Umm, seriously. She has gazed deep into my soul and managed to find something I didn't even know existed and now after a mere glance I am not sure how I can live without it.

See here's the thing:

A. I have a degree in French, but right now I am doing a (second) MA in Asian Studies. Not a whole lot of French there, you might imagine. But my French is getting rusty, and THIS MAKES ME ANGRY.

B. Practical knowledge is BEAUTIFUL!! I've long felt the best way to learn a language is through immersion.

C. I have been doing a lot of "experimental" cooking lately. That is to say, I've been trying to do things the hard way so I can gain a level in cooking and make things even more delicious than before; and unlike last year when all I had was a gas range and a toaster oven I ACTUALLY HAVE SOME RESOURCES NOW. Seriously, it's amazing what a difference a full size oven makes.

D. Umm guys I love food. Seriously I do.

So what does my Santa get me? A FRIGGIN' FRENCH COOKBOOK. And not just any rickety old cookbook, oh no. "Encyclopédie de la gastronomie française" That's right. An ENCYCLOPEDIA Of FRENCH CUISINE

...I am going to get so fat. But my French will get better too, right? RIGHT?