THE DIARIES OF PAUL K LYONS - 1981
What a year, 1981, what a year. In the spring, I went to New York and met my real father for the first time since toddlerhood. I finally landed a job as a journalist, on a weekly magazine called European Chemical News. Although I had studied science at university, I can't say I was very interested in chemicals or the chemical industry, but it was a real job in the real world, and I could not afford to turn it down. I didn't settle or conform well. In a first monthly report, I was described as brusque and truculent; and, after three months, the editor was close to sacking me. Instead, he extended the provisional status of my appointment by three months. I was the perfect employee, of course, just cursed with a bad editor. My private life was no less turbulent. I tried to maintain a serious relationship with an angel called Ann, but red suited her better than white. Other male and female friends came and went, although I found myself increasingly drawn towards Andrew and Rosie in Brighton. I spent many evenings at the Tricycle Theatre (having helped paint its internal scaffolding decor), working in the bar and as an usher. In late autumn, I reunited with Harold for an excursion to Greece.
I don't know why Diary 17 starts before Diary 16, no idea. Both are blue-covered hardback books. Diary 16 just records a two week holiday on Rhodes and Tilos in November, while Diary 17 covers the whole of the second half of 1981 apart from the trip to Greece.