Just Around the River Bend: My 22nd Birthday

So, I wanted cupcakes--American, remind-me-of-home, cupcakes--for my birthday.

I found an American food store on line and went in search of it, hoping there would be some recognizable baking brand.

It was raining and slightly cold and I was a little lost. I accidentally passed up the street, had to turn around and guess at the directions.
I turned down a street, kept walking, saw an Irish pub, thought if there was a British/American food store around, they'd know of it. But it was closed. So, I kept on, thinking about my cupcakes.
As the buildings straightened out, I saw a sign, "Bobby's" and I knew I found it. I walked in and my prayers had been answered! Right in front of me was a whole wall of Betty Crocker!!!! I was overwhelmed with joy. I grabbed the Classic Yellow mix with the Rich Chocolate frosting, and was set. In the store, as I explored with cake in hand, I saw JIF, Reeses, A&W, Pop-tarts, A1, and French's. Of course, way over priced, but they made me happy.
I made friends with the girl who was working at the time, though sadly I have not seen her as of late.

That Saturday, after my birthday, I met up with Sera in her apartment and cooked dinner. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the oven to work for the cupcakes. It's a gas oven and neither of us had ever used such a thing. So, we decided to wait on cupcakes for another time. THEN, one of her roommates, Katrin (now one of my friends) came home and showed us how to work it. Neither Sera nor I thought of lighting the gas oven-- :) But, Katrin came to the rescue and whipped those cupcakes out so fast it was amazing! The sweet taste, the fluffy texture, the melt-in-your-mouth sensation topped with rich, creamy chocolate icing was what I needed. Thus, 2010 birthday was successful!!