My Old School

It's one of those unfortunate circumstances of growing up with particular types of parents that I did not get to have a Senior Yearbook. I can't tell you how much I've regretted that for the last...several...years. It's something everybody should have, no matter what the circumstances. You will regret not having it, I can promise you.

I found this guy online who finds and sells old yearbooks. Without much hope I registered myself on his extensive wishlist, asking for a Grandview, Missouri Yearbook, year of 19....several years ago. Last week, I heard from him. It was a reasonable price and I learned how to use Paypal, so all in all it was an agreeable and educational experience.

I have been watching the mailbox like a seven year old waiting for her cousin to write. Today it arrived. Now I remember why our yearbooks were so pricey for the times. This thing is solid. Huge. And, just like a silly High School Senior, I immediately started thumbing through the pages, counting every time I was in there. Just for the record, between name, quotes and pictures, it was quite a bit. I did all right there.

In my memory we were all a lot better dressed. And cuter. Although, in my memory I didn't remember half the guys being as good looking as they obviously were. Funny how that happens, huh. And some of the guys we thought were so hot...why?

One of my favorite pages today was a little paragraph about the astronomical prices of 1982. There, I said it, all right? I graduated in 1982! I'm going to quote it for you:

As prices soared for everyday necessities and luxuries, students felt the crunch.

Entertainment costs ranged from $3.00 to catch a movie at Bannister Square to $17.00 for Rolling Stones' tickets.

Students were set back $11.00 to see the Chiefs stomp the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead, REO's Hi Infidelity put the cash register at $7.99.

And to be entertained students spent $1.16 for a gallon of Zardas' gas.

Clothes, too, put a dent in pockets. Leather Nikes averaged at $40.00 a pair. Lee jeans depleted wallets of $25.99, while Ralph Lauren Polos dug in for $32.95.

Prices soared for other items, too. A pack of cigarettes ran at 80 cents and a six-pack of Budweiser went for $2.59. [Why we knew that in High School, I'm sure you're wondering. Back then, the legal drinking age in Kansas was 18. Our school was but a scant 15 minute drive to the Kansas border.] A pack of Big Red sold for 20 cents and a can of coke for 30 cents.

McDonalds asked $1.15 for their Quarter Pounders and Wendy's charge 59 cents for a Frosty.

But students managed to keep up with rising costs by finding ways to save and scrimp for that one special concert or that $7.00 Rubiks Cube.


Kinda puts things in a different perspective, huh?

Oh, don't worry, I'm pretty sure this high school yearbook thing is about to become a series. Hold on to your hats, folks. Or your Flock of Seagulls haircuts. Whichever brings you fonder memories and better hair.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Just for Irish - and it's a pretty hideous one, too. I think you might actually be able to see a trickle of drool out the corner of my snoring mouth.

March of the Marionettes

Now, I know better than to tempt fates. I'm not in any way suggesting that spring might be just around the corner. Nor would I even venture to point out what the picture (which is really funky because of the self-timer, don't ask me why) makes obvious - The Warbler wears no hat, no gloves and not even her good winter coat. Might it be possible that the relative balminess of the mid-30s could portend that most beloved of seasons?

I Like Beer

Tonight I'm breaking with tradition. I'm having a Honey Brown instead of a Pinot or Shiraz.

When did the crunchberries become multi-colored?

Whatever happened to Sugar Pops?

How is it H.R Puffenstuff can't give a little cuz he can't get enough?

Was Witchiepoo working for Mary Kaye cosmetics?

Is 'sorry' really the hardest word, or is it more of something like 'psychoimmunology'?

Why can't we be friends?

What idiot thinks that love is never having to say you're sorry?

Why is pot illegal and booze isn't?

How can it be possible that The Monkee's 'I'm Not You're Stepping Stone' isn't considered a classic, but 'Louie, Louie' is?

Why don't New Englanders bbq?

Why do people seem to confuse 'legal' and 'ethical'?

Why is arrogant and obviously gay Fred considered more attractive than funny, friendly Shaggy?

It doesn't seem fair that the oLeary's property suffered very little damage in the Great Fire, does it?

Why do fools fall in love?

Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?

Why ask why?