What order should I do things in?

Hi, this is my first post here. In the next few days I will be buying a linode 360 plan to host my website which I developed using PHP and MySQL on a windows machine. I have looked through the Linode library but I am not sure what order I should be doing things in. The Library also doesn't cover some of the things I am looking to implement so I am just after a little advice on what I should be doing especially when it comes to security as I am quite paranoid about this subject.

Here is what I am looking to set up - but I am unsure as to what order to do them in other than start with the getting started guide:

Debian Lenny (follow the getting started guide). - Choose this as it seems the Library defaults to debian in most areas when explaining how to install or do something on your server.

Lighttpd - with mod_rewrite. I was going to use Apache but I discovered lighttpd and to save future hassle in going from Apache to Lighttpd if my site would benefit from it, I decided to use Lighttpd form the get go.

PHP 5.3 - With suhosin - Will Suhosin require configuration if using apt-get install?

Alternative PHP Cache (APC)

Mysql

modssl - To generate a self-signed certificate for use on my CMS.

Secure the system as best I can. This is the area I would really appreciate the most help with as I have little experience in securing a linux system. Is the "Configure a Basic Firewall in Debian Lenny" guide enough if I only need to serve pages, and allow SSH for my self?. I am aiming to create a streamlined, bloat free secure server and administer the system via SSH. As indicated above I would also like to generate my own SSL certificate and secure my CMS/admin pages with it which are stored outside the web root. Only I will be using the cms so it doesn't matter if the browser complains about a self-signed certificate.

I am not a linux user, but it's also not a foreign system to me. I have messed around with, installed and used gentoo, ubuntu, debian and one or two other distros but never stuck with them for long, so I wouldn't say I am a complete linux n00b. If there is a well explained guide or tutorial to follow I will be able to follow it. :).

Thanks for reading.