Extension.

I know, it's nearly been two months. Don't complain, rejoice in the fact that I decided to blog once again.



Lately, I have been reaching far out of my comfort zone, more than I ever thought I could. Most things do not make me uncomfortable. I am loud and outgoing, open and probably too honest. But somehow, I have been finding ways to step out of myself and continue to "build character." For instance, the other night, on a mini-friend-date (no need for an explanation), I went ring shopping. That's right. Acting as if I was engaged to my friend (or planning to be soon) and looking at rings and convincing the sales lady that I indeed was getting married in August. It was not that it was an awkward circumstance at all. I CAN NOT decieve people! I am awful at it. I can be read like a book so I was completely going crazy beforehand, but when I had done it and it was over.. it was so exhilarating! I was proud of myself. Minus the fact that I am not your average girl, I don't know a thing about engagement rings. Also, I have been speaking up more and more in classes, and talking more and more to strangers and new acquaintances. I've born testimony more often than usual, and I've sang and danced in front of crowds.
Tonight for a ward family home evening, the activity was lip syncing. No, I did not plan to go up there and entertain, but somehow I ended up in front of the microphone, singing to Kristen Chenoweth's high, childish voice. Yes, I made a COMPLETE fool of myself, it was not as funny as intended, and people probably are thinking "Ok, Breanna is not as cool as I thought." But those times are so necessary! Sometimes you have to make a fool of yourself, you have to get embarrassed. How will we grow if we never go through awkward and humiliating situations? Of course, we can avoid them at all costs, but they will happen. And we will learn. And love ourselves more for our weaknesses.

As a side note, I am writing a children's book. And illustrating another. And I made the best cake of my life ever. And I am going to be an EFY counselor this summer. And I pulled off a huge enrichment and freshman reunion in the same weekend. I am proud of my recent accomplishments! And I get to see the male half of my family in two weeks, how great!

Breanna's Words of Wisdom: One Halloween, be the last trick-or-treater out in your neighborhood. You get all the leftover candy.

Cupcakes.

A cupcake (the common US and Australian term), is a small cake designed to serve one person, frequently baked in a small, thin paper cup. As with larger cakes, frosting and other cake decorations, such as sprinkles, are common on cupcakes.


Thank you Wikipedia. Let's be clear, their not just pint-sized cakes. Cupcakes are something else entirely. I'll be honest. Cupcakes are the love of my life. I make a batch once a week, on average. And although I usually end up giving them away (which is a fast, easy, and guaranteed way to make friends, more specifically of the male gender), I can't resist one or two of them every once in a while. I wish I could explain my fetish, or even my endearment of these 5-bite-size desserts. My cupcake obsession is fed by blogs such as http://www.allthingscupcake.com/about/ and http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com.

Here are some tips to remember when preparing cupcakes:

• Don't overfill the tins. If you do, the batter could spill over.

• An ice cream scoop works well to ladle the batter into the tins. Or use a 1/4 cup measuring cup so the cupcakes are the same size. Spray the scoop or measuring cup with nonstick cooking spray so the batter pours out easily.

• Once you remove cupcakes from the oven, let them cool completely before frosting. Cover or place in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.

• When frosting, cover the top completely. The frosting keeps the cupcake from drying out.

• Use paper liners for easier cleanup. You can find decorative liners at cake and candy supply stores.

• Use a pastry bag to frost the cupcakes. No pastry bag? Use a plastic sealable bag with the corner tip cut off.

Breanna's Words of Wisdom: Everyone deserves cupcakes and a hug every once in a while.

Decisions.

These college days come with so many choices to make.  Where should I apply for a job? Should I keep going with my major? Where do I live next semester? What about that study abroad? Should I open my car door for the homeless man tapping on my window in the grocery store parking lot?  Do I really want to use my degree for what it is for? Do I agree to go on a blind date? How many cupcakes should I make? Should I really be keeping track of 7 missionaries? If I am in my friends car when it starts smoking in Cedar Valley, UT (aka middle of nowhere), do we pull over and wait in the freezing cold or keep driving hoping it will not blow up before we reach our destination? What social activities are really worth getting a B in my last general elective course?

Yes, I have had to make all of these decisions. And just for the record, I didn't open my door to talk to the homeless man. A very kind fellow BYU student helped me out of that situation.

The fact is, I have yet another decision to make. In what direction should I take this blog? I could find a niche, try to get a million viewers, describe my day to day life, or I could use my stream of consciousness, much like this post has been. Also, be prepared for a new blog layout. It's in the making, thanks to my beautiful friend Nicole.

All in all, my past life decisions have proven to be good ones. I have been showered with blessings since the new year, and I am looking forward to an exciting future.

Breanna's Words of Wisdom: BBMak will never be outdated.