May 4, 1974

Dear Diary--

Wow. 14 years old.

Last year I thought I was so cool because I was a teenager at last. This year feels pretty much the same, but I'm not all that fussed about my teen status.

I'm feeling a little like a fake, honestly. Supposedly I'm growing up, getting to be a "big girl", getting closer to being an adult.

Today I feel so young, and so much like I really don't care about being any older.

Don't take that the wrong way, Diary. I'm not talking about wanting to check out or anything like that. It's just that...well, I talk to these people, these relatives of mine, and they had so many issues to deal with.

Being an adult seems like a lot of trouble and a lot of work and I just would like to be an irresponsible kid for a while longer. I want to do stuff that kids do--go to dances and ball games. Go fishing and climb trees.

Aaron asked me to go to the movies with him this weekend, and I think I might. It's just a matinee, not a real date or anything. He seems nice. He hasn't seen me talking to ghosts yet, though, so...time will tell.

Melody gave me a 45 record today called "Loco-Motion" by a group called Grand Funk Railroad. She informed me that it's number one on the charts this week. It's a great song, and I'm lucky to have that chick around to keep my mind occupied with REAL teenage stuff.

(Don't tell her that, though!)

Mom and Dad got me a book and--I can hardly believe it!!--Alice Cooper's album Muscle of Love. I think Mom is already regretting it. Ha ha. But Freddie loves it. He danced around the basement with me when I played it this evening. He's so dang cute!

I really like the album, but I don't think there's a number one hit on it. Sorry, Alice. I still love you!

Okay, diary, I'm going to go read my new book! Happy Birthday to us!

Em