[Insert depressing current affairs headline here]

Recent devastations across the globe have really made me appreciate what I have.

A comfortable life with loving family and friends in a country that is not at war.  It puts into perspective my work situation (we call them #firstworldproblems) and makes me grateful that I am employed and taking home money.

It just sickens me that anyone can shoot at a plane, knowing that any lives (whether it's a commercial flight or not) will be lost.  The stories of Aussies on board who have lost their lives makes it hit home and it is even sadder to learn a lot of the Aussies on board were educators.

I also feel for Malaysian Airlines.  I don’t think you could fault them for the MH17 flight, although their blame for MH370 is contentious given we still don’t know what happened to the plane.  I personally believe these incidents could have happened to almost any of the commercial airlines and they are unlucky enough to be hit twice in a 6 month period.  I have flown Malaysian Air before and have to say they are one of the best airlines I have flown with.

Meanwhile on Australian soil, this past weekend was the #RiseForAlex round of the NRL.  The support shown to this young man who is struggling to learn to walk again after a horrific tackle is completely overwhelming.  I made the trip up to Newcastle for the Knights vs Titans game and the sense of community and support was amazing.  Alex himself teared up a number of times before and during the game; even I did when the crowd gave him a standing ovation and chanted his name.  The latest I heard, they had raised $1.1M for this young man which is just incredible.

Alex McKinnon is in the wheelchair standing next to Knights captain Kurt Gidley.

Sorry, I don't mean to be all doom and gloom.  I'll be back next time for lighter topics :)