Tuesday 22 February 2011

My heart is breaking for Christchurch

I woke up this morning like any other day... walked to the bathroom, poured myself a bowl of cereal and put on my radio to BBC London.

Nothing out of the usual at first, but then the news update said earthquake in Christchurch - oh no, not another one - 65 dead.

I still, 5 hours later, can't believe 65 (possibly more) of my fellow NZ have lost their lives. 

The spire on the Christchurch City Cathedral that I climbed only 3 years ago is gone, highrises collapsed and the CBD is almost unrecognisable.

Like everyone, my first thoughts were for my two friends who I know live in the city.

It turns out I received a txt during the night from a friend in NZ who let me know one of them was okay. 

Thanks to Facebook I quickly learned the other was safe too. 

Whatever you think of social media it is at it's best in times like these. Friends and family are quickly reassured and can pass on news in a split second.

Benefits can be set up, fundraising campaigns publicised and blood-drives can receive much needed support.

Twitter too is spreading news and helping those far away reach out to loved ones.

The media is doing a stunning job of covering the unfolding events - it's comforting to know what is going on while I'm so far away.
If you are able to donate please go to redcross.org.nz

The garden city has a long road ahead - Kia Kaha xxx

Thursday 10 February 2011

The sleeping giant awakes....

Well, well, well. What have we got here? The first post in God knows how long.
So much to share - things have certainly changed from when we last spoke, so where to start?

First - I have a job! A full-time, proper job! Since the start of the year I have been gainfully employed as an editorial assistant/writer for a London B2B publisher. This is part of the reason my blog posts have been so sporadic - it keeps me pretty darn busy.

Second - The Boyfriend has a job! He is now an account manager for a fancy London design firm. Hopefully this means I will have my laptop back (his take over of my machine should be over now he has a job).

Thirdly - We have a flat! After a month in the soul-destroying waste land of Canada Water we are back in the W4. Okay, so that was a little harsh, but if you had to put up with the Jubilee Line day after day you'd feel that way too!

I have also ventured outside of the great UK to Christmas Markets in Belgium, taken part in more London-based site seeing and joined a knitting class.

So stay tuned for more details and more (regular) blogs.

Until next time....