Thanks

There are lots of ways to say thanks, I am glad to report that in Christchurch they are all alive.

* A smile at someone you don't know
* Helping friends, or strangers, who are in need. A dinner for example
* A kind word out the window at a road side worker "thanks mate, you're doing an awesome job"
* A Facebook comment or tweet, "you guys rock"
* Some cupcakes from your kids, to people who are helping provide water
* And many many more ways.

For example, who would have guessed that shovelling liquefied sand could be one of the kindest things you could do. Today also I saw a person working for a competitor tweet that he's helped reroof 10 tile roofs so far. Respect.

Today is one week on. It's been a challenging week, obviously. And for many people, like a friend I saw tonight, their lives are irreparably changed, not by loss of property, but by the loss of friends or family. I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure what to say tonight.

So, the day. Technical issues, client communication, water, flushing toilets. We had no water at the office, but we coped. And at 12.51, 2 minutes silence, remembering the victims of the quake. 155 so far, probably at least 250 by the time they have cleared the rubble, and there is lots of it. Looking at the photos there are several things I have learned. One being, DON'T run outside. Best way to get killed. Get in a doorway, or under a desk. As long as the building doesn't collapse this increases your chance of survival.

That's all. We have a plumber from out of town staying with us for the next couple of nights, he's come up from Oamaru to help and needs a bed. Not met him yet, but already I respect what he's doing.

A number of ways to help/donate if you like:
* There's the NZ Red Cross, good
* There's the official PM's cause, quite good
* Or the Rangiora Earthquake Express. Bl**dy fantastic, these guys are making a HUGE difference!

BTW, I don't think she quite got that the "other people" included us!