Discovering Dusty

It's 1990-something and I'm in High School. If this is your first time here start at the beginning... before I'm in High School. http://discoveringdusty.tumblr.com/tagged/discoveringdusty/chrono

[discoveringdusty]

April needs a Pasture

October 24, 1996

Practice was ok yesterday.  I went down to the farm afterwards.  I took April out.  She was running and jumping and turning around in circles like a rodeo bull.  She really needs a pasture to run around in. She needs exercise, and besides, she goes crazy whenever she gets out of her pen.

When I went home I typed up my English paper on Ibsen and Williams.  Mom said I did a really good job. 

This morning Don took me to school.  I really didn’t want him to but mom said to. I feel like it’s not his responsibility. I’m really ok by myself. 

I gave Mrs. Hewett my essay this morning.

In Ag I gave Edie a bath.  She was really good for me!  I hope she didn’t roll. 

I went to Lucy’s house for lunch today. Her brother was there.  When we came back we got her pictures. 

I’m in drivers ed right now.  We are watching another movie.

I’m going to take April out today after school so she can get some exercise. 

We don’t have any colorguard practice today because we have a football game tonight. 

Lucy gave me a dress today when I went to her house.  It’s nice!  She’s getting rid of some of her clothes.

Mrs. Salmacia bought all of us in 4th period soft tacos from Taco Bell today.  She’s pretty cool.

[discoveringdusty]

Cal Poly at Ag

October 23, 1996

Practice was easy yesterday.  We changed the movement section in Simple Song.  Afterwards I went to work.  We had two new girls there who had worked in Chino before.  They were way too fake and talk like poor people, really fast.  I saw Kristin Dutweiler there too.  I had to work from 6-10, the entire shift (usually I get off early when I work that shift). 

I got my paycheck.  I made more than I’d expected. 

This morning when mom called to wake me up she said she was going to take me to school because she was worried about me going so early alone.  I didn’t argue and instead I got dressed and went back to sleep.

Mom came home and brought me to the farm.  I guess she didn’t like it being so dark.  Steve was there feeding because Mrs. Salmacia was not there today.  He had his practice clothes on. 

I actually had an easy time cleaning up April’s pen today, so now mom thinks it only takes a few minutes to do.

I pointed out to Steve that Miracle is lying down in the mornings when I come down. He hadn’t believed me before, but today he saw it. 

When I was all done mom drove me up to the top of the stairs and then around to the main parking lot.  We saw Steve’s car just sitting there.  He probably thought we were spying on him or something. 

I talked to Mrs. Hewett this morning about having Independent Study and she said she thinks I can handle Honors.  That’s her way of saying it would be too much work for her.  This means I have to type up two essays tonight for her class!  At least I don’t have to go to work.

The two people from Cal Poly are going to be there during 4th period Ag today.  Mom is coming.  I have no idea what I’m going to ask them. I better think of something!

It was sooooo cold this morning!  I was freezing!  I asked mom to bring me something to eat when she came to Ag.  I wish!  Oh well, you can’t blame me for trying?

I’m so bored in Algebra.  And I’m bad at it.  I was totally thinking I was finally understanding it and I found out I was doing it all wrong!  I got so upset I started crying. 

When class was over I went to the parking lot by Ag to wait for mom.  When she came I talked to her for a little while and then I went into the classroom.  I guess this was the very first presentation they’ve ever done. We got free candy and pencils and cups.  It was cool. 

I found out we would be able to bring our animals to school if we paid $125 a month or we could work it off.  They were so cool!  The only problem is Steve and Zack and I all want to study the same major!  That means I’ll be in the same classes with them for a while.  Great. 

I wish we could at least talk to each other again.  We are basically going to be together for a while. 

At lunch I read part of the Metamorphosis book for English.  It’s really weird. 

Kyler and all of his guy friends were talking about something I really didn’t want to ask about today at lunch.  They all said I looked good in my sunglasses. Cool. 

I have to give Edie a bath today after school (and after practice).  I should probably take April for a walk too. She needs some exercise. 

[discoveringdusty]

The Farm Incident

October 22, 1996

My hands are still trembling!  You will never believe what happened to me this morning!  I was walking up by the farm on La Paz and I thought I saw Pasen (the farm’s big cat) with something in his mouth.  Then I stopped.  Pasen is black and this wasn’t.  So I said to myself “it must be Ms Kitty” but I’ve never seen her around that part of the farm (by the mares pasture, down by the chicken coop).  So I took another look.  It was all brown and hunched over like a dog

I thought it was a person because it was so big and then I realized it wasn’t.  It was huge, too big to be a coyote, and it was carrying a rabbit in its mouth.  I was horrified!  All of this went through my head in about 5 seconds. 

I kept on walking, debating on whether or not I should go down to the farm all by myself (it’s still dark).  All I could think about was how my animals (mainly April) would have to wait to eat, so I  decided to go down there anyways. 

As I was walking down Chrisanta I saw a jogger.  We smiled at each other and I stopped him. I asked him if he could watch me as I went down to the farm to make sure I was ok. 

I was really surprised I’d had the courage to ask this, but at the same time I felt safer knowing he would be watching out for me as I was heading down to the farm. 

I found a stick and picked it up.  I rattled my keys and tried to make as much noise as possible.  I began thinking again: Don’t they hunt in packs? What if there’s more than one of them?  It seemed rather big to be a coyote, maybe it was a wolf!

Wait, do we have wolves in this area?

As I passed the mare’s pasture I said “hi” to Edie (she whinnied back) and looked at all of the animals to see if they were alarmed at all.  They weren’t.

This scared me because usually when something is wrong they make noise, and since they weren’t doing anything unusual and I knew something was down there that means this must have been a regular visitor. 

I quickened my pace as I walked by the place I’d seen the animal.  Nothing.  Oh great.  Now I wasn’t sure where it was!  More danger!

I frantically looked in every direction.  The gate was closed to Beef Alley so I opened it and shut it behind me.  I felt a little safer.

I opened the gate to Tack Alley and went to my tack box.  I fumbled for the key and clumsily opened it.  I put on my boots and looked to my left into the Rec Pasture.  I saw it again!  It was HUGE!  It was running with a rabbit in its mouth towards the chicken coops.

I panicked.  Was it a coyote or a wolf?  I was scared and went over to the hose.  Of course, Ben left it separated so it took me forever to re-assemble it.  My hands were numb and shaking.  Mechanically I turned on the water and went down to April’s pen.  I opened it and began cleaning.  All the while I was hoping Randy would show up.  He didn’t. 

I kept hearing noises that I couldn’t distinguish between a rooster or howling. 

Then I heard the cock-a-doodle-do of a rooster, and then again.  I tensed up.

I quickly finished, told April she better love me, and tried to lock her pen.  It seemed like it took forever. 

I was finally done cleaning, fed her, cautiously turned off the hose, and changed my shoes.

Since mom had put my hair in curlers the night before they were still in my hair so I took them out. 

I was ready to get out of there!  Edie was waiting for her grain and I really was scared to go up there, especially since I had seen “it” up there.

I re-assured myself that she’d get it during Ag.  I kept on walking but regretfully looked to my side.  What I saw made me bolt out of the farm and run up those never ending stairs as quick as possible!

I freaked!

When I got to my locker I stopped.  I’ve told myself I will only tell two people of this because it’s imperative I feed and clean my animals in the morning and if anyone else knew (mom) I wouldn’t be allowed down there by myself in the morning anymore. 

I will tell Steve, but only for safety reasons, and only if he goes down there early.  And I’ll ask Mrs. Salmacia if anyone else is down there early so I can warn them too. 

UGH!

I’d come up to English early this morning to talk with Mrs. Hewett but we have a sub.  I need to ask her if she’ll take me as an independent study student for English.  I really hope she will  It will solve a lot of problems if she does. 

I can hardly write anymore.  My head hurts and my hands are totally shaking.  I wish randy would have come down to the farm. 

Well, it’s over.  I just told Steve about this morning. 

Well, actually, he sits in front of me in Algebra so I went up to him and I asked him if he went down to the arm in the mornings. He said no.  I asked him if he knew of anyone who did, and he said only me.  Then he asked me why. 

I told him it was because I saw something large there this morning and I wanted to make sure no one got hurt.

“You mean a coyote?” he asked me.

I told him it was way too big to be that, but maybe.  I just wanted to make sure.  I’m not really sure how he’s going to take my talking to him, but at least I did it.  I just hope he doesn’t turn the conversation around and make me look stupid like he always does.  Oh well.

Ag is next.  I want to remember to give Edie her grain and try to give April a bath because she really needs one. I have to clean up my chickens too. 

I just took a math test.  I hope I did ok.  I really despise math.  I wish I was smarter. 

I’m going to ask Joe and Kyler what they are doing for lunch today.  I only have change, but I can always eat at work tonight.  That money has to last me all week.

Oh, I get my paycheck today!  Yes!  Cool!

I need to tell Mrs. Salmacia we have a comp for colorguard when the Marywood kids come, so we have to leave around 11:15am to get there on time.

Well, I did give April a bath.  She needed one too!  I feel so sorry for her.  She is cooped up in that pen all day.  She really needs a pasture!  I saw that what was I “it’s” mouth this morning was not a rabbit because I saw chicken feathers where it’d been.  At least I had proof.

I’m in drivers ed now.  Hopefully we will be watching a movie. 

I hope Angela called the dairy yesterday.  I’d like that cow as soon as possible. 

Lucy and I went to her house for lunch today.  Her grandma got a call from Jason, Lucy’s brother.  I guess he got in another car accident.  Lucy actually drove pretty good all the way back to school.  Probably because we saw that cop again. 

I wonder if Steve will ever talk to me again?  I’m trying to be nice to him.  I would have a hard time being his friend though because he has been so mean to me.  Either we’re going out or we aren’t.  I don’t really see any in-between right now.  He would have to think of something pretty ingenious to get me to be his friend again anyways.  I’m confused with him. Why can’t we be normal?  Does he really have to torture me like this?

Practice is just colorguard today so hopefully we will at least get out on time. 

We are watching a movie now.  The drivers ed movies are gruesome. 

I have to go to work tonight.  I need to find someone to work for me on Thursday so I can go to the football game and perform.  I’m not quite sure if I’m going to eat there though yet.  Geeze, I’m bored!  This class is way too easy..

[discoveringdusty]

Las Vegas Competition

October 21, 1996

I had a great trip to Las Vegas!  I got up early Friday morning and went down to the farm. I fed and cleaned April, and then waited for mom to come and get me.  We dropped Matt off at school and then Mom dropped me off. I’d packed my homework, just in case we had a chance to do it.  Yeah right!

I sat with Angela on the way up there.  I tried to sleep as much as possible.  I was surprised when we got there (really early I might add) to see the Las Vegas stories I’d heard were true:  I mean, I actually saw a sign on a motel that said “Elvis slept here”.  Talk about desperate advertising!

Oh, and there was a wedding chapel on every corner.

We were staying at the Las Vegas Academy, and it was basically located right off the strip.  We unloaded the busses and, of course, we went straight to practicing. 

We practiced until the sun went down and then we ate dinner.  We had chicken and salad and mashed potatoes and biscuits.  I was so full!

Then we had rookie talent night.  The first skit was awesome. It was a poem written about Stephanie Eschbach.  It was hilarious!  All the other skits sucked.  They were totally awful!

Travis came in as the comic relief and showed us how to do luggage races.  That was cool.

Three people were having their birthday’s:  Tony S, Nikkie Pasaretti, and Julie Zison.  It was so funny:  They had Julie sit on a chair and a freshman symbol player who for some unapparent reason thinks he’s hot came up and sang Happy Birthday to her.  He took off his hat and shirt and all but his boxers.  It really was hilarious.

Afterwards Angela and I went right to sleep.  I was trying to sleep as much as possible.  We woke up at 8am and helped make breakfast so we could eat first. 

We had sausage and muffins and cereal and orange juice.  It was the best breakfast we’d ever had with the band. 

We wore our black band shirts. It was actually pretty close where we were performing (UNLV).  And it was SO WINDY!  We could hardly even practice.  Our prelims performance was at 1:30pm.  It was just ok.  The field was all Astroturf.  That was nice. 

We had to change and go sit back in the stands, but first we had to eat.  We had roast beef and turkey sandwiches. 

We were so surprised when we found out we beat James Logan in prelims!  I was just sitting there with my feet propped up on the rail and I was so surprised I jumped up. I wasn’t expecting it. 

We all loaded the busses and went down to eat pizza (we weren’t even hungry after lunch).  We went to Pistol Pete’s Pizza.  It was exactly like a Chuck-E-Cheese’s.  We all ate and then we played games.  I played skeeball and did beautifully!  I got a score of 260-320 every time. 

I got 157 tickets and bought a Betty Boop Bubble Necklace and two rings for Angela and I. 

Afterwards we went to the “Galleria” for an hour and a half.  We all went wild!  We went to Spencers and the Halloween store and Bath and Body works.  We found a country store and I found some Ropers but they were $56!

Then we went to a mattress store and got meter sticks.  We saw a Claire’s right next to it and had a lot of fun.  I love those kinds of stores. We bought 4 sets of matching earrings and sunglasses.  I saw so many things I liked!

We had to meet back at the bus at 7:30pm so we could be dressed and ready to perform at 10pm.  Our second show had less wind and we performed much better.  The scores turned out to be better but our placings stayed the same.  It took forever to change and load the busses. 

Since we did good we got to take the busses on a tour down the strip.  We saw them building New York New York and Treasure Island.  It was so cool!

We were all beat by the time we go tback.  Our lights out time was 2am but I took a shower and fell asleep. It seemed so early when they woke us up at 7am the next morning.

We packed up all or stuff and loaded the busses.  We ate breakfast and at nine we were off.

We went to the roller coaster at the state line.  It was awesome! We went on the log ride and played gamed.  We won hats too.  We stopped in Barstow for lunch at a Carl’s Jr.  (I got a Happy Meal and a #25).  I called mom and told her I was ok and then we were off again to go home. 

We actually arrived early again.  So mom took me down to the farm to feed April and then we went out to Coco’s.  I guess her and Don were in a fight.

When we got home I did my homework and went to bed. 

I was so tired when I got up this morning!  It was freezing cold too!  I finished the rest of my homework before school, gave Edie a bath during Ag, and we had a band meeting today at lunch. 

I was scheduled to work on Thursday night and we have a football game.  I guess I’ve got to find someone to help me out.

Mr. Dodge just told me I’ve got behind the wheel training next Tuesday.  I’m so tired, and now I’ve got writers cramp…

[discoveringdusty]

October 17, 1996

Yesterday we all decided to go to my house for lunch. 

Practice and everything was ok. I went down to the farm afterwards.  Mom bought Matt and her boss, Chris, from her work. 

Dad never showed up to take me looking for cars.  He said he got called into work so I asked him to take me to school on Friday since I’ll have my luggage and it would be a really hard walk.

Early this morning Matt scared me by saying  he heard Black being chased by a Mountain Lion.   Great.  I got to hear that right before I had to walk to school in the dark.  I was looking all around thinking I heard something.

I saw Randy down at the farm.  He had to get some hay.

During science today Mr. Fukuda showed us how to make water boil with no heat.  I’m really having a hard time in Algebra.  I can’t seem to find any time to go in at lunch either.

I clipped Edie’s bridle path today during Ag.  She really is a good horse.  I love her!  I washed out April’s pen again too and checked on my chick.  It seems to be ok. 

I went to I <3 Bagels today with Lucy for lunch.  We brought back Kyler a bagel.  I really think Lucy likes him. 

We had to go to photo to give it to him.  It was pretty cool.  We got to go into the darkroom. It was cold, dark, and damp.  Cool. 

I’m in drivers ed right now.  The girl who sits in front of me, Kristyn, is having boyfriend trouble.  I feel sorry for her.  She is so pretty too.

We get to go to Las Vegas tomorrow!  I can hardly wait!  I’m sitting with Angela on the bus unless we have separate busses. 

I’m going to work tonight from 6-10pm.  I hope I make money on to-go’s. 

I will probably be sleeping all the way to Las Vegas.  Either that or doing all of my HOMEWORK I have piled up…

[discoveringdusty]

Permit Test

October 16, 1996

Nothing much happened on Sunday. 

On Monday in Ag we had a BBQ with all of the leftover food from Saturday. Lucy came to my house for lunch, and drivers ed was once again pretty basic.  I got out at 2 so mom took me out to Black Angus for lunch, but I had to come back for practice.

Yesterday I had an early dismissal for 9:30am to get out of school early.  To my embarrassment, mom actually came to my class to get me (Steve happened to be in the same class).

Mom was mad at the office.  We went home to get some stuff and then we went to the DMV to take my permit test.  Geeze was it crowded!  There was very little organization too. 

Well, I saw the test and for some reason there were only 36 questions instead of 46 and I could only miss 5.  Luckily I didn’t miss any.  All of the people there were old and I didn’t see one of them actually pass the test.  It wasn’t that hard!

Mom took me out to Claim Jumper to celebrate and have lunch.  Then I got to drive part of the way back to school.  We had a band meeting and then I went to drivers ed.

Mr. Dodge told me the test I’d took was the one for adults. 

Practice yesterday was pretty easy because everyone was taking the PSAT.  Mom let me drive around the school today.  I hate driving with her because she is way too nervous.  She screams and yells at me when I’m not doing anything wrong!

Mom was home this morning so she took me to school.  She braided my hair for me.  I saw randy at the farm too.  I guess he’s mad Shelly didn’t pick me up on Saturday to go riding.  I had to go to attendance this morning to get a re-admit for yesterday. 

I’m supposed to go to that counseling thing today but I don’t think I’m going to go.  I’d be missing too much school.  The lady wasn’t there anyways when I went to get my call slip. The people that go are crazy anyways. 

I wonder what I’m going to do for lunch today?  I only have a dollar, but Joe owes me a lunch…

[discoveringdusty]

Homecoming

October 14, 1996

On Friday I went to the Football Game.  We stayed in the stands and performed after the game.  Our football team won 56-0!  We rocked!

Afterwards I went home and changed to go to HCN.  We were taking Mandy with us.  For some reason very few people were there.  I guess tonight they had to open an hour late for some reason so everyone bailed.  Because they opened late they were staying open until 2am.  James tried to pinch my butt so I chased him around the whole parking lot and kicked him. 

After about 1am everyone that was there left so Scott actually asked me to dance.  James took Mandy home and I stayed and talked.  I talked with Joe, DJ’s friend, for a while.  I found out DJ was missing bull riding to go to homecoming, and he really likes me. 

Then I was doing handstands and broke two more nails.  Oh well.

John took me home and I gave him $5 in gas money. 

I was really tired and crashed, only to get up again at 7 to go down to the farm.

After I had done all of my cleaning and feeding I sat and waited for Shelly to come and pick me up to go to Randy’s but she never came so I walked to get my nails fixed.  I saw Sandy there.

I walked back and I took Dancer out for a walk because we’re dog-sitting for Randy. 

And then I changed for the colorguard comp and at 2:30pm I walked down to the farm, fed April, and went up t the band room.

The comp went by so slow!  All I could think of was getting out of there and going to homecoming. 

We performed at 7:30pm and ran off the field.  I was the very first one changed and out of there. 

Don sped all the way home.  When we finally got there DJ scared me. He’d walked half the way and he seemed t be limping but I guessed he was fine.  I was surprised to see him dressed casual, and while I got ready mom talked to him.  We decided to dress him up in a nice shirt but he still wore his belt buckle. 

Then mom drove us to the dance.  The very first thing anyone said to us was “I like your belt buckle” (Mr. Clark). 

I could tell DJ was a little upset.  I felt like everyone was staring at us the whole time.

Oh, and Kim was there with her date, Tim.  As it turned out, DJ and Tim were pretty good friends so we had to hang around them the whole time. UGH!

Afterwards we drove DJ home.  He lives by my work.  I went home and fell asleep only to get up early to go to work.  I was tired the whole day.

We went to the farm afterwards.  Wendy asked to talk to mom so I left them alone for 45 minutes and basically just walked around. 

In the end I guess they both made up and they are friends now.  Wendy hopes that Steve and I decide to talk to each other again.  I say he has to change first.  He’s been terrible to me!

[discoveringdusty]

October 11, 1996

Hey!  Field Day was cool yesterday except I fell and broke a nail.

Lucy and I went to my house for lunch.

During Drivers Ed I got a call slip to go to the counseling office.  I had to wait forever for Mrs. Cardin to come back.  I was trying to change my English Class, but every other one is full. 

After practice I went to go feed April and I got my nail fixed before going to work. 

Someone mixed the time up on my schedule and I was supposed to be there at 5, not 6.  Oh well.  I’m over it.

DJ called while I was working yesterday.  Mom talked to him. He said it was ok for me to be late on Friday night but mom is driving to Homecoming.  Oh great.  And for some reason DJ is on restriction from using the phone but mom said he couldn’t give her a phone number.

I got up early this morning and couldn’t find my keys!  But I finally did.  I saw Randy again too. He’s so cool. 

[discoveringdusty]

October 10, 1996

Last night I had to feed after practice because there was no REATA.  I saw Randy early this morning down at the farm.  I opened up the hay room for him.  We talked for a little while.  He asked if I could babysit his Rottweiler, Dancer, for him this weekend.  I have to ask my mom first. 

We are watching Diablo Heat right now.  Our field day is today before lunch.  I cannot wait.  Cool. 

[discoveringdusty]

70s day and Club Fair

October 9, 1996

Practice went ok yesterday but it was really hot. 

I did my homework last night and went to bed with Vaseline on my face.  After that I could actually move my mouth again.  Today it’s all crusting over.  I hope it peels and is gone by Friday night (homecoming).  It still stings really bad. 

Jenny came over and gave me my Wade Hayes ticket last night for Tuesday, November 5.  I cannot wait to go!

Angela called me saying her calf wouldn’t drink her bottle so I checked her out this morning.  She seemed to be doing OK so I wrote her a note saying Freckles might just be exhausted from all the walking Angela does with her.  I’m going to tell her to put molasses on the nipple too, that might help. 

Today is club fair day.  Everyone is going to bring their animals up from the farm for lunch, but I really don’t want to bring up April. 

Remember Steve’s keychain?  Well, today it was at the top of his tackbox.  What is the deal with this? 

I’m not really sure what I’m going to do for lunch today, but I have an American History test just before.  It’s going to be difficult!

I’m wearing my cow earrings today.  I look cool. 

For some reason DJ didn’t call me last night?  I feel bad because I don’t have his phone number so I can’t call him.  I need to remember to put my name on Hannan’s list to go to homecoming so I can go. 

My face is still burning. 

I need to go to the bank today to deposit my paycheck.  I’m hoping to put most of it into my savings account. 

Mr. Fukuda actually locked his door today after the tardy bell rang.  He should have done it sooner.  I think it’s a good idea except if you have a note from another teacher keeping you back and that’s why you’re late. 

I’m still not quite sure if Steve has a date to homecoming or not yet.  I’m sure though that if he had one I’d know about it because he’d probably be sticking it in my face. 

I wonder if any of the letters I sent out to companies will come back?

Ag today was pretty easy.  I spent a lot of time in the bathroom peeling off the scab on my face.  It really feels a whole lot better.  It’s kind of pink though.  About half way through the period I got a call slip to go to the office.  It was for a counseling meeting.  To my surprise, I knew everyone in the group.  They explained what “fine” means.  I’m supposed to go again next Wednesday. 

Then I had to go and take my history test.  It was actually pretty easy for me. 

We had an extended lunch today because of the club fair.  So Lucy, Joe, Trisha, and I all went to Wendy’s for lunch and here I am now, sitting in drivers ed, after I’ve just taken another easy test. 

Today was 70s day where everyone dressed 70s.  Only a few people actually did.  Lucy was one of them.

I hope practice goes by quick today.  I want to go home and actually get some sleep!

[discoveringdusty]

DJ asks me out

October 8, 1996

Well, so much for writing time yesterday!  I was really busy.

OK, well, after I went to work on Friday night I went down to Hot Country Nights at Lake Forest Lanes.  I had Brent take me home.  I got a shirt that says “Cowboy This”.

On Saturday I went down to the farm early and I saw Randy.  I told him how I saw Kim at HCN.  I guess she’s not allowed to go there.

Afterwards I clipped April.  It took forever!  She has so much hair!  Then Angela and I went to Taco Bell and her grandparents took us to her house and we changed for the competition. 

We got the first band newspaper and loaded the bus.  We got to watch 3 bands perform and then we went to eat and warm up.  I had a great show but we still only got 2nd place.  It was a big night and I had to get up early to go to work from 8-4.  To my surprise, all the managers were having a meeting and Tim pulled me over to tell me what a great job I was doing working podium.  Cool. Afterwards I changed and went to CRC.  DJ asked me out!

He was talking to me the whole night.  Then I tried to show off by stretching backwards on the bar stool and it fell over!  I landed on my face, knocking over two other chairs.  I was so embarrassed and my face really hurt! I couldn’t feel the right side of my face for 20 minutes.  I went up to the bar to get a glass of ice for it.

Then Scott (the DJ) announced he was quitting.  I asked him why, and he said it was because the people who worked there were being mean to him.  Every one of the regulars promised not to go to CRC again until he got some respect.

Since we have Friday nights still, no one really cares anyways.

While I was talking with Scott DJ went outside so I talked and danced with Aaron.  He’s pretty quiet.  I could tell he was nervous.

When DJ came back in he sat down and talked with me.  Out of nowhere he said “I’m going to kiss you” and then he kissed me so I kissed him back.  I think he was surprised I didn’t turn him down this time. 

Then he said “you know, I had this whole thing planned out.  I was going to kiss you and then ask you to be my girl.  Will you be my girl?” 

And that’s how he asked me out.

Then we went and played a game of pool.  Towards 9pm Scott started playing all the songs he wasn’t allowed to play and then everyone walked out together. 

DJ and I are now going to Homecoming together. 

On Monday I woke up and had a HUGE mark across my face from the night before (falling off the chair).  I was horrified!  It was terrible!!! 

I gave Edie a bath during Ag and we went home for lunch.  I put some vitamin E on my face.

At 2pm mom came and we went out for Chinese food.  When we came home Mrs. Hewett had called.  I’m going to switch English classes. 

Then I went to Colorguard (5-9pm practice).  Guess what Mr. Hannan did?  Our performance time is 7:45pm on Friday and Homecoming starts at 8pm!  There’s no way there will be enough time to come home and change before going! I’m absolutely livid!  He lied to us!

Today when I got to Ag early I saw the keychain that I gave Steve on Easter laying on the floor by my tacklebox.  It was the one with his name on it.  I guess it was his way of giving it back to me.  So I stepped on it and left it there.

My face is stinging so bad!  It hurts!  It looks totally awful, and I hope it’s gone by Saturday or I’ll die!  I hate this!

I’m so mad about the dance, but no one seems to care?  Why not?  It’s a big thing to me.  I paid to go to the dance and I want to go!

Randy was just down at Ag.  He forgot to talk with me when I’d asked him to stay.  Oh well.  I’m over it.

We are supposed to go to an assembly today.  There’s a girl who went to our school and got a gold medal in the Olympics (Soccer).  Mrs. Salmacia wants us to go.  (I need to remember to give her a check for the alfalfa today). 

When I went down to tack alley just now that keyring I gave Steve that was on the floor is now on the top and side of his tacklebox.  I guess Angela found it this morning and put it there. I haven’t touched it at all.

DJ is supposed to call me tonight.  Do you know what I remembered?  I really can’t stand cigarette smoke, but DJ had had one and when I kissed him I was surprised for some reason the taste didn’t bother me?  In fact, I kind of liked it.  I think that’s a little ironic, don’t you think?

I just gave Mrs. Salmacia that check.  Cool.  She’s trying to find some pig wormer.  OK, she just found some.  Jennifer gave her her old stuff, but there might not be enough for both of her pigs. 

I have no idea what I’m going to do for lunch today.  I will have to find Erin or something.

During snack I went to Mr. Reid’s room.  He gave me a number I need to call in order to get my money back for drivers ed.  This is taking way too long!

Well, the assembly was ok.  Julie was on the US Soccer team.  I sat by Kyler. 

At lunch Daunell, Jori and I went over to Taco Bell because we had nothing better to do.  Then I went t the student store to get some candy. 

Everyone’s telling me my face looks worse today than yesterday!  I am so mad.  It still stings like crazy.  I can barely open my mouth. 

I found out today Ashley is going to get a Letterman’s jacket for being an aid for Football. No fair! 

I’m in drivers ed right now and one more person just asked me about my face.  It’s so humiliating.

We have practice today with Colleen.  Frank’s on his vacation all this week so Colleen’s running our rehearsals.  I really hope we get out early or at least on time today.  I’m still mad at Hannan.  I’m hoping we will talk about it at practice today.  It’s really unfair!

[discoveringdusty]

October 7, 1996

On Friday I was “allowed” by Hannan to leave practice early to go to work.  I was on the late shift. I worked until 9:30pm and

[discoveringdusty]

October 4, 1996

Well, yesterday I went to practice.  I’m getting more worn-out every day.  I fed April and went home.  I sent out 16 more letters too, asking for stuff.  I’m going to run out of stamps!

Mrs. Salmacia called and talked to mom last night.  Mom sold her LCI. 

Today we finished our lab in science.  In Algebra we did nothing (of course) but at least I have Joe and Jeremy to talk to.  Steve just talks to some quiet guy from wrestling.  I think Steve’s trying to pretend like he’s got friends.  He just sits in class, all by himself, and tries to pretend he’s not lonely.  I wonder if he does that in all of his classes?

At snack today Lucy apologized for being mean.

In Ag today I gave Mrs. Salmacia her LCI stuff and I gave Edie a bath.  She’s getting her winter coat.  She’s all soft on her belly!

We went to I <3 Bagels today for lunch.  Lucy drove. AGH!!!

I’m in drivers ed now.  This class is really so basic.  I don’t understand how some people can do so poorly in this class?

At practice today I need to be sure Angela got the blower from Mrs. Salmacia so we can clip the cows in the morning.  I need to give her Mr. Jongsma’s number too so she can call on the cow. 

I get to go early today from practice to go to work because Mr. Hannan decided to schedule a longer rehearsal on us after I’d gotten my work schedule.  It’s not my fault he didn’t give us enough time.  I got my work schedule 2 weeks ago!  I hope he doesn’t get mad (he will). 

After work tonight I’m going to go to Hot Country Nights and Lake Forest Lanes.  I need to see if John and I are still going to Homecoming together?

[discoveringdusty]

October 3, 1996

I’m so mad!  Guess what?  The stupid guy at the DMV screwed up with my permit and recorded I’d failed my test!  So now I have to go down to San Clemente and get my permit.  UGH!  When am I going to get my license?  This isn’t fair!  The DMV guy screwed up!

Practice was grueling yesterday.  It was four hours long. 

Angela and I went to Ag afterwards. 

Mom took me out to Coco’s too and then we finished my cow pajamas.  I also typed up letters to a whole bunch of people and companies involved in Ag, asking for free stuff.  I hope they respond!

Today I saw Randy down at the farm.  I helped him into the hayroom and we talked for a little while. 

He said Steve told him he was going to try to make my life miserable on the FFA trip.  I really want him to try, and maybe he’ll end up making a fool out of himself!

I guess Mr. Clark called and talked to mom about the letter I’d sent him about Randy.  I’m going to try and schedule an appointment with him sometime soon. Maybe on Monday before colorguard.

We did our English presentation this morning.  Gloria wouldn’t let me see my notes so I barely said anything at all, even though I’d done most of the work.  Oh well.

Lucy was absent yesterday so I haven’t really talked to her yet.  I really want to find out what’s wrong.  I feel bad still.

Angela and I are clipping our calves on Saturday.  I think, just to confuse Steve, we should take the calves and put them in the trailers for a few hours.  That would be funny!  I’ll ask Angela what she thinks.

Oh, and remember how Steve ran into me with Miracle the other day?  Well, I guess they are telling people I shoved him.  Talk about turning everything around!  Now I’m going to have to straighten everything out.  I can’t wait until all they have done finally comes back to them.  They deserve it. 

I really can’t understand how my Algebra homework can be so easy, and yet I’m not getting good grades on my tests?

Joe told me he knows of someone who wants to ask me to homecoming.  He’s in my driver’s ed class, but he’s a sophomore!  I will only go out with older guys. I wouldn’t mind going with Joe or Kyler, but I don’t want to get Lucy mad.  I’m still not sure about John.  He hasn’t called meyet since CRC on Sunday.  I really want to go to homecoming!

Mom’s friend says she has a dress I can wear.  Or I would probably go in the same dress I wore on Steve and my first date.  The green one.  I’m not so sure yet. 

Why does my life have to be so very complicated?  It’s really not fair!

In Ag today I groomed and gave Edie her grain.  Shelly offered to give Edie her grain in the evenings for me.  How nice!

All during Ag I was going through Mrs. Salmacia’s books, looking for addresses and phone numbers of people to send me more free stuff.

Joe took me to DQ for lunch today.  We saw Ryan and Nate there.  Of course, Ryan embarrassed me.  Why does he always have to do that?

[discoveringdusty]

October 2, 1996

I’m so tired!  I went driving on Monday after school.  I went all the way to Trabucco Canyon and way out past Cook’s Corner. 

Monday night rehearsal was tiring.  It was really tough, and not to mention freezing!  On Tuesday morning mom took me to school because I was feeling so bad. 

I had Angela feed April for me and I fell back asleep.  I slept all the way until 1pm when I had to get up to go to colorguard.  I felt so bad!

After practice Angela and I headed down to the farm.  Dr Blue was supposed to meet us there.  Wendy saw me cleaning out April’s pen at 5pm, when everyone was supposed to leave, but Dr Blue showed up when I was half was half way done so I had to go and do that.  Wendy looked at my pen and then left.  I’ll bet you anything she’s going to tell Mrs. Salmacia I’m not cleaning my pen right.  Doesn’t she have anything better to do?

I got my clippers on Monday, so Angela and I are going to clip our calf’s together Saturday before the competition. 

I was still tired this morning when I got up.  It’s a minimum day today, but of course Hannan is making us practice until 4pm.  Why waste our free time?  UGH!

[discoveringdusty]

September 30, 1996

Oh my gosh!  What a weekend!

 OK, Friday I had to change in the car for work after colorguard practice. 

Work was pretty ok.  I changed to go to Hot Country Nights at Lake Forest Lanes.  I got a pink bracelet to get in.  I still have it on…

I had a great time!  John took me home at 1am.  I had to get up early to go to work at 8am.  I worked until 3pm and then John picked me up.  He had some in earlier and asked me if I wanted to do anything.  Unfortunately, he had Denise with him.  I guess they’ve been going out for 3 months now.  They have a really weird relationship:  they both flirt with other people like crazy?  They aren’t even going to homecoming together.  Now I’m really debating whether or not I should go with John now.

After work he dropped me off and I got to practice driving.  I was surprised I got to drive everywhere!

I went to work on Sunday from 9-4pm.  I was supposed to be there at 8am.  Whoops!

After work I changed and walked to CRC.  John was all over another girl the whole time.  If I were Denise, I’d kill him! I was totally depressed the whole time.  At least DJ was there and tried to cheer me up.

I saw Michelle from work there too.  She really surprised me.  We got two new managers at Mimi’s on Sunday and little Sean left.  They all sang to him.

I’m so tired now.

Oh, guess what Steve did on Sunday morning?  I got to the farm at 8am to clean April.  Steve saw I was in a hurry and he took the hose and started using it for no good reason.  What an idiot!

April had a dirty pen all day and now she needs a bath. 

We have a Monday night rehearsal tonight from 5-9pm.  I am supposed to get my drivers permit today.  Oh, did I mention I was supposed to begin simulators today, and now, because I have colorguard, I won’t be able to do them until February?!?!?  Yeah right!  I’m going to ask for my money back.  That’s not fair!!!  I want my license so I’m going to take the class privately. 

My life really sucks, you know?  It seems as though all that I’ve been doing lately is complaining and I hate it!

OK, now I’m really confused.  I wrote a letter to Lucy this morning.  At snack, when I went to give it to her she grabbed it and said “Is this explaining why you broke up with John?”

I was never going out with John?  Where was she getting that information from? She even told Kyler she “thought I was her best friend” Where is she getting this from?  What did I do?  She won’t even talk to me!

So I went to lunch with Kyler, Joe, and Justin to I <3 Bagels.

I’m really concerned about Lucy.  I think both Joe and Kyler like me now but I know Lucy likes both of them too and I don’t want to have another reason for her to be mad at me. 

What should I do?

Mr. Dodge came back from surgery today.  Our permits haven’t come in yet.  I’m so mad!

If I get caught driving without my permit I’ll get in trouble and I’ve been doing a lot of driving lately. 

Oh well. 

Did I tell you Kyler brought me lunch today?  It was only a bagel, but still…

[discoveringdusty]

September 27, 1996

Sorry I had no time to finish writing yesterday.  Well, nothing much ended up happening yesterday.  Practice was pretty easy.  Afterwards I went to get my nails done.

I paged John.  He called me and I asked if he could take me home from Lake Forest Lanes HCN Friday night.  He said he could.

Then Jenny called.  We are going to go to the Wade Hayes concert together in November.  I can’t wait! 

Today the farm was quiet. 

We had a pep rally today.  All of the homecoming princesses were ordained.  I have an idea Mr. Burger is going to make me stop writing soon.  We are watching a movie.

I was right.  He just made me stop.

I went to Lucy’s house for lunch today. 

I have to go to work from 5:30pm-9:30pm tonight, then I’m going to Hot Country Nights until 1am.  Then I wake up at 6am and go to work until 3pm and then go driving.  I have a very busy weekend planned.  I have to go to practice today too.