Dear Diary...

Earlier this week, I came across a box of books tucked away in my bedroom. Little did I know that as I lifted the lid, I would be revisiting my childhood and once again holding several of the beloved titles that I read during my elementary and junior high years. I immediately pulled out Anne of Green Gables and set it aside (I'm rereading it for oh, the hundredth time right now), but I also was pleased to see The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Ballet Shoes, Shh! We're Writing the Constitution (yes, I was smitten with TJ even then), Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and Caddie Woodlawn among others. The true find, and the one that has kept my mom and I entertained for the past couple of days was my first diary, from when I was seven years old. I bought it at the Philippi Elementary Book Fair and started with an entry on November 13, 1985: "It was an hour till lunch. My partner in music was Kris. He started flirting with me." The pages that followed were equally as amusing, but made me realize that there are a few chief characteristics about me that have never changed. Out of pure silliness, I've decided to share a few excerpts:

My attempts to find the good in everything: I had to clean my room but I found a doll I lost and I was happy. (Feb. 6, 1986)

The appeal of classic style: I have a lovely dress on. It is a pillgrims dress. We will dance the Virginia Reel. (Nov. 21, 1985)

Sibling conflict: My brother is snoopy, mean, bossy and a tattler. (Jan. 3, 1986)

Young love is fickle: I like Kevin Keller! (May 13, 1986) I hate Kevin Keller! Steven Lewis has a crush on me and I have a crush on him. We’re going steady. (May 15, 1986)*

Pampering is good for the soul: I got a box of choclates. They are yummy. I also got a very pretty card. I got 54 valentines at our school party. (Feb. 12, 1986)

Sometimes you make mistakes before you learn a valuable lesson: I went skiing. It was fun. I crashed 7 times. I also learned how to stop. (Feb. 10, 1986)

* The May 13 entry was crossed out with the same color pen used to write the May 15 entry.