two celebrations!

i'm a pretty lucky lady. tonight i got to celebrate christmas with andy. we always open presents before christmas so we don't have to lug each other's gifts home to our parents' houses (i say that like it would be really difficult, i think the real reason we do it is because we're impatient and want to tear into those gifts that have been staring us down for almost a whole month). anyway, i got some some really fabulous gifts but i also gave some (if i may say so myself). one of andy's gift is an almost 2,000 page book entitled the professional chef. it's published by the culinary institute of america and it is intense! the pictures are beautiful and it's chock-full of recipes as well as anything you'd want to know about food. from shellfish to corn to cuts of beef to how to sharpen a knife...this book has it all. i know andy will put it to good use and i'm excited to share all of the fabulous dishes that come from this gem!

my second celebration actually won't come until friday. my best friend, alicia, is marrying her best friend, jake. alicia and jake live only a few blocks away from me and, next to andy, they comprise my fredericksburg family. i could go on for hours about why alicia is my best friend, but i'll spare everyone the sappy details. in short, alicia is loyal, honest, funny, and so loving. i truly don't know what i would do without her in my life, and i thank the universe for allowing us to cross paths in college because it's led to the best friendship i've ever had.
....sooo, long (sentimental) story short, andy and i will be making the cakes for her wedding tomorrow. two double layer tres leches cakes! andy is also making dinner for alicia and me. short ribs and ox tails in gravy over roasted potatoes. deeeelicious! check in tomorrow to see how it all turns out. and, much more importantly than the cakes and meats, CONGRATULATION to jake and alicia!