read that she just wanted me to come by the store and see her. Phew!
Also the rumor is confirmed. [A buddy of mine] has broken up with [his girlfriend]. Great! She's hot! Who knows? We'll see...
There was a 3-car accident in front of our house today. I saw it.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, December 11, 1984
Song of the day: Reaction to Action - Foreigner
Top 5 at Five
1. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
2. Reaction to Action - Foreigner
3. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
4. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
5. Do It Again - The Kinks
First period I went to the Computer room to work on my program and see [hot chick who just broke up with her boyfriend]. I told her what he said and she said she's planning some sweet revenge. I wished her good luck. Well, well...
Today was pretty good, too. We took a quiz in Adv Math and I think I got 100 on it. I hope so. That should eliminate the chances for a warning. I hope.
I got all my applications finally completed! I just have to get the checks from Dad and I can hand 'em over to Guidance.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, December 12, 1984
Song of the day: Father Christmas - The Kinks
Top 5 at Five
1. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
2. The Old Man Down the Road - John Fogerty
3. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
4. I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner
5. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
Wow, man, 3 in a row! Good day. I talked with [hot chick] again first period. She's hot! Second period I took my applications to the Guidance office, filled out the checks and gave it all to the secretary. I didn't turn in my UNH one because I have to get it notarized. I hope can get into Yale! Wish me luck!
That financial aid meeting was at 9:30 so I got to miss 3rd and 4th periods. Actually we got out at 10:50 but I went to the cafe, had something to eat and then went to Adv Math. I got a 90 on that quiz. Yaah! A lot of people did lousy so they're having a retake tomorrow. Maybe I can get a 100!
Went to church at 3:30. [Reverend] says we're gonna see the Bishop on Friday right after school.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, December 13, 1984
Song of the day: The Old Man Down the Road - John Fogerty
Top 5 at Five
1. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
2. The Old Man Down the Road - John Fogerty
3. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
4. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
5. Do It Again - The Kinks
Good day. I got the beginning of my program to work, sort of. I hope I did good on the Field Bio test. I got 100 on the Adv Math retake! Good! That should hold off a warning. We have a test soon.
Jeremy ran out of gas on his way home from track. He managed to coast right into our driveway. Ha!
I got ROM 64 from Westville.
- The Barbarian
Friday, December 14, 1984
Song of the day: Stranger in a Strange Land - Triumph
Good week. I had an essay test in Psych and a quiz in Computers. I hope I got A's on 'em.
After school. [the Reverend] picked us up and we went to Concord. Both me and JP fell asleep on the way. The Bishop was pretty cool. He gave us Pepsi and cookies and we talked for a while. Then we looked around the place and left at 5:10 or so. We got home at 6:15 and JP went to his dance. Me, I'm gonna relax.
A Triumph concert in Providence was announced. It's on January 11 and tickets go on sale Monday.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, December 15, 1984
Song of the day: Follow Your Heart - Triumph
I got up at 9:30. It snowed so me and Mike couldn't go to Salem. Crap. Later me and Mom went to Methuen Mall. I got Mom these Chinese trays and Ad some cologne. I bought some comics and the new Circus. We got home around 5.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, December 16, 1984
Song of the day: Rockin' at Midnight - The Honeydrippers
We slept in this morning till 10. At 1, me, Mom and JP went to the Mall of NH. Man, was it crowded! I bought JP U2's Boy tape. He got me Gary Moore's Corridors of Power. We got home at 6.
- The Barbarian
Monday, December 17, 1984
Song of the day: The Price - Twisted Sister
Top 5 at Five
1. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
2. The Old Man Down the Road - John Fogerty
3. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
4. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
5. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
Good day! I got an 88 on that Field Bio test and a 99 on that Computers quiz! [Cute chick in Computers] likes me. A lot. I think. Who knows?
We finally got new stuff in the jukebox. "Round and Round," "Hot for Teacher," "Panama," "I Will Follow," "2 Hearts Beat as 1," and lots more! Awesome!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, December 18, 1984
Song of the day: Tooth and Nail - Dokken
Top 5 at Five
1. Father Christmas - The Kinks
2. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
3. Reaction to Action - Foreigner
4. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
5. I'm Leaving You - Scorpions
Good day, I hope. I took just about all of my pictures today. I took that Adv Math test. I hope I did good. I need an A!
I also finished my program in Computers. [Cute chick in Computers] has been wicked nice. What a babe!
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, December 19, 1984
Song of the day: The 12 Days of Christmas - Bob and Doug McKenzie
Top 5 at Five
1. The 12 Days of Christmas - Bob and Doug McKenzie
2. Father Christmas - The Kinks
3. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
4. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
5. Rock Out, Roll On - Triumph
I got an 80 on that dumb Adv Math test. Stupid mistakes! I got an A on those Psych essays and an A on my program.
It's late.
[Family friends from Toronto] got here alright.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, December 20, 1984
Song of the day: Eye on You - Billy Squier
Top 5 at Five
1. So This is Christmas - John Lennon
2. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
3. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
4. Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You - Billy Squier
5. missed it
I didn't do much of anything at school today. It was pretty much a waste.
[Two hot girls] gave me cards.
- The Barbarian
Friday, December 21, 1984
Song of the day: Santa Claus and His Old Lady - Cheech & Chong
Top 5 at Five
1. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
2. Santa Claus and His Old Lady - Cheech & Chong
3. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
4. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
5. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
First day of winter, man.
[Buddy] gave me a ride to school. [Girl in my class] gave me that Ratt tape. [Two other girls] gave me Christmas cards. [Buddy] left without me. I bummed a ride home off [another girl]. Jeremy called me and we went to Chris' Comic Shop in Salem. I got a bunch of new comics and joined their subscription service. They hold all the titles I want for me and I get discounts on stuff, free bags, Marvel Age and more. It's awesome.
At 6, we went to see Beverly Hills Cop. Funny! That movie is awesome! Kicks butt!
- The Barbarian
Postscript: The year is winding down. This entry closed with the last day of school before the Christmas break. My grades were improving, which was good. Still no progress on the girl front, but at least I wasn't so desperate about it. Although I'm not proud of talking smack behind my buddy's back to his ex. At least I didn't ask her out. Nothing happened with the other girl I liked from the Computers class.
Chris' Comics was a cool store. I was a customer there right through college. I would come home once a month and pick up a month's worth of comics and leave them at home, because I didn't want my roommates seeing me read comics. Probably didn't get to read too many of them during the school year. Finally when I moved down to Massachusetts after college, I closed my "account" and basically just stopped buying comics. Things were getting pretty crazy in the late '80s in terms of certain titles coming out twice a month and all sorts of new titles based around the X-Men and Spider-Man. It was ridiculous and a good time to get out.
Ten days left...
Friday, December 7, 1984
Song of the day: MLK - U2
Top 5 at Five
1. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
2. Do It Again - The Kinks
3. The Old Man Down the Road - John Fogerty
4. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
5. Don't Worry Baby - Los Lobos
Today was alright. I got a camera today in Field Biology. In Adv Math I did alright on that quiz. I think I got an 80. I hope I got an A on the Psych test.
Me, [buddy] and Jeremy are probably going to that comic shop in Salem tomorrow. Jeremy's gonna call me tomorrow morning to let me know.
I finished reading those comics Jeremy lent me.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, December 8, 1984
Song of the day: I Don't Care - Airrace
I was awakened at 9:30 by the phone ringing. But by the time I got to it, the caller hung up. I called Jeremy and it was him. He asked me if I could be ready to go to the store by 10:30. I got ready and Mom pulled in at the same time he did. I got $10 for allowance plus about $6 in change. The place is called Chris' Baseball Cards and Comics. It's cool. I bought 10 comics - $8.75 worth. They've got comic boxes there--I'm gonna get some.
I got home at 12:30. Mom and JP went shopping and didn't get home till 4:30.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, December 9, 1984
Song of the day: Billy's Got a Gun - Def Leppard
Went to church. I bought THING #19 and 20 at Westville after I dumped the garbage. The rest of the day was wasted getting a Christmas tree and decorating the yard.
- The Barbarian
Monday, December 10, 1984
Song of the day: Fly By Night - Rush
This cold I have sucks. I was sniffling all day. Other than that, though, it was a pretty good day. I got an 80 on that Adv Math quiz and a 95 on the Psych test.
[Cute chick who works at Market Basket] gave me a note from [girl I made out with]. At first I was scared that she wanted to get serious or something. I was relieved to read that she just wanted me to come by the store and see her. Phew!
Also the rumor is confirmed. [A buddy of mine] has broken up with [his girlfriend]. Great! She's hot! Who knows? We'll see...
There was a 3-car accident in front of our house today. I saw it.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, December 11, 1984
Song of the day: Reaction to Action - Foreigner
Top 5 at Five
1. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
2. Reaction to Action - Foreigner
3. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
4. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
5. Do It Again - The Kinks
First period I went to the Computer room to work on my program and see [hot chick who just broke up with her boyfriend]. I told her what he said and she said she's planning some sweet revenge. I wished her good luck. Well, well...
Today was pretty good, too. We took a quiz in Adv Math and I think I got 100 on it. I hope so. That should eliminate the chances for a warning. I hope.
I got all my applications finally completed! I just have to get the checks from Dad and I can hand 'em over to Guidance.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, December 12, 1984
Song of the day: Father Christmas - The Kinks
Top 5 at Five
1. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
2. The Old Man Down the Road - John Fogerty
3. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
4. I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner
5. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
Wow, man, 3 in a row! Good day. I talked with [hot chick] again first period. She's hot! Second period I took my applications to the Guidance office, filled out the checks and gave it all to the secretary. I didn't turn in my UNH one because I have to get it notarized. I hope can get into Yale! Wish me luck!
That financial aid meeting was at 9:30 so I got to miss 3rd and 4th periods. Actually we got out at 10:50 but I went to the cafe, had something to eat and then went to Adv Math. I got a 90 on that quiz. Yaah! A lot of people did lousy so they're having a retake tomorrow. Maybe I can get a 100!
Went to church at 3:30. [Reverend] says we're gonna see the Bishop on Friday right after school.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, December 13, 1984
Song of the day: The Old Man Down the Road - John Fogerty
Top 5 at Five
1. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
2. The Old Man Down the Road - John Fogerty
3. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
4. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
5. Do It Again - The Kinks
Good day. I got the beginning of my program to work, sort of. I hope I did good on the Field Bio test. I got 100 on the Adv Math retake! Good! That should hold off a warning. We have a test soon.
Jeremy ran out of gas on his way home from track. He managed to coast right into our driveway. Ha!
I got ROM 64 from Westville.
- The Barbarian
Friday, December 14, 1984
Song of the day: Stranger in a Strange Land - Triumph
Good week. I had an essay test in Psych and a quiz in Computers. I hope I got A's on 'em.
After school. [the Reverend] picked us up and we went to Concord. Both me and JP fell asleep on the way. The Bishop was pretty cool. He gave us Pepsi and cookies and we talked for a while. Then we looked around the place and left at 5:10 or so. We got home at 6:15 and JP went to his dance. Me, I'm gonna relax.
A Triumph concert in Providence was announced. It's on January 11 and tickets go on sale Monday.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, December 15, 1984
Song of the day: Follow Your Heart - Triumph
I got up at 9:30. It snowed so me and Mike couldn't go to Salem. Crap. Later me and Mom went to Methuen Mall. I got Mom these Chinese trays and Ad some cologne. I bought some comics and the new Circus. We got home around 5.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, December 16, 1984
Song of the day: Rockin' at Midnight - The Honeydrippers
We slept in this morning till 10. At 1, me, Mom and JP went to the Mall of NH. Man, was it crowded! I bought JP U2's Boy tape. He got me Gary Moore's Corridors of Power. We got home at 6.
- The Barbarian
Monday, December 17, 1984
Song of the day: The Price - Twisted Sister
Top 5 at Five
1. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
2. The Old Man Down the Road - John Fogerty
3. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
4. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
5. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
Good day! I got an 88 on that Field Bio test and a 99 on that Computers quiz! [Cute chick in Computers] likes me. A lot. I think. Who knows?
We finally got new stuff in the jukebox. "Round and Round," "Hot for Teacher," "Panama," "I Will Follow," "2 Hearts Beat as 1," and lots more! Awesome!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, December 18, 1984
Song of the day: Tooth and Nail - Dokken
Top 5 at Five
1. Father Christmas - The Kinks
2. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
3. Reaction to Action - Foreigner
4. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
5. I'm Leaving You - Scorpions
Good day, I hope. I took just about all of my pictures today. I took that Adv Math test. I hope I did good. I need an A!
I also finished my program in Computers. [Cute chick in Computers] has been wicked nice. What a babe!
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, December 19, 1984
Song of the day: The 12 Days of Christmas - Bob and Doug McKenzie
Top 5 at Five
1. The 12 Days of Christmas - Bob and Doug McKenzie
2. Father Christmas - The Kinks
3. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
4. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
5. Rock Out, Roll On - Triumph
I got an 80 on that dumb Adv Math test. Stupid mistakes! I got an A on those Psych essays and an A on my program.
It's late.
[Family friends from Toronto] got here alright.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, December 20, 1984
Song of the day: Eye on You - Billy Squier
Top 5 at Five
1. So This is Christmas - John Lennon
2. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
3. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
4. Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You - Billy Squier
5. missed it
I didn't do much of anything at school today. It was pretty much a waste.
[Two hot girls] gave me cards.
- The Barbarian
Friday, December 21, 1984
Song of the day: Santa Claus and His Old Lady - Cheech & Chong
Top 5 at Five
1. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
2. Santa Claus and His Old Lady - Cheech & Chong
3. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
4. Naughty Naughty - John Parr
5. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
First day of winter, man.
[Buddy] gave me a ride to school. [Girl in my class] gave me that Ratt tape. [Two other girls] gave me Christmas cards. [Buddy] left without me. I bummed a ride home off [another girl]. Jeremy called me and we went to Chris' Comic Shop in Salem. I got a bunch of new comics and joined their subscription service. They hold all the titles I want for me and I get discounts on stuff, free bags, Marvel Age and more. It's awesome.
At 6, we went to see Beverly Hills Cop. Funny! That movie is awesome! Kicks butt!
- The Barbarian
Postscript: The year is winding down. This entry closed with the last day of school before the Christmas break. My grades were improving, which was good. Still no progress on the girl front, but at least I wasn't so desperate about it. Although I'm not proud of talking smack behind my buddy's back to his ex. At least I didn't ask her out. Nothing happened with the other girl I liked from the Computers class.
Chris' Comics was a cool store. I was a customer there right through college. I would come home once a month and pick up a month's worth of comics and leave them at home, because I didn't want my roommates seeing me read comics. Probably didn't get to read too many of them during the school year. Finally when I moved down to Massachusetts after college, I closed my "account" and basically just stopped buying comics. Things were getting pretty crazy in the late '80s in terms of certain titles coming out twice a month and all sorts of new titles based around the X-Men and Spider-Man. It was ridiculous and a good time to get out.
Ten days left...
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Spellbound
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Saturday, November 3, 1984
Song of the day: Night of the Blade - Tokyo Blade
Whew! What a day! Mom woke me up at 9:30, which sucked. Then we were cleaning the house, so we didn't leave till 12. Then at 1, at Montgomery Ward, we had to wait there an hour while they were making credit card checks. I went to the Musicsmith and found that live Ozzy EP with Randy Rhoads on it. I bought it right away. We finally left at 3:15 and got home at 4:30.
Later, I found out from Jeremy that there was a big accident in front of our house just after we left. Two or three people died. They had the road blocked off till 4. Geez.
[Ex-gf]'s party was pretty good. First a bunch of us played Trivial Pursuit. [Female classmate] was my partner. What a babe! I flirted with her all night. She was even sitting on my lap. After that we played charades and before I knew it, it was 11. Everybody left then. It was almost a massive pile-up in the driveway. Somehow, everybody got out unscathed.
I had to put my TV in Mom's room.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, November 4, 1984
Song of the day: Mean Streak - Deep Purple
I got up at 8:30. We went to church. [A buddy] was there. I agreed to go to the youth group next Sunday. Wednesday the 14th is when we get confirmed.
I dumped the garbage. When I got back, I found out [ex-gf] called me. She wanted me to get her bumper sticker back from [guitar dude]'s house. I told her I couldn't go today. She's pissed at him because he never called her. Good.
The rest of the day I worked on the computer. Cool!
- The Barbarian
Monday, November 5, 1984
Song of the day: Our Love - Krokus
Top 5 at Five
1. Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2
2. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
3. I Can't Hold Back - Survivor
4. Jailbreak - AC/DC
5. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
Not a bad day. We left on our Journalism field trip right after homeroom. Me and [buddy] got stuck with [four female classmates] in his car. You can imagine how much fun that was. It rained all day.
On the radio we heard that U2 tickets sold out in 35 minutes. Wow!
The offices of Teenage are located in a dump! The place is an old warehouse. It's all beat up and there's trash all around it. Then we talked with the magazine's editorial staff on how to improve the mag, etc. Nancy Rutter is a babe! We were there till 12, and then we went to Methuen Mall for lunch. [A buddy] got Kinks tickets at Midland. I bought a couple of rock mags. We got back to the school at 1:30. After school I took $500 out of the bank and gave it to Dad.
Later, I called [ex-gf]. I don't really know why, I just did. Just to talk. Hmm.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, November 6, 1984
Song of the day: I Do' Wanna Know- REO Speedwagon
Top 5 at Five
1. Elected - Alice Cooper
2. Baba O'Reilly (live) - The Who
3. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
4. Understanding - Bob Seger
5. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
Not a bad day at all. I got a 90 on the Field Bio test. We had a sub in Adv Math. I had a nice nap in Psych. And I finally, with [a buddy]'s help, have my program about done. Good thing, too, 'cause it's due tomorrow. I just have to go in first period and iron out all the bugs and then I'm done! Finally! Thank God.
I got those 3 assignments done for Adv Math. Bargain!
I saw the new Purple album at Midland yesterday. Gotta get it.
Reagan's winning by a landslide. I coulda toldja that.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, November 7, 1984
Song of the day: The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
Top 5 at Five
1. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
2. Understanding - Bob Seger
3. Jailbreak (live) - AC/DC
4. We Belong - Pat Benatar
5. Missed it
What a day! I finally picked up an Achievement test booklet. I did the Adv Math chapter test done in class, so now I did all my assignments.
Big Adv Math and Psychology tests tomorrow. I need A's on both.
I had to stay after a few minutes to get my program done. [Buddy] did the last part. But it works! I left it on [teacher's] desk. I got outta there at 2:15. Jeremy waited and looked for me and then left. I was stranded. I tried to bum a ride off someone but couldn't. I walked to the pharmacy and got a new Kingstonian. We're still in it.
I walked back to the school, bummed a dime off [French teacher] and called first Jeremy's house, then [his girlfriend's]. He just pulled in. I talked him into picking me up. Phew!
Dad got a cake at work and then went out and got sloshed. When he got home, we gave him his presents and cake, he was all happy, he fell asleep.
So much for that day.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, November 8, 1984
Song of the day: Stranger in Town - Toto
Top 5 at Five
1. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
2. Valotte - Julian Lennon
3. Run to You - Bryan Adams
4. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
5. Break Down the Walls - Stone Fury
Weird day. The Adv Math test sucked! I didn't get the last question (which I knew) done before the bell rang. I also skipped no. 2 and was gonna come back to it. So much for that. Damn!
On the Psychology test, I managed to do all the questions on it. About 50% of it is BS! I hope I get an A.
I got an A- on the program. Tomorrow we have a quiz in which we have to explain the entire program. That'll be fun.
I stayed after school to meet with the Journalism kids from Raymond, but they postponed it till next Tuesday. [Buddy] gave me a ride home.
Dad said we're gonna drive to Toronto for Thanksgiving. We're leaving on the 21st. Cool.
- The Barbarian
Friday, November 9, 1984
Song of the day: Jailbreak - AC/DC
Top 5 at Five
1. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
2. Jailbreak - AC/DC
3. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
4. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
5. Run to You - Bryan Adams
Today was so-so. I got a 90 on the mouse care and a 78 on the log book. I got a 94 on the Psych test. Now the bad news: I got a 52 on the Adv Math test! I can't believe it! Everybody did bad. I brought it up to a 72 (I hope) with some extra credit questions.
As editor of the Sanborn Supplement this week, I managed to get all the stories together and off to Exeter. Man, [two classmates] don't do anything! It took them two days to type five papers! Now that's ridiculous!
Long weekend, here I come! No homework. Bargain.
I went to the mall with Jeremy [and his girlfriend] at 5:45. I got back at 7.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, November 10, 1984
Song of the day: How Many More Times - Led Zeppelin
So-so day. We went to get the storm windows and then went to Shaw's. That was fun.
That was it.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, November 11, 1984
Song of the day: Crazy Doctor - Loudness
We all slept in this morning. After I dumped the garbage, we all went to Newington to return the printer. I got a new pair of shoes: gray Nikes. Cool.
It rained like crazy all day.
At 7, we went to the youth group. It was alright. I came just in time for a humdingo fundraiser. We all took a big case of light bulbs home to sell. Great. Who am I gonna sell 'em to?
That girl [redacted] is pretty nice. I think she likes me. Then again, you never know.
I hope Rainbow Records is open tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Monday, November 12, 1984
Song of the day: King of Twilight - Iron Maiden
Top 5 at Five
1. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
2. Run to You - Bryan Adams
3. Still in Saigon - Charlie Daniels Band
4. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
5. Concealed Weapons - J. Geils Band
I got up at 5:45 and took Mom to work. I came back and went to bed. I got up again at 10:30. The stores opened at 1, so at 1:50, me and JP went to Rainbow Records. When we left, it was sunny, when we got there it was raining. I got the new "Aces High" 12-inch. It's got an unreleased track "King of Twilight" and a live version of "Number of the Beast" on the B-side. Good Maiden metal. I got the latest Kerrang.
We got lost on the way home, but we backtracked and made it back alright.
I got 4 applications finished.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, November 13, 1984
Song of the day: If I Had a Rocket Launcher - Bruce Cockburn
Top 5 at Five
1. Missed it
2. I Can't Hold Back - Survivor
3. Concealed Weapons - J. Geils Band
4. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
5. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
Today wasn't that great. I found out some grades. 85 in Field Biology, 80 in Adv Math, an A in Psychology. I hope I have an A in Journalism and I hope I pulled a B in Comp Sci. So much for my number one ranking.
Captain Howdy died over the weekend. We found her dead in a can outside the cage this morning. Weird. We're starting photography now.
I was talking with [yet another cute girl] today. I asked her if she went out with [a classmate] Friday. She said no. I'm toying with the possibility. I don't know.
The Sanborn Supplement is going to be an insert in the Carriage Town News in 3 weeks.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, November 14, 1984
Song of the day: Diamond Field - Pat Benatar
Top 5 at Five
1. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
2. Run to You - Bryan Adams
3. We Belong - Pat Benatar
4. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
5. Stranger in Town - Toto
Today was a bit better. I got a 90 in Psychology and a 92 in Journalism. I got an 82 on that Computers quiz.
After school, me and JP went to that confirmation meeting. [Some dude] was there, too. We talked about confirmation, Mormons and Tolkien. I couldn't believe [the reverend] knew so much about Tolkien. That was cool.
I need a woman.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, November 15, 1984
Song of the day: Spellbound - Triumph
Top 5 at Five
1. Run to You - Bryan Adams
2. Too Late for Goodbyes - Julian Lennon
3. I Can't Hold Back - Survivor
4. Jailbreak - AC/DC
5. Call to the Heart - Giuffria
You heard me right! I heard a new Triumph song on WAAF today, "Spellbound." It kicks, man! Great solo! Gil Moore sings lead on it. I can't wait for the album! It's supposed to be called Thunder 7, at least that's what Rob Barnett said. Awesome!
[Female classmate] is gonna give me a ride to the surprise party for [another female classmate] tomorrow. I got permission from Mom and Dad.
I'm almost done my fifth program. Bargain.
Mom's patient today was [a buddy]'s mom. Wow.
I still need a woman.
- The Barbarian
Friday, November 16, 1984
Song of the day: Word of Mouth - The Kinks
Another mixed-bag day. I got my program finished and I got an A on it. Bad news: I got my report card. I got a 74 in Computers. That gave me an 84 average, just barely making honors. That sucks!
Jeremy and me gave [three female classmates, including a super-hot one] a ride home today. When I was helping [the super-hot one] with her 3 zillion books, I saw one that had "I love Jay Kumar" scrawled on it. Could it be? Nah...
I got [birthday girl] a card from the pharmacy. She got a kick out of it. All I'll say is that it had something to do with a blimp and it had a balloon inside.
[Female classmate] picked me up at 7:15. When we got there, [birthday girl] still wasn't there. There was a bunch of people I knew. They had a humungo keg and some punch which had some lethal ingredients (champagne,vodka, tequila). I had 2 cups. [Birthday girl] was surprised. [Her boyfriend] was being a goof. I met this wicked nice girl, [redacted], a friend of [a classmate]. What a babe! I think she liked me. She's hot!
[The birthday girl's boyfriend's] house is a mess! There's cake and beer and champagne and M+Ms and God knows what else all over the place. I'm glad I don't live there!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, November 17, 1984
Song of the day: Ride the Lightning - Metallica
I got up at 11:30. Bummed around the house till 2. Then I got my hair cut. It's short but it looks cool. [Female classmate] was there.
After that, I didn't do a helluva lot.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: Man, I remember struggling with the programs we had to write in that stupid Computer Science class. If only we knew then that 30 years later nobody would even think about that basic-ass shit. But yeah, that 74 did indeed screw up my shot at valedictorian. I would end up as the salutatorian, which is the #2 student in the class by only two points. Not that it's had much of an impact on my life since then. At the time, it was a bummer, though.
Also 29 years later, I'm still editing articles and getting publications ready on deadline, so that was a glimpse into the future, I suppose.
I couldn't find any information about Teenage magazine, but I'm pretty sure that editor I mentioned as being hot went on to a pretty good career as a reporter for Forbes and later landed $125 million in a divorce from her billionaire husband. Not too shabby.
That surprise party was probably the first real drinking party I ever went to. I'm amazed I didn't puke after drinking that death punch; it must have been pretty watered down. About 18 months later, I was getting sick from booze on the regular at UNH.
And yeah, I loved me some Triumph in those days. Stemming back to my Canadian youth and the killer guitar skills of Rik Emmett, they were one of my favorite bands. Never saw this video back in the day, but it's got all the classic '80s hard rock video tropes:
Saturday, November 3, 1984
Song of the day: Night of the Blade - Tokyo Blade
Whew! What a day! Mom woke me up at 9:30, which sucked. Then we were cleaning the house, so we didn't leave till 12. Then at 1, at Montgomery Ward, we had to wait there an hour while they were making credit card checks. I went to the Musicsmith and found that live Ozzy EP with Randy Rhoads on it. I bought it right away. We finally left at 3:15 and got home at 4:30.
Later, I found out from Jeremy that there was a big accident in front of our house just after we left. Two or three people died. They had the road blocked off till 4. Geez.
[Ex-gf]'s party was pretty good. First a bunch of us played Trivial Pursuit. [Female classmate] was my partner. What a babe! I flirted with her all night. She was even sitting on my lap. After that we played charades and before I knew it, it was 11. Everybody left then. It was almost a massive pile-up in the driveway. Somehow, everybody got out unscathed.
I had to put my TV in Mom's room.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, November 4, 1984
Song of the day: Mean Streak - Deep Purple
I got up at 8:30. We went to church. [A buddy] was there. I agreed to go to the youth group next Sunday. Wednesday the 14th is when we get confirmed.
I dumped the garbage. When I got back, I found out [ex-gf] called me. She wanted me to get her bumper sticker back from [guitar dude]'s house. I told her I couldn't go today. She's pissed at him because he never called her. Good.
The rest of the day I worked on the computer. Cool!
- The Barbarian
Monday, November 5, 1984
Song of the day: Our Love - Krokus
Top 5 at Five
1. Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2
2. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
3. I Can't Hold Back - Survivor
4. Jailbreak - AC/DC
5. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
Not a bad day. We left on our Journalism field trip right after homeroom. Me and [buddy] got stuck with [four female classmates] in his car. You can imagine how much fun that was. It rained all day.
On the radio we heard that U2 tickets sold out in 35 minutes. Wow!
The offices of Teenage are located in a dump! The place is an old warehouse. It's all beat up and there's trash all around it. Then we talked with the magazine's editorial staff on how to improve the mag, etc. Nancy Rutter is a babe! We were there till 12, and then we went to Methuen Mall for lunch. [A buddy] got Kinks tickets at Midland. I bought a couple of rock mags. We got back to the school at 1:30. After school I took $500 out of the bank and gave it to Dad.
Later, I called [ex-gf]. I don't really know why, I just did. Just to talk. Hmm.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, November 6, 1984
Song of the day: I Do' Wanna Know- REO Speedwagon
Top 5 at Five
1. Elected - Alice Cooper
2. Baba O'Reilly (live) - The Who
3. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
4. Understanding - Bob Seger
5. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
Not a bad day at all. I got a 90 on the Field Bio test. We had a sub in Adv Math. I had a nice nap in Psych. And I finally, with [a buddy]'s help, have my program about done. Good thing, too, 'cause it's due tomorrow. I just have to go in first period and iron out all the bugs and then I'm done! Finally! Thank God.
I got those 3 assignments done for Adv Math. Bargain!
I saw the new Purple album at Midland yesterday. Gotta get it.
Reagan's winning by a landslide. I coulda toldja that.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, November 7, 1984
Song of the day: The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
Top 5 at Five
1. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
2. Understanding - Bob Seger
3. Jailbreak (live) - AC/DC
4. We Belong - Pat Benatar
5. Missed it
What a day! I finally picked up an Achievement test booklet. I did the Adv Math chapter test done in class, so now I did all my assignments.
Big Adv Math and Psychology tests tomorrow. I need A's on both.
I had to stay after a few minutes to get my program done. [Buddy] did the last part. But it works! I left it on [teacher's] desk. I got outta there at 2:15. Jeremy waited and looked for me and then left. I was stranded. I tried to bum a ride off someone but couldn't. I walked to the pharmacy and got a new Kingstonian. We're still in it.
I walked back to the school, bummed a dime off [French teacher] and called first Jeremy's house, then [his girlfriend's]. He just pulled in. I talked him into picking me up. Phew!
Dad got a cake at work and then went out and got sloshed. When he got home, we gave him his presents and cake, he was all happy, he fell asleep.
So much for that day.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, November 8, 1984
Song of the day: Stranger in Town - Toto
Top 5 at Five
1. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
2. Valotte - Julian Lennon
3. Run to You - Bryan Adams
4. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
5. Break Down the Walls - Stone Fury
Weird day. The Adv Math test sucked! I didn't get the last question (which I knew) done before the bell rang. I also skipped no. 2 and was gonna come back to it. So much for that. Damn!
On the Psychology test, I managed to do all the questions on it. About 50% of it is BS! I hope I get an A.
I got an A- on the program. Tomorrow we have a quiz in which we have to explain the entire program. That'll be fun.
I stayed after school to meet with the Journalism kids from Raymond, but they postponed it till next Tuesday. [Buddy] gave me a ride home.
Dad said we're gonna drive to Toronto for Thanksgiving. We're leaving on the 21st. Cool.
- The Barbarian
Friday, November 9, 1984
Song of the day: Jailbreak - AC/DC
Top 5 at Five
1. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
2. Jailbreak - AC/DC
3. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
4. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
5. Run to You - Bryan Adams
Today was so-so. I got a 90 on the mouse care and a 78 on the log book. I got a 94 on the Psych test. Now the bad news: I got a 52 on the Adv Math test! I can't believe it! Everybody did bad. I brought it up to a 72 (I hope) with some extra credit questions.
As editor of the Sanborn Supplement this week, I managed to get all the stories together and off to Exeter. Man, [two classmates] don't do anything! It took them two days to type five papers! Now that's ridiculous!
Long weekend, here I come! No homework. Bargain.
I went to the mall with Jeremy [and his girlfriend] at 5:45. I got back at 7.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, November 10, 1984
Song of the day: How Many More Times - Led Zeppelin
So-so day. We went to get the storm windows and then went to Shaw's. That was fun.
That was it.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, November 11, 1984
Song of the day: Crazy Doctor - Loudness
We all slept in this morning. After I dumped the garbage, we all went to Newington to return the printer. I got a new pair of shoes: gray Nikes. Cool.
It rained like crazy all day.
At 7, we went to the youth group. It was alright. I came just in time for a humdingo fundraiser. We all took a big case of light bulbs home to sell. Great. Who am I gonna sell 'em to?
That girl [redacted] is pretty nice. I think she likes me. Then again, you never know.
I hope Rainbow Records is open tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Monday, November 12, 1984
Song of the day: King of Twilight - Iron Maiden
Top 5 at Five
1. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
2. Run to You - Bryan Adams
3. Still in Saigon - Charlie Daniels Band
4. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
5. Concealed Weapons - J. Geils Band
I got up at 5:45 and took Mom to work. I came back and went to bed. I got up again at 10:30. The stores opened at 1, so at 1:50, me and JP went to Rainbow Records. When we left, it was sunny, when we got there it was raining. I got the new "Aces High" 12-inch. It's got an unreleased track "King of Twilight" and a live version of "Number of the Beast" on the B-side. Good Maiden metal. I got the latest Kerrang.
We got lost on the way home, but we backtracked and made it back alright.
I got 4 applications finished.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, November 13, 1984
Song of the day: If I Had a Rocket Launcher - Bruce Cockburn
Top 5 at Five
1. Missed it
2. I Can't Hold Back - Survivor
3. Concealed Weapons - J. Geils Band
4. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
5. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
Today wasn't that great. I found out some grades. 85 in Field Biology, 80 in Adv Math, an A in Psychology. I hope I have an A in Journalism and I hope I pulled a B in Comp Sci. So much for my number one ranking.
Captain Howdy died over the weekend. We found her dead in a can outside the cage this morning. Weird. We're starting photography now.
I was talking with [yet another cute girl] today. I asked her if she went out with [a classmate] Friday. She said no. I'm toying with the possibility. I don't know.
The Sanborn Supplement is going to be an insert in the Carriage Town News in 3 weeks.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, November 14, 1984
Song of the day: Diamond Field - Pat Benatar
Top 5 at Five
1. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
2. Run to You - Bryan Adams
3. We Belong - Pat Benatar
4. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley
5. Stranger in Town - Toto
Today was a bit better. I got a 90 in Psychology and a 92 in Journalism. I got an 82 on that Computers quiz.
After school, me and JP went to that confirmation meeting. [Some dude] was there, too. We talked about confirmation, Mormons and Tolkien. I couldn't believe [the reverend] knew so much about Tolkien. That was cool.
I need a woman.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, November 15, 1984
Song of the day: Spellbound - Triumph
Top 5 at Five
1. Run to You - Bryan Adams
2. Too Late for Goodbyes - Julian Lennon
3. I Can't Hold Back - Survivor
4. Jailbreak - AC/DC
5. Call to the Heart - Giuffria
You heard me right! I heard a new Triumph song on WAAF today, "Spellbound." It kicks, man! Great solo! Gil Moore sings lead on it. I can't wait for the album! It's supposed to be called Thunder 7, at least that's what Rob Barnett said. Awesome!
[Female classmate] is gonna give me a ride to the surprise party for [another female classmate] tomorrow. I got permission from Mom and Dad.
I'm almost done my fifth program. Bargain.
Mom's patient today was [a buddy]'s mom. Wow.
I still need a woman.
- The Barbarian
Friday, November 16, 1984
Song of the day: Word of Mouth - The Kinks
Another mixed-bag day. I got my program finished and I got an A on it. Bad news: I got my report card. I got a 74 in Computers. That gave me an 84 average, just barely making honors. That sucks!
Jeremy and me gave [three female classmates, including a super-hot one] a ride home today. When I was helping [the super-hot one] with her 3 zillion books, I saw one that had "I love Jay Kumar" scrawled on it. Could it be? Nah...
I got [birthday girl] a card from the pharmacy. She got a kick out of it. All I'll say is that it had something to do with a blimp and it had a balloon inside.
[Female classmate] picked me up at 7:15. When we got there, [birthday girl] still wasn't there. There was a bunch of people I knew. They had a humungo keg and some punch which had some lethal ingredients (champagne,vodka, tequila). I had 2 cups. [Birthday girl] was surprised. [Her boyfriend] was being a goof. I met this wicked nice girl, [redacted], a friend of [a classmate]. What a babe! I think she liked me. She's hot!
[The birthday girl's boyfriend's] house is a mess! There's cake and beer and champagne and M+Ms and God knows what else all over the place. I'm glad I don't live there!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, November 17, 1984
Song of the day: Ride the Lightning - Metallica
I got up at 11:30. Bummed around the house till 2. Then I got my hair cut. It's short but it looks cool. [Female classmate] was there.
After that, I didn't do a helluva lot.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: Man, I remember struggling with the programs we had to write in that stupid Computer Science class. If only we knew then that 30 years later nobody would even think about that basic-ass shit. But yeah, that 74 did indeed screw up my shot at valedictorian. I would end up as the salutatorian, which is the #2 student in the class by only two points. Not that it's had much of an impact on my life since then. At the time, it was a bummer, though.
Also 29 years later, I'm still editing articles and getting publications ready on deadline, so that was a glimpse into the future, I suppose.
I couldn't find any information about Teenage magazine, but I'm pretty sure that editor I mentioned as being hot went on to a pretty good career as a reporter for Forbes and later landed $125 million in a divorce from her billionaire husband. Not too shabby.
That surprise party was probably the first real drinking party I ever went to. I'm amazed I didn't puke after drinking that death punch; it must have been pretty watered down. About 18 months later, I was getting sick from booze on the regular at UNH.
And yeah, I loved me some Triumph in those days. Stemming back to my Canadian youth and the killer guitar skills of Rik Emmett, they were one of my favorite bands. Never saw this video back in the day, but it's got all the classic '80s hard rock video tropes:
Saturday, November 02, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Girls With Guns
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Wednesday, October 17, 1984
Song of the day: Ride With You - Blackfoot
Easy day. I only had 1 class. The assembly was pretty good. The speaker was one funny dude!
We had a pop quiz in Adv Math and I got it all right.
I got home at 12 and bummed around till 3. [Buddy] gave me a ride to practice. Coach worked our butts off in our last practice.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, October 18, 1984
Song of the day: Lap of Luxury - Jethro Tull
Good day. The Psych test was easy. I hope I get an A. I got an A on my fourth program.
We had our last hurrah today. We beat the crap out of Somersworth, 8-1. I played most of the game but I didn't score, dammit! [Teammate] got a hat trick, [another guy] got 2, [another guy] got 2 and [yet another guy] scored the last one. [Another teammate] had like 20 shots, all close but no cigar. At least we went out with a bang!
- The Barbarian
Friday, October 19, 1984
Song of the day: Closer to the Heart - Rush
Fast day. I got up at 8:30, took Mom to work. I went to the Methuen Mall at 11. I spent $60! I bought 3 albums, Dokken--Tooth and Nail, Santers--Guitar Alley and Anvil--Hard and Heavy. I bought 1 blank 60-min tape and 2 90-min Maxell tapes. I also got the last 2 Thomas Covenant books. I bought a book of stamps. I met Jeremy and his girlfriend there, too. I got home at 2.
We went to see "Thief of Hearts." It's a good flick.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, October 20, 1984
Song of the day: Eruption - Van Halen
Strange day. I got up at 10. Went to work. the work was beat. We got out at 10. [Girl I like] sat with me in my car for a while. We put the seats back and started making out. It just sorta happened, y'know? I got home at 10:45. Phew!
- The Barbarian
Sunday, October 21, 1984
Song of the day: Can You Deliver? - Armoured Saint
Today sucked. I was doing price changes all day. I went home for lunch. Both Mom and Dad started bitching at me and want me to quit tomorrow. I told Mom to call up and tell 'em herself. They don't want me working during school. Now that's beat.
[Cute nerdy girl] came to the Bucket. She said she'll give me a ride home tomorrow. Yeah!
- The Barbarian
Monday, October 22, 1984
Song of the day: Break the Walls Down - Stone Fury
Today was alright. I got a 94 on that Psych test, a 100 and a 49 on 2 different Adv Math quizzes.
[CNG] gave me a ride home. But she had to go to the dentist so all I got was a hug and a kiss. Maybe tomorrow.
I taped Powerslave, Defenders of the Faith and 1984 after school.
Mom called up the Bucket and told them I quit.
- The (unemployed) Barbarian
Tuesday, October 23, 1984
Song of the day: Devil in Her Heart - Gary Moore
Top 5 at Five
1. Jailbreak (live) - AC/DC
2. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
3. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
4. Concealed Weapons - J. Geils Band
5. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
Not much doing today. Day went by fast.
I taped The Last in Line and Victims of the Future when I got home.
I turned in my jacket and stamper today. Jeremy quit, too. I met [hot chick] there. We talked for about 40 minutes. She really likes me.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, October 24, 1984
Song of the day: Jawbreaker - Judas Priest
Top 5 at Five
1. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
2. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
3. Valotte - Julian Lennon
4. Cheap Sunglasses (live) - ZZ Top
5. I Got a Woman - The Honeydrippers
It rained. The field trip was pretty good. We censused geese and ducks, went through marshes and trails and took a plankton sample. I got a soaker while getting the sample.
After school tomorrow, Jeremy and I are going straight to the Bucket to get our checks and then to the Methuen Mall so I can pick up a costume for the dance. Excellent.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, October 25, 1984
Song of the day: Satisfied Man - Molly Hatchet
Top 5 at Five
1. Valotte - Julian Lennon
2. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
3. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
4. Tender Years - John Cafferty and Beaver Brown
5. Run to You - Bryan Adams
Today was a pretty good day. We were measured for our caps and gowns today. I'm still 5' 6 1/2". There's a Psych essay test tomorrow. Great.
After school, I got my check for $75. We went to the mall and I got that Bandit costume. It cost $21, the cape cost $12.98 and the sword cost $2.98. All together, $40. Oh well. I tried it on. It looks cool!
- The Barbarian
Friday, October 26, 1984
Song of the day: Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Valotte - Julian Lennon
3. Run to You - Bryan Adams
4. Tender Years - John Cafferty and Beaver Brown
5. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
Half and half day. I hope I did good on that Psych test.
Deep Purple's new album came out today, Perfect Strangers. I heard the title track. It wails!
The dance was pretty good. I danced with a lot of babes. [CNG] practically ignored me. She danced with me once, but the rest of the night she didn't come near. I'm pissed! I'm considering dumping her. I don't know...
- The Barbarian
Saturday, October 27, 1984
Song of the day: Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) - Iron Maiden
Good day. We went to Salem to go shopping. First we looked at computers. Then we went to Kealey Farms. Right next door practically is Rainbow Records! I went there. It's awesome! They've got tons of imports, magazines and metal records. I bought the 12-inch of Rush's "The Body Electric." On the flip side were "Analog Kid" and "Distant Early Warning." I also bought 2 issues of Kerrang!, one on Rush and one on Maiden. That store is great!
I returned the saline solution and bought a new one.
We set back the clocks an hour tonight. Good deal.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, October 28, 1984
Song of the day: The Song Remains the Same - Led Zeppelin
Today was alright. I went to church for the first time in a while. Later I took the garbage to the dump. On the way back, the guy in front of me slowed down alluva sudden. I locked 'em up (Dad's car) in front of Pond View, leaving a massive skid mark. Whew!
Then we went to the Newington Mall. I bought Dad a $25 pen and I am now broke. Mom got me a Sharp calculator and a cool looking winter jacket ($70). We looked at a Commodore computer. It was way cheaper. Dad says we're gonna get it! Alright! Only thing is, they're gonna hook it up to my TV. Oh well.
- The Barbarian
Monday, October 29, 1984
Song of the day: Run to You - Bryan Adams
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Aqualung - Jethro Tull
3. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
4. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
5. Run to You - Bryan Adams
Weird day. I got an 80 on that Pysch essay test. I drew a total blank on the Comp Sci quiz and got a 0. I couldn't believe it!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, October 30, 1984
Song of the day: Red - Sammy Hagar
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Had a Dream - Roger Hodgson
3. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
4. Back Seat Nothing - The Del Fuegos
5. Concealed Weapons - J. Geils Band
Another weird day. I got an 85 on that field trip stuff from Field Biology. I found out that my mouse is a female! All this time I thought it was a dude! Geez.
I get to sleep in!
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, October 31, 1984
Song of the day: Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Top 5 at Five
1. The Monster Mash - Bobby Pickett
2. Bark at the Moon - Ozzy Osbourne
3. Sympathy for the Devil - Rolling Stones
4. Don't Fear the Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
5. Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon
Halloween. I got up at 8. At 9 I went to see [optometrist]. He said that thing on my left contact is a calcium deposit. I have to get it replaced. Great.
I got to school at 9:40. My contact bugged me for the rest of the day.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, November 1, 1984
Song of the day: Knockin' at Your Back Door - Deep Purple
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
3. Twist and Shout (live) - The Who
4. We Belong - Pat Benatar
5. Into the Fire - Dokken
Boring day for the most part. The sports banquet went till 9. [Coach] spoke the longest. I got a letter, a pin and a certificate. I looked cool in my sports coat, blue cords, tie and sneakers. Quite studly, indeed. Afterwards, me, [buddy] and Jeremy went to Pizza Hut. I asked Mom if I could go to the movies tomorrow and the _____ said no! I can't believe it. And with another one of her famous feeble excuses. "Well, you need to hear some 'no's' in your life." Give me a friggin' break, willya?
- The (P.O.'d) Barbarian
Friday, November 2, 1984
Song of the day: Substitute (live) - The Who
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
3. Twist and Shout (live) - The Who
4. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
5. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
Today was alright. Jeremy gave me some stuff to use on my program, but it didn't work out. [Teacher] gave us till sometime next week to get 'em done.
I think I got an A on the Field Bio test today. [Classmate] lost my story in Journalism.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: Two weeks worth of entries and some interesting developments. My mom made me quit my job at Market Basket because she thought it was taking too much away from my studies. I like how I at least made her quit for me. Of course, the worst part was not having any income.
A few encounters with girls. The most promising ones were the girls who worked at Market Basket and of course, I wasn't going to be working there anymore so that sucked. I had always wondered what happened to that girl I made out with; did a little Internet research and I think she's married to a chick now. Which is cool, but she certainly seemed into me for a very brief time in 1984.
Totally forgot that the Tommy Shaw song was so big on the radio. You certainly don't hear it anymore. Ever. And listening to it again, it's not hard to figure out why. It suck-diddly-ucks:
Wednesday, October 17, 1984
Song of the day: Ride With You - Blackfoot
Easy day. I only had 1 class. The assembly was pretty good. The speaker was one funny dude!
We had a pop quiz in Adv Math and I got it all right.
I got home at 12 and bummed around till 3. [Buddy] gave me a ride to practice. Coach worked our butts off in our last practice.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, October 18, 1984
Song of the day: Lap of Luxury - Jethro Tull
Good day. The Psych test was easy. I hope I get an A. I got an A on my fourth program.
We had our last hurrah today. We beat the crap out of Somersworth, 8-1. I played most of the game but I didn't score, dammit! [Teammate] got a hat trick, [another guy] got 2, [another guy] got 2 and [yet another guy] scored the last one. [Another teammate] had like 20 shots, all close but no cigar. At least we went out with a bang!
- The Barbarian
Friday, October 19, 1984
Song of the day: Closer to the Heart - Rush
Fast day. I got up at 8:30, took Mom to work. I went to the Methuen Mall at 11. I spent $60! I bought 3 albums, Dokken--Tooth and Nail, Santers--Guitar Alley and Anvil--Hard and Heavy. I bought 1 blank 60-min tape and 2 90-min Maxell tapes. I also got the last 2 Thomas Covenant books. I bought a book of stamps. I met Jeremy and his girlfriend there, too. I got home at 2.
We went to see "Thief of Hearts." It's a good flick.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, October 20, 1984
Song of the day: Eruption - Van Halen
Strange day. I got up at 10. Went to work. the work was beat. We got out at 10. [Girl I like] sat with me in my car for a while. We put the seats back and started making out. It just sorta happened, y'know? I got home at 10:45. Phew!
- The Barbarian
Sunday, October 21, 1984
Song of the day: Can You Deliver? - Armoured Saint
Today sucked. I was doing price changes all day. I went home for lunch. Both Mom and Dad started bitching at me and want me to quit tomorrow. I told Mom to call up and tell 'em herself. They don't want me working during school. Now that's beat.
[Cute nerdy girl] came to the Bucket. She said she'll give me a ride home tomorrow. Yeah!
- The Barbarian
Monday, October 22, 1984
Song of the day: Break the Walls Down - Stone Fury
Today was alright. I got a 94 on that Psych test, a 100 and a 49 on 2 different Adv Math quizzes.
[CNG] gave me a ride home. But she had to go to the dentist so all I got was a hug and a kiss. Maybe tomorrow.
I taped Powerslave, Defenders of the Faith and 1984 after school.
Mom called up the Bucket and told them I quit.
- The (unemployed) Barbarian
Tuesday, October 23, 1984
Song of the day: Devil in Her Heart - Gary Moore
Top 5 at Five
1. Jailbreak (live) - AC/DC
2. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
3. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
4. Concealed Weapons - J. Geils Band
5. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
Not much doing today. Day went by fast.
I taped The Last in Line and Victims of the Future when I got home.
I turned in my jacket and stamper today. Jeremy quit, too. I met [hot chick] there. We talked for about 40 minutes. She really likes me.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, October 24, 1984
Song of the day: Jawbreaker - Judas Priest
Top 5 at Five
1. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
2. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
3. Valotte - Julian Lennon
4. Cheap Sunglasses (live) - ZZ Top
5. I Got a Woman - The Honeydrippers
It rained. The field trip was pretty good. We censused geese and ducks, went through marshes and trails and took a plankton sample. I got a soaker while getting the sample.
After school tomorrow, Jeremy and I are going straight to the Bucket to get our checks and then to the Methuen Mall so I can pick up a costume for the dance. Excellent.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, October 25, 1984
Song of the day: Satisfied Man - Molly Hatchet
Top 5 at Five
1. Valotte - Julian Lennon
2. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
3. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
4. Tender Years - John Cafferty and Beaver Brown
5. Run to You - Bryan Adams
Today was a pretty good day. We were measured for our caps and gowns today. I'm still 5' 6 1/2". There's a Psych essay test tomorrow. Great.
After school, I got my check for $75. We went to the mall and I got that Bandit costume. It cost $21, the cape cost $12.98 and the sword cost $2.98. All together, $40. Oh well. I tried it on. It looks cool!
- The Barbarian
Friday, October 26, 1984
Song of the day: Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Valotte - Julian Lennon
3. Run to You - Bryan Adams
4. Tender Years - John Cafferty and Beaver Brown
5. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
Half and half day. I hope I did good on that Psych test.
Deep Purple's new album came out today, Perfect Strangers. I heard the title track. It wails!
The dance was pretty good. I danced with a lot of babes. [CNG] practically ignored me. She danced with me once, but the rest of the night she didn't come near. I'm pissed! I'm considering dumping her. I don't know...
- The Barbarian
Saturday, October 27, 1984
Song of the day: Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) - Iron Maiden
Good day. We went to Salem to go shopping. First we looked at computers. Then we went to Kealey Farms. Right next door practically is Rainbow Records! I went there. It's awesome! They've got tons of imports, magazines and metal records. I bought the 12-inch of Rush's "The Body Electric." On the flip side were "Analog Kid" and "Distant Early Warning." I also bought 2 issues of Kerrang!, one on Rush and one on Maiden. That store is great!
I returned the saline solution and bought a new one.
We set back the clocks an hour tonight. Good deal.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, October 28, 1984
Song of the day: The Song Remains the Same - Led Zeppelin
Today was alright. I went to church for the first time in a while. Later I took the garbage to the dump. On the way back, the guy in front of me slowed down alluva sudden. I locked 'em up (Dad's car) in front of Pond View, leaving a massive skid mark. Whew!
Then we went to the Newington Mall. I bought Dad a $25 pen and I am now broke. Mom got me a Sharp calculator and a cool looking winter jacket ($70). We looked at a Commodore computer. It was way cheaper. Dad says we're gonna get it! Alright! Only thing is, they're gonna hook it up to my TV. Oh well.
- The Barbarian
Monday, October 29, 1984
Song of the day: Run to You - Bryan Adams
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Aqualung - Jethro Tull
3. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
4. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
5. Run to You - Bryan Adams
Weird day. I got an 80 on that Pysch essay test. I drew a total blank on the Comp Sci quiz and got a 0. I couldn't believe it!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, October 30, 1984
Song of the day: Red - Sammy Hagar
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Had a Dream - Roger Hodgson
3. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
4. Back Seat Nothing - The Del Fuegos
5. Concealed Weapons - J. Geils Band
Another weird day. I got an 85 on that field trip stuff from Field Biology. I found out that my mouse is a female! All this time I thought it was a dude! Geez.
I get to sleep in!
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, October 31, 1984
Song of the day: Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Top 5 at Five
1. The Monster Mash - Bobby Pickett
2. Bark at the Moon - Ozzy Osbourne
3. Sympathy for the Devil - Rolling Stones
4. Don't Fear the Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
5. Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon
Halloween. I got up at 8. At 9 I went to see [optometrist]. He said that thing on my left contact is a calcium deposit. I have to get it replaced. Great.
I got to school at 9:40. My contact bugged me for the rest of the day.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, November 1, 1984
Song of the day: Knockin' at Your Back Door - Deep Purple
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
3. Twist and Shout (live) - The Who
4. We Belong - Pat Benatar
5. Into the Fire - Dokken
Boring day for the most part. The sports banquet went till 9. [Coach] spoke the longest. I got a letter, a pin and a certificate. I looked cool in my sports coat, blue cords, tie and sneakers. Quite studly, indeed. Afterwards, me, [buddy] and Jeremy went to Pizza Hut. I asked Mom if I could go to the movies tomorrow and the _____ said no! I can't believe it. And with another one of her famous feeble excuses. "Well, you need to hear some 'no's' in your life." Give me a friggin' break, willya?
- The (P.O.'d) Barbarian
Friday, November 2, 1984
Song of the day: Substitute (live) - The Who
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Sea of Love - The Honeydrippers
3. Twist and Shout (live) - The Who
4. Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
5. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
Today was alright. Jeremy gave me some stuff to use on my program, but it didn't work out. [Teacher] gave us till sometime next week to get 'em done.
I think I got an A on the Field Bio test today. [Classmate] lost my story in Journalism.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: Two weeks worth of entries and some interesting developments. My mom made me quit my job at Market Basket because she thought it was taking too much away from my studies. I like how I at least made her quit for me. Of course, the worst part was not having any income.
A few encounters with girls. The most promising ones were the girls who worked at Market Basket and of course, I wasn't going to be working there anymore so that sucked. I had always wondered what happened to that girl I made out with; did a little Internet research and I think she's married to a chick now. Which is cool, but she certainly seemed into me for a very brief time in 1984.
Totally forgot that the Tommy Shaw song was so big on the radio. You certainly don't hear it anymore. Ever. And listening to it again, it's not hard to figure out why. It suck-diddly-ucks:
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Finding My Way
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Tuesday, October 2, 1984
RUSH CONCERT!
Song of the day: Finding My Way - Rush
Top 5 at Five
1. Red Barchetta - Rush
2. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
3. Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
4. Pink Cadillac - Bruce Springsteen
5. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
The day started off lousy. I met [Cute Nerdy Girl] in Guidance. She told me the truth. Her father didn't want her seeing me because I was dark-skinned. She was pretty pissed. Oh well. I guess I should expect that sort of thing.
At 6, [drummer dude] came by. He had some burnouts in the car with him. They were going to Lowell to buy some drugs or something. Then we had to pick up his girlfriend from Amesbury. By the time we got to the Centrum, Fastway was almost finished their set. I was pissed. But then Rush came out! Man, what an excellent show! They were incredible! Geddy, Alex and Neil all kicked ass! They played 7 songs off Grace Under Pressure, a lot of stuff off Moving Pictures and Signals, "Temples of Syrinx," "In the Mood," "Finding My Way," "Closer to the Heart." It was great. We had good seats. I saw [three buddies from school] and got a ride home with them. Thank goodness. I got home at 12:15.
What a night!
Bye, [CNG].
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, October 3, 1984
Song of the day: In the Mood - Rush
I got up at 11 this morning. We went to Methuen right away. I bought a Maxell 90-minute blank tape. By the time we got home, it was 3. I took the car and went to the field house. After I got changed, I went out to my car to look at the Kingstonian I picked up earlier. [CNG] was just arriving on her bike to watch the game. I said hi and we talked a bit. I then went to warm up.
We beat Farmington, 3-0! [Buddy] scored 2 goals and [another guy] the other. Farmington's a pretty bad team. They all bunched up and stood around. [Our regular goalie] played left wing for the last quarter. He played pretty good! Next is St. Thomas on Friday.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, October 4, 1984
Song of the day: Rockin' at Midnight - The Honeydrippers
Top 5 at Five
1. Rockin' at Midnight - The Honeydrippers
2. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
3. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
4. Blue Jean - David Bowie
5. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
I got up at 6. They were hot-topping the rest of the driveway at school today. I got a 100 on that Psych quiz. Tomorrow I have tests in Field Bio, Adv Math and Psych.
There was no soccer practice today, so I came home and taped my Ratt and Scorpions (Sting) albums. Sounds good.
I got all my college application forms out.
- The Barbarian
Friday, October 5, 1984
Song of the day: Houses of the Holy - Led Zeppelin
I hope I did good on those tests today.
We beat St. Thomas, 1-0. I didn't play, though. It was wicked cold out.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, October 6, 1984
Song of the day: Sinner's Swing! - Van Halen
I got up at 10. Went to work at 12. Got home at 10.
[Guitar dude] was working today. He said he broke up with [ex-gf]. Hmm.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, October 7, 1984
Song of the day: Blue Highway (live) - Billy Idol
I had to work all day today. We went to Papa Gino's for lunch. [Drummer dude] was fired Wednesday. Geez.
We didn't get out till 7:45 because the back room was such a mess.
San Diego beat the Cubs. Now they play Detroit in the World Series. Who woulda thunk?
- The Barbarian
Monday, October 8, 1984
Song of the day: Bears - Zebra
Today sucked. Totally. I got a 73 on the Field Bio test, a 76 on the Adv Math test and an 82 on the Psych test. I couldn't believe it.
Then, in our practice, we lost a scrimmage with the JVs, 2-0. Can you believe it?
Dad saw some psychic who said I would be getting into either drugs or booze soon. Yeah, right.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, October 9, 1984
Song of the day: The Duellists - Iron Maiden
We lost against Pittsfield, 2-1. I couldn't believe it. I didn't play so I was pissed. Coach is mad because we screw around too much.
Mom decided that we won't go to Yale on Sunday.
Later.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, October 10, 1984
DAVID LEE ROTH'S BIRTHDAY
Song of the day: Take Hold of the Flame - Queensryche
Another not-so-great day.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, October 11, 1984
Song of the day: The Unforgettable Fire - U2
My story on Rush is going in the paper next week.
We lost our game to Raymond 4-0. I played a bit. We didn't stop at McDonalds so I didn't have any dinner tonight.
- The Barbarian
Friday, October 12, 1984
Song of the day: In the Evening - Led Zeppelin
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Valotte - Julian Lennon
3. Cheap Sunglasses (live) - ZZ Top
4. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
5. Had a Dream - Roger Hodgson
Alright day. I spent 1st period in the computer room working on my fourth program.
I got home at 2:30. I got a few hours of sleep.
I went to the Bucket to get my check tonight. $68. [Hot chick from work] asked me for a picture of me. I asked her for one of her. What a babe!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, October 13, 1984
Song of the day: Heaven's On Fire - KISS
I got up at 9. I mailed my Ach test forms. Then I took the garbage to the dump, deposited $68 in the bank, bought 2 money orders to pay off my RCA bills. I also ordered 2 speakers for my Walkman from Columbia.
After all that, I went to work. Mom dropped me off. I gave [hot chick from work] my picture. She's gonna give me hers tomorrow. She likes me. Wow.
I'm working all day tomorrow and 12-9 next Saturday.
I got home at 10.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, October 14, 1984
Song of the day: Subdivisions - Rush
I got up at 6, went to work, got home at 8.
- The Barbarian
Monday, October 15, 1984
Song of the day: You're Still Laughing - Fee Waybill
What a day. I fell asleep in Adv Math. We lost to Winnacunnet, 4-1. I played right halfback. I ate at McDonalds and then Mom made me eat dinner at home. So I got a wicked bad stomach ache. It lasted from 8:30 till I fell asleep. Ugh.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, October 16, 1984
Song of the day: Bad Girl - ZZ Top
Today was a bit better. I got an 85 on that Computers quiz and I finished my 4th program. We had an optional practice today, but I didn't go.
I started filling out my college applications tonight.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: That Rush show was quite the adventure. I was so clueless about dope and stuff and was so paranoid that we'd get pulled over. Worked out pretty well that I ran into some friends at the concert and got a ride with them. I never really saw that dude after that, although we're now friends on Facebook. In retrospect, missing most of Fastway's set was no big deal; they were horrible. Rush was great, especially for a fanatic like me. I ended up seeing them twice on the Power Windows a year later, and haven't seen them in the 28 years since.
More soccer games I didn't play much in. Being a benchwarmer sucks. Oh well, there was only a game left in my high school career, anyway. I became much more of an athlete after college.
I should've at least asked that girl from Market Basket out. Not sure why I didn't, really. Stupid! The situation with CNG and her dad was one of the few times I ran into actual racism at this school. One thing that always nagged at me a bit was the fact that I never met the guy, so how did he know what I looked like? Unless she told him, I guess. I had no reason to doubt her story, but it was a little out there. Certainly not unheard of, though. I've run into her a few times over the years; she's been married a couple of times, has a couple of grown kids.
Tuesday, October 2, 1984
RUSH CONCERT!
Song of the day: Finding My Way - Rush
Top 5 at Five
1. Red Barchetta - Rush
2. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
3. Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
4. Pink Cadillac - Bruce Springsteen
5. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
The day started off lousy. I met [Cute Nerdy Girl] in Guidance. She told me the truth. Her father didn't want her seeing me because I was dark-skinned. She was pretty pissed. Oh well. I guess I should expect that sort of thing.
At 6, [drummer dude] came by. He had some burnouts in the car with him. They were going to Lowell to buy some drugs or something. Then we had to pick up his girlfriend from Amesbury. By the time we got to the Centrum, Fastway was almost finished their set. I was pissed. But then Rush came out! Man, what an excellent show! They were incredible! Geddy, Alex and Neil all kicked ass! They played 7 songs off Grace Under Pressure, a lot of stuff off Moving Pictures and Signals, "Temples of Syrinx," "In the Mood," "Finding My Way," "Closer to the Heart." It was great. We had good seats. I saw [three buddies from school] and got a ride home with them. Thank goodness. I got home at 12:15.
What a night!
Bye, [CNG].
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, October 3, 1984
Song of the day: In the Mood - Rush
I got up at 11 this morning. We went to Methuen right away. I bought a Maxell 90-minute blank tape. By the time we got home, it was 3. I took the car and went to the field house. After I got changed, I went out to my car to look at the Kingstonian I picked up earlier. [CNG] was just arriving on her bike to watch the game. I said hi and we talked a bit. I then went to warm up.
We beat Farmington, 3-0! [Buddy] scored 2 goals and [another guy] the other. Farmington's a pretty bad team. They all bunched up and stood around. [Our regular goalie] played left wing for the last quarter. He played pretty good! Next is St. Thomas on Friday.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, October 4, 1984
Song of the day: Rockin' at Midnight - The Honeydrippers
Top 5 at Five
1. Rockin' at Midnight - The Honeydrippers
2. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
3. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
4. Blue Jean - David Bowie
5. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
I got up at 6. They were hot-topping the rest of the driveway at school today. I got a 100 on that Psych quiz. Tomorrow I have tests in Field Bio, Adv Math and Psych.
There was no soccer practice today, so I came home and taped my Ratt and Scorpions (Sting) albums. Sounds good.
I got all my college application forms out.
- The Barbarian
Friday, October 5, 1984
Song of the day: Houses of the Holy - Led Zeppelin
I hope I did good on those tests today.
We beat St. Thomas, 1-0. I didn't play, though. It was wicked cold out.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, October 6, 1984
Song of the day: Sinner's Swing! - Van Halen
I got up at 10. Went to work at 12. Got home at 10.
[Guitar dude] was working today. He said he broke up with [ex-gf]. Hmm.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, October 7, 1984
Song of the day: Blue Highway (live) - Billy Idol
I had to work all day today. We went to Papa Gino's for lunch. [Drummer dude] was fired Wednesday. Geez.
We didn't get out till 7:45 because the back room was such a mess.
San Diego beat the Cubs. Now they play Detroit in the World Series. Who woulda thunk?
- The Barbarian
Monday, October 8, 1984
Song of the day: Bears - Zebra
Today sucked. Totally. I got a 73 on the Field Bio test, a 76 on the Adv Math test and an 82 on the Psych test. I couldn't believe it.
Then, in our practice, we lost a scrimmage with the JVs, 2-0. Can you believe it?
Dad saw some psychic who said I would be getting into either drugs or booze soon. Yeah, right.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, October 9, 1984
Song of the day: The Duellists - Iron Maiden
We lost against Pittsfield, 2-1. I couldn't believe it. I didn't play so I was pissed. Coach is mad because we screw around too much.
Mom decided that we won't go to Yale on Sunday.
Later.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, October 10, 1984
DAVID LEE ROTH'S BIRTHDAY
Song of the day: Take Hold of the Flame - Queensryche
Another not-so-great day.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, October 11, 1984
Song of the day: The Unforgettable Fire - U2
My story on Rush is going in the paper next week.
We lost our game to Raymond 4-0. I played a bit. We didn't stop at McDonalds so I didn't have any dinner tonight.
- The Barbarian
Friday, October 12, 1984
Song of the day: In the Evening - Led Zeppelin
Top 5 at Five
1. Girls With Guns - Tommy Shaw
2. Valotte - Julian Lennon
3. Cheap Sunglasses (live) - ZZ Top
4. I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
5. Had a Dream - Roger Hodgson
Alright day. I spent 1st period in the computer room working on my fourth program.
I got home at 2:30. I got a few hours of sleep.
I went to the Bucket to get my check tonight. $68. [Hot chick from work] asked me for a picture of me. I asked her for one of her. What a babe!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, October 13, 1984
Song of the day: Heaven's On Fire - KISS
I got up at 9. I mailed my Ach test forms. Then I took the garbage to the dump, deposited $68 in the bank, bought 2 money orders to pay off my RCA bills. I also ordered 2 speakers for my Walkman from Columbia.
After all that, I went to work. Mom dropped me off. I gave [hot chick from work] my picture. She's gonna give me hers tomorrow. She likes me. Wow.
I'm working all day tomorrow and 12-9 next Saturday.
I got home at 10.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, October 14, 1984
Song of the day: Subdivisions - Rush
I got up at 6, went to work, got home at 8.
- The Barbarian
Monday, October 15, 1984
Song of the day: You're Still Laughing - Fee Waybill
What a day. I fell asleep in Adv Math. We lost to Winnacunnet, 4-1. I played right halfback. I ate at McDonalds and then Mom made me eat dinner at home. So I got a wicked bad stomach ache. It lasted from 8:30 till I fell asleep. Ugh.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, October 16, 1984
Song of the day: Bad Girl - ZZ Top
Today was a bit better. I got an 85 on that Computers quiz and I finished my 4th program. We had an optional practice today, but I didn't go.
I started filling out my college applications tonight.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: That Rush show was quite the adventure. I was so clueless about dope and stuff and was so paranoid that we'd get pulled over. Worked out pretty well that I ran into some friends at the concert and got a ride with them. I never really saw that dude after that, although we're now friends on Facebook. In retrospect, missing most of Fastway's set was no big deal; they were horrible. Rush was great, especially for a fanatic like me. I ended up seeing them twice on the Power Windows a year later, and haven't seen them in the 28 years since.
More soccer games I didn't play much in. Being a benchwarmer sucks. Oh well, there was only a game left in my high school career, anyway. I became much more of an athlete after college.
I should've at least asked that girl from Market Basket out. Not sure why I didn't, really. Stupid! The situation with CNG and her dad was one of the few times I ran into actual racism at this school. One thing that always nagged at me a bit was the fact that I never met the guy, so how did he know what I looked like? Unless she told him, I guess. I had no reason to doubt her story, but it was a little out there. Certainly not unheard of, though. I've run into her a few times over the years; she's been married a couple of times, has a couple of grown kids.
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Are We Ourselves?
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Thursday, September 20, 1984
Song of the day: Blue Jean - David Bowie
Top 5 at Five
1. Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
2. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
3. Mystery - Dio
4. Blue Jean - David Bowie
5. Ride With You - Blackfoot
Good news and bad news. The bad news is that I have a chest cold and I feel terrible.
The College Fair went alright. I got a bunch of info.
I found out that [buddy] dumped his girlfriend yesterday and is now seeing [another girl] who broke up with her boyfriend. Whew! It happened so fast! Just a couple of days ago, they were doing fine. Weird, man.
When I got back to the school, I felt so lousy that I went to the nurse's office and laid down for the last 2 periods. I dozed off and woke up to find [cute nerdy girl] sitting beside me. We were talking and I think she really likes me a lot. I called her when I got home. She asked me to call her again at 7:30. I did. She does like me. Wow.
I hope I get better. I wanna play Saturday.
I got my paycheck, $47.
- The Barbarian
Friday, September 21, 1984
Song of the day: Flamethrower - J. Geils Band
MY BIRTHDAY
Whew! What a day! I got up, my cough wasn't as bad, but my nose was running like crazy. There was an announcement on wishing me Happy B-day, but it didn't say who it was from. So all day, people were wishing me HB. [Hot chick] told me she was taking me out tonight. How could I refuse? I worked it out with [Journalism teacher] so I don't lose any points for losing those stories. Whew! I got an 86 on that Psych test. Oh well. Field Biology test Monday. I went to practice after school. I got home around 5:30. We ordered pizza but Mom got home around 7:30 with it. We ate that and some cake. [Cute nerdy girl] called and told me she put that announcement on. Wow! I thought it was [hot chick]. I think [CNG] really has the hots for me. After that, around 9, [a buddy and a cute chick] showed up. We were about to leave when his car broke down. We jumped it and went to Hawaiian Islands or Chinese food. [Buddy] took his car home. He was pissed. Me and [cute chick] got a table and later a bunch of friends showed up. [Buddy] came later. We ate till 10:45 and went to Jeremy's house. They gave me another cake and we watched Private School for Girls till 12:30. Then I came home. Phew!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, September 22, 1984
Song of the day: Are We Ourselves? - The Fixx
I got up at 8. At 9:30, we went to Exeter. We played a great but lost, 1-0. We deserved to win. I played most of the 2nd quarter and some of the 4th. I got home at 1:15 and went to work. I got home at 9:50.
I got permission to see Rush! Yah!
- The Barbarian
Sunday, September 23, 1984
Song of the day: Tooth and Nail - Dokken
I got up at 7. I got to work at 8:15. There wasn't much to do. On our hour lunch, we all went to Papa Gino's.
I got home at 7.
I called [CNG] at 7:30. Man, she is wicked suggestive! She was flirting with me like crazy on the phone! Hiawatha!
Mom got me a Toshiba walkman. Cassette with FM tuner pack. It's great!
- The Barbarian
Monday, September 24, 1984
Song of the day: Flash of the Blade - Iron Maiden
Good day, sort of. Jeremy came by at 7:10 but I didn't hear him. I went out at 7:20 and waited till 7:30. Then I got a ride from Mom. I missed homeroom.
I took the Field Bio test. It was easy.
We had a light practice today. After I got home, [CNG] called me. She said she liked me even before we met. She told me she thought I was cute. Awesome! What a babe! She's great!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, September 25, 1984
Song of the day: Donut City - Eddie Van Halen
Top 5 at Five
1. Amanda - Boston
2. Teacher Teacher - .38 Special
3. Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
4. Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
5. Donut City - Eddie Van Halen
I got a 97 on that Field Bio test! Yaah!
[CNG] is awesome! I was talking to her after school. She's got a dirty mind, just like me! Seriously, this looks good.
We tied Newmarket 1-1. We shoulda killed 'em! Next is Pelham. We have to win!
[CNG] is awesome!
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, September 26, 1984
Song of the day: Tears - John Waite
My "Cable Crisis" story went in the paper after all. And my "Writer's Block" story is going in next week. I finally got my 1st program done in Computers.
Man, [CNG]'s incredible! She wrote me a letter today. We were sitting together after school and she started touching my knee. Wow! I almost died! Man! She came by the field house before practice. I called her when I got home. She called me at 9, just to say goodnight. She really digs me. And what's better, I really dig her!
Dad was crying today. I couldn't believe it. He said he missed his family. He told us he cries all the time. I still can't believe it!
[CNG]. Wow.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, September 27, 1984
Song of the day: Teacher Teacher - 38 Special
Today was alright. Classes were boring. [CNG] was great!
We won! We beat Pelham 1-0! They played wicked dirty. I didn't even get to play at all. That sucked!
I got my check today, $22.
- The Barbarian
Friday, September 28, 1984
Song of the day: Goodbye to You - Scandal
I don't believe this is happening to me. The day zipped by, the dance has started. Good videos. Crue, VH, TS, etc. [CNG] kissed me all of a sudden. We kissed a bit, had one slow dance. I'm feeling great! We leave at 10:30, but she wants to talk in the car. Uh oh. This is the bad part. She said she wanted to keep seeing me, but she wanted to date other guys at the same time. This hit me like a friggin' bomb! I couldn't believe it. Of course, I'd never be able to do that. I'd be so jealous. I took her home. We stayed in the car for a while. We started kissing, frenching, I guess to get as much in before saying goodbye. Man, is she a great kisser. She said her parents have divorced 2 times and she was scared to have a relationship. Great. Where does this leave me?
Alone.
Again.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, September 29, 1984
Song of the day: Amanda - Boston
Man, life's a bummer! I miss [CNG]. A lot.
We lost to Trinity, 2-0. It was a close game but no cigar. Too bad. Next is Oyster River. Great.
Jeremy, his girlfriend and me went to see The Wild Life. It was pretty cool. Eddie VH did the soundtrack so I really got into that.
I have to work Sun 7-6 and Sat 12-9. [Ex-gf] told me last night her party was moved up to Oct. 6, but I can't go now.
[CNG].
- The Barbarian
Sunday, September 30, 1984
Song of the day: Stone Free (live) - Jimi Hendrix
What a lousy day. I got up at 6, went to work. One guy quit, another guy got fired, another guy quit. I came home for lunch. I called [CNG]. She didn't have time to talk because she had to go out. I went back, got out at 7. I did my homework. I feel lousy.
- The Barbarian
Monday, October 1, 1984
Song of the day: Fever - Judas Priest
Well. Let's see. [One of my teachers] wasn't here. I didn't get a story done for Journalism.
[Ex-gf] moved her party back to the 20th. Sheesh!
We lost to Oyster River 4-0. We played a good game. Our 5-4-1 defense kept 'em confused. I ran into some big guy and landed on my back! Ouch. It rained all during the game.
Me and [CNG] are going to discuss going out tomorrow morning. I'll keep you posted.
I took $35 out of the bank.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: You've gotta admit, I had a rough year with the ladies. Every time it looked like something was happening, the girl would flake out on me. Yeesh.
When I turned 17, I had a nasty chest cold. When I turned 46, same damn thing.
I didn't write it down, but that dance was a newfangled one: a video dance. They had a big screen set up and showed music videos. I was already overlooking the fact that CNG had told me she liked Air Supply (for reals) and then at this dance, a live video of U2 playing "Sunday Bloody Sunday" was on and she said she hated it. I remember thinking maybe this girl isn't right for me.
Seeing my dad cry was pretty strange for me, since he had never shown any kind of emotion other than anger through my entire childhood. As the boozing increased, so did the blubbering.
Thursday, September 20, 1984
Song of the day: Blue Jean - David Bowie
Top 5 at Five
1. Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
2. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
3. Mystery - Dio
4. Blue Jean - David Bowie
5. Ride With You - Blackfoot
Good news and bad news. The bad news is that I have a chest cold and I feel terrible.
The College Fair went alright. I got a bunch of info.
I found out that [buddy] dumped his girlfriend yesterday and is now seeing [another girl] who broke up with her boyfriend. Whew! It happened so fast! Just a couple of days ago, they were doing fine. Weird, man.
When I got back to the school, I felt so lousy that I went to the nurse's office and laid down for the last 2 periods. I dozed off and woke up to find [cute nerdy girl] sitting beside me. We were talking and I think she really likes me a lot. I called her when I got home. She asked me to call her again at 7:30. I did. She does like me. Wow.
I hope I get better. I wanna play Saturday.
I got my paycheck, $47.
- The Barbarian
Friday, September 21, 1984
Song of the day: Flamethrower - J. Geils Band
MY BIRTHDAY
Whew! What a day! I got up, my cough wasn't as bad, but my nose was running like crazy. There was an announcement on wishing me Happy B-day, but it didn't say who it was from. So all day, people were wishing me HB. [Hot chick] told me she was taking me out tonight. How could I refuse? I worked it out with [Journalism teacher] so I don't lose any points for losing those stories. Whew! I got an 86 on that Psych test. Oh well. Field Biology test Monday. I went to practice after school. I got home around 5:30. We ordered pizza but Mom got home around 7:30 with it. We ate that and some cake. [Cute nerdy girl] called and told me she put that announcement on. Wow! I thought it was [hot chick]. I think [CNG] really has the hots for me. After that, around 9, [a buddy and a cute chick] showed up. We were about to leave when his car broke down. We jumped it and went to Hawaiian Islands or Chinese food. [Buddy] took his car home. He was pissed. Me and [cute chick] got a table and later a bunch of friends showed up. [Buddy] came later. We ate till 10:45 and went to Jeremy's house. They gave me another cake and we watched Private School for Girls till 12:30. Then I came home. Phew!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, September 22, 1984
Song of the day: Are We Ourselves? - The Fixx
I got up at 8. At 9:30, we went to Exeter. We played a great but lost, 1-0. We deserved to win. I played most of the 2nd quarter and some of the 4th. I got home at 1:15 and went to work. I got home at 9:50.
I got permission to see Rush! Yah!
- The Barbarian
Sunday, September 23, 1984
Song of the day: Tooth and Nail - Dokken
I got up at 7. I got to work at 8:15. There wasn't much to do. On our hour lunch, we all went to Papa Gino's.
I got home at 7.
I called [CNG] at 7:30. Man, she is wicked suggestive! She was flirting with me like crazy on the phone! Hiawatha!
Mom got me a Toshiba walkman. Cassette with FM tuner pack. It's great!
- The Barbarian
Monday, September 24, 1984
Song of the day: Flash of the Blade - Iron Maiden
Good day, sort of. Jeremy came by at 7:10 but I didn't hear him. I went out at 7:20 and waited till 7:30. Then I got a ride from Mom. I missed homeroom.
I took the Field Bio test. It was easy.
We had a light practice today. After I got home, [CNG] called me. She said she liked me even before we met. She told me she thought I was cute. Awesome! What a babe! She's great!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, September 25, 1984
Song of the day: Donut City - Eddie Van Halen
Top 5 at Five
1. Amanda - Boston
2. Teacher Teacher - .38 Special
3. Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
4. Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
5. Donut City - Eddie Van Halen
I got a 97 on that Field Bio test! Yaah!
[CNG] is awesome! I was talking to her after school. She's got a dirty mind, just like me! Seriously, this looks good.
We tied Newmarket 1-1. We shoulda killed 'em! Next is Pelham. We have to win!
[CNG] is awesome!
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, September 26, 1984
Song of the day: Tears - John Waite
My "Cable Crisis" story went in the paper after all. And my "Writer's Block" story is going in next week. I finally got my 1st program done in Computers.
Man, [CNG]'s incredible! She wrote me a letter today. We were sitting together after school and she started touching my knee. Wow! I almost died! Man! She came by the field house before practice. I called her when I got home. She called me at 9, just to say goodnight. She really digs me. And what's better, I really dig her!
Dad was crying today. I couldn't believe it. He said he missed his family. He told us he cries all the time. I still can't believe it!
[CNG]. Wow.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, September 27, 1984
Song of the day: Teacher Teacher - 38 Special
Today was alright. Classes were boring. [CNG] was great!
We won! We beat Pelham 1-0! They played wicked dirty. I didn't even get to play at all. That sucked!
I got my check today, $22.
- The Barbarian
Friday, September 28, 1984
Song of the day: Goodbye to You - Scandal
I don't believe this is happening to me. The day zipped by, the dance has started. Good videos. Crue, VH, TS, etc. [CNG] kissed me all of a sudden. We kissed a bit, had one slow dance. I'm feeling great! We leave at 10:30, but she wants to talk in the car. Uh oh. This is the bad part. She said she wanted to keep seeing me, but she wanted to date other guys at the same time. This hit me like a friggin' bomb! I couldn't believe it. Of course, I'd never be able to do that. I'd be so jealous. I took her home. We stayed in the car for a while. We started kissing, frenching, I guess to get as much in before saying goodbye. Man, is she a great kisser. She said her parents have divorced 2 times and she was scared to have a relationship. Great. Where does this leave me?
Alone.
Again.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, September 29, 1984
Song of the day: Amanda - Boston
Man, life's a bummer! I miss [CNG]. A lot.
We lost to Trinity, 2-0. It was a close game but no cigar. Too bad. Next is Oyster River. Great.
Jeremy, his girlfriend and me went to see The Wild Life. It was pretty cool. Eddie VH did the soundtrack so I really got into that.
I have to work Sun 7-6 and Sat 12-9. [Ex-gf] told me last night her party was moved up to Oct. 6, but I can't go now.
[CNG].
- The Barbarian
Sunday, September 30, 1984
Song of the day: Stone Free (live) - Jimi Hendrix
What a lousy day. I got up at 6, went to work. One guy quit, another guy got fired, another guy quit. I came home for lunch. I called [CNG]. She didn't have time to talk because she had to go out. I went back, got out at 7. I did my homework. I feel lousy.
- The Barbarian
Monday, October 1, 1984
Song of the day: Fever - Judas Priest
Well. Let's see. [One of my teachers] wasn't here. I didn't get a story done for Journalism.
[Ex-gf] moved her party back to the 20th. Sheesh!
We lost to Oyster River 4-0. We played a good game. Our 5-4-1 defense kept 'em confused. I ran into some big guy and landed on my back! Ouch. It rained all during the game.
Me and [CNG] are going to discuss going out tomorrow morning. I'll keep you posted.
I took $35 out of the bank.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: You've gotta admit, I had a rough year with the ladies. Every time it looked like something was happening, the girl would flake out on me. Yeesh.
When I turned 17, I had a nasty chest cold. When I turned 46, same damn thing.
I didn't write it down, but that dance was a newfangled one: a video dance. They had a big screen set up and showed music videos. I was already overlooking the fact that CNG had told me she liked Air Supply (for reals) and then at this dance, a live video of U2 playing "Sunday Bloody Sunday" was on and she said she hated it. I remember thinking maybe this girl isn't right for me.
Seeing my dad cry was pretty strange for me, since he had never shown any kind of emotion other than anger through my entire childhood. As the boozing increased, so did the blubbering.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Aces High
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Saturday, September 8, 1984
Song of the day: We Got the Night - Coney Hatch
I got up at 2:30 because Mom kept bugging me. I went at 3:30 to check my hours. They are Tues 6-9, Thurs 3-9 and Friday crew. I told [supervisor] I wanted only weekends yesterday. Dork. I'll have to call him about that 3-9.
I met [girl I like] there. She was pretty happy to see me. I think I'll just be good friends with her. I hardly ever see her anyways. I'm gonna concentrate on Sanborn women.
The "party" was boring. [Mom's friend's] husband, a teacher, looked at that letter from Yale and freaked out! He said it was invitation to apply to Yale and that I should go for it! Yale, wow!
SNL rerun was the Billy Crystal show. Wicked funny.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, September 9, 1984
Song of the day: Rime of the Ancient Mariner - Iron Maiden
I got up at 9. We went to church, first time since June, I think. Mom wants us to join the youth group there. Great.
I finally got my hair cut today. Looks good, too.
I wrote an article about going back to school. I'm gonna do my Advanced Math homework first period.
I got this new station WHJY in Providence, 94. It fades in and out. It's good.
- The Barbarian
Monday, September 10, 1984
Song of the day: The Morning After - Ratt
Good day. We won our game over Pelham, 4-0! We kicked butt! Before the game, [buddy] slipped and cut his arm and had to go to the hospital to get 5 stitches. Too bad. Next we kill Timberlane!
[Buddy] couldn't give me a ride home, so I got one from [hot chick from school]! What a babe! I called her after I got home and we talked for 20 minutes. She is awesome!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, September 11, 1984
Song of the day: Love Poison - Coney Hatch
Top 5 at Five
1. Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
2. Tears - John Waite
3. Cage of Freedom - Jon Anderson
4. The Last in Line - Dio
5. Born in the USA - Bruce Springsteen
Today wasn't that hot. In fact, it kinda sucked. I couldn't get a ride and I had to take the bus (ugh)! That sucked.
Then I hadda go to work. I got Thursday off because I couldn't get the car. Thank goodness!
I got home at 10:30. Wow.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, September 12, 1984
Song of the day: The Analog Kid - Rush
Definitely an interesting day. Third period, the guidance office announced the rankings of the senior class. When I got to fourth, I found out that I was ranked first! First! I couldn't believe it! If I finish the year first, I'll be the Valedictorian! Mutha! [Buddies of mine] were 2nd and 3rd.
My story is gonna be in the Kingstonian next week.
Now for the bad news: we lost to Timberlane 2-0. We played so terrible. We came in overconfident and we played lousy. I'm pissed because I didn't get into the game once! Now that sucks. I was wicked pissed when I got home so I called [hot chick] and we talked for half an hour. I felt a lot better afterwards.
First in my class? Wow, man.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, September 13, 1984
Song of the day: The Body Electric - Rush
I went to the guidance office and transferred out of Data Processing B and into Data Processing A. I couldn't take that class any more. Too many retards for my taste! Now I have it 7th period with [teacher]. I have second free. I also had to move into Floor Hockey 3rd term first period.
I got my check, $92 and change.
- The Barbarian
Friday, September 14, 1984
Song of the day: YYZ - Rush
Another weird day. I got 90 on that Adv Math quiz. That's it.
At 3 I went to see [optometrist]. He said I could take 'em out every 5 to 7 days.
We lost to Exeter, 4-0. We played about even with them but we couldn't score. I played a couple of minutes in the 2nd quarter.
At 8:30 I went to work. We were done by 2:30. I got home at 7.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, September 15, 1984
Song of the day: Boogie in Your Butt - Eddie Murphy
I got up at 5. I went to check my hours. They had me down for 7-7 Sun and Fri NC. I can't work either of them. I haveta call in sick tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, September 16, 1984
Song of the day: Into the Fire - Dokken
I got up at 9 and called in sick. [Supervisor] sounded pretty pissed. Who cares.
Those people from Boston came over at 1:30. Me and JP went to Methuen Mall at 2:30. They didn't have any turtles there. JP got me "Powerslave," Maiden's new JP and I bought MSG's "Built to Destroy." I forgot to get some blank tapes while I was there.
I stopped at Plaistow Aquarium but they didn't have any turtles either. Drat!
I didn't get an article done. I'll have to write one tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Monday, September 17, 1984
Song of the day: Powerslave - Iron Maiden
Wild day. I was hyper all day, man. I did an article on cable TV during 2nd period. We didn't have soccer practice after school, but I was stuck there anyways. I stayed and watched the field hockey game. They lost 2-1. [A buddy] gave me a ride home.
I listened to Powerslave again. That album is excellent! It kicks total butt! Awesome!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, September 18, 1984
Song of the day: Aces High - Iron Maiden
Hiawatha! [Lab partner] couldn't get the fish so we both mice. I named mine Captain Howdy. Big test tomorrow in Psych. I wrote my first program in Computers.
Powerslave debuted on the WAAF album countdown at no. 12. Good deal!
Detroit Tigers clinched the AL East today. Nice try, Toronto.
Canada beat Sweden again and won the Canada Cup, 2-0! Alright!
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, September 19, 1984
Song of the day: Back in the Village - Iron Maiden
Another weird day. I lost these 2 stories I was checking; one by [classmate] and one by [classmate]. I don't know where I lost 'em or how, but I'm gonna have to lose points on my grade. How stupid!
The paper looked pretty good today. My story was short but sweet.
[Ex-gf] asked me if I wanted to go to a party at her house on Sat., Oct. 20. I said sure. What the hey!
[Lab partner] has his birthday on Friday, too.
College Fair tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: Being ranked first in my class came as a surprise, especially given how much I'd screwed off in the last year or so. Too bad I messed it up and ended up finishing second by a couple of points. It was a C in that computer programming class that did me in; the teacher left three-quarters of the way through the semester and the new guy buried us. Oh, well. In the long run, it didn't matter one bit.
Our journalism class was getting articles published in the local weekly newspaper, so my first taste of journalism came long before I ever thought it would be my profession. I only took the class because it looked interesting, not because I thought it was a viable career option.
Boogie in your butt:
Saturday, September 8, 1984
Song of the day: We Got the Night - Coney Hatch
I got up at 2:30 because Mom kept bugging me. I went at 3:30 to check my hours. They are Tues 6-9, Thurs 3-9 and Friday crew. I told [supervisor] I wanted only weekends yesterday. Dork. I'll have to call him about that 3-9.
I met [girl I like] there. She was pretty happy to see me. I think I'll just be good friends with her. I hardly ever see her anyways. I'm gonna concentrate on Sanborn women.
The "party" was boring. [Mom's friend's] husband, a teacher, looked at that letter from Yale and freaked out! He said it was invitation to apply to Yale and that I should go for it! Yale, wow!
SNL rerun was the Billy Crystal show. Wicked funny.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, September 9, 1984
Song of the day: Rime of the Ancient Mariner - Iron Maiden
I got up at 9. We went to church, first time since June, I think. Mom wants us to join the youth group there. Great.
I finally got my hair cut today. Looks good, too.
I wrote an article about going back to school. I'm gonna do my Advanced Math homework first period.
I got this new station WHJY in Providence, 94. It fades in and out. It's good.
- The Barbarian
Monday, September 10, 1984
Song of the day: The Morning After - Ratt
Good day. We won our game over Pelham, 4-0! We kicked butt! Before the game, [buddy] slipped and cut his arm and had to go to the hospital to get 5 stitches. Too bad. Next we kill Timberlane!
[Buddy] couldn't give me a ride home, so I got one from [hot chick from school]! What a babe! I called her after I got home and we talked for 20 minutes. She is awesome!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, September 11, 1984
Song of the day: Love Poison - Coney Hatch
Top 5 at Five
1. Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
2. Tears - John Waite
3. Cage of Freedom - Jon Anderson
4. The Last in Line - Dio
5. Born in the USA - Bruce Springsteen
Today wasn't that hot. In fact, it kinda sucked. I couldn't get a ride and I had to take the bus (ugh)! That sucked.
Then I hadda go to work. I got Thursday off because I couldn't get the car. Thank goodness!
I got home at 10:30. Wow.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, September 12, 1984
Song of the day: The Analog Kid - Rush
Definitely an interesting day. Third period, the guidance office announced the rankings of the senior class. When I got to fourth, I found out that I was ranked first! First! I couldn't believe it! If I finish the year first, I'll be the Valedictorian! Mutha! [Buddies of mine] were 2nd and 3rd.
My story is gonna be in the Kingstonian next week.
Now for the bad news: we lost to Timberlane 2-0. We played so terrible. We came in overconfident and we played lousy. I'm pissed because I didn't get into the game once! Now that sucks. I was wicked pissed when I got home so I called [hot chick] and we talked for half an hour. I felt a lot better afterwards.
First in my class? Wow, man.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, September 13, 1984
Song of the day: The Body Electric - Rush
I went to the guidance office and transferred out of Data Processing B and into Data Processing A. I couldn't take that class any more. Too many retards for my taste! Now I have it 7th period with [teacher]. I have second free. I also had to move into Floor Hockey 3rd term first period.
I got my check, $92 and change.
- The Barbarian
Friday, September 14, 1984
Song of the day: YYZ - Rush
Another weird day. I got 90 on that Adv Math quiz. That's it.
At 3 I went to see [optometrist]. He said I could take 'em out every 5 to 7 days.
We lost to Exeter, 4-0. We played about even with them but we couldn't score. I played a couple of minutes in the 2nd quarter.
At 8:30 I went to work. We were done by 2:30. I got home at 7.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, September 15, 1984
Song of the day: Boogie in Your Butt - Eddie Murphy
I got up at 5. I went to check my hours. They had me down for 7-7 Sun and Fri NC. I can't work either of them. I haveta call in sick tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, September 16, 1984
Song of the day: Into the Fire - Dokken
I got up at 9 and called in sick. [Supervisor] sounded pretty pissed. Who cares.
Those people from Boston came over at 1:30. Me and JP went to Methuen Mall at 2:30. They didn't have any turtles there. JP got me "Powerslave," Maiden's new JP and I bought MSG's "Built to Destroy." I forgot to get some blank tapes while I was there.
I stopped at Plaistow Aquarium but they didn't have any turtles either. Drat!
I didn't get an article done. I'll have to write one tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Monday, September 17, 1984
Song of the day: Powerslave - Iron Maiden
Wild day. I was hyper all day, man. I did an article on cable TV during 2nd period. We didn't have soccer practice after school, but I was stuck there anyways. I stayed and watched the field hockey game. They lost 2-1. [A buddy] gave me a ride home.
I listened to Powerslave again. That album is excellent! It kicks total butt! Awesome!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, September 18, 1984
Song of the day: Aces High - Iron Maiden
Hiawatha! [Lab partner] couldn't get the fish so we both mice. I named mine Captain Howdy. Big test tomorrow in Psych. I wrote my first program in Computers.
Powerslave debuted on the WAAF album countdown at no. 12. Good deal!
Detroit Tigers clinched the AL East today. Nice try, Toronto.
Canada beat Sweden again and won the Canada Cup, 2-0! Alright!
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, September 19, 1984
Song of the day: Back in the Village - Iron Maiden
Another weird day. I lost these 2 stories I was checking; one by [classmate] and one by [classmate]. I don't know where I lost 'em or how, but I'm gonna have to lose points on my grade. How stupid!
The paper looked pretty good today. My story was short but sweet.
[Ex-gf] asked me if I wanted to go to a party at her house on Sat., Oct. 20. I said sure. What the hey!
[Lab partner] has his birthday on Friday, too.
College Fair tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: Being ranked first in my class came as a surprise, especially given how much I'd screwed off in the last year or so. Too bad I messed it up and ended up finishing second by a couple of points. It was a C in that computer programming class that did me in; the teacher left three-quarters of the way through the semester and the new guy buried us. Oh, well. In the long run, it didn't matter one bit.
Our journalism class was getting articles published in the local weekly newspaper, so my first taste of journalism came long before I ever thought it would be my profession. I only took the class because it looked interesting, not because I thought it was a viable career option.
Boogie in your butt:
Saturday, September 07, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Girl Gone Bad
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Sunday, September 2, 1984
Song of the day: Slide It In - Whitesnake
I got up at 2:30. Didn't do much of anything today.
- The Barbarian
Monday, September 3, 1984
Song of the day: Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
I got up. I went to work at 12. Worked all day. Came home at 10.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, September 4, 1984
Song of the day: Mystery - Dio
Top 5 at Five
1. Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
2. On the Dark Side - John Cafferty and Beaver Brown
3. New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite
4. Midnight Maniac - Krokus
5. Tears - John Waite
Strange day. I got up at 11:30. All I did was bum around the house all day. I didn't go outside until 11 p.m. when I took the dog out.
Phone call of the day: [Cute girl I like] called me up. She asked me if I wanted to go to the second Summer Jam (Stompers, Beaver Brown) on Saturday with her. Unfortunately, I had to say no because I'm working Friday night crew. She also said she was going to see Rush on Oct. 2. She said she'd give me and [drummer dude] a ride to the show if we wanted. I said I'd talk to him.
She kept asking me if I was mad at her for not keeping in touch. She said she was real busy with relatives and stuff. I said no. She sounded pretty interested.
Hmm. Double hmm.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, September 5, 1984
Song of the day: All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
Weird day. I got up at 8 and took Mom to work. [Buddy] and Jeremy came by and we rode around in [buddy's] car. When I got back, Sammy pissed on my bed! Right thru the covers! Damn dog!
I went to work at 3. I didn't get out till 11:10.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, September 6, 1984
Song of the day: Stand Up - Coney Hatch
First day of school. [Buddy] picked me up at 7. At school we stood around for a while in the freezin gair and then went in the gym, then to our homerooms. I'm in 27, the quiet study hall. I copied my schedule down wrong and went to the wrong classes 5th and 6th period, but I straightened it out.
[A buddy of mine] grew a mustache. [Girl I dated] bleached the front of her hair.
This year should be pretty good.
We played the Sanborn alumni and lost, 5-1.
I got my check and only got $58. [Store manager's] gonna run my check thru the computer tomorrow.
- The (back to school) Barbarian
Friday, September 7, 1984
Song of the day: Girl Gone Bad - Van Halen
School went pretty good today. In Field Biology, me and [another guy] decided to get sea horses for pets. I have some homework in Adv Math and Journalism. Journalism is cool. I became one of the readers who check stories for errors, etc. I have to write a story this weekend.
Hot new babe dept.: There's this girl who sits with us in 1st period free. I think her name is [redacted] (not spelled that way. That's what I think people have called her). What a babe!
Another babe is in my Journalism class. I think her name is [redacted]. Nice bod.
We got a different jukebox. It sucks. It's even worse than last year's one. It's got disco songs, country songs and assorted garbage. Great. Some chick put on some queer disco song. I almost died.
After school, me and [a buddy] drove around for awhile. Practice was 3 hours long. I got home just past 6. At 9, I went to work. I found out that [some dude] quit. Too bad. Crew sucked! Too much work. As it turned out, I was up for 25 hours straight! Sheesh!
Postscript: Not sure why we started school so late this year. I forgot about getting that call from the girl I'd been pursuing all summer. I wasn't a fan of the Stompers or Beaver Brown, anyway.
Free periods were pretty fun. We hung out in the cafeteria, could buy candy and junk from the little store there, and could crank tunes on the jukebox. I remember, despite the "queer disco," playing a lot of U2 and Van Halen on that thing. Somebody figured out how to screw with the volume and really blast it, and then they turned it off for a while, I think.
Journalism class! At this point, I had no clue that journalism would be my chosen profession. It was just something that looked interesting and not too difficult. We didn't have a school paper, but our class had a page in the local newspaper that we contributed stories to, so that was cool.
Sunday, September 2, 1984
Song of the day: Slide It In - Whitesnake
I got up at 2:30. Didn't do much of anything today.
- The Barbarian
Monday, September 3, 1984
Song of the day: Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
I got up. I went to work at 12. Worked all day. Came home at 10.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, September 4, 1984
Song of the day: Mystery - Dio
Top 5 at Five
1. Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2
2. On the Dark Side - John Cafferty and Beaver Brown
3. New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite
4. Midnight Maniac - Krokus
5. Tears - John Waite
Strange day. I got up at 11:30. All I did was bum around the house all day. I didn't go outside until 11 p.m. when I took the dog out.
Phone call of the day: [Cute girl I like] called me up. She asked me if I wanted to go to the second Summer Jam (Stompers, Beaver Brown) on Saturday with her. Unfortunately, I had to say no because I'm working Friday night crew. She also said she was going to see Rush on Oct. 2. She said she'd give me and [drummer dude] a ride to the show if we wanted. I said I'd talk to him.
She kept asking me if I was mad at her for not keeping in touch. She said she was real busy with relatives and stuff. I said no. She sounded pretty interested.
Hmm. Double hmm.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, September 5, 1984
Song of the day: All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
Weird day. I got up at 8 and took Mom to work. [Buddy] and Jeremy came by and we rode around in [buddy's] car. When I got back, Sammy pissed on my bed! Right thru the covers! Damn dog!
I went to work at 3. I didn't get out till 11:10.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, September 6, 1984
Song of the day: Stand Up - Coney Hatch
First day of school. [Buddy] picked me up at 7. At school we stood around for a while in the freezin gair and then went in the gym, then to our homerooms. I'm in 27, the quiet study hall. I copied my schedule down wrong and went to the wrong classes 5th and 6th period, but I straightened it out.
[A buddy of mine] grew a mustache. [Girl I dated] bleached the front of her hair.
This year should be pretty good.
We played the Sanborn alumni and lost, 5-1.
I got my check and only got $58. [Store manager's] gonna run my check thru the computer tomorrow.
- The (back to school) Barbarian
Friday, September 7, 1984
Song of the day: Girl Gone Bad - Van Halen
School went pretty good today. In Field Biology, me and [another guy] decided to get sea horses for pets. I have some homework in Adv Math and Journalism. Journalism is cool. I became one of the readers who check stories for errors, etc. I have to write a story this weekend.
Hot new babe dept.: There's this girl who sits with us in 1st period free. I think her name is [redacted] (not spelled that way. That's what I think people have called her). What a babe!
Another babe is in my Journalism class. I think her name is [redacted]. Nice bod.
We got a different jukebox. It sucks. It's even worse than last year's one. It's got disco songs, country songs and assorted garbage. Great. Some chick put on some queer disco song. I almost died.
After school, me and [a buddy] drove around for awhile. Practice was 3 hours long. I got home just past 6. At 9, I went to work. I found out that [some dude] quit. Too bad. Crew sucked! Too much work. As it turned out, I was up for 25 hours straight! Sheesh!
Postscript: Not sure why we started school so late this year. I forgot about getting that call from the girl I'd been pursuing all summer. I wasn't a fan of the Stompers or Beaver Brown, anyway.
Free periods were pretty fun. We hung out in the cafeteria, could buy candy and junk from the little store there, and could crank tunes on the jukebox. I remember, despite the "queer disco," playing a lot of U2 and Van Halen on that thing. Somebody figured out how to screw with the volume and really blast it, and then they turned it off for a while, I think.
Journalism class! At this point, I had no clue that journalism would be my chosen profession. It was just something that looked interesting and not too difficult. We didn't have a school paper, but our class had a page in the local newspaper that we contributed stories to, so that was cool.
Sunday, September 01, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: The Last in Line
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Tuesday, August 21, 1984
Song of the day: Wait Until Summer's Gone - Zebra
I got up at 10:30. I didn't do much today, just bummed around. Jeremy called around 1. He said that [cute chick] wanted to go to Canobie Lake sometime before summer ends. Hmm. He also said we'd go to the mall next Wednesday or Thursday.
I went to practice at 5. We did mostly running today. I ran the 40 in 6:40 and 6:18. I ran the mile in 6:23, my personal best. After that, we did even more running, and believe me, I'm gonna be one sore barbarian in the morning.
I gotta get in touch with [metal dude] about the concert.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, August 22, 1984
Song of the day: I'm Insane - Ratt
I got up at 12 today. I mowed all the weeds from both sides of the house. We did more running at practice today. [Another hot female classmate] came by later on. What a babe.
I called [drummer dude] and he gave me [metal dude's] phone number. I called his house but he was at school.
I get the car tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, August 23, 1984
Song of the day: I Can't Shake You - Santers
I got up at 7 and took Mom to work. [Guitar dude] called and asked me if I could give him a ride to work. I went over at 2 and we sat around til 2:45. Disappointment #1: My paycheck was only $73! 20 bucks in taxes. That blows! #2: I called [metal dude]. His mom said I'd have to get a ride to his house. At first, things looked grim. But then I remembered Dad gets home at 5, so I could take his car to [metal dude's] house. Now, I have to find out how to get there. His mom said he'd be home from 12-1:30 tomorrow. I hope I can work this out and see that concert!
- The Barbarian
Friday, August 24, 1984
DIO + TWISTED SISTER CONCERT
Song of the day: The Man on the Silver Mountain - Rainbow
Top 5 at Five
1. The Last in Line - Dio
2. We're Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister
3. On the Dark Side - John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band
4. Missing You - John Waite
5. Talk to Me - Scandal
WOW! What an awesome concert! Dio rules! Twisted Sister rules! We had good seats on the right side of the stage. Dee Snider got in a fight with some bozo in the front row who threw something at him. They played a killer set.
Dio's set had an awesome laser show! Viv Campbell wailed! It was great! I got a Dio jersey and a tour program. I didn't find any good Sister shirts. The show finished at 10:30. I left the car at the Bucket. I got home at 11:45 after a good night of headbanging.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, August 25, 1984
Song of the day: Egypt (The Chains are On) - Dio
Hmm. I went to work at 12. [Supervisor] made up the schedules and gave me stupid hours. 7-1 Sunday and a bunch of 3-10s. I haveta get him to change them.
[Girl I like] came in today to check her hours while I was on lunch. Like I thought, she was on vacation last week. Wow, lotsa babes working. [Another one], what a fox! Yum!
I got the new issue of Guitar. Only thing is, it's the October issue with Ozzy on it. I haven't even gotten the September issue with Scorpions on it. Weird.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, August 26, 1984
Song of the day: Two Minutes to Midnight - Iron Maiden
I got up at 6. Only 4 1/2 hours of sleep! The only thing that made the day worthwhile was the fact that [girl I like] was working 8-1. She definitely likes me! We shared a carton of OJ during our break. What a babe!
I heard Maiden's new single off Powerslave, "Two Minutes to Midnight" and the flipside, "Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Actually, I heard about half of "Mariner" when Mom got a stupid sliver in her finger and as a result, I missed the rest. Mind-blowing metal nonetheless.
- The Barbarian
Monday, August 27, 1984
ALEX LIFESON'S BIRTHDAY
Song of the day: Flesh for Fantasy - Billy Idol
I took Mom to work early so I could get my schedule fixed at 9:30. I got Creative Writing second semester, second period. As I was leaving, [female classmate] drove by. When I got home I called [optometrist] and they just got the contacts in. I went in at 11:30 and got 'em. Now I can see! I have to go back at 2:30 tomorrow to see how they are.
I mowed the lawn at 1.
[Buddy] told me at practice that he quit his job at the Bucket yesterday.
We got a scrimmage in Epping tomorrow. I hope we kick butt!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, August 28, 1984
Song of the day: Rock Hard, Ride Free - Judas Priest
I took Mom to work. I got 2 records today, April Wine - Nature of the Beast and Van Halen - Fair Warning. Actually, I had to get them at the post office. I met [two classmates] at the plaza.
JP went with [buddy] to some camp for a couple of days.
I went to [optometrist] again today. I learned how to take out and clean and replace my contacts.
We won our scrimmage with Epping, 6-1! They stunk! I only played for most of the 4th quarter.
[Buddy] gets his license tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, August 29, 1984
Song of the day: So This is Love? - Van Halen
Pretty boring day. I just sat around till 4:45, then I went to practice. Yahoo.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, August 30, 1984
Song of the day: Revelation (Mother Earth) - Ozzy
Top 5 at Five
1. On the Dark Side - John Cafferty and Beaver Brown
2. The Last in Line - Dio
3. Walking on a Thin Line - Huey Lewis and the News
4. New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite
5. I'm on Fire - Bruce Springsteen
Took Mom to work. I paid off my Guitar subscription. Got my check, $52.50. Got my senior pictures. Went to practice. That's it.
- The Barbarian
Friday, August 31, 1984
Song of the day: You're In Trouble - Ratt
What a day. I woke up at 8:15, rode over to the plaza for my 8:45 eye appointment. I got home at 10, or something like that, and went to bed. I got up at 12 and [buddy] picked me up at 12:20. We goofed around for a while and got to the field house around 2:30. We left for Dover at 3:30. We won, 1-0. I didn't play too good because my allergies were killing me. The JVs played 2 quarters after our 3 and we left at 7. After eating at Burger King and all, we got back at 8:30. [Another buddy] gave me a ride home and I got there at 8:45. I ran in and out and made it to work before 9. [Girl I liked] was there. Hmm. I worked with [another dude] in aisles 1, 3 and 4. We all finished stocking at 3:30. The ovens were left unlocked so we had pizza. I got home at 7:15.
- The (crew slut) Barbarian
Saturday, September 1, 1984
Song of the day: Let It Go - Def Leppard
I got up at 3 p.m. I had taken out my contacts before I went to bed, so I put 'em back in.
I got to work early so I could talk to [girl I liked], but she wasn't there. My hours are: Mon 12-10 (time and a half!), Wed 3-10 and Fri NC. Not bad, eh?
I worked with [some dude]. He goofed off so much that it took us longer than it should have. We finished stocking at 2:30.
We took an hour and a half break. Me [and four guys] went up to the catwalk to sit down. [One guy] got a quart of Bud and they all started drinking. They got 2 more quarts (I had a little), and we successfully hid them.
We got out right at 7.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: Life with contacts was a whole new world. I usually just walked around without wearing my glasses, so everything was blurry. I only wore my glasses when I drove or occasionally in class. So this was a big deal. These contacts were soft lenses, but you had to take them out and put them in solution when you weren't wearing them. Required some discipline.
The Dio show was fun. Can't believe I bought a program. I wonder if I still have it somewhere in a box.
Soccer scrimmages were underway. I didn't play much senior year. Part of it was the coach didn't really know me because I played the previous year on the JV and obviously I wasn't wowing anybody with my athletic ability. I was a pipsqueak and didn't have a lot of power on my shots, and I didn't have blinding speedy or anything like that. I like to think I brought more to table in terms of knowing where to go in front of the net, but unfortunately I sat on the bench most of the season. I started playing again after college and I think I was a better athlete then.
Night crews were fun. I would continue working them periodically for the next five years or so. Totally forgot about drinking beer that time. I remember once having a wine cooler or two. We usually didn't drink because if we got caught, we'd be super-screwed. Plus I didn't really drink much in high school.
This female co-worker and I were starting to get a little close. Actually, there were a couple of them, but once school started, I focused more on girls in my school. Probably a dumb move on my part, but then, I was all about the dumb moves when I was 16.
Tuesday, August 21, 1984
Song of the day: Wait Until Summer's Gone - Zebra
I got up at 10:30. I didn't do much today, just bummed around. Jeremy called around 1. He said that [cute chick] wanted to go to Canobie Lake sometime before summer ends. Hmm. He also said we'd go to the mall next Wednesday or Thursday.
I went to practice at 5. We did mostly running today. I ran the 40 in 6:40 and 6:18. I ran the mile in 6:23, my personal best. After that, we did even more running, and believe me, I'm gonna be one sore barbarian in the morning.
I gotta get in touch with [metal dude] about the concert.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, August 22, 1984
Song of the day: I'm Insane - Ratt
I got up at 12 today. I mowed all the weeds from both sides of the house. We did more running at practice today. [Another hot female classmate] came by later on. What a babe.
I called [drummer dude] and he gave me [metal dude's] phone number. I called his house but he was at school.
I get the car tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, August 23, 1984
Song of the day: I Can't Shake You - Santers
I got up at 7 and took Mom to work. [Guitar dude] called and asked me if I could give him a ride to work. I went over at 2 and we sat around til 2:45. Disappointment #1: My paycheck was only $73! 20 bucks in taxes. That blows! #2: I called [metal dude]. His mom said I'd have to get a ride to his house. At first, things looked grim. But then I remembered Dad gets home at 5, so I could take his car to [metal dude's] house. Now, I have to find out how to get there. His mom said he'd be home from 12-1:30 tomorrow. I hope I can work this out and see that concert!
- The Barbarian
Friday, August 24, 1984
DIO + TWISTED SISTER CONCERT
Song of the day: The Man on the Silver Mountain - Rainbow
Top 5 at Five
1. The Last in Line - Dio
2. We're Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister
3. On the Dark Side - John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band
4. Missing You - John Waite
5. Talk to Me - Scandal
WOW! What an awesome concert! Dio rules! Twisted Sister rules! We had good seats on the right side of the stage. Dee Snider got in a fight with some bozo in the front row who threw something at him. They played a killer set.
Dio's set had an awesome laser show! Viv Campbell wailed! It was great! I got a Dio jersey and a tour program. I didn't find any good Sister shirts. The show finished at 10:30. I left the car at the Bucket. I got home at 11:45 after a good night of headbanging.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, August 25, 1984
Song of the day: Egypt (The Chains are On) - Dio
Hmm. I went to work at 12. [Supervisor] made up the schedules and gave me stupid hours. 7-1 Sunday and a bunch of 3-10s. I haveta get him to change them.
[Girl I like] came in today to check her hours while I was on lunch. Like I thought, she was on vacation last week. Wow, lotsa babes working. [Another one], what a fox! Yum!
I got the new issue of Guitar. Only thing is, it's the October issue with Ozzy on it. I haven't even gotten the September issue with Scorpions on it. Weird.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, August 26, 1984
Song of the day: Two Minutes to Midnight - Iron Maiden
I got up at 6. Only 4 1/2 hours of sleep! The only thing that made the day worthwhile was the fact that [girl I like] was working 8-1. She definitely likes me! We shared a carton of OJ during our break. What a babe!
I heard Maiden's new single off Powerslave, "Two Minutes to Midnight" and the flipside, "Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Actually, I heard about half of "Mariner" when Mom got a stupid sliver in her finger and as a result, I missed the rest. Mind-blowing metal nonetheless.
- The Barbarian
Monday, August 27, 1984
ALEX LIFESON'S BIRTHDAY
Song of the day: Flesh for Fantasy - Billy Idol
I took Mom to work early so I could get my schedule fixed at 9:30. I got Creative Writing second semester, second period. As I was leaving, [female classmate] drove by. When I got home I called [optometrist] and they just got the contacts in. I went in at 11:30 and got 'em. Now I can see! I have to go back at 2:30 tomorrow to see how they are.
I mowed the lawn at 1.
[Buddy] told me at practice that he quit his job at the Bucket yesterday.
We got a scrimmage in Epping tomorrow. I hope we kick butt!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, August 28, 1984
Song of the day: Rock Hard, Ride Free - Judas Priest
I took Mom to work. I got 2 records today, April Wine - Nature of the Beast and Van Halen - Fair Warning. Actually, I had to get them at the post office. I met [two classmates] at the plaza.
JP went with [buddy] to some camp for a couple of days.
I went to [optometrist] again today. I learned how to take out and clean and replace my contacts.
We won our scrimmage with Epping, 6-1! They stunk! I only played for most of the 4th quarter.
[Buddy] gets his license tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, August 29, 1984
Song of the day: So This is Love? - Van Halen
Pretty boring day. I just sat around till 4:45, then I went to practice. Yahoo.
- The Barbarian
Thursday, August 30, 1984
Song of the day: Revelation (Mother Earth) - Ozzy
Top 5 at Five
1. On the Dark Side - John Cafferty and Beaver Brown
2. The Last in Line - Dio
3. Walking on a Thin Line - Huey Lewis and the News
4. New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite
5. I'm on Fire - Bruce Springsteen
Took Mom to work. I paid off my Guitar subscription. Got my check, $52.50. Got my senior pictures. Went to practice. That's it.
- The Barbarian
Friday, August 31, 1984
Song of the day: You're In Trouble - Ratt
What a day. I woke up at 8:15, rode over to the plaza for my 8:45 eye appointment. I got home at 10, or something like that, and went to bed. I got up at 12 and [buddy] picked me up at 12:20. We goofed around for a while and got to the field house around 2:30. We left for Dover at 3:30. We won, 1-0. I didn't play too good because my allergies were killing me. The JVs played 2 quarters after our 3 and we left at 7. After eating at Burger King and all, we got back at 8:30. [Another buddy] gave me a ride home and I got there at 8:45. I ran in and out and made it to work before 9. [Girl I liked] was there. Hmm. I worked with [another dude] in aisles 1, 3 and 4. We all finished stocking at 3:30. The ovens were left unlocked so we had pizza. I got home at 7:15.
- The (crew slut) Barbarian
Saturday, September 1, 1984
Song of the day: Let It Go - Def Leppard
I got up at 3 p.m. I had taken out my contacts before I went to bed, so I put 'em back in.
I got to work early so I could talk to [girl I liked], but she wasn't there. My hours are: Mon 12-10 (time and a half!), Wed 3-10 and Fri NC. Not bad, eh?
I worked with [some dude]. He goofed off so much that it took us longer than it should have. We finished stocking at 2:30.
We took an hour and a half break. Me [and four guys] went up to the catwalk to sit down. [One guy] got a quart of Bud and they all started drinking. They got 2 more quarts (I had a little), and we successfully hid them.
We got out right at 7.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: Life with contacts was a whole new world. I usually just walked around without wearing my glasses, so everything was blurry. I only wore my glasses when I drove or occasionally in class. So this was a big deal. These contacts were soft lenses, but you had to take them out and put them in solution when you weren't wearing them. Required some discipline.
The Dio show was fun. Can't believe I bought a program. I wonder if I still have it somewhere in a box.
Soccer scrimmages were underway. I didn't play much senior year. Part of it was the coach didn't really know me because I played the previous year on the JV and obviously I wasn't wowing anybody with my athletic ability. I was a pipsqueak and didn't have a lot of power on my shots, and I didn't have blinding speedy or anything like that. I like to think I brought more to table in terms of knowing where to go in front of the net, but unfortunately I sat on the bench most of the season. I started playing again after college and I think I was a better athlete then.
Night crews were fun. I would continue working them periodically for the next five years or so. Totally forgot about drinking beer that time. I remember once having a wine cooler or two. We usually didn't drink because if we got caught, we'd be super-screwed. Plus I didn't really drink much in high school.
This female co-worker and I were starting to get a little close. Actually, there were a couple of them, but once school started, I focused more on girls in my school. Probably a dumb move on my part, but then, I was all about the dumb moves when I was 16.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Shapes of Things
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Thursday, August 9, 1984
Song of the day: Trampled Underfoot - Led Zeppelin
I can go! Yah! Dad said I could go to the Dio concert! Awesome! Now, I hope [metal dude] got the tickets. Excellent!
The weather was lousy. It was cloudy all day. We went right up to the beach and then turned around. Mom was pissed that we didn't even let [Aunt Redacted] walk around. Oh well...
I got my check ($81.90) today. I put $60 in the bank. Now I have $300 in the can. Good deal.
- The Barbarian
Friday, August 10, 1984
Song of the day: You Really Got Me (live) - Van Halen
I worked today. [Metal dude] gave me my ticket. Later he told me he didn't even ask his parents if they'd take him yet. Great.
After work, me and [guitar dude] went to Friendly's and then to his house where he gave me some of my magazines back. I got home at 12.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, August 11, 1984
Song of the day: Back Where I Started - Box of Frogs
Not bad. In fact, awesome! Rush is playing the Centrum on Oct. 2 and 3! Yaah! Tickets go on sale Wednesday. [Drummer dude] said we'll go down to Methuen Mall and get tickets. Yaah!
[Female co-worker]'s getting pretty friendly. She said [cute girl from school] is a good friend of hers. She lives in Atkinson. Hmm.
I'm working 7-1 tomorrow (ugh) and night crew on Friday (yaaah!).
- The Barbarian
Sunday, August 12, 1984
Song of the day: I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
Man, am I tired1 Got up at 6, went to work at 7. I worked till 1, actually there wasn't much to do. Then Mr. C asked if I could stay till 6, working in beer. I said sure. I got lotsa moolah, but I am totally beat.
[Aunt Redacted] goes home tomorrow morning.
- The Barbarian
Monday, August 13, 1984
Song of the day: Shapes of Things - Gary Moore
Top 5 at Five
1. Still Loving You - Scorpions
2. Walking on a Thin Line - Huey Lewis and the News
3. The Warrior - Scandal
4. Midnight Maniac - Krokus
5. I Love You Suzanne - Lou Reed
Dreary day. All it did was rain on and off all day. [Aunt Redacted] left at 2 in a limo. She got home alright.
Sheer boredom.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, August 14, 1984
Song of the day: All Night Long - Billy Squier
Top 5 at Five
1. Walking on a Thin Line - Huey Lewis and the News
2. When You Close Your Eyes - Night Ranger
3. Still Loving You - Scorpions
4. Bobbie Jean - Bruce Springsteen
5. Pretty Persuasion - R.E.M.
Boring day. We went to the Methuen Mall. I bought a couple of pins: Twisted Sister and Judas Priest (Metallian). I also got the new Hit Parader and a Creem Metal special.
Mom got me an appointment with an eye doctor so I can get contact lenses! It's on Friday. Wow!
[Drummer dude]'s going to sleep over at the Centrum tonight. I left $20 in the mailbox and he said he'll come by around 12 to get it. I hope he gets it.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, August 15, 1984
Song of the day: I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
Yaah! I got the ticket! Actually, [drummer dude]'s gonna give it to me on Friday. But I got it! Rush! I finally get to see them. I hope I can talk Mom into letting me go. But, hopefully the Dio show will go off alright and Mom will say OK. I hope!
On the way to soccer today (on my bike) I met [another cute girl from school]. Oh my gosh. She had just got out of her swimming pool! Is she a beauty or what? I couldn't believe what a babe she is! Too bad she's going with [friend of mine] or else I'd ask her. Incredible!
Soccer practice is now at 5:30. We didn't have it today because it was too hot. [Buddy] came by in his van and we went burning all over Kingston. The freshmen cheerleaders were practicing at the field house. We noticed one girl who was pretty nice. [Buddy] said he's gonna try and see if she wants to go with him. Things with [his chick] aren]t going too quickly. Kinda like me and [cute chick].
- The Barbarian
Thursday, August 16, 1984
Song of the day: The Horrorteria - Twisted Sister
Top 5 at Five
1. The Last in Line - Dio
2. Hello Again - The Cars
3. Rock You - Helix
4. Crazy - Peter Wolf
5. Faraway Eyes - Adrenaline
Didn't do much today. Got my check ($81.25). I met [female classmate] at the Bucket. She's a babe.
At 5:30, I went to soccer practice. It went alright. I was a little sore afterwards, but not too sore.
- The Barbarian
Friday, August 17, 1984
Song of the day: Drop Dead Legs - Van Halen
Top 5 at Five
1. Bobbie Jean - Bruce Springsteen
2. Still Loving You - Scorpions
3. Leave My Kitten Alone - The Beatles
4. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
5. The Last in Line - Dio
Whew! What a day (night?). I stayed up till 4:30 last night and got up at noon. At 1:30 I rode to the Carriage Town Plaza for my eye check. My vision is 20/120. I tried on contacts. They felt pretty good. Dr. said they'll be ready in a week. Awesome! On the way home, I saw [cute girl] drive by, [dude] drive by and (I think) [cute girl and someone else] who said hi to me. I couldn't tell because I didn't have my glasses on.
At 5:30, I went to practice. I got home at 8, ate dinner and went to work. The crew was me [and six other guys]. We had over 30 pallets but we were done early. I stayed awake! I got home at 7 and went to bed. Good morning!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, August 18, 1984
Song of the day: Three Lock Box - Sammy Hagar
I got up at 1:30 p.m. At 3, I went to the Basket to see what my hours are. [Supervisor] had me down for Sun 1-6, Tues., Wed. and Fri 3-10 and Sat 12-10. I told him about soccer and he gave Tues., Wed. and Fri. to someone else.
Mom and me went to Exeter and I got 2 pairs of cords, 1 pair of jeans (all Levis), a pair of Nikes and a free wallet.
That's it!
- The Barbarian
Sunday, August 19, 1984
Song of the day: High an' Dry - Def Leppard
I got up at 10:30, took the garbage out and went to work at 1. [Guitar dude] asked me if I would lend him my car because he couldn't get a ride home (at 1). I, stupidly, said yes. Fortunately he got it back alright. He left his keys in it. We're gonna get together and practice tomorrow. [Drummer dude] will pick us up because Mom's taking the car at 6. I have to go for my physical first, though.
- The Barbarian
Monday, August 20, 1984
ROBERT PLANT'S BIRTHDAY
Song of the day: Rock n' Roll's Gonna Save the World - Y&T
Top 5 at Five
1. The Last in Line - Dio
2. Leave My Kitten Alone - The Beatles
3. Hello Again - The Cars
4. New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite
5. The Warrior - Scandal
Wow! I got up at 10:40, 20 minutes after I was supposed to have my physical. I rode down to the school, got it over with and got home by 12. I had some breakfast and then [drummer dude] called at 1 and said we were gonna practice. So, before they came, I quickly vaccumed and washed the dishes. When we got to [drummer dude]'s house, we started to do "Foolin'" by Leppard. I didn't play any guitar today. I sang lead vocals on "Foolin", but I didn't do too hot 'cause my voice can't hit the high notes. It kept cracking on the high parts. Also, we had and taped 2 jams (actually the other dudes did the jammin', I just watched). I got home at 5 and took off for soccer practice. I got home at 8. I'm gonna try and write some songs tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: Lots going on in this installment. I got fitted for contact lenses after a few years of squinting because I refused to wear my dorky glasses. I played soccer the previous year with everything blurry; hey, I could see the ball and differentiate my teammates from the opponent. But contacts definitely changed things for the better.
Scored tickets to a couple of big arena concerts: Dio/Twisted Sister and Rush. This was big because my parents actually started letting me go to things. Previously, I just read about concerts.
The band thing was still sorta happening, but it was becoming quickly apparent that I brought next to nothing to the table.
Another new development was working a night crew. They'd lock us in the store after close on Friday or Saturday and we'd stock shelves all night. We'd crank music and eat food and have a blast, all while making time and a half.
Soccer practice started. I was riding my bike to practice. I can still remember that first day running into the hot chick in the bikini. Damn.
Thursday, August 9, 1984
Song of the day: Trampled Underfoot - Led Zeppelin
I can go! Yah! Dad said I could go to the Dio concert! Awesome! Now, I hope [metal dude] got the tickets. Excellent!
The weather was lousy. It was cloudy all day. We went right up to the beach and then turned around. Mom was pissed that we didn't even let [Aunt Redacted] walk around. Oh well...
I got my check ($81.90) today. I put $60 in the bank. Now I have $300 in the can. Good deal.
- The Barbarian
Friday, August 10, 1984
Song of the day: You Really Got Me (live) - Van Halen
I worked today. [Metal dude] gave me my ticket. Later he told me he didn't even ask his parents if they'd take him yet. Great.
After work, me and [guitar dude] went to Friendly's and then to his house where he gave me some of my magazines back. I got home at 12.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, August 11, 1984
Song of the day: Back Where I Started - Box of Frogs
Not bad. In fact, awesome! Rush is playing the Centrum on Oct. 2 and 3! Yaah! Tickets go on sale Wednesday. [Drummer dude] said we'll go down to Methuen Mall and get tickets. Yaah!
[Female co-worker]'s getting pretty friendly. She said [cute girl from school] is a good friend of hers. She lives in Atkinson. Hmm.
I'm working 7-1 tomorrow (ugh) and night crew on Friday (yaaah!).
- The Barbarian
Sunday, August 12, 1984
Song of the day: I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister
Man, am I tired1 Got up at 6, went to work at 7. I worked till 1, actually there wasn't much to do. Then Mr. C asked if I could stay till 6, working in beer. I said sure. I got lotsa moolah, but I am totally beat.
[Aunt Redacted] goes home tomorrow morning.
- The Barbarian
Monday, August 13, 1984
Song of the day: Shapes of Things - Gary Moore
Top 5 at Five
1. Still Loving You - Scorpions
2. Walking on a Thin Line - Huey Lewis and the News
3. The Warrior - Scandal
4. Midnight Maniac - Krokus
5. I Love You Suzanne - Lou Reed
Dreary day. All it did was rain on and off all day. [Aunt Redacted] left at 2 in a limo. She got home alright.
Sheer boredom.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, August 14, 1984
Song of the day: All Night Long - Billy Squier
Top 5 at Five
1. Walking on a Thin Line - Huey Lewis and the News
2. When You Close Your Eyes - Night Ranger
3. Still Loving You - Scorpions
4. Bobbie Jean - Bruce Springsteen
5. Pretty Persuasion - R.E.M.
Boring day. We went to the Methuen Mall. I bought a couple of pins: Twisted Sister and Judas Priest (Metallian). I also got the new Hit Parader and a Creem Metal special.
Mom got me an appointment with an eye doctor so I can get contact lenses! It's on Friday. Wow!
[Drummer dude]'s going to sleep over at the Centrum tonight. I left $20 in the mailbox and he said he'll come by around 12 to get it. I hope he gets it.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, August 15, 1984
Song of the day: I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
Yaah! I got the ticket! Actually, [drummer dude]'s gonna give it to me on Friday. But I got it! Rush! I finally get to see them. I hope I can talk Mom into letting me go. But, hopefully the Dio show will go off alright and Mom will say OK. I hope!
On the way to soccer today (on my bike) I met [another cute girl from school]. Oh my gosh. She had just got out of her swimming pool! Is she a beauty or what? I couldn't believe what a babe she is! Too bad she's going with [friend of mine] or else I'd ask her. Incredible!
Soccer practice is now at 5:30. We didn't have it today because it was too hot. [Buddy] came by in his van and we went burning all over Kingston. The freshmen cheerleaders were practicing at the field house. We noticed one girl who was pretty nice. [Buddy] said he's gonna try and see if she wants to go with him. Things with [his chick] aren]t going too quickly. Kinda like me and [cute chick].
- The Barbarian
Thursday, August 16, 1984
Song of the day: The Horrorteria - Twisted Sister
Top 5 at Five
1. The Last in Line - Dio
2. Hello Again - The Cars
3. Rock You - Helix
4. Crazy - Peter Wolf
5. Faraway Eyes - Adrenaline
Didn't do much today. Got my check ($81.25). I met [female classmate] at the Bucket. She's a babe.
At 5:30, I went to soccer practice. It went alright. I was a little sore afterwards, but not too sore.
- The Barbarian
Friday, August 17, 1984
Song of the day: Drop Dead Legs - Van Halen
Top 5 at Five
1. Bobbie Jean - Bruce Springsteen
2. Still Loving You - Scorpions
3. Leave My Kitten Alone - The Beatles
4. I Can't Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar
5. The Last in Line - Dio
Whew! What a day (night?). I stayed up till 4:30 last night and got up at noon. At 1:30 I rode to the Carriage Town Plaza for my eye check. My vision is 20/120. I tried on contacts. They felt pretty good. Dr. said they'll be ready in a week. Awesome! On the way home, I saw [cute girl] drive by, [dude] drive by and (I think) [cute girl and someone else] who said hi to me. I couldn't tell because I didn't have my glasses on.
At 5:30, I went to practice. I got home at 8, ate dinner and went to work. The crew was me [and six other guys]. We had over 30 pallets but we were done early. I stayed awake! I got home at 7 and went to bed. Good morning!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, August 18, 1984
Song of the day: Three Lock Box - Sammy Hagar
I got up at 1:30 p.m. At 3, I went to the Basket to see what my hours are. [Supervisor] had me down for Sun 1-6, Tues., Wed. and Fri 3-10 and Sat 12-10. I told him about soccer and he gave Tues., Wed. and Fri. to someone else.
Mom and me went to Exeter and I got 2 pairs of cords, 1 pair of jeans (all Levis), a pair of Nikes and a free wallet.
That's it!
- The Barbarian
Sunday, August 19, 1984
Song of the day: High an' Dry - Def Leppard
I got up at 10:30, took the garbage out and went to work at 1. [Guitar dude] asked me if I would lend him my car because he couldn't get a ride home (at 1). I, stupidly, said yes. Fortunately he got it back alright. He left his keys in it. We're gonna get together and practice tomorrow. [Drummer dude] will pick us up because Mom's taking the car at 6. I have to go for my physical first, though.
- The Barbarian
Monday, August 20, 1984
ROBERT PLANT'S BIRTHDAY
Song of the day: Rock n' Roll's Gonna Save the World - Y&T
Top 5 at Five
1. The Last in Line - Dio
2. Leave My Kitten Alone - The Beatles
3. Hello Again - The Cars
4. New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite
5. The Warrior - Scandal
Wow! I got up at 10:40, 20 minutes after I was supposed to have my physical. I rode down to the school, got it over with and got home by 12. I had some breakfast and then [drummer dude] called at 1 and said we were gonna practice. So, before they came, I quickly vaccumed and washed the dishes. When we got to [drummer dude]'s house, we started to do "Foolin'" by Leppard. I didn't play any guitar today. I sang lead vocals on "Foolin", but I didn't do too hot 'cause my voice can't hit the high notes. It kept cracking on the high parts. Also, we had and taped 2 jams (actually the other dudes did the jammin', I just watched). I got home at 5 and took off for soccer practice. I got home at 8. I'm gonna try and write some songs tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Postscript: Lots going on in this installment. I got fitted for contact lenses after a few years of squinting because I refused to wear my dorky glasses. I played soccer the previous year with everything blurry; hey, I could see the ball and differentiate my teammates from the opponent. But contacts definitely changed things for the better.
Scored tickets to a couple of big arena concerts: Dio/Twisted Sister and Rush. This was big because my parents actually started letting me go to things. Previously, I just read about concerts.
The band thing was still sorta happening, but it was becoming quickly apparent that I brought next to nothing to the table.
Another new development was working a night crew. They'd lock us in the store after close on Friday or Saturday and we'd stock shelves all night. We'd crank music and eat food and have a blast, all while making time and a half.
Soccer practice started. I was riding my bike to practice. I can still remember that first day running into the hot chick in the bikini. Damn.
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