Christmas 1985 – New Years 1986
Sunday, December 15, 1985:
Well, today Mom noticed that the gas tank was on empty and that we had to get some gas or we couldn’t do anything.
We went by three stations that were closed and then finally ran out of gas.
And so Mom went one way and Joanna stayed in the car.
Me, Jeanette, Andrea and Jon started walking to church.
We stopped by the house and then started walking again.
We got to “T” Street and Mom got us and took us up and so we were late.
James and Dad went up early.
After church me and Joanna and Jeanette and Mom and Dad went to the Christmas Musical that I played in: percussion.
The best drum player, Troy, didn’t come, so I was left holding the bag with Will, who doesn’t know anything about music.
I had to tell him everything and all kinds of stuff.
I didn’t do too good and messed up a lot and I made things sound stupid.
So I was real embarassed.
And I saw a few people I knew there, so it was kind of worse.
Monday, December 16, 1985:
Not much happened today.
I have to do a little making up for some class time I missed.
Money’s tight so I think the plan for Christmas is to get a carpet and everyone get a present for each other and maybe Mom and Dad could get one for everyone.
My back is sure sore.
I’m starting to think I’m never going to get better.
Sometimes I think all I’m doing is getting worse.
I want to wrestle, but don’ think I’ll be be able to.
I’m not sure if I should risk it or not.
My favorite movie in the whole world is “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart.
We started watching it today in Seminary.
Remember yesterday when Troy didn’t show up?
Well, he came to me and said, “I completely forgot.”
He was really upset with himself.
I had a nice chat with Dr. Pond.
I need more sleep.
I haven’t had but two decent meals in a long time or sleep.
Tuesday, December 17, 1985:
Not much happened today.
I got to go home early because I had no band today.
Tomorrow I need to make up a test for Math.
We’re doing something weird for English, some paper.
I did up a card for Paula.
I took a nap and got up at about 8:00.
Now it’s quarter to 11:00.
The Seminary Council put on a show today that was really bad.
I feel for them.
There were only four of the nine there to sing and such.
That they did, but they had some good stories.
Some of the people from Shriners’ [Hospital were] on the news today.
I’m glad that people go up there and do things with them.
I keep thinking it’s late in the week, so time’s going by slow.
Wednesday, December 18, 1985:
A week till Christmas!
Today I wrestled a little bit; it felt real good.
It didn’t hurt as long as I was on top.
Not much going on.
Tomorrow Santa Clause is coming to my Seminary class.
I went in this morning and a few people were just sitting there kind of sad-faced, so I kind of yelled, “Cheer up!” or something like that.
It got a few comments, like, “Why are you in such a good mood?” and “I never see him in a bad mood.”
I was glad that people noticed that about me.
That makes me feel good.
I went to a Chemistry lecture.
A famous two-some performed.
It was really very neat: explosions, things like that, exciting.
There’s a wrestling meet tomorrow, South vs. East, and a tournament on Saturday.
I need some new pajamas.
Mine I’ve got on now are falling apart.
Thursday, December 19, 1985:
Today, after school, I wrestled real well.
It was real fun and I felt real good.
I was in charge of mopping the mat for the match against South and I kept score for the Varsity and helped Dave Swenson with the J[unior]V[arsity].
I walked home and got home at about ten to nine and watched the rest of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
I’ve had a good day.
Tomorrow will be short.
I’m going to have fun (this wrestling.
I’ll get in shape and get ready to wrestle, so when I come back.
Friday, December 20, 1985:
Finally, the last day of school, for a while.
Today I went to school and there weren’t that many people there.
Second period I took a test and Third I had a pretzel and a sandwich that were left over from the German party.
Then Fourth period there was me and one other guy there and the teacher, so she gave us extra credit and let us go.
I went to the library and then up to the car in the parking lot and I was supposed to wait at my locker.
But I got home anyway.
Once home I copied a [computer] program from a book I’ve got then went downtown with everyone.
Joanna was already there.
Mom and Dad were going to a play and the rest of us went shopping.
I went with Jeanette and Ange [Andrea’s nickname] because we got split up from Jon and James.
I thought we were going to go together.
After we got home, I wrapped Mom and Dad’s presents.
I got Dad some earmuffs and got Mom a sign that says, “Someday my ship will come in. With my luck I’ll be at the airport.”
I thought that would fit Mom and Dad real well.
I saw Alf down at Sunset [Sport Center].
We only get one present this year; funds are too little.
I told Mom not to get me anything because I don’t need anything.
I wouldn’t mind a few things though.
I got upset with everyone, so I decided (Jon was a bugger and Jeanette was weird) I’d go and read and listen to the radio; I fell asleep.
It was about 7:00; I woke up at about 10:00.
James thinks he’s going to college.
Saturday, December 21, 1985:
James is over at Brother Mellors because his wife is supposed to pass away tonight.
I did a lot of driving today.
I didn’t mind.
I didn’t do much today though.
I should have done something worth while today.
I never did get that thank-you note to Paula.
It’s late now.
I was reading the newspaper “East Leopard.”
I read about people I know and I’m even in it.
I’m also in a local newspaper “Foothills People.”
Both [mentions] were about me wrestling and being out this year.
I feel real good with my back; still have pain though.
I hope to be back after Christmas.
I went out on James’ Eagle project today; we collected food for Utahns Against Hunger.
We’ll go out Monday too.
Not an eventful day; I sure am a dull person.
Monday, December 23, 1985:
It’s now about 8:00 in the morning; I didn’t write last night.
Yesterday we went to Uncle Wayne’s; we had so much fun.
I think that they (Wayne & Cheryl) are so neat.
Today me and Wayne are probably going to play racketball.
I hope so; that would be fun.
Something strange about our family (Mom, Dad, James, me, Joanna, Jeanette, Andrea, Jon): we never fight or tease or anything when we’re around other people.
But once we get by ourselves in the car or at home, we are the worst little heathens.
I’m sure that I am the cause of some, if not all, because with my example that I set for the younger kids.
I’m trying to be better; I just hope I make it (I will).
Today my feet are sore because I went and played racketball with Wayne; he “killed” me.
At about 6:00 we went out to Uncle Keith’s house; we had the greatest time.
We always have fun when we visit with everyone together: I have a neat family.
Now it’s about ten after twelve, so it’s pretty late.
I ate too much candy; it always makes me sick.
I don’t know why I eat it; it’s good?
Tuesday, December 24, 1985:
Christmas Eve; today’s been an eventful day.
Today me and James took the food from the food drive down to Utahns Against Hunger.
I read a little.
At about seven or eight (whatever), the family went down to Temple Square to see the lights.
After that we were going to the car and saw a man that was waiting for the bus to go to the airport.
My dad asked him if he wanted a ride, so we took him out there.
He was a very nice man — originally from Czechoslovakia, living in Portland, going to Chicago.
It was too foggy, so he got a bus down here and then a plane to Chicago; a real nice man.
Then we went down Main for a while, then up to Grandma’s.
We left there about 11:00.
They invited us down tomorrow, when everyone will be there.
Everyone is excited about Christmas.
James just finished taking pictures of everything: tree, etc.; it’s now 11:30.
Jon’s pretty excited.
Our family’s pretty poor this year; money’s tight.
I told Mom she didn’t have to get me anything this year, but she did.
I don’t mind much.
The family’s not getting along too well.
I’m sure it will get worked out sometime.
We also went up to Shriners today and gave them a gingerbread house.
There was already one up there — taller than me.
I’ve been meaning to go up and see the kids up there and Ryan Ivins (a patient).
I didn’t see him though; he made it back home in time for Christmas.
I’m happy for him.
Wednesday, December 25, 1985:
Today we got up (Jon, the first to venture to the tree) and then opened presents.
Not a whole lot of things; mostly clothes.
I thought that I’d not get much, but I did: sweat shirt, slippers, warm socks, a sweater, some candy from Aunt Sandra (boy is it good!)
We had a good lunch at about 2:00 p.m.: ham, potatoes, etc.
Then we went to Grandma’s at about 5:30 or 6:00.
Keith’s family and Wayne’s came too.
Not a real eventful day, but fun.
Thursday, December 26, 1985:
Today James and Andrea and Grandpa went skiing.
James used his new skis.
I didn’t do nothing but read a little and eat too much (candy).
I’m also getting more and more depressed.
I think I should go out and do something.
I don’t think I’m going to wrestle this year.
If I did I’d probably get hurt.
My body is real SAD.
I can’t do anything with it.
I’m in pain all the time.
I hate it (not the body, the pain).
Also my skin’s allergic to water or soap.
Every time I get a bath I get a rash and if I stretch my arms or chest, it hurts like a bunch of pins poking me; not a wonderful life.
My spiritual life might be better than the physical part.
Friday, December 27, 1985:
I just had a neat experience.
Me and James went up to Ron’s and saw a real good movie, ’Les Miserables;” it was real neat.
I liked it: nothing that you might call bad in it.
On our way back we spotted a deer (doe).
She was neat; she ran across the street to the cemetery and stopped and looked at us, till a car came by and it left.
Then another one came into view.
Finally the first left and we didn’t really see the second that much.
I thought I saw another one, but I doubt it.
I now have the same bad things happening to me, namely, knees, back, neck and skin; I hate it.
I don’t like pain; it depresses me; I don’t like it.
I’m getting fatter and fatter every day.
No more wrestling for me, at least this year.
Grandpa gave all of his skiing stuff to us: the stuff that everyone but our family fights over.
I hope your life is better than mine.
Mine will get better.
Saturday, December 28, 1985:
BYU lost to Ohio State today, 10–7.
I didn’t do anything today but watch T.V. and eat; gained about ten pounds.
I’m putting on so much fat; I can’t believe it I’m so fat.
I ate so much food today that my stomach almost exploded.
I stayed up till 1:35 a.m. (15 minutes ago) watching “Cinderella” with Mom and three girls.
James and Jon were smart and went to bed, and Dad was there, but didn’t care.
It’s ten to two now and I’m going to go to sleep.
Sunday, December 29, 1985:
Not much today.
Our car’s real dirty: after church, on the back I wrote, “Hi” and “wash me” “silly.”
Then on the driver’s side I wrote, “Turbo.”
At 8:20 we went to tithing settlement; I made this year $552.50.
My life’s not too good right now.
I don’t take care of myself the way I should.
I’m fat.
I’ve got about 300 things wrong with me.
I’m dull.
I’m not going to wrestle this year, plus, a million other things.
That’s all the more reason I need to work on lots of things.
Since New Years isn’t far away, I’ll be making some resolutions — and keep them.
Dylan came [to church] today.
I have a feeling that he’s going to be regular.
I hope I can help.
We’ve got a new teacher (age 14) in the quorum today: Dan May.
He seems like a neat guy.
Monday, December 30, 1985:
It’s about 12:00 now.
I’ve just got to stop staying up so late.
I’m losing all of my rest that I need.
Today Grandpa showed up and wanted to go skiing, so we got enough people and skis.
I used James’ new ones and we went.
His worked real good sometimes and not good other times.
The snow kept sticking to the ski, so I couldn’t ski sometimes.
I didn’t fall down at all, except maybe slipping a little and doing a knee plant; not bad at all for someone that said he wasn’t going skiing anymore.
I didn’t even get cold.
I’ve also been watching T.V. too much; my eyes hurt.
I don’t know why I’m always in pain somewhere.
And now part of my back is starting to hurt these days.
I bumped my elbow on Dad’s chair; it hurts lots.
Tuesday, December 31, 1985 / Wednesday, January 1, 1986:
Happy New Year!
It’s now 12:15.
It was pretty boring, this.
I didn’t do anything; just stayed at home and stayed up.
Mrs. Simpson (lady I babysit for) came by with Connor and Mora.
They got a new dog; it’s sure cute.
They brought me and Jeanette Christmas presents.
Jeanette got a shirt and I got a “James Taylor Greatest Hits” tape.
Once I expressed my liking of James Taylor so I guess that’s where they got the idea for it.
I didn’t do much today.
I finished reading “The Sea Wolf” by Jack London.
It’s a good book; I’d recommend it.
I’ve listened to my tape once already and just turned it on now.
I was glad to know that it had by favorite song on it, “You’ve Got a Friend.”
I love that song.
Me and James, Jon and Jon’s friend, Joe Ballesteros played hide-and-seek today.
We all got real tired and I just sweated like crazy.
We’ve only got tomorrow till we go to school.
Just before writing here I wrote a few thoughts about New Year resolutions.
I think that they are some worthwhile resolutions and hope to keep them.
I hung last year’s on the wall by my bed so I see it every day which is a good idea, I do believe.
I’ve got some other stuff too: Positive-thinking type things and miscellaneous.
Not too much stuff though.
I just got back from watching David Letterman.
I’m so exhausted; I can’t do anything anymore.
Maybe it’s from running up the stairs or all the running I’ve been doing today.
Anyway, I’m tired so I think that I will go to sleep now.
Wednesday, January 1, 1986:
Right now I’m laying in my room listening to the National Championship game: Oklahoma and Penn State.
The winner is the National Champion (dah).
Today I went shopping with Mom, James, Joanna and Jon.
We went to Sunset Sport Center and I got a red sweat shirt and a real nice 100% cotton shirt that I’ve been wanting for a long time.
After I got back, I went to the Hammond’s Apt. (they’re managers of the Federal Heights Apts) and we went on the roof and cleaned off all the ice.
It was hard.
The ice was at least 4–6 inches thick in some places.
After we had some hot chocolate and Debbie took me home.
Then I just watched some bowl games and here I am and it’s only about 9:30 p.m.
Can you believe it? Oklahoma
Thursday, January 2, 1986:
Today I went back to school.
I was real happy; I usually am.
Then when I got back from school, by back was hurting LOTS; the new part, upper middle.
It had started earlier about 3–4 period.
In fourth period I made a list of all the health related problems that I had, that I could remember.
I had about seven.
I’m going to ask the doctor about [them] on the 31st.
I finished my homework early, kind of.
I made a time table [schedule] of what I do in a day; my day’s pretty boring.
I sure love my James Taylor tape I got.
I still haven’t written my resolutions yet; I’ll have to do that tomorrow.
I’ve got a wall full of...well...stuff now.
I’m also going to do an expense sheet (money) like we did for scouts; I’ve alreaty got a budget.
I’ve got to keep it, though.
I sure want to wrestle; I wish I had the health for it.
I hate the health I have right now.
I think that it’s mostly my fault: not eating right, etc.
Also, I think that it’s God testing me.
My favorite song just started (“You’ve got a friend”).
I’m glad I do; His name is Jesus and I’ve got another, Heavenly Father;
I don’t know His first name.
I got some soap in my eye today; boy, did it hurt!
I’m happy in spite of all my troubles!!!
Friday, January 3, 1986:
My back’s not getting any better; it hurts lots.
I fixed up all my money stuff today: I’ve got 40% mission, 50% spending, and 10% tithing.
I think that’s a pretty good balance; I’m tempted to switch mission and spending when I get a job.
Right now I’ve got $40 in mission and $9 in spending and about $3 in tithing.
I’ve got lots of good blessings.
Today I told the wrestling coach I’m not going to wrestle this year; I’ve got too many health problems.
Although my health is bad, I’ve got lots of other blessings: family, friends, food, clothes, a country, leaders, etc.
I’m just so blessed.
I just wish my health was better.
My back started hurting again at about Saturday the 28th of December and it really started getting aggravated on Thursday, maybe from the shoveling I did.
I wouldn’t be surprised if my kids all have health problems; I hope not.
[note by page number 87: “year I graduate”]
Saturday, January 4, 1986:
Today I didn’t do much, except me and James took Landon down to BYU.
It took a good long while; the car didn’t work too good though.
I thought that [James] was going to drive down and me back, but he didn’t [think so].
So he wouldn’t let me drive until there was about 15 miles left — when he finally got tired.
When we got back I had to run up to the Simpsons to babysit them.
Andrea was already up there.
They had an untoilet-trained puppy, so I had fun there.
I don’t think I ever want to have a pet, maybe a bird, but not a mammal probably.
I don’t like to clean their messes.
Connor cried for an hour.
I got back at 11:25 and it’s now 11:40 and I’m going to go to sleep now.
Sunday, January 5, 1986:
It’s now 11:00.
I was up at Rons: James was playing at the computer and I watched a movie — “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”
Today we started the 9:00 a.m. session [early block schedule] for church.
Me and seven others went down to Holy Cross Hospital to do the Sacrament at 10:20 a.m., so we missed [the ward] Sacrament [Meeting].
I’ve been not feeling that well.
I might be getting better; I doubt it though.
I didn’t do any of my homework this weekend.
I played Risk today.
Me and Andrea were the last ones left and we got tired of playing, so we stopped.
We said she won.
I might have been able to win eventually.
I don’t think so, though she had me pretty good.
Monday, January 6, 1986:
What a day!
I was so tired this morning.
I really never woke up until I got to Fifth period.
Then, because it’s fun or something, I get vivacious.
Today Matt, Joanna’s boyfriend, came over for dinner and stayed for a while.
My back was not well at all.
I can’t sit up for very long or my back starts hurting bunches.
I went to wrestling practice today; just sat there.
Tuesday, January 7, 1986:
I think that people think of me as vivacious.
Whenever I’m at school, I’m happy, excited, lively, talkative, etc.
I have a bunch of personalities: church’s, school’s, different classes’, at home, etc.
After school I went to wrestling, left early to watch a basketball game — girls.
I stayed there for a while and I got home about 5:15 p.m.
I got my checks cashed, so I got $24.00 today.
Out of that I got 12 dollars: 40% miss. 10% tithing.
I haven’t been doing my homework too well; I think I got lazy over the vacation.
I’m thinking about getting a job.
Wednesday, January 8, 1986:
Today I went to a real neat winter camping seminar kind of thing.
This one guy named John came to the University Ward house.
There were three troups there: University, 27th, and 27th East.
I loved it.
He was very experienced and we’re going to talk with him next Wednesday at 6:30 and do some other stuff with him.
I’d love to get to know him and maybe go camping with him.
It would be great.
I hope to talk with him more; I’m very interested.
He’s a real neat guy too.
On Monday Paula got me the Christmas Dance picture.
I look awful with a capital A-w-f-u-l, yuch!!!
I had a great day today.
After school, when I was walking home from school, I got to thinking, “I wonder if God would give a message [from me] to Pres. Spencer W. Kimball.”
I thought he would, so I said a little prayer.
I thanked Pres. Kimball for helping me.
I’m pretty sure he heard it.
I must be past feeling; I don’t [feel] it.
I’ve got a good life.
Sometimes I feel a calm, but not much.
I once asked God to show me what the Spirit felt like and I got a little tingling in my chest, but I don’t ever get it any more; I don’t think.
Maybe I didn’t ask in the right way.
I’ve got to do some serious repenting, I know.
Also some thinking about what I’m going to do with my life: career, college, etc.
Thursday, January 9, 1986:
I had lots of homework and I had a wrestling meet.
I stayed for the J.V. but left an hour before the Varsity.
I saw an old wrestling friend, Steve Porter.
I just thought I wanted to talk to the guy I wrestled last year — oh well.
Thursday’s a great day for T.V.
That’s why there should be no homework for tests on Friday.
I still didn’t finish my homework; I think that I’ll finish it though.
Bro. Shoell took out people for ice cream for reading scriptures.
I could have gone, but I would rather have the real food instead; maybe next time.
Friday, January 10, 1986:
We had a pep rally today, so that’s when I did my newspaper for U.S. History.
And I worked on my book report, and then finished that in 4th period.
At 11:30 (4th) I left to go to the dentist.
I had my teeth cleaned and florided and a tooth filled.
At about 6:30 I woke up from a nap I took.
I got a ride with Will (he’s weird; I don’t like to say that, but well, . . .)
and played at the basketball game: 65–60 Bountiful.
After the game I got real bummed on myself and stuff; I didn’t like it.
I got home, had some lasagna and watched the news.
I bumped my left knee twice today; it hurts.
I don’t like my health at all; it’s the worst it’s ever been.
Saturday, January 11, 1986:
I had a slow start this morning, but finally got going.
At about 6:00 Ron called to see if we (me and James) wanted to go to a basketball game.
We did, and the Utes won: 87–61 against Hawaii.
The referees didn’t do too well; a lot of bad calls.
It’s already 11:10 and so I must be getting to bed.
I’ve got a sore throat; I have for a while now.
Me and James and Jeanette went to get some free ice cream; it was good.
My picks for the Superbowl are Chicago and Miami and I think it’ll be close, but Chicago will win.
Sunday, January 12, 1986:
It’s been two months today [since my back operation].
My predictions were wrong: it’ll be the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots in the Superbowl.
This morning I got up late, so I didn’t get a bath.
Went to church, and it was cold in there; got home; watched the football game; slept a little, then watched a real good movie (it’s continued); and it’s 10:05.
I’m starting to get sick now: my throat and nose aren’t doing too well and I’m tired.
So I’ll get lots of liquid and sleep, so that I can do good in school and feel well.
I hope I don’t make anyone sick.
Monday, January 13, 1986:
Today my throat was real sore and it’s even sorer now (well, a little while ago — I just gargled with salt water).
I didn’t do any homework today.
The family went up to Parley’s Summit [Little Mountain] to see Halley’s Comet (I’ll be 92 when it comes around again in 2061).
I didn’t really see it though; it was behind some clouds and we got there a little late.
Me, Jeanette and Andrea ran up a sledding hill and talked to a guy that saw it really good yesterday.
I was thinking about going to wrestling practice and stuff, but I just [now] felt pain in my back and maybe I’m a little off there.
I hope someday I’ll get better.
I felt once that as soon as I got married that my physical problems would leave.
I hope before; oh! I do want to get better.
[note referring to page number 92: year I’ll be when Halley’s Comet comes back]
Tuesday, January 14, 1986:
Today I missed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th periods to take the ASVAB test, then took a test in 5th,
and then went to 6th and didn’t play in 7th [band] because of my throat.
My throat’s doing real bad.
My voice is leaving (almost gone).
After school I stayed after for the wrestling matches (J.V., V.).
I got to keep score.
Me [and?] the manager also got to run all over and run errands.
Then after that was over, I called Mom and she came and got me and since I didn’t have any dinner, she bought me some at Arctic Circle, where Kurt Kendall works and took my order.
Then I got home about 8:45 and then watched T.V. and here I am.
I started writing about 10:00 and me and James keep talking about things and now it’s 20 minutes to 11:00, so nighty-night.
Wednesday, January 15, 1986:
Today I stayed home from school because of my throat, etc.
I read a little from my U.S. History book and not much else (but one thing).
Also and gave Joanna the stuff I borrowed to give to some teacher to give to the people I borrowed it from.
The other thing was: well, remember last Wednesday, when I went to the real neat winter camping thing?
Well, I went back today, but this time it was just me and Matt and Ron drove.
It was real neat; I liked it lots.
I hope that I get a chance to get to meet him some more and do some winter camping and stuff.
It would really be fun!!!!
Thursday, January 16, 1986:
Today I went to a wrestling match against Highland.
They won both; I kept score.
We had some real good matches.
I wish we had a decent car (littler).
The coach didn’t show up to school after the match, so I brought home all the stuff I was carrying.
Now it’s late; almost 11:00.
My mom commented how she doesn’t like me keeping late hours.
We kind of laughed about it, so there’s no problem.
Friday, January 17, 1986:
Today I was dumb: I’m still up, and it’s right after 12:00 — watching T.V. — stupid.
My back’s sore, I need rest, boy oh boy.
I was pretty happy today.
I need to turn my life around: talk to a doctor or something and get some sleep, exercise, etc. — advice.
I found out today that Bro Shoell is going to release the officers.
I’m the Spiritual V.P.
That will happen in a few weeks.
Yesterday Bro James Cannon called me and asked if I would be on a Stake Committee for the youth of the Stake to decide what kind of things we (youth) would like to do.
(Just went in and put my head above some Vicks in some boiling water; I’m cleared up now.)
Today during first period Joel Izatt, a great wrestler, ranked #6 in state, came and asked if he could talk to me and he said that the coach needed the books, so I went to get them.
The coach said that he did come back: he said he was ten minutes behind me.
This one guy named Brinkerhoff’s got a problem with cockiness: he’s good, but thinks too highly of himself — bad news.
