I was sick today so I didn't go to school.

I was told that the English programme I had been rehearsing with the children had been cancelled, so I no longer had a part in the New Year show at Genius Baby.I was a little disappointed because the kids had worked hard to learn the song and dance, but also a little relieved that I wouldn't have to get up early on New Year's Day anymore! I met Ruth at the English corner and the students told us it would be the final English Corner because their exams were on ...

After school I went out for dinner with Shush, Jack and Lilly.They helped me order some of my Chinese favourites- eggs fried with tomatoes and spicy shredded potatoes.I like eating out with Chinese people; it takes a lot of the stress out of communicating with the restaurant staff about what is suitable for vegetarians.How often I have been asked 'is just a little meat ok?'

I went to watch the children rehearsing for the Christmas show.I was a little horrified to see them strutting their 5-year-old stuff to a song which contained the English lyrics 'Sex Crime' repeated over and over!

Boxing Day would also usually be a family get together for a meal and we show each other what presents we have received the day before.This year I had lunch with Shush and Dean, we had eggs fried with tomatoes.It's one of my favourite Chinese dishes … not very festive though.