A lovely beginning to the New Year! Bill Brennan came over at a little after three and after getting last minute instructions on what not to do because of our colds we went over to Open House at Hettler’s and beamed over fruit cake and punch, before getting into New York to the Capitol to see “A Guy Named Joe” – a powerful Air Corps job. The stage show was good too. We hopped a taxi and went to the Belmont Plaza – the Glass Hat – for a good dinner and dancing to the smooth orchestra (Jack Edwards) and I bubbled some more. We came home at two from a wonderful time. Life can be beautiful.

Today was an anticlimax! Bill felt he had to be with his family somewhat today and through confusion on my part our goodbyes were said over the phone rather than in person. It was swell seeing him again. Even greatly scattered weekend passes are better than nothing, but – how I want for the war to be over and for everyone to come home.

After spasmodic explosions and hysterics on the home front over my coming in “late” last night, we drove to the St. George for a bite to eat.

Farewell phone calls – Glory came over!

Back to Williamsburg! The trip down wasn’t too bad – though kind o’ hot – Beth, Cary, Midge and I all got acquainted again – relished a box lunch and literally tore through a quickie of a supper in the dining car between Ashland and Virginia. The train was an hour late leaving Richmond but otherwise the drastic threats of difficulties caused by the pending Railroad strike were unrealized and we even had seats all the way Southwards.

Vacation was quite wonderful – but it’s not good to be back – though good to see people.

Beth and I became all het up over resolutions to become smooth this year in appearance and personality - with emphasis on a “What-the-Hell” attitude so far as work is concerned. Perhaps it’s the wrong spirit but our battered souls need some stimulation to face the yawning future.

We lazied around in bed most of the morning and then went to the Lodge for lunch - this afternoon I slaved through Accounting -- on to the Greeks for supper.

Punchy came back as did others - We’re ready to start

A nice enough day inspite of its being a damp, drizzly affair. Classes weren’t too encouraging - brought up a conflict of not wanting to work at all and realizing that I should work like a dog. Hell and damnation! Things could be so simple but never seem to end up that way.

After Statistics Lab and a session with Nuquist I went to the library to whip up my Money and Banking termpaper on the Canadian Banks and tried to type it tonight but was carried away by various conversations.

Mail from Eddie, Howard, Glory, Dave (late Xmas card), Ed Themak, etc.

Today was uneventful - after finishing my Money and Banking termpaper I started writing complicated things on the Theory of Probability for Statistics - not having the vaguest idea about what I was writing. Time alone will tell!

I went to class all day and nothing new at all happened. Elaine had a date tonight (semi-blind) Beth and I, more unsmooth stayed home and bulled on the same old subjects of the present and the future - and wanting excitement!

Mail from Mother & Daddy.

I swung through classes uneventfully (my days don’t seem very stimulating!) and spent the afternoon, finishing my Statistics paper. Two down and one to go. I’m really tearing through them! In between times, as usual of late, we listened to the vic, wearing out the “Oklahoma” album - and talked on and on without much sense. We’re punchy enough to be very appreciative of any coy remarks and laugh n’ laugh over ’em. Beth, Elaine and I have even made idealistic plans to go to Florida together sometime. Such fun as it would be.

Post card from Dad -

Today everyone was weather conscious as Billsburg turned northern and blizzarded. The snow really came drifting down in proper fashion and we were amazed. It’s beautiful however!

This afternoon, Beth, Punchy and I went downtown to buy Punchy’s Christmas present - at long last - ended up with a darling cotton nightshirt.

Elaine (I’ve resolved to call her that instead of Punchy) had a blind date again - with an Air Corps. Lieutenant. Beth and I were still unsmooth - had a disappointing supper in the Greeks - spent a quiet evening at home.

A perfectly lovely Sunday! We awoke for an actually well-planned breakfast before smoothing ourselves to dress for church at Bruton and having a roast lamb dinner at the Lodge. It was wonderful and made us feel more New Yorkish that like sloppy Joe college girls. - This afternoon I cussed over the Treasury and worried about getting income to equal disbursement and tonight Beth and I went to a sensational concert in Phi Beta to see Ozanne Marsh and hear him powerfully play a program of Chopin. We were carried away - he’s truthfully one of the foremost pianists of the day.

Today was partially disillusioning in that I spent the afternoon in the library trying to find material for my marketing termpaper, without any success. I worry about where and when I can find it.

We had a W.S.C.G.A meeting and sorority meeting complete with drastic tales of the Treasury’s depleted condition. I was a flop in getting the points across but at least established a system whereby I have to OK every expenditure. It’ll still be a job to get the income to equal the disbursement.

A well-meant letter from Bill Brennan, enclosing a snapshot, and a coy one from Floyd.

My last termpaper is finally written though it was a tough struggle between a blackout which lasted most of the evening - and the way I had to use my imagination instead of the material I couldn’t find. Tis done though! I got A- on my Money and Banking paper which makes me figure, why worry? Cause I certainly tore that one off. Ah! Nuquist! - We went to a Colonial Echo meeting!

Sensational event of the day! Laurie is wearing her engagement ring from Bill Gulick. He arrived Sunday, beaming with brand new wings and lieutenant bars, looking really smooth. He seems to be a grand guy and everyone’s happy.

Mississippi wherefore art thou?

A nice day. We celebrated the almost - end of classes when a gang of us went down to the Coffee Shoppe for supper, glorying in the good food. - Sat in the lounge for awhile and came back to chapel. Later on this evening, Elaine and I went to a lecture by Dr. CC Little on Race in the Postwar World. It was real interesting. Refreshments were also served.

Mississippi came through with a letter - making up for lost time in a steamingly nice way. He’s quite wonderful! - really cleared himself up or quite a few situations. I wonder what the outcome will be.

The last day of classes - and I’m worried cause I’m not writing over what needs come twixt now and exam time; and I should. Ah! To get on the beam. We got a series of papers back, on which I got marks ranging from B-, OK, to D+ on notes taken for Dr. Marsh. I chatted with him, with big open eyes for awhile and then discussed elasticity of demand and supply with Mr. Haines. Very apple- polishey.

This evening I took my “final fling” by washing my hair and the like and typing for the Colonial Echo.

Not one - not two - but three - letters from New Guinea. Floyd’s become slightly involved! A card from Jimmy in Kansas.

Reading period officially began, but we haven’t really gotten down to earth yet. What say? We got up for home-cooked breakfast and then I more-or-less concentrated on Money and Banking and managed to get through the book in slap-happy fashion once.

Beth, Cary, Irmie and I broke away and saw the corniest of corny movies “True to life” with Dick Powell Mary Martin et.al. We knocked ourselves out over it though.

Tonight we cooked supper home disastrously - time out for a feast which Marty sent.

Mother and Dad sent me two pairs of shoes. Luxury!

We managed to get somewhat more on the beam today and studied straight on through- till I got through my Marketing book and notes once and am ready for a review tomorrow. So much to learn!!

We ate lunch in the cafeteria but cooked supper home again. We’re really flipping mean fried eggs these days. What college has done for me!

This has been a comparatively painless exam period - no worrying emotions or circles under the eye. ‘Tis all very casual... now if only the grades would turn out painlessly too.

I wrote Glory, Floyd and Bill in intermission.

Not a doggone thing is new today, excepting that it snowed again. Williamsburg is outdoing itself. We were buried deep in our rooms with books propped in front of our noses - with time out only for jaunts to the cafeteria for chicken dinner and sausage supper.

Life is still painless! I’ve become intrigued with marketing. I’m really fond of my courses this year (an admission to make at exam time!) - Excepting Statistics and Accounting possibly. At any rate, I’m still very glad about my major. - practical and interesting.

Exams officially began with a three hour’s tussle with Marketing. The exam was characteristically Haines-ish - emphasizing the points I hadn’t managed to study too efficiently - pulling several charts and markup problems on us which I hadn’t expected. Still my conscience doesn’t bother me too much since I did study a fair amount on the darned stuff--

Back from the exam and Cary and I dug into Money and Banking in slap happy fashion - we kept reviewing it - inbetween bull sessions and munching on grilled ham sandwiches and milk shakes.

A letter from Ed Damm - wanting to go overseas.

Two down and four to go! The Money and Banking Exam wasn’t too sharp, but I didn’t seem to think it was as bad as some of the others thought. We shall see in the future.

After our exam, Beth, Elaine and I went to the Coffee Shoppe for lunch - we needed stimulation and got it when Jeffrey Lynn, former movie star now an Air Corps Lieutenant passed, stopped and asked us how to get to the Lodge on our way back. Bright moment in our gray exam life - though our spirits still refuse to be daunted.

Mail from home - nothing new!

A studious day as I alternated between Business organization and Accounting. Sandwiched inbetween was lunch at the Cafeteria - and then - supper at the Coffee Shoppe

A package arrived from Aunt Fan - delayed Christmas present - a cameo pin - real purty - makes more of a special impression.

Great tidings in the way of news that the KΔ national inspector is coming for a thorough visit in the middle of February. Wouldn’t you know?

Sensational: Lizzie, sponsored by Mother and Dad sent a box of pretzels ---- and a bottle of rye mixture - for medicinal purposes imagine!

Exams from nine to five with two hours out for lunch; but still I’m not emotionally stirred. Both of them were very fair almost worked myself up nervously over Accounting, but discovered it wasn’t half bad in time not to really worry about it.

This evening I completely relaxed - wrote Freddie, Eddie, Jimmy, Aunt Fan and Mother n’ Dad. I even read a magazine story. Peaceful bliss!

Vicki gave us a feast with cokes ‘n’ everything. Nice!

A- in my Marketing. I’m amazed, but pleased. Dear Mr. Haines

A reactionarily relaxing day! I stayed in bed late sleeping and reading magazines before trekking downtown to the bank and to market for the pink and blue room. We munched delectable home-cooked bacon, cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch, and glowed over some.

This afternoon, my Psych. books glared me in the face, and I casually looked through them before going to the Lodge for dinner with Beth and Elaine. When I came home I learned Ed Strogen had phoned, and wanted me to go out. He called back, but it was too late since I had to be back in by ten. He’s being shipped soon too! Wouldn’t you know! Doggone!

A in Money and Banking too. It can’t last!

Another reactionary day where I slept, read magazines and played bridge - though slightly concentrating stray Statistics and Psychology. Then, this afternoon, a gang of us went to see “What a Woman” It was really wonderful. Rosalind Russell can make any movie - she’s really good too!

While I was out - always while I’m out - Freddie called from Richmond and spoke at length with Pat Trien, saying he expects to get a pass next weekend and wants to come over then. It’d be good to see him again.

What’s happened to Bill Boyd - here we go again, or is it my conscience?

We slept and slept this morning, getting up in time for brunch of bacon-toast-cocoa and the like. We read the paper and pored over the funnies and then studied some until five when we put on our new black shoes skirts, blouses and our block chesterfields and Beth, Elaine, Cary, Sheila and I went to the Lodge for dinner - though we really can’t afford it. We got caught in the middle of crowds and a slow waiter and spent most of the evening there.

A gala box of food came from home today to cheer us.

A statistical day - darn its soul - I don’t know a terrific amount more than when I began the course. but my conscience doesn’t especially bother me. We had lunch in the cafeteria - splurged on supper at home with remains from yesterday’s box - stuffed tomatoes with tunafish spread - and lettuce - brown bread and cream cheese - and fruit cake - delicious!

I got A in Accounting too!! - brought it up from a B- I can scarce believe it: 3 As!!

I received a brief note from Bill Boyd - real perkolatorish - everything’s OK for awhile anyhoo. Cary heard from Bill Brennan in a very cute letter. Jeanne Freeman, Mother & Dad also wrote me.

Statistics exam was pathetic - so much worse than we’d ever in our wildest moments, imagined. Everyone just sat around - smoked - sipped cokes - and talked - noone could answer any of the five questions - but: that’s Nuquist for you - I know I flunked the thing - but hope he marks on the curve.

A letter came from Floyd and a B in Business Organization from Marsh. Tonight - in the middle of studying for exams - Bill phoned me from Mississippi. It was a crummy connection but he sounded wonderful nevertheless. He wants me to go see him this summer since he won’t be able to go home. ?

Three cheers and a great big huzzah: exams are all over and my mind is free to wander where it will, without being disciplined along bookwormish lines. The Psych. exam was terrifically specific, but it really wasn’t too bad.

We cleaned up the room this afternoon - and planned errands downtown though they all fizzled when we discovered the stores had closed since it was Wednesday afternoon.

Lou, Beth and I went to the Lodge for supper - I tried to phone Bill since we were cut off last night, but couldn’t.

Such fun! Beth and I went to Richmond - and had an exciting time! The bus broke down and after hilariously munching on chicken sandwiches - we decided to hitchhike, being picked up by a kind lady in a station wagon. We walked around the city, through Miller and Rhode’s and Thalhimer’s - buying little things lipstick, nail polish - and a cloth blue dutch cap among other things. We had time out for a milkshake - and met Sheila for a delicious dinner at White’s. It was wonderful - unusual things happened all day and we bubbled!

Freddie is getting a furlough and can’t come this weekend. Eddie called though for a date tomorrow.

Another lovely day! We slept late and then moseyed around writing long letters to our long-neglected parents. We went downtown, using up ration points before giving in our books for registration. - and I went over and did Colonial Echo work for about two hours.

Eddie came at around seven tonight (we double-dated with Charles… and Betty Driscoll). We danced at the Lodge - went into the Coffee Shoppe - and to the movies (gala MGM “Thousands Cheer”) - had to leave in the middle cause it was after 11. He’s swell!

I grudgingly got up at 8 for my registration appointment with Dr. Marsh. I’m taking the same subjects as last semester with the exception of Marshall-Wythe seminar instead of statistics. Of course the courses are different, but the hours and professors are the same. - Registration only took a few minutes and so I came back and crawled into bed - sleeping and talking till noon.

This afternoon we all went to see the movie - and I saw how it ended. It was wonderful - I enjoyed seeing it for the second time. - Tonight I did Treasury stuff in answer to a letter from Minnie Mae Prescott Central Office. Letters from Bill Boyd (mm) and Joan. Amazing: a B in Statistics (what a curve) and A in Psych. I don’t believe it!

A restful Sunday and our last day of complete freedom. We dressed in time for church and moderately beautified our souls for the time being. We went to dinner in the cafeteria, marveling at steak that tasted like steak. After dinner we relaxed in the living room, writing letters and listening to Barrel House and Boogie Woogie records - becoming faintly aesthetic over Andre Kostelanetz at times.

We had supper in the cafeteria - then listened to the radio and played bridge in Midge’s room - Mother phoned!

The new semester officially began with Psych and Marketing. It doesn’t seem as though anything is different - as I droop along to the same old classes as last semester --- no stimulation!

This afternoon I finally caught up to date on the Treasury books doing reports Ann had never sent in.

There was a Flat Hat meeting tonight and then long sorority meetings about Rushing and the like.

A letter from Jenny Mooney - and a crate of oranges from Mr. Dulaney!