My Favorite Class of the Day
The preteen rambling is real as I go through my school day and talk about my favorite (and least favorite) classes.
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War, Camp, Women Stuff
As I near the end of this journal, I reflect on all the things I've written about in the last year.
Trick-or-Treat is Cancelled
A freak snowstorm hits central Iowa just in time for Halloween.
Kirby Puckett Hit a Home Run!
This non-sports girl continues her retelling of the 1991 World Series between the Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves. It was such a special occasion that we made a fire in the living room fireplace and made smores! It also happens to coincide with the Fall time change, which in
Who's Gonna Win the World Series??
It's the Twins against the Braves and I'm writing a play-by-play in my journal. Also, I give my thoughts on the upcoming presidential election and the Toyota Camry!
The Hosts are Dissecting People
Regarding the weird stuff I watch while babysitting late at night. This entry covers a lot of stuff, from satellite TV, middle school awards, the mile run (again), and how I plan to get my first 4.0 GPA.
Don't They Know How Dangerous that Is?!
I spy on my neighbors from my living room window as they dig out a new basement. Also, my mom gets us tickets to a concert and I want to see Point Break!
New Series: Books I Wish I Had as a Kid. Episode One.
There are so many great middle-grade novels that I wish I'd had when I was growing up in the 80s and 90s. This is the first book I'm bringing to my series, "Books I Wish I Had as a Kid".
Twenty Five Posts and Counting!
It's my twenty-fifth entry of That Was Rad! I'd love to know what you'd like to see more of in the next twenty five entries and beyond!
My Mom Went Crazy.
My mom went crazy, and let me move into my new room about a month earlier than she said I could!
From My Mom's Basement
My mom brought a stash of vintage toys from the 80s! Do you remember any of these characters?
I Can't Believe They Said Yes!
When I was twelve, I decided I would rather sleep in our dark, dank basement than spend another night sharing a room with my little sister.
Boys
That is So Gross.
I try to be cool with the cute boys by joking about how I'd get out of the mile run. Trigger warning: it involves puke.
Cringy Stuff
I'm Pretty Sure He Thinks I'm a Dweeb
Twin boys just moved into town, and I think one might have a crush on me! The other...? Maybe not so much.
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What They Did to My Foot in the Hospital
We get to find out if my questionable foot injury is going to keep me from dancing in my first recital at my new dance school!
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My Hopes and Dreams are at Stake!
A semi-made-up injury may cost me my first dance recital with my new dance school!
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Bonus Post: The Apology
Sometimes you get in big trouble when you're a kid.
Travel
Outside of a Kentucky Fried Chicken
The only palm trees we've seen were outside of a Kentucky Fried Chicken!
Travel
Where Will We Keep Big Bessy?
We're about 300 miles away from Florida, and where will we keep our motor home in the ice and sleet?
Boys
Speaking of Babes (Hunks, Whatever)
There's a middle school dance coming up, and I know exactly who I want to dance with! (PS - he's such a babe!)
Preteen Ramblings
Not a Peep Out of Any of Us
Hi! Thanks for checking out this entry of That Was Rad! We're continuing our road trip from Iowa to Florida in December of 1989. I'm riding in a rickety old motor home with my three siblings and my parents, with not much to do except write
Preteen Ramblings
The Last Time I'll Be in the 80'S!
It's December 1989 and my childhood self writes about being ten-years-old and feeling nervous and excited about leaving my first full-decade behind.
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Looking Forward to Looking Back in 2026
Guess who my celebrity crush is in this nostalgic entry from January 1, 1993! Plus, thanks to everyone who helped get That Was Rad off the ground in 2025. This year is going to be totally rad!
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What is it About Me that Boys Don't Like?
Today we cover homecoming games, boys, and "everyone" getting to wear a football player's jersey...except me!