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