This isn’t a time travelling blog this week, but rather an opportunity to chat to our future and past selves. 
Our writers have delved into some self-reflection and creative writing this week, writing a letter to themselves from the past or the future. It is so interesting!

Morning friends, I hope you are all coping in winter. 
Looking back, I have been achieving a lot of things, facing challenges, doing things that I thought I can't do it but now I can. Firstly congrats to me for finishing school, I am very proud of that. Although I have mixed emotions finishing school, I am proud and sad. I am sad because I will miss my friends and my lovely teacher aide. I am proud because finishing school is a happy moment and not everyone got to finished  year twelve. My teachers aide she has been supporting me since the start of year seven. I am also happy that I get to live in Australia, because I got lots of opportunities. I had an opportunity to do work experience at Coles when I was in year eleven, it was hard because it was my first time working in retail but you know what? I gave it a go, and always tried my best by listening to instructions. If I was still living in Indonesia, I am not sure if I would have had great opportunities like doing work placements. Life is much better in Australia compared to Indonesia. You all might be wondering how did I get to do placement at Coles? That time I attended a work skills course every Thursday at Box Hill. 
Another thing that was challenging for me was losing a job. I thought I got a job at an egg packaging place but I didn't end up getting the job, because they don't have enough eggs for me to pack. I was upset and I remembered that night I cannot sleep well because of losing a job. I spoke to my employment coach at my disability service how sad I was losing a job. She said "It's okay Jacinda, your job is not over". She just saying that so I don't keep overthink about it. A few days later, I got another opportunity to do placements at Woolworths. I was there from July until October I think, how do I feel ? I felt nervous and scared because of new situations, new people and a new job. Then I got the paid job in November, I was so happy about that and I got a Woolworths uniform because I am part of the Woolworths team now. Guess what? I am still there guys and it's going hunky dory. You see, even I experienced losing a job and a big change I am still happy and doing really well. 


In the future, I still want to keep going with Woolworths, doing handmade on Monday and blogging from home. I don't want to change activities because I am happy with my current activities. In the future I also would love to go travelling with my parents somewhere that I have not been before because I like going on a holiday. I am not sure where yet but surely a fun place. Well done Jacinda.
Your happy friend, Jacinda. 


Dear future myself,
You will be famous at a tv show and Dylan is my fan.  We know each other for a long time, you need to stay strong and be good and you need to work hard.  
You need to work hard for money for bowling and Monday for lunch.  You love to hangout with your good friends, sometimes with other programs too. You shouldn’t do too much gaming anymore. But every Monday you come to Balla Balla.
From TJ



To my future self, 
I would like to see you travel to England, Scotland, Ireland and New Zealand.  You want to have a family and work in the mines. I can see my future kids and them having kids too. I will be an amazing wife to my future husband and grandmother to my grandkids. 
I want my future self to make sure she has lots of holidays with my future in-laws and buy a big house for my family. I hope they can have horses, motorbikes and lots of space to grow up. 
I am passionate about mental health and I would love to have a mental hospital on my property for sick patients and they will receive all the care they need. 
I can see myself being on a new Titanic, but this time it would be built as an unsinkable and of course, I’ll be in first class.  
From Ash



What do I say to my future self?
I would say to myself that having some more friends in future is a goal. I have only one good friend called Brianna, but I would like for more friends . That is why I come to Umbrella Support, and I am happy to make friends there.
So this is how I will achieve this goal, my goal of making more friends.
I want my future self to know you are doing awesome, and you should be proud.
Ben2


Dear readers, this week's topic is a letter to your future or past self.
Let me start by writing this letter to future me.
Dear future Charlotte,
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone more and don't forget to achieve your dreams and goals. I know you will enjoy your
life in the future and you will travel around the world and see new places. I hope you are fully licensed and safe driving around with your parents and driving yourself to programs. You will be so independant and it will feel great.
Just a reminder never to forget to put yourself first. Never also forget to help
your friends and family too.
I also hope you have achieved your dream of being a chef and I hope you own your own restaurant. I know you will work hard towards that goal.
Presently, I have learned so much, like media skills and I'm still learning how to drive and have made great friends.
Blogging is going very well, I am enjoying it very much and I have achieved so much. You will continue to achieve throughout your life.
Written by Charlotte


You will keep kicking goals, you will achieve many things.  You will get your licence and grow independence and you will be happy.
To achieve your goals you will need to follow steps, so that you don’t lose track.
Step one, get my hearing aids fitted. That is happening really quickly and I am excited.  This will help you in your day to day, communication and in being a good listener. 
Step two, you will keep working hard towards getting your drivers licence. To learn the rules for driving on the road. 
Step three, you will get a great job that you love. 
Step four, you will keep having fun every day, because that is important.
I want my future self to keep being you, don’t change for anybody. You are amazing just as you are. 

Signing off, your bubbly friend, Beth



A letter to myself and adventuring into the future.
I would like to one day make a hovercraft big enough for two people. I have interests in putting machinery together.
It would probably take me
a year to finish the craft but I have friends that will help me and make it easier and quicker.
A hovercraft, according to Google, is also known as an air-cushion vehicle is an amphibious craft capable of travelling over land, water, mud, ice and various other surfaces. A hovercraft use blowers to produce a large volume of air below the hull.
Once this is done and I have achieved my goals, I will once again have to look into another project. This one will take me into the future, and building something that hasn't been thought of but will benefit the future generations. 
This will be exciting times for me and my friends and the fun we could have together.
Nick


Dear little Claire
I'd like to let you know that we still love Disney and will go on many adventures to the movies and the Disney cruise. I want to remind you to be positive, happy and always be yourself, we are amazing!! I still love to dance and I have a lot of new moves, you will have the best time learning them at dance class. Make sure you keep dancing because it makes you happy. I love holidays and you can look forward to seeing places like Canada, America and Hong Kong. Keep going on holidays and enjoy your time with your family and exploring all the different cultures. I want to ask you to try new things like clothes, food, and shows because you never know you just might love them. When you grow up you will go to Umbrella Support and have the best time, you will work on skills like blogging and media and hang out with some great friends. I love to style my hair, do my nails, wear Disney clothes and be girly. Be happy, keep smiling and enjoy yourself.
Love from future Claire, also known as Princess Claire. 



Dear Ben.
I think it’s time to focus on sport media before its too late. You are almost 30 and you are ready to explore your options. Focus on the now and get some tunnel vision. Yes, there are other things that you could focus on but this is something you have always wanted to achieve in life so this should be your priority.  Stop being stubborn and allow others to help you on your journey. I know you can do some things but be honest with yourself and know your limitations and ask for help when needed. Another thing that I know is frustrating you is your lack of a partner. I know you are the only one without a partner in your family but be patient and it will happen. You have a few holidays coming up which is exciting as I know you like to travel but can’t do it as easy because of your disability, but that’s ok. Don’t take life so seriously either. Relax and enjoy every moment as it comes. The best advice I could give you is to slow down and be patient. Don’t let the outside world influence your thinking and ideas. Be yourself and be as unique as you can because no one is like you. 
From your future self. 
Ben1


A letter to my future self...
Hello my friends,
We could choose to write to our past self or our future self, which is a great idea for a blog topic and I'm excited about it. I have chosen to write to my future self because I've seen the movies about time travel, and we are going to leave my past self alone and not mess with time. I'm not about to mess up anyone's timeline or end up in an alternate dimension. With all that said, Let’s get going.

Dear future Shan,
I hope that you are doing amazing, I’m sure that you are kicking goals and please know that 2025 Shan is proud of you. You are probably worried about receiving a letter from your past self because you put extremely high expectations on yourself and you’ll be worried that you haven't achieved as much as we thought we would. I'm here to tell you that it’s ok to take a moment, breathe and refresh. You can only do so much as you’re only human and you’re doing so much better than you think.
You don’t need to do so much, you work hard to meet your goals, and you don’t need to push yourself so hard. Make sure the goals you make are realistic, less is also more you don’t need a whole list of goals to feel worthy. You are worthy as you are. You're enough even if you don’t achieve your goals all at once. You can do things in stages, take it one step at a time and remember to breathe.
The whole world is not on your shoulders, let things go and calm your farm. I know that’s easier said than done but mate please try, you’ll thank yourself later, trust me and you might sleep better. I said might... I’m not making any promises there. Please remember to drink water and eat lunch. We don’t like or need a dehydrated or hangry Shan. Keep up the affirmations with Chopper dog, they help you as much as him.
Do the things that make you happy, be kind to your mind and whatever is happening in your head, I can assure you it’s not as bad as you think.
I love you my beautiful friend,
From Shan.
Now to our lovely readers. I hope that maybe this letter might also be helpful to you, or it may inspire you to write your own. It’s a great activity if you have some down time and feel like giving it a go. Shout out to the wonderful Beth for the blog topic suggestion it was brilliant my friend.
Have a warm and happy day,
Your friend Shan

​New…
 
The Oxford dictionary describes the word new as “introduced or discovered recently or for the first time”. Have you tried or discovered something new lately?
 
 
Something new for me is trying new things. I will try to bowl with no bumpers. But only if Claire does too. 

I like to do cafe for job and I know it is important to listen to other people what they say. Hard work and sometimes listening to music in my ear.

In a new job you have to learn new things. It is normal to feel nervous. I like to learn new things as it makes me feel happy. In a cafe or a restaurant or a shop.
You can learn about the food and drinks. 

One more thing new for me is being back in the main house with everyone. It is ok because it’s easier to wake up for all my day things. - TJ
 
 
Hello friends. 
Today I will write about something new that I found on social media, it's a positive news. The news is about my childhood boy band created in 2001. They are planning a reunion concert next year for their 25th anniversary. They're from Taiwan, so most of their songs are in Taiwanese/ Mandarin. The boy band name is called "F4", but it got renamed to JVKV after their members initials in 2007 it says on Wikipedia. 

The members name are Jerry, Vanness, Ken and Vic. I don't plan to watch their live concert, but I don't think they coming to perform in Australia. I am not sure which countries they will perform in next year but I know in the past they performed in Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan. Most of the fans are Asian, I don't think many Western people know about this boy band. Do you have a favourite band/ singer from when you were little?

Another thing I found out that's new to me is the Disney pop-up store at Southland shopping centre. I went there last Sunday with my parents, They had various cute merchandise such as: key-rings, plushies, shirt, jumpers and Mickey headbands. I have been a Disney fan since I was little. They have colouring areas for the kids to do and have a Buzz Light Year statue if anyone wants to take pictures next to Buzz. I bought a Pocahontas keyring, Eeyore plush I think it's similar to Disney Tsum Tsum and cute Genie mug. They don't sell any stickers, but it will be awesome if they sell various Disney characters stickers. I will buy a few if they sell it as I love stickers.  – Jacinda
 

Dear readers, this week’s topic is about new beginnings. 
But readers, I honestly don't know where to start my blog today and I normally start by telling you about what I have to say. But today my readers, my mind has hit a blank wall.
 
I think it's because I'm exhausted. Recently I celebrated a big birthday and then we went away for the long weekend, not camping but glamping. It’s the only way to go! Readers have you been glamping? Do you know what glamping is? It is fancy camping in a caravan or tent. We had a great relaxing time and we went to the food and wine festival which was fabulous. I love when my family and I go glamping in our caravan and I really like being in nature and around the campfire with my family and family friends. 
 
Unfortunately I have come home tired, but happy. Readers have you had a long weekend where you have really enjoyed yourself but at the end of it been exhausted? - Written by Charlotte
 
 
We are talking about all things new...
Hello Friends, today it was suggested that we write about something new, which means that we could write about pretty much anything and everything, it just needs to tie in with our topic and sound like our own authentic piece of writing. With each new blog topic, you can either feel extremely inspired and the writing process is easy and just flows or end up with writer's block in a massive way. Why am I telling you this? Well, I was the person who suggest the topic and I have writer's block. It’s funny how that happens, though there’s always a way through it. I’ll just wing it and I'm sure it will be amazing.
 
Each week we come up with a new blog topic, while some topics might have some similarities to others we have done, we still class each topic we do as a brand new and fresh piece of writing. There is a discussion that we have as a group to decide what we would like to write about for that days/week's blog. Once we all agree on the topic, we share the topic with the people who blog from home. Then away we go to start writing or have a different discussion with one of our beautiful supports from Umbrella to get through possible writer’s block. Pesky writer’s block.
 
I find that with each new topic we get a new opportunity to have our voices heard, to share our opinions and our unique point of views on things. We are sharing our world with you dear readers and to some of us that is daunting, because we have not always had the chance to be taken seriously, be listened to and be heard. I feel like that because we aren't physically seen by the people reading our blogs it's easier to put our heart and soul into our writing, we or at least I believe that without meaning to people can be dismissive of ideas and opinions based on the person saying them. That unfortunately isn't a new thing. The positive though is that we have this platform and we get to be apart of something awesome.
 
I want to take this opportunity to thank you our wonderful readers, for sticking with us and for those who are new welcome to our little corner of the internet. You’re always welcome and valued by the whole Just Write team.
With kindness and love,
Your friend,
Shan.
 
 
Today's topic is about something new and I want to tell you about something new I found at the tip. It was in the e-waste bin and it was projector that would probably be over 60yrs old. I could not believe it when I saw it in the process area and I had to get a closer look at it. It's 2 ft in length, about 8 inches in depth and 12 inches wide.

I could use it for showing photos and movies. I was very happy in finding the projector, it looks like an old type. I got it working and can keep it at home as long as it doesn't overheat. This is something new for me. Have you recently purchased something new? – Nick
 
Hi friends, how are you today? Today’s topic is about something new. I love trying new things. Bernie, Delia, Krystle, Cindy and myself could one day organise a luncheon at a famous Italian restaurant it’s called Little by Little Cafe in Berwick.

I have always wanted to go to an Italian restaurant as it has very good reviews regarding the menu, especially the Italian desserts. They have lots to choose from in pasta dishes and many types of ice creams. They also have açai bowls, smoothies and teas and a variety of drinks and food. This would be fun to be with my friends and support workers to eat Italian food and try something new. I would love that. 

Readers I have a question for you. Have you tried anything new recently. I am looking forward to a disco that I am going to soon. It’s something new so I feel a little nervous. But I know it is normal to feel nervous about doing something new. 
I am also looking forward to a cruise next year but my tummy feels different to nerves. it’s more excitement. Trying something new will always make you feel a little nervous and that is ok. Thank you for reading my blog this is Bethany signing off until next week.
 

Today’s blog is about something new.I need a new holiday with my brother. A different new cruise would be good with my family and my cousin. I need a new jumper but I do have new one today from Disneyland which makes me so lucky. I have new Disney books for colouring and reading.

It's good to try something different, like a new drink and new food. Mum cooked a new soup, veggies only with peas, carrot, celery, and corn.

New shows are good, they make people, and me, laugh too. My favourite is Elvis who gave me his scarf and his ring. How lucky and exciting for me. The movie is sad too.
There is something I would like to try for the first time, something new, and that is trying bowling with no bumpers, but only if TJ does too. I will try two bowls with no bumpers and if I am happy I will keep going.

I have new dance moves and new haircut and nails. Everything is nice when it's new. – Claire
 
I started a new job with Down Syndrome Australia. I like it. We do it on Zoom because we have different people from everywhere and different time zones.
We look at different apps for use by people with disabilities. This means I can work on Wednesdays and come back to blogging and media on Thursday's. I really like it and I am happy. – Ben C
 
Hello and welcome to a new week of blogging. Today we are talking about new things in our lives. I love getting new things or waiting for a new season for a TV show etc. I dislike when new shows start on different channels at the same time. This is where apps come in handy to catch up. Another thing that is handy is having Foxtel IQ and being able to record two shows at once (except on free to air channels where the station is streamed through the app). I find it intriguing how new things work and I love keeping things up to date. I love the process of things being tested before they are released to the public. I often wonder how they keep things new whilst being tested. How much of these faults are mechanical and how much is human error? How much financial loss is accounted for due to faulty products?
 
The other thing that fascinates me about new things are the things that don't get released to the public and the reasons why. It amazes me that they can still release new products and while the majority of them work, some faulter regardless. I wonder what the cost would be to repair/replace certain items. Does this hurt the bottom line? What can be done to help costs? Do they have the money when things do go bad?
 
Thanks for reading my newest blog and keep being awesome – Ben V

Integrity. What does it mean and how does it fit into this week’s blog?
Our bloggers leaned that integrity means the quality of being honest in values. Let’s see how they incorporate this word into their blogs today.
 
 
Hello friends, 

Today's topic is a challenge; we have to use the word "integrity" in our blog. Have you heard that word before? 

I researched what the word integrity means on Google. It means to be honest like telling the truth and not lying. I showed integrity by doing the right thing in “Handmade” – an Umbrella program,  like following the rules when Cindy says time to do gratitude journal.  I will take my journal book straight away and start writing what I am grateful for and I always share exactly what I write in my journal book. I also show integrity by listening to my “Handmade” friends when they share their weekend and what they’re grateful for. 

It is important to show integrity in life like at school, work or at home. I also show integrity when I work at Woolworths, I always help customers if they are stuck with something. If they asked me what aisle is the baby stuff I tell them the correct aisle, if I am not sure about something I always ask my manager that's part of integrity too. 

I show integrity at home by doing my chores properly that my parents asked me to do. For example: Every weekday I get mums towel and put it in the bathroom because she has a morning shower before work. 

How do you show integrity? – Jacinda.
 
 
The word is integrity today and that means being trust. I don’t trust anyone who being kidnapped or anything but I do trust my only good friends. Them I trust.  But sometimes I don’t trust people use money, we all have to respect each other and respect your friends too, responsible for everything you have on you phone or wallet or your things, people need to be caring for each other and friendly. – TJ
 
 
My blog is about integrity and how people are kind. It's a tricky word but I'll try. People are kind to me by being happy at me like hugs. Smiling is happy too. If someone has integrity it means they are honest and are a decent person. I am honest, l am a decent person, kind and special. Someone who has integrity treats other people fairly, no matter what. Someone with integrity has trust.
I would want to help someone if they are not being treated fair and help them. I have integrity. – Claire
 
What is integrity?
According to the whiteboard in our blogging room, integrity means the quality of being honest in values. Now blogging with integrity is something that I try to do because being honest, transparent and ethical in my literary talents is important to me. Just like everyone else I am human and I won’t always get it right though I do try very hard.
 
I believe that doing all things with integrity is important, it is just really important to be true to yourself and kind to yourself and others. I believe that we all should be empathetic towards others and at least try to lead with kindness, especially in writing.
I try really hard to be a good and kind person everyday, I think that most days I do a pretty good job but as I’ve said before I am only human. We all make mistakes in life and I believe it’s a great opportunity to learn and grow.
 
In life we don’t know what other people are going through and it’s important to take this into account on this journey we call life. While I’m sure I have many stories and experiences that would be prime examples of showing integrity, I am mindful of leaving space for my fellow bloggers.

Today I’m hoping that everyone has a wonderful day and please treat yourself with kindness.
Your friend always,
Shan.
 
 
Integrity has a few meanings and today I am talking about integrity in physics and the Titan submersible.
The dictionary meaning for integrity means to maintain strength, stability and overall functional under various conditions.

I will be sharing with you the story of the Titan which imploded on the 18th June 2023 whilst searching for the ship Titanic. The reason this happened, experts believe the carbon fibre used to construct the hull cracked under deep-sea pressure. Therefore lost integrity. There were five very rich and powerful businessmen onboard the Titan when it imploded, unfortunately if the right materials were used whilst building the submarine this disaster would never had happened. – Nick
 
 
I’ll be talking about a person with the most integrity, and she is my Nanna Shirley. She’s the most kindest soul and wouldn’t hurt a fly. I only knew her for sixteen years,  but those sixteen years were the greatest.   Shirley had 6 siblings, Don, Jean, Keith, Ian, Audrey and Kenner. Before my Dad and Uncle came along, she had a baby girl called “Shirley Ann” unfortunately she passed away when she was five, from kidney failure. No parent should go through losing a child, but eventually in the 60s, Shirley and Bob her husband, adopted my dad, and later on they adopted my uncle. Which to me, is the kindest thing people can do. Is to raise someone else’s child as their own. 

From memory, I remember walking home from primary school, and I saw Shirley waiting for my two brothers and myself, she sat with us until my parents came home from work.  Shirley never drove, so we didn’t go on any driving adventures, but just spending time with her was just amazing. 
 
When we would go over to her house, she has a Mintie jar filled with Minties, we would take some, I’m sure she knew, but she would still give us some. Even when we did chores like picking the veggies from the garden, she would give us a $1 or $2. 
 
When she got older, she developed dementia, but she was still the kindest soul, and just needed extra help, so she went into an aged care facility. My dad would still see her almost every weekend, you could say they had a close bond. 
 
My dad and I were on a scout camp we got home a little late, but we made it down to hospital in time to see her. She passed away that night, so we are still very grateful to see her for the last time. 
 
So there you go, my Nanna is the person with the most integrity who I’ve ever met.
But I’m sure if anyone had met her, they would say the same thing.

There were no nasty bones in her body whatsoever. I hope in your lifetime, you meet someone as nice and with as much integrity as her.
Haley
 
 
Cindy has integrity, she has responsibility for her staff and participants at Umbrella Support. She shows moral responsibility every time she does and does team building with everyone. Cindy has the biggest personality, she is very knowledgeable about her work. 
 
Krystle has shown me some values towards me and others and I’m very grateful for Krystle’s honesty helping me with seeing Southern Sons in Geelong. 
 
I show respect to my family members and my friends. Which means I too, have integrity. – Ash
 
 
Dear readers, this week's topic is about integrity.
Let me start by telling you about the word integrity and what it means to me. Someone who shows me integrity is my mum. It means to be honest, kind, loving and nice. I am lucky to have an amazing mum who shows me honesty, love and kindness everyday of mine and my sister's life. I love and appreciate her and I'm very grateful for her because she does so much. I wonder how she can do it all. She is like Wonder Woman sometimes and last week she posted on social media a very special post on a special day.
I want the world to know I look up to her. – Charlotte
 
 
Hi friends how are you? Today’s topic is about integrity and what it means to me. Readers, I have a question for you, have you heard of the word integrity? That was the challenge word given to us by Cindy and we had to use it in our blog. 
What does it mean to me? 

It means people who I can trust and to be honest and kind. It is someone who is willing to listen and who is open to helping others and show loyalty. I have a support worker who is very kind and I trust her and she is very honest with me.

She is very open to helping me and sometimes my other friends too. Just smiling at me is nice and shows she is loyal and she is my favourite support worker (as well as Cindy, Bernie ,Delia ,Chrissie and Deni, and Krystle (who is the cooking teacher and support worker and helping me today).

Another person who shows me integrity is my Mum who does so much for me. She just makes me feel safe and independent and I feel so loved by my mum who smiles at me and I smile back at her. She makes me feel better when I’m not in the best of moods. She is the best Mum.

Thank you for reading my blog this is popstar Beth signing off until next week.
 
 
Hello and welcome to an integral part of my working week. Today I’d like to talk about integrity in sport. There have been plenty times where integrity in sport has been called into question. From Sandpaper gate in 2018 to Lance Armstrong in  2012 and also the salary cap saga for the Melbourne Storm in 2007.

Horse racing is in my opinion is the biggest culprit as they allow gambling on every race every day. Another big example of integrity in sport is betting.  With the rise of gambling, I worry for the integrity in sport and how far people will go to have financial gain.
 
Bookies make so much money and manipulate results so easy. I believe that gambling is way too accessible to the general public and this causes way too many people to fall into debt and this causes family harm.
 
Sportsbet is a bad example of how they use comedians and celebrities to promote themselves. I think the government has been really lazy in policing this and this is part of the problem I think a great start to resolving this issue would be to stop showing the odds on TV and around the ground and tax each bet. What would you do if you had the power?  How can people who work for betting companies really believe that they enjoy their job?  Does the time spent suspended really fit the crime?
 
Keep being awesome and always gamble and drink responsibly  - Ben

It’s one of our favourite topics this week as our team choose their own adventure. It sounds easy right? Maybe not as easy as you think! Sometimes thinking of something to write about can be really tricky. We can literally write about anything at all and that opens the entire world for us. Let’s see what our talented bloggers will share with us today.
 
I’m writing this blog as I am inspired by a photo I saw and shared on Facebook a while ago. Have you ever sat in a traffic jam and just looked around and think about the other drivers?  Well the photo is actually of a traffic jam with little writing on each car, stating what the person driving is going through. 
 
For example, one person has lost their mum, while another one is a single mum working two jobs, another one, he’s on his way to get chemo. I felt that photo and it made me realise everyone, and I mean everyone, is going through something. Even if they’re silent on the inside they’re hurting or have something heavy on their mind. 
 
Getting away from the photo but in the same situation.
A few years ago I had my right eye removed due to blisters bursting, but I don’t mention it to people, because it’s none of their business, but I know there’s someone out there worse off then me. 
 
My friend, who is like a warrior had to face both of her parents passing away only a short time apart. But she doesn’t let it show when she’s around us, she smiles and laughs, but deep down I know she must be hurting. Not being able to pick up the phone and call for advice or even just a daily chat. But I know her parents would be cheering her on from heaven. Saying “we raised a great lady, caring and helpful” 
 
There was a video of a President going around, and it showed the lady slapping the husband, and that was it, no content, nothing. They did a statement saying it was a jokingly slap, but no one will ever know, even in the public eye, no one will ever know what goes on behind closed doors. 
 
Even the saying “we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors” I think that represents the photo. No one knows what happens while you’re at home. You might be single living alone with one hundreds cats, while your neighbours are a married couple with ten kids and a handful of grandkids, your other neighbour might be an elderly man who lost his wife due to illness last year, and he’s still grieving, his kids and grandkids don’t see him. But his grandkids were his life, his reason to smile, so he’s smiles at the other sides neighbours grandkids, but the parents of the kids tells them to keep away for the man at the fence. 
 
So in saying all of this and I say this with kindness in my heart, just please be kind, as you never know what other people are going through and they don’t know what you’re going through. 
Again while in a traffic jam or in a waiting room.
 Just know someone might  have cancer or someone might’ve been kicked out of home. 
Thank you for reading, Haley.
 
 
My blog today is all about me.
I went on a holiday on a cruise, on a train, on a bus and on a plane.
I'm scared of flying now because of the fireworks even though it was a good show.
I have new Disney jumpers now, a black one, a blue one and a new Disney Mickey Mouse bag and matching purse.
The best thing about being on the cruise is the food and the drinks. The cocktail vodka sunrise is orange and I had lots. Very yummy.
Diet sprite and Coke is ok too. My favourite food is the burgers and the lamb and mashed potato's.
I went to an Elvis show on the ship and he touched my hand. I am so lucky because I sat at the front.
I got to do crafting on the ship with mum, it is so much fun as she is my best friend.
I can’t wait for my next holiday, it should be at Christmas time but I have to wait and see. 
Thank you my friends I am so glad to be back with everyone.
Claire.
 
 
Choosing my adventure
I have a wonderful story coming up. Please enjoy!
In my adventure I win VIP tickets for a show of all Australian music including INXS, AC/DC, Dragon and it's of other Australian acts and both Krystle and her husband Cindy, Daz, my mum and I got a chance to meet John Farnham, Southern Sons and Jon Stevens. Both Cindy and I got the chance to sing “Heart in danger” and “Burn for you” and the highlight was seeing lots of great artists. I can’t believe that we had drinks and food with them, Jack Jones stopped the show and said “Ash is in the crowd” and so I got a poster signed by everyone including Cold Chisel. 
 
Paul Kelly asked Daz if he could come on the stage to sing “How to make gravy” and “Before too long”, not that long after that we got a chance to see Crowded House and Spilt Enz and they are from New Zealand but they claim Australia home. We also got the chance to see the Angles who performed “Am I gonna see your face again” and the Divinyls “Boys in town”, Skyhooks invited Delia got pulled out of the crowd on stage to sing “Living in the 70s” and my mum got a chance to sing “You’re the Voice and “That’s freedom”, “age of reason” and we had David Hirschfelder playing this well known piano in the background, then we had to Angry Anderson sing “Suddenly”
 
The night was an amazing show and thank you for reading my story – Ash
 
 
Today we are choosing our own adventure and I am going to be talking about my job at the tip. I work two day at the tip on Tuesday's and Wednesday’s. I love working at the tip because I find lots of interesting things. Whilst working I have found an old plane ticket, headphone, crazy cart, remote control cars and heaps more amazing things.
This is Nick signing off, see you next week. 
 
Dear readers this week’s topic is a choose your own adventure. 
Let me start by telling you about the pros and cons of winter. I don't mind winter but it's not my favourite season. The pros of winter are that you can rug up and wear clothes such as sweatpants, jumpers, jackets, long pants, pjs, scarfs, and gloves and eat hot and warm comfort food and hot drinks and put on a blanket on your lap. We like to turn up the heater and go to the snow to make snowmen and sledding.

Now the cons of winter. It's freezing cold for three months. You don't want to get out of bed because it’s so cold and of course there is very little sun and you get very sick from being so cold. I have a question: do you like winter or not? - Written by Charlotte
 
 
Hello and welcome to our monthly choose your own adventure. Today we get to choose what write about so I’ve decided to write about the massive time difference it took to get tickets on Ticketek compared to Ticketmaster. I have had experience with both in recent weeks and the time difference was staggering.  On Tickettek I waited for over an hour meanwhile on Ticketmaster I waited for 15 minutes. I often wonder why the delay is so long and if they have enough staff on the accessible line knowing that the websites are not accessible for people with a disability.  Tickettek are getting better as they now allow people with a disability to book online.
 
Another gripe I have with ticket companies is what happens when they receive an online request how long they take to reply. In one example I waited months for a response and they only replied after the event (saying the event had past obviously). I’m unsure but maybe it has something to do with companion cards? If it is, how can this be fixed? How long should someone with a disability wait for a basic human right? What would you do if you worked at a major ticketing company? How come there is a major delay between ticketing companies in answering these requests and what could be done about this?
 
Unfortunately, I need to go and spend 3 hours on hold now but keep being awesome – Ben.
 
 
I love video games on my phone and I have a new one called Harry Potter.  It so much fun it’s a cool game to play with other people. Most days I hang out with friends and we like going out to movies and to golf and all other fun stuff together.  One day I hope to go on a cruise, l am not sure. I can go on the boat with friends and family. - From your friend TJ
 
Hey bubbly friends, I am feeling joyful today because I am back to blogging after taking a break and spending time off with my parents. 
I chose to write about my holidays in May. I went to various daytrip places. What's your favourite daytrip place? Here's all the fun activities I did in May. 

My parents and I went to Harris Scarfe and bought electric blankets, it's very convenient especially in winter time. It keeps me warm in bed, I also bought two new t shirts from Zing. I bought a powerpuff girls t-shirt and inside out t-shirt. 

I gave my mum a mother's day card and a handmade gift that I did before taking a break. It's like a coaster but bigger, she uses it for hot food like a bowl of noodles. 
We also went on a day trip to Rosebud and Rye pier. Has anyone been there before? Then we had late lunch at Bayside Souvlaki at Rye. This often happens during holidays I am out of my routine, but I cope with late lunch or dinner so far. We ate souvlaki outside. We ordered one box shared for the three of us. It's my first time trying souvlaki it was lamb and chicken with yummy chips. We were full. 

We went to Lorne in the afternoon. We ate gelato for afternoon tea. I think I chose salted monkey and biscoff. What's your favourite gelato flavour? Then we ate early dinner at Pizza Pizza Lorne. We ate outside again, it was so quiet no people except us three. We ordered meat lovers and cheese. It was bit uncomfortable because there's cockatoos on our table, I think they wanted our pizza . I don't whinge to mum and dad, I just keep eating my pizza. Then there was a dog, I don't know who owned it but mum loved to played with the dog.

Another day we went on a city trip, we went by car. We had McDonalds for a snack incase we might have late lunch again. I chose a medium fries. What do you like to eat at McDonalds? Then went to Swatch to fix my watch battery, after that lunch at Padang restaurant (Padang is a city in Indonesia ). It's our second time, we ate there when my brother visited Melbourne last year. It was yummy I ordered rice with ayam pop ( chicken dish ). Then mum accompanied me to Mint my desk ( cute gift shop ) I purchased  a new spare journal not for handmade but personal one and I bought a new tote bag. 

We went on another city trip but we did different activities. We went by train this time, the train was peopley in the morning. Dad wanted to buy new shoes at Doc Martens. Then we ate lunch at Guljak Topokki Chicken. It's a Korean restaurant. Have you tried Korean food ? I chose fried chicken on rice, if you’re not a fan of rice you can ordered fried chicken with chips. Mum also accompanied me to Miniso (cute gift shop). I like that shop because they have so many cute merchandise, it’s a good shop to buy a gift for someone. I bought some bits and pieces for myself. I bought snoopy stickers, snoopy thongs, stitch socks and a BT21 cup. 
I have question for the readers: What's your favourite things to do in the city?
From happy friend: Jacinda
 
Beth’s cruising blog 
Hi friends how are you? Today’s topic is a choose your own adventure and I have an event coming up in October. It’s a mystery cruise, which we will be on the sea’s for 10 exciting days.
I am going with my family and I am so excited,
the cruise ship is called the Royal Caribbean.
I have seen lots of pictures and videos on television showing the ship sailing around the world and all the activities you can do on the cruise ship like karaoke and dancing and discos. I love karaoke.
On the cruise ship there are water parks, youth clubs, and family oriented events.
I have been told the food on the ship is so amazing you go back three or four times for more food.

I am so excited to be going on this holiday that I am marking off the days on my calendar every night.

Hoping the weather is good and the ship sales smoothly across the waters.

Thank you for reading my blog this is Bethany (female sailor) signing off until next week. - Beth

We have tickets! They’re to anywhere in the world and we can either go as ourselves OR as a fictional character. Where would you go, who would you go as and what would you do there, I’d like to write about my experience but right now my meal has arrived in my first class seat on my way to the Greek Islands so I cant type any more… Bye! Cindy.
 
 
Hello readers it’s TJ here and today’s blog I am writing about who I would like to be and places I’d like to travel. 
I love to be bowling on Wednesdays and Umbrella other days too. My people I care about them, they’re good mates to me and I love them so much as a good friend and hangout together like a friend. We have fun. Lots of fun. 
I would like to travel to America again to Phoenix and it is hot out there, but fun.  My nephew and niece play with me when I am there sometimes. 
If I could choose to be a character from a movie, I would like to be Deadpool and other characters from some scary movies like Michael Myer, Jason or Freddie Kruger. They are my favourite character because funny, scary and rude. – TJ
 
If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to America. I would like to visit Arizona to go see an airplane graveyard. I would also go to the freedom factory, which is in Texas, I would try the hovercraft they have. If I could be anyone, I would choose to be a navy seal who is based in California. Whilst I am in California I would go sightseeing and have a day at the beach. This is Nick signing off, see you next time.
 
If you could be anyone and go anywhere, who would you be and where would you go? This is an interesting question or pair of questions really, I have spent many days during childhood thinking about who I would be if I was a Disney character and now, I'm being transported back to that time of my life. I believe that back then I wanted to be one of the Characters from The Lion King, either Nala or Kiara. It’s probably surprising to people who knew me as a child that I didn’t want to be a Disney Princess or in all honesty a horse. I really loved horses and possibly at one point I wanted to be best Friends with Stevie, Carol and Lisa from The Saddle Club and learn to ride horses all day.
 I think if I was to choose now, I would choose to be Rapunzel from Tangled. I would really enjoy being in the tower surrounded by nature and far, far away from all the humans. I could have my friends and family visit me at the tower though so it wouldn’t be totally human free, but it would be very peaceful for me. I would love doing all the craft and creative things she does in the tower, I like to think of it as an art oasis and creative space of my dreams. It would be a bonus that I’d get to hang out with Pascal her adorable and sassy side kick. Pascal is a chameleon who lives with Rapunzel in her tower I love him so much. Maybe I should be Pascal.
I wouldn’t mind also going to one of the Disney Parks/Resorts. Not the ship though. I'm not a fan at all of ships even if it is a Disney ship. Disney is my favourite and I would really love to see at least one of the parks/resorts and maybe try Dole Whip and just live my best Disney life. I’d need to get some ears and a couple of plushies obviously and get a photo near the Disney castle!
Have you been to a Disney Park/resort? Tell us about it in the comments! – Your friend always, Shan
 
If I could choose who I would like to be, it would be Jack Jones from Southern Sons. 
He has an amazing voice and sounds so similar to John Farnham.
Last Friday night Krystle and I were in Geelong and I got the chance to meet Pete Drummond at a kebab place and he gave me his time to talk about his career and I also I asked how’s Jack doing.  I also got a chance to talk to April, Jacks girlfriend, and I asked her if I could get my stuff signed by Jack.  She said yes so I gave her my phone backstage and Jack took heaps of photos, signed my picture and my poster as well. The other people there were disappointed as Jack didn’t come out for anyone else. True story. 
 
There are a few places I would like to go and that is Ireland, Scotland and England. I would like to see where the Titanic was built and I also would like to see where the Lock Ness monster supposedly lives and I would like to see where Robin Hood Prince of Thieves was filmed, because I would like to know the history behind the story of Robin Hood and why they picked the location for where Robin Hood was filmed. Thank you for reading my blog kind regards Ash
 
I’m waiting at the airport for my Uncle Bob to pick me up, he’s probably busy with his burger restaurant, so Aunty Linda might come pick me up with the cousins Tina, Gene and Louise.
 
Tina is a bit of a weird teenager, but she’s cool in her own way, Gene the only boy and middle child, is pretty awesome. Louise is the youngest but the most naughtiest child is also pretty awesome. 
 
Uncle Bob’s restaurant is in Seymour’s Bay, New Jersey, the restaurant is next to a crematorium, the owner is an odd guy named Mort.
 
Bob’s best friend is Teddy, he’s always at the restaurant, and he’s probably the best customer they have.
 
Yep, I see Linda and damn she’s with her sister Gayle, is that a cat she’s holding? how did she manage to bring in the cat?
“Hi Linda and Gayle”. I say 
“Hi Haley” says Linda.
 
We hop into the car, and Gayle is driving, have mercy, she just merged into oncoming traffic with the cat walking on the dashboard.  
I wish Linda was driving, but to be honest, she’s no better.
 
We finally get to the restaurant/their house, they live above the restaurant.  I walk in. 
Tina staring out the window, drooling, assuming her crush is out there, last time her crush was Jimmy.
 
Gene is outside in a hamburger costume giving out freebies with his megaphone. Louise, nowhere to be seen. 
 
I go and put my stuff into Tina’s room. Unicorn posters are everywhere, bookshelves, some books titled “Saucy Side Story” by Tina Belcher.
 
I heard screaming coming from the crematorium next door.
I looked out the window, I saw Louise in there with her mouth wide open. I had to see what she’s looking at.
 
I quickly run down the stairs, rushed pass Linda and Bob who were both in the restaurant serving customers, mainly Teddy. I walked into the crematorium, I turned and saw what Louise was looking at, it was the start of someone’s cremation. The smell wasn’t pleasant, as you can imagine.  Louise scared me by pushing my back and screaming, the little devil she is, but she meant no harm. 
 
We both quickly scattered out from the crematorium and into the restaurant. Linda and Bob both said “you guys look like you’ve seen a ghost” 
 
Louise and I both stated “no, we saw nothing”. The restaurant closed up for the night, we had dinner,  Gene had his farting piano machine at the table, pulling a prank every time I sat or bend, he would press the button to make it go. We all laughed. But it did get old pretty quick. 
 
Bedtime approached and Tina and I went to bed, Tina upside down off the side of her bed so her head was hanging off the bed, talking to me, about her crush, it’s still the same guy, as last time Jimmy. She said I’m going to be a writer and have a lot of Jimmy’s babies. 
 
Then the conversation went onto the human body and Tina said “if boys had uteruses, they’d be called duderuses” 
 
She’s a strange one, I tell you. Anyways we both said good night and went to sleep. 
In the distance I can hear Gene, still using the fart machine. The next morning arrived, I woke up and went into the restaurant, where all of the family were working,  the burgers sizzling on the stove. Teddy and Mort were drinking coffee, waiting for their burgers.
 
My trip went fast, the whole family dropped me off at the airport and I just sat down, laughing at the fun adventures I had with my Uncle Bob and his family. 
They may be crazy but they my kind of crazy, I love them. 
 
Yours truly Haley Belcher. 
 
 
Hello and welcome to another Thursday blog, today I’ve decided to blog about who we would like to be and where we would love to go. I’d love to go to America to Pittsburgh or Boston to watch all of the sporting teams in those regions play. Unfortunately, this will never be a reality as insurance companies will not insure me.  I’d also love to go back to Singapore and eat my favourite chips as I arrive at “light and Changi” (Lite n Tangy) airport. I’d love to follow the Formula1 around the world and see the hot dog eating contest live. On the way home I want to go to France to go to Disneyland to get the VIP treatment cos I’m in a wheelchair. All filled up with cocktails so I may not come home (Cindy you’re clearly coming so no need to answer my invite).
 
How many hot dogs could you eat and what sauce do you like? What is your favourite flavoured chip?
 
Keep being awesome and don’t forget your passport. Ben
 
Dear readers, this week’s topic is about my life as a vampire. Let me start by telling you about my made up story about if I was a vampire. 
 
If I was a vampire I would only wear purple and black outfits, and I would live in a rustic country house in a scary dark forest.  My bathroom would be shaped like a coffin and my bed would be a black framed queen bed covered in roses with purple bedding. This is because I would be a vampire queen. 
 
As the queen of the vampires I would be in charge and I am very nice to all the vampires and I would suck and drain all the blood from all the very bad humans. I would turn into a bat and fly around at night and I would wear a daylight ring which would allow me to walk around in the daylight without being burned by the sun. I hope you enjoyed reading blog, as I had fun writing it - Written by Charlotte
 
 
Hey friends how are you today? Today’s topic is if you were a character from a book or a movie or a TV show who would you be and why? If I was a character from a movie I would be Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz because I  wear my red shoes. 
The characters in my movie will be 
Beth- Dorothy 
TJ- the lion 
Nick- scarecrow 
Mavis (Cindy’s dog) Toto 
Ben- Tin man 
Bernie- Wicked Witch of the West (ok with Bernie)
Cindy- Good Witch of the North
Delia- Aunty Em 
Once upon a time when Dorothy was walking along the yellow brick road path she met on her way Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion. 
Dorothy went on this journey to the Emerald city to seek help from The Wizard of oz who could help her return home. 
Please stayed tuned for the next exciting episode. 
Thank you for reading my blog and don’t forget to leave your comments below readers.  This is Bubbly Bethany as Dorothy signing off until next episode. 

​Hello and welcome to another fun Umbrella Blog!
Today our talented writers will “improvise” if they can’t find the words to use! We’ll that’s almost a little hint on what’s happening here today. We are blogging about something we are looking forward to and today, the challenge word to use is “IMPROVISE” as suggested by Charlotte. WOAH! It’s a tricky one but we’re ready….
 
 
I’m looking forward to looking after my friends cat, the cat name is Diego and to look after him I have to improvise my living arrangements and stay at my friends house so the cat is comfortable and calm.  Also, I will have to improvise on the food situation because I’m a bit picky and I would have to buy my own food from a grocery store next door. But it can’t be food that can go in the fridge, because again, I’m picky.

Then, I would be cooking for one not three. But I can cook meals to eat for later by meal prepping. 

I’m going to improvise with a different choice of drink and try to change my habit of drinking two cans of V’s into just one a day. I’ll try my hardest, but not sure how I will go. 
Also, I’ll need to adjust the time I’ll be waking up as Diego wakes up at the crack of dawn to be let out. My cats at home will be let out and I can go back to sleep until about 7am. 

Also with me being away from my cats, they will have to improvise with me not being there. My cat Banshee, usually has a little sook and after dinner he goes and  gets on my bed and sleeps, so my mum or dad will have to go get him up and bring him into the lounge. Diego will have to improvise without his parents (aka my friends).
 
People are not the only ones who need to improvise, animals also need to be flexible and be able to adjust. Improvising is also a daily occurrence, for everyone.  
I love improvising because it does get me out of my comfort zone but I can control it too, to suit my needs.  
Haley
 
 
What are we looking forward to?
We were given the challenge to use the word improvise in our blogs and I honestly have no idea how I’d be able to sneak it into my blog, so I’m just going to start with it straight up and have it in the very start. Have you ever been given a challenge and you really have no idea how you are going to be able to pull it off? Yeah that’s me.

What does improvise mean; According to Oxford languages it means to produce or make (something) from whatever is available. For example; "I improvised a costume for myself out of an old blue dress"

I’m looking forward to getting to go to The Lion King musical in 2026, as a massive Lion King fan this will be the highlight of the year and possibly my life. I have wanted to see this musical since I heard of its existence and haven’t yet been able to see it so I’m super excited for this.

I’m looking forward to the birth of my best friends baby he is already so very loved, I’m looking forward to seeing The Stitch movie which I hope to see with my plush stitch build a bear, I’m looking forward to going to see my unofficial niece and unofficial nephew at some point in the future and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for us all for the rest of this year.

It’s really exciting to have something to look forward to, it can also be scary if it’s something that you haven’t experienced before but I really love having something to look forward to. The future can be a bit of a scary thing to think about but also we are very lucky to have a future to think about.

And you my dear reader have next weeks blog to look forward to! What would you write about if you were writing a blog? Tell us in the comments!
Love and kindness to you all,
From your friend always,  Shan.
 
 
I’m looking forward to watching the new movie coming out soon that is called Stitch, hangout with my good friend Tayla have fun, and maybe I can go back to Queensland with my bro and have fun up there. When I come back to home and I need to relax and play some games, just a little tired because from my grandpa pass away I couldn’t sleep much, but today I get my lunch real quick and come here little late from TJ
 
 

Dear Readers, this week’s topic is what you're looking forward to. 
Let me start by telling you about what I’m looking forward to. 
I’m looking forward to seeing the Harry Potter Exhibition in the city
with my Support Worker from Faith Disability Services and her name is Martina. 

I have a Gryffindor Harry Potter robe and a Harry Potter’s wand I will be wearing.
I’m feeling very excited to go see this exhibition because as a young teenager I read two Harry Potter books and watched all the movies more than once and I've been to watch the Cursed Child Musical.

In today's blog we had the challenge to use the word improvise.
I have a question for readers: have you ever had to improvise when something has happened or when cooking and you run out of an ingredient?
Written by Charlotte
 
 
I’m really looking forward to seeing Southern Sons soon because I’m a huge fan of Jack Jones and I need to manage my time with him. I can’t wait to see them again because I’m going to make sure that Krystle and I have a great time in Geelong, and I can’t wait to have some time with Krystle. 

I’ll enjoy my time in Geelong with Krystle who has taken up the time away from her family but she loves her job. I need to improvise what I’m wearing tomorrow night for the show.  Thank you for reading my blog and maybe you learnt about the word improvise. Ash.
 
 
Hello and welcome to a blog which I’m really looking forward to, but I may have to improvise as I’m not sure what to write. Recently I wanted to buy tickets to a concert but being a person in a wheelchair I have to improvise and try different methods to get the tickets I need. However, I managed to get through in 20 minutes which is a record!!!!!!!! (See my ticket blog for tips and tricks). I’m really looking forward to seeing Usher in November as he is one of my favourite singers.

Another thing I’m looking forward to is going to the Ashes at the end of the year. It will be my 3rd Ashes trip. I have to improvise and plan a little further in advance as I need to negotiate with the airline and get lots of letters for all my medical needs.

Improvisation is key when you have a disability as you never know what will happen daily. What do you need to improvise in your daily life? Do you find your improvisations work and if not, how do you adapt?
Thank you for reading my blog and keep being awesome, Ben
 
Hi friends how are you? Today’s topic is something you’re looking forward to, and I am looking forward to seeing the new Lilo & Stitch movie in Gold Class. Who are you going with you ask? I’m going with Cindy, Martina and Charlotte. We are planning to go next Friday and I’m so looking forward to it it’s going to be so amazing I can’t wait, bring it on!

I want to see this movie because I haven’t seen the first movie and the previews look good and also it would be good to go out with the girls and get out of the house and away from my annoying siblings.

I don’t have anything to wear to this special occasion so I will have to improvise and put two outfits together and make something special with what I have at home.
 
Thank you for reading my blog my lovely readers, this is the bubbly Bethany signing off until next week. Beth

I am really looking forward to buying a go-kart.
I am looking for a go-kart with just tyres and brakes as I can put an engine in it myself.

I am look forward to working on the go-kart and racing it, I may need to improvise while fixing the go-kart .

Another thing I am to looking forward is the bon fire in Kilcunda in late June and hopefully seeing my friend Amara. It’s going to be lots of fun. The bonfire happens every year and the community comes together.

This is Nick signing off

A bump in the road…
 
Have you ever had a little change to your regular plans? How did it make you feel? Did you have to make changes to your usual schedule or the way your did things that day or at that time? Today our bloggers were experiencing change as the team from Channel 7 Travel Globe were due to arrive at 11.30am for filming at our program.
 
Hi and welcome to a blog all about change. As I’m typing today we are experiencing change, an exciting change for today as we are going to be on tv (tune into Hellow Media for more details). Change happens constantly and people have to adapt to change daily.  When I adapt to change I evaluate the situation and figure out how I can adapt to the change as I find I handle the change better that way. How do you handle change? What strategies and tactics do you have to cope with change? Thanks for reading my blog and keep being awesome. Ben VR
 
 
How do you deal with change?
 
Ah change... I’m not a huge fan of change, most people know this because I’m super vocal about it and I’ve written about it before too. Change and new things are going to be a constant in our lives though. So I do my best to just get through it, not usually in a quiet way because I’m really keen to get my feelings out. Like a brain dump but more vocal and less paper.
Every-time I’m faced with change or anything new I have moments where I go into the what ifs, because change and new means unknown and doing things that involve the unknown make me feel uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable, is as the word suggests not comfortable and I don’t enjoy being uncomfortable. No one enjoys being uncomfortable and I know that we all feel differently about change, I hope that when you are faced with change that you do really well with it, unlike my anxious self who makes all the changes feel extremely scary. All our feelings are valid!
Now how do I deal with this you ask? I have a of a tribe of people (family, friends, animals & supports) who help me through anything that I may be worried or anxious about with change and anything that might make me feel uncomfortable. I listen to the advice of my people, I can walk chop, I can dance with Katut, I can write things down, get lost in a comfort show, do self-care and just look after myself. I know that in the end it will work out because it always works out ok.  I just need to talk to my neurodivergent and anxious brain and convince it that the world will not end and all will be Tickety boo.
How do you go with change?
Your friend, Shan
 
I have been getting out of my comfort zone lately and going to the gym and trying new things at the gym and going for a walk after. I’ve been to the gym with my friends. When I started going to the gym I was so scared to go by myself but now I’m getting there slowly. I am getting out of my comfort and feeling good about it as well. I can’t wait for the transition of me losing the weight.  Thank you for reading Ash. 
 

Holidays can be fun, but they can change your whole routine, with different time zones, and different activities. In June I’m going to China for about two weeks. My normal routine is Handmade by us, Work, Blogging group. But while in China, we have a full on internary of activities that I wouldn’t normally do. But it’ll be worth it because I’ll see one of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China and other pretty places. I’ll be tired for a few days while adjusting to the new routine.  
 
Then when we come home, my routine will change again back into my normal routine of my groups, and work. Again it’ll probably take me awhile to read adjust myself.  But that’s only a little percentage of my year. If it were more than two weeks maybe I would think about changing my routine to suit my needs. 
It’s all about readjusting, so really my routine is always changing. But I’m flexible to do that, I know some people find it harder to adjust to change, and that’s okay. – Haley
 
 
Dear readers this week’s topic is how we deal with change. 
Readers I have a question: How do you deal with change?
Let me start by telling you about how I deal with change. 
Dealing with change for me is hard and it makes me feel very anxious. Something I've learnt is that sometimes change can be scary but sometimes it can be a good change.
Last week we had a change from our usual routine at blogging.  
 
We had a film crew from the TV show Travel OZ come and see us. It was a day of so much fun from getting our hair done by Jacquie to being filmed. It was an unexpected but great day.
Sometimes change is really good. Written by Charlotte
 
 
I don't like change at all. When I have change happen I don't cope very well. Especially when I have things canceled on me. If it happens I ask my mum for help and she usually helps me. Sometimes I ask the staff to help me as well.
At the shops I have needed help so I will look online to shop sometimes.
Do you like change? How do you deal with it? From Ben C
 
 

Dealing with change. 
Sometimes when my routine has changed I can get a bit stressed. 
I deal with the stress by seeking help from others and I try to keep myself busy.

I try to not change my routine often as I am very used to the way things are in my life and it makes my life less complicated. Nick
 
I have to change routines every day because sometimes I sleep too much. 
I try to get up early in the morning to get ready for Umbrella and cooking and bowling but today is late. Friday I go work but sometime hangout with my friends on weekends every week I get up early and always get ready because that’s more fun. TJ
 
Hi friends how are you? Today’s topic is how to deal or cope with change or something new.

Today I would like to talk about going to a new hairdresser and how I was feeling.

Last week I got my hair done by Jacquie who kindly offered to style our hair at Umbrella as we were being filmed for a tv show called Travel Oz. We were all so excited but a little nervous.

The room was specially decorated by our volunteers Bernie and Delia and it looked great.

Jacquie was so good and we all loved her.
She did the best styles for us, I got my hair done with beautiful curls and I loved it.
Cindy took photos of us getting our hair done.

What a fun day it turned out to be so different to any other day. It was the best day ever.
I realised that even though I was seeing a new hairdresser for the first time, she did my hair amazing and I had nothing to be nervous about.
Have you had to deal with changes my lovely readers and if so let us know in the comments.

Thank you for reading my blog, this is Bethany signing off until next week. Beth

I’m in charge of Australia…Now what?
 
This week our bloggers get busy changing the world because at this election time, they’re now in charge! Would you have a strategy in place if you were to make changes to our country?
 
Speaking of strategies, our support worker Krystle threw in a word challenge to be used in everyone’s blogs…. Look out for the word STRATEGY!
 
I would run the country like this, this is what I would change. My first strategy would be to make having fun all free. I would make all the arts and crafts things free. I would make all the shopping free too. Like food, shoes and clothes.

I would make food free too. Food that you cook at home and food in the restaurants and the food courts. I would make holidays compulsory. I would have to go on holidays too, every couple of months, but I would make that free as well.
Thank you for reading - From Ben C
 
If I was in charge of Australia, there would be a few things I would change. 
At first, I would dismiss all the people in charge and bring in my own people, who I know would do a better job than the old crew.  The people who I would pick would be people who are kind, understanding and who know what they’re doing. 

Here are my strategies for being in charge. In animal welfare, I would allow people to have two or three animals for free. But after the third animal, they will have to pay.

I would also have people who abuse breeding and who are violent towards animals to be charged and prosecuted with jail time.

Anyways, now for the less gritty strategies. Once a season everyone would get a basket to their front door filled with the essential staples, for example, flour, toilet paper, milk, toothpaste.  Also everyone would receive a native pot plant to plant. 

I would allow people to use coupons at the shops, (have you seen extreme cheapsakes?) but with expiry dates and conditions.

School starter, that is, Preps and year seven students would get a starter pack of the essentials of school supplies including a voucher for school shoes. TAFE and Uni would be very discounted, as I think people who are studying something they love and being in debt to do something they love, just sounds horrible.  That’s not fair. 

So if they finish the course they only have to pay a percentage of the cost, where as if they change their mind, then they would have to pay the full upfront cost.

Everyone gets a paid week off to spend time with the kids during the holidays and so there is always someone there watching them. You can split up the week through out the year, and can be separate from your partner. 

Also new mothers can get a year and a half of maternity leave as I know the first year of a new babies life is important. The new father can get a year of paid leave too. 

But in all honestly, having a Prime Minster, a one man person who is in charge of a big country is a big ask and a big responsibility. I don’t think one person can fix a big problem without a great team behind them including the normal citizens. 

But saying all of this, I think I would make a great Prime Minister, but I know there’s a lot more to keep everyone happy.  So I’ll just leave it to the bigger people and if they need help, I hope they reach out and ask us. - Haley. 
 
Hello and welcome to another strategic blog about politics and strategy. I love politics not because of the polices and procedures that are in place but the bickering and question time antics that comes along with it.

If I was the Prime Minister I would ensure that all people with disability have equal opportunity and rights without any changes needed to buildings etc. All buildings would be wheelchair accessible and all rails would be at an appropriate height. I would make all staff at shopping centres etc get training on disability etiquette. I would (attempt) to align my policies with the opposition. I would also make attending sport compulsory even when it’s raining (sorry Cindy)! I would make sure that the NDIS is up to standard and safeguard people with disability against people who rort the system. 
 
Onto American politics. I’m not sure on this President and I think I prefer the sixteenth President as he was very progressive and always thinking for those who need another to be their voice. Yes, I’m talking about Abraham Lincoln. 

I have a joke. - What does the Swedish president say when someone asks what car they drive? I-Kia. 

What would you do as Prime Minister? How would you run the country? 
Thanks for reading my blog and keep being awesome. Ben V
 
What would I do if I was in charge of Australia?
Since I’m in charge of Australia I need to get in touch with what the majority of people need while also not dismissing the needs of others who may need something different. Also keeping in mind that everyone deserves a fair go and make everyone feel welcomed as Australians. 

I would need to discuss and research the Prime Ministers of the past to see how things can be improved and also to take note of what works well for our country. While also keeping in mind that what might have been good for Australia in the past, may not be so great for us now. 

Meetings with State Premier’s would need to happen to see what is needed and to also get to know them so I know their leadership styles and what their strategies are for their State and/or Territories. After all, I need to know who I am working with so I can better help the people of Australia. 

I feel that everyone that is in a position of leadership in Australia (including myself) should be required to meet with people who are doing it tough, not only that, but for two weeks they need to live as they do and get that first hand experience so they can lead with empathy and kindness. 

While I’m no expert in running a country I would do everything in my power to make sure that everyone feels proud to be Australian and that everyone feels seen and heard. 

I acknowledge that being a leader of a country is an extremely stressful job and also a privilege that should not be taken lightly. 
Enjoy your day my friends and remember to lead with empathy and kindness, 
 Your friend, Shan.

If I was the leader of Australia, my strategy would be for everyone to be gaming around the whole world. Only some of work at home, and sometimes going out with friends and hangout with them on weekends. 

I like to work with police officer and help people around them if they make trouble and I really want to work like a police officer. 

I would give more money for people to buy a car and a little house with a small kitchen, and small stuff.  - I love all horror movies, from TJ your friend
 
Dear readers, this week's blog is if you were the Prime Minister of Australia for twenty four hours, what would you change.

Let me start by telling you I've been strategising my strategy of being Prime Minister of Australia for twenty four hours. I would lower taxes and I would give everyone four days off and I would make it a law that work is only five days a week and everyone working on a public holiday would receive an even bigger bonus.

I would keep the current road rules and I would spend a little bit of money on the Australian military and to fix the roads Australia wide.

A priority would be to build little country shops and build two nail salons in Garfield and I would have personal bodyguards and private chefs for myself. At no cost. - Written by Charlotte. 
 
If I was going to be Prime Minister my strategy would be over the time whilst in Parliament, is to allocate more funding to Defence. Including the Army, Navy and Airforce departments.

My strategy would be to make more bases for the defence force and add an active air craft carrier. I would use better nuclear power options.

I would make a day where there is no laws and people can do whatever they want. Some call that anarchy. 

If I could make it happen I would make travelling on public transport free for all customer's and free entry to all football matches. - Thanks, Nick

Hey friends how are you today?
Today’s topic is if you were the Prime Minister of Australia for twenty four hours what would you do and why. 


I googled what a Prime Minister actually is and it told me :- “as a party leader, elected to Parliament and appointment by the Governor General, must be a member of a house, with no term limits and must have reached the age of eighteen, be an Australian citizen and be a elector or qualified to become a elector who is entitled to vote in house of representatives elections”. That’s a lot isn’t it. 


I would have a strategy to lower taxes and make energy bills free. I would make TAFE free, medicare available to everyone and cheaper medicines. I would look after uni students better, give pay rises for all workers and free childcare to support working parents. I would also investigate animal cruelty offences and environmental protection for all animals.
​

This is your bubbly friend Bethany signing off until next week. 

​Choose your own adventure.
 
It’s one of our favourite topics this week as our team choose their own adventure. It sounds easy right? Maybe not as easy as you think! Sometimes thinking of something to write about can be really tricky. We can literally write about anything at all and that opens the entire world for us. Let’s see what our talented bloggers will share with us today.
 
A few weeks ago I got a pram, not a human baby pram a cat pram. Call me crazy but my cat Banshee loves going for walks in the pram with me. I took Banshee for a walk around the block on my own at dusk, he loved it. We got home, he jumped out of the pram and started meowing, like he was telling Maggie, my other cat, all about his little adventure.
 
The next day my mum and I took Banshee for a walk again around the same block but this time, he saw his very first kangraoo family and ducks, he did get a little bit of a scare, but he was fine.
 
The next day during the day he sat next to the pram, wanting to go for another walk. So we waited for my mum and we went on another adventure. This time we went around a different block, a bit longer and he was fine, just having a nosey look out of the pram. 
 
Yesterday I took Banshee in the pram on my own down to the local shops. I was a bit sceptical about him going into the shops but, we made it through, and he got his sister Maggie a bag of treats because he’s a kind soul.
 
We got home and Banshee got out of the pram, laid on the ground like he did all the walking and meowing to Maggie about his adventure down to the local shops and back. 
 
We even stopped by my neighbour’s house and let him see Banshee, because my neighbour didn’t believe that we have two cats.  But now he believes me. 
 
Well, I hope everyone had a great week. - Haley 
 
 
I am choosing my own adventure today for blogging and today I am writing about Port Arthur. It was twenty-nine years ago this year when the massacre at Port Arthur changed Australian history and thirty-five innocent people lost their lives. The Alannah and Madeline foundation was developed from this horrible tragedy as a poor man lost his two daughters and his wife in the massacre. 
It was also twenty-nine years ago that Ivan Milat was convicted of killing seven backpackers in Belangalo State Forest and John Howard became the first ever world leader who stopped the guns in Australia. 
 
I really like Australian history and even have a “Such is Life” tattoo on my arm. Do you know the quote “Such is life?”   Thank you for reading, Ash
 
I like to play video games with friends and talk with them online. I love all horror movies and bowling. I like to go to the gym with my friends, and I also like going out to dinner with friends. On the weekend it's my relax time. I had fun in Queensland with my good friends and I went to Sea World, Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild. I enjoyed my days there and I had fun. 
From your friend TJ
 
Hi friends, it's Thursday again which means back to blogging. Today's topic is a choose your own adventure and I have chosen two wishful adventures to write about. My adventures would be someday to swim with the dolphins at Sea World in Queensland and watch the dolphins do their tricks. They are beautiful looking, mystical creatures. I would like to wear a dolphin look alike wetsuit. There is lots to see at Sea World.

I would also one day like to go on a Princess cruise, and a Disney cruise with my family and friends (being Bernie and Cindy as my friends) where we can all get together and enjoy everyone's company. How fun!

Some days on the cruise ship we can do karaoke which I love to do, dance classes and play bingo. At night time on the cruise-ship they have fireworks, which is very exciting.
This would be the most amazing adventure ever.


How would you like to spend your amazing adventures?
Thank you for reading my blog, this is Bethany signing off until next week.
 
One day there was a man called Sam and he had a shop that sold clothes and shoes. A girl walked in called Taylor and she got some shoes and they were red. Then Taylor also decided to buy some clothes while she was there. After that, she decided it was time to go home with her shoes and her new clothes.
I hope you enjoyed my story. 
Part two coming soon. – Ben C
 
Hello and welcome to another blog which is going to be unBeelivable. Yes, I’m talking about insects. Recently I went to a VFL game in Frankston where there were little bugs in the ground which came up and would fly around. I’m unsure exactly what the bugs were but one thing is for sure, they were annoying!
 
This is not the only example of bugs in sport though. In 2008. Day 3 of the Australian vs India game in New Delhi was abandoned as a swarm of bees invaded the pitch which made It unsafe for play.
 
I love catching flies as I know they can be annoying and let’s be honest, they don’t taste good. I hate bees but love honey. I’ve never been stung but have seen them up close. How can bees sting so bad but honey taste so good?
 
I used to have a fly net hat to protect myself from bugs while we up on the Murray river. I’ll leave that to you to ponder but please don’t overthink it and let it bug you while I fly off to media now but thanks for reading my unBeelivable blog and keep being awesome. – Ben V
 
 
Today's topic is a choose your own adventure and I have chosen Navy seals because I like what they do, I admire them. There are six Navy Seal teams and they all focus on something a little different.

They were formed in 1962.

The roles of the six teams is to focus on advanced counter terrorism and Maritime operations. Two of the teams are based in California.

The US Navy is very protective of information regarding the Seal Teams but you can watch plenty of videos showing some of the skills they need to have. They need to be able to hold their breath for a long time, and still be able to work. They must be quick in their movements and in their thinking.
I would love to join them  - Nick
 
 
I'm in my Granny Era..
I have reached a point where I get excited to have a cup of tea, rug up in my crocheted blanket, oodie, pyjamas, fluffy socks and watch Golden Girls or read a good book in bed. I'm currently reading The Doctor of Hiroshima by Dr. Michihiko Hachiya. I'm really enjoying my Granny Era, it’s just comfortable and I highly recommend it.
 
I am a bit of a home body though I do enjoy going out occasionally, it’s just so much more exciting when I know that I can come home and be comfy. 
 
I have started having a strong black tea when I can at night and watching golden girls because it's just a wonderful way to wind down and I love old shows so much. I think because the show is so far removed from our current reality, being a show that I believe is set in the 1980’s and this is one of the reasons I love it so much.
 
Sometimes I also cut up a green apple to have with my tea as a nice little snack. 
 
If I’m reading, I’ll just have a tea or some form of hot beverage because eating and reading isn't something I'm great at. I’ll still get ridiculously rugged up and be as comfortable as possible so I can dive right into my book. Most times I get so lost in my book I forget my tea and it goes cold which is sad but that what the kettle is for, just add more hot water and I'm good to go. 
The Granny Era is honestly the best Era for me, just full of happiness, warmth and tea. I might even get back into my knitting and make some more warmth for myself or someone else. I hope that everyone can join me in the Granny Era, because it's the in thing I promise! 
Wishing everyone warmth and cosines,
Your friend, - Shan
 
 
 
Dear readers, this week’s topic is a choose your own adventure.
 
Let me start by telling you about living in country Garfield. I love living in Garfield, everything is pretty close for me. In the main street there is an old looking post office where after they get to know you, you only need to show your licence to pick up a parcel or package.
 
There is a crystal shop, a butcher and a pharmacy, there is a horse shop which sells all things horse including horse equestrian equipment. There are two cafes and there is a clothing shop, a railway station called Garfield station and there’s a pub called the Garfield pub. Garfield public pool, an op shop, local footy club, and a community garden on the next street over. 
 
One of my neighbours has three horses, two big horses and a little brown Shetland pony called Tiny which I'm allowed to feed apples and carrots. The other two horses are called Jet and Bob and I am not allowed to feed the two big horses as Jet is a very naughty horse and no one can ride him except one of his owners. Gumbuya world is not that far away from me either.
 
Written by Charlotte 
 
 
Hello readers!
Today's topic is a " Choose your own adventure". We can write about anything we like today and I have decided to write facts about myself such as: What I like and don't like, what I do, about my family and my personality. 
My name is Jacinda although my friends and family from Indonesia call me by my nickname “Cinda" but I prefer my Umbrella Support people called me Jacinda. Every Monday I attend a day program called "Handmade", it's a program where we do crafts, gratitude journal, meditation, group talk, a big group walk and share with friends some news about our week. I also work at Woolworths and this year will be my 8th year. I am proud that I am working in open employment. I also do blogging from home every Thursday and it's going wonderfully, I am really enjoying it. I have a friend that I keep in contact with from high school, she is caring and respectful. 
I live in a quiet home with my parents. I have one brother who is working overseas at the moment. I really love my family very much because they accept me the way I am even though I am a special needs person. I love spending time with my family. 
I really like children’s animated shows/movies and my favourite is Disney but I like non-Disney animation too like Snoopy and Super Mario, I like cheep cheep fish (an underwater villain from mario game), taking pictures, travelling and outings with my family. I like going overseas and interstate holidays, food such as: Indonesian food, cinema popcorn, spaghetti bolognese, chicken nuggets, chicken kiev, hot chips/ fries, McDonalds, KFC, Schnitz,  Nandos, Japanese food like chicken katsu curry and Gyudon, kind friends that understand my likes and dislikes, cute stickers, colour pencils, colouring book, winter clothes ( as I like winter more than a hot day), hugs, staying home by myself when mum and dad are working, listening to music, I like current music but I also don't mind listening to old music too. It's always nice to listen to music from different decades, Wendy's cookies and cream megashake. I love Sanrio, soft toys.
I like routine, writing special occasions cards, I like a lowkey and quiet birthday, I hope people respect and understand that because that's very important to me, I love Christmas decorations, rainbows, cute hanging earrings. Do you like some of those things same as me? 
I really don’t like people being too hard on me, people yelling and when people don’t respect my boundaries on birthdays, traditional birthday celebrations like cake, singing happy birthday and blowing candles, too hot weather, pushy/ bossy people, bullying, being left out/ not including me, homework, tests, dance parties, when exciting things get cancelled (like during Covid  for example), people stealing my stuff/ when my stuff goes missing, people commenting on my appearance such as: Weight/ acne, people asking me I’m having children, when people says I am too old to do kid things, big gatherings, messes like spilled drinks, pranks, flies, mosquito and spiders, being sick because if I am sick I miss on fun stuff, high rides, spoiled brat/ tantrum kids and people asking private questions like how much money I have. 
More facts: I went to Indonesian school from kindergarten to grade 4, then moved to Australia. I had the best school ever because most people are friendly and then before I joined Umbrella Support I attended a disability employment service class five days a week in order to get employment. I usually go grocery shopping with mum on the weekend, all my relatives from mum side live in Indonesia but I have my Aunt and Uncle I keep in touch with on Whatsapp or instagram, my grandmother from mum side comes every summer holidays. 
I have a question for the readers: If you were given a task to write about yourself what would you write? 
My message for today is: Just do what makes you happy, you don't need to enjoy/ like the same things as people around you, like me: I preferred quiet/ lowkey birthday and that's who I am. 
I will be off from blogging next month, but I will join blogging again in June. Don't worry! 
From your happy friend, Jacinda

​This week our bloggers revisit a favourite time they have shared or experienced. These types of holidays either public holidays or family holidays are always fun and create memories we can recreate in future years.
 
It was also Jessy’s last day with us. Jessy our support worker has left a huge mark on our hearts and we always remember her for her kindness…
 
My favourite holiday would probably be Halloween, though it’s not an Australian holiday it’s a day that I’ve been able to bond with friends over and that’s really important. There’s nothing better than dressing up and being a little bit extra about characters or monsters that you connect with! It’s also a day that many people are able to express themselves creatively and artistically. Added bonus there’s lollies, chocolate and the coolest decorations ever.
 
Its also the day that I watch Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas, I absolutely love this movie because I think that the characters are super cute and I love how different Tim Burton movies are to the traditional Disney movies. I know that many children dress up and go trick or treating and that’s very exciting for them, I really enjoy handing out lollies to the trick or treaters as well. I myself don’t go trick or treating because knocking on strangers doors on a normal day is scary enough.
 
I don’t do any of the really scary movies because I’m not very good with horror. But I love that Disney + have a Halloween collection during the month of October and I can watch something different to what I’d normally watch. Honestly it’s something to look forward too and as I said share with others. Seeing all of the decorations and the Halloween themed products makes me so happy because all of the Halloween enthusiasts can share in the excitement and joy of the spooky season.
 
There’s just so much that I enjoy about Halloween, even talking about it is exciting and I am very lucky to have people that also share my excitement and love of all things spooky and Halloween.
I am in my spooky era.
Your friend,
Shan
 
 
Hey friends and welcome back it’s Thursday again which means back to blogging. Today’s topic is public holidays or any special occasions.

 I have chosen to write about my favourite holidays which are Christmas time and Easter time because my family gets together to have lunch with each other and sometimes my cousins and aunts and uncle come along also.

One of the best things about Christmas is getting presents and my birthday is three weeks later. We have lots of fun and lots of laughs together which makes the day a whole lot better.

My second choice is Easter because we get lots of chocolates and just spending quality time as a family. I love getting easter bunnies and easter eggs and we sometimes do an easter egg hunt. They are usually hiding in the garden and hanging off branches high in the trees.

What are your favourite public holidays or special occasions readers? Tell us about your fun and adventures in the comments. 

Thank you for reading my blog, this is bubbly Bethany signing off until next week.
 
 
Hello readers. What a nice and sunny day today! I hope you all are doing well and had a great Easter break. 

Today’s blogging topic is about our favourite holiday. Do you have a favourite holiday like Christmas break, Easter break or is anyone still at school and enjoying school holidays? 

Hmm, if someone asks me what my favourite holiday is I like Christmas holidays and New Year because it's a long break and I celebrate Christmas with my family. We usually enjoy around three weeks break from Umbrella Support, we finish in mid-December and come back in mid-January. I still remember that I really enjoyed the term four breaks when I was at school because its more than two weeks. 

I also enjoy Christmas break because I get Christmas presents, I get to rest as well and take it easy, even though the weather is hot. It’s summer season during Christmas holidays and I don't like the too hot weather but I still enjoy it. I still remember during Christmas and New Year break long time ago I went to the beach with my parents, my brother and my aunty, uncle and cousin it was fun and memorable. We made sand mountains and I think we had a barbeque lunch at the beach and also other time we ate KFC for lunch. 

Do you all like going to the beach during Christmas holidays with your family because it's summer? 

Christmas and New Year breaks are also great for me, because since 2015 New Year my grandmother from Indonesia has visited Australia. She decided to come in the summer because she can't stand the cold as she lives in a tropical country, she usually stays for a long time and has celebrated Lunar New Year here with us. When she is here we get to do lots of family things together like the Christmas Myer Windows. 

Do you like seeing Christmas Myer windows or other Christmas decorations? 
This year is a little different around Easter, the usual four days off and also the following Friday for Anzac Day which gives us two short weeks to enjoy. That’s something to look forward too. 

I have a fact to share with everyone. Even though I celebrate Lunar New Year with my family, in Indonesia it's a public holiday.  But here, it isn’t. So my fun fact is that I had to work on Lunar New Year as I work every Wednesday.

Joke of the day is related to Christmas. What is a Christmas tree's favourite candy? Ornamints.  From: Cool Jacinda
 
Dear readers, this week’s topic is what is your favourite public holiday or special occasion. Let me start by telling you about my favourite special occasion
which is my birthday.
 
I love my birthday every year because I get to celebrate it with my family and friends. I even like a good sleep-in but to be honest the thing I don’t like is getting older. However, I do love to eat delicious black forest cake and to receive presents as well.  I look forward to getting to choose what we eat for my birthday dinner and especially this year because it is a big one.
 
My favourite holiday is Christmas because there’s no reason. I just love Christmas. I get to spend time with my direct family however I feel sad because it was my dad’s favourite holiday as well. I love waking up and getting to open presents with my family because I get to see my family's warm smiles after giving them their presents. Of course I love to receive my Christmas presents too.

What is your favourite public holiday or special occasion?
 
Written by Charlotte
 
 
My special occasion to blog about is New Year’s Eve because it’s my birthday and I absolutely love celebrating my birthday with friends and family.  My highlight is that my late grandfather would say I am the limited edition in the family. 

My mum would tell me to go to bed early so she could wake me up to watch the fireworks and bring in the New Year with my family and friends. When I was young I would go camping along the Murray River with my family. I remember one year I got drunk until I got a hungover, and to this day I don’t get a hangover anymore as I’ve learned my lesson from drinking.
Thank you, I’m back. Ash. 
 
I love to go to holidays, they are so much fun.  I can’t stop thinking about Jessy today, she is moving away. 

I saw Joker and Harley Quinn at Movie World and Wet n Wild.  It was so much fun in the water and then I got a sunburn on my back. 

Sea World was wonderful and I saw polar bear, really cute. There were also two girls with me, oh lord they were crazy and funny.  I love fun with my friends and crazy stuff together too. – TJ
 
Good morning and welcome to a relaxing holiday blog. My favourite holiday is Anzac Day as I have a tradition of going to the rugby with my dad to watch the Melbourne Storm play. It gives me a chance to not only enjoy the sport I love but also pay my respects to the soldiers who have fallen to make this country what it is today. I also love this as they turn off the lights for the ceremony which is cool to witness.
 
I also love watching the Anzac eve AFL match between Melbourne and Richmond as it provides the perfect lead in to the big day. No matter how many times you listen to the last post it still gives me tingles. Do you like Anzac Day? What do you do to celebrate and commemorate?
 
Keep being awesome and Lest we Forget – Ben VR
 
 
I’m not like a regular girl, I’m the spooky girl. I love Halloween, my dream would be to go to America to see how they do it.  I’ve read on the internet that turnips were the first vegetables to get the carving rather than pumpkins.

Also, I read that they got trick or treat from Aprils 1st is April fools day is 6 months away from October 31st Halloween.  
 
April fools would be trick and October 31st is treat. Anyways, I love Halloween not just for the treats. I love horror movies and I would do a thirty one days of Halloween horror movies, kinda like Christmas but better. 
 
Last year for the thirty one days of Halloween I tried to watch all movies, I haven’t watched before, 
 
I’ll just name a few 
P2 (2007)
Slaughter high (1986)
Tourist trap (1979)
 
When I was little, we would go trick or treating and get heaps of lollies, even money. 
I think everyone is entitled to a good scare once in their lifetime. Last year, my friend and myself went to Luna park for Halloween. Let me tell you, it was a hell of a ride. There was a walk through haunted house maze, and the people would walk up to you and scare you and there were fake feet and hands hanging from the ceiling. We even dressed up. I dressed up as a broken doll and my friend dressed up as the bent neck lady from the Haunting of Bly Manor. It was the greatest time ever. I hope we can do it every year.
 
Well that’s me all wrapped up, I’m a bit scary, a bit spooky and all kinds of sweet.  – Haley
 
 
My favourite holiday is Christmas because I get to celebrate with friends and family. I love receiving and giving presents. I love having Christmas lunch with my friends and family. My favourite food for Christmas is ham, and for dessert is Chinese custard tarts.

My other favourite is the weekend just gone because we celebrated Easter. I go out with friends on the weekend sometime or shopping.
What is your favourite holiday? - Thank you From Ben C
 
Hi readers, we are going to talk about our favourite holiday or public holiday.
My favourite holiday is Christmas because I get presents. The best gift I have ever received was a smaller version of a flight simulator that my dad gave me. It is so much fun the way it works and it connects with my computer and you learn how to manoeuvre it like your are in a real  aircraft. Have you ever received a gift that made you happy?

Anzac Day (25th April) is special to me because we acknowledge all who have fought in any of the wars. Another place I have been to is Pearl Harbour and have walked through the ship. It was interesting and moving.
There is oil still leaking from the ship which is a burial site. I also sat on the submarine. Have you been to Pearl Harbour and if so, what did you think of it.

Do you have a favourite holiday and if so where is it

Cheers Nick