Hand over the cash or the Buddhist granny gets it!

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I got a Christmas package from my family today, which was very exciting and I am trying to resist the temptation to open my presents now. I have put them under the rather mangy looking mini fake Christmas tree I found in my cupboard and put on my shelf in a half arsed attempt at decorations.

My Mum, bless her, worrying as Mums do about their children being afflicted by the cold, has also bought me a balaclava. I pray it doesn't actually get so cold here I'm desperate enough to wear it out - for fear of scaring dogs and small children....however, I have heard rumours the guy who lived here before was so cold in the house he slept in one.

If nothing else, if I get bored of teaching I can turn to a life of crime and rob some Japanese banks.

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