A few details..

Some things you should know before reading.

I grew up in a western suburb of Denver, Colorado. I attended a fairly large high school of approximately 2,000 students with around 450 in my class. I can say without exaggeration that I didn't suffer from the usual high school cliques depicted in the movies from that era. Sure, some people were into sports or drama or academics but we all knew each other.  I was equally friendly with the football team's quarterback as I was with the more popular girls and some valedictorians. No one seemed to care too much and I think the majority of us revealed in the openness of the system. (Either that or we got it out of your system in jr. high).  I wouldn't say I was popular but well known and liked. I have a twin brother and did well in sports and academics. I was well versed in many circles.

My main group of friends were a collection of smart dudes of middle class ilk.  We shared various AP classes and were competitive with grades but in a good way.  We weren't exactly nerds (maybe we were!) and every guy in the group save one also did a sport.  I also hung out with some other guys when the main group was busy.

I ran cross country and track earning my first letter the previous year.  I was well established as varsity runner my senior year and relished it.

I also worked part-time at McDonald's. My two older sister worked there (one was manager during this year) and I continued the tradition. The restaurant was fairly far from our house, so the only person I worked with who went to my school was my brother and a friend we got hired. Although I would see classmates from time to time.

So that is basically the setting for our story. Naturally I elaborate further in the journal about these things but this should give you a head start.

How it all started....

In summer of 1988, between my junior and senior years in high school I read a book called 'Be True to Your School' by Bob Greene. The book was a diary of sorts chronicling the year in the life of Bob in 1964.  The book inspired me to keep my own journal of my senior year.

Being the procrastinator that I am. I didn't iactually get started until Oct. 1st. I tried to write everyday but often failed. Some good things and some bad things happened but mostly just regular life stuff. The kind of things everyone now blogs about.  Each entry will be posted on the day it happened in 1988.  For the most part each post will be as I originally wrote it. However, from time to time, I have corrected an item or added a bit of detail for clarification.

Hope you enjoy!