In a Bar in Toledo, Across from the Depot

When I started secondary school I was beside myself at the prospect of "subject" classes, and changing rooms every hour.

We started at 8.55, and we were in until 4pm. Registration was 8.55 til 905; first class 9.05 until 9.50; second, 9.50 until 10.30, third 10.30 til 11.10; playtime 1110 til 1125, Four - 1125 to 1210, Fifth 1210 til 1250. Lunch was until 1350. Sixth period was 1350 til 1430, seventh 1430 til 1510 another break from1510 til 1520,and last period til 1600.

Great, 40 minute classes... amazing. Except for Friday morning. Double period. 9.05 until 10.30 a whole hour and a half. Home Economics. Double First Period with Mrs MacD. Oh dear god. My stomach still churns at the prospect of it.

This woman was the epitome of evil.

In cookery classes, she would drop my proffering on the floor, "Great Door Stops". She would sneer in disgust at my mixtures. Laugh at my answers whether they were right or not.

In sewing - she set aside the largest piece of material for my "large hips". And after struggling with my sewing at home for nights to get it finished - she ripped all my stitches out and told me not to get my mother to do my work for me.

I spent a lot of the first two periods on a Friday in the sick bay.