A merry little pork ribs Christmas

Pork ribs, cauliflower, pumpkin and a dark sauce. No, it's not traditional Christmas fare, but it was our version of Christmas dinner in Bangkok. Chef Maiyuu made it for us last night.

I praised him for the dish (not pictured here...sorry, I was too hungry).

'That tasted just like a Christmas meal in the West!' I said.

'It was supposed to...it was Xmas Eve, so we had to eat that way,' he said matter-of-factly.

I realise we are supposed to have turkey with such things, but never mind.

At my work function celebrating Christmas, we tucked into Chinese noodles, meatballs on a stick, and roast duck, among other things. No turkey there either, but who is complaining?

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My bosses have decided I deserve a little extra money this year, and have awarded me a performance-related bonus, the first time my company has come up bonuses tagged to achievement at work.

Previously, staff were awarded a bonus across the board, or we weren't, depending on how the company's balance sheet is looking. The only exception was the lowest-paid staff, who get them regardless. Two weeks pay, anyone?

I don't know how much it is worth yet - that will have to wait until pay day next week.

I suggested to boyfriend Maiyuu that he might like to let me keep it. However, he proposed that we put it towards a trip he wants to take to his home town in Chon Buri.

'My sister has called half a dozen times, asking me to pay a visit. But I can never go, as we don't have enough money,' he said.

I changed my mind. I have now told him he can keep the money, as I want him to take a break from the burden of looking after me.

'Please regard it as your Christmas present,' I said.

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Merry Christmas to readers, and thank you for supporting this blog over the last year.