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1981

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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 Rosy in Brighton, and Raoul and Vonny in London. 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.

Paul K. Lyons (September 2007)

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