The Kendra's Journal Podcast (general)

It's Episode 100!!! Mom and "R" celebrated their 2nd Anniversary, which was fairly uneventful. Mom was wanting to go back to work. We watched Escape from New York and it was a quiet Easter. Mom and "R" bought a new motorcycle and Mom was excited because that meant they were riding that to the Oregon Jam in the summer. We talk about Mat and an accidental shoplifting incident he had at a local store. Mom and "R" hit a rough patch with his family and wanted to move onto their own piece of land. Mat had to quit wrestling because he got sick and didn't qualify for state. Mom and "R" had a HUGE fight and we all went to the school carnival. Both of us boys were recommended to see the school's psychologist who also happened to be Phillip's teacher the previous year. Mom talks about hitting 1100 pages in the journal and writing in it for nine years.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_100.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom was practicing her calligraphy again. She was working a lot too, even asking her boss about promotion potential. She mentions a bar that her parents used to get chicken from when she was a kid, Phillip reminds his son Mathew about how he used to do the same thing for him and his sister. Mom mentions "R" looking at new motorcycles, even though he was still laid-off. Everyone got to go roller skating a couple times too.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_88.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Going to the dentist is fun! Well, it was in 1982 when you had no cavities. We spent the night with some friends and got to watch movies on a "video tape machine". We also took a road trip to Bellingham, Washington for an opportunity Mom's aunt was offering. It could have involved a move, but in the end the decisions was made not to go. But we had fun, we got home made slingshots and ran around like kids do in the woods. This brought up memories of a few years later when we visited again and ended up working in a strawberry field picking strawberries for almost no money. It was around this time that Mom started writing in Book 16. We also remenisce a bit about Hermiston.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_87.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:02am PDT

Mom kept working hard to build a better life for our family. She was trying to talk "R" into taking a job in Venezuela for three years. It was good pay, especially for 1982, and would have gotten us out of Hermiston, a place Mom was beginning to really dislike. She spent a lot of time with one of her friends, helping her take care of her three kids and chauffering her places because she enjoyed it. Talking about her friend made her think of the future and how neat it would be to have "Visual Telephones" to talk to each other. "R" had some issues with his employer not laying him off the right way, so he couldn't get onto the union hire list. Both of us boys were doing well in school. There was also a chance that "R" might get a job at the Army Depot next to Hermiston as a Fireman. Years later Phillip worked there in Security guarding chemical weapons. There was also a chance of getting a gas station to run, possibly on the Oregon Coast.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_86.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Phillip made up rules to his new Superman II game and we watched a Rudolph special on TV. Mom wasn't feeling good about life and "R" was being a jerk about money so Mom decided to try and get us back on a budget. Mom and "R" were still adjusting to married life, it had its ups and downs but they planned on working things out as they went. Mom worked late, a lot. We had a trip from hell getting our Christmas tree but we got to open our presents a day early. Mom thought we had the measles but it ended up being rubella. Mat had his 6th birthday and Grandma Joyce had her 47th.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_85.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom's schedule was really busy around this time. She was helping in Phillip's class once a week, working her job, dealing with household stuff, keeping miscellaneous appointments and a few other things. All of it was making her feel a bit overwhelmed and sick. Mat was doing great in kindergarten with an "all smiley face" report card. Mom mentions seeing the movie about Joan Crawford, "Mommy Dearest". Phillip has his 7th birthday and gets a boardgame based on Superman II. Mom mentions looking for a new job because she didn't feel like Burnham's was giving her enough hours. And, Mom talks about getting pissed at another woman and the way she was speaking to her kids.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_84.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom wanted to get a new job, she was thinking of applying at the Post Office. We went hunting but missed getting our cow tag filled and us boys got to explore in the woods. Mom finally got her renters refund and celebrated nine months of marriage with "R". There was some talk about taking over a gas station. To end the month of October us boys got to go trick or treating on Halloween as Superman and The Green Lantern. Fun times!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_83.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

This week we let Mathew do the intro! Mom talked about trying to get a job at the coal fire plant and she showed off her new furniture to her friends. We got our trailer remodeled with some loan money and Mom bought us school clothes. This was because Phillip started first grade and Mat started Kindergarten. We also got a new puppy, for a little while anyway, and Mom had some fun with cigarette loads.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_82.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:08pm PDT

Mom didn't start this month doing very well but she kept her chin up. She celebrated knowing "R" for a year, had a birthday and got to visit an old friend. She also planned the redecoration of our house, spent some time on the boat and took us boys to the ear doctor. Finally she dressed up for the "Crazy Days Sale" at work with one of her coworkers as the "Big Butt Sisters".

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_81.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom gets worried Phillip might have asthma. She was also watching Roots and went to Troy for Troy Days. Then she got a really bad sunburn at the sand drags. Phillip recounts a story about a Mat and peacock and both boys suffer through the Chicken Pox.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_80.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:51pm PDT

A friend of Mom's has her baby just in time for Mother's Day and she wasn't sure but thought our dog might have been pregnant. Mom kept busy at work with two different sales but also gets to relax and reconnect with old friends that moved back to the area. She also decided that someday she'd get herself a motorcycle and the endorsement so she wouldn't have to wait on "R" to go riding. Finally, at 22 years old, Mom expresses her discontent with settling into home life. Oh, and stay tuned for the Outro for a surprise!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_79.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:56am PDT

Well, we had techincal difficulties. We'll be back next week with the REAL episode. Sorry!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_79_FAIL.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:59am PDT

We (sort of) bring back the drinking game. Mom had a wedding reception and got us bunkbeds for Easter. On the job front Mom did really well. She made a really big sale, got through her probationary period then got a raise and moved over to the shoe department as the department head's "right-hand man". Our budget was a bit tight because we were still recovering from being broke but overall things were looking up.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_78.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom finally went to the health club in Hermiston with a friend. Then she kept plugging away at her job cleaning up the retirement home. But in a good twist of fate Mom got a better job as a sales girl at Burnham's Department Store in Hermiston. At the time that was one of two stores that anyone who was somebody shopped at. The biggest news to come out of this time frame was Mom and "R" going to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and getting married a lot earlier than planned.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_77.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom was still sick for a bit but ended up powering through it and going back to work. In the end it worked out for her and she got paid, plus her taxes came back! She was excited about that and even splurged on herself a bit but used most of it to pay bills. Maybe "R" was rubbing off on her. Some friends of hers moved back to the area so she was also excited to spend time with them. We also went bowling and Mom did pretty good. What Mom seemed to be most excited about though was taking her sister out for birthday, which she did and apparently had a blast.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_76.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom was working hard to help keep money coming in. She complained about it but she stuck it out! She was also planning her wedding and reception. Us boys went back to our school in time for us to take treats to the Valentine's Day party. She also got taken out to a nice brunch and got flowers from "R". In regards to the Journal she started writing her 800th page and starts talking about it in a more long-term basis and even (prophetically) tells us where it will be when she passes. Remember, this was over 30 years before she died.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_75.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

We enjoyed Christmas 1980 and started 1981 with the mumps. Mom started looking for work because she felt bad that "R" was supporting us. Mat had his 5th birthday and a party at Happy Joe's Pizza in Hermiston. We also spent time hanging out with friends while Mom and "R" got "loose", as she put it. And "R" asked Mom an important question. Hmm, wonder what that could have been? We also spent time with family and Mom got to see The Outlaws and .38 Special live in Portland. We got a dog too, her name was Sissy.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_74.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:25pm PDT

We're Baaaaack! So after six weeks things have finally cleared up enough that we can get back to recording and producing this podcast. It's really exciting for us because it means a return to doing something we love. We want to say "Thank You!" to all of you who have stood by patiently waiting. We really do appreciate all of you for sticking by us. In this episode Mom got a new camera. A Kodak Colorburst, it was kind of like a Polaroid and spit out pictures from the front.Things weren't perfect between Mom and R either, she alludes to him mistreating us boys and it was bothering her. Other than that everything seemed okay, Mom spent time cleaning and partying with friends. Normal stuff that 22 year old girls do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_73.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

So this is the first time we've hit a real hiccup in the distribution of the podcast. Phillip is in the middle of starting a new job and Mat has plans that will cause another missed week for the next episode. Even though this one's late, at least we got it out to let you all know we're still here. Enjoy!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_72.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:10pm PDT

We all got to go rollerskating and us boys went Trick-or-Treating on Halloween. Mom also spent a lot of time sick, but didn't use as much sick leave. She also planned out her Christmas shopping because she wanted to make it the best Christmas yet. Mom mentions Ronald Reagan winning the Presidential Election and admits to feeling depressed but doesn't know why. Mom also spent time looking for a new job in Hermiston because her job in Echo was quickly becoming less than desirable.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_71.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom spent a lot of time sick and we moved out of Echo. Mom also read "Mommy Dearest" couldn't believe how Joan Crawford could be so nice in public and abusive in private. We also got to go to a circus and Mom started buying a waterbed. She'd been dreaming of that for a while. Grandma Joyce also got a new house and we spend some time discussing what we remember of it. Mom also goes into a long explanation on her relationship with "R" so far and some pretty disturbing events that get us wondering about the foundation it was built on.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_70.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom came back from the concert in Yakima then went to Robin's baby shower. She got Robin a car seat. We also went to our Grandpa's so Mom could introduce him to "R". It seemed to go really well. Mom was also looking for work and a place to live in Hermiston because Echo was getting to her. In the biggest news we got a new car. A 1975 VW Dasher. Mom was in love with this car even though she was paying about $40 more per month than she anticipated.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_69.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom's relationship with "R" was blossoming. That was the major theme of this part of the Journal. She was really happy with him and was pleased that us boys were getting along with him as well. Mom was also becoming increasingly dissatisfied with her job but was sticking it out until she could find something else. We also had a couple of guests staying with us for a short time. Uncle Phil needed a place to crash after he left his job at the ranch and an old friend of Mom's was leaving her husband and needed a place to stay for a while. Oh, and she got to go to the Foghat concert in Yakima that year.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_68.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom's new relationship had a bit of a rocky patch in the beginning but in the end things worked out. Besides, she got to go to the Oregon Jam 1980! Mom was also hoping to get her divorce pushed through and then moving somewhere far away from Hermiston. But, we spent a lot of time in "R"s boat on the river and Mom really seemed to like being around him.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_67.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom had some car issues then got it fixed and dreams of a newer car, but not a van this time (drink!). She also spent a lot of time hanging out with friends and started seeing a new guy we're going to call "R". He was a nice guy and Mom liked him but she really wanted to make sure that he liked us boys and (most importantly) that we liked him. Then Mom celebrated her 22nd birthday with friends and her new guy the weekend before.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_66.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom got a Ford Fairlane for cheap and we moved to Echo! It was an old trailer but cozy. Mom got us set up with a babysitter too and Mat tells a story about how he accidentally hurt her. Mom spent a lot of time going out when she could but was learning that some of it wasn’t so much fun anymore.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_65.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

Things were going well with Mom's new job in Echo but money was still really tight. Her entries were getting shorter, more sporadic and would cut off without goodbyes but she admits to being distracted and tired. And then something big happens...

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_64.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom was really getting into her new job, she especially liked making money. It was spring time in Hermiston which meant a lot of wind and rain. She also spent a lot of time riding her bike around town getting exercise and enjoying the nicer days when the were available.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_63.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

We were settling into the new place and Mom wanted to meet our new neighbors. She was also still planning on moving us to Eugene for school. Phillip was the Ring Bearer for Mom's aunt but had to miss the Wizard of Oz the night of the dress rehersal because of it. Oh, and Mom got a job!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_62.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Money was short as always and we moved into a new apartment! The move was kind of forced for not paying rent but it ended up being a step up in the long run. Also, Mom finally got a niece instead of another nephew from her sister. She also spent a lot of time with family and friends and had a job interview with the city police as a clerk of some kind.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_61.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom had a few job interviews! As always she was spending the money before she actually had it but at least this time she was thinking about spending it on bills and necessities instead of vans and vacations. She also started jogging and mentioned it a couple of times but not much else about it. Oh, and there was a Superbowl!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_60.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

59 New Year New Decade

Mom brought in the new year and decade right! Things got back to normal really quick though and the struggle continued. Mat turned four and got a couple of decent presents and A LOT of snow. That snow made Mom dream of skiing too. Things got tough enough that we borrowed money from a neighbor just to get by for a few days. Oh, and the Steelers won the AFC Championship game to go to Superbowl XIV!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_59.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

It was Christmas time and as always money wasn't something that stayed around very long. But we had a good Christmas, got to spend time with family and overall had a pleasant experience. No one was working though so the prospects for the new year (and decade) weren't too promising but there was a sense of hope. Friends and family were having babies and we all continued to have fun.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_58.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mom debates the merits of babysitting the neighbor kids and dreams of showing people up when she has a degree. Phillip has a birthday and everyone celebrates Thanksgiving too. We also see the first snow of the 1979 winter season and start looking forward to Christmas time. As always, bills were piling up and food was getting short.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_57.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

We lost our cat to an accident then money got tight again. Mom had a couple of job interviews but also started planning a move so she could go to college. Mom also made a little extra cash on the side by babysitting a neighbor kid but had to keep hunting down the kid's mom to get paid.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_56.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

One of our grandmothers had gallbladder surgery and it temporarily got us a second cat. Mom got through her recovery without going stir-crazy. We also got a new TV! Mom's family had big family get together and we had a blast. Mom also spent money so we could get good haircuts that would last. Mom was dreaming about getting land and a new trailer but she was also getting realistic about the time frame and could see how it wouldn't happen how she wanted. But it didn't stop her from looking.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

September 3, 1979 - September 25, 1979

Mom was still recovering from her surgery but after a week of staying inside she decided to go dancing with her aunt. She also continued making plans to buy some land and a double-wide even though we still couldn't keep enough money available to buy food. Uncle Phil, who'd been staying with us, moved out to a ranch he was working for. Other than that is was a fairly typical time in our lives, feast or famine as always.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_54.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

August 6, 1979 - September 2, 1979

We went to a company picnic and won prizes and some pocket change. We also got to eat a lot of ice cream and drink root beer. We also got to go to the fair and ride some rides and see the animals in the fair competitions. Mom took a trip to the coast and danced at a club she thought was really cool. Then she sold the car so some bills could get paid before it was too late. In the biggest news of the time, Mom finally got her hysterectomy and spent a few days in the hospital afterward. Then recovered at home for a week or two after that.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_53.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

July 17, 1979 - August 4, 1979

Mom starts talking about her book again. We still wonder why she didn't realize she had already written one in the journal. Food was starting to get scarce again but in the end we still had enough to get by. Mom went bar hopping with a friend but it didn't turn out quite the way she expected. She also finally got the okay from her doctor to have a hysterectomy, at 21. Her medical problems were pretty bad for him to do that.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_52_Revised.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:17pm PDT

June 19, 1979 - July 15, 1979

Money from family helped us get by until the next paycheck. Then there was a layoff, so things got fairly tight for a while. We went to the drive in with friends. Us boys really pushed Mom's buttons dumping out all bandaids, cereal and chocolate syrup. :-) Sorry Mom. She also took a trip to her cousin's wedding in Vancouver B.C. but it was just a quick trip up and back. Mom also turned 21 but she didn't make a big deal about it because keeping a house together was more important than celebrating her birthday.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_51.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

June 6, 1979 - June 18, 1979

50 Episodes! We made it through the first year! In this episode Mom got an invite to her cousin's wedding in Canada. Because of her history up there she didn't even consider taking us with her. She used to get hurt a lot there from some pretty nasty accidents. Mom was also starting to feel "trapped" in the apartment since she wasn't working. She also started writing a book, we wonder why she didn't realize she'd already written one with what she'd written in the Journal by this time. She also spent a lot of time with friends and family, even a camping trip to the jeep races in Starkey.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_50.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

May 27, 1979 - June 4, 1979

Mom talked about what she'd like to do for a living, but only briefly. Then she mentions how expensive gas was getting during the gas shortage in 1979. 90.9 cents a gallon was A LOT for gas back then. Things were easing up in the area of money because she didn't say much about being strapped for cash or low on food.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_49.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

May 6, 1979 - May 25, 1979

We start with getting rid of our dog Leo and end with an anniversary, their 5th wedding anniversary. Mom starts and ends a different job, this time at the drive-in theater in Hermiston. She was also making big plans for the upcoming year. So money was good for the time being. Mom also wrote a couple of poems, one for our grandparents and one for our dad.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:36pm PDT

April 17, 1979 - May 5, 1979

Mom visits with an old friend and we move out of the grandparents house. There's even an cool twist about the place we moved into. Mom also got a job with her cousin. Mom debates giving up her pets (aka her babies) but lets the dog go to a big farm. Us boys went on a camping trip with our grandparents and Mom helps some friends celebrate thier anniversary. Plus lots more so make sure to listen!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_47.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

April 9, 1979 - April 16, 1979

The weather was starting to warm up and we moved to Hermiston. We finally got our tax refund and a steady paycheck coming in again. We were living with the grandparents too so getting caught up on bills and saving for our own place was easier. Plus Mom had a "dream" of a place she'd like to rent so in all things were looking up!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_46.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

April 2, 1979 - April 8, 1979

A new job and a move! Things were starting to look up in the spring and we were starting another upswing. With a little help from family we were able to make it through another rough patch in our lives and on our way to a brighter future.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_45.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

March 22, 1979 - March 31, 1979

Money was being as spent as fast as it could be earned. Mom was happy about the weather getting warmer. She was also dreaming about what she'd do with bigger paychecks again but with no real hope of actually getting there, just the idea of it was enough to keep her hopes up. Mom got to go horseback riding too, after years of not being able to go and ended up with a sore butt. And we were pawning things again to get by but we end this episode on a hopeful note.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_44.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

March 7, 1979 - March 20, 1979

So money was really tight again and we had to rely on food stamps to get fed. Mom was a bit cranky because she didn't really have the money to buy cigarettes either. They did get a chance to cut loose a little bit and helped a friend celebrate a birthday. Mom was also being teased by warming weather and looking forward to the heat of summer.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_43.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

February 18, 1979 - March 5, 1979

Mom talked to a friend from California and tried to plan going to her wedding. We went snowmobiling and looked at buying a Double Wide! We had problems with the registration of the car. Time at work was being cut down at a very inconvenient time. Mom also gave some thought to moving to Canada. Mom also started looking for work again.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_42.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

January 23, 1979 - February 16, 1979

Van! Drink! Maybe we got one, maybe not. You'll have to listen to find out. Mom was missing the warmth of summer, but was also missing snow skiing, quite a contradiction. She was looking for new cars too, seeing what was out there. she spent a lot of time babysitting her nephews but also spent most of the money on just getting by. The money was there it was just already spent.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_41.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

January 1, 1979 - January 20, 1979

It was a new year and Mom had a lot of hopes for it. We celebrated Mat's 3rd birthday and made a move closer to family. Work was what it was so we were getting by but Mom was thinking of going back to work instead of babysitting for her sister.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

December 2, 1978 - December 28, 1978

Merry Christmas! It was another year coming to a close and there weren't very many presents under the tree. Heck, for a while there wasn't even a tree to put them under. In the end things turned around for us a bit, just like they always do but it defintely wasn't an easy go.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_39.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

November 14, 1978 - November 30, 1978

We were kind of in a down swing around this time. Rent was late, food was low and Mom was really feeling the pinch. But we had a new cousin and there was a little money coming in from selling pieces of stereo equipment. Phillip's birthday 4th happened too and family got together for Thanksgiving, so in all even though things were on a down swing, not everything was bad.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_38.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

September 12, 1978 - October 25, 1978

Mom made plans on who would take us if something were to happen to her and dad. The van was mentioned again (drink!) and bills started to pile up again. Mom got tickets to the Styx/Thin Lizzy concert in Pullman and a relative planned on making a HUGE change in his life.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

September 2, 1978 - September 11, 1978

Mom started this one by being sick. She talked about some other career choices she was interested in and interestingly enough those are two subjects that both of us boys are interested in. Mom dreamt a lot about what she'd do with the money from a good job. She got worried that it made her sound greedy though and got really depressed about it.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

August 16, 1978 - August 31, 1978

We got a cat and named him Bilbo. Mom missed more work from being sick.Mom dreamt of her van some more too. She also went to the dentist and we went to a circus where one of rode an elephant and the other chickened out. Oh, and Pendleton finally got a McDonald's and KMart!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

July 30, 1978 - August 15, 1978

Mom spent some time partying in Tri-Cities and then got sick and missed some work. She had an arguement with her brother but worked it out and then took us to the fair and carnival where we had a blast. Finally, Dad got a new job working with a surveyor in Kennewick.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

July 18, 1978 - July 27, 1978

Mom spent a little bit of time with our new cousin Keith but not too much. She also made plans and went to the dentist. Mom went to bankruptcy court but kept the stereo financing, priorities first! Uncle Phil made a nice new purchase and Grampa Bob got ready for a vacation. Mom also spent a lot of time dreaming about the fabled van too.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_32.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

July 9, 1978 - July 17, 1978
Mom kept working at her new job as a CNA at the State Hospital. She also celebrated her 20th birthday and got a great gift from her sister! Mom laid out her goals again and dreamt of making more money, then hoped it wouldn't make us snobs. Us boys also got to see our first circus and Mom mentioned maybe wanting to have another baby.
Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

June 30, 1978 - July 8, 1978

In this episode Mom got her first paycheck from the State Hospital. Then we went to the drive-in and saw "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "Fun with Dick and Jane". Mom made more plans for the future by setting up a savings account with a plan to divert part of her paycheck into it for curtains and the van she'd been dreaming about. She also made plans for keeping the house clean and some new things she'd like to decorate with. She also tried to quit smoking again with a filter system she got from her brother Phil. She also found out when their court date was for their bankruptcy and we try to figure out how many times Mom said, "I Love You" in the Journal.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_30.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

May 22, 1978 - June 29, 1978

We talk about how "nice" sunburns are. Mom and dad celebrated their Fourth Anniversary by going out to a steak house courtesy of Mom's parents and sister. Then Mom worked at the hotel, but not for too long! She ended up getting a job at the State Hospital in Pendleton and passed her CNA test with a 95%! Not too bad for someone who was afraid of taking tests. There was a very scary incident with Phillip, a pen and his eye but in the end everything worked out. We spent a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa Cornwell and dad had a very slim chance of an opportunity to get a job with the Steel Workers Union.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

April 30, 1978 - May 21, 1978

Three new jobs and a new car! Of course Mom had to quit the first job she got to work the second one but she thought of it as an upward move so it was all good. They also got rid of whatever pickup they were driving for a 1971 VW Superbeetle. Better gas mileage means more money in your pocket so that was a good move too. Things were really beginning to look up for all of us.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_28.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

April 15, 1978 - April 28, 1978

Mom was recovering from a cold around this time and was looking forward to a visit from an old friend. She started dreaming about getting a van again. She also wrote about another job she'd applied for and didn't get and pined for something other than another "shit job" as she put it. She made some improvements to her new waterbed and planned more she'd like to do to it. Plus she applied for work at a couple more places around Pendleton and dreamt of what she would do with the money from a better paying job.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

March 17, 1978 - April 12, 1978

Unfortunately Mom didn't get the job at the phone company, she didn't pass the test because math was never a strong subject for her. She visits with family visiting from out of town. They help friends move into a house they bought and Mom finally gets that waterbed she's been dreaming about! She takes a trip to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood with a couple friends and is surprised with a clean house when she returns. She also applies for a job through a jobs program.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_26.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

March 4, 1978 - March 16, 1978

When we left off Grampa Bob had just been in a very bad accident. He was still in the hospital but was getting better. Mom goes for a drive and we talk about how impossible it is to really enjoy going for a drive with such high gas prices. Mom also got her perm and was also getting ready for her test with the phone company.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

February 25, 1978 - March 4, 1978

Mom spent a lot of time hanging out with friends. Our white-trash heritage is confirmed with Fried Bologna Sandwiches and Mom talked a lot about getting a waterbed. We find out that Captain is a really old show, a friend spent a lot on a new stereo, Mom planned on getting a perm and found out she got a chance to interview with the phone company. This episode ends with some bad news.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:40pm PDT

February 14, 1978 - February 24, 1978

It really was a Happy Valentine's Day! Mom took the tests to get her G.E.D. and passed all five sections. Mom mentions getting a van again and then watches her soap operas. We took a family trip to Idaho to visit relatives and Mat blames Phonics for his lack of interest in reading. As always Mom delves into the topic of money (or lack thereof) but still plans on buying a waterbed.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

February 7, 1978 - February 12, 1978

Mom gets motivated about finding a job but then gets demotivated when things don't go exactly how she thoug they would. She also talks about filing bankruptcy. Mat and I talk a lot in this one about Mom's views on life and how she used the Journal to vent.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

January 26, 1978 - February 6, 1978

Mom interviewed for a job at the hospital and we talk about how her job search techniques didn't change much over 30 years. She wrote about her fear of guns at the time, and then explains that it's more just a fear of one of us getting hurt. We finally get moved into the house out in the country and Mat spends two days in the hospital with bronchitis. Mom talks about filing for bankruptcy and who she wants to take care of us if anything happened to her and dad.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_21.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

January 15, 1978 - January 25, 1978

Super Bowl XII starts this one. Dallas beat Denver 27-10. Dad started school and we moved again, this time with help from welfare. Mom was excited about the new place, it was bigger so in her mind that meant it would be easier to clean. A place out in the country with a full basement and a fenced backyard. She also got another hint that she should quit smoking and talked about getting a hysterectomy at 19, saying she doesn't want any more kids. Overall this is just daily life for a young mother in the 70s.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:27am PDT

Decembe 20, 1977 - January 14, 1978

We celebrate Christmas, New Year and Mat's 2nd Birthday in this one but not much is said about any of them. Mom talks about plans for getting a waterbed and we were on the move again, heading back to Pendleton after the New Year. Mom also talks about getting into Trancendental Meditation as a way to keep calm. She even thought about learning how to teach it to others.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

Special Episode

This is a special episode! Robin (one of Mom's oldest friends) and her husband John were kind enough to sit down with us and talk about Mom. Robin talks about how they met waitressing together in Pendleton and we all reminisce about John coming into the picture. Robin's son Chris even drops in part way through and relates some of his memories of Mom. We could have gone on for hours on this one, and we may go back visit them again when we get further into the podcast, but for now, enjoy!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

November 16 - December 6, 1977

Mom started this one with an announcement from Aunt Shannon. A new cousin was on the way! Mom hoped for a girl but it ended up being a boy, our cousin Keith (obviously several months later, we'll get to it). Then Mom prepared for Phillip's third birthday party. She also mentioned her worries about what smoking will eventually do to her. Phillip's third birthday happened on a Tuesday and that Thursday was Thanksgiving it was celebrated in Hermiston where we "feasted on everything under the sun". Gramma Cornwell was always a great cook. Mat's trouble with bronchitis started around this time and there was talk of moving back to Pendleton.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

November 5, 1977 - November 14, 1977

Mom pays some bills, helps more friends move and goes to a Tupperware party. In all it's just another week or so of life in the 70s. A little pot, a little coke, kids with crappy pants and another awesome concert, The Steve Miller Band this time. Mat and I also talk a little about what they paid back then compared to what we pay now and about how even though Mom talks a lot about the stress of not having money they still have a $500 stereo system. Priorities folks, gotta have 'em!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

October 9, 1977 - November 4, 1977

We start this episode talking about the Doobie Brothers/Pablo Cruise concert in Pullman, WA in 1977. Then the Yankees beat the Dodgers in the World Series and Mat poops in the tub. Both Grampas have birthdays (I believe they were the same age so they should have been 46 here) and Mom says she's going to write a book. Apparently not the one you are currently a listener of either. We end it by talking about another concert, Steve Miller this time, and Mom helps a friend move... twice.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

September 23, 1977 - October 4, 1977

Mat and I got to play a lot but daily life in the 70's was boring when you were unemployed and didn't have hobbies. Mom took advantage of that though by growing houseplants and rearranging her living room. Around this time she also went on a major job hunting trek and applied for work all over the Tri Cities.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_14.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

September 11, 1977 - September 21, 1977

Another episode that covers about 10 days. I think we're really getting into a grove here! We start this one eating Kentucky Fried Chicken, not KFC, this was before that. We also get accepted to move into the projects. Then Mom obsesses a little more about her dream van. She admits Mat's the mean one then I admit why he was always mean. Big brother was a bit sneakier (and meaner) than she knew. On a slightly prophetic and really sad note, Mom talks about quitting smoking and wonders what will happen to her if she doesn't. A little bit later she even talks about how she wants to die, quickly and quietly. She got part of her wish, it was quiet. She says she'll never regret it if she never gets to see New York City, I think later in her life she was glad she got to go, she mentioned to us that she always had fun there. Mom's Grandpa Heffley passed away around this time too. He was in Reno waiting for his son, my Grampa Bob, so he could attend the wedding between Grampa Bob and Charlotte. And then I prove to be the genius in the group by putting my shoes on the correct feet at three years old. I guess it didn't take much to impress Mom!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_13.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

September 1, 1977 - September 10, 1977

In this episode Mom starts of slow but tells us about having a lot of car trouble on a road trip. She also shares her new budget that will get her the van she'd been dreaming about, but she's added a few things to the list, like new tires for the van and a waterbed. By the end of the episode she's added even more, a Harley and a boat. She also tells us that she plans on writing in the journal a lot more than the 241 pages she'd gotten up to at that point but worries about letting other people read it because of all the illegal information she'd written about so Mat and I make you all swear not to tell. Towards the end of this episode she speculates about the future and wonders about the years 1994 and 2000. Also, Gramma Joyce and Harvey get married and Mom hangs out with someone she thought was "uncool". Enjoy!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_12.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:07am PDT

July 14, 1977 - August 30, 1977

We start this one on Mom's 19th birthday then a new job moves us to Tri-Cities. She debates stopping when the notebook she was writing in gets full, obviously that didn't happen. Mom also remembers more about the day she started writing the journal. She mentions a dog named Presto that I don't recall her ever mentioning before but she doesn't go into much detail on that one. She also starts planning out how to buy the van she'd been fantasizing about, almost obsessively. Finally, Mom gets a job.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

May 7, 1977 - July 9, 1977

Another episode that was kind of cut up to shorten the length. This was originally the first half of episode nine so forgive us if it sounds a bit choppy in the beginning and end. Mom gets a special present for mother's day and parties it up! But she warns us not to overdo it when we start to party. Mom's friend Candi goes through a break up and Mom almost gives into temptation herself but decides to work on her relationship before doing anything stupid. Uncle Allen, his wife and daughter move to Germany. Mom celebrates three years of marriage and we move into a house but have to move out soon after. And Grampa Bob announces his engagement to Charlotte.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

January 16, 1977 - April 22, 1977

This episode starts out with a new car (a 1967 Chevy Malibu Chevelle) but it goes back and we end up car-less. Mom also has a quick stint cutting rotten spots out of potatoes at Lamb-Weston, I assume in Hermiston but there were a lot of Lamb-Weston plants in that area back then so it could have been one of several places. We end up moving to Ione, OR to live with Mom's friend Robin (the same one who comments on this website. Hi Robin!), and from the descriptions it almost sounds like a commune. Mom and Robin then start going back to school with plans on going to college afterward. Plus, Mom spends a lot of time hanging out at the local tavern. Enjoy!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_9.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

August 2, 1976 - August 21, 1976

In this episode we find out why Ft. Sill has a regulation that forbids family members from visiting soldiers in the field and Mom makes another pee bird reference. We also hear what her plans were for the journal at the time, she makes a claim that she'll never leave Oregon again unless she absolutely has to and her anxious side comes out. We end the episode with an entry from "the future"! Actually it's from 1980, explaining that there might be a missing notebook. We never did find it so next episode will skip ahead to 1977, where we've already moved back to Oregon. But that's for next time. Enjoy!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_8.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

January 27, 1976 - July 31, 1976

Six months of writing! Mom shares a lot in this one and a lot of great stuff happened. She mentions my love for pizza which I confirm hasn't changed! She also mentions us moving into a new house, but it was still in Lawton. Plus there's another "Pee Bird" reference, great! Mom shares some of her dreams for the future and explains a bit more about who she was prior to getting pregnant and married. She also has her 18th birthday and our Gramma Joyce annnounces her engagement to Harvey. Our cousin Jason is born to Mom's sister Shannon and Mom reiterates her love for "The Prophet" by writing the passage about children again. Oh and she confirms that even 70's hippies thought Frank Zappa's music was weird, "really weird" as she put it. Enjoy!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_7.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

November 18, 1975 - January 26, 1976

In this episode Phillip starts walking, has his first birthday and Mat is born! Mom also shares some pictures of her other "babies" and she keeps listening to John Denver. She wrote a lot for such a short span of time so there's plenty to listen to. If you're playing the drinking game there are few places to take advantage of in this one as well. Enjoy!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_6.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

August 27, 1975 - November 10, 1975

In this episode we've moved to Oklahoma and are enjoying life as an Army family. Also, Mat is still on the way and mom does some speculation about whether he'll be a boy or girl or maybe even twin! In commenting on this part of the journal Phillip suggests a drinking game based on everytime mom mentions dealing with a crappy diaper. Feel free to add your own rules. Enjoy!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_5.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

Dates Covered:

December 8, 1974 - August 17, 1975

A lot of stuff happened in this part of the journal. Mom got settled into being a new parent and they sold the trailer. Because of that we moved in with Grandma and Grandpa Cornwell and then dad joined the Army. That led to us moving to Oklahoma. Oh, and we found out Mat was on the way! A lot more happened to so listen in as we share more of mom's journal.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_4.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

November 9, 1974 - December 6, 1974

In this episode Mom starts pregnant but ends up with her first baby!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

This was still before I was born hence the title, "Waiting...". Mom talks about what she's planning on for names, talks about more friends of hers who are having babies and gives an excerpt of a poem from "The Prophet" about being a parent. It's one of those things that she stuck to throughout the years too. A very good description of what kind of parent she was and what her view was of being a mother. She talks about a lot of other stuff too, she wrote a lot for two and a half weeks! Give the episode a listen by either downloading it, playing it below or subscribing to it in iTunes. Enjoy!

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Welcome to the beginning of something big! In this episode we talk about our Mom, Kendra, and about what the journal means to us. We also explain why we're doing this podcast and what you can expect over the next year. We say "Thank You" to all the people who have helped make this podcast possible through donations on their Indiegogo Page and moral support. If you'd like to listen to the podcast right here on your computer just click the play button below. You can also subscribe to our podcast with your favorite feed catcher or through iTunes.

Dates covered:

October 19, 1974 - October 21, 1974

Mom starts her journal and talks about why she's doing it. She does a lot of speculation, mostly as to what her new baby will be like and how she'll be as a mother. She also talks a little bit about how her and Dan got together. She also give some insight into what type of parent she'll become through a poem she copied from one of her favorite books.

Direct download: Kendras_Journal_Podcast_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00pm PDT

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