Annie in wonderland

  Over the weekend, I visited Spring Bluff Railway Station with friends and their teenage children. It was refreshing to see the teens willingly put their devices away and join us in exploring this historic gem, tucked away in the beautiful Lockyer Valley. Spring Bluff has been part of Queensland’s rail history since the 1860s. Though the station itself is now decommissioned, the line is still in use, giving visitors the occasional thrill of watching a train pass by. The signal boxes, which once guided trains up the steep grade, are now like guardians of the past, adding to the nostalgic charm of the place. One of the unique aspects of Spring Bluff is its big hall, where couples have left their names etched into the wood over the years. While technically graffiti, this tradition has become part of the station’s story, a quiet testament to decades of memories made here. There’s a sweet, almost romantic feel to seeing those names and dates, as if each one captures a piece of history. It

As we reach the end of the academic year here in Australia, with schools and universities wrapping up from January to December, it’s a great time to revisit this post. For those considering career options, the disability care industry continues to grow, especially for those with a car, common sense, and the ability to pass a background check. With a Blue Card (for working with children) and a Yellow Card (for working with people with disabilities), it’s possible to secure a job quickly. It’s encouraging to see new requirements that mandate a qualification after six months in the industry, though there’s room to improve training on essential topics like medication management and nutrition. One area I find particularly important is dress code, as it can vary widely among agencies. Many agencies lack specific uniforms or have vague dress codes, leading to a range of clothing choices in the field. I’ve seen all kinds of attire, from appropriate to very questionable. For example, I've e

Introduction In my recent video, I explore a phrase we hear far too often in disability support: "in the best interest of the client." On the surface, it is a guiding principle for thoughtful, respectful care. But in reality, it’s often used to justify choices that leave clients out of the conversation entirely. In this blog post, I want to expand on the video’s key points, exploring how this phrase can shift from an empowering concept to a way to control or dismiss people’s choices—especially when cultural, medical, and disability-specific viewpoints clash. "Best Interests": A Weaponized Phrase In the video, I discuss how this phrase is frequently weaponized, turning what should be a supportive idea into a tool for restriction. When someone claims to be acting "in the best interest of the client," they may mean well, but it’s often used to make decisions without the client’s input. Instead of empowering choice, it limits autonomy, favoring assumptions ove

Diving into content creation is like signing up for a masterclass in life skills. What started as a way to share my perspective has evolved into a journey that’s taught me so much about the world—and about myself. From relationships and time management to motivation and research, every step along the way has shown me something new. Here’s a closer look at what goes into content creation and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned. 1. **Building Relationships and Community**    Content creation isn’t just about sharing ideas; it’s about connecting with others. I’ve learned that engaging with an audience means building trust and showing authenticity. Whether it’s responding to comments or collaborating with other creators, it’s taught me how much effort goes into cultivating genuine connections.  **Lesson Learned**: Building relationships is about showing up consistently and being open to others' perspectives, even if they’re different from my own. This openness has also enriched my work