FROZEN IN FEBRUARY 1987 (Edited)

FEBRUARY 5, 1987

Thursday

I haven’t written in a while. I took off Monday before last, went to Denny’s then the cabin but stayed only about an hour and ½. I was too bored. Later, I went to see a movie called The Bedroom Window.

Last night I got a little aggravated at Randall. This Friday night is Magic Time Machine for a celebration of mine and Kevin’s birthdays. I talked to Randall and asked if he’d come by and pick me up then we could meet everyone there at the restaurant. He was really quiet. Then I suggested that he could pick me up downtown and we could leave from there. He said only if I wanted to wait around until 6:00 or so. He wants to avoid the traffic. I realize that but at the same time, it’s only for this one day and it IS my birthday. I couldn’t get him to go for anything. I’m going to have to drive (taking Sherri) over there by ourselves and back at probably 2:00 in the morning. What a drag! Randall really doesn’t do much that he doesn’t want to. If that makes sense. He doesn’t go out of his way. He offered to take me out for my birthday, but I was sick (103 degrees) and he never reoffered or got me a gift. Zilch! Next Saturday is Valentine’s Day and unless I mention it, he’ll forget. He’s so different in that respect than any other guy I’ve dated. Most guys I know have been really thoughtful about birthdays, etc. Believe you me, I’m telling him when we get alone about Valentine's Day. I don’t want to be alone.

On the other hand, one day when I was sick, he came over and visited with me before I went to my birthday party given by Melinda. He grabbed a hold of me at one point and said “One of these days I’m going to say ‘Hell, why don’t we go ahead and get married.” and then you’ll probably say “How romantic.” What he didn’t know is I was thinking to myself that I’d NEVER marry him. (2021 - maybe this is what I remember calling the “almost” proposal - the “I can’t wait for you between boyfriends?)

FEBRUARY 10, 1987

Tuesday

I need to write about the weekend.

FRIDAY - I did drive and picked up Sherri. I was still a little ticked about that but when I arrived at MTM before Randall, I was glad. (2021 - Clarify - Never was I upset picking up Sherri, it was Randall not giving me/us a ride.) I decided I was NOT on a date with him and didn’t have to act like it that night. Eric Foster (whom I hadn’t seen in a long time) was there and I devoted much attention to him. At one point, (after ½ liter of wine) I was feeling very loving and telling everyone how much I loved them. I mean everyone, Barry included and they were all telling me they loved me back. I saved Randall for last and asked him more quietly. He would not say he loved me. I told him he was not committed to say he was in love with me, just that he loved me. And we both know we love each other. Still, he wouldn’t do it. I asked him why and he said because I wanted him to. That infuriated me. I hardly said another word to him all night. (He did pay for my dinner.)

SATURDAY - Sherri and I went shopping, mainly at Joske’s and hit their big sale. I bought a Liz Claiborne purse, Anne Klein billfold, and two pairs of shoes for 30% off each. We had a fun time. Sherri and I (if I hadn’t said it before) are closer than ever. She’s truly my best friend right now!

That night, I went to a Boren fish fry at Uncle Lee and Aunt JoAnn’s. It was fun. Every member of the Boren clan was there except Bryant and Aunt Margaret.

Oh, Holly and Caroline weren’t there because John had them for that weekend. Divorces… what a waste! It’s enough to make me not want to get married.

FEBRUARY 12, 1986

Thursday

Me, Janie Boren, who can find something good in everyone, is very discouraged with John. As much as I like to keep up friendships with old boyfriends, I really don’t want to with John.

(We ALL know what happened Christmas 2021 - First time we saw each other in 35 years!! - and it went very well!!)

The more I think about it… the more I don’t want to get married. May - I’m going to Acapulco with six girls, Summer - I may go to Florida with LeeAnn, Sept. - I may go to Vienna with Mom and Dad (maybe Mary.) I couldn’t do all that if I were married. I like snuggling with people, but for only periods of time. The only prospect I know of (Randall) - I wouldn’t marry. What’s the use in it? I’ll save all my money and travel constantly.

FEBRUARY 17, 1987

Tuesday

I had an absolutely fantastic weekend! I had the day off yesterday (President’s Day) so I lived the whole weekend up to the fullest. Here go details.

FRIDAY - Kevin,

Bradley and I went to see The Mission nominated for Best Picture. It was good, but a little boring in parts. Anything (to me) that gets in any way political, bores me. But once past that, it was good and I liked the message. The more nominees I see, the less I want Platoon to get it. But the fact it got the Golden Globe award, almost secures it for Best Picture.

After the movie, we went to Snuffers and guess who I saw there? Andi Burton (Mike and Doris’ daughter who was my roommate on my cruise.) She was really glad to see me. Her dad (Mike) has had an operation (he had a brain tumor) but is out now and feeling really good. I met her boyfriend and he seemed cute and nice, a little shy, but clean-cut (which I like.) The guys and I had a good time.

(2021 comment - Mike Burton died of brain tumor in ‘88, I believe. Our sweet Andi, committed suicide shortly thereafter. - sigh - heartwrenching)

SATURDAY - I went over to Mom and Dad’s in the morning for coffee and conversation. Mary came over also and we talked about our European trip in October. We decided on London. Gosh! That’ll be great!

Later in the day, Mary and I went to Daltz for lunch, then to Prestonwood Theatre to see Hannah and her Sisters. It was wonderful. I loved it.

That night, Randall came by (for Valentine’s) and I took HIM to Bennigans. Then we came back (with wood) and built a fire, and had a very romantic evening. There was a time (right after John) where I thought nothing would ever be as good and romantic as John. Well, I feel that’s wrong. In fact, Randall and I had every bit as much a romantic evening as John and I ever did. And… I didn’t have to go past my own living room. That’s neat. The night meant a lot to me. Sometimes I wonder if Randall and I will ever spend the night together.

SUNDAY - I didn’t feel like going to church; I wanted to go to the starving artist sale, but couldn’t get a soul to go with me. Finally, about 1:00 or so, I went and saw Light of Day by myself. It was fair. I’d give it about 2 ½ stars. I spent the rest of the evening watching t.v.

MONDAY - I was over at Bea’s by 10:30 ready for a day of visiting with Bea, Diana and Melinda. We had a great time. For lunch, we ordered pizza. They had all their kids playing in a back room. We had a great day.

I drove up in front of my apartment after visiting with everybody, and Walt was out working on his truck. I said HELLO and he asked if I’ve eaten yet. When I said no, he asked if I wanted to have dinner with him. I said sure. He came by a little later and we went to Steak and Ale. We had a good time. We came back to his apartment and visited for a couple of hours. A couple of times (for the first time ever) I thought I could probably kiss him at one point. I have really never had much of a desire before. We absolutely have nothing in common, but he’s cute and, well, he IS a Literature and writing buff. That’s neat. But, he has no use for movies, good music or conservative politics or religion, for that matter. Kinda weird.

But, a fun weekend, nonetheless.

February 19, 1987

I took the day off so Randall and I could go to the State Fair. He forgot! Whatever, Randall, Whatever!