I always do a mini reflection in my head about the year that was, but this year itās nice to be able to document it on the blog! Initially I had planned to launch the blog on January 1st 2019, but I had a bit of time on December 29th and so on that day ROLLY Mag was born.
Letās get straight to it!
At the end of 2017, my family took a holiday to Queensland. It was luxury compared to the camping holidays we were used to. Although technically it was not 2018, I feel like that holiday gave us all the rest and recharge we needed to head into the new year. That holiday will always hold a special place in my heart.
January– after a lovely summer holiday, I started year 12 at the end of this month. I couldnāt believe it. I had always looked up to the school leaders and thought how old they looked, how they had everything together. Lolllllll now I can see it was all a facade. No year 12 has their sh!t together. Looking back, I remember some friendship dramas we had that I totally had forgotten about. Amazing what time can do.
February– andddddd weāre off! Straight into year 12 course work was quite the adjustment. I took part in a local youth public speaking contest and lost. One of the many times this year that I felt as though I wasnāt good enough. Hard work not paying off was the theme of my academic life it would seem. Thatās dramatic. But at the time it was a stab to my heart. āWhy arenāt I good enough?ā Was on replay in my mind. However, highlight of this month was seeing Macklemore in concert! 2018 was my best year for concerts… I was lucky enough to go to sooo many! Despite my shopaholic tendencies, concerts are my favourite way to spend my money. It was at Festival Hall and everyone absolutely sweltering in the heat. Unfortunately that did put a damper on the night but other than that- an incredible show. I also remember Valentineās Day this year, as my friendship group gave little heart shaped chocolates to each other. Sisters before misters ā¤
March– I went to Ed Sheeran this month- a āhave to see at least onceā sorta thing. Also was really researching the ADF Gap Year program this month. I applied and did the testing… crazy got think I could be doing that right now if I hadāve decided to go through with it!
April– Easter, the first of many 18th birthdays & Harry Styles! Despite not knowing too many of his solo songs, he was an absolute rockstar. Such a charisma about him. And of course, I was mostly there for the 1D throwbacks. Probably one of my top 3 favourite concerts.
May– Lots of 18th birthdays this month, Ladies night at a local footy club with friends and little did we know, but our puppy was born this month. May the 4th (be with you!!)
Reallllllly struggled with motivation school wise this first half of the year. It was sudden and scary and I wondered if Iād ever get my schoolmojo back. Spoiler: I never really did.
June– Niall Horan concert. Reallllly didnāt know much of his music but it was chill & he is fun! Slowing ticking off each 1D memberās solo concert to make up for the fact I may never see them perform live as a group (praying they come back!) Sat the GAT. Lotsssssss of birthdays! The one year anniversary of one of my besties (D) and her boyfriend- aka one year of our group of 5 becoming 6 hahah. A tough month for a bestie & navigating the world of being a support to her. And most excitingly… PUPPY MONTH!!!!!! My younger brother and I had been campaigning for a puppy for years, and our little girl came into our lives so quickly & so perfectly. She was definitely meant to be ours. Nearly 8 months of loving her!!
July– such a busy time for me school wise. Went to the footy for the first time in ages with J.
August– Leoās are out in full force this month! Had my 18th birthday alongside my closest friends which was so special. We celebrated with a lunch in the city. Iāve learnt to have no expectations when it comes to events such as birthdays… this mindset means I always have a fantastic time because Iām not comparing it to my unrealistic expectations!! Sat my hazards test and passed!! Journey to driving is getting closer! Celebrated so many birthdays! School was insanely busy! Andddddd went and saw my boys, 5sos, at Festival Hall! Best album tour yet- they are looking mighty fine and sounding even better. Looooooove them.
September– even more birthdays & school commitments. Themes of the year I think!
October– I had my driving test on the 1st at 8:30am! It was an industry RDO, school holidays & early… so all the road odds were in my favour! I remember being ridiculously nervous. But I passed! Such a relief! Afterwards, my first solo drive was to school for a holiday lesson haha. This month got progressively more crazy… P!ATD concert… no words, it was incredible. Crowd: ācanāt help but to hear and exchanging of wordsā Brendon Urie: āI love youā MY HEART!!! Then onto Taylor Swift… girl knows how to party!! Dress up day was over too soon but the Teletubbies were a hit with the little kids! Thennnnnnnnn I had my valedictory! Got my hair and makeup done professionally for the first time ever. Was so nice to be pampered. The actual event was a bit tedious but it passed so quickly and it was, on the whole, a lot of fun. Had a sleep over with the girls afterwards where peeling off false eyelashes and chocolate consumption occurred. And to top that month off, on the 31st, was the English exam.
November– the exam period continues. A lot of procrastination & stress occurred. A record low of only 3 breakdowns (if I I remember correctly!) I was finished on the 16th, as were my friends & so we celebrated by going to the local festival & I was forced onto scary show rides! Also got my RSA this month in preparation for life beyond high school. Honestly, this month continued to be busy once school was over so I never really felt like I had a ārestā per se.
December– Iām getting tired writing all of this! It truly was an insane year. Kicked off December with birthday celebrations for one of my besties A, then a trip to the beach with J. In between this I had a job interview for a casual stadium job- which I got and begin early Jan! Also had a job interview with my old high school about interning which I will also commence in 2019! Busy busy busy! The icing on top of the school cake was a trip to Lorne with the girl gang. Despite the constant rain we made the most of it- indoor pool swims, food, movie nights, carols, mini golf & the best caramel thickshakes. Also, our schoolies trip kicked off on the day our ATARs were released. I cried. A lot. Not necessarily happy nor sad, just shocked. It was a very finite moment. We have the scores we have been working towards all year. Thatās it now. Over. Then I went away with my family. We stayed in a cabin which was fun because puppy slept in my bed every night! Spent Christmas there which was so lovely- again, no expectations and it was wonderful. More Christmas carols, the best ice cream & puppy swam for the first time on Xmas eve- Fun times. Some extended family incidents occurred which were challenging. But deep breathes & perspective helps. Finally read for pleasure- turtles all the way down. Finally felt the long awaited relief of school being over- it hit me out of the blue but gosh it was a welcome feeling. So happy to close that chapter of my life. Particularly because of how shitty the atar made me feel. I know i shouldnāt use that to measure my success, yet that is its ultimate purpose. And itās bullshit. But this is a reflection. Not an attack on VCAA. Thatās to come š
There we have it! 2018 in a blog post! Although rather vague in places, this was my year. Insane & challenging are the words that spring to mind. But it was also the best yet. Hereās to 2019!
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Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
ROLLY Mag 