2008.

Things that got Ione through,and things that Ione came to have a love / appreciation / understanding / loathing of, during 2008.

# God ~ His word, purpose for me and his unconditional love.

# Youthgroup ~ the people, the antics, the memories. crave camp, crave services, youth rallies.

# Church ~ the sermons this year were incredible. Looking forward to 2009!

# Monty SC ~ again, the people, the antics, the memories. dress up days, school assemblies, "he/she doesn't even go here", 'I'm bringing sexy back' - "YEAH", the general feeling of being a part of a community slash family.

# Cabaret ~ you kids are all so talented. :)

# VCAA ~ hates me, I'm sure of it. Screw you and your hatred of humanities students.

# Coldplay ~ Thanks for Viva La Vida and Prospekt's March boys; I shall never be the same. See you in March.

# Oreos ~ and the countless packets I consumed.

# Fight Club ~ which has deepened my adoration of Edward Norton. Generally an amazing film. See it.

# Sons of Korah ~ being able to study while listening to the psalms. Superb.

# Late night facebook convos ~ you people know who you are. :)

# Cans of coke zero ~ initially tasted foul, but I've been swayed.

# Holy Moleys ~ is located near the servo at the bottom of Main Road Greensie. Check it out, they're great people. And their frappes are amazing.

# Skittles ~ are the best thing to munch on while typing up an essay.

# Lior ~ Corner of An Endless Road. Amazing. Listen.

# MP3 player ~ many, many, many thanks to the Bendgio Wandens and my grandparents for this one. Dont know where I'd be without it haha.

# Being at home alone, dancing to my music blasting ~ the epitome of bliss.

# Ventolin and Cortizone ~ good stuff. Made me shaky, kept me breathing.

# Chocolate and plenty of it ~ anyone care to disagree it's amazing? No, I didnt think so.

# Wii Fit ~ gave me motivation to stick it to that know-it-all digital trainer. Yes you cow, I'm up for 50 jack-knifes. And yes, I am going to beat you.

# Parties on the weekend ~ screaming at the top of our lungs,
"Those suh-hum-mer, niiihiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighttssss"

# Sleep-ins on the weekend ~ mmhmm. They were good.

# Spontaneity ~ happened in the mid weeks of December. Aimee and Justin are mostly to thank. :)

# Big bottles of water ~ a bottle a day keeps the headache away.

# Anglesea ~ and all the fun we had while down there. Special thanks to the Dixons for entrusting their house to us... what foolish people.


Things Ione discovered / realised / said a lot / decided in 2008.

# God is bigger than I can comprehend. Period.

# I really shouldnt drink pre-mixed alcohol. Really, really shouldnt.

# Dancing is a method of praise.

# Don't change for anyone. You end up hurting more than it's worth.

# You know you're best friends when it's not too awkward to accidentally pick their nose.

# Green P plates are the shizz, especially for Holy Moleys runs in spares.

# You can't win an argument Mrs Durham thinks she's already won.

# Just because your english teacher sucks, it does not mean you will do badly in english.

# Speaking in front of 900+ people isnt so scary.

# But posting an important letter is.

# I am a fabulous procrastinator.

# Toasted salami and sauce sandwiches are amazing in winter.

# Bonds is the best underwear.

# The year 12 common room will stay clean for approximately 1/4 of a period, if you’re lucky. However, the year 12 common room kitchen will stay clean for approximately 1/8 of recess.

# A movie night at Ethan's always goes down well.

# Leaving my house keys at home is a major pain in the butt.

# Hugo Woman smells divine.

# The Starlight Express Room is a magical place.

# Never back down from what you believe.

# Monday night dinners at the Imberger's always proved a treat.

# Worship is a 24/7, all life long thing.

# Red painted walls make me happy.

# No, I’m not gluten free.

# A week away with friends is invigorating.

# 'Ione cake' is always popular.

# Mosskito in Clifton Hill has ridiculously sizeable meals.

# No, I haven’t read Twilight yet.

# A mix of chocolate icecream, oreos, chocolate and nutella helps mend a broken heart.

# Something becomes more exciting if it’s under 100 days away.

# Spares were definitely made for socialising, not studying.

# Being without phone credit is the most annoying thing in the world.

# If Billy Joel, Coldplay, Gotye ,"Helicopter" by Bloc Party, Lior, Muse, Radiohead, Relient K, "Ruby" by Kaiser Chiefs or U2 appears in an iPod library, it means immediate respect.

# If I’m going to have 1 John 2:6 tattooed on my foot, I’d better damn well live it.

# And no. It’s not real. Yet. For now it’s just fine liner and continued negotiation.

# Strathewen isn’t that far away when you drive with friends.

# John Wade was more likely to have killed Kathy than skipped town with her... no matter how much of a romantic I’d like to be.

# God moves. Satan retaliates. God wins. Forever.

# There isn’t much better than a sunny day spent laughing with friends.

# Turning 18 opens a whole new world of possibilities and responsibilities.

# Walking around the city dressed as a Roman Centurion is hilarious and worth the attention.

# Boy watches are sexier than girl watches.

# One of the few positives of finishing school was that I could wear my Havaianas again.

# 1 cent texts Telstra to Telstra are the bomb.

# Taco Bill’s Templestowe is a guaranteed good night out... filling, but definitely good.

# I suffer from aggressive Multimedia Studentitis.

# Winning a Moscar made my suffering worthwhile.

# There’s just something about burning nice smelling candles in your room.

# Pi o’clock should be experienced at least once in your lifetime.

# Your teachers can become your friends... but only if you let them.

# Chocolate does not, by any standards, belong in the fridge.

# Giving presents is more exiting than getting them.

# Nike Airs have won the title of “Most Lusted After Shoe of 2008”.

# My parents are actually pretty awesome.

# And my little sister is one of my best friends.

# Your vivacity meter can be increased by wearing a combination of pink gumboots, stripy socks and or a rainbow beanie.

# There’s no point in competing to have a better production than Plenty Valley or St Helena. It just aint going to happen. Their Rock Eisteddfods however... bring it on.

# I hate the GAT.

# I’ve gotta put on my armour each day. Ephesians 6:10-20.

# Go on – cry on your last day of school and at your graduation. You know you want to.

# Lloyd and Tom were second to Ione and Jacqui... and always good sports. And our protégés - Chris, Matt, Lindsay and Celeste - will be amazing. Knock 'em dead guys.

# Clocks is still my favourite song after all this time.

# Ione. My name is Eye-knee. And yes, I am allergic to most everything.

# 2008 was the most exhilarating, challenging, terrifying, enjoyable year of my life.


Thanks for making it what it was – an absolute joy all the way along. Thanks for all the times we shared; laughing, crying, singing and dancing, d&m-ing, running, jumping, drinking and eating, hugging, kissing, arguing and loving... it's been the best and so much more, all because of you. :)

Love to all, hopefully see you in 2009.
xoxoxoxo