Choose your own adventure – November 2024
 
We’ve done it again! We decided that this week we would choose our own adventure. That’s two weeks in a row BUT…the team spoke, and we listened! We also welcomed Ash and Nick to or blogging team.
 
Part 2 ticket blog - Hello and welcome to part two of my blog on the issues surrounding ticketing and seating. Recently I went to Coldplay and while I got awesome seats, my friends got sold "ghost seats". For those who don’t know what ghost seats are they are seats that are sold that don’t exist within the venue. I don’t understand how can this can happen when ticket agencies are the ones who understand the venue and plan out the events and sales. This creates an absolute mess for the innocent venue staff and stress for the people involved. In this case my friends and the one of our support workers got to sit in the second row.  My concern though is that in the future, people will have to leave a concert (or any event for that matter) because ticketing agencies don’t seem to have the capacity or understanding of the event or the venue itself.
 
My other concern is that disabled seats are being sold to people who don’t need it but due to overcrowding they get sold to anyone. How can we ensure that this doesn’t happen in future? What should the policy be if ghost seats are sold? Has this ever happened to you? How does it make your feel, and how would you feel if this happened to you?
 
That’s it for another blog!
 
Keep being awesome - Ben
 
 
I am back from a good trip with my dad, we went to The Bend in South Australia for a few nights to race cars.  It was so much fun I did buy some clothes. 
 
I love go to the racing cars. I have so much fun in trying to help my dad to fix the wheels in the pit. I also put some fuel and oil in the back boot. We have pizza two nights and chicken parmigiana.
 
Next week I go to my new house and plan out for new things.  I am excited.
 
Thank you everyone - TJ
 
 
Hello everyone my name is Ash and this is my first time of blogging. I’m a huge fan of Southern Sons and I’ve met Jack Jones heaps of times. I’ve even got a hug from Jack and Peter Bowman from Southern Sons. 
 
I’m also a huge fan of Ned Kelly’s history and I find it very interesting history. 
Ned Kelly’s real name was Edward and he was one of eleven kids. The Kelly gang and Ned Kelly’s final words were "Such is Life". I have a huge interest in Australian history like Ned Kelly’s history and also Australian music.

There are a few little known facts about Ned Kelly, that he saved a 11 year old boy from drowning in the creek and he tried to derail the train from Wangaratta to Melbourne. Lastly his skull was stolen from the old Melbourne jail. It is still a mystery as to where it is. 
 
Ned Kelly’s body was originally in the old Melbourne jail ground and then they moved his body to Pentridge in 1939. His descendants wanted him to be buried in Greta with his family members and in 2022 I went and did the Ned Kelly tour. I got to go to Beechworth, Wangaratta, Benalla, Glenrowen and Greta, Avenel, Seymour, Mansfield and Beveridge. I wish I could go to Jerilderie to see Ned Kelly’s letter. One day. 
 
Thank you for reading my very first choose your own adventure blog. – Ash
 
 
Hi friends, how are you? it’s Thursday again which means back to blogging. Today's topic is a choose your own adventure and my adventure is going to be a conundrum because I don’t know what to write about today. Sometimes I have a little bit of help from my friends or support workers so I have to put my thinking cap on. 

I am a fashionista, and for those who don’t know what it is it is where you dress up.  Like today. A fun fact about me is that I love to spend money. I find it difficult because I don’t buy things online I buy things that are in stores.  Although I do like Temu. A fun fact about the concept of fashion and what’s considered fashionable first started in 1858. Can you imagine what the clothes must have been like back then?  Another fun fact is it takes 700 litres of water to make a cotton shirt and shoes can take up to one thousand years to break down. 

Lastly, clothes can take up to forty years to decompose. That’s why I find it important to buy second hand and save the clothes from going into landfill.  

Another thing that I am really interested in is astrology/ star signs. it first started in the 19th century and it became popular for those who needed some guidance and information on compatibility. 

Thank you for reading my blog from your lovely friend Beth 
 
 
Hi I am Nick, welcome to my first blog.
My hobbies are riding scooters with my friends and I like to spend a lot of time in my shed fixing lawn mowers.

Funny story, my dad drove me and my friend to Kilcunda where they have a sand track for us to race our scooters  When I was riding my scooter my friend Dave pushed me and I fell from my scooter, and we even got it on video. It was funny and even funnier when I re-watch the video.

One more thing I would like for you to know about me is that I work at the tip in Hallam and I love working there. I always find things to discover. When we find the good stuff they can re-sell it at the shop. My favourite part of the job is that I get to break stuff and pull them apart. I think it's fun and it doesn't matter when I break things.

Thank you for reading my first blog.
 
 
Dear readers, this week's topic is a choose your own adventure.
Let me start by telling you about what I chose to write, it's a made up story set in a fairytale kingdom.
 
Once upon a time in the fairytale kingdom, there was a beautiful rose garden where a pretty fairy with purple sparkly wings lived.  She was best friends with a mushroom, pegasus and a unicorn. The fairy’s name was Rose, the mushrooms name was Blossom, the unicorn's name was Cherry and Pegasus' name was Sugar Plum.

They had a conundrum: Sugar Plum the pegasus lived in another kingdom called cloud kingdom which was far away up in the clouds. They can’t see Sugar plum every day because she lives so far away.

Stay tuned for part two for my next choose your own adventure, fairytale kingdom story.
 
Written by Charlotte
 
 
 I’m seeing orange, oops I mean red. (if you know, you know)! 

Today I walk around with a swirl of feelings, and I can’t believe the reality of certain events. I'm not going to dive into the event or its results, because why waste the time on it when there is nothing, I can do to change it. As for the feelings I will touch on them briefly now, I'm confused, disappointed, filled with disbelief and there's a small amount of outrage.

I will at some point get to acceptance but that's not happening today and just because I’m willing to come to the reality of the situation it does not mean I will like it. This event has a ripple effect and will continue to do so for the next four years. There’s your clue my dear readers. 

This is what happens when I don’t switch off from social media and have endless access to Google when I probably should have just read a good book. Though I will add that while that would have been a wonderful thing for my mind, I would have eventually still have had to come to reality. Reality will not and cannot be ignored or avoided forever. It doesn't care what you're trying to hide from, it will bring you back down to earth and it doesn't care what you want or how hard you fall.

Heartless but it must happen, for our own good, I guess. I have spent probably years of my life with my nose buried in a book to avoid facing whatever it was that I didn't want to face at that time. Practicing avoidance won’t work my friends and I know because I have practiced avoidance a lot. 

Your girl (me) likes a good brain dump if you haven't noticed, though I might have mentioned it before and I hope you all don’t mind. This is how I work through things, and this is the edited, G rated and well put together version of a brain dump. Honestly if you were inside my brain right now, you’d either be well entertained or completely shocked or both. My brain is great but also there's no holding back from all the different thoughts and opinions once you are in there. I've got all the genres in there so I suppose there's something for everyone! 

I hadn't expected this blog to go the way it has, and it was a bit of a journey but once I got going and put on my angry playlist with my headphones I was on fire. I will leave the playlist to your imagination, but it is my absolute favourite for when I need to get things done and work though things.  
​
As always thank you for reading,  
Your friend Shan.  

Choose your own adventure – October 2024
 
It’s that time of the month again when our talented bloggers get busy writing about anything they like. The buzz in the air was alive with fingers tapping on laptops and iPad’s and a great variety of ideas flying around the room…AND…we had Abbey join us for her first time 
 
 
Welcome to my latest blog. Today I would love to talk about how hard it is to buy tickets to concerts and events as a wheelchair user. Unlike an able-bodied person who can just go online and buy tickets it’s so hard to buy tickets as a wheelchair user cos you have to call and wait on hold for potentially hours at time.
 
It’s so frustrating not being able to go online and buy tickets. Sometimes I worry that tickets will sell out before I have the chance to buy them. My advice to people with a disability is book early and be patient and don’t be disappointed if you miss out.
 
Have you had any bad experiences when buying tickets? Or do you feel discriminated against when you do try? I would love to hear your experiences.
Kind regards.
Ben
 
 
 
Dear readers, this week is a choose your own adventure.  Charlotte and Beth decided to join their blogs and have decided to write about how to deal with anxiety.
Let us start by sharing tips about how we deal with anxiety and things that work for us:-
 
Listen to music, calm breathing and talking to a friend.
Colouring in and journaling is also helpful. Being in nature is also helpful. Take a bath, stress toys, read a book and meditation. 
 
Self care is key!
 
Essential oils are good for anxiety too, you can roll them on your wrist or use them in a diffuser. The most effective way for one of us is rolling on lavender essential oil on the wrist and forehead. We both find it very relaxing and when sitting in a chair listening to music is calming.
 
We also like to put a diffuser on with lavender oil and I like to listen to pop music in my bedroom.

Fun fact peppermint oil is good for hair growth and good for stomach problems.
How do you deal with anxiety?
 
Written by Charlotte and Beth
 
 
 
It's adventure time! Choose your own adventure time!  
 
On the day I wrote this blog it was Halloween; I love Halloween because it's full of everything magical and mythical. The imagination can run wild and it’s also a day that people can dress as whatever they want without judgement, with a few exceptions because we need to be respectful and kind. Obviously, I won’t be listing the numerous costume ideas that might not be the best idea as far as respecting others because I think we all know the dos and don’ts of costumes and Halloween. If you aren’t sure get on Google and I'm sure it will tell you.  
 
I choose to see all the happy and joyous parts of the spooky season. It’s basically my Christmas, I do a countdown, and a good friend of mine really helps hype the spooky season and it’s something that we really bond over as it’s a shared interest/love. I also really love seeing how excited kids get when they are out with their parents/guardians/trusted adults trick or treating. It's so lovely to see the effort in their costumes too.  
 
Halloween just feels so magical and accepting which is probably strange since there’s a whole heap of people dressed as monsters and serial killers. But it feels accepting all the same. Hopefully a lot of people share this feeling and if you don’t, please know that there are good people who would include you and love you. I would include you and we could skip around being our beautiful selves enjoying the spooky season together. I'm sure you will find your people and they would be very happy to have you.  

I could write a book called the observations of acceptance and inclusion on Halloween. I have found in my observations over the years that many people love Halloween and are quick to include others in their trick or treating and their parties. I have been included on Halloween and I wasn't even dressed up. Everyone just gets excited together and if you have nothing else to look forward to you can jump on the Halloween bandwagon and there will be a group of overly enthusiastic people possibly dressed as your worst nightmare ready to include you in whatever it is they are doing for the spooky season.  
 
You know what's also awesome about Halloween?  
LOLLIES!  
Love you all, 
Your friend Shan.  
 
 

Today I will write about a sport called Netball. It is a running sport that has rules that will not allow any player to run with the ball.
 
Each team has seven players. I play for a team called The Stars.
The seven positions are called Goal Keeper, Goal Shooter, Goal Attack, Wing Attack, Wing Defence and Centre.

To play the game, fingernails have to be short. There is a person called an umpire and a coach for each game and a scoring system to count the number of goals being scored. A goal is worth one point.

A netball game lasts sixty minutes and each game is split into four quarters.
 
Each position has a responsibility.  

Goal Shooter is able to score goals each time, Goal Attack is to feed and work with Goal Shooter and can score goals. Wing Attack is to feed the circle players gving them shooting opportunities. Goal Keeper is to work with the Goal Defence to prevent the Goal Shooter from scoring goals. Centre takes each centre pass and passes to the mid court. Goal Attack works with the Goal Shooter and can score goals. Wing Defence looks for interceptions to prevent the Wing Attack from feeding the circle.

As a long time netball player, I play multiple positions, but I most importantly enjoy scoring, and defending. 
 
 Thank you for reading my first blog, Abbey  

​It’s HALLOWEEN!
 
Wooooooooooooo It’s a spooky day today as we celebrate Halloween in our group.
 
Our bloggers are going to share with you their take on this annual event and share their thoughts on whether they celebrate the day…
 
Hey everyone and welcome to another spooky edition of my blog. With Halloween fast approaching I thought I would share the origins of this holiday.
 
Despite the majority of people believing that Halloween is American it actually originated in Ireland to celebrate the end of the harvest season. The date is marked with candle lit pumpkins and skeletons (something I think Cindy would look great dressed in costume).
 
Did you know that people are tipped to spend $430 million dollars to celebrate this holiday. Is Halloween too Americanized to be celebrated here? At least one Aussie thinks so.
 
Do you celebrate? And if so…
How?
What’s the best outfit you have seen?
Is it too commercialized? I
s the community spirit still what it once was?
 
Thank you to our readers, I
 
 hope you’re enjoying your newest bloggers entries.  – Ben
 
 
Hi friends how are you? Welcome back to my world of blogging. Today’s topic is Halloween, I chose to write about some of the things I do on that day. I would like to tell you first that Halloween started in the middle ages and is dedicated to remembering the dead including saints. Nowadays people decorate their houses with decorations that you can buy everywhere.


In the older days they used to carve roots vegetables that are called a Jack-O-Lantern it is originally from  turnip and a weird looking vegetable called mangelwurzel that I can’t even pronounce. These days you may see jack-o-lanterns made of pumpkins. 
Trick or treat started in Scotland in the 1920s and a lot of people watch scary movies on that day but I don’t watch them because I have nightmares.  

I bought a Halloween dress on Temu and I do trick or treating with my mum and my sister, and then I like to watch movies that are not scary. 

Thank you for reading my blog have a great rest of your day. Keep on believing, keep on following your dreams.
 
From your lovely friend Bethany 
 
 
I love Halloween because I love the scary movies. Like Friday the 13th and Michael Myers and Chucky the doll.
 
I have a Halloween zombie costume for me but it is too small. I will earn money from work for my new costume for Halloween next week. I am going with my mate for Halloween trick-or-treating and will have fun with her kids.
 
Do you celebrate Halloween readers? Yes or no?
Your mate, TJ
 
 
Dear readers, this week's topic is Halloween.
I chose to write about the origin of Halloween.
Readers, I have a question: Do you like Halloween or do you celebrate Halloween?
 
Some interesting facts about Halloween are that it started a long time ago and is celebrated on the 31st of October every year. It was called (All Hallow’s Eve) and now we know it as Halloween night when all souls of the dead return to the living and where they remember the dead and the Saints. It was a Pagan tradition celebrating Scottish and Irish Gaelic and Samhain festivals in Scotland and Ireland which mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
 
Halloween for me is about being with my family. On that day we dress up, we give out lollies to the little kids, go trick or treating with my friends, and watch a scary movie by myself.
 
Written by Charlotte

Do you have something that makes you feel unhappy?
We do, and today our bloggers write about things that they don’t like. So many times we have written about the positives but today, we’re going to spill the tea on some new things you will learn about us…
 
 
Hi friends, how are you? Welcome back to our cosy corner. Today’s topic is something that you don’t like.

I am a very picky eater, but I am trying to push myself to try new foods. 

I do cooking on a Tuesday and we cook new recipes every week. Some of them I am familiar with and others are quite new to me. I am not a big fan of meats. I like fried rice; I don’t like very spicy foods and the same with some fruits. I don’t really like lemons or mandarins. I haven’t tried many of the fruits, but I will try to push myself. I would like to try some different fruits like different varieties of apples, mango, durian, dragon fruit, mangosteens, guava, cumquat, lychee and star fruit especially as summer is coming. There are new types of watermelon, different colours too that I would like to try and also cotton candy grapes. 

Have you tried any of the foods I have listed and if you have what do you think of them?
Even though I can get annoyed by things like too hot and spicy, and most meats, I am still willing to try them. 
 
Fun fact from Beth - In the realm of exotic fruits, two reign supreme: the durian and the mangosteen. Known affectionately as the King and Queen of Fruits, these tropical treasures offer a unique blend of flavours, textures, and health benefits that have captivated fruit enthusiasts worldwide.
 
Thank you for reading my blog, your bubbly friend Bethany 
 
 
Dear Readers,
 
I’m really scared of smoke alarms and high-pitched noises as they pierce my ears and cause a sense of panic in me that I won’t get out fast enough. Another thing I used to be scared of is fireworks. It’s the sudden, loud noise that I don’t like. This includes balloons.
 
I am still scared of surgical masks (even though I have to wear one nightly) and CT Scan Machines and MRI due to being confined to an enclosed space.
 
Some of the readers may not realise that you can listen to music to pass the time while you are in getting scanned.
 
Thanks for reading my first blog. – Ben
 
 
Dear readers, today's topic is about things that annoy us.
Readers, I have a question: What's something that annoys you?
Let me start by telling you about buying Christmas presents and how this annoys me.
 
I don't like shopping for presents during Christmas time because it’s so crowded in shopping centres and everything is so busy. The Christmas carols are so loud, and everyone is in such a rush.  In the city it is worse because it's so hectic especially around the Myer Christmas windows as the line of people waiting to see them is huge and so long.
 
For our family it’s a tradition to visit the windows together.
I prefer to buy gifts for my family in November to avoid the chaos.
Do you like Christmas shopping in the centres and when do you do your shopping?
 
Written by Charlotte
 
 
There are things that annoy me a lot, sometimes my little brother, sometimes my mum. But I know that they care for me. 
I probably annoy people too!
I call them doggie and sometimes I don’t listen. That would be annoying.  And sometimes I can be cheeky but that is me. 
If I am always be late it’s annoying to me and to my mum, but my days are fun too!
If things annoy you, you can do better, and not be late and not be fighting too. Be kind be nice. TJ
 
Red flags, the ick or just plain annoying,  
I have a list of things that are red flags, cause the ick or annoy me to no end and I mostly just try to ignore them and get on with life. It doesn't work though I always end up over thinking it and having to do a brain dump about it. At the same time, I over think about if I'm annoying or cause people the ick but that's for another time in another blog. I'm going to dive into this, and I hope you’re ready for this week's blog post.  

Now going into this I must say that I have not written this blog meaning to offend or upset anyone and I also want to say that I have written this from my point of view and only my point of view. I send everyone love and kindness always.  

Something that really gets to me is when people see the disability and not the person. I will go to get coffee or lunch with a good friend of mine, even when she is clearly the customer the cashiers will always look at me or ask me questions about her order, there is no acknowledgment that it is her order and I feel like I have to remind them that I'm not the person that is buying their goods and just because someone has a visible disability doesn't mean that customer service goes out the window. See the ability not the disability.  

As someone who now has amazing and supportive people around me, my next one really grinds my gears. It is people who are supposed to help and support others as their job/career and are not at all helpful or supportive. I have experienced and observed many different examples of this, and it upsets me that someone can happily and without a second thought just not care how it affects others. Not a single bit of empathy is shown and that is disappointing and makes both my head and heart hurt.  

Anyone that calls out “MY DOG IS FRIENDLY.” instead of putting their dog on a lead. Yes, your dog may well be friendly, but did you think about the fact that the other dog that is running towards may not be? Why would you expose your dog to danger and uncertainty? You’re also causing the other person and their dog a whole heap of stress also. It's a recipe for absolute disaster. Just be a good dog parent and put your dog on a lead and everyone can go about their business, and it will all be tickety boo. 
​
I will end this blog now so that it doesn't turn into a novel.  
Thank you so much for your dedication and support.  
Love your friend, 
Shan.  

We can't show you anything with this weeks blog because we are keeping it a secret!

​THE END! 😜

It's a week of gratitude and thanks for our incredible bloggers this week and writing about what the best part of our days are. Being thankful for opportunity, being thankful for sunshine and showing gratitude for opportunity to nudge the boundaries of our comfort zones, are just a few you'll read about this week. Happy reading! - Krystle 
 
Dear readers, this week's topic is what is the best part of my day. Readers, I have a question what was your best part of which day this week?
 
Let me start by telling you about my best part of my day this week. The best part of my day is my mum’s birthday, which is today, or last week by the time you get to read our blogs.  My mum is the best mum in the world, as she does so much for me.
 
My older sister and I love her so much and if there ever is a competition for the world’s best mum, my mum would win first place. I hope my mum has an awesome birthday and happy birthday to my mum, I can't wait to celebrate her birthday with her.
Written by Charlotte
 
Hey friends welcome back to our cozy little corner today’s topic is what is best part of my day, why, and how I will make sure I keep having great days. 

Everyday I look forward to hanging out with my friends, my support groups and going out with friends even if it’s not with support workers just getting out of the house and sometimes enjoy the sunshine while I can.

Wednesday, I enjoy the day spending time with my best friends and doing things that I enjoy, whether it’s bowling or cooking or doing something in my own time or looking for a job. 

But the best part of my day on Thursday is getting out of my comfort zone and trying something new. It makes me more of an independent person, I always like to try something that is something I haven’t done before. Another thing I enjoy doing is getting out of my comfort zone, for example cooking at home on my own. It makes me feel brave but it is a little scary. I will get better each time I cook at home. 

For those who don’t know what blogging is, let me tell you. Blogging is a piece of writing. We come together and decide on a topic and write about what is of interest to us. I enjoy it very much. We publish our blogs each week. 

For those who don’t know what media is, let me tell you. It’s where we interview people in front of the cameras, learn camera skills, being in front of cameras and asking questions of our guests to learn about their businesses. 

I think it’s important to push yourself out of a comfort zone, in order to grow and develop. I also love knowing that my blog gets published and other people can read it. Thank you for reading my blog, your wonderful friend Beth.
 
What is the best part of your day?  
Hello Friends, 
 
As the title says we are talking about the best part of our day, this one is a no brainer for me because the best part of any day is Chopper. Chopper for those who are new here is my sister’s American Staffie, he is a light brown/red colour and white as well. He is a very handsome boy. He is her four-legged son and my favourite nephew. I love him so much and he brings so much joy to everyone he meets. 
 
It's a highlight to see his adorable good morning dance, all the excitement and love he has for each family member comes out with a bum wiggle, tail wags, excitement circles and every bit of love is shown with every ounce of his weight thrown in. Mornings are so much better with an over-excited Chopper; he never fails to bring a smile to our faces, and I like to think that we bring him joy as well. Though I'm pretty sure we are his whole world.  
 
Apparently, Chopper kisses and stinky dog breath are a non-negotiable part of Chops greeting and excitement which is something that has become an everyday thing. Whether it's a good morning greeting, greeting his favourite visitors, greeting new people or just everyday excitement you get what you get and you don't get upset! He is honestly such a beautiful and loving dog so unless he is jumping up there is nothing to get upset about.  
 
On our walks he will carry a toy, sometimes it's a slipper or a sock and he does occasionally carry sticks or branches too. It’s something that makes my day bright and happy because it’s adorable and he brings so much happiness to complete strangers when they see him (especially the time with the slipper). After walk zoomies are a great part of the day! Zoomies full stop are hilarious and dangerous if you happen to be in his way you become a bowling pin, and he is the bowling ball. It's a high adrenalin activity and he lives life on the edge when it's zoomie time.  
 
He does calm as well, plenty of cuddles and time in the sun. I'm convinced that Staffies are solar powered as Chopper spends as long as possible in the sun and if we didn't move him, he would overheat. Staffies also do not come with personal space, which is fine because I have become accustomed to my role as Choppers couch! 

Another little bit of joy there's no need to "boop" chopper because he will "boop" you. I'm laughing right now because people think I'm kidding. He is super good and gentle with kids and doesn't "boop" them though, he just sits like a good boy.  
 
As you can probably tell the best part of today is writing about Chopper, the best part of any day is Chopper and I’m sure this is the same for all dog parents/dog families. Or even all pet parents in general. I'm very grateful that chopper is in our lives, and we get to be his world sharing in his good days, bad days and crazy zoomie days.  
Your Friend, Shan  

Oh hey! Welcome to our blog today. It’s a fan favourite the choose your own adventure and today our bloggers are here once again to share their thoughts and feelings…
 
Hi friends welcome back to our chilly but cozy corner today’s topic is a choose your own adventure and my adventure is my Temu online order.

I first started looking at Halloween dresses on Amazon, the internet, then I looked at Temu and I found a beautiful dress, and its name is Halloween Pumpkin dress.  I placed the order and my mum said that she would pay for it for me, I was so excited that I kept asking her when it would arrive. I think I annoyed her, but Temu eventually updated that it would arrive between the 23rd of September to the 1st of October. I have been waiting for the last two weeks, so it can come anytime now. I can’t wait for it to arrive and wear it to Dinner with Friends in October.

I am really excited because this is the first time I have ordered something online that is magnificent to wear to a special dinner and where everyone will be dressing up for Halloween. I will say what colour it is, but, you’ll have to wait for the proper surprise. There is yellow, purple, orange and black. It is lovely and I’m not giving anymore hints.  

I love shopping on Temu as they have so many wonderful things that are cheap.
Do you shop with Temu or Amazon and what have you bought?
Have a wonderful day my dears 
From your lovely friend Bethany.
 
 
 
 I like to play games with my friend last night but we lost the game.  We do something fun with my niece and we play hide and seek then I love to play with her brother too, so I have fun with my friend and bestie in the same day.
 
I will go to holiday soon then we will go onto the boat.  I will drive the boat and two Jetski and have fun into water with my mum and dad and brother and kids, and some of my friends.
 
I love my work twice a week and have fun with my friend sometime, but keep working hard and have fun with Krystle and always work hard at work. – TJ
 
 
Dopamine  
Hello friends,  
Welcome to another choose your own adventure! I have chosen to write about what I call the happiness chemical of our brain, Dopamine. I will point out that technically there are two happiness chemicals, and the other one is called Serotonin. Serotonin talks to our bodies and helps to control our memory, sleep, body temperature, hunger and of course happiness. That’s enough about Serotonin though. 

Now onto Dopamine, Dopamine is the messenger between the nerve cells in our brain and body. It is a chemical that is released when we do something that makes us happy or feel good. It's like our very own reward system but in our brains, it’s home or where it is produced in the brain is called the hypothalamus which in my terms the hypothalamus is found deep in the middle of the brain above the gland that controls our growth (the pituitary gland).  
 
Dopamine is my favourite because we have something in common, we both like to make people happy and bring joy. Some of us don't have high levels of Dopamine and may need a little bit of help from a doctor with this. It has also been said that a change in diet can help but seeing a doctor is important to get advice on this.  
If you go on your favourite search engine you can find a diagram that will show where the hypothalamus is, I highly recommend learning about all the different parts of the brain and what each part does for us. Brains, while sometimes a bit complicated, are super interesting and amazing.  
 
While I was writing this blog, I learnt that one of our umbrella humans, Krystle, has studied the brain so obviously I had to use her knowledge and learn from her for this blog. Thank you, Krystle, for your brain topic knowledge and your help.  

I really enjoyed writing this blog today and want to thank all our readers for coming back each week and reading our blogs. It means a lot to each of us, and we are grateful.  
Have a wonderfully happy week and enjoy the work of our happiness chemical Dopamine.  
Your friend, 
Shan.  
 
 
Dear readers, this week’s topic is a choose your own adventure.
I chose to write about Lego.
Let me start by telling you some fun facts about Lego.
Lego makes one hundred million pieces in a day and was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, in Denmark.

The CEO of Lego is called Niels B. Christiansen.

Lego is fun to play with and build  and it's very good for fine motor skills .
I love building with Lego. It helps me with my fine motor skills. I find it frustrating working with the pieces especially when I have long nails, but I feel determined to finish it and once I've started, I feel pleased with myself and relieved it’s finished.
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I am working on the house from the movie Up! right now, it will be stunning when it is done, I'm almost finished.
 
Do you play with Lego or do you like Lego?

Have you ever been faced with a situation when something you planned for wasn’t actually how it turned out? This week our bloggers share their own experiences. Let’s find out how they navigated through the change and how they dealt with it.
 
 
Hello my readers, for those who have been following along, this is new to my journey.
I have moved out of my parents’ house and moved about one hour and twenty three minutes from my family. it’s been a very emotional time. I was lucky to have my mum and dad to help me set up my kitchen, it actually looks like one now. Robert’s family helped us too!

It’s been a different feeling. For the first few nights we were sleeping on an air mattress. It doesn’t matter where we sleep for the first few nights.
I am looking forward time with my family and them coming to help paint my rooms. I also went on a adventure to the local shopping centre, I am lucky to still be in contact with my Umbrella family I cannot wait to share more of my journey with you love from Jess 
 
Two unexpected things recently happened to me, I was working at
Holy Moly and there were a group of stupid teenagers. They tried to steal the blue car that's in front of the shop. They tried to steal it in front of me but I scared them away.
 
One of them from the group came back and apologised and helped me put the car back. After that I went to the kitchen and made fourteen pizzas for a party. There were eight margarita's, four pepperonis and four hawaiian pizzas.
 
One of my friends from work told me to try this drink. So it was Pepsi but we mixed it with raspberry cordial. It was so good. I did a little bit of an experiment. I grabbed a Pepsi and I mixed it with vanilla. It was delicious. I told my friend to try this and she loved it too.
 
Thanks for reading. Stay safe, and don't be worried about unexpected changes or stupid teenagers. – Ryan
 
 
Hi friends, how are you? Today’s topic is unexpected changes and how you deal with it. My unexpected change was not having my best friend Jess around as much as before because she had just moved into her new house with her fiancée Rob.

This was unexpected for me because her and I are joined at the hip and we will not be doing Handmade together on a Monday anymore, but I will still see her on Tuesday nights at dinner with friends which is once a month.

Also, we will be able to work together on the radio. I am able to text her and see her on FaceTime which is great. This change was hard for me as it meant I was going to miss my good friend but I am happy for Jess as it’s an exciting time for her and I know our friendship will never end and continue to grow.

Since Jess has been gone she has been showing me her place on FaceTime and we have been texting each other every day.

Have you ever been in a similar situation and how did you deal with it.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Your very bubbly friend Bethany.
 
 
Hello friends, 
Don't you love it when you have plans, and they end up changing and it's completely out of your control. No, the correct answer is no. This has happened many times in my 31 years of life, and I would have thought by now I’d be used to these events happening. But when things are planned, and you have prepared yourself for those plans, it can take a minute to adjust to a new plan, or to the plans being up in the air and I want to say that I'm a go with the flow kind of person but I’m not. Shout out to my Neurodivergent brain and Anxiety.  
 
Planning isn’t one of my strengths, but I love it when I have a plan because I know what to expect and I can run the day around those plans. It feels like a good day when plans are organized and all goes to plan. However, life happens, plans change, and the world keeps turning. 
 
Most times when plans change or get cancelled for me, I have two reactions; one is relief in the beginning and the other is anxiety, always anxiety. I feel relief for a split second because I'm usually anxious about the plans and I get a little bit of a break from that until it has to be rescheduled, re-planned and re-thought.  
 
I am an overthinker and I will overthink about the change of plans, if I didn't overthink, I’d have a lot more time for myself and space in my brain. I would honestly need to get a new hobby. Any change will send me into a spin, but I have learnt to mask my reactions to this because I don't want people to feel bad or guilty about changing or cancelling the plans. Suprise, surprise I'm also a people pleaser.  
 
A change of plans or cancellation for me also means that I need help to organize the plans to be rescheduled and re-planned or it probably won't happen. I do get anxious about this because it is out of my hands and I can't control when this is done, don't get me wrong I completely trust the people who help with this. Anxiety just likes to take a hold and be a little bit annoying.  
 
While I haven't talked about a specific time when I've had an unexpected change of plan, it has been great to talk through everything that happens when this happens to me. A bit of a brain dump and my goodness writing is therapeutic.  
Thank you for joining me yet again,  
Your friend always,  
Shan.
 
 
 
 Hi my readers, today's blog is about an unexpected change and how I dealt with it.
 
Let me tell you about my Shein order and how it didn't go to plan.  So, I put an order in for a jumper, because I just love to order from Shein their clothes and other items. The delivery for the Shein orders takes about one to two weeks to arrive I always feel very impatient before my Shein orders comes in. I will track the orders so many times.
 
When I got the Shein order I tried the jumper on and it felt too small, I wanted it to be over sized, but it was not the right size, so I gave it to my neighbour's daughter. I felt annoyed and disappointed because I wanted to wear the jumper around the house or when I go out or to places.
 
So, for me when I have plans with my friends or any situation that comes with challenges or does not go to plan, I will tell my mum because she is the person that I talk to the most and she knows everything that I do with my friends.  She will always help me whenever I need her.
 
Have you ever had a situation where an unexpected challenge happens and your plans with your friends change on you, how did you feel about it?
 
Thank you for reading my blog this week, Alannah. 
 
 
 How do you deal with unexpected changes? I had to move to my grandma’s house, but I need to move to a new house soon, I mean a bigger house for me where I feel peace and happy of my life. I had to move quickly to my grandma’s house, but I still focus on the good things like my mates and my cooking and make my own stuff.
 
I think I am good at dealing with changes and some of the times I am happy with changes.  I have a good time with my mates no matter what and help with my mates so we can help each other. We make a good team, hangout with my friends always makes me happy and love, it makes me feel good for myself.
Thank for your crazy friend TJ  

‘Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.’ – Helen Keller
 
Our friends are THE BEST! We have so many of them in our Umbrella family and today our talented writers wanted to share their thoughts around the people who make us happy and warm our hearts…
 
 
Today’s blog is what does friendships mean to me.
Hello my readers and welcome to my last blog with Just Write and Monday is going to be my last day at Handmade. I am just letting you know my friends that it’s going to be an emotional one today, but I had a blast knowing all my friends. Some of the words to describe my friends are positive, honest, talented, thoughtful, kind, and caring. I have learnt so much along my journey about teamwork, supporting each and other through our highs and lows.
 
Making beautiful memories along the way at Handmade with my arts, I will dedicate a special place at my new house for my art and this it will remind of the good times I had with my friends. One of the staff members calls me JESSICA and it makes me giggle, I am going to miss all of my friends so very much.
 
Friendships to me is having someone to talk to about anything, I love having a laugh with all. Thank you to ALL my friend’s for always being supportive of me in every way thank you, to also my family are my friends too. 
 
All my friends, don’t judge a book by its cover love from Jess  
 
 
 Hi friends, today’s topic is friendships and what it means to me. I have so many friends but I have two bestest friends. One of these, is Jessica. I have been friends with Jess for three years since I started with Umbrella. 

With Jess, we have a wonderful connection and she is kind of like a big sister to me and an interesting fact about Jess and I is that we both love art and craft and I love doing art and crafts because it’s sparks my creativity.   We both are emotional people who struggle with similar things. I think doing arts and crafts is a way Jess and I both release our creative energy, it is calming for me too.  We can talk to each other to work out our struggles and she is a trustworthy friend.  Sometimes I have trouble with separation anxiety and I know I will miss Jess when she leaves but we will still see each other and face time with each other. 

I have another friend named Amelia also for three years we have been friends. 
I see her on Tuesday for cooking and dinner with friends on Tuesday nights once a month and I see her on Friday mornings. I talk to her on FaceTime and on phone calls and sometimes in a group on our FaceTime and Snapchat.

I value my friendship with my friend Amelia because we both love cooking and being silly and it makes me feel happy. It is important to have common interests with your friends as that’s what keeps you together. I believe in astrology, and I believe some star signs are meant to be friends with other star signs and that’s what makes people comfortable as friends. 
Thank you, friends, once again I look forward to next weeks blog. Beth
 
 
Hi my readers, todays blog is about friendship.
 
Friendship means to me, having a friend you can talk to and have a good time with, laugh at the funny moments you have, there can be ups and downs but it is important to work together and sort troubles out with one another. You can trust a friend when you tell them stuff, and they can trust you too. 
 
There are lots to do with friends, you can have sleepovers with your friends, hang out during the day, and go shopping for lunch and things like that. At the end of of September Katie and a few of our other mates are going bowling for some fun on Friday afternoon.  We haven't' been together as a group for a long time so it will be fun to see them and play bowling together.  
 
At night Katie and I, and three of our mates play Fortnite together.  We play squads if there are only four of us playing, otherwise if there are more than four people, we play free for all.  If it's just me and Katie we do 1v1 or duos.
 
After all, friendship for me means that a friend is always there for you and you always have someone to talk to, or you can just annoy them for a laugh. It means you have a lot in common.  Katie always steals my food, so I have to bring extra food for her because she's always hungry, but it doesn't bother me because I steal her food too so it's fair  haha.
 
Thank you for reading my blogs this week, your friend, Alannah
 
 
Dear readers, today's topic is friendships.
Let me start by telling you about my friends.
I have a lot of friends that I made at school and Umbrella Support and I’ve been friends with my school friends for five years.  My friends from Umbrella Support for three years including a friend called Jess from Umbrella Support.  Jess is a good friend and a beautiful human and she and I talk on the phone and text almost everyday.

What I value in my friendship with Jess is that we are honest with each other and we are both supportive of each other.

Do you have a couple of friends or close friends?
Written by Charlotte
 
Friendship what is it? Friendship is the emotions or conduct of friends; the state of being.

Friendship can be also a part of your family. Let's talk about my friendship with my cousin. My little cousin is like my little brother to me. We always play games together. We play VR chat together and we do a bit of role play. Yes he's not really supposed to be playing VR chat but if he's with me he's fine.

He also listens to my podcast by the way my podcast is "Press Start with Ryan". It's on Spotify. Me and him always role play skibdi toilet in VR chat.

Now let's talk about a different relationship with my girlfriend. She means everything to me. We met each other on Discord. We've been dating for a month now and she is an amazing, wonderful person.

Me and her always talk about stuff, sleep calls and she watches me play my games through Discord. Like I said, she is an amazing person. I love her endlessly and I will always be there for her. If you find that person that you love, make sure you hang onto them, you might not get the chance to love tomorrow. – Ryan
 
 
Friendship for me is with Alannah and Cody and we play games together.  We also hangout in real life and we all love talk together. 
 
I have online friends from my game too.  Cody and Alannah make me happy for hangout with friends we love talk in game and I worried Cody all the time but not for Alannah sometime she been in trouble.

I think it is important to have friends because we look after each other and be friendly to each other. – TJ
 
 
Friendship makes life beautiful… 

Hello Friends,  

What is friendship? According to collinsdictionary.com a friendship is a relationship between two or more friends. Now what does friendship mean to me? Friendship to me is beautiful moments with beautiful people, the people who connect with each other's souls and who bring you the most joy while also having the ability to be the most annoying people on the planet.  

Did you know there are national and international days to celebrate the different friends in our lives? I honestly take any opportunity to celebrate friends because they deserve it and its good to let people know that you love and appreciate them. (I did my best to get the spelling and the dates correct, though some might be American dates and spelling.) 

Galentines Day (13th February) Galentine's day is usually described as a day to celebrate women’s and girl’s friendships, I however will celebrate all my friendships on this day because why the heck not?  

Siblings Day (10th April) as the name suggests siblings' day is a celebration for your brothers and sisters but I think you could also celebrate your friends that are like siblings to you too.  

National Best Friends Day (8th June) best friends' day is to celebrate your best friends, and I would include my dog in this one.   

International Friendship Day (30th July) I would say friendship day is to celebrate all your friends.

National Pet Day (11th April) some of the best friendships we have is with our beloved pets, so I needed to add this day in, so we remember to celebrate our pet friends.  

While there are many days listed dedicated to celebrating our different friendships, I believe that every day and any day can be a day to celebrate your friends. You can tell any of your friends today how grateful and appreciative you are of them, because they are always there for you and love you endlessly, show all your friends some love just because you can!  
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Now to finish off my blog I have a fun fact for you, did you know that the 4th of September is national wildlife day? What a great excuse to celebrate our wildlife friends!  
Now go off and spread kindness around like confetti my friends!  
Your friend, 
Shan.