It's sunny, it's quiet, it's LA at Christmas time

Christmas Day in LA is several things. Everyone goes out of town unless you're working in Starbucks or the Chinese restaurant I'm going to with cousin Agnes and Kelvin tonight.

This year, Christmas kinda sucks (as the Yanks say!) and New Year's Day will be no better. Both fall on Tuesdays which means you have to take vacation days to really get a good run for your money. Remember, there is no Boxing Day off in the US! Pah!

But, with nowhere to go (meaning I've just come back from Asia and seen the fam') I'm saving my holiday for a springtime trip to Shanghai to see Sandra. (Oh, and the boss just gave me Monday, Dec 31st off...:) )

Christmas Eve Last night, I cooked my first lamb roast in my apartment for Sue and Sharon (they sound like chararcters from Viz's "Fat Slags", but they're cute Korean ladies). Yes, I roasted spuds and parsnips, and yes I'm having leftovers sometime soon. Sharon brought utensils and ingredients to make this chocolatey-souffley-type-of-dessert that I smothered in chocolate yogurt/ice-cream to make a version of baked Alaska! For some reason the ladies declined my offer to customize their delicate desserts!

Royal Channel Back in the UK, the Queen's speech was broadcast and posted on her own 'Royal Channel' on YouTube so expats like me could tune in...Nice.