Today is September 11 for much of the world. Like everyone I know, I vividly remember that day. It was the first time Life FM didn't play Stacie Orrico at 7:20am. It was the first time my group of Christian friends prayed publicly in school grounds, all sorts of people joined us.

I spent the afternoon at Bryanna's house, watching the horrifying videos repeat. I don't know how we managed to get out of school but I think everyone was too shocked to care.

Today we remember those who lost their lives that day.



For me, I often stuggle with the lack of humanity and justice in our world but I heard a lovely story the other day.

See Michelle from All Saints had her microwave oven blow up. She has young twins who needed their bottles heating quickly, and lacked all the other fantastically useful things microwaves do for busy families. An anonymous person (who knows the family) left a comment on Michelle's blog asking about the type of microwave she had. Last Friday, a new microwave (and delivery man) showed up on Michelle's doorstop. Stories like this remind me that the world isn't completely lost. People still care about those around them. Totally random acts of kindness, it blows me away!

Many of you have heard me talk about "apples" or my "apple" project (it's a code word). Today my "apple" project was publicly released and I can now tell you all that I know far far more than your average citizen about local government and the domestic rates system in New Zealand. I started this project on my second week in this job. It seems rather fitting that it is released 9 months later, in the week that I leave my job. Ask me about it if you really want to know more, but trust me, it's a very very boring, but essential, issue.

Lastly, I was just unofficially farewelled by the United Future caucus. I don't leave until Friday but caucus only meet officially once a week on Tuesday. I've realised that I'm not just leaving a job, but a group of people that have been family to me. I've been involved in the party for three years or so, and I have truly loved working for them for the past 9 months. I really shall miss everyone.

Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, is dead. He was 44.

It is understood he was killed by a sting-ray barb that went through his chest.